MY LITTLE STINKER

My little Stinky had surgery yesterday.  When I was walking him on Monday, it looked like his urine had a pinkish tint to it. It was hard to see because it was so light but when we got home, I took a paper towel and wiped his pee pee and sure enough, it was a little pink.

So I took him to the vet and after ruling out the two most common problems, UTI and prostrate, they diagnosed bladder stones after an X-ray. Luckily, I noticed it early enough before any crystals had formed. And if left untreated, it can lead to heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure, pancreatitis, high blood pressure and chronic renal failure.

My vet ran blood work to make sure he was healthy enough for surgery and gave me pre-surgery instructions, which I pretty much know by now, but it doesn’t hurt to go over them.

There are five different types of bladder stones but only two are really common in canines. They are Struvite and Calcium Oxalate. It was kind shocking to see these seven little rocks that had come out of his bladder: Three larger ones, about the size of my fingernail, and four tiny ones.  Once they come back from the lab, we’ll know if we need to change his diet.

I think part of the problem is that he holds it forever. In fact, I’ve always said “good boy, Stinky”. He doesn’t make me get up in the middle of the night and holds it in the morning until our walk (and he walks second).  So I can’t let him do that anymore even if I have to walk him out in the yard on the leash, which is what I’m doing now.

I’m also going to start pouring bouillon water over his dry food. The extra water will be good for him and the sodium will make him drink even more water. 

Last night was a little rough and he didn’t care that he didn’t walk this morning, but he seems to be feeling pretty good now. He even tried to sneak out the door when I took Mac for his afternoon mobility walk.  I can’t walk him for almost a week so hopefully, he’ll be agreeable. For those of you that know Stinky, I’m sure you are laughing!

Enjoy your weekend!

ANOTHER RESCUE OPERATION FROM ARC

It turned out there were 122 dogs, 4 cats and 2 birds.  They are at the warehouse where I volunteered last winter when they raided the Pit Bull fighting ring. I called to see if they needed any help but I haven't heard back.  I think they are only going to be there for a week this time. These are small dogs and they are easy to place. The pits were there for almost 6 weeks because it's so hard to adopt and foster them.  We would place them one by one in most cases. 

By Animal Rescue Corps · Updated 8 hours ago

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS AND WAYNE COUNTY AUTHORITIES RESCUE MORE THAN 80 ANIMALS FROM ALLEGED PUPPY MILL

MONTICELLO, KY – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Wayne County Animal Control and Sheriff’s Office today in the rescue of approximately 80 dogs and 2 parrots found living in extremely neglectful conditions at a home in Monticello, KY, about 3 hours northeast of Nashville, TN. All of the animals were seized by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

A variety of small breed dogs, including newborn litters, were found crowded into small, dilapidated, outdoor wire and wood hutches and pens encrusted with urine and excessive piles of feces. The only water sources were dirty and green with algae growth. The dogs, the majority of whom were underweight, were suffering from severe eye infections, significant fur loss and matting, urine-soaked fur, and extreme internal and external parasites, such as fleas. The parrots’ were living in similar conditions, their cages and food bowls also covered in feces. All animals lacked adequate living conditions, socialization, and veterinary care.

“Animals have been suffering from various untreated illnesses on this horrendous property for more than a decade. The conditions were very typical of a puppy mill,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “A lot of suffering ended here today and I commend Wayne County Animal Control, Sheriff’s Office, and County Attorney for acting quickly and working with Animal Rescue Corps to shut this place down.”

This case began when ARC received a tip concerning the alleged abuse of the dogs. Documentation brought by ARC to Wayne County Animal Control revealed several violations of county and state cruelty codes.

“Wayne County takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously,” said Wayne County Sheriff Charles Boston. “These animals needed our help immediately so we didn’t hesitate to accept the assistance of Animal Rescue Corps and take action.”

ARC safely removed all of the animals from the property and transported them to an emergency shelter set up for this rescue, dubbed Operation Unbridled Spirit, in Lebanon, TN, about 40 minutes east of Nashville. Each animal will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. ARC will provide daily care until the court determines custody of the animals. If the animals are awarded to ARC they will be placed with shelter and rescue organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Unbridled Spirit in conjunction with Wayne County Animal Control, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Attorney. the BISSELL Pet Foundation provided critical financial resources. New Leash On Life - Middle Tennessee Animal Welfare Organization, Cumberland Valley Shows, and Mars Petcare US, Inc. are also contributing essential equipment, supplies, space, and other needed items.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.653840464649279.1073741829.164981283535202&type=1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEASLEY!

W

We're having a party!

JELLY BEAN WITH DOG TOYS

This is a tub of dog toys that I’m going to list in my ebay store.  When I woke up this morning, Jelly Bean had knocked the top off, tipped it over and made herself a little bed. 

It’s hard to see her face but you can see the little black thing snuggled up in the middle. 

Unfortunately, the stray dogs didn’t come back yesterday.  The shelter is completely full so I’m not sure what to do. Until there are some adoptions, they really can’t take any more without having to euthanize the ones that have been there a long time, which I don’t want to happen.

I am doing Petsmart adoption day this Sunday and next Saturday so I’m hoping maybe we can place some of them and then try and trap the other dogs. 

PACK OF DOGS

Last night I was over at my friend’s house for dinner and as I was pulling out of the driveway to leave, I saw 4 dogs running loose. It seemed so out of place that I called and asked her if she’d seen them before.  She came outside and we decided they were strays. 

They were small German Shepherd mixes and all seemed pretty friendly except the mom. She stayed back by a tree, as if hiding.  Another neighbor came out with a big bag of food and while they were eating, my friend went to grab some of her collars and leashes. I almost caught one of the younger ones but I didn’t have the right kind of collar to just slip over his head and he got scared and ran away. 

I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with them anyway except my neighbor is out of town and has a 6 ft. fenced-in yard so I could leave them there for the night and he wouldn't care. He's a dog person. Getting them in the car would have been interesting.

The shelter was closed but I left a msg., even though they were full the other day when I was there. Then I called Lifehouse Rescue, a foster organization in Mt. Juliet.  She said she would help me try to place them and that she’s had a call on them before. 

I’m taking over some choke chains and leashes today and if they come back, we’re going feed them and try to catch them. I hope they come back so we can rescue them. I’ll also call the Shelter again to see if they can do anything to help. 

FIRST TRIP TO THE VET FOR BEASLEY

And what a mess…..  Thankfully, I had the forethought to line the car with potty pads. 

She peed right before we got in the car and was pretty good on the ride over, except for shaking the entire way.  But once we walked in the door, or I should say, I dragged her in the door, she pooped all over the floor. 

Where did that much poop come from?  And then she peed, sat down and wiped her entire behind and tail in all of it.  So Jen, the angel at my vet's, came out and cleaned it all up and gave me some paper towels to wipe Beasley off. 

My vet said she was more like 6 or 7 years old instead of 4, which is what I thought she’d be this year.  It makes me sad that she had to endure those terrible conditions with no food or shelter for more years than I thought.  No wonder she is still scared to go outside. 

She also has a small heart murmur.  He didn’t think it would cause any problems for a long time and said to watch for coughing or lack of energy.  She’s probably had it for quite a while. At some point, it could cause heart failure but it’s so small right now that he doesn’t see any issues so I should just monitor her. He also said I might consider Prozac.  So I'm going to do some homework on it and talk to him further. 

On the way home, more poop, this time it got on mommy!  She just finished her 2^nd bath of the week. 

DOGGIE GOGGLES

When I take Mac in for his K-Laser treatment, the technician and I both have to wear protective glasses.  Even though Mac doesn’t look directly at the laser since it is on his back and hind legs, they decided that he should wear glasses too.

He was very good-natured about it but after a while and since the treatment lasts almost 20 minutes, I decided to take them off and just cover his eyes if he happened to turn around.

A few weeks ago, he had a really tough time of it and his back right leg looked so twisted while he tried to walk, I questioned whether anything was working.  There was one day he didn’t even want to walk, which has never happened before.  But he’s been doing great lately and the Adequan substitutes I’ve been using seem to be working just as well as the Adequan.

The other day, he tried to chase a dog and yesterday, a jogger.  He hasn’t done that for a while. Usually, it’s just the UPS or garbage trucks.  But the UPS guy gives him doggie cookies so he has a reason to chase it. 

Happy Labor Weekend – I hope none of you have to labor.