When I was younger and it's still true somewhat today, it was of monumental importance to me to be different. Not over the top different, but I didn't want to be exactly what everyone else was.
We took Joey in yesterday to recheck her urine, and …. YAY! Her pH is better, she is concentrating her urine better, no culture grew! YAY!!! She goes off all meds and her food (which was changed to c/d because her pH was acidic) should be 50/50 as of today. YAY!!! We still need to recheck her in a month and watch for signs of trouble, but WHEW! It’s nice to know she CAN get normal results.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Typical Morning
Joey is getting into the routines around here. She understands that when Sophie is asked, "Do you want to go swim?" that BIG fun is about to ensue. She isn't willing to brave the 2nd step, but she is still able to have a WONDERFUL time.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
More Joey Photos
It's been a while since I posted Joey's slide show... I know you all have been searching my blog for it. There are lots of new pictures for you to enjoy!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Joey Update
We took Joey in for an ultrasound of her kidney and bladder last week. At the same time, we had a urine sample taken so they could run every test that could possibly occur to them. :) All of these tests were follow up from the last time we did them 2.5 months ago. Joey finished up her antibiotics (clavamox) 2 weeks prior to these tests so it was time to see how she is doing.
The ultrasound was basically unchanged from last time, which is to say there were abnormalities/inflammation in the kidneys but the bladder looked good. The ultrasound doctor felt the abnormalities were secondary to an underlying infection, but neither he nor our vet can conclude that w/o any doubt. The urine culture showed no growth, indicating the clavamox did it’s job on the infection we were after. However, the urinalysis showed a VERY low specific gravity, a high pH, and some crystallization. The pH and the crystals indicate bacteria which lead us to believe that there IS still an infection, possibly in her kidneys, that has yet to re-present itself in the urine. What makes the vet nervous is the low specific gravity paired with the abnormalities seen in the ultrasound. These two pieces of data could mean kidney damage. We just don’t know.
We have all decided that the best action to take is to treat her as though there is an infection in her kidneys while at the same time investigating a specialist. We are changing her kibble to c/d to treat the high pH issue and we have a new antibiotic (baytril) that she starts today. We will do this for a month (at least) and retest to see what has changed.
Other than this somewhat disheartening news (I would MUCH prefer to be reporting “All Clear!”) Joey continues to be a beacon of joy and love. She is in an intermediate class Saturday mornings in which she is doing really well. She goes to the park every morning with Sophie and Roy. They meet me there after my Boot Camp class and Joey and I run off to play. She hugs my ankles while I work (as she is right now) and she and I have perfected how to arrange the lap duvet on the couch so we can both fit and MAX OUT our cuddle time. She is very sweet and mischievous – she learned how to unlock her crate this morning – and we love her more than words could ever express.
The ultrasound was basically unchanged from last time, which is to say there were abnormalities/inflammation in the kidneys but the bladder looked good. The ultrasound doctor felt the abnormalities were secondary to an underlying infection, but neither he nor our vet can conclude that w/o any doubt. The urine culture showed no growth, indicating the clavamox did it’s job on the infection we were after. However, the urinalysis showed a VERY low specific gravity, a high pH, and some crystallization. The pH and the crystals indicate bacteria which lead us to believe that there IS still an infection, possibly in her kidneys, that has yet to re-present itself in the urine. What makes the vet nervous is the low specific gravity paired with the abnormalities seen in the ultrasound. These two pieces of data could mean kidney damage. We just don’t know.
We have all decided that the best action to take is to treat her as though there is an infection in her kidneys while at the same time investigating a specialist. We are changing her kibble to c/d to treat the high pH issue and we have a new antibiotic (baytril) that she starts today. We will do this for a month (at least) and retest to see what has changed.
Other than this somewhat disheartening news (I would MUCH prefer to be reporting “All Clear!”) Joey continues to be a beacon of joy and love. She is in an intermediate class Saturday mornings in which she is doing really well. She goes to the park every morning with Sophie and Roy. They meet me there after my Boot Camp class and Joey and I run off to play. She hugs my ankles while I work (as she is right now) and she and I have perfected how to arrange the lap duvet on the couch so we can both fit and MAX OUT our cuddle time. She is very sweet and mischievous – she learned how to unlock her crate this morning – and we love her more than words could ever express.
Monday, January 07, 2008
I Didn't Know That
I know most everything anyway, but now I REALLY do. Thanks to a book I was given this past Christmas, I Didn't Know That. Here are a few gems to sink your teeth into...
Armed to the Teeth
The first to be armed to the teeth was an ancient Nordic tribe known as the Berserkers, whose teeth were their most deadly weapons. These particular tribesmen were known for filing their teeth into sharp points and savagely attacking their opponents, who most often carried more civilized weapons like swords, spears, or clubs. Originally, "armed to the teeth" meant to be barely armed at all, but historically, its meaning of "being on the attack, prepared for any confrontation" carries over today.
Cahoots
Cahoots were, quite simply, little cabins, or kajuetes, as they were called in medieval Germany. Often known to be occupied by bandits and robbers, these little cabins became the planning centers for attacks. So in reality, it was the goings-on inside the cabins that became known for what the cabins themselves were called. Today we use cahoots to refer to any shady partnership or less-than upright scheme.
Armed to the Teeth
The first to be armed to the teeth was an ancient Nordic tribe known as the Berserkers, whose teeth were their most deadly weapons. These particular tribesmen were known for filing their teeth into sharp points and savagely attacking their opponents, who most often carried more civilized weapons like swords, spears, or clubs. Originally, "armed to the teeth" meant to be barely armed at all, but historically, its meaning of "being on the attack, prepared for any confrontation" carries over today.
Cahoots
Cahoots were, quite simply, little cabins, or kajuetes, as they were called in medieval Germany. Often known to be occupied by bandits and robbers, these little cabins became the planning centers for attacks. So in reality, it was the goings-on inside the cabins that became known for what the cabins themselves were called. Today we use cahoots to refer to any shady partnership or less-than upright scheme.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Lassoed by My Puppy
I really think she is trying to kill me now. She is done wasting her time with knocking my teeth in - she as seen I will just get them fixed. She is done scratching at me with her nails - she realizes I will just cut and file them. So I took Joey to Boot Camp with me on Thanksgiving Day. We has a run/walk planned around the nearby neighborhood so I thought it would be a perfect way to burn off some puppy energy. She and I begin our walk with a few other campers, she is having a nice time - though jumping nervously a little. I see way up the road another dog approaching. Joey is still quite nervous about other dogs so I knew I had to get treats ready and get her focused on her Happy Place before she saw the dog.
As I remove my glove and reach into my pocket to arm myself with something cheesey, Joey simultaneously notices what I am doing AND the other dog. I'm still unclear how she did it - perhaps I blacked out - but she did a full circle (or two) around me before charging at the on coming dog. Her leash quickly and effectively snapped my ankles together and brought me to the ground.
I was laughing, she was laughing (in a Stewie Griffin kind of way) and the guy walking the dog was laughing. I all I have to show for it is a purple hand.Joey: If your friends ask about your bruises, what do you tell them?
Peggy: (crying): I got hit by a baseball.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Joey Swam in the Pool
We knew it would happen, though I don't think she thought it would be today, and so unexpected.
Joey has been increasingly more playful with Sophie around the pool. She likes to chase Sophie down the side of the pool before she (Sophie) jumps in after a ball then she runs to the steps where Sophie will come out. She has been really getting tangled up with Sophie lately, trying to get Sophie to play with her rather than go in the water (Joey would have better luck deciding to speak English with a Liverpool accent).
On this day Joey was harassing Sophie and she slipped. Her back right leg went in the drink and the rest of her followed. She did a great job keeping her head above water, but she tried to climb out the way she got in (right up the side of the pool) and that caused her back 1/2 to sink. I was there in a millisecond and I grabbed her collar and guided her to swim along the edge to the steps. So, in effect, she got herself out.
Once out we squealed with glee and jumped for joy and congratulated her on her brave and exciting decision to begin swimming in our pool. She wagged around - very proud - but didn't want to go back in. We'll save that for another day.
Joey has been increasingly more playful with Sophie around the pool. She likes to chase Sophie down the side of the pool before she (Sophie) jumps in after a ball then she runs to the steps where Sophie will come out. She has been really getting tangled up with Sophie lately, trying to get Sophie to play with her rather than go in the water (Joey would have better luck deciding to speak English with a Liverpool accent).
On this day Joey was harassing Sophie and she slipped. Her back right leg went in the drink and the rest of her followed. She did a great job keeping her head above water, but she tried to climb out the way she got in (right up the side of the pool) and that caused her back 1/2 to sink. I was there in a millisecond and I grabbed her collar and guided her to swim along the edge to the steps. So, in effect, she got herself out.
Once out we squealed with glee and jumped for joy and congratulated her on her brave and exciting decision to begin swimming in our pool. She wagged around - very proud - but didn't want to go back in. We'll save that for another day.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Our Angel Isn't Perfect
Joey ate the wall in the bathroom. Well not the entire wall, just a small piece (you can see it to the left of her), but still. How does that thought become crystallized in her labra brain? I know that puppies bump their mouths into things and they just start chewing, but a wall? What is there to grab on to, or be interested in for that matter?Let me back up. I've been shutting Joey in the bathroom with me while I shower in the mornings. My theory is that I don't want her spending too much time in her crate and, really, what can she hurt in the bathroom? I bring in a toy so she won't be bored. Well, from now on I'll bring a bone too.
To give you a little history of how great my theory has bee working... At first, she came in with her raccoon and just hung out. Perfect. Then she started to get bored and she would pull all the towels off their racks. Then she pulled the towels down and chewed on the tags. Then I smartened up and folded the towels in half (out of reach) at which point she discovered the toilet paper. She pulled a enough for a big pile and she had some soggy pieces dangling from her cheeks. Now the toilet paper lives on top of the toilet tank (along with the trash bin, and toilet brush which were discovered by her in an earlier experience). Finally, she discovered the caps that cover the bolts that secure the toilet.
I have much to learn from her.
More Firsts. Swimming!
You've seen the pictures of Joey showing great interest in our pool. It is more and more frustrating for her to watch Sophie go in and out, but Joey is just not ready.We thought it was time to take her to a water source that has a more gradual entry: a pond, a lake, an ocean. Water Dog Lake Park seems like just the spot! Roy let Sophie off the leash -> SPLASH!!! I let Joey off her leash -> SPLASH!!! I guess we were right about Joey just needing a more gentle entry into a body of water. Roy was a little nervous about letting her go like I did - worried that she didn't know how to swim. I felt she was strong enough to have her instincts kick in - plus I knew I was going in if she had any trouble.
She had a perfect teacher and grand time. She went in and out of the water. She ran like a crazed deamon along the shoreline. She barked and jumped. She posed for the camera. She chased Sophie. She tripped in the mud. She washed herself off. She came home and slept.
Joey's First Trip to the Dog Park
I'm so sorry I don't have a photo for you on this one. A video would have been the best option, but I knew I would need all of my hands and limbs to deal with this outing.
Those of you who know Joey, know that she has needed lots of socialization to over come her moderate fear of people. She also has the urge to bark at other dogs. It appears to be playful in intention, but she is barking and leaping while at the end of the leash - behavior easily misconstrued.
So I took her to the dog park, pockets brimming with treats. When I got there I saw that a man had his 3 collies there and a woman was entering with her little while fluffball. The collie were very exuberant in their greeting of the fluffball. They were obviously VERY friendly, but also very big. So I took Joey into the small dog area (which was empty) just so she could get the idea of a dog park (smells, toys, water, mud, etc.). She loved it. The dogs in the big dog area where way at the far side, so after a while I took her trough the staging area and into the big dog area.
She did great. She sniffed, she rolled the tennis balls around, she found the water bowl, what a wonderful place! I was slowly walking deeper into the park, easing her closer to the other dogs. The fluffball came over to say hello and that went well. Then the collies looked up. Joey barked, they came over with the same exuberance with which they greeted the fluffball. Joey barked and back up. They came closer. Joey took off like someone set her tail on fire - heading straight for the exit and practically ran through the fence like on those cartoons from years ago.
Then she tried to scale the fence, which obviously didn't work. So she stood her ground and met the collies one at a time. She could not have been more brave (and the collies couldn't have been sweeter). I was so proud. Her tail was down, but she met each one of them and wagged. When she was all done she waggled right over to me so proud and confident. We spent the next 30 minutes chasing the fluffball and walking amongst the big collies like we owned the place.
Those of you who know Joey, know that she has needed lots of socialization to over come her moderate fear of people. She also has the urge to bark at other dogs. It appears to be playful in intention, but she is barking and leaping while at the end of the leash - behavior easily misconstrued.
So I took her to the dog park, pockets brimming with treats. When I got there I saw that a man had his 3 collies there and a woman was entering with her little while fluffball. The collie were very exuberant in their greeting of the fluffball. They were obviously VERY friendly, but also very big. So I took Joey into the small dog area (which was empty) just so she could get the idea of a dog park (smells, toys, water, mud, etc.). She loved it. The dogs in the big dog area where way at the far side, so after a while I took her trough the staging area and into the big dog area.
She did great. She sniffed, she rolled the tennis balls around, she found the water bowl, what a wonderful place! I was slowly walking deeper into the park, easing her closer to the other dogs. The fluffball came over to say hello and that went well. Then the collies looked up. Joey barked, they came over with the same exuberance with which they greeted the fluffball. Joey barked and back up. They came closer. Joey took off like someone set her tail on fire - heading straight for the exit and practically ran through the fence like on those cartoons from years ago.
Then she tried to scale the fence, which obviously didn't work. So she stood her ground and met the collies one at a time. She could not have been more brave (and the collies couldn't have been sweeter). I was so proud. Her tail was down, but she met each one of them and wagged. When she was all done she waggled right over to me so proud and confident. We spent the next 30 minutes chasing the fluffball and walking amongst the big collies like we owned the place.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Puppy Class Begins
We were rained our last Saturday, so yesterday was our first Dog Obedience Class, (aka Puppy class). There are a lot of people in the class so they split us up into "puppy" and "adult", but there were still too many puppies so we got to learn with the big kids.All in all Joey did really well. Most of her errors were due to "handler ineptitude" or fear. She is still shy around people (but getting SO much better) and she tends to growl, bark and leap at dogs. It seems to be play drive, and that's what the trainers thought too, but still an inappropriate behavior. Roy came with the camera and the video camera to document the day. Joey has "Sit" down better than any other student. She did really well with "Heel", "Down" and "Stay". I was very proud of her to be so brave in a park full of people and dogs and still be able focus on her studies.
Monday, September 24, 2007
It's only a Matter of Time
As advertised, Joey is VERY interested in water. An much to my dismay, the weather around here has turned cold so our pool is, well, cold. I was hoping that I could get her interested in water while actually in the pool too. So such luck and I don't think I'll have the luxury of waiting 'til next spring when we heat the pool up again.
So we did the responsible thing, we bought a life vest for Joey. She loves to chase the buckles on it which results in many, many Joey circles and a dizzy stumble at the end. When I can finally Velcro and clip her in, she isn't thrilled about the vest, but she is excited about what it means - running in the back yard!
So we did the responsible thing, we bought a life vest for Joey. She loves to chase the buckles on it which results in many, many Joey circles and a dizzy stumble at the end. When I can finally Velcro and clip her in, she isn't thrilled about the vest, but she is excited about what it means - running in the back yard!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Call me Snagletooth
Joey is quite the enthusiastic pup. She has a signature waggle when she is excited or happy that is too cute for words. It is akin to a full body wag, but it's much more. It's an expressive dance really. The Big Finale is the Leap of Love where she leaps at you in order to plant a kiss or nudge on your lips. As cute as that is, I don't want her leaping at people, nor do I want her trying to put her mouth on others (without being invited to do so - it's a lesson for you too).
This morning the waggle-leap was in full bloom. I've been pushing her off me and correcting her by stating ferociously "Off" and then rewarding her when all 4 paws are on the floor with the love she so desperately wants and deserves. Well, this time we met in the middle. I was on my way down to her level and she was on her way up. As a result, my front left tooth is a little smaller than it was moments before. I'm sure my parents are pleased they spent thousands of dollars on orthodontics only to have and exuberant puppy mar my perfect smile in one fell swoop.
You anticipate and expect injuries when you get a puppy. It is assumed and understood that there will be skinned knees, scratches and leash burn. But black eyes and broken teeth is more than I was able to imagine.
If she weren't so cute, I'd....
This morning the waggle-leap was in full bloom. I've been pushing her off me and correcting her by stating ferociously "Off" and then rewarding her when all 4 paws are on the floor with the love she so desperately wants and deserves. Well, this time we met in the middle. I was on my way down to her level and she was on her way up. As a result, my front left tooth is a little smaller than it was moments before. I'm sure my parents are pleased they spent thousands of dollars on orthodontics only to have and exuberant puppy mar my perfect smile in one fell swoop.
You anticipate and expect injuries when you get a puppy. It is assumed and understood that there will be skinned knees, scratches and leash burn. But black eyes and broken teeth is more than I was able to imagine.
If she weren't so cute, I'd....
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Joey has Arrived
As many of you know, Roy and I were crushed by Sammy's departure last year (notice I didn't say Sophie was crushed). Off and on over the last year we have talked about getting another dog, what type of dog, what age, what breed, etc.
We went through the process of adopting a puppy that was rescued off the streets in Mexico City, which didn't work out because she was part pit bull. We found a miniature border collie one weekend that we thought might be staying for the long term, but she bit Sophie and her parents eventually claimed her. I called the number I got off a flier at The Pet Place in Menlo Park for a 6 year old male Vizsla who, it turned out, had already found an outstanding home. A few weeks ago I found a beautiful chocolate lab on Petfinder.com that had a "very manageable medical condition" which turned out to be Addison's disease (requiring very expensive medical treatment).
A few weeks ago, we were up at Sancho's enjoying a tasty fish taco and decided to walk through the Emerald Market across the parking lot. I saw the flier at 50 paces. Pure Labrador puppies and there was one left, a girl and she was black. I tore off a tag and took a picture of the flier with my phone. I didn't want to bug Roy with being too excited since we had just said we needed to stop torturing ourselves. But Roy said the minute we got in the car, "So are you going to call them or what?". I made him call.
Angela and Dan and their beautiful dog Sierra had created a wonderful litter of 9 labs, 5 yellow, 4 black. They are keeping two (which will bring their total to four - not to forget Amy their 8 year old lab). When we met them they were all a crazy bunch of wags. Joey, then known as Turq (short for turquoise, the color of her collar), was a sweet, joyous participant. Angela was kind enough to bring her to our house for Sophie to offer her approval, and on their second meeting she did.
Joey is a sweet, smart, fun little 20 week old girl who loves water (oh no). She loves Sophie already, but realizes that she needs her space too. She is fantastic walking on a leash, and hilarious discovering all her toys. Sophie had long since forgotten how fun many of those toys could be.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, Joey!
Click photo to enlarge.
We went through the process of adopting a puppy that was rescued off the streets in Mexico City, which didn't work out because she was part pit bull. We found a miniature border collie one weekend that we thought might be staying for the long term, but she bit Sophie and her parents eventually claimed her. I called the number I got off a flier at The Pet Place in Menlo Park for a 6 year old male Vizsla who, it turned out, had already found an outstanding home. A few weeks ago I found a beautiful chocolate lab on Petfinder.com that had a "very manageable medical condition" which turned out to be Addison's disease (requiring very expensive medical treatment).
A few weeks ago, we were up at Sancho's enjoying a tasty fish taco and decided to walk through the Emerald Market across the parking lot. I saw the flier at 50 paces. Pure Labrador puppies and there was one left, a girl and she was black. I tore off a tag and took a picture of the flier with my phone. I didn't want to bug Roy with being too excited since we had just said we needed to stop torturing ourselves. But Roy said the minute we got in the car, "So are you going to call them or what?". I made him call.
Angela and Dan and their beautiful dog Sierra had created a wonderful litter of 9 labs, 5 yellow, 4 black. They are keeping two (which will bring their total to four - not to forget Amy their 8 year old lab). When we met them they were all a crazy bunch of wags. Joey, then known as Turq (short for turquoise, the color of her collar), was a sweet, joyous participant. Angela was kind enough to bring her to our house for Sophie to offer her approval, and on their second meeting she did.
Joey is a sweet, smart, fun little 20 week old girl who loves water (oh no). She loves Sophie already, but realizes that she needs her space too. She is fantastic walking on a leash, and hilarious discovering all her toys. Sophie had long since forgotten how fun many of those toys could be.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, Joey!
Click photo to enlarge.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
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