The Stitches are Off

The stitches are off! Dog Neutering Vet Bill Cost edition.

Not the vetties again. I know the vets are real pretty, but I've been put to shame more than enough.

Yes, after one week of feeling down and lonely for having lost his balls, Puppy Brown is now a bonafide offspring-less bachelor.

Warning: Do not try this at home. Dr. M is a licensed vet with a few years of experience under her belt.

Dr. M snipped the stitches as quickly as possible. No more E-collars for us! Of course, he still had to deal with a few hands restraining him on the vet's metal table during the process.

Not all hands were there to restrain him. One was just keeping him distracted. Puppy Brown is a sucker for chin scratches.

Castration Costs:

Procedure: 2,500 php (roughly $70)
Antibiotics: 4.50 php x 2 capsules/day  x 7 days= 63 php (less than $2)
E-colllar: Free (but if you need one, shih tzu sized e-collars cost around 200-350 php)
Betadine (for wound application): 100 php ($2.5)
Cotton: 15 php (less than $0.50)
Transportation: Location dependent.

Approximately, $75. Not bad. We're so lucky Dr. M didn't charge us for having the stitches removed.

Some things to consider:

Bloodworks: 900 php (roughly $23)
Additional Medication and Recovery food: 500-1000 php ($12 - $24)
Additional Vet Check-ups: 250 php/visit ($7/check-up)

How much was your vet bill when you got your dog neutered?

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Puppy Brown's Castration: Our Experience, Our Understanding, and Our Decision

The Funny...

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.

You'll be better off without them, sweety.

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Run Free, Buchi!

Dear Friends,

These past days (and weeks), I have been busy tending to Buchi's health needs.  It has taken so much of my time that I didn't have time to blog. To put it more simply, wound creams turn into lotions because Buchi's skin breaks out into lesions with the lightest touch.

Believe it or not, this is one of his "normal" days. This picture was taken last September 29, 2014. 

Since last year,  Buchi has been battling an ailment we still don't understand. There were days he was completely healthy, and there were days that he was in terrible shape. At first, it was mange, Then, there was bacterial infection. Then, his eyes were too dry because of the bi-monthly Ivermectin shots the vet gave him.

Taken last October 8, 2014. He became excessively oily and smelly, but it was a normal episode in our household. We were waiting for a next vet visit since it was just a couple of days later.  It was a typical cycle for him to become worse, then real better, then worse, then better.

Last month, I was so happy to tell the vet that we hadn't dealt with any oily or smelly conditions for an entire month. The vet was relieved that she told us that we could go a month without having the shot. 

Our relief was however short-lived.

This month, Buchi was getting thinner, even when he was eating so well. Then, these past three days, he lost his appetite, and I was hoping that it was simply an upset stomach for all the licking--which is also normal. 

Today, we were planning to give our vet a visit, but he decided to take an earlier flight to the rainbow bridge.

This picture was taken last August 23, 2014. Run Free, Buchi! No more itchies and oily skin for you.

I'm really sorry I haven't visited anyone's blog recently. Buchi has been an integral part of my life that somehow, it felt right that I spent most of my time with him.

Thank you so much for your caring and understanding. 

Sincerely,

Haopee and the My Dogs Love Me Pack

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Kindness and Compassion to Dogs is the New SMEXY

I was hoping to post about our vet today, but decided to talk about other amazing people around Asia as well. 

MSB, DVM

Two days ago, we went to our vet to have Buchi's semi-monthly Ivermectin shot. Just in case anybody was wondering, Ivermectin is a broad spectrum anti-parisitic drug. In Buchi's case, it keeps the itchies at bay because of his immuno-compromised body.

Off to the vet we go! Again!

So while I was talking to Dr. M about Buchi's regimen, she mentions how lucky Buchi is. If he had ended up with other owners, they would have probably left him to deal with the itchies and infection without medical attention. She didn't say much, but she made me feel like a special owner. This was far from what I had felt with Dr. C who made me feel stupid and ignorant. 

We've been going to this same clinic since 2009.

And it's not often you find a vet who understands that some of us are simply doing our best to provide the necessary medical attention with the limited budget we have. She's been generous and patient with us in many ways.

Bottom line? We think our vet, Dr. MSB, is definitely SMEXY!

Nitin Rana

We just found out about Nitin Rana in Facebook today. He has a thing for helping stray dogs and dogs in need in India. 

Nitin Rana courtesy of Dog Today Magazine 

Sure, I personally think he's cute, but the dogs think he's SMEXY.

Nowzad Shelter in Kabul

Nowzad does an amazing task of reuniting dogs and cats in Afghanistan to soldiers who have been destined there. According to NBC News, facilitating the reunion can cost as much as $4,000. They have organized more than 400 dog and cat transports to the United States and the United Kingdom.

In fact, their goodwill hasn't come unnoticed. They have been awarded BVNA Charity of the Year 2014, JustGiving charity of the Year 2013, and Animal Transportation Association Charity of the Year 2013

We would like to thank Melissa for giving us the go signal to use their logo in this post.

The shelter also takes in stray dogs, hoping to establish a healthy and controlled population through vaccination and spaying and neutering. One of their many intentions is to have of these cats and dogs adopted by Afghan families. Let's give them a paws up! 

The dogs and I think that Nowzad is SMEXY!

Interested in helping them earn more funding, check out the 'tail of Nowzad Dogs available in Amazon.

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Dogs in Action: Ball Acrobats and Whitey Update

Whitey's update is at the bottom of this post.

Cheezy the Dog vs. Squeaking Ball in the Air

Coal vs. Puppy vs. Cheezy vs. PJ vs. Squeaker Ball.
Squeaker ball loses from the start.

*****

Thank you for all paws and prayers sent our way, everybody. We had Whitey admitted at the vetties for two days.

He's still emaciated and dehydrated, so we're taking care of him with round the clock care. He gets force-fed water 4 times a day (because he's not on IV drip), and he eats 3-4 times a day, too. You'd think he's just pretending to be sick because he's grown picky. He hates recovery food and will only eat liver, chicken meat or beef meat-- oh, and cream cheese, too!

The vet says he has Chronic Renal Failure. I'm still researching on ways to manage it. We're now on kidney care and iron supplements, diuretics, and Doxycycline. I'll be talking about this another time, though. 

For those who's dealt with kidney failure before, could you share your experiences with us.

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Infographics: Statistics on Choosing Veterinary Careers

Who doesn't love taking care of animals?

Let's face it, if you want to earn money and help care for animals aside from your own, the best career to choose from includes being veterinarian, a vet technician or a vet technologists.

Here's a great infographic share by Brown Mackie College.

"Veterinary Careers" infographic brought to you by Brown Mackie.

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What Does a Dog's Broken Mandible Look Like? (almost Wordless)

Remember when the little dog decided to pick a fight with a big dog? Well, this was the result...

Beneath this bandaged muzzle is....

a Canine's Fractured Mandible

Fortunately, it's all healed up... and Chooey is back to her ordinary, noisy barking self.

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Oh, Bloody Poop!

I just hate it... I just hate dealing with bloody poop.

 

First, it was Shark with Parvo... Then, it was China and PJ with Parvo. This time, it's Buchi with bloody stool.

Warning: The image you're about to see will scar you for life!

I blurred it, but be warned! The actual non-pixelated photo is directly at the bottom. Time to close your eyes. 

Now that that's out of the way, let me tell you the story of Buchi's bloody dog poop. Yesterday, one of our housemates called me to check where Buchi was. And she starts the conversation with something like this, "don't get worried, okay?"

Seriously?!? If it's something about the dogs, I get all ballistic and insanely worried. So, I follow her downstairs and she presents me with the bloody mucoidal stool of the evil Shih Tzu who's full sickies (just kidding on the evil part)!

Lo and behold, a new present in the form of feces with blood and mucus. (Apologies for my bluntness. I just too stressed at the moment).

Actual photo. Sorry for grossing anybody out.

I immediately take a sample of the messy thing, place it on a container, take its picture, and have Buchi taken to the vet.

Bad News: It got me worried sick (especially since we've been having the bi-monthly vet check-up  since June 2013). I've considered a number of things: from the meds his taking tirelessly and his current lifestyle because of the E-collar.

Good News: The vet says she couldn't find anything on the sample. However, she did mention that Buchi had an upset stomach due to overeating. Yes, thin dogs DO overeat. 

Nonetheless, Doctor M prescribed Vibravet (Doxycycline monohydrate) for Buchi's stool problem. 

Treatment: Just to follow our new medication and keep a close eye on the culprit (*cough* evil little Shih Tzu with skin and poop problems).

And the usual Dextrose Powder.

Has anybody ever experienced dealing with so many problems at one time?

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Keep Your Dog Smiling Pretty (Guest Post)

Your dog’s smile is an important part of her health. They need your help to keep their pearly whites, well – pearly. Not to mention the inevitable tartar build up and periodontal disease your dog will face if you neglect this important part of dog ownership.

If your dog is over five years old there is an 85% chance they will suffer from periodontal disease, which develops when food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line form plaque which turns into a harder substance known as tarter over time. If left untreated, the gums will become inflamed, separate from the teeth, which leave pockets for bacteria to grow – aka periodontal disease. If your poor pup gets to this stage she will feel intense pain, lose some teeth and gain mouth abscesses. Visit this website for a list of periodontal disease symptoms.

Rin's got chews... not the indestructible ones, though.

The bacterial infection can easily enter the blood stream and cause all sorts of problems, so it’s time to take an interest in the health of your dog’s smile. Here are some things you can do to help prevent the big-bad yourself: gum and teeth inspections, brushing, adequate chewable.

Gum and teeth inspections

Get your dog’s teeth inspected by your veterinarian and ask questions during your annual checkup. Get your dog used to you poking around his mouth with baby steps. Start by touching her lips for a moment, letting go and then giving a treat.

Work your way up to lifting up the lip, then lightly touching the teeth, but never push the dog past the point of comfort. Look for plaque and tartar, gum inflammation and abnormal gum lines (gums that have a slight wave or curve where they meet the tooth instead of a straight line). Once your dog is used to inspections, you are ready to move on to brushing.

Make sure you are brushing your dog’s teeth properly

· Use toothpaste made for dogs, NEVER human toothpaste!

· It’s best to start the healthy habit young, but it’s never too late.

· Brush every other day (at least three times a week), because plaque turns to tartar in just two days. If your dog has already developed periodontal disease then brush daily.

· Get the dog used to brushing in stages.

· Don’t punish the dog if they resist, but slowly allow your dog to get used to the necessary procedure.

Let your dog chew

Feeding dry kibble food, bones and rawhide naturally helps remove plaque and tartar. There are also some good toys and treats that will help with plaque, just make sure they are approved by the VOHC which means they are proven to reduce plaque by 20%.

Following these tips will help freshen your dog’s breath while improving your dog’s overall health. You classy canine companions don’t always know what’s good for them, but if you are gentle in your presentation of dental hygiene your dog will smile pretty for years to come!

Author's Bio:

I’m Cindy Romero, an animal rights activist and mother to two dogs who love to brush their teeth every day.

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Pet Dentistry: Do It For Your Best Friend's Health (Guest Post)

Most humans go to the dentist on a regular basis (or at least, know that they’re supposed to!) We know the importance of having our teeth cleaned and examined. However, many pet owners don't stop to think about the oral health of their animals. Just like humans, dogs develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. If these substances continue to build up over time, there can be some very serious consequences for your pet. These consequences don't just involve the teeth. There are several health problems that your pet can develop as a result of poor dental health.

Common Dental Problems in Dogs and Cats

The primary problem that dogs and cats will develop if their teeth are not kept clean is gum disease. This is a result of plaque and tartar that develops at or below the gum line. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis characterized by red and inflamed gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which causes an erosion of the bones supporting the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.

Rin, our resident senior, is all smiles!!!

Dogs are also susceptible to cavities. These can become very painful and lead to abscesses and tooth loss. Some dogs will have enormous jaw swellings from painful abscesses of the teeth.

General Health Problems Related to Gum Disease

Problems with the teeth and gums are bad enough for your pet. However, gum disease in dogs and cats can cause a host of general health problems for your friends. Abscesses in the upper teeth can lead to sinusitis and infection of the occipital region. These will require long courses of antibiotics for proper treatment.

Bacteria entering the bloodstream from infected gums have been proven to contribute to numerous problems in dogs and cats. In dogs, bacteria from the gums can cause problems with the heart including endocarditis. Liver disease in dogs has also been attributed to bacteria from gum disease. In cats, bacteria entering the bloodstream from the gums are believed to contribute to kidney disease.

Ways to Combat Pet Dental Problems

The first line of defense in combating pet dental problems begins at home. Pets should have their teeth brushed every day. There are special dog and cat toothpastes and toothbrushes on the market to make this job easier. Pet owners can also help keep tartar down by giving their dogs and cats high-quality kibble based food to eat. Animals given only a soft diet tend to develop more dental issues. Feed your dog crunchy biscuits designed to break down tartar as a treat.

*Image of a smiling a dog courtesy of Ms. Anderson.

As with humans, dogs and cats should have regular dental exams and cleanings provided by their veterinarian. Veterinarians have the tools to safely and effectively remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth of both dogs and cats. During this examination, the veterinarian will check for signs of cavities and other dental problems. Animals should have their teeth cleaned at least once a year. Some animals may require more frequent cleanings.

If pet owners will diligently clean their pet's teeth at home, many serious health problems will be avoided. Do what’s best for your best friend and don't neglect your pet's dental health.

Author's Bio:

Erica Anderson is a veterinary technician and writer from Arizona. She loves writing about parenting, gardening, and pets.

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A Puppy Story... Some Thoughts on Raising a Puppy

Who doesn't love puppies? Don't we all just love how their big eyes stare at us? Don't we all laugh at their clumsiness and playful attitude? 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Well, here's the thing, before you get a puppy, please remember that puppies take up a lot of work, especially if you want them to grow into refined canine citizens. Also, there are a lot of puppies and dogs in shelters and pounds. So... before you decide on buying one, consider adopting a homeless dog. As for owners who prefer less energetic dogs, adopting a senior dog should be at the top of your list.

Now, back to the puppy story.

A one day old puppy.  And no, those aren't my hands.

During Puppy's first day, he can't see or hear anything. His ears and eyes will open in the days to come, but for now, he'll simply have to rely on scent.

They'll be sleeping most of the time at this stage.

This puppy is learning social gestures. I think he thinks he's going to receive regurgitated food by licking the big dog's muzzle.

Once he learns to walk, he'll play with others and get a first-hand lesson on how dogs communicate. In a family environment, this includes bite inhibition, respecting the elders and knowing how to deal with annoying humans.

This turtle toy or any dog-safe stuffed animal can serve as a great chew toy.

They become very curious of their surroundings and are usually impulsive chewers. Toys can save your furniture. It is important to keep a puppy's mental state stimulated with toys and play dates with other littermates.  Remember, a tired puppy is a happy puppy. 

During this time, puppies can begin learning about potty training and crate training.

Poor puppy hates his first bath.

With a new environment comes new challenges for the puppy. There will be vaccinations, vet visits, neutering/spaying, dog registration (depending on where you live), obedience classes and puppy's dreaded bath!

Cute puppy hiding behind the potted plants.

Often times, they will hide from you just to avoid baths and vet visits (assuming they already have an idea on how these events happen e.g. human holding a leash, human turning the car on, human bringing in the crate).

Once they're vaccinated, exposing a puppy to different environments and characters can help in honing their behavior. 

Exposing puppies to different people, dogs and environments, desensitizes them from potential foreign objects/being that they may fear. It's a great way to teach them to restrain anger and aggression towards nuisances such as roughhousing and territorial behaviors from other dogs.

Here's a good example of puppy toy guarding.

Some dogs tend to be aggressive if behaviors such as extreme toy and food bowl guarding aren't corrected. It is important for owners to understand that even when it looks cute and adorable, puppies are still dogs and like babies are needed to be taught proper behavior so the grow up into good dogs.

Additional Notes:

-If you want a dog, adopt one from your local pound or shelter.

-If you prefer a puppy, still check out your local pound or shelter.

-If you don't want to adopt a puppy, make sure to buy one from a reputable breeder.

-A puppy, when raised right, is a great companion. 

-Dogs have a long lifespan (more or less). Be sure you are ready for a 8-18 year commitment.

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Aural Hematoma or Ear Hematoma: POTP for Whitey

I've had enough with the dog fights! It's not they do it so often. It's just when Puppy decides to defend the scaredy dog Coal, he and Whitey end up in a fight.

Today, however, we ended up bringing Whitey to the vet. Why you may ask? Aural Hematoma or Ear Hematoma. It's like Buchi's Blood Blister but it's on his ear.

Whitey is grounded! He will be wearing the cone of shame this afternoon.

What is an aural hematoma?

An aural hematoma or ear hematoma is a type of swelling in the flaps of a dog's ear. The dog's ear is filled with fluids coming from ruptured tiny blood vessels. It's like a blood blister.

Note: Whitey's ear drooped and puffed up like it had air in it and he kept on shaking it. This occurred moments after he fell down, getting toppled by Puppy.

Causes of Aural Hematomas or Ear Hematoma:

1. Scratching caused by itchiness due to allergies, mites, infection, yeast and foreign objects in the ear canal

2. Shaking the head alot

4. Smacking the ears unto something hard like how Whitey landed on his ear on the ground.

If you want to learn more about Ear Hematomas, Mercola's video explains it pretty well.

Treatment of Aural Hematoma

On Whitey's case, his ear was drained of the fluid. It was also bandaged and pressure was applied so that it would stop. Prednisone was given as an anti-inflammatory drug and he is due for the cone of shame. The veterinarian charged us 250php (about $6 - $7) for the procedure.

POTP for Whitey

Although most hematomas usually resolve in time by being absorbed back into the body, there are instances that it may get worse. It can also rapture the skin because of the fluid build up(and the dog shaking his head).

The vet said that if it didn't heal within the next 7 days, Whitey might need surgery. This was really bad because Whitey is about 8 years old. Administering anesthesia on old dogs can pose a health risk.

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What If My Dog...? by Jim Evans Dog Book Review

I guess like parenting, dog raising doesn't have a perfect manual. This is the reason why I find it important to read books such as What If My Dog...? by Jim Evans. Just like Dr. Bruce Fogle's book, it aims to teach us dog owners how to enjoy our life with our four-legged friends to the fullest (armed with information to prepare us for canine mishaps and dog issues).

Have you ever asked yourself, "What if My Dog... pulls.. won't eat... barks... is aggressive... jumps up... is shaking... soils the rug?"

This is also one of the first books I've bought as dog lover. It's an easy read as it goes straight to the problem rather than provide brief histories and backgrounds before going to the canine nitty-gritty.

It's not that Dr. Jim Evans skimped on dog behavior and its causes. In fact, he reserved an entire chapter on how dogs learn, how dogs act, how dogs communicate. 

Number 55 says, "What if my dog gets into a fight with another dog?"

So as for the question, is it a good dog book for novice and existing dog owners? Yes, Indeedy! The way the scenarios were presented (with pictures and interesting canine comic drawings) makes it easier to read and more convenient.

Preventing Inappropriate Behavior takes an entire page. Its second page elaborates the advantages of crating. 

The pictures are entertaining and the color coded chapters keep it categorically organized. This dog book is divided into four chapters. Pink is for chapter 1,  green is for chapter 2, yellow is for chapter 3 and green is for chapter 4.

What If My Dog...? chapters are as follows:

Chapter 1- Understanding Dog Behavior and How It can be Shaped

Chapter 2- Mishaps and Problems Around the House and Outdoors

Chapter 3- Preventing and Coping with Ilnesses

Chapter 4- The Aging Dog- Maintaining Quality of Life in Old Age

So there you have it! Another dog book to entertain and educate at the same time.

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Good and Bad Veterinarian Experiences

Before I start, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have dropped by send us their support and prayers when China left for the Rainbow Bridge.

The Bad Veterinarian

Okay, first topic. What makes a bad veterinarian?

A bad veterinarian is...

1. A veterinarian who doesn't seem to care about your dog's (or cat's) welfare.

e.g. Chooey's old vet was awful. She would only replace Chooey's bandages without asking how the dog actually was.

Note: This was the veterinarian who, while injecting Chooey with antibiotics, left the syringe on Chooey's leg as Chooey was wailing in pain (because of the broken jaw), screaming and squirming like there's no tomorrow. Whether it was due to frustration (of Chooey's overly uncooperative state) or inexperience, I don't know.

2. A veterinarian who is arrogant and looks down at his/her client's lack of information. e.g. When China was admitted for erlichia, I asked her what she'd suggest because we couldn't afford all the tests to be done. She kept on insisting that all of them had to be done even when I had told her that I couldn't afford all the tests at that time.  I was hoping she'd advise me on what the most important test was and what affordable treatment would work. Once I told her what I thought was best (to do all the tests and have China treated depending on the findings with no admission), she says, "Why don't we do this instead since I know more than you do." Didn't I ask for her expert opinion awhile ago? Isn't the reason why I am asking too many questions is because I have no idea what to do?  Did this veterinarian really have to say what she said on my face? 3. A veterinarian who does not explain to the us why such a procedure is needed to be done and what other options we have. This may not have have happened with this former vet. However, this was the reason we switched vets back in my hometown. That old veterinarian was also over confident saying that because Shark was a year old, it was impossible for him to get Parvo.

4. A veterinarian who makes excuses saying the dog isn't cooperating.

When Chooey was brought to the vet to have her bandage replaced, I asked that they cut the fur on her muzzle because it was gathering dirt. This veterinarian said that she couldn't cut it because Chooey was moving too much.

Dr. M is one amazing veterinarian. She's like a Cesar Milan protégé with her no-messing-with-the-vet growl to stop Chooey from squirming.

Ironically, when we brought Chooey last week to meet her colleague, this colleague cut my little Shih Tzu's fur on the muzzle in a manner that's almost effortless.

The Good Veterinarian

Some considerations when choosing a vet...

This is Dr. K. She's an awesome vet. Unfortunately. she's no longer practicing in the clinic we go to.

Choose a vet...

1. who is passionate in his/her practice.

2. who asks about your pet's welfare even when simply striking a normal conversation.

3. who practices veterinary medicine for the sake of helping pets and not mainly to make a business out of it.

4. who does his best to explain our dog's (or pet's) current situation- explaining all the options for us to consider.

5. who understands that not everybody can afford the all vet treatment.

Note: While I understand that some would say that there's no point in taking care of a dog when you can't afford veterinary care, some vet treatment costs can catch us off-guard. Other pet owners choose to bring their dogs to the vet hoping whatever budget they have will suffice (or at least get maximized to remedy the medical situation) .

6. who doesn't simply depend on what they learned in books but also considers real life situations.

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Going to the Beach and Meeting New Animal Friends

Chooey Update: Chooey's healing well. Unfortunately, China's quite under the weather! He tested positive for Ehrlichia and we had to leave him confined at the vets with an intravenous drip. 

Please send us some POTP for China. The doctor just called to inform us that China's condition is critical. They had to inject him with a medicine that makes the heart pump blood faster. He's also on oxygen.

A couple of weeks ago, Chooey was being fed soft diet composed of Cerelac and Royal Canin Recovery Food for 3 weeks straight. When I checked dogfoodadvisor.com, it didn't have any rating so I decided to switch Chooey's canned food to Solid Gold (with Cerelac) and Go! Natural. Both are grain-free and rated pretty well.

So you must be wondering where we guys are. We're just preoccupied with my sister's arrival. She hasn't come home for 14 years and it's a big deal that we spend as much time as we could with her. Sorry if we haven't visited your blogs. We know we owe you guys big time!

Marui was kept in "bars" while our rented van entered the resort because he likes running out of the gates and through the streets. 

We went to the beach this weekend and stayed in a very nice place. It was a private establishment. The owners had two dogs- a Shih Tzu and Chocolate Lab. The Lab was such a friendly gentle giant. He reminded me of the sea lion we watched that day.

This is one happy sea lion!

While talking to his caretaker, we asked what dog food they were feeding him. He said it was Purina. The first thing that came to my mind was Pro Plan Chicken and Rice because it used to be recommended by my old vet (back in the province). It's definitely a lot better than feeding the dogs leftovers or human food.

This is Hachi. The owners derived his name from the dog named Hachiko. 

We played with Marui the entire night. He loved being stroked. We also played with the little puffball. Not to mention the cat...

This is Bob (or so we named him). He is also a beach resident.

So that's the rest of the beach crew. 

Hope China gets better. The vet says that the medicine for Erlichia is highly effective and they're just keeping an eye on him tonight.

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