K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Shades of my paranoia

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Shades of my paranoia

So yesterday morning I was convinced Jack had cancer. Now everyone who knows me knows that I am normally an optimist by nature. It even annoys my husband at times. It is rare but once in awhile I jump to the worst conclusions. Especially when it comes to the dogs. I'm unsure if I do it as a way to prepare myself for the worst, or as a way to feel better about the vet bill I am about to have. I mean if it isn't something big and bad then you are relieved no matter how much it cost to find out. Of course it could also be that I am just crazy. (I'm gonna blame genetics for that one.)
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In my defense I see a lot of bad things at work. And I know a couple people currently dealing with cancer in their dogs. So it happens. More than we like for sure.

So here's what happened to make me think the worst: After I fed the dogs I had to give Jenny her pills. Well I give them in some canned food and it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share with Jack too. When he took his off the spoon he acted like it hurt him. Hmmm that is odd. So I looked at his teeth (mouth closed) and didn't see anything out of sorts. So then I decided to look inside his mouth. Well when I went to open it up he yelped. OK that is definitely not good. Of course it must be because he has some kind of oral cancer. I had convinced myself that I had missed all the early clues. His drooling a little more on that side, and Jenny's licking his face were signs. Because of course she was trying to tell me something and I am an idiot and didn't pay attention. What is wrong with me? I am such a bad owner! (I know, such rational thoughts right?) So I skipped breakfast, because I was freaking out, packed him up and took him in to work with me.

Thankfully after being a fabulous patient it was determined that he just has an abscess along a back tooth. (He even let the Dr. push on it.) So now he's on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory. We'll re-check him Monday to make sure they are working and see what the status of it is. He may also need a dental soon.

So it is likely NOT cancer of course. I say likely because he isn't all better yet. I'll only feel 100% about it when he is 100% healed. I am very thankful that it is something pretty simple all in all. I joke now but it was a scary morning for me. Rational or not. Please tell me some of you over react like this sometimes too.

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For anyone who does have a dog with cancer, I found this website that looks helpful: http://www.themagicbulletfund.org/

4 comments:

JulieandCaleb said...: Oh my word. Ok, so when Caleb got pancreatitis, before I knew it was pancreatits, I was convinced he had some strange and rare mystery ailment that was going to require a trip to Davis.

Except I live about 2 hours away, which is VERY FAR AWAY when you're paranoid to the point of craziness over your puppy.

It was this paranoia that then made me wonder whether they do life flights for dogs who need to get to Davis because they have strange and rare mystery ailments, and if they would take a credit card...or multiple credit cards.

Contemplating the fees associated with a helicopter ride for a corgi snapped me somewhat back to reality enough to make it to my vet's office where she was able to diagnose the problem and we all lived happily ever after without me having to sell my car to pay for a helicopter bill.

So, to answer your question, YES, There's at least one other person who can ramp up from zero to crazy in .02 seconds when it comes to our dogs.; March 12, 2011 at 11:43 PM
jen said...: I overreact when it comes to my dogs' health and saftey too. Definitely.

I'm glad Jack's issue was easily diagnosed and treated!!; March 13, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Marie said...: Julie your story is hysterical. I feel SO much better! LOL

Jacks follow up went fine. The abcess is draining well and there was no need to sedate him to poke around more. (he co-operated for the full exam)

I will plan on doing a full dental this year after I get Jenny's skin sorted out. (Please God.)

Thanks for the laugh!; March 14, 2011 at 1:38 PM
jess said...: i am the *exact* same way. if dashy doesn't INHALE his food i'm like "omg it's the temaril p his liver is failing he's going to die AAAAAH!" even though we just got his blood work back and it was literally the definition of "TOTALLY NORMAL" :P; March 17, 2011 at 7:06 PM

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My Story

In 1992, after serving for 6 years in the United States Marine Corps, I decided to settle down in my hometown in Mid-Coast Maine. I got my first dog, (as a bona-fide adult) an akita, and joined the local kennel club. I also joined akita rescue and learned alot about the breed. In turn I began helping educate others. This taught me how important training is for ALL dogs. Thus began my (unofficial) foray into the world of dog training.

I worked for a few years at a local veterinarians office and then began working at our local humane society. While there I saw many dogs being given up for simple training issues. About that time the kennel club began looking for a new trainer to teach group obedience classes. I decided I might be able to handle that challenge once I had more official training of my own.

MY TRAINING:

I found an excellent trainer to mentor with and in October of 2001 after a year of hands on training and study I completed my apprenticeship under Lloyd Williams of Bear Brook Kennels. During that apprenticeship, in addition to learning all the basics, I got to assist in the training of police dogs in narcotics, tracking and cadaver dogs with the medical examiners office.

Not only did I learn how to be a dog trainer, more importantly, I learned how to teach owners how they could communicate more effectively with their dogs. I consider that training just the beginning in my canine education. I continue to attend seminars and keep current through reading about recent advancements in dog training methods. I am a former member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

My training was sponsored by The Humane Society of Knox County and The Mid-Coast Kennel Club of Maine.

MY METHODS:

I use positive reinforcement methods whenever possible during training sessions. Positive reinforcement helps make the training experience more enjoyable for both the dog and owner, producing a better learning environment. I also utilize hand signals in my training which is very useful with deaf dogs as well as hearing ones. My methods include lure/reward and marker training. (with or without a clicker depending on owner preference)

MY GOALS:

My goal in training is to help pet owners develop a better relationship with their dogs. Many times that includes teaching about canine communication and behavior. I also like to help dogs stay out of the shelters and in their homes whenever possible. Training for those unruly dogs can make that a reality for some families.

MY OTHER JOBS:

I am currently the trainer for the HSKC's K-9 Corrections program. I also work as a receptionist at a local veterinary hospital.

MY FAMILY:

I am happily married and the mother of two fabulous children.

Dog Training and Behavior Seminars Attended

11-09 Self Control and Focus Games with Dee Ganley CPDT/CABC/CDBC
6-09 Dog to Dog Aggression with Patricia McConnell PhD
7-08 Debunking the Dominance Myth in Training with Jean Donaldson
6-08 PitBull Education Seminar with Drayton Michaels
3-08 Aggression and Canine Compulsion Disorders with Dr. Nicholas Dodman
4-07 How to Talk Dog with Sarah Kalnajs
6-06 Understanding Canine Body Language with Trish King
4-06 Aggression in Dogs 2 Day Seminar with Brenda Aloff
10-05 Play with Me and Feisty Fidos with Pia Silvani CPDT,CABC
2005 Canine Communication, Meet your Match and and Intro to "Safer" Training with Emily Weiss PhD