Camelot and Odin

My two current Danes Camelot (5 yrs) and Odin (5 mos) are developing a strong bond and friendship. It has been interesting to see how Camelot have changed. First he could not really figure out how to interact with little Odin when he wanted to play. Odin immediatley took to Camelot as his big brother and friend. Camelot not sure what this new guy was all about tried to avoid him. Slowly Camelot accepted Odin's presence and understood that all little Odin wanted was to play. Now Odin can lay on top of Camelot and they play tug of war, play bite and wrestle. Out on our walks when we meet other dogs Camelot will keep an eye on Odin and if other dogs play too rough with his little brother he will separate them with a short growl and use his big body to protect Odin.

More energy, still limping badly

Rex seem more alert, and energetic this morning. He walked out of the RV with more determination that he has had for the last few weeks. He also wanted to walk faster this morning despite his limping. It does not seem to bother him much. It's looks awful to me, but if he can handle it I guess I have to go with it. When he was sick with a kidney infection last year he did not want to get up from the couch and go out. He's nothing like that at this time.

Rex moving into 2nd. gear!

This afternoon Rex was unusual peppy and much quicker on his feet. He was almost running. Something is working! I apologize for the shaky video.

Happy birthday my friend! Rex is 12 today.

For the last 8 years Rex has been living and traveling with me and my other Danes. I got him at the age of 4. Rex is a genuine kind dog, incredible balanced and even tempered. I can't remember him ever doing anything wrong. He's just hanging out following me quietly. Such a great dog. 

He is now in is last phase of his long life, struggling with pretty serious join issues. I'm taking it day by day with him now. Watching for pain and signs of discomfort beyond what is good for him. I just do not want him to end his life miserable. So far so good. But, I'm prepared and I do live everyday with him as it could be the last. So, happy birthday buddy, I'm pretty sure we got many more walks together.

Rex on new supplements

I have for the longest time used a certain natural supplement for Rex's joint problems. My supplier is out and I'm out too, so I have to find something else meanwhile. My vet really swears by Cosequin, so I bought some last week and Started Rex on it this Friday. I'm actually seeing a difference after already. He is lifting his dragging leg more and not limping as much.  I'll will record him walking to day if I can get him out in this freeze.

Another good day for Rex

Rex had another good walk to today. Close to a mile. His paw is healed and I'll take of the boot tomorrow.

P.S. Somone asked me if that's his ribs showing. No... that's shadows from some bushes. 

Camelot craving a little attention

"Hey, not to be selfish here but what's up with all the attention to Rex? I know he's the old guy and may not have much time left with us, but could you throw in a pic of me now and then?" Camelot II has for the last couple of years gotten so much attention due to his severe timidness. After working all that off he has become such a delightful and easy-to-have dog, that little or no special care is needed.

Booty time

The cold frozen ground is wearing on Rex's dragging leg so I fitted him with a boot.

Monday morning walk

Rex is doing pretty good today. This guy keeps impressing me. A couple of weeks ago I thought he was near the end. This morning he made it to the end of the trail. That's a solid one plus mile walk. The limping and dragging of his right leg seem to be something that does not bother him too much. The booty I put on him appears to benefit him.

Dragging leg

When Rex get tired his rear right leg starts dragging a little. This wears on his toes and nails. Now with the colder weather the ground is harder and the wear on his feet causes one of his nails to bleed. A doggy boot prevent this.

Rex is still not showing any sign of pain. He still walks about a mile on his morning walks. On the 27th he will be 12, such trooper this guy. 

Morning walk 11-2-2010

Below is a video from 11-2-2010. Showing Rex walking. He was actually doing pretty good that morning. And this is what makes this last journey with him so hard. He has good days and not so good days. I'm constantly watching out for any sort of pain. I know from past experience with Rex that he's wimp when it comes to pain. He will not move, definitely not walk. So as long as he is walking I know he is not in a lot of pain.

Water breaks - keeping Camelot cool

Ahhh this is great stuff!

It's hot here and Camelot's black coat is cooking! I''m amazed how hot Camelot's body gets when he is exposed to the sun! I can't image feeling that intense heat on my body. So, to help him cool off I bring several bottles of cold water. I hose his body down often, I can tell he likes it since he stands all still and let me soak him. He's not a fan of water and will not go swimming, so this is the only way I can get him wet. He also drinks from a bottle. First time I tried this he had no clue what I was trying to make him do. Rex has been drinking from a bottle since I got him, so by seeing this Camelot quickly picked it up too.

Tuesday July 28th

6:00 pm.

Morning Snack

I feed my dogs once a day, with one small snack meal in the morning. The main reason for this meal is to provide them with supplements that are best taken twice a day. I mix these supplements into their snack.
This snack consist of:

5-6 ounces of ground beef.

I will complete this with pictures later tomorrow.


7:30

Morning walk.

Rex seems to have a good day today so we will go on a longer walk. The temperature in the mornings are comfortable compared to the midday and afternoons high 80s. Rex has some unidentified issue with his right front paw. It is very sensitive to small pebbles and rocks. If we go on a trail with gravel spots I put a booth on him so his paw has a some cushion. This seems to help a lot and he does not limp.


Camelot is much more active and curious about everything along the trails than Rex is. He runs upfront, but not very far. He actually has become much better at stopping and waiting for me. Before he sometimes ran too far ahead and I had to call him back. Now he runs just the right distance and stops and wait. He must have figured this out somehow.

We met a lot of bikers and a few other dogs today. My boys are so friendly and well behaved that I get compliments every time. Most people are fascinated by Great Danes and find it intriguing that I have two. When they hear that I adopt rescues they always compliment me for doing that. I often hear "I wish I could do that, but my house in too small". I reply "I'm sure it is not" and I tell them I live with my two in a RV. That produces some interesting looks and replies. It's not about the space inside, it's all about exercising them outside. And Great Danes really do not need much of it. Mine are getting way more than they need and I know that's why they are so good and never causes any problems.


After the morning walks, in true Great Dane fashion my Danes hit the couch and stay there until 3-4 in the afternoon. I don't know any dog owner that can't handle that. Want a perfect dane? Give him/her exercise, food and a good couch.