We brought Rondo to the local animal coalition's Christmas bazaar today for pictures with Santa- I don't have any pics of the event because I had my hands full with 3 dogs, but I can tell you that Rondo had a great time and made lots of friends. After my dog Pixie peed on the blanket of the massage therapist doing canine massage, I was so embarrassed that I treated Rondo to a 5 minute professional massage- he was in heaven! His eyes were closed and he was practically purring....and she showed me some easy techniques to relax Rondo, and help expand his muscles. 

I'm embarrassed too to tell you that Rondo hasn't had a nail trim since he's been with me- even with my husband helping, he's too squirmy for us to do his nails. He doesn't nip, but squeals like he's being set on fire and disemboweled at the same time and manages to wiggle away. Dr Lord, the wonderful vet from the Mass. Mobile Vet Clinic was at the bazaar and was kind enough to trim Rondo's nails, which were talons by now, for free. He also examined Rondo and reaffirmed what my vet had told me- that treating pneumonia in dogs usually takes at least 2 months, sometimes longer. He had a good suggestion that we consider adding a medication called Mirtazipine to stimulate Rondo's appetite. It's a med I'm pretty familiar with- an anti depressant called Remeron which I use alot at work. It's not greatly effective anti depressant so it's usually used in combination with other meds, but I can tell you that my patients on Remeron certainly tend to gain weight. I'm going to ask Rondo's vet about adding it to his regime at least as a trial.

Rondo's now doing what he does best- chillin' with his pals Pixie and Salty Dog, a long way from the streets!