The first of many babies we’re excited to meet this year, Sam was born to Theron and Jennifer on Dec. 30, 2007, at 11:46a.  He was 7lbs, 3 oz, and 18.5 inches long.  He’s home now and doing great.  (I’ve seen pictures — he’s beautiful!)

Capt. Apples Jackson
Originally uploaded by Kelly Sue

Update on CAJ’s condition:

It’s a good thing Fraction braved the cold to take CAJ to the hospital last night. The bloody stools continued when they got there and CAJ soon began vomiting. He’s now on IV fluids, antibiotics and an anti-nausea drug.

They don’t exactly know what’s caused this but they’re diagnosing it as hemorrhagic bacterial something-something. (Our regular vet is going to talk to them and get us the scoop. I didn’t have a pen and paper when I was on the phone with the emergency vet.)

They’ve given us no reason to think his life is in danger, but he’s clearly a sick puppy. They originally thought we’d be able to take him home or at least transfer him at noon today, but as of 8:00 am this morning they decided they want to keep him. We’re supposed to call the hospital at 5:30 this evening to get an update.

Keep him in your thoughts, will you?

EDITED TO ADD:  Okay, the diagnosis is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (“H.G.E.”) and it is, in fact, a very good thing Fraction took him in — untreated, it can be rapidly fatal.  However, because he got prompt attention there’s no reason at this point not to think he’ll make it through.  The first 48 hours are apparently the most dangerous. My understanding is that it’s the rapid dehydration that causes most of the fatalities.  Since CAJ is on IV fluids, we should be okay.  Thanks for the good thoughts.

W/R/T the Laurenn’s Twitter: Fraction is a goddamned hero for taking the dog in last night when the wind chill was 4 below.  HL, Claude and I stayed bundled up at home, waiting by the phone.

W/R/T Claude: He had some runny stool yesterday morning as well, but appears to be fine.  We’re watching him closely and have asked K-9 Club to do the same.  He was clearly upset that CAJ was gone last night — he whined and cried until Fraction got home — but he seems okay this morning, if a little lethargic.