A Rough Night

After a rough night last night, I am truly counting my blessings this morning. You see, we came dangerously close to losing my little shadow - Ranger. Yesterday afternoon I was taking a shower and Scout (Ranger's older brother) came into the bathroom and gave me "the stare." This stare tells me when he (Scout) needs something - or if someone (usually Ranger) is in trouble. I got out of the shower and went to investigate...and sure enough, found Ranger licking the wrapper of a Lindt Dark Chili Chocolate bar. I won't go into how he got the chocolate, but lets just say that perhaps the teenage rebellion in our household will cease once said teenager realizes that we tell her to do (or not do) things for a reason...not just to be mean.

I called the vet to see what to do, but the vet said that Ranger should be okay...even though he had consumed 3 oz! This surprised me, because everything I read on the internet said that 3 oz of dark chocolate was a lethal dose for a dog of Ranger's size. I'm glad the vet was right. However, Ranger certainly had a rough night (as well as myself - who stayed up with him). At first the poor little guy just couldn't get comfortable - trembling and wobbly. Then he started getting really hyper and couldn't sit still...no matter how hard I tried to soothe him. He finally started appearing somewhat normal around 4 a.m. and I put him in his crate so that he could settle down and rest.

Now I am happy to report that he appears to be back to his usual activities. He followed me on my rounds to feed the animals this morning, mooched as I ate breakfast, and is now taking a nap on the couch...all part of a typical Rangie morning! :)

Rangie and his baby