LizzieInTexas
Member Since 2016
We got Frankie a little sister – Daisy (07/19). She is almost exactly one year younger than Frankie and a cutie pie, very playful and gives as good as she gets. I have taken the introductions very, very slowly. The first week we allowed Frankie to see her only briefly when we were holding her and only downstairs. She had her own room (the spare room) which was set up with her food, water, LB and toys. I would split my time between up/down stairs so I spent time with both. After the first week, I purchased a pet gate and left the door to the spare room open (supervised) so they could see each other, smell each other. Frankie’s fear and discontent was soon overcome with curiosity and I brought her down stairs to see how they did together. I am still keeping them separated when we can’t supervise but so far, so good. They play together and seem to be getting along well. I am still leery of Frankie, simply due to his behavior issues.
On to the Frankie update.. he had his first year checkup yesterday (08/01) and, due to COVID, wrote out all the issues. I feel he has PICA and Hyperesthesia (and maybe some neurological issues). It is something we are dealing with but I am concerned and feel that the issues need to be addressed. The vet couldn’t get bloodwork so I have to take him back during the week so they can sedate him and draw the blood and, if I can’t get a urine sample with the Kit Cat litter, a urine sample. After that, my vet has referred me to a behaviorist Vet. She is over an hour away (on the other side of Houston) but my vet thinks that the consultation can be done via phone/video chat. I won’t try to explain all the issues in this update but I may start a thread with the journey for those that might benefit. In short, it is a biting, attacking, defiant behavior. Chewing on anything plastic/rubber with frustration if stopped or not allowed to chew that intensifies the attacking and biting. Again, can’t communicate the intensity of these problems fully but they are bad. But he is also a sweet and loving guy and he is ours and we love him so feel like we need to do anything we can to make his life better.
I am working from home and it is going ok. I am busier than ever and working more hours than ever. Hubby has injured his back (or an old injury is finally catching up with him) and has been navigating the interesting journey of trying to get doctors appointments, MRI and into a specialist with the restriction of COVID. He finally got the MRI test results and has an appointment with a back specialist this coming Thursday. Lord help us all if he has to have surgery. Surgery will require at least a six week recovery time which will mean that he will be here ALL.THE.TIME. If he survives the surgery, I hope he survives the recovery – lol.
Sorry, this got so long and so long coming! I miss my friends here and really wish I had more time to spend giving back.
On to the Frankie update.. he had his first year checkup yesterday (08/01) and, due to COVID, wrote out all the issues. I feel he has PICA and Hyperesthesia (and maybe some neurological issues). It is something we are dealing with but I am concerned and feel that the issues need to be addressed. The vet couldn’t get bloodwork so I have to take him back during the week so they can sedate him and draw the blood and, if I can’t get a urine sample with the Kit Cat litter, a urine sample. After that, my vet has referred me to a behaviorist Vet. She is over an hour away (on the other side of Houston) but my vet thinks that the consultation can be done via phone/video chat. I won’t try to explain all the issues in this update but I may start a thread with the journey for those that might benefit. In short, it is a biting, attacking, defiant behavior. Chewing on anything plastic/rubber with frustration if stopped or not allowed to chew that intensifies the attacking and biting. Again, can’t communicate the intensity of these problems fully but they are bad. But he is also a sweet and loving guy and he is ours and we love him so feel like we need to do anything we can to make his life better.
I am working from home and it is going ok. I am busier than ever and working more hours than ever. Hubby has injured his back (or an old injury is finally catching up with him) and has been navigating the interesting journey of trying to get doctors appointments, MRI and into a specialist with the restriction of COVID. He finally got the MRI test results and has an appointment with a back specialist this coming Thursday. Lord help us all if he has to have surgery. Surgery will require at least a six week recovery time which will mean that he will be here ALL.THE.TIME. If he survives the surgery, I hope he survives the recovery – lol.
Sorry, this got so long and so long coming! I miss my friends here and really wish I had more time to spend giving back.
Congratulations & the new member of your family! Daisy is a real cutie. I LOVE that first photo of her 
Maybe she'll help Frankie to calm down? He looks so "Regal" in the last photo with his little sister!
Daisy is adorable! Of course I'm a sucker for any fur in black and white. Such cute "nail polish" black dots on her toes. I do hope she helps Frankie redirect some of his energy. Good luck with the behaviourist - let us know how that goes. 
