Author Archives: gonexc

Unknown's avatar

About gonexc

Born in the last century in Southern Rhodesia as it was. Schooled in Rhodesia went to university in South Africa, travelled the world and settled back in Zimbabwe as it is now. Single. Jenni whose photo appears as my gravatar is gone now. Bless her, she was my raison d'etre, my belle petite chienne sauvage! Though at 40kg she was not really petite and I sometimes suspect she was a Lab in disguise! She loved everyone and everyone (mostly) loved her.

Themba – Where has the puppy gone?

Posted on by
Reply
The gas machine is no longer a puppy

Dear Zak,

We haven’t weighed Themba this week – he is simply too heavy for Marianne to pick up. That makes him over 20kg, so really he’s not a puppy any more. The behaviour is still there though and he has developed an alarming affinity to steal and destroy toilet rolls which are no longer safe on their holders (or anywhere else for that matter). He’s also starting to chew furniture which reminds me of Kim, my first Ridgeback, who chewed some borrowed furniture when I was working in Chinhoyi way back in 1991. I was mortified but fortunately the owner found it funny. I suppose this is just the start of the teething process. He’s lost a few of his milk teeth but I can’t easily see any adult teeth coming through. It doesn’t help that holding him still must be a lot like holding an eel still, nearly impossible.

Since the last blog there has been a few altercations (one sided) with Roxy. I thought she wasn’t herself so we took her off to the vet and yes, she was in pain from the spondylitis in her spine and that was likely making her grouchy. So she’s been on anti-pain medication and CBD oil which helped Kharma so much in her final months. No more punch-ups. So far so good.

The training is coming on well. He can now jump up on a log on command and will leave a treat for a while at least. Not up to your record as yet but he’ll get there. His obsession with food does exceed yours though and is a bit of a problem when it comes to getting him away from the kitchen door at meal times. We are going to have to work on that one as getting past him without him barging through must be controlled. Kharma was of course the Barge Queen!

We got in a slow-feeder bowl from South Africa which has slowed his feeding down considerably but he has not learned to respect other’s food. Last week it was raining at meal time so Tia was given her bowl by the kitchen sink. Themba left his food, ran over to Tia’s, and stuck his nose into her bowl. Unfortunately she did nothing. Roxy, as you found out, would not tolerate that. We haven’t even risked giving out bones on Sundays so far but I’m going to persuade Marianne that we cannot put it off any longer.

I developed the Covid ‘flu this week. The symptoms are relatively mild but I’ve had to isolate into your bedroom. Themba was delighted as he gets to sleep on the bed with me. In the main room we have discouraged that, not least because there will be no room on the bed once he gets big but also Roxy is not keen on sharing her sleeping space. During the day it’s not a problem but night time – no! The downside for me is that he farts a lot. Marianne has been buying chicken “matumbos” i.e. guts, in an effort to reduce the meat bill which is substantial but we’ve decided to give it a break and see if that makes a difference. They smell bad enough when cooking never mind after being processed by Themba. Right now I’m thinking we should have called him BOC or HandiGas.

I was looking at the background photo on my phone this week. Of course it’s of you my boy, looking regal as ever. I wondered if I could ever change it – I certainly don’t have the courage to let you go just yet.

Love you as always.

Four-square

Posted on by
1
Themba standing four-square and showing his potential

Dear Zak,

Themba has had a busy few weeks since I last wrote. We went back to see Fynn who was delighted to meet us again and they had a boisterous time until Themba suffered the ultimate indignity of being “beaten up” by a cantankerous old sausage dog! No contact was made but Themba yowled long and loud. How embarrassing. Well, that was the end of the play date and as it was a Friday afternoon it was time to make out way back home again.

We also had another play date with a Labrador, Ollie, of six months. He was clueless. It didn’t start well with both him and another adult Lab mobbing both of us before we’d even got out of the pickup. It took a while for things to settle down.

Ollie is not much bigger than Themba but has absolutely no idea about play etiquette and kept running straight into Themba and knocking him over. Themba eventually got fed up and told him so. Not an entirely wasted session as he has to know how to deal with dogs who are like Ollie!

Where has the little puppy gone? 16.5kg and growing…

Themba is still maintaining a weight gain of a kg per week. Now he’s 16.5kg and the little puppy of eight weeks ago is long gone. He still has that cute puppy waddle but is running more like an adult dog now – no scampering. We got him a special bowl with lumps in it to slow down his eating which I think was even faster than yours. It’s slowed him down a bit but he’s working out how to speed the gobble up again.

Roxy and Themba seem to have come to an agreement; she growls when warning and he takes notice. There haven’t been any confrontations this past week so hopefully the snap-and-yowl is mostly behind us. We are careful when food is around to keep them separate but have yet to cross the bone bridge. We’ll get to it along with swimming pool awareness training.

We took the whole pack to a newish dog park in Highlands yesterday to get a bit of exposure to meeting other dogs and for quite a while were the only ones there. I guess it was early for a Saturday. Some Beagles arrived just before we left and all was fine though Roxy seemed a bit anxious. She’ll get used to it.

A warm, hairy chin-rest in the form of Tia. Life cannot be too bad.

Training is going well though Themba has learnt to anticipate when he is going to be called by either Marianne or myself. We’ve even tried code words such as “Thursday” or, “after this command” but he even recognizes those and bolts to the next person before we’ve finished. A clever little boy. Mind you we are using very high value treats; biltong bits.

Themba – in training

Posted on by
1
I think I’ve had enough of this leash thing

Dear Zak,

Themba is 13 weeks old today and on Friday he weighed 13 kilograms. That’s a kilogram a week that he’s put on since we got him. Yes, he loves his food just like you did and we are seriously considering getting him a special bowl just to slow him down a bit.

The training has started in earnest and we are making progress. He’s not so keen on the walking on a leash but will recall to a treat quite successfully and has learnt to sit and lie down. Fetching has never been a strong instinct for ridgebacks but Themba will give it a go if he’s fetching a treat.

There have been a few hiccups. He plays with Roxy quite nicely but she can be over-reactive and there have been a few squealing fits when she over-did her disciplining. She can also be a bit heavy-pawed in the playing and has squashed him on a couple of occasions. Cheryl said just to ignore it and let them get to know the rules but Marianne has decided to get a dog behaviourist in tomorrow to give us some tips. Themba has got a bit of a dent on top of his head from Roxy – we didn’t see what happened but it looks like there are two bite marks on her chest so maybe he got carried away. We’ll see how it goes.

Tia can get a bit excited when playing but she does give him plenty of warning when she’s had enough and we’ve never heard him yelp when playing with her.

Playing by the rules – this time

On Christmas Day we went to Jeanette’s and took along Themba to play with her Django. He’s seven months old, big and very boisterous ridgeback. I’d been over a few days earlier to make introductions and Jeanette had brought in a dog trainer who works with military dogs and mine detection dogs to give tips and advice. Django was kept under control and it was all fine on the day. Luckily he is a gentle fellow despite all his energy and with a couple of exceptions, when Django had to be reined-in, they played well.

We have started Themba on short walks on the farm now that he’s had all his vaccinations and has a tick repellent. Marianne insists on putting a harness on him for easy handling but he doesn’t like it and last week just sat down an refused to move with it on. He’ll get used to it.

Themba

Posted on by
1
Themba

Dear Zak,
We picked Themba up from the airport a week ago. Not quite the same place that you arrived at but he’d also had a long day and was crying a lot so Marianne went to chat to him whilst I started the clearing process.

The customs official was a bit suspicious of the invoice I showed him that gave his value at $75 but he couldn’t really do much about it. The whole process took about 2 hours and this time we didn’t have to wait for their lunch break like I did for you. Luckily it wasn’t too hot and he slept on the back seat all the way home.

Marianne with Themba in his gay pride/rainbow nation harness

Tia was delighted with Themba, Roxy not. This was pretty much as we expected. Roxy wasted no time in letting him know that he was to keep his nose well clear of our bed – this was her territory. Themba was still learning the rules so there were a few tense moments and the occasional bout of yelping but no contact was made so no blood spilt.

By the end of the day he had chewed and gouged my forearm, humped it and demonstrated a bark to be noticed. My boy had arrived.

We did not get a lot of sleep the first night and Marianne got up at some silly hour to let him out for a potty break. She did it again the second night but now it’s easier to clean up in the morning. Themba has proven himself to be quite the Dump Monster but in his defence he is being fed four times a day and what goes in must eventually come out. I do recall, my boy, that you also took a while to house train and one night after a fruitless wait on the back lawn you came back into the house and left a deposit by the TV. I was unimpressed.

Roxy does play with Themba but she can be a bit rough, not like Kharma was with you. She does tend to swat him into the ground and the yelping follows.

On Sunday we were outside the back kitchen door doling out ice lolly treats of frozen chicken stock. You loved them and so did Themba. Then he went snuffling in the grass where Roxy had been eating hers. Big mistake. She made a lot of noise, Themba made a lot of noise, but once again – no blood.

Monday was not a good day. Roxy was defending her bed with formidable growls and Tia was telling him to get lost and not pull her tail. It was dreadfully hot too and I arrived home to a very tense household. I even got hold of Cheryl in South Africa and she said she’d take Themba back if we really couldn’t handle the situation. I decided to sleep on it.

The next day Roxy was playing with Themba as he tried to get onto her bed! He even snuggled onto her mattress on the floor reminiscent of you sharing Kharma’s chair with her. It’s been much easier since. Roxy plays, still a bit heavy pawed and Tia will play and Themba doesn’t go for her tail much. He’s not going back to Jo’burg.

He is a clever lad and responds to his name and my whistle when he feels like it. If there’s food in the offing he’s especially responsive. A lot like you my boy!

On the road watching the girls exercise

He came with us to the farm this morning and watched Marianne and the girls out in front on the road. He’s too small to do any decent walking but he’ll get there soon enough. Then I wonder what sort of adventures we’ll have?

One day I will be able to run fast like Zak!

Go softly into the night

Posted on by
5
My first photo – already I am well posed!

You rubbed my ears.

Yes, I promised I would.

You loved me.

Of course, we still do.

You cried.

I never promised not to.

You gave me a wonderful life. All dogs should have a life like that.

Yes, they should.

Please give another dog the chance for a life like I had.

In time my boy, in time. Now I need the pain to ease which could take some time

How will you remember me?

Oh, lots of ways. Always ready to chase something. Your puppy-soft ears. Your amazing good looks – my beautiful boy.

Bliss is…getting my chest scratched

You loved having your chest scratched.

Yes, I did. You scratched it last night when you slept next to me. Just like old times when there was space for me on the bed.

And you looked at me in that special way by bending your head back to make eye contact.

To show you how much I loved you.

You did that in the mornings when you came onto Tia’s bed and waited for love and attention.

Of course, the best time of the day. Before breakfast.

You did always love your food.

Especially avocados and biltong in the evenings.

We could never get the avocados off you, unlike with Roxy.

With Roxy it’s always just a game, with me it was serious!

And of course you were a chaser.

Yes, I really could run! I loved racing against the car on the farm. 50 km per hour at a burst.

Now you can run all you like. Kharma is buried next to you.

Gentle Kharma, the substitute mother who kept me in my place.

Yes she did. And of course I have this blog, filled with memories. You are everywhere, on your bed when I look into the spare room that’s always got your name on it. Barking when I came home, barking when we were about to go for walks on the farm. A real Mr Barker at times. Regal on top of Rukotsu at Nyanga.

The world at his feet

I am so desperately sorry that it all had to end like this, we really thought you were on the road to another remission.

It was not to be, you did what you thought was best for me and it didn’t work. Now there’s no pain, I can breathe easy and there’s running to be done!

Run well my beautiful Zak, run free. Love you lots.

Love you too!

Chemo again…

Posted on by
1
This chemotherapy is no fun at all

Oh, I feel awful!

I know my boy, I can see you do. It’s the chemotherapy again.

The cancer is back, isn’t it?

Yes, I’m afraid it is.

Is that why my hock is painful again?

Yes, actually you have a small fracture in that joint because the cancer has weakened the bone.

Oh no, there go the walks again. I do enjoy getting out to the farm. All those smells.

Yes, I know you do. And the cancer has gone to your lungs again too.

But last time we checked I was all clear, what happened?

I don’t know my boy. That’s the way of cancer. Just when you think you have it beaten…

Do you think this is it, the final run?

I don’t know, my boy, I don’t know. I hope not. We took the decision to try everything possible to get you some more time. We have to try, you are too special not to try even if the side effects are bad.

When will you know if the treatment is working?

In three week’s time you will have to go back to get another set of X-rays. Then we will have to make a decision.

Well three weeks is a long time for us dogs. I can’t wait to feel better and get back to some sort of normality.

By normality do you mean barking at Tia when she gets annoying?

Well yes, that too. And getting back to walking on the farm. And seeing the other dogs out for walks on the way.

Yes, let’s focus on that. You always liked coming to work with me and I suspected it was as much for the sights along the way as anything else. There was not a lot at the nursery to interest you.

Except for when I scored a sandwich off Rory.

That I thought you had stolen.

What me steal food? Never! That’s not my style.

And I had to give you permission to eat the sandwich.

Of course, I am a good dog!

Yes you are my boy, you always have been.

If this is the beginning of the end…

Yes?

You will be there for me, at the end I mean?

Yes, of course I will. I have always promised you that.

And rub my ears.

Of course.

And don’t cry.

No, I don’t promise that.

Until then we must focus on positive things. Walks, smells, barking!

Walks, smells and barking.

You train easily!

It’s good news!

Posted on by
Reply
The morning run

It’s good news – we can’t see any sign of your cancer!

Am I cured?

No, probably not. It’s called “in remission” meaning it’s not active but it’s still around..

So it will be back?

I’m afraid so, we can’t say when.

So the cough was just that, a cough?

Yes, the vet couldn’t see anything bad on the X-ray. Bone cancer often moves to the lungs but nothing. Clear in your back leg too.

But in the meantime I can go running?

Of course, but it won’t be for a while.

Oh, it’s that covid thing again isn’t it.

Yes, but this time it’s for a whole month.

A month. That’s a long time for us dogs.

I know, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

I don’t like that photo, I am coming third. I used to be able to beat Tia and Roxy easily.

Well you have got 3 legs so it’s appropriate.

That’s not a good joke. But I am improving aren’t I.

Yes my boy, you’ve come a long way.

You just can’t keep a good Ridgeback down!

 

That’s not fair!

Posted on by
2

I’d rather be running

That’s not fair!

I’m sorry my boy, cancer is brutally unfair.

Why can’t you take me along for the ride then, it’s better than lying here.

Because it’s so difficult to get you into the pickup. I can’t help and Marianne is not strong enough. That’s how you hurt your leg last weekend and look how far it’s put you back. I know how much you like getting out but I needed to take Roxy and Tia for a run to get rid of some energy.

I wanted to come with you to work on Thursday too.

I know, I know. I remember how much you liked coming to the office with me even if you didn’t do much when we got there.

Us Ridgebacks have good eyesight so it was always great to see what was going on from the front seat. And I dig get to chase the odd chicken when you weren’t looking.

Jenni also liked coming along for the ride, she’d often see francolin before I did when we were out on the farm.

I’m not going to run again am I?

No, I don’t think so. I am building a wheelchair to support your back leg. That will allow you to run.

So that’s what that thing is. Not sure I’ll like it.

Please try, you will be able to move much quicker.

Oh, I do miss running! I can still run in my dreams.

So can I.

You haven’t always used walking sticks then?

No, when I was young I could run. I wasn’t as fast as you of course  but I did enjoy it.

Wow, I’d have loved to go running with you!

We can run together in our dreams.

Yes, we can. That will be fun.  I will slow down for you.

 

 

 

The bad news

Posted on by
Reply

A regal fellow

It’s not good news my boy, the cancer is back.

Oh. That’s disappointing. Is that why I find it so difficult to run?

Yes, it’s weakening the bone in your back leg. I’m so sorry, I was hoping you’d get another year at least.

Oh, so it’s going to be quick then?

Yes, a few weeks at the most if we don’t redo the chemotherapy.

What will that give me?

A few more months at the most.

What about the side effects?

The vet couldn’t really say. They might be bad or not and there is still the risk that the leg could break.

Like happened to Kharma? I don’t want that!

No, that would be terrible.

Please don’t cry, you’ve given me a good life. I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for me.

But we were supposed to grow old together!

Ah, well some things are not meant to be. I’ll always remember the running, it was so much fun – what I was born to do. I was fast wasn’t I?

Yes, 50km per hour at a burst. I wasn’t so impressed with you running and barking at the truck.

Ah, well, us Ridgebacks need a little danger for excitement.

What do you think of the photo?

I like it. It’s me – quite regal! Print it out to remind yourself of me.
You will be there at the end for me?

Of course.

Rub my ears won’t you?

Yes, I’ll do that.

 

 

 

What’s this virus thing about?

Posted on by
Reply

I find this difficult to get and depressing

What’s all this corona virus thing about?

Well, a virus is a very, very small thing that causes disease.

All of them cause disease?

No, most do nothing at all. We just live with them without knowing it. They are not even alive.

But this corona virus is a problem not so?

Yes, but only if you are a human. Animals don’t get it.

That’s a relief. But what happens if you get it?

Probably very little, but as an asthmatic I could have a problem.

What? Could you die?

Yes, if I am unlucky and don’t respond to the first line of treatment. It varies but about 2% of people in my age group die if they contract the virus.

You could go to hospital and get healed!

Zimbabwe is not a great place for that. The hospitals are not well equipped.

Oh. Can’t you protect yourself?

To a point. Try and stay away from other people and lots of hand washing.

Don’t people wear masks and gloves?

Yes, but they are largely useless. The masks that do work are only used in hospitals and need special fitting and frequent changing. Viruses stick to gloves too so they need to be changed all the time which most people don’t do.

So I don’t need to take precautions then. That’s a relief. Is this why you are not going out much? I like it when you stay at home.

Yes. Right now we are not allowed to go to work except in special circumstances. The idea is to reduce the spread of the virus, which is know as covid-19.

Is it going to work?

Probably not. It’s not being strictly enforced.

That sounds bad. Is it going to be bad?

Probably. Not just in health terms, also in economic terms – lots of people will lose their jobs.

I think I’d rather hunt lions, even though I’ve only got three legs. Will you keep your job?

I think so, but it could be a tough time. Don’t worry, we’ll look after you.