Manda’s Last Days

I could tell she was growing weaker. I could tell she was having more bad days than good days. She was developing more problems.

She still asked for food but ate it a lot slower. She still greeted me when I woke her up. She was always happy to know I was nearby. She handled not seeing or hearing so well that most people wouldn’t realize she had any difficulty with either.

I optimistically called the veterinarian and made her an appointment telling them “she’s doing worse”. Her veterinarians, Dr Elizabeth Lauron and Dr Gale Kerr and their staff have provided excellent care for Manda for many years. I left the house alone with Manda saying we’ll be back soon.

I have utmost confidence in them. I had every belief that we could just add more medicine to her regiment of already taking 7 different medications three times daily. Dr Kerr seen Manda on this day and an examination and testing revealed that in addition to renal failure, congestive heart failure, and a collapsing trachea, Manda now had kidney stones, one of which was in her urethrea and a mass on her neck which was the size of my thumb. The mass was not visible to the eye or when touching her neck. It was obviously causing her problems though.

After seeing the results, I called my husband and he joined me at the vet’s office. We had to send Manda to heaven where she’ll get to run and play with our greyhound Russ who went to heaven in 2003. We had 18 great years with Manda and are thankful God sent her to us to love. She added so much to our lives and we miss her terribly.

This happened on November 22, 2007. My husband is a stand up comedian and he had a show that night. We had planned for friends to join us at the show and we had made plans to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with them. They are great friends and they offered comfort, love, support and didn’t judge me when I excused myself and went to bed while they stayed awake with great conversations until the early morning hours.

The veterinarians and their staff sent us a beautiful arrangement of flowers which lasted through the holiday seasons. The funeral home even called us. The urn is done beautifully.

I’m so thankful that I got to hold Manda during the euthanasia. She wasn’t scared or stressed. I am grateful that she went peacefully without struggle.

I miss her so much. She’s been my faithful little companion for many years. I miss her demanding yet loving attitude. I never begrudged a dime that I spent on her nor a moment that I spent with her or caring for her. After she was gone, I suddenly had two extra hours in each day. I didn’t even realize her care was taking any amount of time.

Nedd is doing well. He has missed her and is adjusting. He is 12 and this is his first experience being the only dog in the house!

If you’re looking for the best veterinary care in the Columbus OH area, please contact Elizabeth Lauron DVM and Gale Kerr DVM at 614.871.1111.

If you’re looking for entertainment for 2008, check out my funny hubby at: www.MartyDaniels.com.

Still going!

Manda at nearly 18 years old, with heart disease, congestive heart failure, renal failure, arthritis and a collapsing trachea is still going strong. She is also nearly blind and nearly deaf. She has also started having “episodes” where she collapses. It’s only happened three times within the last three months … so we’re not doing a lot about it.

She still greets me at the door, recognizes people and pets she knows, wags her little tail, loves to eat and loves to be with her human family. As an old dog, she no longer tolerates nail trims or being brushed even though she use to enjoy being groomed when she was younger.

I cherish my time with her. She thinks taking her seven medicines every day is a treat! She spins in circles as I prepare her meds two or three times daily. I admire her attitude and spunk! What a life lesson!

Quality Time for my Geriatric Dog …

Manda is 17 1/2 years old. You may have already been following her story. She has good days and bad days because of heart failure and renal failure. She also has a collapsing trachea, arthritis and is anemic.

She has a great attitude. She is still as demanding as she was when she was young. She no longer tolerates being brushed or having her nails done; which never was a problem until the last few years. She doesn’t see very well and will walk into things occasionally. She doesn’t hear very well and no longer hears the tone of my voice.

I still try to spend time with her. I no longer take her places unless I am traveling overnight. She doesn’t enjoy it like she use to. She doesn’t mind the hotel stays as long as she has her mesh kennel. She doesn’t like to be picked up or held any more. She doesn’t want to sit and watch Letterman with me at the end of our days as we use to. Instead, she lays on her own doggy bed next to my chair. She no longer jumps on and off the bed; instead, she sleeps near me on her own blanket. She no longer plays and doesn’t seem to enjoy a walk anymore. While I try to spend quality time with her, basically, it consists of sitting on the floor or ground with her and gently petting her. Her little tail wags as I tell her how much I love her and that she is beautiful. That seems to be the extent of our quality time together at this point.

During the last few months, she has really bonded with my husband. They always liked each other, but now, there’s a new bond. I am the one that forces meds down, gives subq fluids, cleans her body even when she doesn’t want it done and he’s the one who only offers her gentle touches and food! It’s been hard to see but I’m glad they’ve bonded.

When she is left alone, she waits by one of our desks, knowing that when we come in, the computer is one of our usual first stops! She patiently waits under the computer desk. I’ve moved a doggy bed into the office to help keep her comfortable.
~Trina

12 million to “Trouble”; the dog

This week, I read an interesting news report about Leona Helmsley, the late US hotel billionaire leaving 12 million dollars to her dog, “Trouble”. While Ms. Helmsley was known as the “Queen of Mean”, I can only imagine that there were some shocked humans at the reading of the will.

“Trouble” is a beautiful white Maltese who will receive the best of everything for life and will someday be buried beside Ms. Helmsey and her late husband, Harry.

It was reported that her brother will receive 10 million and will have the privilege of continuing to provide “Trouble” with a pampered lifestyle; two grandchildren will receive 5 million only if they visit their late father’s grave at least once a year and the other two grandchildren were excluded due to reasons which are known to them.

Okay, from what I’ve heard, it sounds like she really earned her title of “Queen of Mean”. I have to wonder though, was it survival? Did she experience a grand failure of mankind to drive her to the point of leaving a trust of 12 million to her beloved dog?

Still treating Heart Disease & Renal Failure

It’s so hard. She has both heart disease and renal failure. As we treat one, we make the other worse.

I am praying she isn’t suffering. I’m not always sure as the last few days have been really rough. She has had continuing loose stool which is caused from a “bad gut”. She has been up nearly every night with a coughing/wheezing episode. She is panting more and more.

Her medicines are increased and we’re moving toward every 8 hours instead of every 12 hours with the veterinarians advice.

She is currently on Tramadol, Benazapril, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sulcrafate, Sub q fluids every other day, Furosemide, Famotidine, Hydrocodone and Pet Tinic. She thinks she is getting treats because most of the meds are hidden in something yummy. I don’t administer the subq fluids as I should because she runs and hides which makes it really hard for me to do. She doesn’t like the sulcrafate slury but I give her the pet tinic afterwards so she tolerates it pretty well.

She can’t hear or see. She still greets me with a wagging tail. She spins in circles as I prepare her food. She still barks and is demanding. She uses pee pads as she can’t always wait on someone to be able to take her out. She is still bright and alert.

I keep praying she’ll pass in her sleep someday. It is so hard to watch her body fail.

Bellagio for pets!

I travel with our dogs as often as possible. I’ve only left my dogs a few times in their lives in a boarding facility. I have been very fortunate that most of the times I have ever left the dogs, we’ve had a wonderful pet sitter to come to our home or we’ve left them with their grandparents. It has helped me to feel a little less guilty when I have had to leave them.

Have you seen some of the new boarding facilities for dogs? They are like luxury hotels! They are wonderful. I can’t wait until there’s one near me. I’m sure I’d feel much more comfortable leaving my dogs knowing they were not in a cage.

These state of the art facilities have play times, grooming times, cuddle times and sleep time. They have TV’s playing upbeat cartoons, soothing jazz music, beds, pillows, toys and nearly all the comforts of home. The only thing missing is “mommy and daddy”!

www.doghotel.net

Think about how your dog THINKS before adopting a dog buying a puppy!

Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking?

It’s a question I often wish I could answer. Nedd wakes up happy every single morning. He is the happiest and most playful dog I have ever met. Russ was the opposite. He woke up slowly. He preferred to sleep late, eat breakfast, have a leisurely walk and then a nap. Manda lets us know each and every day that we are fortunate to be part of her world.

I will hear my husband ask the dogs “What are you thinking?”; usually when they are making a bad choice such as getting into the trash, counter surfing or selecting items in the house to claim as their own toys.

I’ve had the pleasure of loving four dogs and I’ve seen many different characteristics in each of them.

Intelligence:
Can problem solve – can retrieve a toy despite a barrier; can find an exit despite an obstacle
Entertains himself/herself
Quickly evaluates moods and responds appropriately to our moods
Comprehends words directed toward him/her
Alert and curious

In my experiences, NEDD is the most INTELLIGENT dog in our family. He can problem solve, entertains himself and is very sensitive to moods, comprehends a lot of conversations even when not directed toward him and he’s always alert and curious. Manda comprehends words directed toward her and is alert and curious. Russ was quick to evaluate moods, was alert and curious and comprehended words directed toward him.

Independence:
Has his/her own agenda
Dislikes physical affection
Dislikes being groomed
Prefers to be alone than with you
Walks away when scolded

MANDA is our most independent dog in the family. She has her own plan all the time and we are just part of it or either in her way. She wants affection and grooming only on her terms. She’s happy with us but needs her alone time too. She ignores being scolded! Nedd can’t stand to be alone, loves grooming and affection, lives for us and wants to make up quickly if scolded. Russ hated being scolded, couldn’t stand to be alone and was incredibly affectionate and would let you brush him for hours. He never had his own agenda.

Determination:
Returns to a task even when you’ve redirected attention
Displays obsessive behavior
Gets his/her own way

MANDA is the most determined dog in our family. She is obsessive with good and bad things such as playing, getting into the laundry or licking! She doesn’t forget what she wanted and works hard to get her own way. Nedd forgets what he was doing easily and is only obsessive when playing with his toys. Russ worked on getting his own way only when wanting more loving!

Dominance:
Guards territory
Guards food
Growls / Bites when he/she doesn’t get his/her own way
Stands his/her guard in a private / public place when nervous / frightened

MANDA is our most dominant dog. She rules the house and always kept the big dogs in line. Russ would guard his territory when he felt threatened. Most people think Nedd is dominant because of his appearance!

High Energy:
Overexcited
Always ready for action
Doesn’t sleep much
Initiates action

NEDD is our high energy dog! He is always ready to start his day at the moment anyone’s eyes open. He grabs his favorite toy for the day and starts running, barking and playing. He doesn’t require much sleep and will ask you to wake up when he’s had enough sleep. We enjoy his energy level. Russ was our “couch potato”, a retired racing greyhound. Manda plays but nothing like Nedd!

Prey Driven:
Frequently sniffs the air, ground and even your feet
Shakes and “kills” stuffed animals by shaking them and de-stuffing them
Stalks birds, squirrels, rabbits, etc
Bites your feet when you start to move

NEDD is always sniffing the air, ground and our feet. He wants to know what’s going on, what has been going on and never wants to miss out on anything. He “kills” each and every stuffed animal. He chases rabbits but stops on command so he’s never caught one! We trained him to not bite our feet or that would be a fun game of his too.

If you are thinking about adding the companionship of a dog to your life, please do some research and study characteristics that are common to specific breeds. We all need to think about each dogs characteristics and what they can add to our lives and which ones we will appreciate instead of finding annoying!

Our Dogs Reign!

Does your dog reign in your life?

Have you ever…..

chosen another chair because the dog looks too comfortable to disturb?

slept uncomfortably because the dog is taking up too much space in the bed?

scooted over for the dog?

moved to the couch to sleep because of the dog?

given up the last bite of your favorite sandwich because of those beautiful puppy dog eyes staring at you?

gotten out of bed in the middle of the night with sick dog?

spent more money than you should have on your dog?

taken better care of your dog than yourself?

had a toy box in the living room for the dogs toys?

learned to live with a lint brush?

vacuumed more than once a day?

wiped feet as they walk in the door?

brushed their teeth?

bought clothes for your dog?

gotten up early on a day to sleep in because your dog is ready to start the day?

came home exhausted and had to force yourself to stay awake and play?

come home tired and could not resist the love and affection from your dog?

felt like a postman because neither sun, nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow…will stop you from going on a walk with your dog?

actually felt better because of your dog’s unconditional love?

loved a dog so much?

learned life lessons from your dog?
Called your parents gramma and grampa

called your dog a grand-dog

given your dog presents to unwrap

taken your dog for annual dental cleanings

taken your dog for acupuncture

seen your dog smile

seen your dog laugh

seen your dog sing

given your dog a massage?

Do they know their name is God spelled backward? They’ve gotta be His favorites!!!

Nedd and Manda

The Joy MY Dogs Bring to Me…

Nedd waking up happy everyday
Nedd digging through his toy box looking for whatever toy he’s ready to use
Nedd’s love and enjoyment of life
Nedd’s devotion to Marty

Nedd and Manda being cuddly
Nedd and Manda’s unconditional love and admiration
Nedd and Manda’s desire to please
Nedd and Manda’s appreciation of a simple touch
Nedd and Manda’s love of just hanging out together with us

Manda being demanding
Manda’s undeniable confidence in me
Manda’s courage when she use to be able to hear a noise
Manda’s fearless attitude

You can see a lot of pictures of them on my shoutlife page under “OUR DOGS”.

Visit Manda’s Dogster Page at:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243824

Visit Nedd’s Dogster Page at:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243859

I’m ALMOST one of “those” pet people! I’m so thankful God created these special creatures which add so much joy and companionship to my life.

24

I’ve tried for a while to come up with a title for this blog. Nothing seems to fit. I hope you find the blog interesting despite the lack of a great title.

Marty & I make time to watch 24 nearly every MONDAY night. We’re looking forward to the 2 hour special which is right around the corner.

Ned, our pointer collie mix hates the show. He can’t lay in his bed like he normally would do when we watch something. He paces the floor until we get tired of seeing him pace and tell him to go to bed. At that time, he goes to the bedroom and covers up in bed. Yes, he actually covers up!

I wonder if Ned has any idea how much he has it made. He’s one lucky dog. He’s treated very well. For the last few years, I’ve found and been feeding him food that is full of quality ingredients and nutrients. He lives inside with us. He does his outdoor business really quick on cold days like we’ve had this week. He’s treated better than some people treat their kids. He actually listens and has better manners than some kids I’ve met.

There’s been stories on the news this week about dogs dying because they’re left outside with no shelter. There’s been humane society workers rescuing dogs and saving them from a painful death. The shelters are now overflowing with dogs. These dogs are in need of a home where the new “pet parent” has the time, energy and money necessary.

It takes as much time as you’re willing to give. Bringing a dog into your life is a big deal. It’s a lifetime commitment. It takes energy even when you don’t have any to give. It takes some money. They have needs just like you and I. They never ask for brand name anything and I believe their needs are fairly basic.

I grew up with dogs not being permitted in the house. My dog had a nice wooden structure called a dog house outside. She also was given HAY in her house in the winter time. This HAY was changed frequently so it was always dry for her. Her dog house even had a little flap hanging over the entrance to keep the elements from blowing in and making her wet and cold. She was provided shelter.

I can remember begging my parents to let me bring my dog inside when I’d see these horrible weather reports on the news. On occasion, they’d let me bring her into the utility room/mud room/back porch just for the overnight hours. The funniest thing is….the dog was so happy when daylight came and she got to run back outside into the cold!

We all have different opinions and styles of taking care of and loving our pets. As long as it is done, that’s all that matters!

I can’t believe the stories I’ve seen of dogs just roaming on a chain or roaming in a fenced backyard with absolutely no shelter. They lay on the cold ground, lay on a concrete porch and their water buckets are frozen.

These are animals that God made. I believe it is our responsibility to care for them. I also believe they are a wonderful gift that God has given us!!!