Week 26 Update -- January 21

Sunshine visited a doggie dermatologist recently so we could get to the root of her allergies! She has been on a restricted diet for the past 4 months but has still been fairly itchy. The dermatologist decided it is unlikely her allergies are food related since she hasn’t shown much response to the diet. To celebrate this news Sunshine got to enjoy a delicious bone!

Since she is clearly allergic to something, we decided to do some allergy testing. Turns out Sunshine is primarily allergic to house and dust mites, with slight allergies to some grasses and leaves.  She is currently on steroids to keep her itching under control and is doing great! She has been very happy and perky this past week! We have gone on a bunch of hikes and she has met all sorts of new doggie friends.

For long term care of Sunshine’s allergies she will be beginning an immunotherapy program soon. The vet is formulating allergy shots specific to her allergies. She will get weekly allergy shots, gradually increasing the amount of allergen in each shot. This will help build up her immune system so she will eventually have minimal reactions to the allergens. Now all Sunshine needs is the perfect forever home willing to help her manage her allergies!

Week 17 Update -- November 19

Sunshine stayed with another foster home this past week while I was traveling. They were kind enough to write a guest post about how Sunshine's stay!

What a nice dog.  Sunshine has an alert, happy temperament.  She got along with all three of our dogs, one very old and two younger.  She wanted to play hard with our young dog, and we had to limit their play as Sunshine had been spayed the previous week.  At the end of the week we let them play more, and Sunshine took an active role and liked biting our dog's neck and roughhousing.  They both had fun.  

Sunshine enjoyed everything we did.  She was good at the dog park, and the second time we drove up, she already knew where we were and barked in happiness in the car.   She ran on a bungee leash when my spouse biked.  She was happy to be in the house and did her business quickly when she went out.  She was happy to see us when we came home.  

This is a great dog.  Please share her with any of your friends who want a fine companion.  

Week 16 Update -- November 12

Sunshine was spayed this week! She also had 3 teeth pulled, so surgery was quite an ordeal for little Sunshine. Send her your best healing thoughts as she rests and recuperates!

Week 15 Update -- November 5

Sunshine is generally the most laid-back dog I have ever known. She spends 95% of her time on the couch snoozing. However, about once a day she completely loses her cool and decides whatever is happening at that moment is the MOST EXCITING THING EVER! Usually this results in lots of play-bowing and prancing around with at least two feet off the ground at all times. This weekend, during one of these episodes, she started gently mouthing my arm. I immediately grabbed the nearest available toy and shoved it in her face. And wouldn’t you know it, but Sunshine decided she wanted to play tug. This was the first time Sunshine has ever shown interest in a toy!

She played with me for a few minutes and even tugged a bit with her foster sister. Eventually, the excitement passed, and Sunshine meandered back to her favorite doggie bed.   Those naps don’t take care of themselves!

Week 14 Update -- October 29

I hope all of our readers in the Mid-Atlantic made it through Hurricane Sandy with minimal damage.  We are sending good thoughts to those who are still feeling the impacts of the storm.  We were very lucky here in southwest Virginia to only experience high wind and snow dustings.  Sunshine spent most of the storm curled up on a lap in front of the woodstove.

Sunshine had another check-up at the vet this week and we had some very exciting news.  She has finally beaten the yeast infection and is ready to come off her medications! Also, her skin is now healthy enough for her to be spayed! She will remain on the prescription diet for now, but gradualy we can begin introducing foods to determine what she is allergic to. It has been a long road for Sunshine, but she is finally ready for her forever home!