The techs forgot to bring the blood work kit, so after they administered the chemo I had to flip Beast over on his other side so they could have access to a different vein... he moaned and growled a little bit, but he didn't struggle! He kept trying to lick my face through the muzzle and got frustrated because his tongue couldn't reach all the way...
Afterwards Dr. Correa came in to speak w/me and Mick flopped down on the floor next to me, w/his back turned towards her... but no growling or lunging. We actually had a conversation!
Dr. Correa said that she is "in awe of the bond we have"... she also told me that she had serious doubts, after she met Mick that first time, that we would be able to pull off chemo therapy, but she is extremely happy w/his co-operation!
She asked me about his "vet history", and said that she can see that his aggression is completely fear-based - she also has a friend who is a behavior specialist and will put her in touch w/me.
Dr. Correa thinks that Mick is a very interesting case... she is very adept at reading "doggy body language" and mentioned to me several times that Mick was watching her out of the corner of his eye, and that he was being guarded but didn't appear threatening or aggressive. She kept her distance, didn't make any sudden moves, and didn't try to become "his friend". She said he would see right through that... and she's probably right. I just LOVE her.
So... next week however is a clincher - the drug they inject has to be administered slowly, through a catheter, and that process lasts about ten minutes.
Dr. Correa is willing to give it a shot though, since this is the best course of action for him. She also told me that she will need to watch him very closely since the injection can cause a severe allergic reaction in some dogs - she wanted to know if I was comfortable w/the thought of NOT muzzling him next Tuesday.
I have to give that some serious thought.
I'm gonna need instructions for that "trust restraint" and all the good thoughts you guys can manage to send.
Right now I'm just happy that he seems to be responding SO well to treatment... Dr. Correa actually told me that Mick might be around a good while longer than she herself initially thought!!!
And, yes, got a palm leaf and some pee on my shoe... Mick was in such a hurry to get outta there today!
Thank You All for the good thoughts - those really seem to make a difference!
!!!
