Saro Prana*-meter

(on a scale of 1-10)

Saro’s average energy level: 8 or 9

In the presence of a dog/food/person/bird: 12+

Saro today: 4

I came home Thursday afternoon to a strangely unenthusiastic pooch. He lumbered around and (uncharacteristically) failed to pounce on his dinner bowl. Instead he pawed at the bowl and looked sad. I took him to the vet where he perked right up and (characteristically) showered the doctor with kisses and hugs. All seemed well, so we came back home with instructions to keep an eye on him. When I had to carry him down the stairs Friday morning, I knew I was not going away for the weekend as planned, and we headed back to the good doctor. After a long day of waiting for test results, we learned that his white blood cell count is high and he is fighting some sort of infection. Saro spent Friday night at the animal hospital while I fretted alone at home and John worried from afar.

Today, he’s home with a healthy appetite, two different antibiotics and no clear diagnosis. He’s sleeping a lot, but showing some signs of perkiness when we go out for a walk.

This was our first real health scare. The Giardia and Roundworm (in retrospect) seem tame. They affected his poop more than his mood, which was not pleasant, but less heart-wrenching. It’s hard to watch this vibrant, lively creature turn dumpy and droopy. But it's equally amazing to see the spark come back. I've always adored the wag of his tail, his little (barely containable) show of enthusiasm when the leash comes out or his food is being served. Seeing it now is reassuring.




*life force