When we walk, he’s a traffic stopper. People gawk. People with unimpaired vision ask if he’s real. Yes, he’s real, he’s mine, he’s a dashing welsh terrier named Ulysses. Our other welshie, Matilda, is equally cute. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Terriers are alert and energetic dogs who enjoy working and playing. The U and Tilly keep us busy without encouragement. But what’s a welshie like who’s under the influence? You’re about to find out.
The other week as we sneezed from prolifically pollinated Mayberry air, we noticed Ulysses scratching his right ear. A quick vet visit revealed an ear infection. The doctor prescribed meds for him, warning us about side effects like increased thirst and urination from the steroid pills. Oh boy.
At home, we started treatment. And experienced the joy of letting the dog out it seemed on the hour every hour. His ear cleared up and he stopped scratching so we beared the excessive peeing. One notable time, within fifteen minutes of doing both businesses outside, he rang the jingle bells on our front door, signaling a need for attention. He leaped out of reach playfully, amped up on his meds. Stockton halfheartedly chased him. It was late and Stockton works hard. As soon as my husband sat on the couch, Ulysses planked it on the living room carpet and unloaded his bladder. How’s he even storing this much liquid? Run for the towels.
Dinnertime with the medicated terriorist brings out another pleasant side. The little man snarfs up his own food then parks it next to Stockton for handouts, barking in hanger. You’d think he was starving. Doggie ‘roid rage. I made the mistake of snapping a photo when his fuzzy self tried to push my arm away with his snout to access my plate. Who ended up getting the last bite of my scrumptous, grilled with Lawry’s seasoning burger? Not me.
Ulysses finishes treatment soon. It’s a tough doggie life he leads in Mayberry. It must be exhausting, even when you’re on steroids, to be adorable.
Have your pets been on steroids? Do they do well at the vet? Are you a pet whisperer with perfectly trained animals? Tell me about it.
Adventures in Low Vision 
Yikes, I hope he gets off the ‘roids soon! My pets have never had to take steroids but my mom had to take a course of them last year and she had out-of-control cookie cravings. She ate bag after bag of store-bought cookies, something she normally never even buys. Steroids do strange things! I hope things get more peaceful in Mayberry. 🙂
Oh no. A cookie binge! Steroids are fit for Halloween season the more I think about it.
Do you know this English anti Welsh nursery rhyme? I’ve no idea what it means.
Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief
Taffy came to my house and stole a piece of beef.
I went to Taffy’s house, Taffy wasn’t in
I jumped upon his Sunday hat and stuck it with a pin.
I’ve forgotten the rest but, as they say, if the cap fits! Poor Ulysses. Poor you!
I only know it because there’s a terrier blogger with a welshie named Taffy! Love that you know it Bridget.
Why Ulysses? Very grand names!
Stockton is distantly related to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant so it was kind of a joke but the name suited him so we kept it. (Matilda for literary reasons–my fav book as a kid)
Lovely names.
Mollie was put on a steroid for an itch she had and I forgot to ask about side effects and the vet didn’t mention them. One night after she had already done her business she was whining and acting like a little lunatic (I didn’t have a clue what was wrong) then she had an accident. I figured this was the side effect and the next day googled the med to find out increased urination was one of the things caused by the mediction. We decided we would do just fine with out it and strangely enough she stopped scratching as well. Now I’m almost hyper aware of any medications for both of us.
Love terriers (Mollie is a terrier mix). Hope Ulysses gets better soon poor baby.
Poor Mollie! Learned my lesson on steroids, I will be cautious to give them again to our pets.