This is Travis, our dog with a fused jaw, diving into his dinner this evening. Although he has a stomach tube for feeding and medicating, we learned early on that he can slurp liquids from the left side of his mouth and that he much prefers to eat on his own.
He would get so upset watching the other dogs eat, and he just craved eating! Using a syringe and the tube to slowly squirt liquid food into his stomach didn't do anything to satisfy that craving. So we now fix him up a special liquid diet in the blender which he slurps to his heart's content.
As you can see, it's a bit messy ... but he couldn't be happier. He zooms into Widget's House, races into his crate, turns around, and plops his head in the bowl. He was a little put out that I kept calling him so he'd raise his head for the photo. "Let me eat, will ya?!" is the look I was getting.
Pavlov may have trained his dog to associate the ringing of a bell with food -- Pavlov's dog would begin salivating when the bell rang -- but in Travis' case the response is triggered by ... the blender! If he hears that blender whirring, he comes running!
His head looks thin and oddly shaped because his jaw muscle disease -- masticatory myositis -- also affects the muscles that run from the jaw up to the top of the skull. These muscles atrophied, leaving his head looking a bit, well, pointy.
Pointy headed or not, this boy's a satisfied diner.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Steve, another great photo! Travis, you are adorable! I applaud your independence!!!!
Posted by: Nina | March 30, 2006 at 08:06 PM
I love this photo ! Travis is the best.
Posted by: Leigh | March 29, 2006 at 04:41 PM
You just have to smile when you see Travis...it says it all. What a guy! Steve, you certainly have a knack for making us all smile and laugh each day.
Posted by: Cathy | March 29, 2006 at 01:38 PM
I absolutely love this post. Travis is such a wonderful dog. I'm so glad you found each other.
Posted by: Mandy, Laramie, WY | March 29, 2006 at 08:41 AM
Travis is a beautiful boy and I'm so glad he gets to eat orally. xxoo
Posted by: Roz | March 29, 2006 at 07:06 AM
What a cute photo of Travis! It looks like he's been in the cake batter. The things a guy has to go through to satisfy the crazy people out here ...keeping him from his slurping frenzy. You're a brave soul, Steve, coming between a dog & his much loved food!
Birthday hugs to all!
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | March 29, 2006 at 05:53 AM
That is so cute. There is nothing more important and basic to life's happiness than good food routinely served each day to make dogs (or any creature, including us, happy). Take note, this is a simple pleasure that we can learn and enjoy!
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | March 28, 2006 at 09:19 PM