Here's Travis, who came back from the vet hospital last week after pulling out his stomach tube. Our vets had decided the best course was to leave the tube out and let the hole in his side seal up. He loves not having that hardware in, and we can just tell he feels less constrained. (I reckon I would, too.) I got these photos of Travis this weekend, when he was back to his zippy self. Now, in many of his photos he appears like he does here, as if he has no ears. He adopts this pinched look whenever I say, "Traaaavissss, sit and ... stay!" That's about the only time I can get his photo, because otherwise he's in constant motion. But something about being told to sit and stay makes him give me this disappearing-ear look, as if to say, "Okay, I'll do it, but I'm not happy about it."
Then there's his leering look, which I captured a few seconds after the shot above. I think Travis thought he was about to be released from his sit-and-stay, but why that would translate into a leer is something known only to him. Or maybe the leering is inadvertent, caused by the fused jaw and the pointy head. Who knows? But at least you can see he really does have a set of ears, even if they don't look like they're attached normally. Notice he's managing to point them backwards ... how does he do that?
(Click on photos for larger image.)
Travis is one of the Dog Angels of the world. And a little dickens too. What a Wonderful mix of spirit and beauty. I've loved this great dog for so long. I am SO happy for him that the "port" is closed. You heal fast and prosper, Travis-man! And try not to keep giving Steve such a hard time, taking off for your "walkabouts"! Be a good boy! You are loved.
Posted by: Barbara Arenal | May 17, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Naw! That's not a leer. That's an "I'm so glad to be rid of that thing in my side and back in the grass" smile!!! Oh, happy day!
Posted by: Susie from LA | May 15, 2007 at 06:24 PM
What a handsome boy with cute expressions!!! Loved those photos!
Posted by: Nina | May 15, 2007 at 01:48 PM
I have been reading the blog for about two months now but have not posted anything until now. I think I was too much in awe but looking at the pics of Travis made me want to say thanks for everything you do for all the animals at RDR. It takes extreme dedication to do what you guys do. I wish there was a facility like yours here in my area where I could volunteer. It is obvious that Travis is a success story. What gorgeous blue eyes! You guys rock!
Posted by: KC | May 15, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Hey guys...loved the shot of Travis so much I made it my screen saver and now I have 36 little Travis's looking right at me...pretty funny and cool...
Michele
Posted by: Michele Troxel | May 15, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Travis always makes me smile. Gorgeous blue eyes! Glad to hear he's back to his true rascally self!
Posted by: Margaret | May 15, 2007 at 10:27 AM
I adore Travis! It must be his alluring blue eyes that make me turn into a puddle. He looks like a fun companion too. I'm glad his hole healed nicely and that he enjoys life without a tube.
Posted by: Boundforglory | May 15, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Whatever he's thinking, he always looks like he has a great big grin on his face! What a great goofy boy!
Posted by: Katy | May 15, 2007 at 09:21 AM
I love Travis's HUGE grin! It made me laugh out loud. I'm not sure if it's due to his fused jaw, but he looks like a beautiful goof-ball who would love nothing more than to play good-natured tricks on people and play all day.
Posted by: Michelle Stacer | May 15, 2007 at 08:36 AM
He is the most beautiful dog I have ever seen! Glad he's home and doing well.
Posted by: shelby | May 15, 2007 at 08:17 AM