Tail wagging and baby steps...

Today, Lincolns third day in the hospital was a long day. I took him lunch (baby food, chicken) and for the first time I was told Lincoln couldn't leave his cage where he is being given oxygen. The staff at Rascal very graciously let me into the back where Lincoln is and told I could try to feed him in there as he hadn't eaten voluntarily since our visit last night. I wasn't prepared for seeing poor Linclon in the cage with his IV and oxygen. I honestly didn't know what an oxygen cage would look like. Not what I pictured. Our poor sweet Lincoln. He didn't get up or wag his tail, but what he did do was eat and he ate about 4 ounces for me. It's been years since I measured anyone's food intake by the ounce and bragged about it, but he ate it like a very good boy. The staff was thrilled to see him eat voluntarily. I kept the visit short and promised him dinner. When I got home I was surprised to see Lincolns American Canine Association paper in my mailbox. I was beyond relieved to see the name of Lincolns breeder on the paper. Interestingly enough this is the same breeder Petland professed to not having the name of when asked where Lincoln came from. It took me under a minute on Google to get the number of Lincolns breeder. I admit to being pleasantly surprised that the breeder spent almost an hour with me on the phone. She was very upset to hear my story. Was I expecting to be brushed off by yet another person involved in the process? Yes. Did I expect accountability on her end? No. Compassion for my family or Lincoln? No. Was my conversation with her the exact opposite of what I expected? Absolutely. She gave me some insightful ideas and questions for Lincolns care. All of her questions were answered for me tonight at the pet hospital. She made sure I had all of her contact information and asked me to let her know how Lincoln is as well as offered to reach out to people on our behalf. She also suggested I try Vanilla yogurt with Lincolns dinner. Off I went tonight armed with baby food in the forms of chicken, green beans and carrots. I also had a six pack of Vanilla Activa Yogurt for Lincoln and a black cherry yogurt for myself thinking Lincoln and I would have dinner together. (I asked Licoln to not tell his father what a good cook I am.) I was fully prepared to see him in his cage tonight. Instead Lincoln was brought to us, complete with kisses and a wagging tail. And you know what that sweet good boy did? He ate like a champ. 1 and 1/2 containers of yogurt. I could kiss the breeder for suggesting it. He ate a few teaspoons of baby food, no interest in his water yet. Baby steps are ok Lincoln. He was tired pretty quickly from being out of the oxygen cage but I'll take those few minutes with him. He's not doing well breathing on his own, and it's really quite heartbreaking to see but we're all praying for him. We're so thankful for all of the well wishes from everyone. Thank you to everyone who has read Lincolns story and thank you to those of you who love us, and Lincoln. I left the animal hospital covered in yogurt and baby food but like a new mom I walked with my head high, proud of my baby for eating like such a big boy. Leaving to come home without him is hard but I'll be back tomorrow. We love you Lincoln. xo