9-17-03: Sydney had his 2nd round (of 5) of chemo today at K-State. We were the first appointment for the day so no one was in the waiting room at first. Then the 2nd dog in was a Jack Russell Terrier female who was very vocal. She sat across the waiting room from us. Syd was lying on the floor being curious but being a good boy. This JRT (who was on a leash) would walk within about 4 feet of Syd, then stare at him for a few seconds, then would start a low growl, then barking and backing up against her owner's legs. Syd just took it in stride. It was just hilarious seeing this dog trying to size Syd up and then deciding maybe he was a wee bit bigger! Another older man came in who's 8 month old rottweiler was having hip surgery and he petted Syd and talked to him while he waited for his turn. Another woman came out (who worked for the school) and asked to pet him and told us that she used to have a female rottie that was the very best dog she has ever had. Several other owners of smaller dogs and cats came in and Syd was curious, but showed no reaction. Until the black hyper lab came in and he kept wanting to get up and go over. I told my husband that he must recognize the color of the dog and think he's maybe a rottie! He had already seen a golden, a JRT, several cats and another medium size breed, but only reacted to the black dog! How funny! The vet student that helped us his 1st visit came out and was assigned to him again. She told us she would take him back and he kept looking back and not wanting to go. He practically pulled her over when he turned around to come back to me. I followed him halfway down the hall until he just kept walking and I turned around and walked out of sight.
When we got back to pick him up 4.5 hours later, we asked how he did and she said he did great! She said he is such a great dog during chemo treatment that they don't even have to sedate him any! That makes me SO proud, considering Syd is normally a hyper dog, especially around other dogs. So he's mellowing a little in his old age and condition and just being a friendly and great rep of the rottie breed! We were given some anti-nausea pills to take with us in case Syd starts to get nauseated. But so far, he's been doing fairly well. I hope he's one of those that tolerates chemo well through our next 3 rounds. |
