Thankful Thursday

Let's start this Thankful Thursday post with a great big thank you to our good friend Ann of Zoolatry for the wonderful work she did to give our blog a beautiful autumn touch.  Look at that awesome header and the coordinating wallpaper.  And after you read our post, scroll all the way down to see the special footer she created.  We love you, Ann - and thank you again.


Now on to an early update on Phantom - he doesn't see the vet until late today, but we are hoping for some good ideas.

Phantom here - this is me yesterday - yes, a very unhappy camper!

And here I am today, much happier with my new bling.  Mom went out again last night to one more petstore and came home with several different styles and sizes of these inflatable rings.  This one isn't perfect but it does allow me to get in and out of my special haven, my crate, without too much trouble.  You see, I love to spend time in my crate even though I don't HAVE to be in there ever.  And it is also pretty lightweight so it doesn't drag on my neck.

My face is now uncovered so I can see to the right and . . .

to the left.

Mom says you can see the difference already in my eyes.

The biggest down side to this new apparatus is that Mom thinks it may be aggravating my arthritic neck.  I like to lie on my side and the ring makes my head rest in an uneasy and awkward way.  When I came out of the crate today and when I got up from the floor after a long nap, I let out a cry - I am not a wimp about pain, but Mom thinks it may be my neck that is getting more sore.

But as you can see, I am a lot happier today than I was yesterday.  So far I haven't been able to reach my tail, but Mom isn't so sure I won't figure out a way, as I am a Sibe, and we all know how smart Sibes are.

Mom here now - I wanted to thank each and everyone of you who left good wishes AND some awesome and creative ideas for protecting Phantom's tail.  You guys are awesome.  After seeing how he reacts to the soft and lightweight ring, I don't think the noodle creations or the pipe wraps will work. They wouldn't have much flexibility to them when he lies down and so might make the neck even worse, but they are definitely great ideas that might work for another situation.  We also like the idea of a tutu (or diaper-like creation), but given his reaction to wearing the t-shirt, I am sure he would be unhappy.  Wrapping his tail is another good idea that I am going to run by the vet today, but I am pretty sure he is not going to want to have that area covered because of the risk of infection.  Phantom is, and has always been, my sweet boy with all the challenges, but we are so very appreciative of all your ideas.  Thank you so very much.

And that's not just thanks from the Momster - MEGA THANKS from all of us too.   We will let you know how the vet visit goes.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom