I finally took the time to contact Dr. M for our neutering schedule. Officially, the medical term used for the surgical procedure of removing the dog's testicles is castration.
Puppy Brown resting at the vetties...Ready to go home.
Poor Puppy Brown must have felt the heavy loss of his balls because he came home like this.
"You stole my balls," says Puppy Brown with a vengeful glare.
This is probably the after-effect of the anesthesia given to him while his little boy part was incised to remove the you-know-what. The poor little guy hung his head like an injured soldier.
In this procedure, Dr. M did three tiny stitches to close the exit point.
Our next visit is due on the 21st to have the stitches removed. Hopefully, within that said period, the antibiotics and Betadine will do its charm on keeping him infection-free.
The Serious...
First of all, it's not as bad as it sounds. I know there are still dog lovers out there who don't understand why my purebred dogs don't get bred.
My answer is simple: I don't believe it's necessary. I used to think it was a great money-making scheme. Then, I got myself educated and realized that I'd be a hypocrite if I said I would be a good breeder and dog-lover if my purpose was to mainly earn from it.
Even though we've been bringing him to the vet constantly, changing his diet to our best capacity, and providing him with all his physical needs, we still lost him to a condition we still don't understand.
Also, given Buchi's history, I'd be damned if I allowed his hereditary issues to transfer from one generation to another.
A lot of people are saying, "Sayang" which means "It's such a waste."
I beg to differ. Puppy Brown lives with Asti. All our female dogs are intact and I want to keep them that way for now. Perhaps my main reason for choosing to have him castrated was convenience, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Raising puppies to dogs--ensuring they're well taken care of--is a big responsibility. I don't want to end up with puppies whose futures aren't secure.
To Neuter or not to Neuter...
Victoria Stilwell discusses facts about spaying and neutering...
In contradiction to neutering and spaying, I also want to share this video from Dr. Karen Becker to keep people informed of both sides...
Bottom line, whatever you choose, don't just choose for yourself--for your convenience, but also for the betterment of your dog. Research on neutering, spaying, and castration.
As for this pack, those balls have to go.
"But I love every part of me," says my cute little Shih Tzu boy.
Sorry I Pooped in Your Shoe (and Other Heartwarming Letters from Doggie) by Jeremy Greenberg
This isn't much of a dog book review. I simply love. love. love, love, love this book. I got it for 5 php. That's roughly 12 cents, and it was worth every penny.
Excerpts from the dog book. Lua's beta is a little slow in picking up the rules of the game.
And I quote:
Please try to keep up! This is an important game that helps us establish pack order and I can't continue to outrank you if you won't play.
Indeed, some humans are slow. LOL.
One of my favorite stories is Sammy's letter of appreciation to his pack leader.
And again, I quote:
Most doggies have to hunt leaves one by one. But you conveniently rake them into little hills all around the yard. You even yell, "Sammy, I just raked those!" to let me know that they're ready for me to jump into and rescatter all over the yard.
Indeed, humans are pawns and servants. LOL
Scaredy-cat Jasper
And for the last time, I quote:
Did you hear that? There's a ghost in the closet!
Indeed, humans are so dense. LOL
I read the entire book in a single seating. It had me laughing and crying at the same time.
Jeremy Greenberg authored a beautiful book of love letters made especially for dog-loving pawrents like us. I'd definitely recommend grabbing a copy of this book if you get a chance.
P.S. We hadn't gotten our Christmas Cards out because life was... well, life.
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who's sent their heartfelt condolences and comforting comments on Ginger's passing. We are blessed to have online friends like you.
Senior Dog with Aural Hematoma in Giant Crate
I've had Whitey on crate rest for a long time. Ever since he and Puppy have had major fights, I've had him crated on mornings and afternoons to avoid the usual blood shed and aural hematomas. Noon time and night time is break time from crating.
I thought crating my senior dog was the right thing, but I was wrong.
Tiny Dog Bites and Teeth Scrapes from Buchi
These dog fights were often initiated by Whitey. In fact, he's bitten me twice because Puppy would go around us and taunt him (which I think was Puppy just being a playful and curious... puppy). To add more to the drama, Whitey had the flaps of his ear drained about 4 or 5 times because he kept on attacking Puppy, and Puppy would simply overpower him-- sending him ear first on the concrete floor. That's when I decided that these two should avoid contact as often as possible.
But I was wrong.
Big Dog Bite from Whitey
By doing so, I think I've made the situation worse.
I think I forgot to trust my dogs' intelligence in working as a pack-- in working things out.
I think... I've underestimated my dogs' social skills.
Of course, I preferred being safe.
Whitey, my senior love dog.
I'd rather have Whitey placed on scheduled crating than to see my senior badly injured again: the aural hematomas, the wound gashes, and the bloody bite injuries.
But I was still wrong to crate him like this for so long.
He should have been with the others while they played.
Lounging on a cool sunny day, destroying their toys.
He should have been with them running or trying to catch up.
I was scared that he might get injured again that I have ended up isolating him from the rest of the pack.
Even though he's free the entire evening, and it's only mornings and afternoons that he is crated, I could still see how much it has affected his muscles, his energy, and his life.
Sometimes, I feel the people I live with are far better dog caretakers than I am.
Yesterday, one of them decided to leave Whitey free. With a hose in one hand, she prepared herself to quench Whitey's possible rampage against the rambunctious pup.
Thankfully, there hasn't been any incidents yet. And hopefully, it remains that way for the rest of our happy dog days!
