I was a little giddy as I went through my regular pre-night-shift-routine during the day and I’m sure Hondo picked up on the anticipation – he was shadow at my heel, his tail was in a constant slow wag, and he kept waiting at the front door with a “Come one! What are we waiting for?” look.

Finally, it was time.

We were at work, dressed and ready (yes, the dogs get ‘dressed’ as well – in their work harnesses), and we hadn’t even left the office parking lot before we got our first call.  When I flipped on the lights and siren and pushed the accelerator to the floor, Hondo did a spin in the back of the truck and let out a woof.  His excitement was obvious as he NEVER barks or stands up in the back of the truck when we drive Code Three, and when I looked in the rear view mirror the silhouette of his ears was a very welcome sight. 

Considering that eight weeks ago I wasn’t sure Hondo was even going to survive, coupled with the knowledge that I may never again work with my faithful K9 partner, last night was a certainly a gift.  Every shift working with Hondo has been a priviledge and is an experience like no other, as all other K9 handlers can attest to. 

The bond between dog and handler runs deep, and these next few years will be spent knowing I am at the pinnacle of my career.  It doesn’t get any better than this.

Hondo was back at the vet hospital for four days this week after having an adverse reaction to the medication used to treat his IMHA.  The doctors were able to evaluate the dosage and the types of medication to reduce the side effects and Hondo came home again yesterday.  He’s 15 lbs lighter and very, very skinny, but he’s home.  He’s also full of beans.

The vet said to keep Hondo quiet and to ensure he gets lots of rest, but I’m beginning to suspect this bit of advice was given with a healthy dose of realism.  Keep a newly energized police dog, especially one that has been confined to a small pen for two weeks, quiet?  Ha!  Easier said than done! 

Hondo kept me up until 0200 hrs this morning – first he was barking in his outdoor kennel and no amount of shushing would quiet him.  Not wanting the neighbours to get upset I brought the big guy inside, where he proceeded to pace the house and ignore his usual spot in front of the fireplace.  The harder I tried to fall asleep the louder the tinkle of his collar and the click of his nails on the hardwood became.  Then, when I exited my bedroom in the dark to find out what he was up to, I promptly tripped over him. He had made himself quite comfortable by sprawling out across the floor right in front of the bedroom door. 

Black dog + middle of the night darkness = one thundering crash as owner tries not to fly headfirst into the adjoining wall.  I swear that dog laughed at me.

Which brings me to the next point of this post – we are going away on a vacation.  I was very close to enacting the trip cancellation portion of my travel insurance because of Hondo’s illness, but as he’s on the turn-around that will not be needed.  Besides, Hondo will be living the good life at my friend’s house while we’re away. 

Two weeks in Europe.  On an adventure of sorts, to a country we’ve never visited, to be reaquainted with family I haven’t seen in the flesh since I was a toddler.  I’ll fill you in on the WHERE when we get back….can’t be too careful these days. 

As for posting?  I’m not sure how easy it will be to gain access to the Internet and hopefully I’m too busy exploring to give the computer a second thought.  But if I find myself inside an internet cafe (if they even exist where we are headed), I’ll take a moment to make a quick post and approve comments.

Until then, have a very good next couple of weeks, and don’t forget to take a look at the new ‘poll’ feature at the bottom of the right hand side bar, ”Who are you?”

Have you ever seen so many Canadians shout out their pride?  I haven’t – it was great!  So here’s a little bit of good news to help us recover from the patriotic hangover – Hondo came home today.

After being hospitalized for more than a week, Hondo was given what the doctors are calling a ‘day pass’, and he came home this afternoon.  He still has to go back to the vet everyday for treatment but this is the small step forward we have been waiting for.  The doctors are optimistic about his recovery and his return to duty, and we are all hoping he continues to improve.

Hondo was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) , a life-threatening disease where the immune system destroys the body’s own red blood cells.  This disease can be triggered by an underlying cause (cancer, lupus etc) or it can occur for no reason.  The barrage of tests Hondo was submitted to have shown there is no underlying cause in his case – thank goodness for small miracles.  That said, depending on the case mortality for this disease can run very high so we are not in the clear yet even though we are headed that way.

While he still has a long recovery before him, Hondo has been showing some of his old self – his ears perked up at the sound of a passing siren, he sat at the front door looking out through the sidelight as I got groceries out of the truck, and his tail went into helicopter spins when the kids came home from school. 

The excitement of coming home has tired him out and he’s now fast sleep, which is a good thing.  He’s going to need all the rest he can get.

He’s now been admitted to the Animal Emergency Clinic. The staff have been amazing and very understanding – I’m sure they are used to dealing with distraught pet owners on a regular basis. If memory serves me correct, I fell into that category this afternoon. 

Thank you for all the emails, phone calls and well-wishes for Hondo’s speedy recovery.  On an inside note, it’s a real show of camaraderie when my fellow handlers check in on Hondo when I’m not there and then call to let me know how he’s doing. 

All of your support is truly helpful and is very much appreciated. Thank you.

I’ll make sure to pass on the belly-rubs to Hondo for when he is feeling better.

Now, instead of working in uniform, I’m working with the veterinarian to ensure Hondo recovers from a sudden, nasty infection and the resulting complications.  It’s a far more difficult job than the one I’m used to as I’ve not a medical bone in my body, but the excellent veterinary care combined with the love and nurturing my family and I are providing are sure to ease Hondo’s recovery.

It’s a hard thing, though, to see your partner in pain and to see the confusion in his eyes.  It’s heartbreaking when your normally stoic dog whimpers and cries softly when he thinks no one is looking. 

These last couple of days have been really hard. 

On both of us.