Gator update - still coughing when the cough meds wear off every 4 hours or so, but it doesn't sound as harsh, which I hope is progress.  Lost interest in the honey once the novelty wore off.   Very cuddly, but seems more comfortable sleeping on the floor than in my bed.  On a positive note, his ears look great, and he is sitting nicely to let me clean them without having to chase him, hold his collar, etc.  Amazing how easily this was transmitted - a dog is contagious before they show any symptoms.  The day care has no idea who he got it from (which obviously suggests that someone did not have the courtesy to give the day care a heads up after their dog started coughing).   Maybe something for those going through oncology to think about.

It's 2:30 am, and we are all awake for no reason at all.  It has been 7 hours since Gator's last cough med, and what do I hear?  Absolutely nothing.  No coughing at all, even when we got up and went downstairs.  Hooray!

Otis and Tess went to daycare and the dog park for years without ever having a single issue.  It is a great way for dogs who enjoy that type of social play to burn off energy.  Also essential if you have to board.  But you are right, not every pup enjoys or is comfortable in a group play setting.   I think Clare is right, and poor Gator has just been through so much that his immune system is not at 100%.