my true love gave to me…a wonderful cup of hot cocoa!  At least I think that’s what Riley is saying.

In September, our sweet four-year-old golden retriever was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called immune-mediated arthritis which causes fluid buildup around the joints and thus, pain.  I’m glad we caught it right away and were able to start treatment: 6 months of steroid therapy.  A dog on prednisone is no fun – for him or his owners – but the worst side effect was his insatiable hunger.  It was so sad to see him feel hungry all the time.  We split his regluar amount of food up into smaller meals feeding him three times/day instead of two and gave him little low-fat, low-calorie snacks.  Loved rice cakes; hated carrots! Hmmm. I hate carrots, too.  Unless they’re shredded to smithereens in carrot cake and smothered with yummy cream cheese frosting. 

Riley’s pred dosage has tapered to a low maintenance level.  We are almost done – just two months left.  But he’s already back to his normal, peppy, happy self.  Only thing, his appetite is still a little amped up.  Normally ‘leave it’ is an obeyed command.  Not today.  I guess my little guy must have heard it’s National Hot Chocolate Day.  Don’t worry, he mostly got the whip.  

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