Most Expensive "Free Dog" ever :)

I have three dogs - Max, Harley and Brewsky. For my post labels, I only have one named for Harley and I realize that's because he's a bit "special" (bless his heart).

For those that don't know, Harley showed up in my house one day after work (the benefits of a doggy door). I tried to find his owner and discovered that he was a bit of a gypsy dog and decided to give this gypsy a real home.

I love this dog dearly but he is a bit "unique". For one thing, he sees the vet more than any other dog I've ever had. We go every 4 - 6 weeks for allergy shots. Before we realized he had allergies, the poor dog was being treated for mange, getting a shot every two weeks, followed by taking an oral medication that he hated. He limps a lot so he has to take a pill for his muscles/bones (it smells like skunk and I have to force it down his throat...meanwhile, Brewsky will gobble them up if given a chance). Things like that.

Anyway, about a month ago, I took him (when I took Brewsky to get his annual shots) to get his allergy shot and noticed he had a bald spot on his back, about the size of a nickel. I asked the vet about it and he said he didn't think it was anything to worry about but to keep an eye on it - his hair should grow back. Well, not only did his hair NOT grow back, the spot grew to the size of a quarter and the skin turned black. Then, a couple of weeks ago, he got a second bald spot on his tummy. They didn't seem to really bother him so I wasn't overly concerned but I was going to take him to the vet on Saturday with Max because Max's shots were due so I was going to make one trip (my vet is 25+ miles away - one way) and kill two birds, so to speak.

Well, Wednesday night I came home and there was a place on Harley's back that the hair was laying funny so I decided to investigate. I was running my fingers over his back to try to see if there was some sort of injury on his back and as I pulled the hair back, a big clump of hair came off in my hand! I kind of freaked. Fortunately the vet's office hadn't closed yet (I wasn't going to be able to get him in that night but I would be able to talk to the vet) so I called them.

They said they didn't think it was an emergency but didn't think I should wait until Saturday. So, I took him (and Max) to the vet yesterday morning. Apparently it's some sort of skin infection. So I got MORE pills that I have to force feed him and an expensive medicated bath soap.

I do love him but he is pretty expensive...for a free dog. :)

On the bright side, I can sleep in Saturday now, since I don't have to get up to take the dogs to the vet.

What weekend plans do y'all have?