Well, Mom went off in a flurry of frantic cleaning and packing. She always has to clean before the dogsitter comes to stay. The house is usually covered in dog hair. (I have to admit that most of it is mine, but I can't help it.) So, Mom's main objective is to make it look like she cleans it up more often than she does.
Well, with all the running around cleaning everything and the laundry folding and packing going on, Edgar's anxiety went throught the roof. Mojo, Bentley, and I don't mind when Mom goes away. Sometimes she brings us treats back from her travels. Edgar, on the other hand, gets anxious and pant-y when she is getting ready to leave. I feel sorry for him, but to give him attention is to feed the behavior. We all try to ignore it. Unfortunately, mom gave in to his anxiety for a minute and had a chat with him which involved several hugs and kisses. Mom is such a sucker.
Rebecca came last night to feed us and open the door for us while mom is gone. The three dogs and I love it when she comes to stay. Overall, she is a bit more fun than mom is. But, maybe that's because she is only here for awhile. She and Bentley have a special relationship. Bentley is gay - I don't remember if I mentioned that before - so Rebecca is like his fag-hag. Not to use a derogatory term, but it just sums up the relationship so efficiently. He's actually quite lucky to have her. Well, really we all benefit from her love.
So, three cheers for Rebecca:
Hip hip hurray! Hip hip hurray! Hip hip hurray!
Oh yeah, mom have fun at class. The three dogs and I miss you!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Rain Rain Go Away
Wet Grass. AGAIN!
So, I had to start playing inside today. Mom and I played chase and grab which included lots of play bows and growling. I like playing with mom when she's sad. I know it cheers her up to see me in a puppy mood. After that foolishness we played with one of those stuffed toys that's long and skinny. This one is a chipmunk and our cousin Spencer gave it to us a while ago. Mom and I had fun this evening. I like making her happy, even when she annoys me.
Heidi's mom here - That white thing is for my physical therapy. Heidi snickers at me when I have to balance on it. Then, everyone else gets going and it's really annoying!
Anyway, I just wanted to add a picture of Edgar. He never looks at the camera so it is hard to get a good one of him. I like the picture below because you can see his eyes and in his eyes you can see me taking the picture. Neato.
So, I had to start playing inside today. Mom and I played chase and grab which included lots of play bows and growling. I like playing with mom when she's sad. I know it cheers her up to see me in a puppy mood. After that foolishness we played with one of those stuffed toys that's long and skinny. This one is a chipmunk and our cousin Spencer gave it to us a while ago. Mom and I had fun this evening. I like making her happy, even when she annoys me.
 |
| Give it to me! |
 |
| What is this white thing in the hallway? Mom? |
Anyway, I just wanted to add a picture of Edgar. He never looks at the camera so it is hard to get a good one of him. I like the picture below because you can see his eyes and in his eyes you can see me taking the picture. Neato.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Mom Is So Busy and It Sucks!
I've been wanting more action than I've been getting lately. The cool weather makes for ideal frisbee time.
BUT, mom is busy preparing for her horse massage class next week. She has to fly up to Kalamazoo, Michigan to take it. She is certified to perform massage on dogs and other small animals already. (She does not massage me as often as she should though.) Horse massage should prove to be more lucrative as there are a lot of horse people where we live.
SO, lots of naps happening. Hopefully, our dogsitter will play with us more than mom has been lately. Cross your paws that it doesn't rain while she's gone.
BUT, mom is busy preparing for her horse massage class next week. She has to fly up to Kalamazoo, Michigan to take it. She is certified to perform massage on dogs and other small animals already. (She does not massage me as often as she should though.) Horse massage should prove to be more lucrative as there are a lot of horse people where we live.
SO, lots of naps happening. Hopefully, our dogsitter will play with us more than mom has been lately. Cross your paws that it doesn't rain while she's gone.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Why Does It Cost So Much To Go To The Vet, Part 4
Why does it cost so much go to the vet?
Well, we just have to deal with the idea that going to the veterinarian costs money. Some say it costs a lot; some say it could cost a lot more. We still have the option to shop around though.
However, buyer beware. Shopping around can be kind of sketchy.
When comparing estimates, be sure to compare apples to apples. Some veterinary hospitals itemize every little tiny thing. Other hospitals might list spay surgery on their invoice as one item. So that might include the surgery itself, but it could include the surgery, an intravenous catheter, a bag of fluids, an IV line to administer the bag of fluids, the suture material, the fee for disposing of biohazardous waste (like sharps containers), various syringes and needles, analgesics (pain relievers), the endotracheal tube, etc. Other hospitals might list the spay surgery and suture material and nothing else.
If the estimate is not specific, ask what the item listed includes. That way you can be sure of what you are actually paying for and be able to compare prices at various hospitals more accurately.
To be discussed later: Does my pet really need all this stuff listed on the estimate?
Well, we just have to deal with the idea that going to the veterinarian costs money. Some say it costs a lot; some say it could cost a lot more. We still have the option to shop around though.
However, buyer beware. Shopping around can be kind of sketchy.
When comparing estimates, be sure to compare apples to apples. Some veterinary hospitals itemize every little tiny thing. Other hospitals might list spay surgery on their invoice as one item. So that might include the surgery itself, but it could include the surgery, an intravenous catheter, a bag of fluids, an IV line to administer the bag of fluids, the suture material, the fee for disposing of biohazardous waste (like sharps containers), various syringes and needles, analgesics (pain relievers), the endotracheal tube, etc. Other hospitals might list the spay surgery and suture material and nothing else.
If the estimate is not specific, ask what the item listed includes. That way you can be sure of what you are actually paying for and be able to compare prices at various hospitals more accurately.
To be discussed later: Does my pet really need all this stuff listed on the estimate?
Annoyed At The Dogs + How To Clean Ears
I don't know about you, but sometimes my ears need to be cleaned. Just a little. I can't reach them with my own tongue or else I would do it myself. So, occasionally, I have to resort to asking one of the dogs to help me. Edgar is moderately effective, but really, his tongue is too big. Bentley's if effective but not very dexterous. Mojo has the best tongue. He can really get in the nooks and crannies. I always try to convince him to do the cleaning.
Mom, of course, does not like it. She says it makes the problem worse. She does not know how good it feels.
The best way to clean a dog's ears is to have another dog clean them for you. Period.
Mom, of course, does not like it. She says it makes the problem worse. She does not know how good it feels.
The best way to clean a dog's ears is to have another dog clean them for you. Period.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Today, The Grass Is Dry
Dry Grass = Frisbee Action
Mom's first full sequence of pictures where I'm in focus. Yay, Mom!
Now, throw it so I can catch it...
...and keep me in the frame!
Mom's first full sequence of pictures where I'm in focus. Yay, Mom!
Now, throw it so I can catch it...
...and keep me in the frame!
Rain Brings Wet Grass
Yesterday was beautiful. We had a lovely morning outside. The grass shot up in the last few days from all the rain so there were some nice tender shoots to graze on in the yard. Mom came out and set up her camera to take pictures of me catching the frisbee. Little did she know, the grass was still too wet. I can't stand playing in wet grass. As much as I love frisbee action, wet grass trumps it.
Mom just didn't understand. I tried to explain it to her.
She can be a little slow sometimes.
Mom just didn't understand. I tried to explain it to her.
She can be a little slow sometimes.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Pain Hurts
This week has been a total bummer so far.
Mom had the day off Monday which should have meant lots of frisbee action. Nope. It poured all day.
Then, Mom went to the doctor on Tuesday and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'd never heard of it, but apparently it's not a good thing. She's been mopey all week. I tried to cheer her up this morning by playing with Bentley. It worked for a minute, but, honestly, Bentley just wanted to play domination games, and I'm not into that. I don't like to pretend I'm not the boss. So, now after I finish this, I'm taking my second (of several) nap for the day.
I love to nap.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Euthanasia: Why Should I stay?
When taking your pet to the vet's office for euthanasia, there is the choice of staying with your pet for the euthanasia or dropping off your pet and leaving.
Has your pet been a good companion? Does he have funny little quirks that make you feel better when you are sad? Has he stuck by you through thick and thin?
I can only say one thing when given this choice - stay with your pet.
Euthanasia is hard to deal with for many people. No part of this process is easy. Having been present at euthanasias where the owner stayed and at ones where the owner was gone, I can easily say that your pet knows the difference. They know if you are there or not. It is heartbreaking to euthanize someone's pet when they are all alone. Being in the hospital without you is scary - there are loud noises, strange people, and weird smells. They don't know anyone and are scared. Would you want to die that way? Or would you rather have your spouse, parents, children, friends with you?
Having worked in several animal hospitals, I have a great deal of experience with euthanasia. When the owner is present, the pet is more relaxed and less frightened. The pet can be held and cradled and loved to the end. This also gives the owners a chance to grieve, really grieve. It is a chance to say goodbye with your pet, not to him.
In a busy hospital, the owner present with the pet insures that the euthanasia will take place in a timely manner. Many times, I have helped with euthanasias that take place at the end of the day when there is a spare minute to do it. If the pet was dropped off in the morning, then he has had to sit there all day wondering why he is stuck there in a little cage. The euthanasia is usually done quickly, with little attention being paid to your pet.
Is that really what you want? Be brave and stay!
Has your pet been a good companion? Does he have funny little quirks that make you feel better when you are sad? Has he stuck by you through thick and thin?
I can only say one thing when given this choice - stay with your pet.
Euthanasia is hard to deal with for many people. No part of this process is easy. Having been present at euthanasias where the owner stayed and at ones where the owner was gone, I can easily say that your pet knows the difference. They know if you are there or not. It is heartbreaking to euthanize someone's pet when they are all alone. Being in the hospital without you is scary - there are loud noises, strange people, and weird smells. They don't know anyone and are scared. Would you want to die that way? Or would you rather have your spouse, parents, children, friends with you?
Having worked in several animal hospitals, I have a great deal of experience with euthanasia. When the owner is present, the pet is more relaxed and less frightened. The pet can be held and cradled and loved to the end. This also gives the owners a chance to grieve, really grieve. It is a chance to say goodbye with your pet, not to him.
In a busy hospital, the owner present with the pet insures that the euthanasia will take place in a timely manner. Many times, I have helped with euthanasias that take place at the end of the day when there is a spare minute to do it. If the pet was dropped off in the morning, then he has had to sit there all day wondering why he is stuck there in a little cage. The euthanasia is usually done quickly, with little attention being paid to your pet.
Is that really what you want? Be brave and stay!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Roman Holiday
Not Really. I've never been to Rome. Mom says it's beautiful, but I think I'll never make it. Flying seems kind of scary.
Anyway, it's the end of a holiday weekend. I wanted to go to the beach. Mom had other plans. Namely, putting together jigsaw puzzles. She put together 3 1,000 piece puzzles. Talk about boring. One of mom's friends came over Saturday with her two kids. We had a good time, but they like Bentley and Mojo a lot so no one threw the frisbee enough for me. Ugh. We did get to chew on bully sticks, so the weekend wasn't a total waste.
I really want to go to the beach though.
But for this weekend, it was a whole lot of this...
Anyway, it's the end of a holiday weekend. I wanted to go to the beach. Mom had other plans. Namely, putting together jigsaw puzzles. She put together 3 1,000 piece puzzles. Talk about boring. One of mom's friends came over Saturday with her two kids. We had a good time, but they like Bentley and Mojo a lot so no one threw the frisbee enough for me. Ugh. We did get to chew on bully sticks, so the weekend wasn't a total waste.
I really want to go to the beach though.
But for this weekend, it was a whole lot of this...
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Euthanasia: What To Expect
The veterinary world is blessed with the ability to identify suffering in an animal and be able to end that suffering. Euthanasia is derived from Greek which translates to "Good Death." Well, obviously death is not a good thing, but it describes a death that is quick, painless, with little (if any) struggle. There is nothing worse in the world than watching a living being struggle just to breathe, or swallow, or lift its head to look at you. Every creature should be aloud to die without suffering.
So, you have made the decision to euthanize your pet.
Here are a couple of things that might ease the discomfort this decision can bring:
Imagine you are at home with your sick, beloved, suffering pet. You have made the decision to euthanize him, so you've called the vet's office to make the appointment for the next morning. It never fails, that as soon as you arrive at the vet, your pet will appear to feel better. It never fails. You walk in with your pet and start to have second thoughts. This is totally natural. You will wonder if it's really the right time. However, the reaction to appear better when going to the vet is an instinct that unconsciously occurs in your pet.
Lesson #1: Do not stress when your pet seems better upon arriving at the vet's office.
Upon arrival, the receptionist, a technician, or the veterinarian will probably have you sign a form that gives them permission to perform the euthanasia. If this is agreed upon over the phone, you will usually state the directive to two separate people to avoid confusion. No one wants to be caught in the position of euthanizing a pet when it should not have been euthanized. Sometimes, this euthanasia request form will have other information such as instructions on what is to happen after the euthanasia. Something to think about ahead of time is whether you would like to have a burial at your home (if allowed in your area), have the body cremated, or have the body cremated separately and receive the cremains (ashes) to keep.
Lesson #2: Expect to sign a consent form and give directions on what you would like to do with the body after the euthanasia is performed.
Once in the examination room, the veterinarian may ask you a few questions about what has been happening over the last couple of days and may perform a quick once-over. Then, an injection will be given. Usually, this is some kind of sedative or tranquilizer to make your pet sleepy. This is not the final injection. Some hospitals may take your pet to "the back" to place in intravenous catheter. This just ensures that intravenous access is available when the final injection is given. Your loving pet is back with you, feeling a little droopy from the sedative. The veterinarian might give you a little time alone to be with your pet and to let the sedative take its full effect. The veterinarian will come in for the final injection. The euthanasia solution is usually a blue, purple, or bright pink color - this is so that it is not accidentally mixed up with any other drug. The solution is a barbiturate which is an anesthetic. In the correct dosage, this could be used to anesthetize an animal for surgery, however in this instance the vet is intentionally overdosing to cause death. There is almost no motion. Sometimes, there might be a shiver, a sharp or prolonged exhalation, slight twitching, or a moan. These are all perfectly normal. At this point the pet will be limp and will not be alive any longer. The veterinarian will listen for a heartbeat with a stethoscope to insure that your pet is no longer alive.
Lesson #3: Do not be alarmed if there is a moan, slight shaking, or a loud exhalation after the final injection is administered.
Once a living creature - human or animal - dies, the eyelids do not close. Muscles keep eyelids closed and once the muscles have no tone, the eyes stay open. Veterinarians can glue the eyes closed for you if you are taking him home for burial.
Lesson #4: The eyes of your pet will not close upon death.
And one more tip: If you are able to, pay for the procedure beforehand so that you can leave when everything is over.
So, you have made the decision to euthanize your pet.
Here are a couple of things that might ease the discomfort this decision can bring:
Imagine you are at home with your sick, beloved, suffering pet. You have made the decision to euthanize him, so you've called the vet's office to make the appointment for the next morning. It never fails, that as soon as you arrive at the vet, your pet will appear to feel better. It never fails. You walk in with your pet and start to have second thoughts. This is totally natural. You will wonder if it's really the right time. However, the reaction to appear better when going to the vet is an instinct that unconsciously occurs in your pet.
Lesson #1: Do not stress when your pet seems better upon arriving at the vet's office.
Upon arrival, the receptionist, a technician, or the veterinarian will probably have you sign a form that gives them permission to perform the euthanasia. If this is agreed upon over the phone, you will usually state the directive to two separate people to avoid confusion. No one wants to be caught in the position of euthanizing a pet when it should not have been euthanized. Sometimes, this euthanasia request form will have other information such as instructions on what is to happen after the euthanasia. Something to think about ahead of time is whether you would like to have a burial at your home (if allowed in your area), have the body cremated, or have the body cremated separately and receive the cremains (ashes) to keep.
Lesson #2: Expect to sign a consent form and give directions on what you would like to do with the body after the euthanasia is performed.
Once in the examination room, the veterinarian may ask you a few questions about what has been happening over the last couple of days and may perform a quick once-over. Then, an injection will be given. Usually, this is some kind of sedative or tranquilizer to make your pet sleepy. This is not the final injection. Some hospitals may take your pet to "the back" to place in intravenous catheter. This just ensures that intravenous access is available when the final injection is given. Your loving pet is back with you, feeling a little droopy from the sedative. The veterinarian might give you a little time alone to be with your pet and to let the sedative take its full effect. The veterinarian will come in for the final injection. The euthanasia solution is usually a blue, purple, or bright pink color - this is so that it is not accidentally mixed up with any other drug. The solution is a barbiturate which is an anesthetic. In the correct dosage, this could be used to anesthetize an animal for surgery, however in this instance the vet is intentionally overdosing to cause death. There is almost no motion. Sometimes, there might be a shiver, a sharp or prolonged exhalation, slight twitching, or a moan. These are all perfectly normal. At this point the pet will be limp and will not be alive any longer. The veterinarian will listen for a heartbeat with a stethoscope to insure that your pet is no longer alive.
Lesson #3: Do not be alarmed if there is a moan, slight shaking, or a loud exhalation after the final injection is administered.
Once a living creature - human or animal - dies, the eyelids do not close. Muscles keep eyelids closed and once the muscles have no tone, the eyes stay open. Veterinarians can glue the eyes closed for you if you are taking him home for burial.
Lesson #4: The eyes of your pet will not close upon death.
And one more tip: If you are able to, pay for the procedure beforehand so that you can leave when everything is over.
Euthanasia is never an easy decision even when it seems like an obvious one.
Your veterinarian and their staff are there to make the process as painless as possible.
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