The Hatz Family: Hayden Baby

Even though Carter is our first born, Hayden is our first child. We love her so much and think she is the best dog and a wonderful addition to our family. I don't know how we got so lucky to have such a good dog - we did go through the whole obedience school (I still have her diploma) but some things she does I just don't think we could teach. Like, she very rarely eats food off the floor. For reals. With the exception of cheese or meat, Hayden will leave the dropped morsel on the floor until we give her the okay to eat it. Sometimes it can be annoying like when Carter makes a huge mess on the floor and we just want her to help us clean it up :). She still can be hyper (she is a boxer) but for the most part she just relaxes around the house, she loves to curl up with you on the couch and, for the most part, can be outside without a leash. We just think the world of her!

Last month I took Hayden in for her regular check up and the nurse was asking a lot of questions - way more than I ever remember. She is just being thorough, I thought. But then she said, "how old is Hayden." I told her five this summer and then she mentioned that next year we would have to start her 'senior bloodwork.' Say what? My baby, a senior? I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. She even talked me into getting Hayden on 'preventative' fish oil that will help her joints and eyesight. Gah! I was so depressed when I left. :( I am all for keeping her as healthy as can be, which is why she is now on a diet - she was up 6 pounds from last year!. But I just don't think of her as an old dog.

But last week we had a bit of a scare with her. I have been making an effort to walk her more often due to her expanding waistline. Now I know better in the summer because the humidity really gets to our little girl but I took her for a walk Saturday morning thinking the cooler temps in the morning would be okay. Well, she threw up on our walk so I took her home for some R&R. Matt and I left her home while we went swimming with Carter, Addison, my mom, Katie, Jo and Grete (did I mention that Mark and Grete were in town for a wedding!). Hayden seemed fine but then when we were getting ready for the wedding she threw up again so Matt stayed home with her while I went to the ceremony - he even took.her.temperature (from there!) to make sure she wasn't overheated. Whatta dad!

Sunday, Hayden seemed fine but by Sunday night she was acting really strange. like she had to be by us all.the.time - she even was laying on top of Matt of the couch. By Monday, Matt was worried so he took her to the vet. As a boxer, we are really concerned about cancer - and so is the vet - so we let them run tests = take all of our money. X-rays were all clear but bloodwork showed severe dehydration and pancreatitis. So she was hooked up to an IV for the afternoon and we got some antibotics and special food for her. Even though we spent a pretty penny, I was happy we got her in before her dehydration got worse and now we have the piece of mind that her X-rays are clear. We love our little lady!