On Charles and Project Treadstone

Just in case you were wondering what an 85-lb red fawn greyhound looks like from the back with a couple dozen acupuncture needles in him. (And yes, that's Violet Rays taking up most of his acupuncture bed at the homeopath's office.)

The needles between his toes were apparently not of the painless variety. I've had those. There's not much between your fingers and toes to sink the needles into so you feel them there more than anywhere else. He sure was a trooper, though. He stood for the first 10 minutes, then lied down for the remaining 20 and didn't make a peep.

We went this route because he isn't putting weight on his back right leg anymore (you can even see the muscle atrophy–look at the difference–it's not because of the angle). We'll try this, in addition to the supplements, herbs, and minuscule crystals of the homeopathic variety, for a couple of weeks/months to see if we get any progress. I'm sure the specialists in Orlando would gladly take another $8,000 for surgery but . . . been there.

The vet did give me a hard time about the dogs' animal-free diets (my traditional vets don't, ironically), and my response was that unless she could show me some research that his particular type of injury needs animal protein to heal, I wasn't going to change anything.

I then promptly completely caved in and bought Wellness' new large breed, definitely nonvegan dry food (and I always soak kibble) that has 25% protein (Natural Balance Vegetarian has 18%, and all from non-animal sources) and I've started cutting some in just in case (I'll stop at 50%). The only problem now is that a handful of things are different, and if there's progress I won't know why! But I would feel like a terrible caregiver if animal protein was somehow the answer and I refused to try it. (Violet Rays will continue on Natural Balance, by the way.)

Again, Charles' problem is severe nerve root compression at L7/S1. And he already had two inches of his backbone removed so all that's left is scar tissue unless I'm missing something.

My poor boy. Wish him luck!

As for Project Treadstone, there have been three fatalities-by-automobile and one litter of three kittens, two of whom were caught and adopted fairly early. There are now about 10 cats who are unsterilized, and next week the women at the site, with a little help from their friends, will start trapping again.

Finally, I was asked to participate in a new TNR group in my town that started largely because of my oodles of questions and setting of policy for Project Treadstone! It'll be my area's first group dedicated to reducing the feral cat population! I missed the first meeting because I was working, but I am getting the minutes and do plan to get involved and also donate. And of course, I will use the meetings as an opportunity for vegan outreach.

Kudos to the cat people of North County who started this much-needed venture!