Thick it

I know I've been bad about posting lately. I think it's because the dog takes up my extra time (and I have a new course I am teaching this summer). I think I also wait until I have time to post pictures, too. Well, my brother emailed me for updates on Eve, so I thought I'd write and entry and just post pics later.

Eve is doing well. She is totally not sick anymore. She is still not using her straw well, but it's not as bad as the week she was sick. She has an appt for a "swallow study" at Athens Regional Hospital on Monday (the 23rd). I think they put barium in her food/drink and watch her swallow it on an Xray. They will be looking to see if she aspirates anything. Also, her speech therapist has given us some "Thick it" powder to stir into her drinks. As I mentioned previously, this is to help her feel the drink in her mouth so it won't dribble out. I think this will be an effective measure because she had no trouble last night sucking up a good portion of Jim's milkshake!! We also were given a lemon slushy mix to "wake up" her mouth before eating. We tried it last night, but didn't notice a difference. We'll try again, though.

Other than that, we are still waiting on the date of her EEG in Atlanta. I should hear soon. There have been no other incidences of night waking with the "jerks." (No, I don't mean her parents!)

Josie has really been coming along. We can see that she will turn into a fine dog. She's very smart. She hasn't had an accident in days, and we've taught her to ring a bell to go outside. She got the hang immediately. Now I am working on teaching her to lay down and eventually roll over. Our third (of 4) puppy class is tomorrow night. I wonder what she'll learn. She'll be so excited to see her puppy friends, though. She's been pretty good around the house. I think she has learned who is boss (and that it's not her).