Dupree has been with our family since the fall of 2013. Initially, he was our foster for NLBR and then about a year later, we officially adopted him. It's like he's always been here as he is an absolute joy to have. Dupree's days are pretty predictable. He is our lounge dog- loves his naps and is typically curled up on one of our couches. He sleeps in our teenager's bed every night without fail. He loves his biscuits too and will let you know when he thinks he should have one. He is all business when it's time to go outside and is often the first one to be back at the door. On warm days he enjoys hanging out in the yard or sniffing around the property. He loves his toys and often will bring you a tug tope when he's in the mood. We recently found that he loves to play fetch and is the only Boxer I have ever known who actually returns the ball to you! Dupree gets along great with my other two Boxers and we have never had so much as a spat among them. Dupree loves to eat and will definitely let you know as dinner time approaches. He usually starts about a half hour prior to feeding time with some nudging, howling and dancing around. He's a funny dog and so predictable! He eats twice daily and his diet consists of a high quality dry kibble that is salmon based. We use a spoonful of canned food each time he receives his medication which is twice a day.
Dupree's overall health is good. We had him to our vet clinic, Brush Run, in October where he had a full checkup and his vaccinations. This poor boy had suffered terribly from allergies for the two years or so that he lived with us and nothing we did seemed to help. After trying nearly everything under the sun to help him get some relief (including periodic rounds of steroids) we finally found the cure. Dr. Volz suggested that we give Apoquel a chance and gave us a month's supply. Within days, all of his allergy symptoms were gone. Completely gone. No more chewing his feet, no scratching or digging and no more irritated skin or redness. Before the Apoquel we could not give him belly rubs and were limited as to where we could pet him. Because his skin was so irritated, he found the petting to be intolerable. Now, we can pet him all over and rub his belly without him scratching in frustration. He can sleep peacefully (and snore!) without the constant interruptions from scratching. Overall, he seems like a much happier guy.
This past December I noticed Dupree's eye was developing some minor cloudiness so we went back to see Dr. Keller at PVSEC where he had his original eye surgery procedure in December of 2013. The staff there is wonderful and they always remember Dupree. Dr. Keller noted that the eye pressure in the remaining right eye was higher than it should be and prescribed a blood pressure medication as well as two eye drop medications for the glaucoma - Cosopt and Latanoprost. After a month passed, we went back for our follow- up and Dr. Keller said that Dupree's eye pressure was back to an acceptable level. Such a relief. He continues to take the oral medication daily along with the two eye drops twice a day. What's funny is that no matter what, when he sees me bringing the small eye drop bottle toward him he wags his little nub. It's like he knows how beneficial they are and is a perfect gentlemen when the drops are given. We will continue to do everything we can do to preserve his eyesight. We are so grateful that Dupree is a member of our family - can't imagine life without our white Boxer boy.