Dead Lyssavirus

Zuul had a big day on Saturday. She received her first vaccine for Rabies. We were told it was a dead virus and she should not experience any side affects other than soreness at the injection site and some drowsiness. While at the vet, we learned that Zuul now weighs 45 pounds. She's more than doubled in weight since we first adopted her. She still seems to be on track for 65-70 pounds.

We went to a new park after our trip to the vet. Zuul could not keep her eyes open for the 8 minute drive.


Drowsiness indeed! We found ourselves at Woodstock park. It's not very far from our place and I'm not sure why we have not yet made the trip. Apparently it rains a reasonable amount around these parts. This phenomenon transforms Woodstock park into Woodstock bog. It was a sloppy mess. After running around for a few minutes, Zuul starting foaming at the corners of her mouth. Dead virus? She still looked cute so we didn't worry.

Zuul had a great time getting filthy and watching other dogs play. There was a Boston Terrier/Bulldog trying to enjoy Zuul's ball. It's mouth wasn't quite big enough to get a grip on the ball. It's brain wasn't quite big enough to comprehend this fact and was hesitant to give up. At one point I had the ball in my hand and this dog was jumping to get it and making small-dog sounds. I decided to test Zuul's innate desire to protect her people. I pathetically called out, "Save me, Zuul." She pounced at the dog. It wasn't aggressive, but more of a "Hey, I'm not looking for a fight, just chill out and leave him alone" pounce. Zuul's awesome.

Later, we emptied a container of Zuul's peanut butter. We buy it fresh-ground from the local WinCo (pronounce When-Cah). I thought Zuul might like to retrieve the last remnants from the empty container. She's even cute when her head is jammed inside a plastic tub. Can you believe it?!



Zuul trudged out into the rain on Sunday to play with Harry, Percy, Hannah and Tahlulah. She had a great time chasing Percy and hiding under trees to stay out of the rain. I raced her across the Lane Middle School field. She was able to keep up with me or, rather, I was able to keep up with her. I think she was mocking me. I used to be faster than her. That was 25 pounds ago (not mine, hers!).

When Zuul isn't chewing on a hoof, she's sleeping. She's been sleeping a lot lately. I bet you're surprised to learn that she's cute even when she's sleeping.


picture credit: megan
picture credit: megan
picture credit: me