24 Sept: just heard we have a willing volunteer in New York to meet Troy at JFK when he arrives on the 30th. Hoorah, a sigh of relief and big thanks to Tim Wong for phoning friends in New York to organise this.
Here's a brief update following Troy's visit to the vet at Namly Clinic yesterday for his official "Vet Health Certificate" which he needs to obtain his export licence.
Troy was examined and pronounced fit with a healthy-sounding heart. The vet believes he could do with gaining a little weight as his back/hip bone is slightly too prominent although his ribs are covered nicely. Nothing to worry about and the vet believes weight gain will come naturally from more exercise which in turn may produce a healthier appetite. He eats twice a day with me, but comparatively small portions and will stop when he's had enough. Definitely not a guzzler. I expect the cold Massachusetts winter will see an increase in appetite.
A blood test was taken, results pending, to check for heartworms and blood parasites.
Troy continues to grow in character as each day goes by and he feels more comfortable. He's more playful now with 2 of my other dogs, pays an active interest (!) in what the humans are eating, now sleeps in his crate without his blue bed as a comforter, sits for a treat, waits patiently while he's harnessed up for a walk, and happily pulls me down the street in search of good things to sniff. I can almost here him thinking "let's go, keep up, no dawdling, I have places to go, people to meet." Indoors he goes very quiet during our daily thundering downpours, but takes no notice if he's out in it. Strange, eh.
No doubt Troy, like most other newly rehomed shelter dogs, will take a little time to adjust to the new routine in a new home. I think it takes at least 2 weeks before their true characters start shining through!
And finally, my daily brushing of Troy's back teeth with a special gel has produced little change so far, but the vet did say it would take a long time. Again she wasn't unduly worried about the presence of plaque.
Bye for now from me and a sleepy Troy who is curled up by the side of my desk as I type. Great dog - he deserves this chance. Thanks to everyone who is making Troy's journey possible.
Sherry
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