Hi Everyone!
In my last post I reported that I was in Las Vegas on business and I got a call from my dog sitter (who doesn't speak great English, but is very compassionate and wonderful) that Pepper couldn't walk. Because of the language barrier I couldn't figure out if this was a true emergency, or simply a case of a 12 year old dog with arthritis over-extending himself and possibly re-injuring his knee, which he tore when he was 7. I was very worried, so I cut my trip short and came home.
Indeed, Pepper could not get up. When I helped him up he could hobble around, but then would fall right back down. He was also very crabby. Who could blame him? I could tell that he was favoring his back knee, which was the one he previously injured. Apparently, the dog sitter was walking him a lot (which he loves), but here in my NYC apartment there are a lot of stairs, and Pepper simply can't handle it anymore. Within 2 days he was fine, back to his old wonderful self. Tragedy averted. I'm still going to be very careful about his legs and keep a close eye on him for the next few weeks.
In any case, Pepper turned 12 on September 23rd! That's his made up birthday because he's a shelter dog, but I think it's about right. Everyone that meets him thinks he's a puppy! Go Pepper! Here's a video of him tussling with his new shelter sister, Pearl. I love when they play together. In the background you can hear my African grey parrot, Hope, singing.
Pearl Puppy is doing very well with New York City. Everyone LOVES her! She is getting so much attention. Truly, she looks like a stuffed toy. She is behaving very well on the street. Not so much in the house. She is still in the tearing stuff up phase. Pepper had a really nice feather bed. Not anymore. See video below. Ah, Pearl. How can I be angry with that furry face?
I am still a bit behind with judging the new cards and scanning and posting, but I just bought a new printer/scanner and I'm going to carve out some time and get it all done in one big swoop. I can't wait to see all of your great cards getting posted, and I bet you want to see your doggies and kitties on the site too.
Thank you all! Hugs and woofs!
Nikki Moustaki
Pepper - glad to hear you are doing better and what a great big brother letting your sister win!
Pearl - Shame on you! Destroying your brother's feather bed. Lots of "tickles" out of that one! You'd think after a few sneezes, you'd leave those feathers alone!
It's one way to tell mom she's over due on her cleaning and force her to vacuum!!! Nicely Done!
Posted by: Cheryl | Oct 01, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Oh Nikki, we are so happy Pepper is ok! What a loving Mom you are to cut your trip short to get home to make sure Pepper didn't need emergency care. Thanks for all your hard work you do for the Pet Card Project and yes we love to see our pets on here but sure do understand how your time is limited.I think you are amazing getting them on as fast as you do with all the cards you have to go through. YOU ROCK GIRL!!
Posted by: Lexus aka Lexi | Sep 26, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Oh, Nikki, the dogs are so adorable!!! Great videos, and so good to see Pepper holding his own...he may be 12, but he has a lot of chutzpa! (i think that's how you spell it!!!) Welcome back to NY!
Posted by: Eleni R | Sep 26, 2009 at 10:16 AM