MFM and I went to Houston Easter Sunday and returned home Monday evening. We stopped at the dog park so I could run and play, but it was late (about 6:30 PM) and none of my friends were there.
The evening was stll bright and there was a cool breeze chasing the day's heat away. Surprisingly, a new dog showed up about 7 PM. Her name is Emmy and she was a real looker! She is a Labrodoodle with fluffy, rich apricot-colored fur. OOOOhhhh....she is so cute. I taught her how to run and play because these were new surroundings for her. She will be taking Beginning obedience lessons so maybe I will see her in passing since I am in the Advanced Class. She is only four months old and already about my size.
Life is good.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Helping Paw.....
I tried to help MFM with her indoor gardening. I don't know why she was not pleased.......
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Trip - In & Out of the Bag
MFM was told by one fellow that I could ride the trolley without a problem. The next guy said I would have to be in a "cage" to ride the trolley. We took a chance and rode without incident.
MFM put me in her shopping bag and only left my head sticking out so I would look smaller. I was very quiet and tried not to move too much even though it was kinda' cramped and hot. We boarded the trolley and rode without any problems.
Cate got a glimpse of me on her video that I will post later. I was happy when MFM let me out of the bag after the trolley ride. A classic case of letting the dog out of the bag?
MFM is learning how to travel with me. I am a good companion and San Antonio is a dog friendly town!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Celebrating the Alamo
I got to go along on the car trip to San Antonio. It was delightful to sit in the middle seat and have Cate & Mary Ellen make a fuss over me. I LOVED it and it made the long ride more enjoyable.
We saw a LOT of things and I wondered if Austin's motto of"Keep Austin Weird" shouldn't be applied to San Antonio. This lady and her hat were quite colorful.
Of course, I could not go into many of the places in San Antonio, but I still found them very accommodating and I was on my really best behavior so there would not be a problem. I knew I could not enter the Alamo or the grounds, so MFM and I walked across the street to the Visitor's Center to get information. They welcomed me in there and we learned about what was available in town. MFM bought tickets to ride all day long on the trolley and bus. They could take us all over town and to the missions. We parked near the Alamo so we would not have a long way to walk and would be able to easily find our car at the end of the day. It had the added advantage of being accessible if we forgot anything and we had snacks and drinks in the car.
The celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Alamo was in full swing, so there were several opportunities available. We arrived just as the Navy was demonstrating some uses of canine warriors. They were amazing! I got the best seat in the house to watch them - under the chair of a sailor. Those dogs would respond immediately to the handler's commands. They were precise and orderly just like their handlers and all they got in return was was a pat on the head. They deserved some REAL treats. I wonder if MFM was taking note.
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| This dog attacked on command.... |
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| ....then took the arm protector right off the guy. |
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| Another attack! |
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| Now this guy understands "Down!" "Stay!" |
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| "Sit" and pay attention. I have seen how the "pros" do it, so I have a lot to live up to. My advanced classes start on April 30th. I have an idea MFM will be expecting a lot from me. |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Kool Doggie
It was a hot day yesterday but we had a gentle breeze and shade that made everything comfortable. It also helps that I have had a haircut. All my beautiful, fluffy hair gone, but I am sooo cool now!
I have been showing our visitors from California around town and visiting some other Texas places.....Llano, Fredericksburg, and Luckenbach. Today we will visit San Antonio especially to see The Alamo. I am behaving very well and I am a people magnet. That is fun, but MFM makes sure I behave even when big dogs come close. One woman picked up her little, yappy, white dog and stuck him right in my face. That dog even licked my face! MFM said she was proud of me for sitting quietly in the very face of adversity. "Adversity? That's a funny name for a dog, but I will have to admit it fit her nobly."
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A Snake's Rattle
When MFM was training another dog several years ago, she accidentally learned to train it to potty on command. Now, I have learned to do that and itt makes her so happy. It also might have saved my life!
MFM sometimes lets me out in the yard if it is still dark outside and she can't see any deer, squirrels, armadillos, or other animals. This night I was busy smelling when MFM started calling to me frantically, trying to rush me through my business. I decided to mostly ignore her and take my own sweet time....it's those wonderful smells in the yard that keep me busy. I learned later that she had heard the rattling of a rattlesnake just off the porch at the side of the house. It was a warm evening and rattlesnakes are common around here, so it just might have been a warning from a rattlesnake. D.A., who is knowledgeable beyond his chronological, 9 years, explained that rat snakes often shake their bodies in dry leaves and fool people into thinking they are something they are not, but MFM was sure dry leaves were not in the equation.
Everything was fine, but we learned that some other dogs get a vaccine for rattlesnakes. It does not solve the problem, but it might provide a little more time in case of an attack. MFM seems to feel sure I will be sniffing out a snake anytime and she is probably right.
I found this information on the "Ark Animals" site:
Pet Rattlesnake Vaccine
Rattlesnake vaccinations are available for some pets. The canine vaccine remains controversial but is safer than antivenin treatment. Protective antibodies are created in your pet so that when bit, the vaccine starts neutralizing venom immediately.
According to Red Rock Biologics, manufacturers of a rattlesnake vaccine, the antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenin. So, although canines still need emergency veterinary treatment, they should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from the rattlesnake bite. The Red Rock Biologics vaccine has been available nationwide since December of 2004.
If you decide to have your pet vaccinated, the first inoculation will require that the animal receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent boosters are recommended annually in the about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat.
Snakebites are always an emergency. Even if your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, always get the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible following any snakebite. Even non-venomous snake bites can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine what additional treatment is needed.
Concerns have been raised by experts, including the University of California at Davis. One problem with the vaccine is that there are well over 15 differing species of rattlesnakes in America and the different venoms affect the body differently. So, one vaccine will not protect against all the different venoms.
The second debate is that the antibodies may not be adequate in the event of severe envenomation and may not neutralize the venom effectively. Finally, the individual animals may not receive sufficient protection depending on its response to the vaccine and the time elapsed since the vaccine. Canines can also react adversely to the vaccine.
MFM sometimes lets me out in the yard if it is still dark outside and she can't see any deer, squirrels, armadillos, or other animals. This night I was busy smelling when MFM started calling to me frantically, trying to rush me through my business. I decided to mostly ignore her and take my own sweet time....it's those wonderful smells in the yard that keep me busy. I learned later that she had heard the rattling of a rattlesnake just off the porch at the side of the house. It was a warm evening and rattlesnakes are common around here, so it just might have been a warning from a rattlesnake. D.A., who is knowledgeable beyond his chronological, 9 years, explained that rat snakes often shake their bodies in dry leaves and fool people into thinking they are something they are not, but MFM was sure dry leaves were not in the equation.
Everything was fine, but we learned that some other dogs get a vaccine for rattlesnakes. It does not solve the problem, but it might provide a little more time in case of an attack. MFM seems to feel sure I will be sniffing out a snake anytime and she is probably right.
I found this information on the "Ark Animals" site:
Pet Rattlesnake Vaccine
Rattlesnake vaccinations are available for some pets. The canine vaccine remains controversial but is safer than antivenin treatment. Protective antibodies are created in your pet so that when bit, the vaccine starts neutralizing venom immediately.
According to Red Rock Biologics, manufacturers of a rattlesnake vaccine, the antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenin. So, although canines still need emergency veterinary treatment, they should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from the rattlesnake bite. The Red Rock Biologics vaccine has been available nationwide since December of 2004.
If you decide to have your pet vaccinated, the first inoculation will require that the animal receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent boosters are recommended annually in the about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat.
Snakebites are always an emergency. Even if your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, always get the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible following any snakebite. Even non-venomous snake bites can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine what additional treatment is needed.
Concerns have been raised by experts, including the University of California at Davis. One problem with the vaccine is that there are well over 15 differing species of rattlesnakes in America and the different venoms affect the body differently. So, one vaccine will not protect against all the different venoms.
The second debate is that the antibodies may not be adequate in the event of severe envenomation and may not neutralize the venom effectively. Finally, the individual animals may not receive sufficient protection depending on its response to the vaccine and the time elapsed since the vaccine. Canines can also react adversely to the vaccine.
Monday, April 4, 2011
I Am a Canine Good Citizen!
I sailed through the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test with flying colors! It is now official - I can come when called, sit, down, stay, and heel. Not that I always do it, mind you, but I can when I am in the mood. My only problem with the test is that there were so many wonderful smells in the grass where we took the test and there were lots of other dogs, but I wasn't allowed to play with them.
MFM took me home and I got to enjoy a cup of "Frosty Paws", the doggie ice cream they gave me, but I saved the packet of carrots for later. I love them too (Thanks for the tip, Tia!).
I was exhausted afterward and slept until time for my romp at the dog park. What can I say? It's a dog's life!
MFM found this recipe online:
Frosty Paws Dog Ice Cream Recipe
32 oz. plain yogurt
1 mashed banana
2 T p'nut butter
2 T honey
It’s true dairy products aren’t good for dogs, but yogurt contains much less lactase than regular milk and the live cultures are great for your dog’s digestive system. This dog ice cream recipe is delicious and good for your pet!
1. Mix all these ingredients in your blender, then dump into ice cube trays, paper cups, or even a kong toy to freeze and serve.
MFM took me home and I got to enjoy a cup of "Frosty Paws", the doggie ice cream they gave me, but I saved the packet of carrots for later. I love them too (Thanks for the tip, Tia!).
I was exhausted afterward and slept until time for my romp at the dog park. What can I say? It's a dog's life!
MFM found this recipe online:
Frosty Paws Dog Ice Cream Recipe
32 oz. plain yogurt
1 mashed banana
2 T p'nut butter
2 T honey
It’s true dairy products aren’t good for dogs, but yogurt contains much less lactase than regular milk and the live cultures are great for your dog’s digestive system. This dog ice cream recipe is delicious and good for your pet!
1. Mix all these ingredients in your blender, then dump into ice cube trays, paper cups, or even a kong toy to freeze and serve.
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