'Handle me with care...'

Little Alfred Dog hasn’t been himself for the last few days. He’s been reluctant to play and yesterday started walking with his tail tucked under and head down, not joyous and energetic as he usually is. He was just sitting on his own in a corner and not coming for a cuddle as normal. When we stroked his back, he yelped in pain. I took him to the vet this morning where he was X-rayed and diagnosed with spondylitis – a problem with his spine. Mr K and I have researched it and are in the process of rearranging things in his daily life so that we can effectively manage the condition and hopefully stop it developing any further. He’s on painkillers for ten days, but after that we’re looking into his diet, water therapy (he’ll just have to learn to swim now!), other exercises, massage etc. We’re going to take good care of him. This has shocked us quite a bit as he’s always been so well and seeing him in pain has been horrendous. One thing though – he’s still enthusiastically gulping down his chicken… We love you Alfred – all will be well! :-)