Meeting Dr. Mann

On Friday, Caine, my mom and I were able to meet Dr. Mann, the veterinarian who supported our family through Caine's accident. He was in Chicago for a conference at the end of the week so we drove up to the city to meet him. We had a great time and it was wonderful getting to finally spend time with the vet who kept us going and never had a negative thing to say and who never gave up on Caine. We spent time at Millennium Park and he checked out Caine.

There is definitely a very special place in our hearts (and Caine's too!) for Dr. Mann. I can't even explain those first few weeks and what it would have been like without him. He is truly a hero.

Sunny Day Outside

Caine has had a great spring time relaxing in the sun. He has been keeping cool by going in his pool, resting in the basement on the tile, and having beef broth ice cubes for snacks. He will be jogging alongside my bike as soon as I hook up the springy leash.

It's Been Over a Year!

We can't believe that it has been one year since Caine's accident. January 1 will always be a scary day for the Taylor house. Caine, of course, has been doing very well. He continues to be a big love and eat his food and drink from his fountain. He is goofy and fun loving. He loves to snuggle and sleep late...can't blame him!

He had a bath last week because he felt dirty and his front legs had dry saliva on them. It's hard for a dog to not clean himself, tongue or not! I am still not sure whether he knows he is missing his tongue or not. Sometimes I wonder. He still gives "toothy" kisses....he nibbles on your nose or chin.

He had some trouble with vomiting a month or so ago. He was vomiting more and more, until it was twice a day. We took him to the vet and they performed a blood test. His results were great, and we tried Pepcid. When that didn't work, he was put on an antibiotic and flagyl. This kept his food moving through his GI tract. He was better right away and hasn't gotten sick since. He must have had a bug in his stomach that needed an extra push to get rid of.

We had a big blizzard in the Chicago area not too long ago. Caine LOVES snow! He played in the back yard, leaping through the deep snow. He "helped" shovel out front, but really just played in the snow. Check out the pix below.

Last week, I was informed of 2 dogs that have lost their tongues. One, Cole (Weimaraner), lost his tongue in a paper shredder a week ago. Another dog, Max (boxer), was surrendered to the Memphis Humane Society. Apparently his tongue was somewhere in the owner's backyard. It is suspected that he was used as bait for a dog fighting ring. Some people need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law so there is justice for these animals.

Anyhow, they are both in loving homes with their humans who are taking care of them. Caine has been cheering them on. Their owners are learning a lot from Caine. I am glad that Caine can be an inspiration to others even though he had to go through hell himself. Caine never looks back. He lives in the moment and he is the happiest dog I know. Please keep Cole and Maximos in your thoughts as they learn how to eat with their new mouth. I've attached pictures of these dogs. You can also find Maximos on facebook. Just search "Maximos-the Tongueless Boxer". Cole is on there too but I'm not sure his mom, Mary, has anything set up for him yet.

Let's go boys! :)