Friday, July 31 2009

[Here you see Lucius standing on the back steps watching over "Cesar." He does this often.]

Another day, another pack walk. “Cesar” has shown more interest in other dogs as I prepare them with backpacks, and leave for our pack migration walks. He seems to have a curious look as if to say, “I wonder where they get to go every morning?” One thing we do know is that he has been migrating by himself for quite some time. I am eager to take him along on our morning pack migrations, but that will have to wait at least two weeks until all of his many sutures come out.

Cesar is still not nearly as strong and able as I had hoped, but he is moving around a bit more. I look forward to watching his strength and health grow as the days go by. “What you think about, you bring about!”

Today is a fairly busy day around my facility, cleaning, working, and dogs checking in for boarding. I’m proud to share that there was no lip curling at all while hand feeding Cesar today. He actually greeted me respectfully, head lowered, and tail slightly wagging. Its good to see him moving forward, and trusting me more.

His mouth still looks to be slightly swollen, and fairly painful to me. As per the doctors’ orders, we are to keep him on soft food for at least the first 7 days. Hot dogs, lunchmeat, and high quality canned food: Cesar Millan’s brand, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness. He seems to be having difficulty navigating the food bowls with the Elizabethan collar on, so it actually gives me more time to sit with him several times a day and hand feed him. Here he will get the opportunity to be fed by the pack leader, very symbolic for him, and a great trust building exercise for he and I.

Today is a typical routine for Cesar. Keep him quiet and comfortable. No extra added stress while he is healing, and work on building trust. Today is a good day!

Blessings to all of you,

Jen and the pack!