Stahlke Adoption

Mr. Rabbit

Several of you have asked about our dog Dakota, especially since we lost Alabama. The two of them were best buddies for twelve years. First of all, Daokata knew she had died since Jonathan took him to the vet's office with the children to see her body. So Dakota didn't wonder why she never came home from the animal hospital. In the first weeks after her death, he was showered with lots and lots of affection from Jonathan, me, and the children. Periodically, he would escape to a quiet bedroom just to get some alone time.

He's getting older, too, and will turn 14 in June. His hearing is poor, and he sleeps a lot, but overall he's in good health. Dakota is not as constantly exuberant as he once was, but he still shows his sunshine on occasion. Food, and especially treats, are a source of great joy for him. I've had to work hard to keep him from howling in the morning for his treat--he could wake all the children sleeping on the second floor, even from the first floor kitchen! And if the kids get up early, our whole morning is off-kilter, with delays ranging from clothes selection to sibling bickering.

Many years ago, Dakota had a severe infection whose toxins caused his retinas to begin detaching. In only two days, he went blind, and only through quick medical care and massive doses of steroids were we able to save his sight. He was on steroids for an entire year, with the side effect of ravenous hunger. Before this treatment, he would only eat dogfood and "doggy" treats like meat. During and after treatment, just about anything tastes good to him.

I've learned that when I'm making lunches in the morning, it pays to be careful when I take things out of the refrigerator. The kids will awaken from his howls of joy at the sight of a cucumber! I was relieved the other day, however, that a piece of grapefruit went untouched in his dish. Looks like we own a dog, not a rabbit, after all!

posted by Stahlkes @ 2:15 PM