The Sheep Keeper

I've gotten emails from some of you asking about Thatcher, our older Bouvier who went through surgery just about a year ago.  I wanted to say thanks for your concern...all of us in the family definitely appreciate it.

Thatcher was diagnosed post surgery with mega-esophagus, which basically means that he has a pouch in his esophagus which collects food and causes him to gag.  Over the past year, we've been working on different food combinations that will give him his nutrition without him losing his cookies...definitely a real challenge.

We've finally hit on a combination that seems to be working-boiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, brown jasmine rice and green beans, all blended together into something that looks like pancake batter.  HE LOVES IT...and why wouldn't he, I ask?  We think that he likes this program so much that his life will be extended for a few more years, just so that he can keep eating like this! 

I wanted to show you a few pix of Thatcher doing his new job for the Christmas season.  As you may know, Bouviers are herding dogs...bred to herd cattle...and both of ours definitely have the herding instinct.  In addition to that, Thatcher has a good bit of the caretaker in him...he's been that way since he was a pup and took care of his litter mate sisters.  It's one of the most endearing things about him...how he takes care of all of us, especially Ashley.

The sheep in the first pic is normally up on one of the armoires...however, since that space is now taken up by Santas, the sheep has been placed under the entry table.  As you can see in the second pic, Thatcher has taken it upon himself to be the sheep keeper and to make sure that it stays put.

He nestles up as close as he can to the sheep, and goes into this deep sleep, despite the fact that the sheep's ear is poking him in the back.

Definitely our caretaker...notice how his hair is almost as curly as the sheep's.

Anyway, we are enjoying our sheep keeper and are thrilled that he is still with us.

So, here's to many more blended chicken, rice and green bean meals!  After all, someone's got to keep that sheep in line. :)

Comments

[Jill]

This has to be one of the cutest and most wonderful things I have ever seen. I love it! Lucky sheep! Being a dog (animal) lover... I am so glad to hear your baby is doing well. I spent quite some time blending cat food and using a syringe to send it through a tube directly into the stomach of our sick kitty! He survived and went on to live many more years... fat and happy! Luckily, he was able to eat normally eventually!
I would do anything for my sweet pups! You have a heart of gold sweet, Carol. Hug that sheep protector for me, will you?
xoxox

[Tena]

Give Thatcher some pets from Michael and me! Tena

[Nicole LeBlanc]

He is beautiful and I'm so glad he is still doing GREAT! I hope I can meet him someday :) Now I'm all teary!

Kisses to Thatcher from Me
Luv Nicole

[cricket]

what a sweet baby he is! Glad to hear you've found some foods he can enjoy and will help keep him around, fur-babies are so special arn't they?

Happy Holidays!

[Regina]

Hi Carol. I was happy to read that your Thatcher is doing well. He looks very healthy and happy.

Merry Christmas.

Regina

[suzi finer]

you know I love a bou...and you!

[Barbara Harmor]

So cute!
B.

[Jeanette]

Now that is sweet. :)