Visits With Mr. W. - I believe in Angels

This is a mini-series of 6 different visits which culminates with my visit with an angel.  I believe in angels, don't you?

July 4^th, 2013 – The morning of July 4th was the day I first met Mr. W.   Dressed in my patriotic red, white, and blue Independence Day outfit, I walked into his room while making my rounds through the care center; I thought it would be a typical visit of ‘meet and greet’, do tricks and exchange pleasantries, but this was different.  There was something different about HIM – something unexplainable. At first I was a little apprehensive, maybe even frightened, because of the various medical devices, but as soon as he smiled and removed his oxygen for our visit, it was love at first snuggle!  He just kept looking at me in such a special way and whispering things to me that no one else could really hear.  He had the most infectious smile.  When mommy asked if he wanted to see my tricks, he responded with a giant smile and a nod of “yes”.  After I finished my routine, he clapped as did his visitors.  It was so nice to see that he had visitors because so many of the people I visit are very much alone.  Then, his daughter, Miss Susan, asked if she could take a picture of us with her cell phone.  Mommy asked her if it she could send it to us, with Mr. W’s permission of course, and explained that maybe I would submit it to the quarterly magazine of TD Inc., the organization where I am registered, as well as my Facebook page and blog; Miss Susan asked her dad, and he gave his permission. I am so glad that she did.  It was an ideal first visit.

This was also the day I was asked to return to the center at 1:00 to be the Grand Marshall or the 4^th of July Parade.  When mommy and I returned, I led the parade out of the dining room! I was so hoping to see Mr. W., but he wasn’t there.  We saw his daughter though, and when mommy asked about him, she said he wasn’t having a good afternoon, but I could stop in his room to just say hello.  So, that’s what we did – no tricks – just a quick hello and a few pets. It was perfect, and it brought a smile to his face.  I ---no--- we were happy.

The Talking Tail! - The Doctor Is In!

 Did you know that your dog's tail is one of the best ways he/she communicates with you?  Think about the different emotions and varied degrees of expression that come through your pup's tail. Well, you need to know what happens when that means of expression is cut and how the communication continues!

Today I have to let all of you know about the horrors that can happen to your furry best friend who has his/her tail docked.  Below is a very sad picture of my good friend, Pixel Blue Eyes.  She and her mommy are on a very special mission about educating people, and hopefully, changing what I think is a totally unnecessary practice: Tail Docking.  There is nothing beautiful about this practice, and it often times is very painful and detrimental.  

Here is some information taken directly from my friend Pixel's blog. Please read it carefully.

"There are many symptoms and behaviors that a dog can exhibit when they are having docked tail pain. Some might seem unrelated, but they are. Here are just a few signs that a puppy or adult dog is having pain, irritation or difficulties with a docked tail:
1. Biting, licking, 'chasing' or whining at the tail or back end. Scooting or rubbing their bottoms or tails on the floor or against a piece of furniture.
2. Hiding under a bed or in a crate. Isolation from the family or laying alone in a back room.
3. Delayed or difficulty potty training, either on paper or outside. Often difficulty having a normal bowl movement (BM), including running away from a BM as it is occurring. Pixel is 5.5 years old and she still sometimes runs away from her BM's while they are happening.
4. Unexplained potty accidents, even if they are potty trained. If you are paper training and you occasionally have rogue locations where pee or poo will occur. Sometimes they have trouble holding it due to the cut tail muscles. They rely on the entire tail for this body function so it can be hindered with a docked tail.
5. Redness, inflammation or scaling at the tail nub tip. Before Pixel's surgery to try and correct her tail pain, would get seriously red and inflamed at times. Now it gets red after she has 'gone after it' due to pain & discomfort.
6. Sudden and unexplained moments where the dog leaps, jumps, or catapults themselves off of a bed/couch/chair and either runs away or goes after the tail. Leaping up suddenly then leaping down again off the furniture is often a sign they are getting sudden stabs of pain or stinging at the tail nub and are trying to 'get away' from the source of discomfort.
7. Sulking, having head down, and acting like they are in trouble or are being punished for no apparent reason. Dogs often associate the stabbing, stinging pain as something that is being "done to them" so they might very well feel they are being punished when they feel it. It's very psychologically traumatizing for them.
8. If someone goes to pet or touch the dog near their back end or tail, is there occasional crying out, yelping, or even nipping at that person (or another pet  if that pet gets too close to the tail). This can occur when someone is trying to either pick the dog up or move the dog for whatever reason.
9. Refusing to come when called, even though the dog knows and usually obeys that command. When you try to call them, they might sit in a bed, on a rug, in the corner, etc, just looking at you while you are calling them, trying to get them to come to you. This can be an infrequent occurrence where other times the dog obeys with no problems or hesitation (again, this refers back to them either thinking they are in trouble when they are hurting or that you are the cause).
10. Playtime, happy reunions, and/or meal time excitement getting interrupted by a sudden tail biting episode. Getting excited over a loved one coming home or a fun play time, can often cause a sudden bout of pain or stinging that results in yelping and 'going after' their tail. Excitement runs through the nerves in all dogs tails (or tail nubs) as they wag with joy, so docked tail dogs get 'punished' (in their eyes) for being excited."


This is some very valuable information.  I hope you follow Pixel's Blog  - No Tails Left Behind and Facebook Page as well.

Please join our campaign by visiting, liking and sharing Pixel's social media sites.  Send out Tweets as well!

Drs. Bean and Zoe Collaborate on Pets Taking Medication

 This morning at the Cancer Center one of the nurses felt that I would look much more professional if I dressed appropriately for my "professional" advice.  You can be the judge.

I am available for consultations.

I would like to introduce you to my friend Dr. Bean. She has excellent advice about your pets taking medication.  Here is her letter to all of you.

 

Hi frens!

Do any of you guys have pets that you have to give meds to & it’s really difficult? Did you know that it doesn’t always have to be such a stressful experience? The veterinarian knows best, & if they tell you to give pills, pill pockets can be your best friend.
But some of us critters are experts at eating the treat the pill is in, then spitting out the pill. Or if you mix it with our food & we don’t finish it all, you’re stuck wondering if we got the right dose.
Here’s a thought- did you know there are more & more pharmacies out there now who are expanding their services to animal patients? If your vet gives you a written prescription, they can formulate it into a liquid that has yummy flavors like bacon, chicken or beef! Sometimes they can make it into a cream that you rub into your pets skin too! It’s usually not much more expensive. I hope everyone’s pet is happy & healthy, but if something comes up & you need to give your furkid meds, don’t cringe at the idea of wrestling your pet so you can shove a pill in its mouth! We pets are connected to our owners, so if you’re stressed out about medicating us, we pick up on that stress! It can be easy! Just google compounding pharmacies in your area. Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian about it.
Love,
Dr. Bean

The Power of Prayer - Henry the Miracle Kitty Part II

 

This is my friend, Henry.  He really is a miracle kitty.

A few months ago, I wrote about the power of prayer and my friend, Miss Jo’s, kitty, Henry.  Everyone, especially the doctor, was sure Henry had a terminal intestinal problem, but then the miracle of healing took place. If you forgot the details, you can go back to March 28, 2013 and read his story.  Well, it is now 4 months later, and I thought I should give you an update on Henry.  He is still very much alive!

Henry has been on vacation with his family and doing very well.  He has gained weight; in fact, he weighs more than he ever has, but he is still a small kitty. He is happy, playful and as inquisitive as ever.  When he went to the doctor for his last follow-up visit, the doctor scratched his head again because not only was there no evidence of the original tumor diagnosis, but also, even the thickening of the intestine was gone this time!! Ultrasounds don't lie!  Henry is 100% well.  This time his mommy, Miss Jo, did her yippee dance in her heart.  As she told me, “I had done a yippee dance in the vet's office when he told me the mass was gone (on the miracle visit in March), and I didn't think he could handle another.”  So with her permission I asked if I could once again share what Miss Jo calls a blessing.

Lately on Facebook there have been a number of very sick pets in need of prayer.  My little friend Jack, a remarkable Pekingese saw the need and set up a prayer line through his Facebook page,  Jack’s Journey.  You should read about his personal story on his page, but in addition, take notice of what  Jack calls  his Puppy Prayer Chain.  It is doing so much good!

There’s also my friend’s page called Light ACandle by Emmitt's Place & Miss Cali the Spoiled Yorkie.  The page name may sound a bit funny, but it is a very serious page.  It's a page “…for all furiends and human friends to come and share all who need prayers. Remember ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.”

Miss Jo did this portrait of Henry when he was recently helping her in her studio.

I don’t know about you, but I love my doggie community of friends who help  those in need of prayer.  After all, there certainly is power in it.  Look at Henry! There is no medical explanation why Henry’s health is perfect!.

The Benefits of Whole Pumpkin

My favorite pumpkin!

Last time, I gave you a message from Bean O'Brien on healthy treats that do not come from a store and told you that I would discuss whole pumkin in my next blog.  First, I have a question which leads into my message.

Did you ever wonder why doggies do all that butt sniffing that humans find disgusting, hilarious or both?  Well, the answer deals with our anal glands which "produce fluid with a distinctive odor that identifies (us) and tells other dogs (our) sex, approximate age, health status, and other things." (Petfinder)  So, it's more than just saying, "Hello, glad o meet you!"

But our signpost greeting card glands need to be healthy and empty themselves during our bowel movements. When they don't, you might see us scooting on our hineys on the ground or on the new carpeting (that is a little more comfy after all). We are not showing you a new trick; we are trying to relieve ourselves of discomfort.

Little dogs, and even not so little dogs, sometimes have trouble with their anal glands emptying naturally. They even can get impacted; if this happens often enough, it could not only cause permanent damage to our delicate tissues, but also result in expensive veterinary bills. To avoid complications, impacted glands need to be expressed with the help of a groomer or veterinarian.  Pet parents can be taught how to do this, too, but it can be a bit tricky and very smelly. 

Well, here's where the pumpkin comes into the picture!  Whole pumpkin (NOT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING) adds bulk to our stools so that we can begin to expel our own anal glands.  I know; I am proof of this!  

I love my pumpkin.  It was like a miracle for me!

 In addition, it is like a super food for digestion; it can curb diarrhea, ease constipation and we LOVE it.  Go figure!  But, because it is rich n Vitamin A which is stored in the liver , moderation is the key.  You can read all about it in Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Puree?

I wonder if next Halloween I will attack a few carved jack-o-lanterns on my morning walk.

My advice for today:

• Mix about a tablespoon of whole pumpkin in your pet's food.  Remember this adds a few calories, so cut back on a treat or two.
• Read the article above for more information about pumpkin.
• Check out the video link below on expressing your pet's anal gland.
• ALWAYS check with your veterinarian before making any change to your pet's diet or attempting to express your pet's anal gland

   
PS - I'm told if your pup likes to feast on his own poop, pumpkin tastes great going down the first time but is nasty recycled!