Sickies, Healing, Dr.'s, Whew !

Well, since Sissy got sick back in Oct. we have had a lot of excitement both unexpected and some that was even fun and planned.

The good news, sis is all healed up :)

Mom says we can't call her Franken-dog any more, hehehehe. We told her she already had a Halloween costume. We called her stitches her "zipper".

It sure was scary but thank God for hearing all our prayers and healing her. Mom read the Bible and prayed a lot. She asked us all to pray too.

Mom said it's amazing how fast we doggies heal. She said she doesn't think we really heal faster we just don't have the mental discouragement that people do when they are recovering. We doggies just want to get back to life, to fun, to enjoying the moment.

We sure did get lots of goodies while sissy was recovering. We got new toys and extra treats. It was almost like a birthday or Christmas.

Sissy got a fat headed, sad eyed puppy dog that I really, really wanted. I actually picked it out of the shopping bag but Mom said no she got me the teddy bear, hump. That's ok I take it and play with it until someone realizes I've got it :) Lately they let me play with it anyway. I've been getting to do a lot of things that usually get noticed and interrupted or redirected. I guess they finally realized that sometimes sissy takes my toys too. I guess we are just sharing all toys now and Mom and Dad have given up trying to keep them separate. Sissy also got a big headed, big eyed turtle and I got his really cute big headed, big eyed monkey you see above.

All these pillows and blankies all over the floor are pretty nice. Mom said they are here because Sissy isn't allowed to jump up and down off of furniture for 10 days so we had to keep her down on the floor. We brought out lots of fluffy blankies, pillows, and dog beds. That also meant no one slept in the bed for 10 days either. Mom and Dad said since sissy couldn't join us we would all join her. We slept in the living room with her. Mom and Dad took turns staying up with her so she wouldn't lick or chew on her stitches. There was no way I was going to sleep on the floor all night for 10 whole nights. I need something much softer for my majestic Great Dane bones. As Queen Emma I took my place upon the couch for my nightly sleeps. Sis, Mom and Dad took the floor. I don't mind because I remember them doing these same things for me when I had my ouchie surgeries. They sure do love us and take really good care of us.

Who Do I Look Like?

I thought it would be fun to participate in the Human Lookalike. I am so naturally beautiful it's difficult to find an adequate comparison. I think I could play double for either of these actresses. What do you think?

Ziva David ~ Cote de Pablo

I have a cool hat too, courtesy of Grandpa

Elizabeth Montgomery ~Bewitched

I can do gorgeous, sign me up for the Bewitched reunion I'm a perfect match for the Samantha double

Mom always says I look like I'm wearing eyeliner. When I was younger it was much darker than it is now. My eyes were lined in black and my eye lashes were long and black. So beautiful. Or at least that's what Mommy always says. I'm beautiful. Now my black is a little lighter and my eye lashes are white. Can you believe it....white. No one would ever know I am a vibrant 12 years old. I still don't look my age. I keep telling Mom age is only a number it's all in your heart and mind. I am convinced I am still a puppy. Mommy could really some valuable lessons from the Queen Emma. I am beautiful, I am youthful, I love to play, and I love food.

Sis is sick and Mom and Dad are worried sick

I have only seen my parents this worried and upset twice before and those times involved two different surgeries I had. Once I got Pyometra (all went well) and the other time I had to have a mammary gland removed and there was some minor complications that caused us to spend the night out of town near the emergency vet until my Dr. opened the next morning.

My Sis became very, very sick two weeks ago. We took her to the Dr. and she had pictures taken of her insides. We could see all her bones and organs. I had no idea that's what was inside us. Mom and Dad even received them via email to view together. They also did blood work. The diagnosis - Pyometra. It's a very dangerous and life threatening problem that can develop in un-spayed female doggies. She was prescribed antibiotics and pain/anti-inflammatory medications and Mom and Dad kept a very close eye on her. She started to show interest in food again and playing. I got very excited because that meant we would be able to go for our walks and visit our donkey friends. I sure do love my donkey friends. They always come to see me. They meet us as we pass by from the one direction and again as we pass by returning. They are so cute. Dad says they are my cousins. He also says horses and goats are my cousins. Fooey! I don't think I eat that much grass. :)

A week after the first Dr. visit Sis went back and the blood work showed the antibiotics were doing the job. Yeah !!!!!

Two days later we took Sissy back to the vet she had taken a turn for the worse. She was so very, very sick. Mom and Dad stayed up with her all night. They haven't slept much in the past few days. I keep a very close eye on my Mom, Dad and Sis. We left very early to get to the vet before they opened for normal hours and we met with our good friend the Dr. Sis and I just LOVE him. He is so good to us. He comes right down to our level and lets us give him lots of wet sloppy kisses. He never rushes our greeting. He always takes as much time as necessary to answer all of Mom and Dads questions. Our tails almost wag right off our bums when we see our Dr. friend. He took more pictures of Sis's insides and more blood work. We had to leave her their to receive some fluids to help flush out the toxins.

We were not about to leave town with Sis at the Dr.'s so Mom and Dad took me out for breakfast at IHOP. Mmmmm bacon and eggs. Then we went to the pet store and searched for toys for Sis. I got to meet all kinds of nice people that wanted to know what kind of doggie I was. I'm a GREAT DANE. They always say I have beautiful markings. They say I'm small for a Great Dane. Well, that's a story for another day.

Just as Mom and Dad were half way through their breakfast the Dr. called and said he had good news and bad news. Good news is the object seen in the intestines during the last image has passed. We have no idea what it was because Mom and Dad are always watching us and keeping an eagle eye on us at all times. We can't do anything without one of them hovering over us. We hear a lot of leave it, and no. I swear they must have eyes in the back and sides of their heads...what strange creatures they are. They see everything. The bad news is her Pyometra had compartmentalized and was trapping the infection inside her uterus in the front portion. The back portion was draining from her vulva. The area that is trapped will never drain or be adsorbed by the body and if surgery is not done right away she will become toxic by the weekend. Mom handed the phone to Dad and started crying. I hate it when she cries. I always run to her side and lick her face and push against her. I don't want her to cry. I want to help. I leaned over the seat and licked her face. I pushed my nose into her face to get her to stop crying.`````````

Mom cried and cried and cried. I didn't think she was ever going to stop. We went to stores and Mom stayed in the vehicle with me and cried some more. Dad came out and they talked and they both said it had to be done it was the only choice to save her life. Without the surgery she would not live. Mom is scared of surgery. Dad tried to reassure her and as we sat there I am pretty sure I saw a tear fall from Dad's eye. He's very strong and the alpha of our pack. I've never seen tears in Dad's eyes before.

Mom calmed down and we went to the parks. Dad walked me because Mom was still very sad and worried about the outcome of the surgery. They asked me to sniff a bed of beautiful pretties for Sis. Sis always likes to sniff pretties (flowers). Mom taught her to do that when she was a baby but me I'm not that into flowers. I did give in and sniff one pretty for Sis. We went to the pet store and then Mom went into a Big Lots to look for some toys and some treats for her and Dad. She came out with 2 toys for me and Sis. We went to more stores and they took turns sitting with me. They never ever leave us alone in the vehicle no matter what. Like I said they are very protective of us. Then we went back to the park we started at and the Dr.'s office called and said Sis was awake and her surgery went well and she could come home with us this afternoon. Mom and Dad were so excited. All the tension and stress that had consumed all of us was gone. I watched them close their eyes and talk to God. They talked to him a lot that day. I am very God heard all of our prayers and kept my Sis safe and watched over her and guided the hands of the Dr. and his staff.

We had about an hour and a half before we could pick Sis up so we went back to a store Mom wanted to shop at. They just discovered it a few weeks ago when were here and they sell yummy sweets and different foods not found in our local grocery stores. I watched them pull out 2 extra large gourmet cupcakes, milk, and candy. I know I won't be getting any of that. They never let me taste any of the goodies they call chocolate. They say it's not safe for me. If it's not safe then why do they eat it????

We arrived at the Dr.'s office and they brought out paperwork and told Mom and Dad all the things Sis can not do for the next 10 days. What to look for and expect. They are all so wonderful. Then the vet tech brought Sis out and she had this big funny white cone around her head and needed help to walk about without bumping into things. She sure looked funny. You should have seen her face she was so very happy to see all of us. She was ready to head home. After all the excitement today so was I. I sure did miss my soft, comfy couch and my nap. It was also getting very close to our dinner time. Mom and Dad said I can't tell Sissy about our walks or trip to the store to get toys because it wouldn't be fair. She had surgery and I had fun. I understand. We will give her the new toys when she is well enough to enjoy them. I can't wait.

We got home and Mom put together one of our kennels and placed some soft fluffy pillows and blankies in it. Sis settled down for 10 days of rest and healing. She won't be happy about that she likes to snuggle with Mom at night.

I'm glad to be home

Whew, we have had too much excitement these past few days. I am looking forward for things returning to normal.

I'm Flying at the beach, Yeah !!!!

Look Mom I'm flying....see my ears. I love beach ears.

When Mommy got home from work she was surprised to find out Daddy had already mapped out our trip to the beach and had a surprise stop for us.

A new park....Paw~some !!

I've never set paws in such an elegant upscale setting before. The park was so pretty and well manicured. The wildflowers were so colorful and pretty. There was pretty water fountains and small falls and lots of doggie bags and receptacles to place the doo in. Then Mommy and Daddy got a little grumbly when they noticed that other parents were not picking up after their dogs. I guess they just don't know how good they have it. They must not realize what a beautiful park they have been allowed to sniff and walk through. They should come our way where there aren't such luxuries for dogs. Sissy kept mom busy with those doggie bags I think she was trying for a genuis record for number of poos dropped while out for a walk.

We walked around, smelled the flowers, gazed upon the beautiful water and serene setting at this new park and then Dad said it was time to go if we were going to make it to the beach. We decided this park will go on our list to do again.

Yeah, the beach !

Oh boy, we made it to the beach. I love the wind, and all the different smells. The sand is so soft between my toes. It's so much softer than the other places we walk. Mommy and Daddy was worried a 12 year old Great Dane would have trouble climbing to the top of the GIANT sand dune because I was a few years younger the last time we were here. I sure surprised them. I trotted energetically all the way to the top. I could have gone much faster if Mom hadn't slowed me down. I guess with only 2 paws she just couldn't climb as fast. Sissy also kept bumping into the back of her legs because she was right on her heels. Mommy wasn't climbing fast enough for Sissy either.

Look at this Mommy taught Sissy a new game.....

I had no idea Sissy knew how to dig. Mommy hid the ball under the soft sand and piled it all around and Sissy dug it out. They did this over, and over, and over, and over and then Daddy joined in. They were having a ball, hehe get it ball. They tried to get me to play soccer but I had better things to do. There were other people who wanted to pet me and other doggies walking about and yapping and yapping. I guess they didn't know how to be quite and enjoy the view. I loved looking out over the beach from the high vantage point. It was so pretty.

We even got to see humans soaring in the sky like the sea gulls. I had no idea humans could fly...sure can't climb very well. Mommy thought the camera was charged and it wasn't so we only had about 3 minutes left for pictures. She didn't get any pictures of the flying humans. I heard her and Daddy talking and they called them hang gliders. It looks kind of scary. I think I will keep all four paws on the sand.

We had a wonderful day. I love spending quality time with my parents.

I almost forgot...We even got to eat out at White Castle.

We each had our very own slider. Mom picked off the onions the best she could because onions are bad for dogs. She ordered them plain without anything but some onions must have gotten stuck from off the grill.

I wonder what they have planned for us tomorrow..................I guess we will just have to wait and see.

People's Choice Pitbull Calendar

Here's an opportunity to browse some of the cutest dog pictures ever. Vote for your favorite and it may appear in the next PBRC calendar. Click HERE to see the photo entries.

I have to say if any dog has a great smile it's definitely the bully breed. These grins are just contagious and make me smile every time.

While you are browsing the cutest dog pictures ever why not surf by

Pit Bull Rescue Central

and check out their wonderful site dedicated to helping this breed find homes, banish myths and educate.

Don't forget to make your dog's life "a wonderful dog's life" :)

National Dog Day August 26, 2010

Don't forget National Dog Day is August 26,2010 and they have a wonderful website you can visit HERE

"It is the Human Condition to Love.
It is Love that Changes the Human Condition.
It is the Love of one Human that can Change a Nation.
It is that Love which empowers one Nation, to save man's best friend."
~ Colleen Paige - Founder of National Dog Day

Our dogs serve such an important and vital role in our families it's great we have a day to take time out and honor them past and present fur babies for all the love, support, snuggles, kisses, assistance, and compassion they have given us. They have such giving and forgiving spirits. I hope that one day I can achieve such greatness.

Ideas for celebrating National Dog Day:

• ADOPT, ADOPT, ADOPT a dog today
• Set aside a block of time to focus on your dog and do the things he/she truly loves to do (fetch, tug, flyball, walking, car ride with a stop at the burger drive in, baking dog treats, tummy rubs, full body massage, the possibilities are endless)
• Make your dogs favorite meal with personal sized canine cake
• Have a dog party and invite all his/her favorite doggie pals
• Take a trip to the pet store and all him/her to pick out anything they want
• Buy a new doggie bed and blankie
  
• Buy a new leash, collar, harness and take a walk at their favorite location
• Take some picutures and start blogging about your favorite best friend (after you've spent some quality time with them)

Most of all have fun and celebrate National Dog Day with your best friend

Is Your Dog Happy?

Is your dog truly happy?  You may answer a definete yes.  Why?  Is it because he/she has food, water, and shelter?  If so then your dog may be getting his/her most basic needs met but that is about it.

Have you ever looked at a day through your dogs eyes?  What does she do for the day, what mental, physical and emotional stimulation does she receive?

Most dogs spend 10-12 hours a day alone.  They receive a pat on the head upon waking, go out to potty, come inside, eat breakfast, lay down and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait for their humans to return home.  If they are very lucky their humans are kind enough to realize they should not have to wait more than 4-6 hours max to relieve their bladder or have a bowel movement and they will come home mid-day to take them out to potty.  Then the dog will wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait some more for their human to return home.  At that time they will be so excited and happy to have some companionship they will jump for joy only to be pushed down, kneed in the chest, toes stepped on for their pure and undiluted affection.  They will go out to potty, come inside, get a bowl of food, and their humans will eitiher leave again for other activities or they might prepare a meal and affix themselves to the televsion, video game or computer until the wee hours of the night as the dog looks longingly and hopefully to the human for some kind of interaction, before bed the dog will get another trip outside to go potty, come inside, the human will go to bed and the dog will sadly watch the door close right in front of its very nose.  The dog will find a lonely spot to curl up and dream about someday being able to have a day full of something  fun and exciting to do with his/her human because laying on the floor or being tossed out into the backyard all day waiting and waiting all day every day is NOT "a wonderful dog's life".

Our dogs give us their all each and every day.  They are always willing and ready to be with us everywhere, everytime.  We OWE our dogs more than we could ever repay them.  The sadest part is their lives are so very short.  They are with us 8-16 years depending on breed and genetics.   Sadly much of that time for most dogs is void of the stimulation they need to truly enjoy life.

Dogs suffer boredome, depression, sadness, lonliness, anxiety, stress, pain, excitement, happiness, and love.  It's up to us as their best friend and closest family members to make sure each day is the BEST day of their life.

• Toss a favorite toy a few times after the dog has completed their potty business.  As this becomes a routine the dog will realize the quicker they potty the quicker the fun begins.  Make sure not to endulge in the game until the business is complete or YOU will be the one waiting, and waiting, and waiting.
• Instead of sitting a bowl of kibble down for breakfast the dog will eat alone make a game of breakfast.  Hand feed each piece of kibble, requesting a differnet trick or skill for each one.  This is the perfect opportunity to practice attention exercises.  Keep it fun !!!!
• First thing upon waking up find your furry friend and make over them like it's Christmas, birthday, all holidays rolled into that very moment.  Tell them how wonderful they are, rub all their favorite spots, give them kisses and hugs if they enjoy them.  Make this a daily routine.
• Upon arriving home repeat the above, make them feel like they are the most special, most loved dog on the entire planet.  Spend 5-10 minutes focused entirely on them.
• During commercials play a game of tug.  You can get in several tug games during one program.  This will allow you to practice "give" and "take". 

Remember make sure every day is "WONDERFUL DAY" from your dogs perspective.