Playing Catch-Up... More Puppy Shots!

Playing catch-up on Roadie's progress...

Early September 2010: It was time for vet visit number two for Roadie.  Another round of puppy shots and wormer.  Roadie continued to do well. He was at about eight weeks old, and was up to 8 pounds at this visit!

Roadie in early September, up to 8 pounds!

Mid-September 2010:  Roadie was doing great and growing fast, like any pup.  He enjoyed going for walks and exploring new things. His feisty personality was beginning to show...

Going for a walk on a walking trail at a nearby college...

Ain't I cute?  Roadie, mid-September 2010.

Last Week of September 2010:  Time for another vet visit and round three of puppy shots.  Roadie is doing amazing!  He gained 10 pounds since his last vet visit and is up to 18 pounds this visit.

Roadie loves being close to us. Here he is watching tv with my hubby.

Roadie playing on the laundry...

Hmmm, what is this mysterious human toy?  It seems to have special powers!

Nope, wasn't me... I was right here the whole time!

I had ordered a book online about Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and was reading about how dogs of this breed that do have the ridge on their back sometimes develop a condition known as dermoid sinus.  I also read some about it online.  It sounded like an awful thing for a dog to go through and usually required a surgery to correct.  So, I asked our vet about it.  He said that Ridgebacks without the ridge usually don't have the dermoid sinus problem.  So that was good news!  Then the vet pointed out that Roadie wasn't totally ridgeless.  He does have a small ridge down the center of his face!  Our vet didn't think it would be anything to worry about. We will keep an eye on things, just in case...

Roadie, September 2010.  Give us a hug...

I also discovered some not so good news in some of the reading I did.  In past years, it has been common practice for Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders to "cull" (or a more accurate term might be "kill") perfectly healthy puppies who happen to be born ridgeless.  It seems that there has been some controversy and debate over this practice.  Some say that it is wrong to kill a healthy pup, just for not having the ridge.  It would be more humane to simply spay or neuter it at the proper age, and not allow it to be used for breeding.  They would still be perfectly fine for anyone wanting a pet and not a dog for breeding or show.  It seems odd to cull out the "healthier" pups that won't have the dermoid sinus problems!  I have to agree, the breeders need to look at a more humane approach, rather than culling!  Roadie has been a very loveable, affectionate, active, entertaining, and family oriented pet so far!  I plan to learn more about this breed, ridgeless or not...