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! :)

Chilly Playing

Here is Caine playing outside with Roxie.

Update with SouthTown Star Newspaper

Last Wednesday, Donna and Matt from the SouthTown Star Newspaper came to catch up on Caine's progress. They took video and lots of pictures and had me narrate. Check it out at:

http://player.theplatform.com/ps/player/pds/HIxIG5qjOk?pid=2iJPWZuuBGBST0oAyG8me5PINJyVTyRy

Happy Reading!

Update with SouthTown Star Newspaper

Donna from the SouthTown Star wants to get an update on Caine's progress. I've already given her the interview, but she is sending a photographer and video person out on Wednesday to get Caine in action. She wants him eating, drinking, and playing. That is pretty much all he does! Should be good. Look for pics and more info shortly!

After Helping With Yard Work

Caine was very busy this afternoon helping put old plants in the compost bin. He especially enjoyed stealing tomatoes from the compost bin and making a slimy mess out of them. Here he is sleeping on my bed with his buddy Roxie.

Fall 2010

He looks tired in both pictures!

Caine has been doing well. The weather has been getting cooler, but he still has a chance to get to the park almost every day. He plays with his favorite squeaker and chases Roxie around the park. We use hot dogs as treats and rewards for good puppy behavior. We are concerned that he may be a bit underweight as you can see his ribs when he's running. As a treat, he gets hot dogs and he snacks on raw diet food. He is loving the turkey! He also eats veggies such as carrots, cauliflower, and corn. He really loves bananas! The vet said he can have as many veggies as he wants.

It's almost time to get him a winter sweater!

Stinky

Last week, Caine was sprayed by a skunk! He is (obviously) a very curious dog and had his face where it shouldn't have been. He must have been close to the skunk because he got hit directly in the left eye. He was foaming and dripping when he came in the back door. His poor eye was beat red!

He was bathed with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Tomato paste is a myth!

The whole house stunk for about 2 days, and when you kiss his face, you can still smell the skunk. I did another dose of the mix today and that has helped.

Caine has been doing a great job. Summer is over and the weather is now cooler. He has been for walks each day and gets to run at the park. He is still goofy as ever, and still being spoon fed. He eats fast though..it only takes him about 30 seconds to eat!

Thank you for following Caine's story.