First Vet Visit

Lance and I took our first trip alone. I was able to help him up the ramp into the Big Green Machine and then we parked by a small mound at the end of the parking lot, that allowed Lance to just step off the tail gate to the ground. We were going on our first vet visit. He did very well on the ride, sat in the back like a good boy. Of course, putting the ramp in the middle space between the head rests, helps to keep him from trying to climb up front. We learned that early on.

This was a new vet for us, so was not sure what to expect. Lance paced the office and smelled every space he could get his nose into. He panted a bit, but otherwise was calm and very behaved. Even when he smelled and heard a dog on the other side of the door. 

The vet gave us a lot of hope. I discovered she has other big doggie clients, so that raised her a notch in my opinion. She did a lot of checking and gave me an inventory of her concerns (which matched most of mine). Most of what she wants to do, she said she would prefer to have him asleep (ie: infected ear flush and bad dental plaque and abscesses). She did discover that he has worms, which she said may be a huge culprit to some of his issues and we started treatment immediately  She sent us home with some special medicine food and some antibiotic tablets. He will be going back next week for his big day of treatment. 

We really love this guy and have decided we can live with his lameless, arthritis and/or hopefully old age ortho issues. But we are hoping the rest (tummy, ears & teeth) can be resolved with short-term antibiotics and treatment. He hasn't exhibited a single behavior issue, which is a huge relief and blessing. We can trust him around other dogs. Seeing a squirrel or cat on the walk doesn't get more than a look and then back to the usual sniffing. People coming to the door, just gets a greeting, no barking or aggression. He is incredibly sweet and loving. We have seen small glimpses of his playfullness, so knowing it is in there, are anticipating better health bringing more of it out. Of course, since we got him, Sunny California has had an abnormal amount of drizzle and rain. Playing outside hasnt been much of an option. Looking forward to sunny days, good health and seeing his personality emerge.

In the meanwhile, I have become addicted to a site that has a full time web cam on a group of Great Dane Service puppies. Almost all of them are Mantle's, so I can picture what Lancelot looked like as a little guy. My heart just goes pitter-patter when I watch these cute little guys, then I run over and give my big guy a kiss on his nose and call him my Big Pup! Check out the site here.

Full Day

Last night Lancelot paced most of the night. Dad got up and would get him to lay down, then no sooner leave the room, and up he was pacing again. No potty or business breaks needed. 

So today we were determined to wear him out, so he will sleep tonight.

First, we went for a long walk... he was pretty pooped after this.

So tuckered, that he pretty much slept through me cutting and filing all his nails. YAH!

Then we went to the dog park. Some of you may remember, Sasha was not to hip on being around other doggies. For Lance, it is a non-issue.

A dobie took a little bit of too much personal interest in Lance, which Lance was not going to stand for. I was very proud of his behaviour. He tolerated it for only so long, then just let out a loud bark. Of course, Dad stepped in to make sure a scuffle didn't happen, but the dobie usually ran off. 

Lance tries to catch up with the young wipper-snappers, but he just doesnt have the speed. And if you look closely in the last video, there is a little dog with a high wagging tail, following the pack. This little guy, Skip, really took a liking to Lance. Although it didn't bother Lance any, Skip's mom was a bit embarrassed that Skip's interest got a bit personal, and he even thought he could "climb" on lance. It was pretty funny. As we were leaving, he came over to say goodbye.

After the dog park, we headed to a local "Self-serve Pet Wash". Sasha had gone there in the past, and I really liked it. They supply the shampoo, towels, combs, blow dryer, you-name-it, its there. Last time I just had Sasha stand, but the owner really pushed to have us put lance in the sink. So 2 girls and my hubby picked him up and set him in. That was quite interesting to witness. 

 At the beginning he was ok with the whole thing. But as we progressed, he soon realized he didn't have much room to move around in. So he didn't look very comfortable or happy. 

 But he was very good, and mostly stayed still while we washed (mom took occasional pictures). At one point he almost tried to jump out, which terrifed me, so the "restraint" went back on.

Then all three hefted him out again, and we toweled him off, and gave him a blow dry while he sat and enjoyed it. I was very proud of him.

On the way home, we made one more stop to visit some friends that wanted to see him. They are the ones with the "Silver-dappled Doxie" that we watched last summer. Their doxie is about the size of Lancelot's head, so they were quite shocked at his size, but he got a lot of love.

Now he is home, on a clean bed, and we are trying hard to keep him awake, so all in the house will get a good nights sleep.

And what, you ask, did Cinderella do all day?

Still Amazed!

Both Lance and Cinder aren't phased by loud noises at all. Cinder just watches the vacuum and Lance sleeps through it. 

I'm still amazed at how laid back they both are.

The Furry Parents