Diary – Page 34 – My Cocker Spaniel

Hoshi is scampering again!

Hoshi’s illness didn’t last too long. He ate like a little pig yesterday and today. I’ll have to remember he loves cat food next time. He certainly made up for all the meals he missed. He ran up and down the backyard. He’s pestering Gabby and Beanie again so he must be feeling better.

Things I’ve noticed about Hoshi.

Hoshi has a good nose. He’s been tracking scents in the backyard, probably a bunny.
He’s been chasing squirrels. The other day, I pointed out a squirrel to Hoshi and told him to chase it which he did.
He loves to chase my shadow.
He loves to chase robins.

Hoshi was sick today :(

Hoshi is feeling better this evening but had me worried this afternoon. I woke up around 1:00pm and took Hoshi out to potty. He wasn’t himself at all. He wasn’t playful. His nose was dry. He just laid listless on the grass. Worse, he had a pitiful look in his eyes. I took him inside and he didn’t want to eat or drink. That really had me worried! I took him to the vet and they did blood work and x-rays. You should have heard his pitiful little cries when they poked him for blood. Then they stuck an cotton swab up his butt for a parvo test: he cried with that too. The vet said his x-ray looked okay. He had a high white blood cell count which might mean infection. She thinks he might have a bladder infection. He didn’t have a fever though. She wasn’t able to get a urine specimen to confirm it but I mentioned he seems to be peeing quite often, little dribbles sometimes.

The vet said to feed him whatever he wants just to get him to eat. He just ate 1/2 can tuna cat food! I was surprised and relieved he’s eating and drinking again. He’s more perky too. He’s sleeping with my mom right now.

Hoshiko (Hoshi)

Breed: American Cocker Spaniel
Sex: Male
DOB: January 3, 2009
Location: SE Michigan
AKC Name: Mister John Mallek Esq.
Links: Photobucket, Youtube, DoggySpace, twitter

Written in Japanese hiragana: ほしこ

ほ = ho (sounds like home)
し = shi (sounds like she)
こ = ko (sounds like comb)

Hoshiko entered our lives on April 3, 2009 exactly 3 months after his birth. He was a ball of energy from the first day I met him. My wife Cathy fell in love with him the moment she saw him. I originally was opposed to bringing home another cocker while Gabby was still alive. I was afraid Gabby would feel he was no longer loved. Gabby and Hoshi get along fine. We maintain Gabby’s privacy so the puppy doesn’t disturb his rest. They socialize together while outside. Hoshiko is Japanese for child star. We call him Hoshi too–that drops the child part of his name. Hoshi is very cute. Sometimes he reminds me of a llama. Other times, he reminds of a baby goat with that long scrawny neck, bony back, knobby legs and bobbed tail. He’s very playful. His kibble with fish oils give him “tuna breath.” Hoshiko will be loved just as much as our Gabby.

Graduated from obedience school on August 26, 2009 — Graduated from obedience school on 8/26/09

Canine Good Citizen test October 21, 2009 — Canine Good Citizen test 10/21/09

Hoshi 1 Week Later

Gina emailed me and asked how our boy was doing. That was nice of her. He’s doing great. I just walked him and Gabby around the block. Hoshi is still getting used to the leash. I get dizzy watching this dog sometimes. He’s everywhere all at once. Hoshi wants to play with Gabby. Gabby doesn’t want to. He gives Hoshi a loud WOOF: Translation: Go away kid. You bother me!. He has a cute puppy voice–little yawns, cries, and growls. He loves to wake up Gabby from a sound sleep. We’ve been confining him to the family room and kitchen so Gabby can get some rest.

Hoshi must be part PIRANHA. Those lil teethies are busy 24 hrs a day. He gave me a love bite on the ear a few days ago. Hoshi just showed up at the refrigerator one day. I took a picture of him. He wants the shredded cheddar cheese.

Hoshi Discovers Snow

Hoshi is getting better with the crate. He whimpered a little when I put him in last night but dozed off shortly after. We’ve been giving Gabby some rest time by using a pet gate. I think Hoshi is settling down and not so excited about Gabby. Last night, I was on the floor watching TV with Hoshi sleeping on my right and Gabby on my left.

It snow last night and Hoshi played in the snow this morning. I shoveled a path for him to potty in: