Sunday, June 19, 2011

ACL issues

Poor Chauncy, my Vet is pretty sure he ruptured his ACL, he has the classic drawer sign. It is a little more than a week and he is still not weight bearing on it. He is using his toes to balance with it a bit though. We have an appointment with the surgeon on Monday to see what he thinks and see how soon we can get it fixed it that is indeed what he thinks is needed.
We had to stop the NSAIDS as he had a nasty side effect, diarrhea and then vomiting from the metacam and also from anafen. Paula put him on tramadol and he seems ok with that. You can tell so easily when he needs it, he licks and then will chew at his knee.. So I am trying to prevent that by giving it morning and evening. He is spending his days in the crate and he is doing so well with that.

Bill hurt his leg yesterday and spent hrs in the ER, so is on crutches doubt the crutches will last long, he hates them.. We were supposed to build a better ramp today since it looks like we will need it long term. So with Bill's directions I am using the chop saw and it is looking pretty good! Just waiting for the drill to charge up so I can finish putting it together.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Chauncy injured his leg..


Hard to get a picture of him but you can see he is holding it up. He is totally non weight bearing. I am worried he blew his ACL out. 
I took the dogs all for a swim like I have done several thousands times and they all ran ahead and by the time I caught up a the wharf he was already limping.. 30 seconds out of my sight, and of course it was Sat. afternoon. So crate rest, pain meds and icing. I got a Web Master Harness or rather my husband drove to Enfield for it. It was either that or wait 3 weeks for one to come from the US. It is a very good harness and will allow me to get him in and out of the car easier and support his leg. I have a Vet appointment tomorrow with Paula so we will see. I am really hoping for a soft tissue injury!!!
He is being such a good boy and is doing fine in the crate even though we have not used one for years..

Monday, May 23, 2011

Dog Philosophy

If you live by these dog rules, you will be a happier person!
There's a lot we humans can learn from dogs. If you live your life by the same philosophy that dogs do, you will be much better off in life. In the wild, animals fight only for two things, not a fancy car, not clothes or jewelry, they just fight for food or a mate, everything else they get after that is just pure happiness.

 
1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6.Take naps and always stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you're not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Look what a Dog with Addison's Disease can do!

Didn't I tell you that a dog with Canine Addison's Disease can do Anything!!

Aidan the dog with Canine Addison's disease competes in the AKC National Agility Championship in Lexington Virgina.

I am including some notes that Karen wrote on her Facebook page about Aidan's run at the Nationals.
Karen & Aidan

"Aidan walked in like he owned the place, and paid heed to nothing but his tug, his mom, and the rabbit meat in my pocket.  Same ol' Aidan, no matter what.  A dog of his caliber is rare, priceless."

We stepped to the start line, and Aidan waited for the signal, and handled as well, or better, than ever before.  Too bad I didn't!
 I pushed him past jump 3, and after checking in with me, he proceeded to the tunnel.
We regrouped and finished what I felt was one of the best runs ever.  I was proud to be show casing my little whippet.
No problem with the weave pole entrance, running A frame was perfect. 
Every turn was graceful and efficient.  I couldn't have asked for better. 
I felt like we were dancing, our bodies practically singing with motion inspired harmony.  Our time was respectable, considering the error, and I was left thinking of what could of been, but happy as well with what was.

Aidan was diagnosed with Canine Addison's disease just over a year ago. His Mom Karen is incredibly devoted to her furkids and was devastated when she diagnosed Aidan with Primary Typical Addison's disease ( yes Karen is a Vet ). She figured his agility career was over and she knew how much he loved it. Karen sought out the Canine Addison's Support Group on Yahoo and we quickly changed her mind about what Aidan could do.. She switched Aidan from Florinef to percorten and has never looked back. 

When I asked Karen if I could post Aidan's pictures on my blog, her reply was, "Absolutely, I want all to know that these are awesome dogs that just happen to have Addison's."

Karen also has some video of Aidan run at the Nationals that I will put up as soon as I have it.

ADogs ROCK!!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

I rescued a Human Today...



Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. Yes, I could save one.

I rescued a human today.