Heart Like a Dog

The Good, the Bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs!

From The Dr.'s Mouth…Day Three Hundred, Thirty Three

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Last night was Sampson’s yearly vet check-up and I promised I would get back to you about vaccinations.

But before we get to that I want to let you know that Sampson weighed in at 86.5 pounds!  He is down just about 20 pounds from his last annual appointment.  Our vet is super excited about his weight and though she would like him to lose a few more pounds, she says “I can live with this.”

We discussed vaccines. In CT they must have Rabies every three years and Sampson was due for it.  Leptospirosis is on the rise and we have a lot of “wild” life in the area so Leptos was really a no-brainer.

I then asked about Distemper and this is the answer I got.

When a puppy has had the Distemper series and had the booster at one year, my vet is very comfortable doing a booster every three years.  Research shows that MOST dogs that have had the puppy series and the first year booster are safe from Distemper.

BUT roughly four percent of dogs that have had that protocol, can contract Distemper.  Because there is no way of predicting WHICH four percent are susceptible they go with the three year booster, until the dog’s age hits the double digits.

FROM HER MOUTH

She went on to add, by following the three-year booster series they have seen very little vaccine related cancers.  Dogs are still getting cancer, but it is not the kind that comes from OVER VACCINATING.

Sampson got the Distemper booster because it has been four years since his last booster.  As he has just turned seven, it is more than likely his last Distemper shot.

Last night he had three shots, one in his upper back and one right around each hip area.  The vet said he may be drowsy and have a little discomfort.

After dinner I let him out while I did dishes.  After about 10 minutes I realized he was still outside and I grew a bit concerned since we had a bit of snow Thursday night and the temperatures have really dropped.  I went outside and called and called, but I couldn’t hear him and it was dark so I couldn’t see him.  I decided to go in and get a jacket and flashlight.

That’s when I saw him……

Hubby let him in. 🙂

This is the Saturday Morning Blog Hop hosted by Two Little Cavaliers and Life With Dogs….you can get your code here.……well don’t just sit there.  HOP.

 

Follow-up Friday…Day Three Hundred, Thirty Two

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For those new to the blog, my follow-up Friday provides me with an opportunity to update or revise a post from the previous week.

Fun, Fun, Fun – Update

Sara has decided our Thursday night classes are going to have themes.  One night it might be agility, one night it might be rally, one night it might just be recalls.  I think this is a great idea and will be really fun for everyone!

Safety First – Author’s Note

Some of you wrote in to say I should be wearing something reflective as well on our walks.  I think it’s a good idea too and will be looking for some reflective wear.

Therapy Dogs – Author’s Note

Some of you suggested Sampson and Delilah actually become therapy dogs.  I have really given it a lot of thought and have hesitated for two reasons.  One Sampson has a habit of putting his paw on a person trying to get more rubbies.  While that may work at home, he has in fact bruised or scratched my mom, which would never do in a nursing home.

Delilah is so obsessed with food, I’m afraid she would run right into someone’s room and woof down their jello. 🙁

I’m Not Coordinated – Author’s Note

I definitely believe dogs understand intent; and I’m sure Delilah knew I was trying to kick her.  I still felt bad but gave her lots of love to make up for it.

Why We Blog – Author’s Note

For those of you who responded to my question, I thank you.  I loved reading about why you all blog.  Some of you blog for fun, some to educate, some to document your dog’s growth; whatever the reason I’m so glad you blog because I love reading everything you write!

I also want to note, that once my 365 day challenge is up, I do intend on continuing blogging, I’m just not sure I will be committed to every single day.  I will also lose the Day…..after my title.

Unless my next challenge is also for a year!

Dun dun dun dun…..I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

 

Why We Blog…Day Three Hundred, Thirty One

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My day started badly.  I had an early appointment with a new Dr.  I left in plenty of time but due to some weather and accidents related to weather, I was running late.  Not the way I want to start my day or my relationship with a new Dr.

I called the office from the car and left a message on their answering service, explaining that I was running late and that my GPS was telling me I was going to be five minutes late.

My phone rang a couple of minutes later and it was the Dr.’s office telling me to “Breathe.” “It’s okay.” “Take your time; we’re here.”

I was greeted upon arrival by the receptionist with a big smile, a firm handshake and the offer of coffee or tea.  The Dr came out, introduced herself and took me back to the examine room. Where I relaxed.  At a Dr.’s office.  I immediately felt so comfortable  and I left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated; almost like I’d had a cleansing chat with one of my girlfriends.

Then I got settled down and started catching up on my blog related stuff and I have to tell you; I read a really great post, that lead me to another really great post.

The first post was by Yvonne DiVita over at Blog Paws and Yvonne’s post led me to Tommy Walker’s guest post on Chris Brogan’s blog.  This awesome post “106 Excuses That Prevent You From Ever Being Great”  is amazing!  I’m not going to lie to you; this post is looooooooooong, but if you space it out, read a little; play a game of free cell, read a little more, it is so worth it.

I think this post may just be the kick in the ass I’ve been needing.

Let’s face it; we all blog for our own reasons and depending upon what those reasons are; will be the key to what you want your blog to achieve.  Personally, I want to write for a living;  my blog is my way of putting myself, my stories and my philosophies out to the world in order to determine if the world is indeed, ready for me and what I have to offer.

But I hide behind excuses as to why I can’t do something.  There I said it.  Now you know.

Honestly I didn’t even realize I was doing that; but after reading Tommy’s post I can see how I’ve been making excuses for myself and It. Has. To. Stop.

Last year I started this blog to challenge myself to write every single day; and I’ve done a pretty good job of it.  I have thirty-four more days until that challenge is completed and once it is; I am giving myself a new challenge.

I’m not really sure what it will be yet, I want to really think about it and make sure it is well thought out, but you can bet that once I have a new goal in mind I intend on sharing it with you; because you will keep me on task and honest.

In the meantime tell me, why do you blog?  What are your goals for your blog?  And how can I help you?

 

 

 

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