Whiffler has a check-up

Whiffler is nearing the end of his twelfth year,* and has been showing his age for a while now.  He is probably best described as creaky.  He still loves a walk, but not too far, and will even break in to a short sprint. However, when he is at home, his preferred activity is to snooze in one of his favourite spots.

Recently we have noticed that he is drinking and peeing more than usual, so this morning we took him up to the Vet's for a health check.  The Vet gave him a through going over, and Whiffler even obliged by giving a urine sample, so she was able to confirm that he isn't diabetic, but the very dilute urine confirmed that he is drinking a lot.

She checked his gait, and he is showing a little stiffness. We have recently started giving him a joint supplement, and she confirmed that we should continue with that. A couple of blood tests were also taken, as the Vet is of the opinion that he should be able to go through the entire night without needing to be taken out for a pee.  She is of the view that there is something that is causing his need to drink and pee more often.

We now wait for the results of his tests.  We are both well aware that he is a good age for a large dog, and that he is in his twilight years.  Neither of us want to write him off yet, but I think we are both aware that the diagnosis may not be welcome.

I think this is a case of preparing for the worst, whilst hoping for a positive outcome ... at least for a while longer.

In the afternoon I took Hobson and Traitorous Bastard for a walk down the lanes.

I then managed a quick kip, before 30% and I headed towards deepest, darkest Halesowen.  In fairness I should clarify that I have never visited this part of the West Midlands before and found myself driving through very pleasant suburbs. The reason for the visit was that 30% had found a Stressless recliner on Facebook Marketplace, and we had gone to take a look.

The chair was in lovely condition and was accompanied by a matching footstool.  A deal was struck and the chair was loaded on to the back of the car.  We are both delighted with our purchase, but I am a little concerned ... The chair is destined for the living room, and this means that the enormous leather, wing backed chair, it will replace, will need to be manoeuvred up the narrow staircase to its new home in one of the bedrooms.

That ain't gonna be fun!

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* He will be twelve on the first of July