the sweet baboo

Shannon, Caleb, & Earl napping on the couch

Every winter Shannon's arthritis seems to get a little worse, and yesterday it was terrible. The sweet Baboo is almost 11 years old and about 20 lbs. overweight (who isn't?), and for the past few years we've been noticing slight changes: she needs a ramp to get into the Jeep, she doesn't like to play ball for as long as she used to, and she's just moving a little slower. Well yesterday it was so bad that I had to help her upstairs for bed and then this morning I had to carry down the stairs because she just couldn't seem to get her back legs to move.

Knowing that there's no way I can carry a 75 lb. dog up & down the stairs every day, we took a trip to the vet. We're actually "between vets" right now. Our old vet's office was nice, but they're very big and they seem to raise their already high prices every time we visit. Also, the staff was never mean, but they just didn't seem to be able to take the extra time with us that I would've liked. We had a great vet in Pensacola, so I guess we got kind've spoiled.

Anyway, the doctor took an x-ray and confirmed Shannon does indeed have arthritis. She has to take a bunch of pills (some for just a few months, and some for forever!) and hopefully we'll be able to notice a positive change "in a few days." Right now she's lying by the fire, covered up in her blanket and just enjoying the peacefulness of the house. Poor baby.