Spring has Sprung in Rusty & Skally!

Lately, I believe I've been a somewhat good dad.

We brushed Teeth.

I furminated the dogs at the park.

They've been exercised well. With Skally, excercise really came into play when trying to catch her to brush teeth and to brush. She hates all grooming!

Rusty loves to be groomed.

Samson loves to be groomed.

Simon likes it, but would rather be chasing the ball.

Activity levels have risen dramatically.

Getting into the car has become a challenge. Since I have furniture and boxes in the garage that need to be donated, or sorted, I cannot park in there. So, we go outside, and typically, the pups are really good about nosing around the garden, and then hopping in (Rusty still needs a boost to get in, but he really tries to help!).

Skally, though, has decided that she would rather run from me, and have me chase her around the car, around the house next door, around the front yard, and then back to the car to run circles around it until she finally decides to jump in. Simon, though, has decided that if he gets into the backseat, and watches, something exciting will happen. And it will! I'll have a heart attack, one of these days, because he's now blocking her access into the car, which, in turn, means she's going to keep running about. Whew!

To top it off, the water district has begun working on the sewer lines on our little street, so we have steel plates, heavy machinery, and loud noises going on. Last night, I couldn't get into the driveway until nearly 530, and we made it to the park around 6. So, they had a good workout when we got there.

An aspirin a day for Rusty and Skally, along with the hygiene, has helped, but lately I've begun adding SPUNKY to their food. It's loaded with vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, condroitin, and omega threes. This, along with the cod liver oil, I suspect, has helped with both their arthritic joints.

They also have bright white teeth.

They smile a lot.

We're happy!

Rusty is trotting along, and even demanding I run, so he can chase me. He's such a happy lad.

Another Post, and So Much Energy!

Wow! Such a week!

WE brushed teeth. AS I stated in the earlier blog, it doesn't sound like much, but when you see the difference in the activity level of the dogs, especially a 15 year old, it helps create a mythos about it.

Today was Bark the Park at Hazeldale Park. I had a load of chips delivered from Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation, and it sat outside the large dog paddock.

We were to begin at 10 am.

The dogs were raring to go this morning at 8. They seemed to sense something was up. I was still in my jimjams, trying to figure out whether or not it was possible to bring them along, as the gates would be open the parks, and they may try to escape, if only to be with me (believe it or not, they seem to really like me, and hate being separated from me!).

Well, JoAnn T., one of the other board members, and her husband, Ray, with dog, Tanner (a beagle puppy - yes, Marion, we consort with such people!), came in their truck to help bring my wheelbarrow to the park, as it wouldn't fit in my car. They arrived a little after 10. Simon, Sammy, and Rusty all raced out to the car. Simon decided Tanner would be his pal, I guess, for the day.

Skallywag, refused to leave the house. I had to chase her around the house and then take her out. Next, the little darling (remember, she's 15) ran down the street into everyone's yard. We were able to load the wheelbarrow in to the truck, and then the 3 dogs into the car.

Next, I had to chase Skally around the hammerhead, into other peoples' yards, until I was finally able to snag her when she raced back home to the front door, which, luckily, was closed and locked. Then, I had to get her into the car!

Normally, a 15 year old dog, from my understanding, is not going to race about with seemingly unbridled energy. Hmmmmm. Maybe it's the diet? I think it has more to do with her teeth being cleaned! Her diet is good, but the plaque can really be a problem for health and heart, if left unchecked!

We arrived at the park, and I put them in the large dog paddock (don't scream at me. I know Samson doesn't belong there, but he is a bully, and does pretty well for himself- plus the others seem to protect him if they deem it necessary). WE dealt with the pile of chips, putting them into the small dog paddock, as no one was there, so it seemed easiest.

During this time, Skally ran the fence, after me, and up and down the length of the park. He didn't just trot, she bounded, she raced. Finally, after about an hour, she and the others lay down in the grass on the other side of the fence from where I was shoveling and jetting off with the loads of chips for the other paddock.

We finally decided to ask people to move to the other two sections, so we could begin to bark the large dog park. There, she and even Rusty, ran behind me, showing off their ability to keep up, and outrun me. This delights me! And they all seemed so happy! Rusty got such a good workout, he's sleeping so soundly next to me... yahoo!

Simon spent all his time tagging after Tanner, the beagle. Now, Tanner weighs, maybe, 30 pounds. Simon weighs 90. Simon tried humping Tanner. Yes. Obviously impossible, and yet he tried. Tanner wasn't thrilled, but kept Simon around him. They played so well, and even Samson got in on the action with Tanner, running about and chasing each other!

There are days such as these, where I am feeling completely blessed with their presence, especially when they are so passed out near my side as I write. I see this, usually, only when we've been to the beach all day, and they have had no time to rest...

I miss the times at the coast, staying at the cabin for 1-2 weeks, watching the activity level of the dogs wane as the days go by...then having a day of rest, and once again they're back at it! But, alas and alack, the cabin is rented, and my brother has banned all pets from the house. So, we go down for the day while the cabin is inhabited, and spend our time at Crescent Beach, and around Tolovana and Arcadia Beach. WE may run down there next week, when I am unencumbered by commitments.

Oh. Today is bright and chipper.

We've been brushing teeth, much to the chagrin of Skallywag, who hates it - but it's because of her that I'm doing it.

You see, when she refuses to chew on anything close to rawhide, that tells me her teeth have too much plaque. So, when I do brush them (and believe me, I'm no saint about doing it - I should be punished, as it's sooooo inconsistent!) I see her perk up, and she tends to really gnaw on those chews!
,
So, the other night, I grabbed the brush, and then her (she typically bolts when she sees the brush), and I brushed her teeth. It was as though I had told her some deep dark secret that would change all our lives for the worse - she refused to come near me, or have anything to do with me after that!

Then I brushed the teeth of the other 3. Sammy and Rusty were quite easy. Simon fought me off more than Skally! I finally got in there, though.

Then, I went for it the next day. Skally wasn't happy. She had been chewing on the dental chews I get them, so I knew there was nothing really wrong with her teeth - but I could feel the scraping of the plaque against the brush...ugh!

It's so odd how that simple act can affect the animal. She is much perkier, and her balance is much better! Her appetite has increased!

So note to self - brush at LEAST once a week. This week we're brushing daily, and then to 2x a week....just to be sure (I'm sure this will be done - much like my vow to vacuum daily, brush them out daily, etc. but this is only a week, and then it tapers...so I may be able to accomplish this...)

So, WHAT DID WE DO RECENTLY???? you ask....

Okay. So, you know these guys are getting along, fairly well. Samson keeps Simon in line, as does Skally (he's a pig, you know...he counter surfs, steals my lunches, steals the treats, etc). But he's a good lad. He's so cuddly. But he keeps trying to steal Skally's treats, and last night, I swear I was going to have a heart attack, I saw those pearly whites (much brighter now, thanks to the brushing) come out in attack from both dogs. Simon crawled on his belly, little by little (imagine a 92 pound dog, sliding his body forward, trying to be inconspicuous) toward Skally, as she lay there contemplating her treat...Then he growled. Skally is not into being challenged! So, she leapt up, and went for it. I don't know how Pat Sajak and Vanna White didn't recoil in terror! But then, it was over, and Skally strutted away, knowing she'd won. Simon just lay there staring at her, then me.

Well, Simon is so different from my others. He doesn't always listen, either.

The other day, at 430 am, as we strolled down the lane between houses to go into the elementary school down the street, Samson pulled on the leash, to go up the rock wall for one of the homes. I figured it was a cat, or something. But I pulled him back and her merrily trotted out in front. Now, when I get to the gate of the school, I take them off leash. Because I can, and becuase it's good for them to run about (of course I get excercise picking up after them, which I do religiously!). Well, Simon turned back and bolted to that house, jumped up the wall (more of a short wall that braces all the dirt - you know what I'm talking about...my mind is drawing a blank, and I haven't the time to figure it out...) and ran into the yard. I called him, but was afraid I would wake people...a very delicate balance.

Then came the barks, the snarls the sounds of a fracas from Hell! Then the shrieks of pain, and the angry hisses. I ran back, along with the other dogs (who had been fine in the schoolyard, until they heard there was entertainment outside), and down ran a racoon, glaring viciously at Simon. Skally saw it and went after it (she is wise enough to corner them, but not get close enough to be hurt) in another yard. Simon came down looking defeated. Poor lad. But then we resuemed our walk, after Skally realized the racoon wasn't wanting to be found and killed.

WE need to work on Simon's self-esteem, I think. He's young, 6, as of yesterday, and he's a loner - but Samson loves him. Rusty loves him. Skally thinks he's hot, but needs discipline. He's finding his way, which means the esteem will issue forth when he has learnt that which he should....

We are a happy family....

I'm so doomed!

Okay.
I have 4 dogs.
I really have 4 dogs.
I live with 4 dogs.
I feed 4 dogs.
I play with 4 dogs.
I sleep with 4 dogs.
I'm either an idiot, or a nut, or ready to move in next door to my mother in the care facility!
Egads.

The transition has been rather easy. Simon escaped a few times, which means he has pretty much destroyed the gate to the back yard. It was going, anyhow, but he ramped up the decay. Another expense I was putting off for another year.

Of course, with 4 dogs, there are expenses which affect them directly, as well....For instance, Kennel Cough. Yes. WE had an outbreak of Kennel Cough.

It began on a Monday morning, with Rusty eating one of his chicken strips, and then coughing as though something had lodged in his throat...It wasn't severe - more of an irritation. So, I treated him with Rosemary tea infusions and Dimetapp. This kind of worked, so I used raw warm honey with the Rosemary. This seemed to appease the irritating affliction.

I took the 4 to the park, and all seemed swell - No cough, just play and relaxation. After an hour or so, there was dust, and Rusty would hack a little - Vasclav (aka Viktor) commented on how dry it was, and Rusty should get some water. That was it!

Well, then I discovered that one of the smaller dogs in the adjoining little dog park had come down with Bordetella (that's Kennel Cough in Vetrinarianese). Oh dear. Jo Ann, Tanner's mum, said they were out for 2 weeks. Aie Yi Yi. I was so grateful none of my dogs had it! It was just this stupid cough that Rusty had from eating something.

One evening, in the park, Rusty began a small hack. A guy with a pitbull screamed at me and pointed (yes, sort of like they did in the original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers!") at Rusty and bleated out that Rusty had (ahem) Kennel Cough!!!!! I assured him he was mistaken, as none of the others had it, and it was a mere irritation. He accused me of infecting the dog park, and took his dogs out and beat a path for home. By now, others were staring at me, and I decided, that as the Chairman of the Dog Park Committee, it would be poor form for me to remain; I took my children and we went home (I hate to say it, but it does sound like something from a cheap novel, or Hallmark Channel movie!).

Well, the next day, the unthinkable occured...Simon began to cough. and by afternoon, Skally joined in. Sammy thought they were a bunch of old fuddy-duddies, and trotted around with me. I then phoned the vet's office. We were welcomed to go in asap!

We went, and they kept us in the waiting room for 30 minutes, then finally, they got to us, and I told them who we were...We were quickly ushered into a room, away from all other animals...they didn't like that I asked, rather loudly, "If it's such a big deal, and you saw us coming in, why didn't you quarantine us earlier? It's not our fault we have Kennel Cough! After all, how many patients do you have with Kennel Cough and 4 dogs?"

I didn't win the popularity contest that day.

But the attending vet (ours was out of town on vacation) simply weighed them, took temps, and gave me meds for all 4, even though Samson was asymptomatic. We had a week to use them up, and then should take a little time more before engaging publicly...The cost? For all 4? I asked them to keep it low cost, so they charged me for 1 dog visit, and the meds- $198. Whew!

That was not an entirely pleasant week. These dogs like to get out. I like to get out, and not feel guilty that I'm not suffering from a chest cold as were they. I even had to cancel Samson's grooming appointment for a week (but he went in and was just peachy keen!).

Other dogs began to come down with the ailment, as well, but I doubt it was mine what gave it...at least no one has accused us. Yet.

So, now the back gate is blocked,still, and Simon is resting more comfortably on the bed (it seems he believes it's his, not mine, and I get a small corner). Simon enjoys chasing and returning the ball for me. He gets quite a workout!

The others have adapted. Skally beats up on him, albeit, she's now 15, and I worry about her health - she's randy and rocking, but there's a fragility about her that concerns me, something I haven't seen in her before, or failed to recognize earlier. Her energy is becoming more positive, and we are enjoying her more and more. She's even getting back up on the bed, something she hasn't done since the arrival of Rusty, or was it Sammy...I forget, it's been quite a while!

I even get to scratch her belly! This is a treat!

I'm in love with all 4 - of course the ones I've had longer I love more, but the others have become endeared to me, as well, and soon they will have entered the deepest chasms of my soul, as have Skally and Rusty.

Samson loves beating up on Simon. Rusty and Simon lay next to each other, at times, and there was even a time when I caught Rusty lying down in the living room, his nose to Simon's tail, which lead to Simon's nose to Skally's tail, and her nose to the red puffy chair, where Samson lay looking down on the three. I tried to capture a photo of this, but Rusty is too aware for me to sneak anything past him. He rousted up the others.

Now, if I can figure out a way to embed a video, I will do this, to I can show all 4, and even Simon playing in the park...

For now,they're all abed, and I'm fading quickly. I just needed to get a blog done before I fall asleep....

Just Go Ahead and Shoot Me NOW!

News Flash!

I have 4 dogs.

This does not mean I am keeping all 4. I have a new dog, Simon - 1/2 Lab, 1/4 Husky, 1/4 German Shepard. He's a sweet dog. His entry into my home was nearly seamless - this means the others seem to enjoy his presence. Even Skally! In fact, when his Mom brought him over, Skally was going nuts - running all around, barking, smiling, joking, and showing off! Wow! And considering her birthday is in less than a month...I believe it's 2 weeks from this coming Sunday! And she'll be 15. She's begun to spike in her energy. More about that later.

Simon came to me as needing a good home, from a friend. She had been divorced for a few months, and left both Simon and his companion, Kayla, with her husband, as she had moved into an apartment, and couldn't have pets. Also, Simon and Kayla had been together for quite some time, and it seemed wrong to break them up.

Well, after a bit, the husband snagged a new honey, and began taking Kayla with him to her house for days at a time, leaving Simon to his own devices - no food, no water, no grooming, no attention. So, when Friend saw this, and noticed, too, that his nails had curled around and were beginning to dig into his paws, she'd had enough. So, she took him, covertly, into her apartment. Then she phoned me.

I was reluctant at first. a 6.5 year old, 100 pound dog? That needed medication? That's a lot, especially when I already have 3! So, we decided to give it a shot.

At first, he was upset she'd left him. He kept walking over to the chair where she'd sat, sniffing and moping about. Then it was bed time. He lay by the front door - for 2 minutes- then he came into the bed with me, and crushed me. Not much sleep that night, especially with Rusty expressing his jealousy, and Samson trying to reclaim the bed as his territory - this went on for nearly a week! but by then, Simon wasn't crushing me any more...he was beginning to realize he was in a good spot.

Day two, Simon would crawl into my lap while I was either on the phone or reading. This was not only awkward, but very uncomfortable. He ate well, and he seemed to enjoy going for the walk, and the to the park.

By Friday, (Simon came to me on Wednesday), all seemed pretty good. I did leave for a short time, and came home to find all 4 dogs happy, and healthy, but the backgate to the yard was on the ground...Hmmmmm.

Saturday, I had the Hazeldale Dog Park fundraiser event, so we were up early, walked, watered, fed, etc. Then I left. All was well. Around 10:45, I drove home to bring the dogs down for the Blessing of the Animals. I walked in, and 3 dogs greeted me, a little sheepishly....I asked where Simon was, and they just looked at each other, as though they knew something, but weren't sure if they should say...So, I looked in the backyard, and sure enough, the gate was down! Simon had gone rogue!

We drove around asking people if they'd seen him, going everywhere we could. Finally, I drove to the park, had the dogs blessed (Simon in abstentia), and returned the 3 home. I then went on a mission, the other direction, to find him. And that I did. He was lost, and had been pacing, in the heat, up and down the street, about 8 blocks down, and was lying on someone's front porch. I brought him to the car, went home, and fixed the fence, and then took him to the park for the rest of the day...just to keep a eye on him. Whew! We went to the park, after the event, and he was exhausted. Yeah!

Sunday, I needed to spend time with my mom, and I happened to see my neighbor, Chessa, and talked to her about his escaping. She said she'd keep an eye on him, and would call...(it helps if people have each other's numbers, huh!?) Later, she told me he tried to escape several times, but went back quickly when she saw him and yelled at him. Phew!

I had put a large fence panel in front of the gate, which covered most of that portion of fence. But I did it wrong, and he had knocked it over...Oh, geez!

So, I fixed the panel, and had an idea. A most wonderful idea. The 'T' had a most wonderful, genius idea!

On Monday, I pulled out of the drive, and stopped the motor. I heard him working at the fence. I went over and told him to knock it off, and to go inside. I then went back to the car, and listened. Nothing. I returned home, several hours, later, and discovered ---- nothing out of place! Imagine.

So, now, if I pull out of the drive, stop the car, and go to the gate, peer over, I can tell him to get back inside, and to stop, he will. And this is what's working - so far. I'm dreading it won't last...

Now, Sammy and Simon have paired up. Samson is a little intimidated by Simon, as he's about 75 pounds heavier, and much larger than the other two. However, they're the same age, they have the same level of spunk and vitality, but Simon is really more of a puppy! So, when we go to the park, I use the chuck-it, and this goes on until he's absolutely exhausted. It's nice. He's so much calmer.

He's losing a lot of weight from the exercise - which is one of the reasons he's on thyroid medication. He's running much better, moving much better, and becoming one of the pack.

On Sunday, my friend, Tina, and I took them to 1,000 acre park for the morning. We hiked for about 2 hours, and they just ran and ran, and then played in the water, and ran and ran. all four were dragging by the time we got back to the car. They fell asleep once we got home, but were up and wanting to get going within 2 hours! Then they dropped. Yeah!

Skally now sees Simon as her inferior. I bought a pack of large rawhide bones for him (as he seems to like to gnaw on such things), and both he and Rusty take them, as does Skally. However, as Simon is contentedly gnawing, Skally walks over, crouches her head into his face, barks, and then grabs his bone. With Rusty, she just walks over, and takes it (I'm rather shocked, as Rusty doesn't give things up that easily). This is how she dealt with Syd, when he was alive. He couldn't have any rawhide treats - she'd take them from him and stockpile them.

Her stockpile surrounds her, and if any of them gets near it (Sammy is the exception, as he has no interest), she attacks! It's quite humorous, actually. I believe she has 1/2 a bag of them under her watchful eyes as I write this. Simon won't take another one, and Rusty leaves the room, immediately, after taking one...Simon may learn.

So, Skally will be 15 in a couple of weeks, Sammy turns 6 today, Simon turns 7 on October 10, (Skally is September 2), and Rusty is on Friday, the 16th of August, and he turns 11.

They walk well, together, and Simon has been trying to get Rusty to play with him. It's actually quite, most of the time.

I do have to tell you, though, the other night, Skally and the dogs next door, Frenchie & Elvis, really got into a gigantic fence fightind match. He tail was going nuts in the roses. Later, I walked out on the deck, and found blood smeard all over the doorway, and on the smoker, the table, splatter all over the chairs - I thought there'd been a murder I'd missed! it was all her tail. And she was in such a good mood. Never did find any of the scratches on her, either...Hmmmm.

Anyhow, that's the scoop to this point. All seem healthy and hale and happy.

TTFN

What Are Hot Spots? What Causes Them?

It's interesting how people interpret Hot Spots on their pets. Generally, when they occur with mine, it has something to do with allergies - lately, food related allergies. Yes, Daddy was naughty in June, when he couldn't make it to Costco to get the natural food my dogs eat. So, I went to the supermarket down the street, and bought what I thought was the best quality food (after reading many labels!). It wasn't exactly cheap, and I believed I had bought something that was relatively healthy for my pups. WRONG!

Within 3 days, my dogs had digestive problems, I hadn't seen in a while. And then, Sammy began to really scratch and chew his side! I hadn't seen this in a while. They had all been treated for fleas, and had been bathed recently. They also had been brushed on a regular basis...so Why?

Well, earlier that day, I had made it to Costco, and bought a big bag of their Nature's Domain, which is half the price of the regular kibble at the other stores, and it's all natural, with no gluten. I had begun to feed them this, but the damage was already done...Sammy had a hot spot.

Now, when I first adopted Sammy, his mother told me he was prone to hot spots. Oddly, this was the first time in about a year for him to get one...The culprit had to be the food, in this case. She had given me medications galore that she had used to help treat them. I hate using medications when home remedies can work just as well, and they aren't liable to do any damage to the dog's system...like the vinegar rinse I wrote about yesterday.

So, I bathed him, and finished with a vinegar rinse. This seemed to appease him for a short time. But then it was time to take him to the groomers, as his appointment drew nigh. Of course, I was embarrassed to let them know he had this issue. But, she was a pro, and she understood. So, as I left him off at Pup-A-Razzi , I was a tad nervous.

When I picked him up, she had been quite delicate around his wound, which was nasty looking, and he was back at it. Obviously, she had washed him again, but wasn't using a vinegar rinse. So, I hied him home and rinsed him off again - poor guy - he hates being bathed, and today he'd been subjected to at least 3 rinses/baths...

By the next day, though, the gnawing had stopped. I still put vinegar on the wound, and although I could tell he was a little irritated, the scratching and chewing abated.

Long story short - Sammy's problem came from the food. There are other reasons for Hot Spots, which are caused by allergies to several elements. Thus was the case with Skallywag many moons ago.

For more information on these, visit eHow, WebMD, VetInfo, and, of course, Cesar Milan.

Before using any form of medication, though, be sure to use the Vinegar rinse, and ride it out for a couple of days. Also, look at your pet's diet (this includes treats - many are just vile, and even though my dogs love them, they're like nasty junk food - how many of you want to have that as often as you give it to your pet?), flea protection, grooming, excercise regimen, and any chemicals in your yard/garden with which your pet may come into contact...

I hope this helps!

I hope that my next blog will also be informative.

Please let me know what you think, and send me feedback! I'd truly appreciate it!

Thanks!

Hot Spots - ??? What Do I Do???

Wow. Today I'm just full of things.

Hot Spots.

Well. These are a dilemma! That's for sure.

Years ago, probably about 8, we had ventured to Gabriel Park, and the Winter Dog Park, which had dirt and sand. When we came back home, Skally began chewing and licking and chewing and licking her inner thighs. I wasn't sure what it was about, but I was concerned. I watched for a short while, then took her in and gave her a bath with a natural shampoo. I rinsed her well, dried her off, and within 5 minutes, she was back at it.

I tried salves, lotions, balms, sprays, medications, everything you can imagine. This went on for several weeks, to no avail. She was the cleanest dog I'd ever owned, though. But she was miserable, and the inside of her thighs was raw, scabby, red, tender and a real problem. I had no idea what to do.

We were already on an all-natural diet, and I knew I wasn't feeding them anything that may have caused this...and it seemed to only when we visited that particular park (I'm not bad-mouthing Gabriel, but there just seemed to be a link between it and her issues). Finally, I went in to Black Dog (no link provided, as they have gone out of business), and John knew of Skally's travails. He asked me if I'd tried Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. I stared at him blankly. "No." He then told me to wash her well, rinse, then give her a finishing rinse all over her furry body with the organic apple cider vinegar, and massage it in. Leave it on for a couple of minutes, and then rinse that off. It does wonders for the hair, and leaves her smelling fresh, not pickley.

So, I figured I'd tried everything else, why not stop at the market and grab a bottle.

So, I did.

So, I washed her, again, and rinsed her off, then gave her a finishing rinse with the organic apple cider vinegar. I massaged it into her body as he had said, and rinsed her off.

Guess what.

She didn't go after her inner thighs. She didn't go after anything except the rugs to rub her damp torso. It was immediate. There was such a change! After all I'd tried, who knew it would be so simple.

Apparently, it helps align the acidity of the skin, and balances the PH levels. That's my assumption, as I am no chemist or scientist!

So, if your pet is suffering, try this.

Hopefully, tomorrow, I can have more on the causes of Hot Spots - things that make sense to us, so we don't go out spending money because our vet tells us what we're doing wrong (even though sometimes they're correct...doggone it!).

Here is a pic of a dog with hotspots (I downloaded from the web - it's not as gnarly as some of the pics I saw).