Diesel's sneeze

Ever since Diesel arrived he has been making this wheezy, raspy sort of noise. I took a video of it, assuming that he wouldn't do it at the vet's office and sure enough, he didn't. But it seems to be what they call a "reverse sneeze." I'll give him some Benedryl for a week and see if it improves. If not we'll proceed to step two, which would be to treat it as an upper respiratory infection he brought from the shelter he was in.

Diesel got a booster on one of his vaccines since we were there, and a general examination. His rear knee joints aren't great, probably from carrying around so much extra weight. He weighed 79 pounds today. The paperwork from the shelter showed him to be 85 pounds, so that's already a good drop in weight from where he started. He was good for the entire exam until it came time to take his temperature. He didn't bite, growl, or snarl, but he really resisted so we decided to skip that this time around.

Diesel can get into the van through the side doors on his own, but he needs a boost getting in from the back. He's getting stronger though and coming upstairs is already easier for him than it was in the beginning. He needs to drop another 15-20 pounds and then I expect he will be a completely different dog. He's never going to be a dog suitable for a runner, but with diet and exercise he'll be able to walk with most anyone.

He may be funny looking, but he's a great dog in every way. Good with other dogs, good indoors, good outdoors even off leash. I'm going to cat-test him in the next few days. I would be surprised if he has a problem with a cat. He's really just a mellow, easy-going dog. Those are words not often applied to a German Shepherd. He's a mix, of course, and whatever he's mixed with gave him short legs but a good attitude.