Home after Surgery

After abdominal surgery to remove obstructions in the intestines, our boy Brooks is now home!

Here's where they put my IV.

On the way home, I stopped to say hi to Gramma and Grampa.

Hi Grampa.

Hi Gramma.

Here's the corn cobs they took out of my intestines.

My new haircut. A bit short, don't you say?

*WARNING! Don't keep scrolling if you're at all squeamish. It's not too bad, but if you don't like medical stuff in full living color, please don't look! I'll wait while you close your eyes.
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My pretty scar.

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Okay, it's safe now. You can look again.

All my new medication. I take more than Dad now!

My sister Kelly playing nursey. I'm not sure if she missed me or not.

We love Nassau Vet!

Nassau Vet (NY) took great care of Brooks. Dr. Lisa Dietrich did a wonderful job performing the surgery. Dr. Sanford made the diagnosis and advised us about treatment over the course of many hours into the night . The many techs involved gave Brooks his treatments, took him outside, and attended to his needs. Even the office staff stopped by his kennel to say hello. They let us sit with him and visit him whenever we could, and provided soft comforters for him to rest on in the examining room while we visited. We want to thank them all for everything they did for Brooks.

Now it's our turn to take good care of him as he recovers. Thank you everyone for your prayers and get well wishes and support as we've gone through this difficult ordeal. Brooks thanks you too!

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MY JOURNEY IS NOT OVER

My journey is far from over, in fact it's just beginning. My time at Morris Animal Inn has been wonderful. I've been fortunate enough to live in the lap of luxury with friends to exercise me everyday. I've learned the importance of fitness for canines. Yes, we can become overfed or inactive and no, that is not good! Even if it's only one walk a day for 30 minutes, it is essential to get off one's furry hindquarters and be active! If your owner doesn't have time, (we know how busy life can get) Morris Animal Inn will gladly do the work! With a canine treadmill, play yards to romp in, a nature trail, aqua center, and more, there is no shortage of physical activity here, trust me, I know! I lived it all for a month! 

Remember that healthy eating goes hand in hand! I enjoyed low-fat snacks that were surprisingly scrumptious like green beans, rice cakes, and pumpkin puree. I ate a dry Eukanuba blend for sensitive stomachs and the staff made sure to feed me the appropriate portion size (check with your vet on that one).

Overall, I lost 5 pounds and 3.5 inches from my waist line!! To put that in human terms, losing 5 pounds for a dog like me is equivalent to a human losing around 20 pounds!!  I'm extremely proud of myself!!

Last night I made my debut at Eleventh Hour Rescue's Muttini Mixer. It was really fun and I was able to get dressed up!

I'm very lucky because Morris Animal Inn is going let me stay a while longer with them. I'm still looking for that special owner to bring me home and love me furever! I promise to shower you in kisses, walk with you, play with you, protect you and love you till I'm old and grey. I promise I won't give up on you, so please don't give up on me. Will you give me a chance?

If you are interested in adopting me, please contact Eleventh Hour Rescue.

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Corn on the Cob: A Warning

Dr. Sanford, administering fluids

As I write this, Brooks is lying in the veterinary hospital after surgery last night.

Yesterday morning Brooks got sick. As I was cleaning up the mess in the yard, I noticed something strange... A large chunk, about 3 inches long, of corncob. I knew immediately this was not good.

Corncobs are not digestible. If your dog eats them, they may cause obstructions in the stomach or intestines. Their sharp edges may perforate the intestines. Not good.

How on earth did Brooks get a corncob? Since we have a small house and a small fenced yard, I pretty much know where the dogs are at all times. We don't keep food within reach, and keep our trash covered in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. Brooks isn't even a wastebasket tipper like some dogs! All I can think of is that he sneaked into a garbage bag in the brief moments it may have been unattended while we were gathering trash up to take out to the curb. Or the cob entered our yard over the fence, or he scavenged it up while we were at the park.

At home earlier that day.

I hoped that getting up that one chunk may have been all he needed, but when he refused food, even a dog treat, I knew that there was more of a problem. I called the vet right away and they took us in at 5:3 0pm. We waited there with Brooks as they went through bloodwork, xrays, etc. They told us that Brooks was so good for his xrays. They put him on the table and when they left to go behind the wall, he started to get up. They just said "No, lie down Brooks" and he flopped his head right back on the table and lay still.  Everything they asked him to do he cooperated willingly. But there was very little wag left in his tail.

About 9pm Mike and I were still there, and hungry. All I could turn up was a handful of mini tootsie rolls (for us, not the dog) left over from Planet Fitness. But I didn't want to leave.

Waiting for more xrays.

10-pm we sat with Brooks while waiting for the barium to pass through his system, while they took about 5 or 6 xrays of the travels. Dr. Sandord was extremely cautious and careful, making sure to do all the necessary tests and trying the least invasive methods first. Finally the source of the obstruction became clear. It would not be able to pass normally.

11pm Dr. Dietrich arrived and prepared for surgery. We finally went home.

They expected the surgery to take an hour and 1/2. We sat up awaiting the call. Finally about 2am we got the call. They took out two large chunks of corncob in the intestines. He came through the surgery okay.

We had the option of transporting him to the emergency vet clinic where he could be monitored over night, but after much discussion they decided it would be best if he stayed there overnight. It made me sad to think of him all night without anyone to watch over him, should he need anything. But probably he would just sleep.

We called first thing this morning and they said he's doing okay, but he's very sleepy. It took them more than an hour to get him off the tubes last night. He is still not waking up well. We're going to go see him  at noon and hope he responds to us. I'm still anxious, but hope that he will come around soon.

I barely want to mention the bill, because at this point all I care about is Brooks getting better. But the number is rising above 2000 already and still climbing. We're just taking care of Brooks right now. That is where I have to focus.

The first, expelled corn cob

I just want to tell you all, if you didn't know about the dangers of corncobs, please don't feed them to your dogs. And don't leave them, or your trash, where your dog might get into them. And if you already do know about corncobs, (I can't believe I even blogged about it yesterday, the very day Brooks got sick!) don't ever let your guard down. Take extra precautions on bbqs when corncobs might be in reach, when you have company over who might not know about the dangers and leave their plate accessible, etc. And even if your dog doesn't usually get into the garbage, be sure it is out of temptation at all times.

I'm hoping we can bring Brooks home real soon, and hug him tight, and make him all better.

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Wednesday Pet Roundup

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Pet Roundup!

* Can dogs keep your heart healthy? Lessen the chance of your child catching a cold? Reduce anxiety? Read 7 Ways Dogs can Help Your Health.

* Did you ever wonder why, if hospitals allow therapy dogs in to visit patients, why can't your own dog come visit you when you are ill? Now, according to yahoo news, some hospitals are embracing the idea of patients' dogs visiting the hospital. Find out why.

*#1 is charcoal briquettes. #3 is corn on the cob. Find out the 7 hidden pet dangers in your outdoor space, from Pawnation.

*Because I never have enough cat news, here is an adorable video of a cat meeting a kitten for the first time. The little kitty noises are so cute!

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THE END OF THE BEGINNING

This week is my last week of weight loss camp at Morris Animal Inn. My, how quickly this month has blown by! 

Yesterday was a triumphant day! I went into the pool, on my own, without the help of flexi-leashes! Now that I'm used to swimming and have gotten really good at it, it has become an activity I eagerly await! I'm proud of my new-found aquatic skills! I'm a very calm swimmer, I cut through the water smooth as a fish. I feel as light and weightless as those skinny poodles I see prancing around.

Today, I started working on some basic manners training skills. You see, this Southern gal is about to make her debut this Thursday, June 28 at Eleventh Hour Rescue's 2nd Annual Muttini Mixer Yappy Hour! The Manners Program Leaders, Michelle and Lisa, are teaching me to be a well-behaved lady! I feel like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady! I'm very excited because the theme of the Muttini Mixer is a luau so I get to wear a cute Hawaian outfit! Ooo la lei!

I'm keeping the toes on all my paws crossed that I meet my forever family at the mixer. Wish on a star for me tonight!

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Wheels in Honor of Frankie

Photo courtesy of JoyfulPaws.com

I'd like to tell you about a very special dog. Frankie the Walk 'n' Roll Dog.

An accident left little dachshund Frankie without the use of her back legs. But Frankie didn't let that stop her. She got around with the use of a doggy wheelchair. Frankie, along with her mom Barbara Techel, spent her life inspiring others. They appeared regularly at schools and senior centers, spreading the message of acceptance for disabilities, and reminding people not to let anything hold them back. Barbara wrote 4 books about Frankie: Frankie the Walk 'n' Roll Dog, Frankie the Walk 'n' Roll Dog Visit's Libby's House, Frankie the Walk 'n' Roll Dog Activity Book, and Frankie the Walk 'n' Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Book.

Sadly, Frankie crossed over the rainbow bridge last week. She was just shy of her 13th birthday. Frankie helped others until her very last days, retiring from actively making visitations only in the last week.

Please join me in sending out your thoughts and prayers for Frankie. Also, I'd like to tell you about the Frankie the Walk 'n' Roll Dog Memorial Wheelchair Fund. If you can help, please visit their ChipIn page where you can donate money to Eddie's Wheels in Frankie's honor. The money will be used to help other dogs who need a wheelchair but otherwise wouldn't be able to get one.

Frankie was a happy, loving, inspiring dog who helped kids, seniors, and people everywhere.
Rest in Peace, Frankie. 

love,
Peggy, Kelly and Brooks

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Day #7- Nike Sports Band, Dieting with my Dog, collar, tag and more

K9 Kamp is over and it's time to recognize some of our dedicated kampers with some pretty cool prizes!

This is it folks! This one is for all the kibbles, the big kahuna, the GRAND PRIZE!

Our grand prize is awarded to a kamper who completed not just one, not two, not three but ALL four of our fitness challenges! We are impressed with your dedication to fitness and fun and thrilled that you joined us for K9 Kamp!

Our lucky grand prize winner will receive:

A Nike+ Sportsband to help you commit to long term fitness for you and your pets

 sponsored by Krazy for Pets

A Bow Wow Dog Exercise Toy

with your choice of a Zanies lure or a fleece toss toy 

from Squishy Face Studio

from Squishy Face Studio

A Custom Dog Collar from DesignaCollar.com

Your choice of 1 collar in any size from the online shop - or design your own!

A 3D Metal Dog Tag from 

Flash Gordon Designs

and a copy 

of Dieting with My Dog by K9 Kamp co-host, Peggy Frezon

from Hubble and Hattie 

CONGRATULATIONS TO
Jenna from CorgiPants !!!

Please check your email to find out how you can claim your prize!

but that's not all!

To thank all the fabulous kampers who completed all four challenges our frends at Modern Dog Magazine want to send YOU their summer issue!

If you completed all four challenges, click here to claim your prize! 

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Just for You, Georgia

Photo borrowed from Little Dogs on Long Leashes blog.

Call it heatstroke, or maybe she was overtaxed on Take Your Dog to Work Day. But in her woof-out to friends yesterday, Kelly accidentally missed somebuddy very special.

So she'd like to take a moment today to send a very special WOOF to Georgia Little Pea, of
Little Dogs on Long Leashes.

* She borrowed your photo, I truly hope you don't mind. She just wanted everyone to see how gorgeous you are.


 

Georgia, here are some reasons why you are so cool:

You are a very wise dog with lots of opinions
You are always honest
You keep watch over your Typist and make sure your Cushion's lap is never cold.
You can climb steep stairs in a single bound
You appear to be always thinking deep thoughts
You write great blogs
Your ears are cute
Love,
Kelly

Thank you again to all Kelly's pals, and have a great Saturday!

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NOT TOO HOT TO TROT!

I'm not sure if any of you have noticed but it's been REALLY HOT lately!! Being from the south, I'm used to high temps, but I thought that by moving up north, I wouldn't have to deal with that anymore. WRONG!  The summer's are just as hot and the humidity...yuck...don't even get me started!! While I'm still going on nature walks since the path is shady and cooler, I've been spending a lot more time indoors working out.

Yesterday, Zeke and I played together in one of the indoor play suites. We jumped and danced around, chasing toys and playing tug of war! Best of all, it was nice and cool the whole time!

I'm slimming and trimming my waist-line! So far, I have lost 3.2 pounds and 3 inches from my waist line. To some, that may not seem like a lot but I'm doing it in a slow and healthy way. To put it in perspective, we can refer to an example from Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and founder of The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. He says, "Every excess pound on a female Lab is equal to 4 to 5 pounds on a 5’ 4” female or 5’ 9” male."  (Check out Dr. Ernie Ward at Morris Animal Inn).

Since I'm almost the size of a female Lab, for me to lose 3 pounds is equivalent in human weight to me losing between 12 and 15 pounds. Smaller portions of healthy food and regular exercise, much like in the human world can also work wonders in our doggie world of weight loss. Three weeks down, one more to go!

Stay cool everyone and have a safe and wonderful weekend!

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Day #6- Exercise Toys for your dog

K9 Kamp is over and it's time to recognize some of our dedicated kampers with some pretty cool prizes!

Flirt poles are a fun way to get a big workout for both you and your dog!

What's a flirt pole? It's a long pole with a fun toy on a string. You wave the toy around playing keep away with your pup.

It's a great work out for your arms & core and a great total body work out for your dog!

Today's lucky winners each get to try it for themselves with a

A Bow Wow Dog Exercise Toy

with your choice of a Zanies lure or a fleece toss toy

from Squishy Face Studio

Congratulations to

Giz Ruston

Trisha Anna

Elyse Hunt

Cheryl Walker

Please check your email to find out how you can claim your prize!

Don’t forget – you can still enter our fabulous K9 Kamp prizes!

Complete any (or all) of our fun fitness challenges,

link up or comment on our K9 Kamp blog hops and enter to win great prizes!

You’ve got until June 23 to enter so Check it out now!

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My Day at Work

Hi, Kelly here! Since today is Take Your Dog to Work Day, Mom said I could write the blog post. I'm so excited I can't stop wagging. I might even let my new brother Brooks add a woof or two.

Since Mom works from home I get to be her office-mate every day. My ordinary role is making her take about 800 breaks to play with us. Hey, it's the least I can do. But today, I get to help her work too!


First we check the email. Sometime there are important work assignments. Sometimes Mom gets an acceptance letter from an editor. That always makes her really happy. I say, yeah yeah, yeah...Just get to the good stuff like free dog food samples and toys to test.

Then we visit some blogs. Today I get to check in on some of my friends: Puddles, Frankie, Pip, Benny, Lily, Kol, Sherman, Leroy, Snoopy, Bunny, Suka, Honey, Shiva, Bella, Augie, Ty, George...I don't mean to leave anyone out, I hope you know that I love visiting you all. Mom has lots of other great blogs on her list, too.

The rest of the day Mom spends writing articles, interviewing people, and  working on a new book. (Hint: it's a true story about an animal, but this time it's not a dog!) It's pretty boring stuff to me, so I won't go into detail. Instead,  it's time for Brooks to say hello.

Brooks: Hi! I'm new to the household but I already think I'm a pretty lucky boy. Sometimes I wonder if Kelly really wants me here, but I figure if I'm really, really good I'll win her over. Anyway, my work day with Mom is pretty sweet. I follow her around to make sure she's doing everything right. That's my job. I also pester her to let me in, out, in, out, in, out. And to throw tennis balls for me.

Okay, back to me, Kelly. In case you were wondering, Mom does feed us during the day too. And, in turn we get her up out of her desk chair for a walk or two during the day. Yup, it's a pretty regular, routine day of work for the most part...but we wouldn't trade it for anything.

Did you go to work with your mom or dad today? I hope you had as great a day as we did!

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Day #5- Tug Toys, Great Dog Books, and Plush Friends

K9 Kamp is over and it's time to recognize some of our dedicated kampers with some pretty cool prizes!

We had just one DogGone Minute to Win It in Week Three!

We explored fun ways to get fit just a minute or two at a time.

We loved all the creative ways you guys came up with to have fun and work out!

Our Week three winner will get to continue the fitness and fun playing with their new

A Busy Buddy Rip 'n' Tug Ball

sponsored by Krazy for Pets

A Fugly Friends Plush Dog Toy

sets of handmade, mixed fabric Squeaky Bone dog bone toys

from Lars and Flint

and

A Bumi Zogoflex Dog toy

from West Paw Design

 a handcrafted tug toy 

from Tugz 'n' Togz

Copy of the book Dinner with Rover, by Helena Payton Ayre

and a copy of Exercising your Puppy by Julia Robertson & Elisabeth Pope

both from Hubble and Hattie 

Today's winner is
Pepper Pom!!!

Please check your email to find out how you can claim your prize!

Don’t forget – you can still enter our fabulous K9 Kamp prizes!

Complete any (or all) of our fun fitness challenges,

link up or comment on our K9 Kamp blog hops and enter to win great prizes!

You’ve got until June 23 to enter so Check it out now!

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GINGER'S TREADMILL WORKOUT

Check me out on the treadmill! I sure can move! (And I look pretty good too!) Even when it's too hot outside, I can still get my workout on the treadmill inside their nice cool, air conditioned building.

I like exercising on the treadmill but I like giving free kisses to my awesome trainer even more! She's the best!!

Don't forget, if you are interested in adopting me, contact Eleventh Hour Rescue and please take the time to view my adoption page. I would truly appreciate that. :)

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Day #4- Leather Collars and Toss Toys

K9 Kamp is over and it's time to recognize some of our dedicated kampers with some pretty cool prizes!

Dog Collars are essential for any dog about town. You just can't leave home with out one.

Today's lucky winners will be dressed in style with

a Custom Dog Collar from DesignaCollar.com

Your choice of 1 collar in any size from the online shop - or design your own!

and a Bow Wow Fleece Toss Toys

from Squishy Face Studio

Congratulations to:

Jenn Embree
Oskar and Pam from Pet Blogs United
Nancy Weitzel 
Cinny from Whirlwind of Surprises

Please check your email to find out how you can claim your prize!

Don’t forget – you can still enter our fabulous K9 Kamp prizes!

Complete any (or all) of our fun fitness challenges,

link up or comment on our K9 Kamp blog hops and enter to win great prizes!

You’ve got until June 23 to enter so Check it out now!

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