Hello...Is This Gordon Shumway? - Dec. 20, 2011

 Crosby. Savard. Skinner. Pronger.

 Calvin?

 Well, you probably recognize the first four names at the head of the list. They are all NHL stars who are part of several on the sidelines dealing with concussions. Not concussion-like symptons. Concussions.

 Head injuries.

 Well, we're not sure if it's close to home or not, but we're watching.

 We do know we don't have millions tied up in injured players.

 But emotion tied up with a family pet.

 Calvin is one half of our Lhasa apso brother-sister tandem at home. He's the brother portion of the equation.

 Ideally, we'd love to have our dogs at Animal Essentials on a regular basis, but neither of them can handle it.

 Gizmo, the sister portion, would simply spend her time in front of the hamster and bird cages, proving once again she's some sort of dog-car hybrid.

 Calvin is way too anxious. He actually stressed out when he's at the store.

 Probably all the different smells and features down there.

 The other night, the girls and Shelley were out on a trek and had the dogs with them. Youngest carried Gizmo, middle daughter had Calvin in her arms.

 Upon entrance to the store, Calvin panicked. And leapt from her arms, tumbling onto the floor.

 Hitting cement.

 What part actually hit the cement, we're not sure, but he immediately held up his left paw. We thought that may have been the extent.

 Now, we make a bit of fun of Calvin for his relative daffiness, but we're paying more attention these days.

 How in heck can you tell if your dog has a concussion?

 Can't use the BASE test all the pros use.

 He just doesn't seem himself even though he's walking fine and not favouring any of his paws.

 He can't communicate other than seeking affection which he always did anyway, so that's encouraging.

 Guess we just continue to monitor his moods and see if he wrestles with his sister like he usually does.