Waste Management Getting Tricky

Posted on February 2, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Hope, miniature schnauzer, and Windy, mini dachshund, want all the ice to melt.

The crazy Ohio weather is befuddling my furkids.

The ice from yesterday melted last night, but high winds are re-freezing what is left.

We have a ramp down the back steps to make it easier for the wiener dogs, who do not have back problems. The ramp was clear this morning. Last night I scattered some pet friendly ice melt.

Hope, skeptical because I think she remembered falling yesterday, went first. She got to the yard and found ice over snow. She took care of her business and galloped up the ramp.

Jake and Windy went out at separate times, and both did the same thing.

Each wiener dog was annoyed with the ice over the snow and 40 miles per hour wind, so they pottied under the ramp. For Jake and Windy, being low had its advantages this morning.

 

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Dogs Don’t Think Ice Is Nice

Posted on February 1, 2011 by daysofourdogs

On a sunny winter afternoon, Hope and Windy think snuggling is a good idea.

The furkids’ toenails didn’t help them grip the ice this morning. All three slipped and fell while heading out to potty.

No one was injured, and everyone took care of his or her business quickly.

Here is how the day will be spent: Jake will perch on the ottoman looking out the bay window for excitement, Windy will spend most of the day snoring, and Hope will nag me for a walk this afternoon. As for me, I will get some work done at home between being asked for treats.

According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain will be around most of the day. This means I will be cleaning up three or four piddle pads. At least the furkids’ aim is 90 percent accurate.

 

Posted in Dachshunds, Dog Behavior, Schnauzers, Waste Management | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Birthday Jake

Posted on January 31, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Jake doesn't think he is an old man.

Jake is 12 or 13 today, which makes him in his 60s if he were human.

Our dachshund owners group had its monthly meet-up yesterday, and we brought a cake. Jake did get a few bites of the white cake—no icing—and he liked it and being with more than three dozen wiener dogs, and a handful of honorary dachshunds, such as Hope. Windy was more of the social butterfly.

Jake is in great shape. He loves walks, gets excited when you come home, is enthusiastic with toys and knows how to demand what he wants.

The only medical issue we had with him was a benign tumor on his right flank a few years ago. The incision from the side looked like a magician had sawed him in half. He has a long scar still.

We are blessed with Jake’s good health. In the past we have had furkids with diabetes (We gave insulin shots twice a day), Cushing’s Syndrome, a brain tumor, incontinence, blindness, allergies and kidney disease. With good nutrition, exercise, love and regular vet visits, Jake should be around for quite a while longer.

 

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Recall of Jr. Texas Taffy Pet Treats

Posted on January 29, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Recall Alert
Merrick Recalls Jr. Texas Taffy Pet Treat Because Of Potential Salmonella

Merrick Pet Care has recalled  the Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat all lots because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. If you have purchased these treats stop feeding them to your pet immediately and return to Pet Supplies “Plus” (or the store where you purchased it) for a full refund. Carefully double wrap any open food and return it too for a refund.

Merrick Pet Care has made the decision to recall all Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats in the abundance of caution. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Jr. Texas Taffy was shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased the Jr. Texas Taffy are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm CST.
22710 Haggerty Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48335                                                        © 2011 Pet Supplies Plus “USA”
www.petsuppliesplus.com

 

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Doggie Mind Games

Posted on January 28, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Windy wants everyone to love her. That's easy.

Jake refuses to fall prey to Windy’s feminine wiles. Or so it may seem.

Whenever Windy tries to be sociable by sniffing Jake’s privates, he gives her a soft growl and moves away. When Jake is on my lap and she wants on it too, Jake has to be on the left of my lap and Windy the right. He would prefer I not pick her up at all, but he acknowledges my authority.

I think Jake is asserting his authority. He has not been aggressive toward Windy. Outside on walks often they pace side by side and engage in community sniffing on the grass. I think Windy tests Jake sometimes. This doesn’t trouble me because this is the way dogs are.

Hope, on the other hand, doesn’t test anyone. She knows Jake is the alpha dog and welcomes Windy for snuggling. Hope doesn’t have issues with dogs, just people.

Equality is not a concept in a dog’s makeup. We have a peaceful household with the furkids. Doggie drama is not allowed.

 

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Wiener Dogs Are No. 1 For Many Folks

Posted on January 27, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Jake, unhappy while waiting his turn for grooming and unhappy about being number eight.

Whenever we are out in public with the furkids, the wiener dogs always make people smile.

Is it because dachshunds are so long, lean and low? Is it because of the spring in their steps? Or is it because Jake and Windy are always good humored?

Whatever the reason, I like it when people smile, but these smiles don’t necessarily translate into dachshunds being the number-one breed in America.

The American Kennel Club released this week its popular dogs rankings for the year. And, once again, Labrador retrievers were number one. The labs have clenched this spot for the last decade. Dachshunds were number eight, and miniature schnauzers were number 12. (Sorry, Hope.)

Pity the poor English foxhound, which ranked last at 167.

To see where your favorite breed is check http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm

 

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Post-Grooming Disaster

Posted on January 25, 2011 by daysofourdogs
 

 

Hope, guilty of poorly planned waste management.

The furkids went for grooming appointments yesterday. The wiener dogs don’t need haircuts, but I prefer for someone else to trim their toenails and getting a bath is a plus.

I have had the same groomer for 16 years, and she is a dear friend. In fact, she was the breeder of my angel girl schnauzer, Belle.

Schnauzers should be groomed every six to eight weeks. Hope each time gets better. Initially Hope tried to jump out of my friend’s arms while she was bathing her, and forget about using the dryer last year. Now, Hope is calm but wary.

On the way home, with furkids snuggled in a quilt in the backseat, I smelled it. And you know what “it” is.

As I searched for a place to pull off, the smell got worse. After parking in McDonald’s, I got out and looked into the backseat. Hope was in the floor, and poop was all over her backside and ground into the floor mat. Jake and Windy were nonchalantly sitting on the seat staring at me.

In addition to Hope’s hindquarters, here is what poop got on: the leashes, her coat, my coat and sweatshirt sleeve, the quilt, the molding next to floor behind driver’s side, many places on the back seat, the ice scraper, an umbrella and grocery bags kept for poop pick up.

ARRRUUUUGGGHHHH!!!!! Hope never has done this. With my poop-pick-up bags covered in poop and nothing to wash with, all I could do was get back into the car and head home—with all the windows cracked in 17-degree weather.

I led a confused Hope on her leash through the house to the bathroom where she got her second bath of the day. I cleaned the car and washed all of the aforementioned articles.

Needless to say, she was exhausted for the rest of the day and didn’t nag me for a walk.

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Off To The Vet

Posted on January 21, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Jake on his way to the vet.

The vet technician keeps Jake from squirming while the doctor draws blood. The vet has a cute tattoo of paw prints around her wrist.

Jake had a vet appointment today, and he was less than thrilled.

He needed his Proheart shot, which is for heartworm prevention that I am committed to year-round because he does interact with other dogs, and pre-surgical blood work. He is due to have his teeth cleaned, and the blood test is routine for that. A yearly cleaning is good for your furkid.

Trying to get out of the house without riling Hope and Windy was tricky. I put them out to go potty and got my coat. They came in and snuggled, and I coaxed Jake out the front door. He was not pleased with the 10-degree temperature but was seemed glad the sidewalk had been shoveled of the 5 inches of snow and turned some of it yellow.

In my warm car I wrapped Jake in a quilt and off we went.

I have used the same vet for probably 16 or 17 years. I can depend on her service, and she knows I am a conscientious furmom. Every time Jake is there he thinks he can leave after he gets weighed.

Jake’s roly-poly veins made getting his blood challenging; he never tries to bite but doesn’t want to stay still. A handful of Bill Jack Liver Treats pacified him.

Once his blood results come back, we will schedule his teeth to be cleaned. One good thing about furkids, they don’t need braces.

 

Posted in Dachshunds, Dog Health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Evidence Points To Dogs Being In America At Least 9,000 Years

Posted on January 19, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Jake, who has a birthday coming up Jan. 31, must plan his party.

Archeologists have found a bone fragment from the 1970s in Texas that shows the earliest domesticated dog in America. http://tinyurl.com/4zpc8ef

Unfortunately, the scientist found the bone in excrement. Human excrement.

It’s a fascinating story the Associated Press is reporting. Humans and dogs have had complex relationships for thousands of years. Just don’t tell Jake, Hope and Windy about early humans’ diet.

 

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Barking Is Not Just For Dogs

Posted on January 17, 2011 by daysofourdogs

Windy, prone to occasional gastric upsets.

The more I live with dogs, the more I realize how they share many human conditions.

When Jake or Windy doesn’t feel well, my lap is the place to be. Not my husband’s lap. Mine.

Yesterday Windy wanted in my lap. As I stroked her she hiccupped. Her body shook, and she made a little “urp” from down in her throat.

I have had furkids have hiccups before, but none wanted in my lap for comfort.

Well, I knew I couldn’t get Windy to chug a glass of water, breathe into a paper bag or eat a spoonful of sugar. I didn’t want to scare her because I want my lap to be a welcoming place. Perhaps I could startle her.

Figuring out my plan, I looked toward the bay window. As if there were something interesting out there, I jerked my body and started barking. Yes, I barked.

Windy was surprised and looked toward the window. Jake hopped up on the ottoman to look out and bark then Hope joined in. Windy’s hiccups had stopped.

I am so glad no one was there to record that and put it on YouTube.

 

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