Tinker Update

Well, since we've been back from MA, Tink has been showing signs of disorientation: not finding her food dish when clanked repeatedly, not recalling to me and going in several other directions, wandering around the apartment, etc. And after close observation and consulting with the vet, Nick and I feel she is losing some of her hearing. We think it's unilateral due to the difficulty she's having locating things. There is a specialist in Columbia at the St. Francis Animal Hospital that does BAER testing. This test determines how well and what frequencies the dog hears. It will help us continue the best way to meet Tink's needs. It's not a difficult test and hopefully will give us some answers. I don't plan on testing her out the wazoo in the event its not her hearing; we're pretty confident it is her hearing. We're just taking it one step at a time.

Tinker will be BAER tested this coming friday June 22.

She has been continuing to adapt to these changes (as they appeared to occur somewhat quickly) but in light of the recent events, i'm reconsidering the idea of getting her therapy pet certification. I know she CAN do it, but Nick and I are questioning if she would enjoy it and if its in her best interest. She's lived a long life and we're seriously considering a nice quiet "retirement" for her.

Having said all that, the therapy class and second level of obedience class have been great. We're continuing with those. Her socialization skills and confidence level have sky rocketed. In addition, Nick is handling her in obedience which is helping to foster a deeper connection between the two of them (and it is adorable watching her trot along side him!)

So that's the latest. I dreaded posted something like this 2 weeks ago, but having watched her even more closely the past few weeks, i am more than confident that this healthy girl will continue living life to the fullest with a high quality for a long time to come.