RGT South Lakes, Cumbria Greyhound Rescue - Retired Greyhounds make great pets

GREYHOUND RESCUE
Fostering Greyhounds in the South Lake District, Cumbria

Freddie

Freddie arrived on Saturday 17th April 2010
Went to his new home on Monday 10th May 2010
Sadly he was returned to us through no fault of his own on Thursday 24th June 2010
Just two weeks before going to his new forever home he started with a limp that on
Friday 20th August 2010 was diagnosed as cancer. On the 21st August 2010 we adopted him
so he can rest in peace when the time comes knowing he'd found his forever home on the 17th April.
It was just that no one realised this was his forever home other than perhaps his guardian angel.

Freddie's arrival and a brief history
Click images for a larger view

Freddie is a super gentleman who was born on the 5th June 1999 so is 11 years old. Freddie lived with an elderly lady and her cat for 6 years until she became too ill to look after him. He then went to live with another elderly lady who sadly fell a couple of months after adopting him and because of her carer arrangements Freddie has come back to us. He is a super guy, full of character and is house trained, neutered, inoculated and microchipped. He weighs 30.8k, walks nicely on the lead, travels well in the car and is fine with children and other breeds of dogs. Because of what has happened to him over the past few months we are looking for a very special home for a very special gentleman. A home where he will be loved and cherished always.

Freddie's Diary

During the spring we received a phone call from a lady whose elderly mother had just had a stroke, was in hospital and would soon be going into a care home. As a result they were looking for somewhere who would take Freddie, her loyal companion of 6 years and find him a new home because no relatives or friends could take him. As they lived the other end of the country from us we suggested a number of Greyhound Rescue Centres and other options to try who could help find him somewhere.
7th April 2010
We received another call today letting us know there had been no success in finding a home for Freddie who was currently staying with a neighbour. No one or no where would take him because of his age, which they believed was between 8 and 9 years. The rescue kennels would take him, but his elderly owner didn't want him going into kennels having been in a home for such a long time. On the 1st May the neighbour's baby was due and because they only had a small flat they couldn't keep him after the baby was born no matter how much they wanted to.
Having received an email about Freddie we agreed that if they couldn't find anywhere for him, then as a last resort we would take him on condition they brought him here, and asked if they could supply all the paperwork relating to him so we knew more about him, which they agreed.
Around this time we had a family looking for a cat friendly greyhound, having just lost their collie to old age. With Freddie living in a home environment for so long we emailed asking for more details about Freddie and was he cat friendly? Yes, he was.
14th April 2010
Upon receiving Freddie's earmark the English Stud said they related to a 10 year old white and fawn dog. This was not Freddie, but we were assured by his owner's daughter the earmark was correct and they could find no paperwork about him other than his inoculation card and they couldn't see anything on there. Having come across this before we left it and awaited Freddie's arrival so we could check his earmarks ourselves.
17th April 2010
Freddie arrived this afternoon along with all his belongings - beds, coats, food, treats, grooming tools and more. It had been a long journey travelling in the car and after the people who brought him left he looked a bit lost and bewildered until we introduced him to our greyhounds. There was a sparkle in his eye when he saw them all and wanted to go and say hello, then a walk around the garden and into the house. Shortly after he arrived we fed him and took them all for a walk, then we all settled down for the night.
18th April 2010
There was a bit of movement in the night and we are not sure whether it was Freddie or one of the others, but in the morning he was in a different bed to the one he was in when the lights went out. Around 6.30am he went in the garden with the others then back to his bed while we did breakfast for the bed & breakfast guests. Not a sound came from him during this time and when all was cleared away he was out in the garden again then back inside for his food. He seemed very nervous and would only eat a little before wandering off to have a look around so I sat on the kitchen step and held his bowl and he ate most of it before going outside again.
A family called around 11.30am with a view to adopting Freddie. Just before they arrived we discovered his date of birth on the inoculation card that came with him last night and it puts him older than we had been told while plans were being made to bring him here. We were shocked and rather hurt at discovering this because being a much older dog meant he lost his chance of a new home. The family were quite happy to adopt him at 8 or 9 years of age but felt that nearly 11 was too old. However, they took him for the day to see how they felt, but his presence in their house reminded them too much of the dog they lost at the beginning of the year and Freddie being there was too painful for them so he came back to us this evening. He happily walked through the door, said hello to all the others then lay on his bed that came back with him and ate the Dentastix we gave him. The rest of the night, what little there was, he lay asleep on one of the beds in the living room and looked happy and relaxed. Around 10.30pm he came running through the kitchen with the others and out to the garden to do his last toilet of the day then back to his bed. He is a lot more relaxed tonight than he was last night and this morning and seems happy and settled to be back amongst our greyhounds.
10th May 2010
This afternoon we took Freddie to the vet for a check up and his annual inoculations, which were due this month. Freddie weighed in at 30.8k.
After the vet we came home, packed all his belongings and drove him to his new home, which is with an elderly lady who recently lost her Boxer dog and who lives local to us, so no doubt we shall be seeing him from time to time.
In his new home, which is a bungalow with a nice secure garden we set up his beds (one in the living room, one in the bedroom), gave him a roasted marrow bone, which he thought was wonderful and he chewed it while we did the paperwork and had a chat. Just before I left I took him round the garden on the lead where he did his toilet and then back inside to his bone again.
Normally, when we leave a dog we ask the new owners to take him or her in the garden and we slip out so when the dog comes back in we are gone so they don't try to follow us, however, I couldn't do this on this occasion and Freddie wanted to leave with me, but his new owner put her arms around him and took him back inside. Seeing Freddie want to leave with me had quite an affect on me and I worried all night, hoping he was okay. Freddie is quite a character and we shall miss him because in many ways he reminded us of our Bobby. We wish him a happy and healthy life in his new home.
11th May 2010
I phoned this morning and left a message on the answer phone so when I received a call back this afternoon I was very grateful because I so wanted to know he was okay.
Freddie was okay last night, went for a walk around the garden with his lead on, slept in his bed in the bedroom and out again in the garden this morning. He didn't eat much food this morning, which we anticipated because of going to yet another home and nerves. We found he did the same with us for the first two or three days until he settled, then his appetite came back, so much so he used to eat his own dinner then eat any Indi had left in her bowl. I suggested they not leave his food down all day to go stale, attract flies, encourage 'grazing' and to become fussy, but to cover it with a plate and put it in the fridge until his next meal time, then top it up and give it him, whereby he will probably eat the lot - we do it with ours all the time if they are fussy eaters when they arrive - they soon grow out of it!.
The neighbour across the road, who used to walk Freddie's new owner's previous dog took Freddie for a walk with his new owner's next door neighbour and her Cairn Terrier this afternoon. Both dogs got on fine, Freddie walked lovely on the lead and enjoyed his walk to the park where he went for a short run with the Cairn Terrier then back on his lead to walk home. They said for the first time being out he was very good and they think him so lovely.
12th May 2010
I phoned this afternoon and spoke with Freddie's new owner who says Freddie is settling in, seems quite relaxed laying in the sunshine in his bed in the living room, is eating his food, been pottering around the garden and has been to the park for another walk. All seems to be going fine and they are very pleased with him.
24th June 2010
A couple of days ago Freddie's new owner fell in the garden and was taken to hospital. Freddie was on his own in her house because no one was available to look after him so a neighbour phoned to ask if we could have him back for a few days until his owner came home again. As Freddie has been through rather a lot these past few months we said yes because he know us here and will soon settle into our routine again. When he arrived just after lunch, complete with food, bed, bowls and coats it looked as if he was moving back in for good. He was quite anxious to begin with and looked a little on the thin side. Although it wasn't his feeding time we gave him some food, which often helps a dog to settle and within a couple of hours he was back to being the Freddie we knew so well.
25th June 2010
Last night Freddie had me up about five times in the night and I couldn't make out why. Perhaps he was missing his owner or perhaps it was settling into his night time routine with a number of other dogs again . I'd let him outside a couple of occassions thinking he might want to go to the toilet, but after that he just seemed unsettled. In the end in order that I could get some sleep I showed him the water spray and after a couple of warnings he settled again. He used to wake us a couple of times most nights when we had him before, which we put down to his age and I am wondering how his elderly owner had managed if he'd done that with her. Surely he hadn't, so why was he doing it here.
When Freddie arrived here yesterday because he looked rather on the thin side we are going to give him three meals a day for the next few days to put a little meat back on him.
26th June 2010
I've spent most of today pondering over why Freddie wasn't settled last night, what he was like when we had him before and what I could do to ensure I got a proper night's sleep. During the evening an idea suddenly occurred to me so I picked up his big padded bed, which we'd always kept in the living room and placed it on the floor in our bedroom by my side of the bed. After all the dogs had been out last thing and came in to settle for the night I had to turf Indi from Freddie's bed so he could get in. He curled up into a ball, gave a big sigh and settled immediately.
27th June 2010
Last night we never heard a sound from Freddie all night and his anxiety the first night was because he wanted to sleep next to our bed. Therefore, his big padded bed has found a new home by the side of my bed. After further thought I concluded the pacing about around four or five oclock in the morning when we had him the first time wasn't to go out to do his toilet as we first thought, but because he'd gone to bed in his bed in the living room and wanted to come into our bedroom, but wouldn't walk past Indi who can be a bit grumpy with dogs wandering about in the night and who often slept on one of the beds near the door.
Freddie has been enjoying his three meals a day and I've tried to vary the content to give him encouragement to eat more, to the disgust of the other greyhounds as they didn't get anything and already Freddie's looking better. Has settled back in and is doing fine.
6th July 2010
Found Freddie asleep today with Judy asleep next to him and one of her feet draped over his back as if she was giving him a cuddle. What a lovely sight!
15th July 2010
This afternoon Stuart did a photography session for a lady who brought her greyhound and two whippets. When they left and before dismantling the lights and back drop he took some photographs of Freddie and the other greyhounds.
19th July 2010
We received a phone call from Freddie's owner this morning asking if we could bring him back. She sounded so excited at the prospect of his return and around lunch time I dropped him off.
20th July 2010
We received a phone call this morning at 9.45am from the carer who is now living with Freddie's owner since she's been out of hospital. The one who gave me such negative vibes when I took him back yesterday saying things were not working out and could we take him back. Poor Freddie, he didn't deserve this, so at lunch time I called and upon the request of the carer I collected him to the dismay of his owner. Back home the other greyhounds gave him a lovely greeting and within minutes he was back in his bed as if he'd never been away. In the evening we walked up to the local pub for a bite to eat and Freddie joined us, laying on the floor with the others while we ate and enjoying the little piece of pate I'd put on a piece of bread for him.
21st July 2010
Freddie has settled in as if he's never been away, and to be honest I'm glad he's now back with us - the next home we find him will definately be his forever home.
When Freddie came back yesterday all our dogs gave him a lovely welcome and it was obvious he was pleased to be 'home'. Solo, bless him nuzzled up to him and followed him everywhere, walking side by side with him in the garden and sleeping a few feet away from where ever Freddie lay.
Last night I realised I need to put certain dogs in certain beds last thing at night to avoid any wandering around in the night unhappy about not being able to get in the bed they want. I have to make sure Indi is in Freddie's green bed in our room, Freddie has to be in his red bed by the side of my bed and Solo has to be on the brown padded bed next to Freddie's. If these three are in these beds then I get a good night sleep, if they are not I am woken in the night and have to re-arrange them all so they are in those beds before they settle again.
12th August 2010
Freddie's front right leg near the knee is slightly swollen causing him to limp a little. He's a monkey, because he forgets he's 11 years old and charges around the garden with the others like a 2 year old. We think he may have hurt it during one of these sessions. To help him we gave him some Metacam.
16th August 2010
As Freddie's knee joint looked a little more swollen we took him to the vet this evening where he weighed in at 32.5k, which is 2k heavier than when he first arrived. He's looking really well for having the extra weight on him.
When Freddie started limping a few days ago we gave him Metacam each morning to reduce any pain and swelling, however, the limp didn't seem to get any better and this morning the area looked more swollen. On occassion he won't weight bear on it so we thought it best the vet have a look at it. The vet examined the area and said the joint felt soft and swollen and a little warm. Although Freddie didn't yelp during the examination it caused him to shake somewhat so what the vet was doing was causing him discomfort. Because the Metacam hadn't had any effect the vet gave us two other kinds of pain killer along with two types of antibiotics with instructions to bring him back in if it didn't get better and they would do an x-ray to determine what the problem was.
17th August 2010
The four tablets wrapped in a bit of kipper skin went down a treat - Freddie ate it in one and it never even touched the sides!
18th August 2010
Another piece of kipper skin with his tablets went down well and Freddie's eyes lit up when he saw what was coming. He's been okay today, but with his limp we are watching the others don't bump into him as they dash past because it's making him a little unsteady.
This evening last thing when we called them to go in the garden Freddie struggled to stand up from his bed and stumbled a little before he gained his balance. It may have been he had a foot caught in the duvet or something but as he walked from the bedroom into the kitchen he didn't want to put any weight on his foot so struggled to walk to the door to do his toilet outside. We will keep an eye on him and if we don't like the look of things we will contact the vet again tomorrow.
19th August 2010
Freddie's limp seemed no better this morning so I phoned the vet and had a long chat with one I get on really well with and trust 100%. In view of what has been happening over the past few days and the fact the medication doesn't seem to be working as it should be, she asked if we could bring him in for an x-ray and arrangements were made to take him in tomorrow morning.
20th August 2010
Stuart took Freddie to the vets this morning for his x-ray and the rest of the dogs went off to their beds without a sound, which is most unusual for them. Around about 11am the vet phoned to say they'd done the x-ray, but it was difficult to tell whether it was cancer or a nasty infection of the bone so they asked if they could take a biopsy, which would confirm it one way or another. The x-ray showed the bone as being rather 'pitted' or 'moth eaten', which indicated it to be a bone tumour, but that didn't explain the warm swelling slightly above the wrist joint. They were going to cut the front of his wrist to get the sample, which would be sent away for examination and would be back early next week.
A short time later the vet phoned to say it was bad news. The swelling above the wrist was a cancerous tumour filled with blood and 'gunge' - there was no need to do the biopsy so they had cleaned it up and put a couple of stitches in, with a pressure bandage over the top to stop it bleeding. Freddie was coming round from the anaesthetic and could I call in for him around 3.30pm when the vet would show me the x-ray and have a talk.
When Stuart arrived back from doing the shopping and a couple of other chores he walked into the house to nothing. Not one of the dogs came to welcome him, not one got out their bed. It was because he left this morning with Freddie and came back without him. Stuart said he can't remember a day he's not received a welcome home and their disapproval of him coming back without Freddie was obvious!
When I went to collect Freddie the vet showed me the x-ray and explained what she saw saying the tumour being the type it was, wasn't just there and had more than likely started somewhere else in his body but it was this point it decided to show itself. Because of this, amputation was not something to be considered and really there was nothing more we could do other than to help him through it and try and relieve his pain as much as we could. That we were to allow him to do what dogs like to do even if it is only a walk along the drive and back so he can sniff what has been going on. He will have good days and bad days and when he is ready to go he will tell us.
He was still sluggish from the anaesthetic but managed to jump into the back of the car - think he wanted out of the vets! He was glad to get home, have a drink and take to his bed - what a welcome he got from the others who were really pleased he was home. Once home I had time to 'mull' things over and realised the talk from the vet was all so final and the more I thought about what she said, and what she didn't say I began to realise she was meaning days instead of weeks.
I wept buckets the rest of the day - the tears just would not stop other than to halt for a short time every now and again so I could put on a brave face and a smile while I gave our Freddie a kiss and a cuddle. He is such a brave boy, wanted some tea with the others and pottered outside to do his toilet, then back inside to his bed to rest. I fear the unknown and just hope I am strong enough for when he needs me. I found the strength for my lovely Bobby so I hope I will have the same for our Freddie.
21st August 2010
Last night Freddie slept well, but showed no inclination to rise from his bed this morning so we left him as long as we could before the guests came down for breakfast then we took him out. Solo is so protective of him and needs to escort him into the garden - he's done this ever since Freddie arrived back with us on the 24th June 2010.
Freddie enjoyed his breakfast, went in the garden then came back to his bed for his morning nap - a normal day! A couple who are going to adopt a greyhound called to say hello to ours and meet us - they were given a lovely welcome, which included Freddie who had just finished eating some bread and milk - a little treat! This evening he ate his tea, which included his pain killer tablets wrapped in a bit of chicken, then after Stuart had walked 3 of the dogs, I walked 2 then came back and took Freddie out on his own. Solo was not happy about Freddie going out on his own and apparently stood by the gate the entire time I was gone. Freddie enjoyed his walk going down towards the underpass then back again past the house towards the pub. We stood on the grass a while then started to walk back home, but he wanted to go in the pub. He loves his

Click images for a larger view

A photo of Freddie taken by his
original owner's daughter on
the 4th April 2010 so we could
see what he looked like prior
to him coming here.

and another.

In our garden shortly
after he arrived here
17th April 2010

. . and again

and again.

Freddie in his bed
22nd April 2010

... and again ...

and again.

The photo shoot on the
15th July 2010

... and again ....

relaxing on his bed
23rd August 2010

With his bandage
23rd August 2010

.. and again....

.. and again.

Going for a walk
round the garden
29th August 2010

surveying the area
29th August 2010

Just finished
'watering the tree'
29th August 2010

and heading back
inside the house
29th August 2010

visits to the pub and that was where he wanted to go, but not tonight, tomorrow we will take him in with Solo for a treat. As we walked back down the drive there was Solo standing at the gate waiting for us. As Freddie entered the garden Solo gave him a little kiss as a greeting and walked off with him into the garden. Back in the house he settled to his bed and ate his Dentastix then after his last trip to the garden I popped his house coat on him and he settled to his bed, with Solo in the bed next to him!
This evening we adopted Freddie so he can rest in peace when the time comes knowing he'd found his forever home. He found it on the 17th April, it was just that no one realised this was his forever home - other than perhaps Freddie and his guardian angel. He is so like our Bob, it's heartbreaking.
22nd August 2010
Freddie was more himself today, with the anaesthetic out of his system he waited with the others for his breakfast and wandered, with his limp, around the garden on an off during the day. The bandage over his wrist where they cut to do the biopsy is still on his leg despite the vet thinking it may fall off. He licks it occasionally, but can't get to the wound, which is the way I like it.
While I took Tasha to her new home this afternoon Stuart stayed home with the rest because we didn't want to put Freddie in the car with others so soon after his trip to the vet . When I got back I fed them and Stuart took Sandy and Blue for a walk leaving me at home with the others. When he got back I took Indi and Solo for a walk, then after I took them back I took Freddie for a short walk, really he was making the decisions about where and how far to go and on the way back past the pub he pulled to go inside. 'Not tonight Freddie' so we came home. He loved his walk, but Solo was stressed while we were out so tomorrow when we walk Freddie we shall also walk Solo to keep him company. A Dentastix each for them then off to bed!
23rd August 2010
I had a long chat with the vet on the phone this morning and took Freddie in to see her this afternoon so she could examine his leg, check the bandage and offer advice to me on how things may progress. When she took the bandage off it was healing nicely and I was amazed at how well it looked because I expected it not to have healed at all and to look a mess. However, the vet said it was what was happening under the skin that was causing the problem. The vet said to leave the bandage off now, but I asked for another to be put on and to give me a couple for spares. The last thing I want is for him to lick it and disturb the stitches or open the wound because that could be the beginning of the end for him. I didn't want that because in himself he was still happy and not ready to go yet.
This evening after he'd had his tea all the dogs except Freddie went for a walk then we took Solo and Freddie into the pub. Freddie so loves going there, laying on the floor and having everyone coming over to fuss him. With having his leg in bandage everyone made a fuss of him, but we said he'd had a small operation and left it at that so as not to upset anyone. After his trip to the pub he happily walked home, did his toilet in the garden then came in and house coat on he went to his bed by the side of mine - with Solo going in the one next to him!
24th August 2010
Freddie didn't really want his breakfast, but it may have been too boring for him so I gave him some bread and warm milk instead, which he enjoyed. No harm having a little treat every now and again. While I did some book work in the kitchen this afternoon he lay on a dog bed close by and slept until he heard Stuart returning from doing the shopping. Despite his limp he went running out to meet him and even tried jumping up to the gate to greet him as he came walking down the drive.
Freddie has been licking his bandage a bit this afternoon, but he is still happy and been in the garden to enjoy the sunshine. While he was out on one occassion he suddenly decided to run flat out up the garden to the top of the bank, closely followed by Solo and Blue. My heart dropped when I saw him running in case he hurt himself, but then I realised how lovely he looked running, it's what dogs do and is a good thing. It made me smile to think of him running and enjoying the garden. Back inside he ate his tea then lay on the bed in the kitchen until it was time for his evening walk.
We walked all along the back road this evening with Indi and Solo to keep him company and he enjoyed his walk. To see him running in the garden or out for his walk you wouldn't think there was anything wrong with him because he was striding out with the others as is his normal way.
His leg goes stiff and he limps after he's been laying down for any length of time, but as he moves more it seems to ease.
25th August 2010
Freddie has been very happy today, wandering around the garden, sleeping in his bed and we've been feeding him little tidbits as treats. He's still eating well and this evening he enjoyed his walk along the back road with Indi and Solo.
26th August 2010
Freddie still seems well in himself and happily runs with the others to greet the bed and breakfast guests as they come and go, but stands a little way back from the others standing by the gate so he doesn't get knocked or stood on. He went to the vet this afternoon but this time it was to acompany Indi in the car who was going for her annual check-up and inoculations. Freddie loves his trips in the car so we took him for the ride and he happily sat in the back while we were in the vets.
Freddie's limp seems to bother him more when he stands after laying down, almost as if it becomes stiff. Once up and walking around the garden he seems better and when we go for our evening walks down the back road we hardly notice there is anything wrong with him.
The vet asked how he was and I mentioned we thought his wrist was slightly more swollen, which the vet anticipated. She suggested we left the bandage on him while it was still in place and took the stitches out after 14 days instead of 10. We had another chat about him and the appropriate time we should 'let him go'. A sad conversation, but oh so necessary to ensure he doesn't suffer and we don't become selfish!
29th August 2010
The bandage on Freddies leg fell off today so a quick examination of how it was healing. It looked good but a bit lumpy, then I put another bandage on it. I want a bandage on it for a couple of reasons really - one is to stop him licking or chewing it and the other is to warn other people he isn't well. They don't know what is wrong just that he has a poorly leg and will do their best to keep from knocking it in any way.
30th August 2010
Freddie loves going in the pub so after his walk along the back road, which we did tonight with Stuart and the rest of the greyhounds we called in the pub for a quick drink and to relax after a very busy Bank Holiday weekend.
1st September 2010
This afternoon we received a phone call from our vet asking how Freddie was, which was really nice and comforting. She was pleased to hear his wrist had healed and suggested we take his stitches out in a couple of days time. From what she was saying they didn't think his wrist was going to heal and this was going to be his end because it would ulcerate, so I think she was pleasantly surprised that when we changed the bandage a couple of days ago it looked so well and to hear that although he was still limping he was happy in himself and eating well.
This evening we did a home check so we took Freddie with us because he likes to know where we are and will bark in the house if he thinks wev'e gone out so we always take him with us. He enjoyed his trip in the car and when we got home we walked him up the pub to meet a friend and have a drink. I put my fleecy top on the floor in the pub and he lay down on it all the time we were there watching what was going on around him.
2nd September 2010
Freddie didn't want to get up from his bed this morning and was a bit wobbly to begin with, but after a few steps he seemed better. Seemed okay during the day and at one stage he came running in the house out of breath leading us to believe he'd been running round the garden. He's eating his meals well and taking his pain relief tablet with his food each tea time, however, tonight when we walked down the back road with Indi he only wanted to go as far as the layby then turned to come home. Indi was loitering a little and I noticed that each time we stood and waited for her he was standing with his foot off the ground. Back home he lay in the bed in the living room and when it was time to go in the garden last thing he didn't want to go at first. Back inside again we put his house coat on as we do each night and when he went to get in his bed in our room next to my side of the bed he stumbled so I had to help him settle so he was comfy. When comfy I lay down next to him a while to cuddle and talk with him as I often do these days at every oportunity that I can.
3rd September 2010
When the new foster dogs arrived yesterday Freddie was one of the first in the queue to say hello to them. Once introduced he was back inside to his bed out of the way of the hussle and bussle. To ensure he got the peace the gate went up at the end of the kitchen to separate them.
4th September 2010
Our greyhounds are very good with Freddie and are very careful as they walk past him laying on one of the beds in the living room and ignore him when in his bed in our bedroom. However, we have to watch if he's up and moving around that they don't get too excited and knock into him, knocking him off balance - exactly the same as we did for our Bobby when he was in the same predicement. The two new nervous foster dogs we have to careful with making sure they don't walk all over him. Consequently, we put up the gate in the kitchen and Freddie was in the living room while the two new ones were the other side while they settled. We kept it this way when we went to bed to ensure neither of the new greyhounds walked on him during the night.
This morning we took Freddie's bandage off under the supervision of Solo who is very protective and concerned for him! Today is the day the vet asked us to take out his stitches. The lump seems a little larger and more lumpy, but it was difficult to tell. Solo had a good sniff and inspection of both the bandage and Freddie's wrist then watched while we were doing what we were doing. On one occasion when Freddie was showing some discomfort Solo actually walked between Stuart and Freddie to stop Stuart doing what he was doing, a gentle talk to Solo and a reappraisal of Freddie's situation resolved the matter. Freddie only had three stitches in his wrist, two came out easily, but the third one seems to have overlapped itself somehow and Freddie found it too uncomfortable to pull out, hence Solo's intervention. Consequently, Stuart, having cut the stitch, trimmed it and removed as much as he could. In view of Freddie's demise we thought it wouldn't cause harm to leave the last little bit there and this we will confirm the next time we speak with the vet.