Monthly Archives: February 2013

Alex At The Vet – X-Rays And Dental Cleaning

Posted on February 27, 2013 | 8 comments

Yesterday, while on a walk with Alex, Walter and Gir, I noticed that she started to limp.  We went straight home and I got her to go to bed right away.  I looked at her right front leg and it seemed fine, but I made an appt. with the vet to get it checked out.

Today, at 7:30am I dropped her off at the vet’s office for x-rays along with a dental cleaning.  The vet called and said that she probably has what it’s called a soft tissue injury which requires 4-6 weeks or longer to completely heal.

Alex

Alex

He also said that although she is almost 11 years old, everything looks good on her ekg, blood work, and the x-rays do not show arthritis.  In other words, my girl, Alex, for her age is in really good shape, but he recommended the following:

  • Very limited movement for the next 10 days
  • After that, walking to a minimal for 4-6 weeks or longer
  • Start her on omega-3 capsules
  • Rejuvenate – some sort of supplement I need to get from the vet

I can’t wait to pick her up this afternoon.  I am so glad I have Walter and Gir staying with us to make me company.  I don’t know about you, but my home seems empty without a dog, specially without my Alex.

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking

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This Past Weekend With 3 K-9 Companions

Posted on February 26, 2013 | 6 comments
Alex asleep

Alex asleep

This weekend I was trying to see if I could take some pictures, but I had to wait until Alex woke up.  Can you see the Nylabone right on top of her paw?

Gir

Gir

Gir was ready for his photo shoot, but first he wanted to play a bit.  The things these models request from me.  Unbelievable.

Roxy

Roxy

Roxy, on the other hand, did not want anything at all from me and was more than ready and willing to pose for pictures.

Roxy, Alex, and Gir

Roxy, Alex, and Gir

Cynthia finally got them all together and took this picture while I stood behind her with a treat in my hand.  Gir must’ve been very happy for he was the only boy in the bunch.  He played with Roxy for a little while until she told her enough, and being the gentleman that he is, of course, he obliged and let her be.

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking

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Big Dogs And Little Dogs

Posted on February 24, 2013 | 2 comments
Roxy

Roxy

I always thought that Roxy would always be the smallest dog I’d ever have the opportunity to pet sit, but boy was I wrong.  The new title goes to Gir, a min pin.

Gir and Alex

Gir and Alex

By the way, the reason why they are both sitting on that particular spot is because there is a vent to the side, and you get all the heat from it if you stand right where they are both posing.  Smart doggies.  Ok. Alex is posing, Gir is just eyeing that bone.

I had to convince Gir that after I took the pictures he could have that bone all to himself in order to get him to cooperate for this picture.

Gir and Alex

Gir and Alex

Aha!  I finally got both of them to look my way.  I’ve always thought of Alex as a medium-size dog except for today.  She looks huge next to Gir and Roxy.  I love to see dogs of different breeds, sizes, personalities, etc.  They are all so amazing.

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking

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Gir, A Cute Miniature Pinschers

Posted on February 23, 2013 | 9 comments
Gir

Gir

We have Gir staying with us for a couple of days.  Gir is a min pin of about 7-8 lbs. and almost 2 years old.  His breed is supposed to be independent, good-natured, curious, energetic, and headstrong, but very eager to learn.  Gir certainly fits that description.

Alex and Gir

Alex and Gir

As you can see, my girl, Alex, is so used to getting her picture taken that she’d rather sleep than pose, but Gir was a good sport and did pose for Cynthia.  He loves to go for walks, but he prefers to walk on the grass rather than on the sidewalk.

Now he is just playing shy or maybe he just wants to go to sleep and that is his way of saying, “let me nap.”

Any dog, regardless of its size, when properly trained and exercised is truly a wonderful addition to any family.  For those future pet parents that are considering adopting a small dog, do it, but remember that a small dog just like a medium or big dog needs to walk.  From experience, I can say that small dogs actually need longer walks than larger dogs, but if you are committed to do what is right for your dog then you should have many enjoyable years with your canine companions.

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking

Josie And Alex This Weekend

Posted on February 17, 2013 | 8 comments
Josie

Josie

Josie is staying with us this weekend, and this is how she looks after our nice long walks during the day.

sunday2

Sleep was a lot more tempting than posing for pictures for my blog.  Oh well, models are supposed to be prima donnas.

Alex

Alex

Alex joined Josie and went to sleep as well.  One of the pet parents asked me once, “is it loud when you have more than just Alex staying with you?”  No, the only time it gets loud is when someone rings the bell and during drop off/pick up time.  Other than that, all you can hear is the tv or radio along with our conversations and that is why this environment is not stressful for dogs.

If you want to get your dog tired and be able to do some chores or just watch a movie and relax, exercise your dog so you can do that.  This way, both you and your dog companion are happy.  Take care.

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Posted in Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking

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Roxy, On Her Way To Visit Her Grandparents

Posted on February 14, 2013 | 2 comments
Roxy

Roxy

Let me start by saying that Roxy got a haircut and she looks adorable.  She is flying out tonight to see her grandparents therefore she needs to look her best.

gps2

In order to diminish any anxiety she may feel due to her trip, I took her for an extra long walk in the morning, and she’ll get another one in the afternoon.  This is how she looked after our walk.  Roxy is really my shadow, but she was so tired that when I went upstairs to get something, she did not follow me.  Now that is unbelievable and not common for her at all.  Translation: She was tired!

gps3Now that Roxy is in the arms of Morpheus I can sit down and finish this post.  Anytime you are planning to have your pet fly with you, please remember a couple of things such as:

  • Walk/run with her in order to get her tired and avoid or diminish anxiety.
  • Do not feed her close to the time you are due to catch your flight.
  • Make sure she is properly hydrated.
  • Make sure, and this is important, that she does #1 and #2 before boarding the plane.
  • Do your best to take a direct flight.

The above are just some suggestions you may want to take into account if you are planning to take your canine companion with you.  What do you do to prepare for a trip with your doggie?

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Posted in Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking

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Mom, I Need More Exercise Please

Posted on February 13, 2013 | 5 comments

Alex will be 11 years old in May 5 of this year.  I’ve had her since she was 2 1/2 months and even though she is a senior, my girl still has a lot of energy.

Alex

Alex

When she has a lot of energy she runs around me over and over again until I am almost dizzy.  She runs so fast that I still cannot believe my girl is a senior.

me2Now, if we are at home, she likes to run the entire third level, back and forth until she is completely exhausted and her tongue is hanging out.  With that being said, as a pet parent you should look for cues your dog is giving you regarding her energy level.  Some pet parents, me included, sometimes miss the following signs:

  • Running back and forth inside the house.  This screams, “please walk me more.”
  • Chewing things such as: socks, shoes, linoleum.  My first dog, Casey, chewed off the linoleum in the first apartment I rented when I moved to Maryland.  He took it upon himself to redecorate without consulting me or asking permission from the landlord.
  • Pacing around the house.  Actually, this is more of a nervous sign but it can be caused by lack of exercise.
  • Chewing on her paws.  Check with your vet first because it could also be allergies.

me3

After she ran for a couple of minutes, she decided to sniff around trying to find who knows what.  I let her do this for a while and then we started to walk again.

me4

Ok. I said walk, not continue sniffing.  Regardless of your dog’s age, do your best to pay attention to the signs she is giving you regarding her energy level so you can avoid getting your place redecorated or having to run to the vet.

5 Comments

Posted in Dog Equipment, Dogs, Humor, Nutrition, Outings, Walking