CHRISTMAS AFTER

So here it is two days after Christmas. I hope if companions became presents that they are welcomed into loving homes, where children appreciate the value of a long term friend. A friend who wilk wait by the door til they come home from school. A friend who will be your best cry buddy, the ear if a friend who will keep what you say, to be patient why you make them up in grammy's old clothes an hat, a run around pal by your side wherever you go.  And finally be your first experience at losing someone.

Dignity In Death...Knowing when to let go

Anja's time had come, 6 months after a fatal diagnosis of kidney disease, her body could bounce back only so many times.  Each time, I thought my wife would be calling me at work but Anja always seemed to be active and eagerly awaiting me at the door.

But now, two days gone by and she was not greeting me, not doing the happy dance and after my wife had returned from a week away, even I had to give up hope as she could see the obvious.

I came to the vet's office, they brought her in and she came to us, letting us pet and talk to her but the grief was too much for my wife who being a full time dog boarder, was home with her much more than I.  She took some photos for me and then left.  I too didn't want to see her pass but I knew in my heart that the last thing she would want to see was me stroking that groove between her eyes and talking to her. 

I had 20 minutes with her hugging in that way she loved so much.  She liked being held by me, with her paws and head over my shoulder.  I posted the photos and a comment that it was time on Facebook so that all her human friends could know she would soon be free of pain.  I then stood her up and bending down to be eye to eye with her, I said, "Anja, We did every thing we could do and we just don't want you to suffer".   The vet came in, she glanced at her, then back to me.  I picked her up and put her on the table. "lay down sweetie, it's time."  She eased down and kept her eyes on me. I lowered to a eye level position and spoke to her about finding Mollie and Natasha, our cats who pass years ago.  Go to the rainbow bridge every day and wait.  All the while, people was posting comments causing a little bell to go off.  I told Anja that those bells were her friends ringing the way for her to find relief and that she was loved by many many friends. 
As the injections went in, I marveled at her dignity in death, never quaking, never wimpering, never fighting it.  She was at peace with the fact that no more would she lead the dogs racing around the yard, watching over the little iggies in case she needed to break up a fight, laying on the corner of our beds staring at the door always the guardian of our home.

Her last seconds, I stroked her face, told her to wait for me and then her eyes lost the blue hues that was everyone admired so much...

.......and she was gone, quietly, courageously and as a true champion of man's best friend.

Tella's got her Groove

Tella Got Her Groove
This week, we were happy to find our foster Italian Greyhound Tella Bella (Donatella) had made it outside through the doggie door without any assistance, that she was comfortable leaving her bed in the living room and wander down the hall to chill out in the bedroom doggie bed or just to do her usual walkabout in the back yard and end up at the back door.   Despite the fact she is sightless.  

She's had a bad couple of weeks with crying in the night, restlessness (which cause us the same) and overall depression which worried us tremendously.

However, she's rebounded and seems to be better than ever, more confidence and even a force to be reckoned with if she finds another IG lounging in her bed.

While unable to actually catch her doing the doggie door walk through without assistance, I managed to 'help' her with one and get it on the digital video camera.

'Mega E or how I love to feed the puppy' (with apologies to Dr. Strangelove)

If you have a dog with Mega E, then you know it takes extra time and care to feed them. For those who  know now what this is, think of having to eat standing up because your esophagus does not function properly.  Food is not pushed down to the stomach through the movement of the e tube.

Finley, is one of those.  He's a lovely young pup who came to us from a situation where time was a issue.  Now you may say, hey who wants to spend 30 minutes hand feeding their dog.  But think of it as I do, 30 minutes of close bonding and development of trust.

The trick is to get them to stay upright while you feed them small portions.  Some people may just cut up the pieces while others like myself will cut long strips then expose just a portion between my fingers to that he has to nibble with his front teeth and pull with his tongue.  It also keeps him upright longer since nibbling takes longer to get more food than grabbing a small piece and dropping back down to the floor to eat.   You'll know when you did it improperly when your dog regurgitates the food back up.



See the admittedly sideways video (hey you feed with one hand and shoot with the other while sitting
               :-)  but first, a PSA I created for Rescue Adoption Services around the U.S.A.

Sleepless Nights

10 o'clock at night watching my dog as she steps towards her bed. Each step, a little shiver ripples through her tan fur.  She looks at me with that look a child gives their parent when they feel something wrong inside them and they need a reassuring voice to gently give them hope.   5 months since her diagnoses by not one but two vets of complete kidney failure.  She defies logic and medical knowledge with her spunk and determination.

In the other room,  a foster lays in a state of confusion and fear.  Blinded 7 months ago by a medical condition, old age is adding more weight to her little world.  Where once the steady arms I wrapped around her gave her comfort, now seem to hold her down in what seems to be a flight from inpending death.

We have or will someday have to face the moment when our pets, our companions are no longer that bouncing bundle of fur.  No longer do we come home to barks of joy and dancing paws, licks and hugs.

We don't want to think of that and just dwell upon the now,  but it is important to think ahead so that you will remember deeply and more strongly about the times you are enjoying  with them now so that those memories will hold back the crumbling wall that keeps the grief from taking over.

So, as I go over and sit next to Anja's bed to rub that little crease between her eyes that she likes me to do,  I remember the first time she ran down the road to greet her new family and know that she was given a good life.  And if I wake in the morning to be greeted by big licks on the face,  it means that God has granted me another day with one of his special angels.

Getting up and letting all our little ones out for their morning run in the backyard,  I will gather up the old blind foster, hoping she will once again find solace and comfort in my arms as I place her gently in the back of the yard for her walkabout.   My wife and I will sit in the cool breeze on our patio, sipping coffee and relaxing while our babies play. It will be a good day....a day to remember.

Labels

Got a new dog in as a hold while someone picks him up.  The previous owner thought he had some issues.  Hummmmm.
Pottytrained.   Crate trained. Curls up in your bed an is dead to the world til you get up.  Does'nt bark, or bite.  Just wants to be that quiet little doggy by your side.   Oh maybe it was overfeeding him til he got twice the size a iggie should be.  COME ON PEOPLE, STOP FEEDING YOUR DOG LIKE YOU DO YOUR CHILDREN.  CHEAP FOOD & FREE FEEDING IS LIKE KIDS GORGING AT MCDONALDS, ALL DAY LONG.  Okay off my soapbox now.

Preparing for a loss

When your best Friend on 4 legs is sick, you worry.  BUT WHEN THE SICKNESS IS DEADLY, you see them in a whole new light.  6 weeks ago, the vet informed us that our spitz mix Anja was dying.  All tests and her condition pointed to kidney failure.  We were advised to treat the next few days as her kast.  Crying, immense sadness and lots of hugs were followed bymy wife Connie, doing lots of research on raw food diets and preparation. She had already started feeding raw food and wait to see her that's the only within the past six months. Anya eat some days some days she would not. If she drink water or eat, she would around and throw it up immediately.  A normally highly active dog who loved to chase the italian greyhounds or allowed them to chase her, always looking back and slowing so they could catch up.  She became unintereted and woukd just lay in the grass. 
Days became weeks and her bad days were being outnumbered by the good, leaving us happy but worried that we're being set up for a fall.  So far we treat it as a gift and when I come home from work to a house full of happy dogs, I pick Anja up and walk around with her paws locked around my neck.  She melts like warm butter draped over me, content knowing she is loved

zingers... you never know when they hit

Zingers... that's what I call those little moments when your dog or cat does something that just melts you or makes you fill up with love.

Tella, our blind foster, can sometimes be a pill when she decides it's time to eat (she is unable to tell the normal time anymore) and so you find yourself tiptoeing around her for a late night snack, sometimes turning on the water in the sink to throw off her superdog hearing.

She will whimper and cry out and your heart sinks, because it sounds soooo sad.  My wife says I'm a cupcake and fall for it everytime but I can't help it, she's frail, scared and knows her Daddy will rescue her everytime.  Holding her, with her head swaying back and forth, knowing that she feels safe in your arms is just a wonderful feeling inside.

Watching daycampers (dogs who come over to stay for a day or two) meld right in to the scene within minutes, and finding you miss them when they are gone.

Watching a once frighten scared little foster IG, suddenly open up and chase the others or grab a toy and bring it to you.

Having your first dog, still bring a toy to you when you come home, pushing his way through all the taller dogs so he can proudly display his gift.

Watching Sophie (our little IG mix) roll on her back, throw her paws over her face, then peek out at you with the biggest grin (yes non-believers, they do smile).

You can be sitting at work, mentally pulling out your hair over some dumb situation and one of these random Zingers will pop up in your frazzled brain and give you a quick respite from the dribbling morass.  You sometimes wonder if one of your dogs knows you need something and does a psychic connection to remind you of what is important... coming home, feeding them, petting them and giving them the love they deserve. LOL

History igory

Most of those in the Iggy Kingdom know the basic story of how the IG's came about.  But now you will know the real story...
 The Medieval Times were a cold period and castles made of stone were not the most efficient at retaining heat.  The women of culture would complain so much about their cold feet and cold beds that the Kings would declare war amongst themselves just to get out of the keep.

Then one day, a entrepreneur came around with several dogs, one was large but quite the heater, and the other was small but fierce of heart.  The man worked day and night enticing these dogs to cuddle and produce and finally one frustrating day after another, a woman came by and noticed they were all males....
Put out by her laughter, and that of the town folks, he handed the dogs over to her and was never heard from again.   The lady seeing a profitable situation went out and found a tiny little dog who was quite lovable.  She made sure to check and yes it was a female (of course).  The lady then proceeded to find the right mood and came upon the perfect condition.  A cold night and a soft comfty bed full of fluffy big blankets.  The dogs ran from their crates and leaped upon the bed, dove under the covers and within a certain amount of time as nature does take, little puppies were soon bouncing around the small but cozy home.  (cue my wife when she hears the word puppy)

These little critters were quite adorable and the lady kept them all nice and warm under the covers as she slept, finding that they gave her warmth as well.  She sought out other possibilities and found that they would swarm under a large dress and keep her feet warm too.

The next week was festival time in the village and the King and Queen were to attend.  The lady then gave a Herald (that a guy with a big voice, we know them now as DJ's ) a small purse of change to announce her as 'the lady of the hounds' and she proceeded to show off their warmth and cuteness to all the gentry. 

At first the King was 'Great! another puppy in the house! (a sound familiar around our house as well) but the lady was prepared for this and whispered something in his ear which perked him up and he immediately bought up all her dogs.  The Queen was perplexed by this sudden change in her stout husband but when they arrived back at the castle, he released the hound puppies and they all scurried over and under her dress.  OOOHHH she shuddered at first thinking she was being devoured but quickly realized that warmth was surrounding her otherwise cold tootsies.  She smiles and sigh, "finally you got it right".  He laughed and said "wait til tonight then you see what I did". 

Night came slowly as if on the back of a turtle, the Queen was beside herself with curiosity.  "what could he mean by wait til tonight"  hoping it was not his usual attempt, she finally saw the moon rise above the meadow and headed to her chambers.  She shuddered from the cold as she slid into the bed and was shocked to find it warm and cozy.  She looked over and saw the bedwarmer still sitting by the fire, reached down and lifted the covers just as 10 little hounds bounded up to her and gave her hundreds upon hundreds of kisses.  Laughter erupted from her bedchamber as the King snuck off to visit his concubine.... and the villagers all thought what could make her laugh so and blushed at their own thoughts.

Now you know the real story of how Italian Greyhounds were created.  Not for science, not for comfort nay it was to keep the wife silent on those cold wintry nights.

When an opinion becomes a argument

Just recently, I was visiting a facebook site for fellow IG owners and noticed a post from someone who complained about those who feel their opinions were gospel and that anyone who disagreed with them were wrong.. wrong.. wrong.

It's true, as with any group or following there are those who believe in their hearts that they are right and everyone must follow their lead in order to do the right thing.  What they fail to notice is that most of them are dropping out or becoming angry with their handing out of wisdom.  They don't know they are the problem and not the solution.  Give out your knowledge and wisdom and let others take it or leave it. 

America is built on a diversity of people who bring all types of opinions, beliefs, experience and knowledge to the table.  Not all of it works for every situation but it's there for the offering.  Take what works, dispel to others what you know and let it go. 

And on the other hand, when seeing a post that declares a particular way of handling a IG situation, that makes your way not look good, just do one of two things, respectfully disagree and state your situation and why it works for you and that it may not work for others...or just as I posted... pick up your water bottle and spray the monitor and say "Bad Dog...BAD DOG".  of course as one of the posters was quick to respond.. make sure you cover the monitor with plastic LOL.

Blind Dog Walking

Some of you may already know, our family fosters for Texas Italian Greyhound Rescue and our forever fosters (too old/ill to be adoptable) are either partially blind (Rocket) or totally blind (Tella had surgery which required removing both eyes due to infections).

Tella has learned when I come home, she pops her head up out of the  blankets on her bed in the floor, raises up and does the hokey pokey walk towards the backdoor with her tail wagging happily from end to end.  And if I don't pick her up quick enough, she gives out a pitiful wail or bark (Connie says I'm trained well).  But I just can't help it. She reminds me of my Mom's Mother who when she had a stroke,  I would be there to take her from place to place, sitting with her and watching her frail little body somehow have the strength to carry on.  I even think of Tella as NONNA (Italian for Grandmother).

Last night she was curled up with the others in bed hiding from all the thunder and popped her head out and laid it on the pillow just under my chin and rested there totally happy knowing that I was on protection duty.   Her frail little body with sunken skin over what were once bright happy eyes makes you wonder if you're doing the right thing and then you see her strutting across the backyard moving her head back and forth like a Stevie Wonder impression and you know she's cool with it.

Sometimes dogs need to show humans how to handle crap, cause they don't get caught up in all the emotional garbage we tend to collect and stew over.  Come on world sling it, I'm can handle it today.

Play Date

We had a successful play date with over 11 dogs and 20 or more close dog lover friends, folks we dog sit for and others who heard about it.

Shad fell in love with our new foster Luca and it was great seeing Shad come out of his shell as well as Luca who is very shy around new people.

Had a great time talking with the Italians about growing grapes (interpretation through their daughter did help) and I think they were impressed with the meager vines I have on the property. 

My wife was in her element talking dogs and making connections.  I worked the yard, the conversations and still managed to pooper scoop with dignity and style.

Something to be said about holding a blind dog while scooping poop and having a conversation about one of the party person's trip to Peru and how altitude sickness works.

The afterparty is where all the dogs crawl back to the couch and sleep sleep sleep for the next hours giving you time to clean up and hit a movie or just relax yourself. 

don't compare your babies to their kids

How many of you have made the mistake of comparing  your dogs to that of raising kids to a parent who does not have a dog or cat?   Boy when you do, prepare for a onslaught of venting and condemnation.  "How dare you compare a four legged animal to my dear precious Parker!" or "Ha! you think you can pretend a lazy cat is like my overachieving Rachel?"

What they really mean is...
You don't have to deal with demon Damon or Scheming Sally, watch as they rip into the neighbors toys then have to deal with a mad parent, or worry about every time your son borrows the car and you overhear him on his cellphone telling his friends that he's got the car, they got the beer, or having your daughter gain weight and it's not from eating too much... and don't get them started on paying for little Lefty's college education with the retirement fund they saved for 30 years.

Just sit back and smile, while your little babies bounce around on the floor chewing toys and barking and know that no matter what.  You can leave them home all day without Child Services getting a call, put a leash on them when you take them to the mall, dress them up without hearing about how embarrassed they are, get and give kisses all day even in front of their friends without so much as a whine.

Posers

so... long day, short night. But I do wanted to talk about how these little stinkers get away with stuff.  You know what I mean.  Eating the pillow or de-stuffing a toy or barking and running like a banshee all over the house at 10pm when you're trying to get meds down their throat.  Then just when you're about to become your Mother and scream GIT TO BED OR ELSE!  they roll over, throw their paws behind their heads, look at you through the corner of their eyes and smile.  Butter would not melt on a Scorching Summer day faster than  you do at that sight.  Come on... you know I'm talking the truth here.
You give in, get up to go over and rub their belly when just as you bend over, they jump and run and bark bark bark... OH GREAT! now you got them thinking it's CHASE the DOG game and don't think you can walk away without bark bark bark to remind you that you initiated this game.
oh, she just rolled over and threw me the look... awlllll

Opening Salvo

SO….Day of one of the Blog Confessions of a Dog Foster!

No it's not some tell all diary of someone with a dog fetish or no worries, there's no dog hoarders in the home.

When you like animals you want to do something to help, you just don't think that 4 to 5 years later you'll wind up with  5 dogs and a cat and several fosters running around your little humble abode.

But it's done and life goes on, with every passing day I come home to a bevy of barks, a cackle of claws and pack of paws all pushing and shoving to be the one in front to greet Daddy (that what I call me, you can call me something else, just keep it to yourself) I walk in, dragging 4 or 5 with their tiny paws wrapped around my legs, others are walking backwards, their paws clutched together, eyes trained on me as if I'm the Pope and I came down to get a bagel on the street.

Oh, lest I forget, we have furever (no not a spell check moment, just deal with it) fosters, ones who are past the age that most folks would consider and are living at our home in a permanent state.  One is nearly blind and likes to toddle around making sure he's in the wrong place as you carry a load of clothes while the other, poor thing, has had to have her eyes removed and yet she still has to look around like she's phantom seeing things (kinda freakish when you think about).  Who knows, maybe her dog senses are strong and she senses the force (she definitely senses when you open a can in the kitchen from 2 rooms away).

But each has their own character while others are quite the character. From Spitz mixes to Italian Greyhound mixes and full blooded oh… sorry, I forgot about the cat, that big black undulating green eyed sour face lowland gorilla who has to sleep with his face right next to yours…and has a serious snoring issue.

But no matter the good or bad, they make life in our home more enjoyable, more entertaining and filled with 'NO!" when one can't find that pee pad in time.