It has been awhile since we did an update and we are sorry!  The truth is, Hendrix has been adjusting to his work schedule and has been enjoying it so much we haven't had time to update with a blog post!  He has been listening to stories, getting ALL the belly rubs, and has even started greeting all the kids in the morning.  Hendrix loves listening to stories so much that he wants to kickstart a reading campaign so we are hoping that people could find the heart to donate to PAWSitive Connections, LTD.

Where do I begin?!

A whole lot has happened in the last month!  It has been hard to do weekly updates because Hendrix is on the move and is definitely acting the puppy that he is!  Since surgery he had been home recovering.  This was not an easy process and added lots of stress.  On his 11th day of recovery he got to go to his primary vet and they removed all of his gazillion staples. He ended up not needing any more activity restriction after those 11 days.  Hallelujah!

Hendrix's first night of no staples we took him for his first post-surgery walk and he was prancing with happiness.  He ended up seeing Santa drive by in a firetruck!  He was pretty excited.  From there Hendrix was getting in the holiday spirit with his fur sister, Harper.  He enjoyed wrapping... or rather unwrapping all the presents under the tree.  He even got his first real snow storm.  To say he didn't like it is a vast understatement.  The snow was double the height he was!  He did learn a new trick of climbing on the human sister's swing and enjoying the snow from the comfort of being above it.  This trend has continued because he really likes swinging.

We continue to socialize Hendrix the best that we can with COVID restrictions being pretty strict here in Vermont.  Luckily, he lives with some human kids and an older dog (who puts him in his place).  He has learned sit, stay (to a certain extent), off, and trade so far.  He is working on greeting people appropriately when he is out on adventures.  Hendrix has been able to join me on some Google Meet video meetings.  He has been sitting next to me during behavior team meetings, parent teacher conferences, and even a Kindergarten morning meeting.  I am hopeful that this trend continues as it is great for everyone involved.  Hendrix does start life skills training in mid-January.  I can't wait to see how much he learns.  

As for his medical future?  He is now able to digest food and soak up the nutrients from that food.  He is on prescription food and will be lifelong.  I never thought I would be so eager to check out dog poop - ever.  Alas - there is some improvement that makes us all take a big sigh of relief.  His life-saving surgery definitely hurt financially but seeing his smile and goofy puppy antics make it worthwhile.

On Saturday Hendrix was rushed to Burlington to be saved by gastrointestinal specialists and a surgeon.  He had come to us with giardia and although treated he had complications from it.  It turns out he got an intussusception and had 4 inches of intestines untangled and his cecum removed.  He received such good care from them.  He even got to FaceTime with us.  PAWSitive Connections wasn't prepared for large medical bill within the first month of adding him to our team.  Alas, that is 2020!  He sure is keeping things interesting!

What a whirlwind!  Hendrix made his journey home with us on Friday afternoon.  He has been acclimating well.  Once he is settled in and feeling more comfortable the first stages of training will begin.  He is working on learning his name and housetraining.  He is doing a great job at crate training as well!  We are so excited for his journey to begin and continue!

Today as an amazing day!  We drove as a family to have a COVID friendly meet and greet with some puppies.  Who would we pick? Who would pick us?  It took one snuggle to have the adorable little guy in the middle.  Meet Hendrix Myers! He will be our therapuppy who will help kids feel safe and allow for academic interventions to take place.  The excitement is becoming contagious with anticipation for Hendrix's journey!