Well...I may or may not have the swine flu, but one thing is for sure...I feel like crap!
Yet another good thing about sharing one's life with dogs is that they don't let you wallow.
Even though I was home today resting, I've been outside for four walks already. Maybe we didn't go at our usual brisk pace, but we got out there just the same.
In between our walks, the girls were happy to curl up next to me on the couch while I sipped my orange juice and gingerale concoction. They're just happy someone's been home with them all day.
I'm happy that I wasn't home alone today too. I think getting a little fresh air is good for the mind and body, so thanks Heidi and Reese for getting me off the couch when I'm not feeling so hot.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Urinalysis Rant
So...Heidi has finished her course of antibiotics as of Saturday and after receiving a call on Wednesday and on Saturday that we should bring in a urine sample to make sure that whatever it was that she had is actually gone, we agreed to do it.
It's not easy getting a dog to pee in a cup.
I did actually get enough to analyse though, I think.
The annoying part was that, after walking in the sticky humidity that makes you feel like you have been for a swim by the time you make it to the vet, the vet was open, but no one was at the counter.
After waiting about 5 minutes, I finally peeked down the hallway and a woman made it to the counter. I explained that we were just dropping off a urine sample. The next annoyance was that she explained they weren't "really open." I said that we had to bring in her first morning pee within an hour of collecting it, so not much choice there! Then, she proceeded to act as though it was really strange that they didn't get a urine sample before giving the antibiotics. I explained that I wasn't able to get a sample other than about 2 drips. She went to look for Heidi's file to investigate.
All this time, Jamey is feeling like he's going to keel over because he is sick and didn't really want to be there in the first place (but I really needed his help, because collecting a pee sample and
managing 2 dogs on leashes would have been pretty much impossible). He's mouthing -- just pay and let's GO!
After continuing this dialogue with the nurse? receptionist? at the counter which left me feeling like I was wasting my time even bringing in the sample in the first place...let alone paying $67 to have it analysed...we were on our way back home.
The important thing is that Heidi is back to normal. Hopefully that shows in the pee!
Oh, and Jamey made it back home without keeling over...also important!!
It's not easy getting a dog to pee in a cup.
I did actually get enough to analyse though, I think.
The annoying part was that, after walking in the sticky humidity that makes you feel like you have been for a swim by the time you make it to the vet, the vet was open, but no one was at the counter.
After waiting about 5 minutes, I finally peeked down the hallway and a woman made it to the counter. I explained that we were just dropping off a urine sample. The next annoyance was that she explained they weren't "really open." I said that we had to bring in her first morning pee within an hour of collecting it, so not much choice there! Then, she proceeded to act as though it was really strange that they didn't get a urine sample before giving the antibiotics. I explained that I wasn't able to get a sample other than about 2 drips. She went to look for Heidi's file to investigate.
All this time, Jamey is feeling like he's going to keel over because he is sick and didn't really want to be there in the first place (but I really needed his help, because collecting a pee sample and
managing 2 dogs on leashes would have been pretty much impossible). He's mouthing -- just pay and let's GO!
After continuing this dialogue with the nurse? receptionist? at the counter which left me feeling like I was wasting my time even bringing in the sample in the first place...let alone paying $67 to have it analysed...we were on our way back home.
The important thing is that Heidi is back to normal. Hopefully that shows in the pee!
Oh, and Jamey made it back home without keeling over...also important!!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Down to a science
I was thinking on my 6:30am walk this morning about how easily it was going. I had each dog on either side of me. We were walking in the same direction...sounds silly but this can be difficult at times. We were all walking at about the same pace (another challenge for dogs).
Our morning walks are pretty well scripted now. I have one or two yards that are close to our building where they are allowed to pee. Then when we get to the park at the museum, they have free rein to roam and find the perfect spot to go number two.
Other than that, I keep them at my side and we are walking.
I have to remember how good this feels. It's so nice when the walk isn't a struggle and a tug of war. It's also nice when I don't have to fish kleenex or 3/4 length baguettes out of Heidi's mouth.
Our morning walks are pretty well scripted now. I have one or two yards that are close to our building where they are allowed to pee. Then when we get to the park at the museum, they have free rein to roam and find the perfect spot to go number two.
Other than that, I keep them at my side and we are walking.
I have to remember how good this feels. It's so nice when the walk isn't a struggle and a tug of war. It's also nice when I don't have to fish kleenex or 3/4 length baguettes out of Heidi's mouth.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Morning Street Sweepers
One quirk that my dogs have, and I do not think there are many dogs who don't have this quirk if left to their devices, is to inhale anything and everything that remotely resembles food.
On our morning walks downtown, there is much to be devoured: a scattering of McDonald's fries, a chunk of a hamburger bun, chicken wing bones...and most disgustingly, even the odd vomit puddle. The latter might receive a couple of licks before I realize what is happening and drag the dogs away, scolding them.
I guess this comes from a dog's inner wolf...not sure where the next meal will come from and looking to survive on whatever he can scavenge.
I just don't understand how my dogs think this is necessary? When they get 2 square meals a day??
On our morning walks downtown, there is much to be devoured: a scattering of McDonald's fries, a chunk of a hamburger bun, chicken wing bones...and most disgustingly, even the odd vomit puddle. The latter might receive a couple of licks before I realize what is happening and drag the dogs away, scolding them.
I guess this comes from a dog's inner wolf...not sure where the next meal will come from and looking to survive on whatever he can scavenge.
I just don't understand how my dogs think this is necessary? When they get 2 square meals a day??
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Dog Park
I missed blogging about Heidi's attempt at downing three quarters of a baguette in one swallow yesterday morning on our walk...let me tell you, she did not want to give that up. I had to pry it from her jaw without her snapping it shut on my fingers!
This morning, the alarm went off at 6:00am, thanks hubby! Once the alarm goes off in our house, it's pretty much time to pack it in. The dogs will not let you go back to sleep.
"What do you mean it's Saturday??" Reese climbs across my back to lick my face.
So this morning, I grudgingly got up and decided I would make things easy on myself by taking the girls to the dog park a few blocks from our place. We got there, not a soul in sight. The sun wasn't even up yet. I unleashed the girls and they ran and frolicked and we played with the tennis balls we found. It was great. It was nice not having to worry about how the dogs were getting along with other dogs.
This 6:00am dog park thing is one tip I'll file away for future reference. I can just imagine Heidi after a fresh snow fall, leaping and flopping in the fresh snow.
This morning, the alarm went off at 6:00am, thanks hubby! Once the alarm goes off in our house, it's pretty much time to pack it in. The dogs will not let you go back to sleep.
"What do you mean it's Saturday??" Reese climbs across my back to lick my face.
So this morning, I grudgingly got up and decided I would make things easy on myself by taking the girls to the dog park a few blocks from our place. We got there, not a soul in sight. The sun wasn't even up yet. I unleashed the girls and they ran and frolicked and we played with the tennis balls we found. It was great. It was nice not having to worry about how the dogs were getting along with other dogs.
This 6:00am dog park thing is one tip I'll file away for future reference. I can just imagine Heidi after a fresh snow fall, leaping and flopping in the fresh snow.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fall Leaves
I was walking the dogs after work today and noticed a change in the park. We're starting to have leaves falling. I have to say, I love the smell of leaves.
I think it takes me back to games we used to play as kids at my Grandma's house. Of course, we raked them up into a pile and jumped in them, but we also got a little more sophisticated too. We spent a lot of time playing outside at Grandma's house, while the grownups were inside talking...bo-ring! So, we would rake up the leaves from the maples in front of the house and then create the floor plan of a giant house. We'd assign rooms and play for hours in our leaf house.
It's funny how a smell can take you back.
I think it takes me back to games we used to play as kids at my Grandma's house. Of course, we raked them up into a pile and jumped in them, but we also got a little more sophisticated too. We spent a lot of time playing outside at Grandma's house, while the grownups were inside talking...bo-ring! So, we would rake up the leaves from the maples in front of the house and then create the floor plan of a giant house. We'd assign rooms and play for hours in our leaf house.
It's funny how a smell can take you back.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Just a spoonful of sugar
Poor Heidi has a bladder infection...
But we got that solved...after a quick trip to the vet (they squeezed us in the same day which was awesome!) and an explanation of the symptoms, they said they were pretty sure that's what was going on. She was peeing like 20 times every time we would take her out.
So, 1 bottle of amoxicillin later, she will be as good as new.
I did find it funny that the same amoxicillin you get for people that costs less than $20 is just over $30 for dogs.
But I digress. The point of this blog is how we give the pills.
Not with a spoonful of sugar like in Mary Poppins, but with a spoonful of peanut butter. Which is pretty much equivalent to crack for dogs. They can't get enough. I've read that too much of the kind with sugar can be hard on their pancreas, so we limit it to rare occasions and small quantities. But since the prescription, they've been getting 1 teaspoon of the good stuff twice daily.
Heidi's comes with a little treasure tucked into the peanut butter.
Reese has to get some too, because otherwise it's just not fair!!
The best part is watching their faces as they lick the pb off the spoon. Their eyes slightly closing as if this is the best thing they have ever tasted. The way Reese tries to eat hers super fast so that she can bully her way onto Heidi's spoon for her left overs.
Needless to say, it works like a charm and we've never had a problem giving medicine to our dogs. It's a good trick to have and it's way cheaper than those little pill pocket treats they try to sell in stores!
But we got that solved...after a quick trip to the vet (they squeezed us in the same day which was awesome!) and an explanation of the symptoms, they said they were pretty sure that's what was going on. She was peeing like 20 times every time we would take her out.
So, 1 bottle of amoxicillin later, she will be as good as new.
I did find it funny that the same amoxicillin you get for people that costs less than $20 is just over $30 for dogs.
But I digress. The point of this blog is how we give the pills.
Not with a spoonful of sugar like in Mary Poppins, but with a spoonful of peanut butter. Which is pretty much equivalent to crack for dogs. They can't get enough. I've read that too much of the kind with sugar can be hard on their pancreas, so we limit it to rare occasions and small quantities. But since the prescription, they've been getting 1 teaspoon of the good stuff twice daily.
Heidi's comes with a little treasure tucked into the peanut butter.
Reese has to get some too, because otherwise it's just not fair!!
The best part is watching their faces as they lick the pb off the spoon. Their eyes slightly closing as if this is the best thing they have ever tasted. The way Reese tries to eat hers super fast so that she can bully her way onto Heidi's spoon for her left overs.
Needless to say, it works like a charm and we've never had a problem giving medicine to our dogs. It's a good trick to have and it's way cheaper than those little pill pocket treats they try to sell in stores!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
And speaking of chewed clothing...
The night before I discovered the remains of my socks, as we were getting ready to go to bed, my husband exclaimed, "Geez, I felt like I was wearing a g-string today! I couldn't figure it out."
He holds up his boxer shorts to see that yes, he was wearing a g-string. Well, sort of. One of the dogs (or maybe a combination of both) had chewed the crotch out of his underwear so that there was one continuous string down the middle and a large "vent" to either side.
How Jamey managed to get those on in his morning groggy state I'll never know.
The fact that he wore them all day and never noticed...another peculiarity.
As this discussion was going on, where were the dogs? Lying on the bed, watching the scene. Looking as innocent as pie.
He holds up his boxer shorts to see that yes, he was wearing a g-string. Well, sort of. One of the dogs (or maybe a combination of both) had chewed the crotch out of his underwear so that there was one continuous string down the middle and a large "vent" to either side.
How Jamey managed to get those on in his morning groggy state I'll never know.
The fact that he wore them all day and never noticed...another peculiarity.
As this discussion was going on, where were the dogs? Lying on the bed, watching the scene. Looking as innocent as pie.
Friday, September 11, 2009
So long socks
Well...so much for my fancy dancy walking socks.
I've been walking to work most days since we moved downtown and one small purchase I made to help with that was a pair of special socks from Mark's Work Wearhouse that would help make sure I didn't get blisters. They were actually marked L and R and were shaped like the curve of your toes...they were fantastic!
I'm talking about them in the past tense...
I should have bought 2 pairs.
I woke up this morning to find them strewn about the futon in the den, not completely shredded, but the heal chewed out of both of them.
Reese.
I know this isn't Heidi's work because if it was...I might have found a thread or two...if I was lucky.
Reese is a little more subtle.
I've been walking to work most days since we moved downtown and one small purchase I made to help with that was a pair of special socks from Mark's Work Wearhouse that would help make sure I didn't get blisters. They were actually marked L and R and were shaped like the curve of your toes...they were fantastic!
I'm talking about them in the past tense...
I should have bought 2 pairs.
I woke up this morning to find them strewn about the futon in the den, not completely shredded, but the heal chewed out of both of them.
Reese.
I know this isn't Heidi's work because if it was...I might have found a thread or two...if I was lucky.
Reese is a little more subtle.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Finder's Keepers
As I sit blogging to the squeals and squeaks of a bulldog shaped squeaky toy, I smile to myself. I got home, took the girls out for their walk...and what did Heidi find in the park?
The previously mentioned squeaky toy.
I figured, well...the park is our halfway point in the walk. If you can carry that thing all the way back home, you can keep it.
She did.
As it squeaks it's death hymns, Heidi is joyous. She has a certain affection for squeaky toys. She makes as much noise as possible, but with a specific purpose.
Destroy the toy.
Remove the squeaker.
Eat the squeaker.
At least I know that as long as I hear the noise, the toy lives. When the squeaking stops, the toy goes in the garbage...plastic isn't particularly good for doggie intestines.
The previously mentioned squeaky toy.
I figured, well...the park is our halfway point in the walk. If you can carry that thing all the way back home, you can keep it.
She did.
As it squeaks it's death hymns, Heidi is joyous. She has a certain affection for squeaky toys. She makes as much noise as possible, but with a specific purpose.
Destroy the toy.
Remove the squeaker.
Eat the squeaker.
At least I know that as long as I hear the noise, the toy lives. When the squeaking stops, the toy goes in the garbage...plastic isn't particularly good for doggie intestines.
New dog in town
Yesterday evening and again this morning, I saw what I think must be one of the cutest puppies ever...
She's a little light brown puggle I would guess. She's got the smooshy nose, but the body of a leaner dog than a pug. She must only be a few months old because she's tiny.
Definitely under 5 pounds.
Yesterday, her dog mom scooped her up before Heidi and Reese could get a sniff -- much to their disappointment. Today, they were a half a block away our building. I saw two women bending down to pet the little thing and then we hear little squeaks and squeals (from the puppy not the women). The dogs' ears perk up -- "What? A puppy in distress?" I have to wonder what they would do if not on leash.
Read an article on the weekend in the Cesar Millan magazine (yes, he now has a magazine) about this golden retriever who nursed...NURSED...3 kittens. And she hadn't even had puppies before! So maybe the girls' mother instinct was kicking in at those puppy sounds.
She's a little light brown puggle I would guess. She's got the smooshy nose, but the body of a leaner dog than a pug. She must only be a few months old because she's tiny.
Definitely under 5 pounds.
Yesterday, her dog mom scooped her up before Heidi and Reese could get a sniff -- much to their disappointment. Today, they were a half a block away our building. I saw two women bending down to pet the little thing and then we hear little squeaks and squeals (from the puppy not the women). The dogs' ears perk up -- "What? A puppy in distress?" I have to wonder what they would do if not on leash.
Read an article on the weekend in the Cesar Millan magazine (yes, he now has a magazine) about this golden retriever who nursed...NURSED...3 kittens. And she hadn't even had puppies before! So maybe the girls' mother instinct was kicking in at those puppy sounds.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What do you mean you don't like dogs?
Got home today from work...beautiful day. Took the girls on my usual afternoon route towards the Canal and through a busy park.
In the park, Heidi must have flopped on her back more than she walked...it was rather entertaining.
On our way out of the park, (I probably had given them a little too much leeway on their leashes) Heidi made a beeline for this cyclist sitting on a bench. He shied away from her as she approached. I was about to make my usual apology "They're really friendly" when I saw her gently rest her chin on his knee. He couldn't help but smile and pat her on the head.
"She thinks she's a lap dog." I said. He smiled.
1 point for Heidi.
In the park, Heidi must have flopped on her back more than she walked...it was rather entertaining.
On our way out of the park, (I probably had given them a little too much leeway on their leashes) Heidi made a beeline for this cyclist sitting on a bench. He shied away from her as she approached. I was about to make my usual apology "They're really friendly" when I saw her gently rest her chin on his knee. He couldn't help but smile and pat her on the head.
"She thinks she's a lap dog." I said. He smiled.
1 point for Heidi.
Couch Potatoes
Ahhh....had a very lazy long weekend with Jamey and the girls. We are two of the few people who had never watched Lost because by the time we wanted to watch it, it was well underway and we wanted to watch it from the start.
Wow.
Over the course of 4 days...we watched the entire first season and I have to say...if you haven't watched it, you should. Well worth the time.
What were the dogs up to while we were watching TV?
Snuggled up with us on the couch. They have this routine. Basically Jamey and I sit on separate couches, then each dog cuddles up with one of us. Then from time to time they switch.
Heidi was actually watching TV during the times when she wasn't napping.
Anyway, it was the best of both worlds...going outside to get fresh air, sunshine and walking, then coming back in for another episode or two of Lost. Now we're all caught up on our relaxation.
Wow.
Over the course of 4 days...we watched the entire first season and I have to say...if you haven't watched it, you should. Well worth the time.
What were the dogs up to while we were watching TV?
Snuggled up with us on the couch. They have this routine. Basically Jamey and I sit on separate couches, then each dog cuddles up with one of us. Then from time to time they switch.
Heidi was actually watching TV during the times when she wasn't napping.
Anyway, it was the best of both worlds...going outside to get fresh air, sunshine and walking, then coming back in for another episode or two of Lost. Now we're all caught up on our relaxation.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The calm before
This has been a fantastically relaxing long weekend. Just got back from walking the dogs...we took a longer route than usual since I knew I didn't have to make it anywhere by a certain time. It was nice.
And when it's a holiday, lemme tell you, those morning walks are even more quiet than usual. I saw maybe 3 other dog walkers and a handful of other people. It was great.
Jamey is going back to school this year and tomorrow is his first day. We've got a pretty good routine going with the dogs and I have to admit, I'm wondering how his change in schedule will affect everything. I know he'll be busy. I may have to pick up some extra walking duties.
I guess there's no way to know until we're living it.
That's another way dogs are great. They roll with the punches. They don't worry about what happened yesterday or what's going to happen tomorrow. They are just happy to get attention and are always game for a walk.
The girls don't care that Jamey's going to start school tomorrow. They're just really happy they got to eat some egg shells and a little bit of bacon with their breakfast.
A dog's life...
And when it's a holiday, lemme tell you, those morning walks are even more quiet than usual. I saw maybe 3 other dog walkers and a handful of other people. It was great.
Jamey is going back to school this year and tomorrow is his first day. We've got a pretty good routine going with the dogs and I have to admit, I'm wondering how his change in schedule will affect everything. I know he'll be busy. I may have to pick up some extra walking duties.
I guess there's no way to know until we're living it.
That's another way dogs are great. They roll with the punches. They don't worry about what happened yesterday or what's going to happen tomorrow. They are just happy to get attention and are always game for a walk.
The girls don't care that Jamey's going to start school tomorrow. They're just really happy they got to eat some egg shells and a little bit of bacon with their breakfast.
A dog's life...
Friday, September 4, 2009
Among Friends
Didn't sleep well. Started waking up around 3 or 4am and kind of tossed and turned on and off until then. So when Reese started sitting on my back to let me know it was time for our walk around 6am, I wasn't feeling it. After about 10 minutes, I dragged my butt out of bed and we were off.
Nothing too exciting happened on our walk. The girls found some McDonald's french fries and some bread chunks that someone had thrown out to attract birds...instead they attracted some greedy dogs :) The girls had a full house and we made it back to the building without too much trouble.
I have a routine whenever we are going into a doorway. Mostly learned from watching a zillion episodes of the Dog Whisperer, I ask the girls to sit before I will open the door. So, I was practising this at the side door to our building when I saw one of our neighbours coming towards the door. He has a big, gentle Bernese Mountain Dog named Enzo. The girls love him and Enzo! I knew my routine was probably shot.
As soon as Heidi and Reese see them, they are jumping and pogoing and trying to lick Mike and lick Enzo...we're doing the leash dance. I explained what I was doing and he helped. We both asked them to sit and they calmed down for 1 second (long enough to sit) then pogoed some more and tried to lick Mike's face. (Never bend over when talking to my dogs...you will get your face washed!!!!)
One thing about having dogs is that it's like you've joined some club you didn't know existed. Other people who have dogs or like dogs will talk to you...people who never would have talked to you if you didn't have a dog. It's strange. But nice.
Nothing too exciting happened on our walk. The girls found some McDonald's french fries and some bread chunks that someone had thrown out to attract birds...instead they attracted some greedy dogs :) The girls had a full house and we made it back to the building without too much trouble.
I have a routine whenever we are going into a doorway. Mostly learned from watching a zillion episodes of the Dog Whisperer, I ask the girls to sit before I will open the door. So, I was practising this at the side door to our building when I saw one of our neighbours coming towards the door. He has a big, gentle Bernese Mountain Dog named Enzo. The girls love him and Enzo! I knew my routine was probably shot.
As soon as Heidi and Reese see them, they are jumping and pogoing and trying to lick Mike and lick Enzo...we're doing the leash dance. I explained what I was doing and he helped. We both asked them to sit and they calmed down for 1 second (long enough to sit) then pogoed some more and tried to lick Mike's face. (Never bend over when talking to my dogs...you will get your face washed!!!!)
One thing about having dogs is that it's like you've joined some club you didn't know existed. Other people who have dogs or like dogs will talk to you...people who never would have talked to you if you didn't have a dog. It's strange. But nice.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Sweet Dreams
One of the most amusing things I've encountered as a dog owner happens when the dog is snoozing away (which is often, but they don't seem to sleep deeply...they can hop up at the slightest sound...the opening of the fridge door for example...).
Our dogs will flop out on their sides and after a while, you see their paws twitching (they must be dreaming of the great walks we go on...). Often this progresses to little baby barks...one of the most endearing things I've ever heard. Heidi's are a little bit deeper and she usually does about 5 or 6 in a row...like she's barking at an intruder or something. Reese's are more like squeaks and they just happen in ones and twos.
If this YouTube video is real, this is the craziest dog dream ever, hopefully the poor thing doesn't do it often...check it out -
Our dogs will flop out on their sides and after a while, you see their paws twitching (they must be dreaming of the great walks we go on...). Often this progresses to little baby barks...one of the most endearing things I've ever heard. Heidi's are a little bit deeper and she usually does about 5 or 6 in a row...like she's barking at an intruder or something. Reese's are more like squeaks and they just happen in ones and twos.
If this YouTube video is real, this is the craziest dog dream ever, hopefully the poor thing doesn't do it often...check it out -
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