Good bye my friend

Shur Paws Miss America a.k.a "Missy" 04/02/2000 ~ 02/21/2010

A Missy Report

I know I haven't been blogging much. I haven't been reading many of my regular blogs either. Missy is on another down slide and I'm not sure there will be an up slide this time. I swear it started as soon as I said she was doing great. It was a jinx. We've had to fiddle abit with her meds and the result isn't what I had hoped. I sometimes feel like she is simply existing these days. Not the life I want for any of my dogs. Between her sleeping and eating (and the much more frequent accidents due to some incontinence) there is falling down, stumbling, whining and moments of complete disorientation. Even eating her favorite treats is done with an automatic response and none of her previous joy. If it weren't for the prednisone I'm not sure she would be eating at all. I am taking it one day at a time for now. It kills me to think I may not have many more left with her.

I am second guessing myself about the looming decision right now too. I don't want to jump the gun but don't want to make her suffer either. I've said for years the worst part of having pets is losing them. I think I want to change that to the worst part is having to make the decision to let them go. Emotion clouds our judgement. Am I really seeing the situation clearly or am I in denial and am hanging on beyond what is fair to her? I'm not sure. My family thinks she is ready to go. I am the last hold out. Are they seeing something I am not? Living with a sick dog and trying to keep life as normal as possible for the rest of us all is also draining me. I feel I am falling short, for everyone. It is truely a no win situation.

I just have no heart for much blogging right now.

Wordless Wednesday

The ball is rolling

Today I had a meeting with the new warden (and others) about getting the Canine Corrections program back up and running. It has been on hiatus for various reasons. The meeting went very well. So well that they had me go over to the shelter and bring a dog back over to hobnob with the prisoners to get interest peaked for the handler positions. We have put 7 dogs through the program in the past one at a time. This time around they want one dog for each unit. (2 units) I am very excited. The more dogs we can get over there the better.
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This is Duke. He is a 4 year old bull mastiff. He was the dog I took over since he has a lot of wow factor. (one of his eyes has an injury that is being treated hence the odd look) He is very sweet and quite goofy. He did great with his little field trip. Thankfully he loves to ride.

He came to the shelter with his housemate Daisy seen below. Their owners were moving and couldn't bring them along. The staff at the prison really loved Duke and would love to have him and Daisy to start the program. They certainly could use the training, especially on loose leash walking.

It was such a nice day that after I brought Duke back I took Jenny out for a tracking training run. (44 whole degrees!) She did great. I need to start ageing the tracks for her now. This was my first time tracking when there has been snow on the ground. I admit it, I am a wuss and hate to be cold. Of course she isn't exactly a fan of the cold or deep snow either so it works for both of us to avoid it. This is her after our last track playing with the glove. I love that she is a good tracker. She has a fabulous nose. Tho I have to say once in awhile it has it's downside. Last night my husband was sharing some cheeze its with the dogs. Well one apparently ended up under the couch. I didn't see it go under and neither did the dogs. But a few minutes after he was done sharing, Jenny picked up the scent and started whining and trying to get under the couch to get at something. I knew it had to be food, she does that when treats fall out of her crate too. She simply will not give up. She'll try everything she can to get the fallen treat and when that fails she takes up her station and stares intently at the area and occasionally whines in frustration. Eventually one of us notices and helps her out. I know we will never have an ant problem since Jenny tracks down any hint of a crumb in this house.

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She is also the dog that can get ANYTHING out of a Kong. I have taken to stuffing them with a hard biscuit I wedge in it and then add peanut butter and freezing. She has learned bouncing it or chewing the outside to break up the cookie works eventually and goes for broke to get the job done. Food is definitely her currency. That sounds like it would be ideal for training purposes but for her it can mean she gets overstimulated by it. Instead of thinking about what she is supposed to do she gets to focused on the presence of the food. Timing is very important as is slowing her down. It's a good thing I love a challenge.

Jack loves snow

Me? Not so great at getting good action shots.

Creep crawly things-info on dust and grain mites

One would think that because I have Jennys allergy results I could keep her from being itchy. Not true. While I did get a better vacume cleaner it is only part of the solution. Here are some websites on the mites in question:

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php

http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/flour-and-grain-mites

Grain Mites (Acarus siro):

The grain mites are pests of food and feed products, like cereals, dried vegetable materials, cheese, corn and dried fruits. These mites proliferate under high moisture conditions and are often found in conjunction with fungal growth. Severe infestations result in brownish tinge over the commodity, called "mite dust" because of the light brown coloring of the mite legs. This "mite dust" gives off a "minty" odor if the mites are crushed. The life cycle from egg to adult takes only about two weeks at normal room temperatures. Overcrowding in heavily infested products will force mites to move off in search of other food sources.

Pantry Pest Prevention:

The following tips may be useful:

**Purchase food in package sizes that can be used up in a short time. Do not store food products more than two to four months, if possible. Use older packages before newer ones and opened packages before unopened ones.

**When purchasing packaged foods, be certain containers are not damaged and seals are intac.

**Store dried foods in insect-proof containers such as screw-top glass, heavy plastic or metal containers. This will prevent entry or escape of insects. Cardboard, paper or plastic wrapping will not prevent insect infestations.

**Keep food storage areas clean and do not allow crumbs or food particles to accumulate, as exposed food will attract insects. Cleanliness is especially important in areas where pet foods and birdseed are stored.

Control of All Stored Food Pests:

Inspection and identification of all potential food sources is essential to controlling the infestation. Control requires locating and discarding all infested items. Do not overlook intact boxes or containers because many insects can chew their way into cardboard and foil.

Infested items can be thrown away or salvaged by freezing three to four days. Food can be heated in a 140ºF oven for an hour with the same result. Empty and thoroughly vacuum cupboards or shelves holding infested items, paying particular attention to cracks and corners. Vacuuming picks up hiding insects and spilled or infested material. Empty the vacuum cleaner or discard the vacuum cleaner bag after use to prevent reinfestation.

Do not use insecticides for controlling these or other insects in pantry areas. Washing shelves with detergent, bleach, ammonia or disinfectants will not have any effect on these pests since these insects lay their eggs on suitable food. Removing infested items and thoroughly cleaning with a vacuum is usually sufficient. As a precaution against reinfestation, store susceptible foods in tightly sealed glass, metal or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer.

If insects continue to appear, go through stored items again, also check other rooms in the home for possible sources. Tree seeds blown into ventilators or around windows may harbor these pests. Dermestids (carpet beetles) can develop in many products such as feathers, silk, wool, fur, stuffed animal skins, dead insects, lint and many other materials. If insect problems persist, seek assistance from a pest control professional.

This educational resource was adapted from Insect Pests of Stored Food in Kitchen and Pantry by S. Kamble, D. Keith and J. Kalisch, University of Nebraska. Link: http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/pantrypests304.shtml

What none of the info I have found tells me is how to avoid the mites in foods in the first place. Is there a way to avoid grain mites competely?? Or is it only about avoiding gtting them in the foods you already have? It is confusing.

And because I have a sense of humor, check out the dust mite dog toy I found online:
http://www.x-tremegeek.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productid=8775

You really CAN find anything online!

Mr. Snownose

Sharing the wealth

I am fortunate, even though I am in a (now) trainer dense area that I have my own niche. My dog training focus for clients is on behavior problems and basic pet manners. I do this by providing private sessions in the clients home. The other trainers in my area do group classes, agility, competitive obedience, puppy classes and board and trains. This means I have other trainers to refer people to if I do not provide what those potential clients are looking for. It is also nice that I have personally met and know all of those other trainers. This helps me be able to know who to specifically refer a client to. I also only refer to other trainers I trust. Trust is a very important component in dog training. The ones I most commonly refer others to in and around my area are:

Sumac Grant-Johnson at http://www.wagitcamp.com/ (Lincolnville)
Mary Majchrowski at http://www.mybravodog.com/ (Rockport)

Lane Fisher at http://www.waggletailsobedience.com/ (Belfast)

Marcia Lindsey Welch at http://www.positivelybestfriends.com/ (Edgecomb)

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My list of trainers I like and refer to is actually longer than the above, these are just the ones in my own area. (If you are outside my area and looking for a reputable trainer check out the trainer search at http://www.apdt.com/ )

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Of course dog training for me is about helping people and their dogs. Maybe I should be more competitive but I feel there are plenty of dogs for all of us to train. And I honestly think some trainers are better at certain skills than others. I would hope they refer to me in return but I don't expect it. I know not everyone wants to give up any business they might be looking at and I can understand that. I have been told I am to nice when it comes to business matters. My lack of "competitive spirit" annoys my husband. Of course he is our families banker so he likes to see profits whenever possible. I see it as more about playing well with others.

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Another thing I like to know about is other dog businesses in the area. There is more to dogs then just training after all. Vet care and supplies, bathing and boarding are also constants. For supplies my favorite local store is The Loyal Biscuit. They have the best selection of quality food and treats in my opinion. Check them out for the addition of a self serve dog wash in the future.

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For boarding I personally use Perry Greene Kennel in Waldoboro. I know the owners and used to work there part time long long ago. (1994-97ish) I do not take the trust in the care of my dogs lightly!

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For grooming I use Yankee Clipper in Rockport. Jack had an appointment just last week. He loves it there and I have known the owner since 1992 when I got my first akita. She used to show and breed akitas herself which is a nice bonus. She has also been very generous to rescues over the years as well.

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Another business I love and refer people to is Boneheads dog walking and pet sitting service. Candace has attended dog behavior seminars and really knows her stuff.

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Recently our area welcomed an addition of a doggy daycare: Harbor Hounds LLC I met the owner Clara a couple weeks ago and was very relieved to learn she is a real dog person who knows what she is doing and has lots of experience. I feel very comfortable referring clients to her if they need a doggy daycare service. There are way to many people who think they can simply throw a group of dogs together to play and make money at it. Doggy Daycare is MUCH more complicated than that.

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Everyone becomes a trainer for different reasons beyond loving dogs. Maybe they lived with a problem dog and had to get good at dealing with behavior issues. Maybe they fell in love with a dog sport. Or maybe they just wanted to help dogs and their people learn how to communicate with each other better. Few trainers with longevity in this business jumped in to make lots of money. It is usually a labor of love.

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I do lack the drive that some trainers have to build a big business. Being self employed is tough. It is one reason I have stayed small. Of course being small also means I can control every aspect of my business. A good thing for my control freak issues. Having other trainers to share the wealth with also keeps me from burning out. A burnt out trainer is no good to anyone, especially the dogs they work with. And having a second job takes the weight of earning off my shoulders. I can do what I love simply because I can, not because I have to.

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The super cute Boston Terrier above is Poppy. She belongs to my boss at the vet clinic. While he was away at a vet conference recently I taught her how to ring a bell on cue. She was a super quick study. I wasn't sure she would do it for him when he took her home (with only a weeks worth of once daily short sessions under her belt) but he reported that she had no problems with it once he got her home. Good Girl!

Happy Birthday Jenny!!

Our sweet Jenny is 4 years old today. Her AKC PAL/ILP request papers went in the mail just this morning. She was named by my son after Forrest Gumps girlfriend. Because of that we went with the registered name of "PRoNE's That's My Girl". I thought adding PRoNE as a prefix would help get some PR for pug rescue. I also printed off the APDT registration request last night and will send that in next. This way we will be covered to do Rally in either venue if we like. (I'll send Jack's APDT request in as well.) Since it is currently only 1 degree outside, (which translates to her as Ouch my feet are cold!) I have a feeling she will be spending most of her day in this position. Lucky girl!

(My husband gifted her (ok me) with a Dyson vacume last night to help combat the presence of dust mites. It is the "for homes with pets" version. I LOVE it!)

Looking for a new home

Meet Bessie, a bluetick/walker hound cross. I have had the pleasure of meeting her and she is super sweet and very smart. She is an active dog that loves to learn new things.

This 7 month old beauty is available for adoption to the right family. She is already spayed and up to date on vaccinations. While she does play with some dogs, she prefers to be the only dog in her home. If you want to know more about her e-mail me directly at CanineHelp@aol.com for contact information. She is located in Mid-Coast Maine.

The results are in!

Jenny's allergy results finally came back today. http://www.greerlabs.com/vet/vet.testing.php

She is not allergic to trees, weeds, or grass. This is great news when it comes to tracking and other outdoor activities. (Her highest number for trees was 18, highest for weeds was 23, highest number for grass was 18. The scoring chart is below.)

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Negative also for all insects including fleas. Her only reading was a 15 MAU for the German Cockroach. Yeah, I don't know what that is either.

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Only one semi high number in the fungas (29 MAU) for aspergillus. Which may mean a sensitivity. (But I will do alittle more research on this possibility.) Next highest number was only a 15.

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She only had one high reading on the food chart which was for Liver. (46 MAU) The next number down was a 14. So much for trying all those different diets. And liver is one of the ingredients in the raw diet I was preparing. All the stuff I have been avoiding? They came up zero's. How ironic.

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What she is allergic to with readings in the 50's (50, 50, 57, and 58) are 2 types of dust mites (common house dust) and 2 types of grain mites. (flour mites and the like)

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So this means more frequent washing of her bedding, more vacuming/dusting the house and more baths. I will also need to avoid liver and stop giving her the pro-biotics I have been using. The good news is that is all easily do-able. I do also have the option of doing immunotherapy for the mites as that is what Greer recommended. I think for now I will hold off though and first try managing it with good old fashioned elbow grease. And even though she had those numbers in mites, they aren't nearly as bad as they could be. She's already had her first bath and bedding is in the wash as I type this. I've also already checked her treats and bought some new ones sans liver.

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It is a relief to have this info. No more worry about giving table scraps or trying to "figure it out" though trial and error. Even though testing is pricey, even with my discount, for me it was definatly worth it.

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From the paperwork - Greer allergy scoring is as follows:

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0 to 39 Scores in this range indicate that no circulating allergen specific IgE was detected for the allergens tested.

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40 to 59 Scores in this range should be considered significant if the allergens are found in the pet's environment and they relate to the clinical history.

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60 to 100 Scores in this range are considered significant. Immunotherapy for these allergens should be considered if they are found in the pet's environment and they relate to the clinical hstory.

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MAU = Modified Absorbable Units, MAU's indicate the level of allergen specific IgE detected. The magnitude of the signal does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the disease but reflects the pet's immune system response to allergens.

Happy 1st Birthday Minos!!

Minos with his siblings. (he's the dangler) This kind of cute should be illegal.

A very scary story with a happy ending.

So yesterday I gave in and took Jack to the groomer. Though I like my chiropractor, (alot actually) I don't much like dealing with the screaming back pain bathing him myself gets me afterwards. He loves his spa days and they love having him. http://www.yankeeclipperpetgrooming.com/ He is all beautiful and fluffy now and has that fresh groomed dog smell that I love.

This morning I wake to the sound of the plow truck in our driveway and a few Jack woofs outside. (we got LOTS of snow these past two days) My husband gets up before me and typically takes him out for his morning potty time. It's "the boys bonding time". I figured they were outside together and didn't think much about it. I rolled over to catch a few more minutes of Z's. I have never been much of a morning person.

I get up a short while later and don't hear Jack or my husband. OK so they are still outside. Maybe he is shoveling the steps or something. I look out my front door and see that my husbands truck is gone. He is gone and Jack is not inside. Mmmmm okaaayyy. Jack is NOT in the house, I double check. I then open the door and look to see if Jack is in the yard. Yes he is. He is still in the yard even though THE GATE IS WIDE OPEN. Holy crap!!!

I call Jack inside and he comes running, "Hey mom, look there's snow! I love snow! Didja see the snow?!"

God love him he is such a goofball!

I call my husband and say: "You are SO lucky."
"What do you mean?"
"You left Jack in the yard, WITH THE GATE OPEN."
"Ohhhhh nooooo"
"It's ok, he was still there."
"I'm so sorry. I was brushing off the truck and needed to get to work early and must have totally forgotten him."

I'm lucky my head didn't explode. I was actually pretty calm on the phone at that point because Jack was safe and none of the horrible possibilities that could have been came true. And I knew it was an accident. I have a very good husband who is normally very responsible. I only wish I had thought to re-phrase the first thing I said to him to "Where's Jack?" so he could have gotten the full "Oh My God!" rush that I did. (but I guess that would have been kinda mean)

To make this even scarier, because he had gone to the groomer yesterday he wasn't wearing his normal collar and tags. I had taken them off to wash and forgot to put them back on. Something I am normally fanatical about. It was the perfect storm of how things can go very bad. Fortunately due to repetition and training Jack knows to stay in the yard with the gate opened until we call him out. He isn't normally in the yard with the gate open either unless we are outside with him, usually because we are in the driveway or side yard ourselves.

But in all honesty I have to say we also got VERY lucky. He is a dog after all and dogs behave like dogs. It is luck that nothing caught his attention enough to make him want to leave his yard. He loves playing in the snow and eating it so I imagine, aside from barking at the plow guy, that is what he spent his time doing. Who knows what he thought when his dad drove away. I guess he knew I would let him in eventually.

Nothing like an adrenaline rush to get my morning started!

The Missy Report

Missy has been doing very well lately. So good in fact she hasn't needed to wear her diaper hardly at all and we are considering lowering the dose of one of her medications. She is almost competely normal acting. Playing with or fussing at the other dogs, chewing her bones and hoarding her toys. Just like old times. I almost forget she has this diagnoses looming over her head. But then she does something last night that jolted me firmly back to reality. I watched her walk into her crate, squat, and pee. WTH?? That is certainly the first time I have ever seen THAT before. Oh yeah, brain tumors make for interesting decision making. In the realm of problems though this is a minor one that we can live with. At least she is comfortable and happy.