On the deck – Promontory Divide, Centennial Ranch
We have recently hosted several sets of friends from England. As as one does when hosting friends from out-of-town, we took them to all the key local attractions: The Owl in Canon City, Bishop’s Castle, Lake DeWeese, and the real (not to be confused with ComedyCentral’s) South Park.
The highlight of Brian Docherty’s visit (and nearly as exciting as his attending Austin’s International Poetry Festival prior to flying on to Colorado) was being on-hand for daily life in Westcliffe.
Taking advantage of the mild, warm weather, we took our Border Collie out to Lake DeWeese. Given that it was a weekday and no one was nearby, I let Oogie off his leash to play at the water’s edge while Brian and I did the lizard thing of soaking up the sun on a hot rock. The serene landscape and the sound of water spilling over the dam lulled us into complacency.
Oogie prior to chowing down.
Returning home, I noticed that Oogie was unusually quiet. An hour later, Oogie was staggering and unable to stand. He could barely lift his head and was unresponsive. By now it was after hours on Good Friday, and with the exception of Dr. Kit Ryff, who was busy with two, pending calf calls and could not see Oogie immediately, no other vet responded. Luckily, one vet’s answering machine recommended calling the Pueblo Area Pet Emergency Hospital at 1-719-544-7788.
I’m including directions to the hospital because it has been my experience that pet emergencies always occur after-hours, and it is good for pet owners to know that 24-hour service is nearby. Take State Hwy 50 east to Pueblo. Immediately before the entrance to I-25, turn north on Elizabeth. Take the first left after Motel 6. The pet hospital is on the left at 712 Fortino Blvd.
Given that Oogie (at this point comatose) had been uncoordinated and staggering, had dilated pupils and gazed into nothingness, had a slow heart rate, dry gums, and was dribbling urine, the vet determined that he had ingested marijuana.
I was elated. Oogie was not dying; rather, he was stoned. He had found an edible out at the reservoir and eating like a dog, he had pigged-out.
Ha! What a long, strange trip it’s been!
Oogie was long past remembering his phone number. It was quite the relief to know that he wasn’t actually dying.
That was a winner! UP down up down up down…you had us going—-Glad Oogie is ok!
Oogie is fine. Only time will tell if he has learned to avoid contaminated foods: he is, after all a dog.
Poor baby Oogie! Our hiking partner to the Dinosaur tracks had me very worried throughout this tale. Certainly hope there are no lingering effects and he is not keeping his eye out for any special brownies!
In general, Inge, Oogie keeps his eye out for food… any food. He is not too particular. He thinks of dead and decaying food as dessert.
Poor Oogie. You did catch my attention with this tale of Oogie and the vet…pet crises always happen when the local vets are closed! Do you think Oogie will avoid comestibles in the future? I do hope so.
I think that it is highly unlikely that Oogie has learned his lesson. I, on the other hand, will be more careful out at Lake DeWeese.
Oh no! I hope Oogie came down from his high and is doing fine. Your Centennial Ranch photo made me home sick for the land we sold, which was across the ridge from Centennial. That was pretty much our view and I miss it so.
Dear Homesick, On a clear day, I love looking west but more so looking north to the Chalk Cliffs. What an amazing landscape!
What a relief your dog’s ok! I had a similar experience with mine, thought it might be terminal, he eats all sorts. Good to see your pix of spring landscape.
So Oogie is fine — I hope. How frightening. This info needs to be spread around to all the news outlets — what can happen to a dog who eats an edible. Did the vet have to do anything to get Oogie through it or did it finally wear off? Talk to you later about this!