Sparky has been in a mood since we returned from the vet.  A malaise or lack of his characteristic joie de vivre.  Look at that limp tail.  His head should be held up to survey his domain or down in the grass snuffling for grubs or rabbit tracks.

The vet is concerned about his belly patch and noted that Sparky has mild arthritis in his back legs.  I know it’s stupid, but it’s as if the vet conjured these maladies by mentioning them. 

When invited, Sparky likes to jump up on the couch so we can talk or watch TV.  He uses the footstool to get up, so it isn’t strenuous.  When I’m sitting in a chair, he puts his front paws up on the chair.  Neither of us think he can get his fat ass into my ample lap, without assistance.  He’s been reluctant to do both of those things.

Have you ever been at a swimming pool when the bigger kids are splashing around in the deep end?  Sparky looks like the little kid who wants to jump in and join the fun, but knows he won’t be able to touch bottom and isn’t sure that he can swim.

Sparky is stoic and would never complain.  Sparky and I were on a walk once, when he got a thorn in his front paw.  He lifted up that paw and wouldn’t walk with it, but wanted to keep going.  Sparky told me that he hardly needed four legs, and it would only be a problem if he had to chase a rabbit or play with a coyote.

I don’t know what to make of it.  Sparky is eating fine, and digestively consistent.  He can walk, run and scramble around with no difficulty.  It doesn’t seem like a physical issue, but more like a lack of confidence.   When something is bothering Sparky, he usually shakes it in a day.  He seems to be over the unpleasantness with the chipmunk.

We went to the vet a couple of days after the slumber party, so maybe it’s that.  Sparky may be worried about what became of Chumley and Snowflake.

Whatever it is, a car ride isn’t going to do the trick this time.  Sparky goes back to the vet in two weeks, so we just wait to see how he comes out of that.