Heart Like a Dog

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

Follow-Up Friday, July 4, 2014

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Happy 4th of July all my stateside peeps!!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I answer questions, highlight reader’s comments and wrap up my week!

You Make Me Laugh – June 29, 2014

Ah Sampson, you crack me up.

Ah Sampson, you crack me up.

Hailey and Zaphod said, “Someone seems excited to be leaving! I love the hitch area, I wish our clinic had that!”

Jan K said, “I like that hitch, I wish our vet’s office had one. Trying to juggle a dog while paying is such a pain!”

Honestly it is so amazing.  I have actually thought of trying to find one and attach it to my house.  I can’t tell you how many times I start out the door for a walk and realize I’ve forgotten something.  Sampson is super good and will wait if I tell him, but not Delilah!

Lauranne said, “I just tried to put just ‘bless him’ as my comment and your blog just told me off saying it wasn’t long enough and I had to try again! I feel judged.”

I’m super sorry!!  I have no idea why it did that.

Western Medicine vs Eastern Medicine for Dogs

I won't lie, it broke my heart to see his little tail tucked between his legs. That has never happened before.

I won’t lie, it broke my heart to see his little tail tucked between his legs. That has never happened before.

I agree with all of you.  There is definitely more acupuncture treatments in Sampson’s future.  Unfortunately the vet at our practice who does this is away for two weeks, so it will have to wait, but I’m hoping it will help him.

Emma said, “If only us dogs could talk for a second and let you know what is going on.”

There are many times I wish that too Emma. 

Two French Bulldogs said, “We are really interested in that Eastern medics stuff for my legs and back.”

Have you tried it at all?  Have you looked into it? I’m sure out your way there has to be somebody who practices on pups.

Lexy said, “Poor guy – and it’s just heartbreaking to not be able to explain what’s going on to them.”

I agree, there are  times when I wish he could understand me when I say, your muscle will feel better if you plant your foot a certain way.  Sadly, I am not Dr. Doolittle.

Treats I Can Trust

Just a reminder, your comment should tell me WHAT treat you want for your pet.  Some of you commented but didn’t say.

Emma said, “Mom has our box on top of the refrigerator so we can’t get it and the cat can’t get up there either.”

And considering the mischief at your house over the sneaker box Emma, I don’t blame her a bit.

Bernie said, “I nominated you for the Shine On Award on my blog today!”

Thank you so much!!  That was very sweet of you.

Oz the Terrier said, “OMD…I LOVE your ditty. I even sang it to myself with a ‘twang’ in my voice! ”

LOL I love that Oz!!

Jan said, “I’m sure my dogs would love eating lungs and tracheas and ligaments and scrotums and…”

Good thing I didn’t have anything in my mouth when I read this Jan.  If they really want some scrotums, check out the Bully sticks.

Houndstooth asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to start a career as a songwriter? ”

Are you kidding?  I struggle writing this blog. LOL

Where We’re At

I'm like a fine wine Mama, it takes time.

I’m like a fine wine Mama, it takes time.

Lauranne said, ” it sounds like the people who are helping you through this (doctor, surgeons etc) are all brilliant and together you will all get there. In the meantime can I suggest a good merlot?”

Yes.  Yes you can.  I’m heading to the winery tomorrow. 😉

2 Brown Dawgs said, ” I would imagine not overexercising that muscle would be important to allow it to heal.”

See that’s exactly what I thought!  But they all say I should still be walking him, just keeping it very slow.  I think like you, let’s keep him off it as much as we can and see if that muscle eases up.

Beth said, “Even though it’s hard (especially when you’ve got the short end of the stick and have the atypical recovery), I think it’s really important to remember that our pets are individuals; they’re different from every other dog/cat/bird/guinea pig, which is exactly why we love them but it also makes it hard when their recovery times don’t measure up to everyone else’s.”

I agree with you 100%!  I kept telling the therapist this, you can’t fit everyone into the same cookie cutter!  But it still makes me sad that he has had the complications. 🙁

Two French Bulldogs said, “We got your back Sampson.”

God how I wish there was a like button for this comment!!

That’s it for me, have a safe and wonderful 4th from all of us at Heart Like a Dog!

Follow-Up Friday – June 27, 2014

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Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight reader’s comments, answer questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – June 22, 2014

Golden-Labrador

Cupcake said, “Mug for the camera!!? Cupcake believes the camera was invented for her!”

LOL Cupcake! While Delilah will rarely (if ever) pose for the camera, when I try to take Sampson’s picture she has no problem photo-bombing it!

Emma asked, “Did he get a bath? ”

Actually this picture was taken after a walk in the rain, but he did in fact get a bath on Sunday.

Elevated Liver Levels in Dogs

Emma said, “You should also make sure she isn’t secretly drinking along side you…I know you like to imbibe with the stress of Sampson, perhaps she has secretly been doing the same.”

I have to watch her around my coffee because if I set it down and walk away, she will drink it.  

Jenna, Mark “Husky-Crazed” Drady said, “Good ol doctor google!  He has made me think myself, my kids, and my pets are all dying, more times then once!”

OMG I am always diagnosing myself! LOL And sometimes I’m right!!

Donna said, “So I’m not going to say “Don’t worry” cause I’m sure you will. But I will say, how often HAVE you worried, and it turned out to be nothing serious at all? ”

All the time Donna, that’s my strategy.  😉

Blueberry’s Human said, “My burning question about Delilah is – how did she get the (possible) liver infection? I’d want to know what causes that – is it random? something in her diet? a medication she’s on? did another dog have it in its poo and she sniffed it and that’s how it happened? I have a sickness – it’s called “needtoknowwhyitis”

I think we are soul mates.  I am usually the exact same way I just dropped the ball this time. 🙁

Jan said, “Someone should probably sue Dr. Google for malpractice.”

Yes.  Yes they should.  I imagine it will be a class action lawsuit. 

Pamela asked, “Are you beginning to wonder if the dogs are just trying to worry you to death so they can inherit your fortune?”

I would suspect that, IF there were a fortune, but sadly there is none.

My Gated Community

Carol Bondy asked, “Hahaha…my house looks the same way…gates all over…is sampson ok???”

Ok is a relative word.  Sampson is not doing as well as he could be and I have a post planned for Monday to fill you all in on where we’re at and what we’re doing to help him get what he needs.

Dining room chairs block the front window.

Dining room chairs block the front window.

Jenna, Mark “Husky-Crazed” Drady asked, “Question though, I understand the stairs to the couch etc….but how come the window and those things are all gated? Just to keep Sampson more contained until he is healed?”

That’s a great question.  Sampson loves to run to that window and stand on his back paws and place his front paws on the sill.  Since he shouldn’t be standing on those back legs just yet, I’ve blocked off that window.

Blueberry’s Human said, “A little side note – maybe he doesn’t like using the stairs because they are a bit narrow.”

God I love you!!  So many people have said something similar but in a different way.  I kept thinking they were suggesting the stairs were not deep enough, but you, YOU were very clear and now I totally get it!!  We will be looking into getting a wider set of stairs!

The Neighborhood Poop Patrol

I thank all of you who commented about when you post as well as those who commented on the article I shared.  BTW that article was shared to me by Maggie from Oh My Dog.  

Emma said, “The article on paid media is interesting. We have started changing what we do and what we expect in return. We have raised the bar in most cases. Sometimes we do reviews because it is a fun company and we just enjoy it, but these days, if it is not a paid review, the product has to be worth it to us in most cases.”

I agree, there are some products I would review because I love them or they are fun, but when I do a review I spend a lot of time writing the post, taking photos, etc. and personally I feel my time and opinion have value.

For more on this subject, join me on our Facebook page for further discussion.

2 Brown Dawgs said, “You schedule posts?”

Yes I do.  If I don’t I will never get a post up. 🙂

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s Mom said, “I would have loved to hear your explanation of ACL surgery!”

First I said he had surgery on his leg and then when they pressed for more details I kind of said he hurt his knee like a football player does. LOL  It was not my best performance. 🙂

Well that’s it for me, thanks for tuning in and have a great weekend!!

Follow-Up Friday – June 20, 2014

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Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight reader’s comments, answer questions and generally just wrap up my week.

This comment goes way back, but I felt it needed answering.

Protecting Your Dog From Fleas and Ticks

Retro Rover asked, “I have been looking for a natural flea and tick spray an you give me some advice about how often to apply it?”

I apply it once a day, typically for our evening walk because we are usually not so rushed.  BUT if we for some reason were going out early say into the woods, I would probably apply again, for added protection.

Donna asked, “Does it work on deer and dog ticks?”

I don’t find the little deer ticks on my dogs. I’ve found them on me, but not them, so I’m sorry I do not have an answer to that.

You Make Me Smile – June 15, 2014

Look mom, I can balance on three legs!

Look mom, I can balance on three legs!

Frankie and Ernie said, “The hair is growing back from the Bottom to the Top????”

It is!  It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.

Jackie Bouchard said, “I love that he’s also peeing in the vicinity of the fire hydrant.”

Some days he gets closer than others.  There are days where he actually pees ON IT!  Those are days for celebrations.

I’m Biased Towards Certain People

Some dogs aren't treated as well as I am.

Some dogs aren’t treated as well as I am.

Sophie said, “I am the same way. Except, I worry when I am out and see other dogs, that they are not treated as well as I would treat them.”

Oh man, I do too.  Especially when I see someone yanking on their dog. 🙁

Frankie and Ernie said, ““those folks must have had a MISERABLE childhood/life”. Otherwise they would not be so UNLOVING towards another living being.”

That is a very kind and generous way to look at it.

Jan K said, ” Since Luke came up from the south where there are way too many puppies, I tend to think the same way you do. ”

Delilah did as well.  There are so many that come up heart worm positive it’s hard not to judge people.

2 Brown Dawgs said, “Maybe the woman with the puppy pit was waiting until he was older to neuter him for health reasons and wished he was at that point now?”

It’s possible I suppose…..I just got a different impression.

Pamela said, “We all have our prejudices. And media will reinforce them because it makes us feel good to get outraged about all the other jerks out there.”

Don’t get me started on the media in this country.  In my mind they are pot stirrers.  They find a touchy subject and just keep adding fuel to the fire.

Mary said, “One day I overheard someone say they had got a small puppy so their kids would have something to do. Yep, hackles raised on that one!”.

You know they can’t sew that back on. 😉  Sometimes I just can’t keep my mouth shut.  Remind me to tell you about the child in the pool at the same party.

Mariodacat said, ” I guess those of us who have been part of the Twitter and Blogging Community – Anipal area have seen and heard it all.”

You got that right!  We are exposed to it on a different level than most people.

Carol Bondy asked, “did you take your dogs…and if not where did you leave them?”

I did not take Sampson and Delilah, I left them home with Hubby.  It was a short Weds/Sun trip and I flew and I won’t take my dogs on a plane.

Doggie Doo

Ann Cluck said, “This is disgusting. The pop the pig is cruel. No wonder we have kids killing pets!”

I agree with you 110%!

Cupcake asked, “What ever happened to Chutes and Ladders and CandyLand?”

It’s still there, (we were told our niece cheats at Candy Land…come to find out she cheats at Hungry, Hungry Hippos too.)

2 Brown Dawgs said, “As I understand it, the object of the game is to first stuff the dog with pretend food and then magically it will take a crap and you win! I am not sure teaching kids that stuffing a dog with food is a good thing. The pig game is really bad.”

Now see, there you go proving me wrong.  I put that little disclaimer, “I know they’re teaching responsible dog ownership” in there for you, because I thought you would see it differently than me. 🙂

Mary asked, “Do parents really buy this shit?”

I think someone must, or why else would they stock it?

Pamela said, “This reminds me of some candy dispensing toys that were popular in my office for a while. Little plastic cows would “poop” out jelly beans. Who finds that appetizing?”

I admit to laughing at the jelly bean pooping cow.  I never ate the beans, but I laughed.  But I had a different mindset then.  Do you see what you guys have done to me? 🙂

Jackie Bouchard said, “Yeah – I’m with Pamela – I didn’t watch the video either…. WTF are people thinking??”

There was actually a longer video, one from the company explaining the game, but I went for the quick 15 second one.  I couldn’t stomach more than that.

When My Fellow Ain’t So Mellow

I like that Peaceful Easy feeling.

I like that Peaceful Easy feeling.

Emma said, “Mom, being a realtor, has been in many foreclosed homes with the beeping smoke detectors. She feels for Sampson as it is like a Chinese Water Torture, it makes humans nuts and you know what it it.”

Exactly Emma, all he knows is a terribly loud noise has invaded his home.  My poor punkin.

Pamela said, “Your post and all the comments make me think there might be a market for pet-friendly smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. What pitch serves the purpose of waking humans without freaking out dogs? Or could the detectors add a chip that makes a less invasive sound when they’re reminding you to change the batteries instead of warning you to get out of the house before you die?”

That’s a very good idea Pamela.  It was weird because it was NOT the 30 second chirp which typically indicates low battery.  I read the back of the alarm and it said that sometimes dust particles could get on the sensor and set it off.  I was running the house fan that day and I’m thinking perhaps it disturbed something.  I cleaned it off/out with canned air and replaced the batteries for good measure.  I think he would have been alright had I been home to take care of it immediately (I mean I have burned dinner and set the smoke alarm off before) but since Mom was out, we really have no way of knowing just how long it was going off.

The good news is, he doesn’t seem to be afraid of staying home alone, mom’s cuts are healing and her foot is NOT broken!

That’s it for me, have a great weekend!

 

 

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