Glorious and cool spring day, a little cool for us humans, but just right for the canines; the weather gods were smiling. It’s the second annual Dog Day 5K in Minneapolis, and we are surrounded by excited and happy people and dogs. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Zac and I aren’t running this year. Several injuries kept me from run training with Zac, so rather than running for PRs, we have another worthwhile goal this year. We are helping Mickey, who is also coming off injuries, walk the course. Between her Border Collie, Zac and myself, I figure we can carry her through the course and fling her over the finish line. Turns out there was no need; girlfriend rocked it.

Though I didn’t have quite the same feeling of accomplishment as I did after running last year, walking with friends was very social and fun. I had time to notice beauty along the course that I didn’t last year. Zac had plenty of time to mark; I’m sure that was great for him. It cracked me up that our hardy band of Crossfitters, which included myself, Shelley and Paul, pretty much brought up the rear of this procession. Well, we had a leash-reactive little girl name Shiner, who was more comfortable when she away from the other dogs, so we’ll blame it on that.

Jeff and Abby joined us for the start and finish, and they both “helped” desensitize the reactive dog, who really reacts to Abby. Those two are too much alike. Not sure if Shelley totally appreciated that help. Abby seemed to enjoy setting Shiner off.

We received another cool medallion for finishing, which I seem to have promptly lost. On the bright side, I lost it before I had a chance to become attached to it, which is what happened last year. The tee-shirts were way cool, and I’ll bet the photographers got great photos of Zac. I stuck his face in every camera I saw, so if they didn’t, it was not due to lack of effort on my side.

Though I’m sure not wishing the year away, I am looking forward to next year’s event.  I hope we get an even bigger pack to tackle the 3rd Annual Dog Day 5K.

For a Dog’s Eye view of the action, click here…. Go to  5:48 to see Zac and Border Collie, Rocket, and  6:53 to see Shiner.

Zoey’s Eyes are Continuing to Clear

A couple of years ago, Zoey was diagnosed with Sheltie keratitis, a progressive eye disorder that can often leads to blindness; disturbing situation for a performance dog. As soon as I could get in, and it took forever, I brought her to a veterinary ophthalmologist. I believe it was caught fairly soon. She was prescribed an eye ointment, and both eyes were treated each night, seven days a week.

Last year’s annual appointment brought good news. One eye had remained the same, and a few cholesterol deposits in the other eye had actually faded. Wonderful, and unexpected news given her disc catch ratio. Also, we could reduce the number of treatments per week from seven to just three!  A huge weight floated from our shoulders.

Zoey had an annual follow up appointment today, and the cholesterol deposits in her eyes are still fading. I think one eye is essentially clear. Her tear test had also improved. She is very frightened during these visits, more so that to the regular vet. She would not eat any of the treats the vet tech tempted her with before the exam. When it was over though, Zoey understood and took the treats from the doctor.

The doctor suggested I could consider reducing the number of times we put ointment into Zoey’s eyes from three times a week to two. I don’t want to risk it right now because she’s been doing so well. Maybe in a couple of years, but I’d like her performance career to last as long as possible.

It is a relief to know that her eyesight is good, and her eyes are fairly healthy. Well worth the exam fee for that peace of mind.