Dr. Andy Mathis- The Animals and Other Stuff

Gus- long haired dachshund puppy

2012-01-26T14:30:00.001-05:00

This little guy came in the other day for his puppy vaccinations. 7 weeks old. 2.2 lbs. Long haired Dachshund. He did weigh 2.3 lbs. before he went pee-pee on the table . . . .

On the same day, I found this little gem of a photo on Facebook that was too cute to not share.

Thanks to Kayla Parker for sharing her photo.

PS for Penske. It looks like we might be getting a therapy laser. Tell your Mom not to load up on laser sessions in the next week or so.

Opal- Shar Pei Puppy

2012-01-20T12:18:00.003-05:00

Have a nice weekend, everybody.

This is Opal. A 11-12 week old SharPei puppy that came in the other day for her 2nd puppy vaccination. We don't see too many of these around. She came from the Atlanta area, I think.

Poor thing- about 20 minutes after getting her booster and getting back home- her head swelled up like a basketball. Her eyes were red and swollen shut, muzzle all swollen, etc. She had to get a shot of cortisone and benadryl. She was fine, and the swelling was about half way gone by the end of the afternoon after a benadryl induced nap. She could see a little.

Next time, she'll get a dose or two of benadryl before getting her vaccine.

Ginger - 01/14/12

2012-01-19T09:36:00.001-05:00

Ginger, Bert, and Rosie are officially listed on Petfinder to see if I can find them their furever home.

Here are a few video clips of Ginger from Saturday. She would really like to run and play with Daisy, off the leash, when they are both outside. I think she would listen and come to me, or would stay with Daisy, but am not 100% sure and am too chicken to try it yet.

Happy New Year Everybody.

2012-01-10T16:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, I realize that it is now the 10th of January. Happy 10th of January, then.

I had to look back to see what was last posted to begin to catch you up to speed. I posted about KiKi on the 28th. You saw a long video where Jimmy got out of his cage on the 27th. Well, things have progressed rather quickly from there, and Jimmy is now walking outside on a leash, for about the last week.

Here he was barking while I was petting Bert. This was on the 29th.

The next day we stumbled onto the fact that Jimmy likes playing with a squeaky toy. So much so that he seems to forget to be as scared as he was before. He'll even venture out of his cage to retrieve the squeaky toy.

This was shot on the first of January. Jimmy was making progress getting out of his cage.

I think it was the 3rd or 4th, that is was so cold. Bert was outside and we tried to get a better photo of him. He didn't seem to mind the cold. You can see the whole set of photos here at Flickr.

One the 3rd, Jimmy tried going outside. Ginger was out for a walk, and Jimmy was out in front of his cage, so we tried to see if he would walk to the door, or step outside. Depending on his mood. We didn't try going too far from the door, just in case we needed to come back inside in a hurry.

On the 4th, Ginger went out for her midday walk, and I just happened to take the video camera with me. You can see what she does. This was the first time we had seen her do this. She now does it everytime that she goes walking in the field.

It was also on this day, the 4th, the Jimmy ventured out of the building, and walked around outside. He was still a bit spooked by it all. Now he has gone on long walks and is doing better. I am still not sure that he would come to me if off the leash though. I uploaded this video to Vimeo as Youtube was taking so long to upload the previous one of Ginger. Vimeo doesn't allow embedding of video without an upgraded account. So it you want to see it, you'll have to watch it there at Vimeo.

So I think that gets you back up to speed on what has been going on around here for the past week.

KiKi

2011-12-28T12:26:00.000-05:00

Kiki is a ragdoll kitt-EH that came in the other day for her checkup. Her Mom says that Kiki knows that she is a pretty cat. She'll sit and admire herself in the mirror for long periods of time.

I can't fault her for that.

I would too, Kiki, if I had those blue eyes. I would too.

Latest Photos and New Video of Jimmy

2011-12-27T22:43:00.000-05:00

I took new photos and a video of Jimmy today. He is making progress and seems to relax a little when the leash is hooked to his collar for some reason. Don't know why. Perhaps he was tethered in a yard or something. Over the past few days, I've followed a routine with him. He likes sitting on the left side of his cage, then I make him move to the right, and then sitting in the front of his cage with the door open. He looks at the floor, and smells in its direction as if he is thinking about getting out. Yesterday, he got out and remained calm, so we tried again today. He was a little more reluctant to step out of the cage today, so I had to insist that he try.

He also ate some canned food while out of the cage, and this was the first time we tried this. Here is his video below.

The whole set of photos are here at Flickr.

Photos of Lucky

2011-12-26T17:57:00.000-05:00

Lucky was harassing a client and patient in the exam room today, sitting in the chair, growling at them. Sunlight was streaming through the doorway, and after the client and patient left, I snapped a few photos. These were all straight out of the camera- I didn't do anything fancy with editing or photoshop. I love how dramatic this photo turned out.

If you want to view the whole set of 9, go here to the album on google plus.

English Shepherd Puppies

2011-12-21T15:54:00.001-05:00

These guys came in for their puppy vaccinations about 2 weeks ago. 8 of them.

Jimmy Gets out of His Cage on a Leash

2011-12-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is correct. We weren't sure what to expect, and so I wasn't planning on having my camera in the kennel with Bert and him out of the cage. But Jimmy did so well, the first time, that I decided to shoot the video below. And it didn't go as smoothly as the first, as Bert started barking and growling at him, but he did well. I was quite proud of him. We might try outside in a day or two.

But first, let's back up to the end of last week-

You've seen Jimmy eating out of people's hands, and eating out of his bowl, if it was placed in the back of his cage. So last Wednesday, no one was here but me, so I decided to try and coax him into eating out of the bowl, when it was up near the front of the cage, with me sitting close by. He was reluctant to do that and that was one thing we've been working on for the past few days.

Last Thursday, he had a visitor, and he was less scared than Ginger. Jimmy came up to the front of the cage, sniffed her hand through the door. He seemed to be more concerned with what else was going on in the kennel, than the new person being there. I was quite surprised. Shocked actually. Because a few days before, when he had another visitor, he did his "I see dead people" thing from the corner.

We also moved Bert next door as Jimmy seemed interested in the other dogs. This was also on Thursday, I think. We were also able to slip a collar on him. You can see it in this video -

So when I got back home from a family Christmas function yesterday afternoon, I hooked a chain leash on Jimmy's collar, and he didn't freak out about it. He let me pull him around the cage and ate with it hanging from his collar. So today I decided to try him out of his cage, with Bert on a leash as well. Thinking that would make Jimmy less anxious. We moved Rosie as we knew she would be barking. But things didn't go as planned. Jimmy was slightly interested in Bert, but Bert wasn't very supportive. He wanted to growl at Jimmy, and act liked he wanted to start a fight, so Bert had to go back in the cage, and Jimmy got out by himself. And that seemed to be a better arrangement from Jimmy. Jimmy did really well with just me in the kennel and him walking in front of the other dog's cages. Initially I wasn't gonna film this, as I didn't want my camera in the kennel area with Jimmy and Bert out. But he did so well, that I asked Carrie to videotape Jimmy with my camera. Things didn't go as smooth the second time, but he still did good. My camera was cold from being in the truck all night, so the lens kept fogging up. You see Carrie wiping it off a few times. Bert was fine in his cage the first time, but when the camera was rolling, he started growling and barking and wouldn't stop. I could tell it was bothering Jimmy. In the beginning, you can see him hanging his head out of the cage with the door open. This is really what he was most comfortable with. So I made him get out of his cage. You'll notice that he tries to go behind or under the cages. But he sat in front of Bert's cage for a few seconds, and then I got him to walk down in front of the cages of Daisy, Ginger, and Tasha, a patient who is boarding. Then we went back,and he was happy to get back in his cage. Didn't have to ask him twice. He did try to chew on the leash one little time, but I thought he did quite well. The leash doesn't seem to bother him as much as being outside of his cage. I thought it might be the other way around.

Next time, we'll try this without Bert or Rosie in the back. And in a day or so, if he seems up for it, we might go to the outside door, and see if he wants to try and go out.

Happy Friday Everyone.

2011-12-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

Everyone enjoy your weekend. I am off to gorge myself at a family Christmas function tomorrow. I was fasting between 9 am and 1 pm today in preparation.

Here's a little Holiday cheer for ya.

Bert Reindeer

Rosie Reindeer

The Latest with Jimmy and the Crew

2011-12-13T23:10:00.001-05:00

Y'all saw the video early last week where Jimmy seemed to be less nervous and moving around more in his cage. That was Monday or Tuesday, I think. Well, Thursday morning, Rosie walked over in front of Jimmy's cage and Jimmy started whining and seemed interested in her.

So that afternoon, when Bert came in from his walk, Jimmy had left an elephant size pile of poop in his cage, and Bert sashayed over to see what was going on. This was the first tail wag we had seen from Jimmy.

So yesterday afternoon, when Bert came in from his walk, I tried to get another video of Jimmy and Bert hanging out together. Jimmy seems to like Bert the best. Then Rosie. Then Daisy and Ginger who are about equal, and they don't give him much thought. Tried being the keyword here. You see. . . Bert knew there was a partial bowl of food sitting in the tube. And he is doing everything to get to it- all under and behind me off camera. So you can see, and mostly hear, Jimmy barking at Bert acting like a nut.

Bert was rolling in the grass today . . . . .

Bert had new photos taken last Thursday- in this flickr set.
Rosie had new photos made yesterday- here in her set.

And I think that gets you caught back up to date. :)

Jimmy Has a Breakthrough

2011-12-06T16:48:00.001-05:00

This video of Jimmy was shot today. Up until now, he would let you pet him, but he was rather reluctant about it. Up against the wall, one side mostly, maybe the top of his head. You could coax him out of the corner with food.

Lifted from the video

The cages in the kennel are 12-16 inches up off the floor. So if one is hosing under the cage, he doesn't like that too much either, and will walk to the front of the cage, sniff your hand if it is on the cage door. His pen is 4 foot deep, and about 3 foot wide. So even if one is standing in the opening, there can be a rather large opening between the bottom of the door, and cage floor. Sometimes he notices it a little too much, or he starts looking above you if you are sitting on the edge of the cage. Like he is contemplating something, an escape plan.

I was doing a Holiday Market over the weekend, so I would walk and feed everyone in the morning, and rush back after dark to walk everyone again. Bert and me, Ginger, Daisy, and me, or Rosie and me. In the dark like in The Blair Witch Project. In the woods. With a flashlight. So I didn't have much time to spend handfeeding Jimmy. I would put food in his cage, and clean up poop later.

Sometimes he lays at the front of the cage, or standing, looking out, seeing what is going on as Bert, Rosie and Ginger go in and out. But usually he would move to the back of his cage if you went to open the door, put food in, change his water, etc.

So yesterday, Jimmy was laying at the front of his cage up next to the door. With his head pointing towards the hinges. If I open the door and put my arm in to touch him, I am actually petting him from behind. Carrie went to hand feed him his canned food, and noticed that he wouldn't move from the door. And he was not that interested in his food at the moment. So I went back there and I could crack the cage door and pet him all over. Both sides. Left and right. Top of his head. I am not sure if he got more trusing, or something spooked him worse than we do (like the washing machine or dryer), etc. Perhaps a little of both.

A little later I got him to eat his food, and could pet him in the middle of his cage.

Today he did the same thing. First thing this morning, he had lots of poop all over, so I had to pick it up, scrub and hose off the cage floor, and squeegee it dry. At one point, I had my hand under his neck, on his chest to keep him from lunging towards the open door. And another time, I actually was holding him by the scruff of his neck. He didn't seem to freak out at either one.

In the video below, you notice he is looking at the crack at the bottom of the cage, putting his nose there, or is doing it on the side, where I am squatted down. I am being careful that he doesn't try to push the door open any further.

I was quite pleased and surprised at how he reacted. At some point I am going to try and get a collar on him, something that he can't slip out of. And then try him on a chain leash or something that he can't chew through in 2 bites. I think he has learned a little from watching Bert, Rosie, and Ginger. There are some subtle changes that you probably can't see very well on his video. But go back and watch him last week. I think you can see what I am talking about.

Jimmy sees Dead People

2011-12-01T14:04:00.001-05:00

Yes, I think that is correct. Jimmy is like that kid in the movie, The Sixth Sense, "I see dead people."

He'll be doing better, and then something spooks him- the lights flicker, a chainsaw cranks up 150 yards down the road, a fly buzzes by, etc. It is like 2 steps forward, and then sometimes 1,2, or 3 steps backwards. I shot this video of him eating yesterday. It took 3 and 1/2 hours to upload to Youtube. (You're welcome, lol) He was more relaxed than last week. All of our holiday boarders have gone home, so it's just him, Bert, Rosie, Ginger and Daisy in the kennel.

I kept moving the food around the pen to give him to move out of the corner. If he heard, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner." He would volunteer. He lurves the corner. You would think he only has 2 legs, on one side, to look at him, as that is all you ever see.

So I am moving food left to right, front to back, from my hand, from the floor, etc. to get him to move. Notice he gets up and stands to eat. This is about the 2nd day we've seen this- he is less crouched, so I think that is a good sign.

I also have been leaving a towel in his cage, up at the very front, to encourage him to lay up there. Last night he pooped and urinated all over it. Maybe the dead people said to, I don't know.

Yesterday I also got this little video of Rosie and Ginger walking around outside. Not much of Rosie as I cut out the part where she gets excited and starts jumping all over people. She needs a little work on her manners. You can see a difference in Ginger from her earlier videos. I was walking her yesterday afternoon . . . she was right behind me, . . .I stepped over a down tree branch, and my heel accidently hit her in the chin. She yelped as if it was totally my fault and on purpose.

Ginger stopped for a rest by a tree on her walk.

I love this photo.

I think that rad scar above her eye is here to stay. She'll be the envy of all the other children on the playground.

Rosie Gets a New Tail

2011-11-29T13:52:00.001-05:00

Bert got neutered yesterday. Today was Rosie's turn.
No puppies for you, Bert and Rosie. (said like the soup Nazi)

When Rosie arrived, I noticed the tip of her tail. It looked like the end of a burnt cigar. I caught her chewing at it a few times, so I am not sure if was injured and then traumatized by her, or if it was something like a fungal infection (ringworm). Both she and Burt have a few suspicious looking ringworm areas. We are scrubbing those with chlorhexiderm shampoo, which is good for most everthing except the mange.

I also noticed Rosie would hit the side of the cage with her tail, and it would start to bleed.

I have been scrubbing this some this week, but I am not sure this would have healed. And if it did, I think it might leave a rather unslightly scar. So while she was under anesthesia, after her spay, I decided to dock her tail a few inches, and just get rid of it. Not very short. Sort of like the tail on a birddog. Here's her new tail below.

Y'all be sure to tell her how nice it looks when she wakes up.

Ginger is starting to look a little happier.

2011-11-22T15:01:00.001-05:00

This was yesterday. About the first time that we've seen Ginger up and wagging her tail.

The Pardoned Pooches

2011-11-20T16:39:00.001-05:00

So I have adopted 4 dogs from the pound. Well, technically, I am fostering 3, and if I can't find homes for them, then they are probably mine by default.

All practically unseen. How many have done that before? I wasn't even sure how many I had till the late night before they arrived. . . . .

Redunculous, you say? Not ridiculous. Redunculous.
Sometimes the right thing to do doesn't make the most sense on paper.

But let's back up a few weeks to see how I got here. I generally never go looking for a pet- they somehow find me- puppy that no one wants, parvo puppy that lives but can't find a home, dog tied to the porch, kittens in a box. That sort of thing. So I rarely go looking for a pet at the pound or animal shelter. I don't have an issue if people want to buy a purebred dog. If that is what you want, go for it. Purebred dogs end up in shelters too, so I always encourage people to check there first. Petfinder is great for that. I just feel that I shouldn't buy a dog, when so many are looking for a home.

On Facebook, there are a few animal pages that I follow. And I saw where a shelter, was constantly asking for people to adopt, foster, or pay to send dogs to rescue groups all to keep them from being euthanized. And the pleas were never ending. So I offered for several weeks to adopt of foster someone if they were having so much trouble. I contacted them several times and didn't hear much back. Two weeks ago, from this past Thursday, I called. I explained to the shelter director that I was 5 hours away, and could only drive over on a Saturday, and left a number for someone to call me back. Thursday and Friday, I heard nothing, so I drive over to the shelter. Turns out, one can't adopt a dog from the shelter without contacting someone in New Jersey. So I look around, can't decide who to save, fill out paperwork for 1, and drive back home.

Monday comes around and I call back to the shelter and inquire about another little dog that was scared of her own shadow. And I wait. Several days go by and I hear nothing.

Another Facebook page that I follow is one of a little dog named Hope. Hope was a little dog down in Forsyth, that suffered a horrific case of animal cruelty back in July. She was rescued by a couple by the name of Shane and Janet Smith. Hope had surgery to try and repair her injuries, and while she seemed to be doing better, it wasn't meant to be. She passed away from the injuries about 3 weeks later. Since that time, Shane and Janet have rescued a few other dogs, all in memory of Hope.

So I read on Hope's page that Shane had gotten the City of Macon Animal Shelter to agree to pardon all the animals for a week. (In total with a few extensions, it ended up being about 11-12 days). No one gets put to sleep for a space and without a chance. This had been going on for a few days, and several had gotten adopted but there were several more to go. And the days were winding down. Since it had been almost a week with no word from South Carolina, I thought, "Well, they may not need my help, but maybe here is a shelter that does even though I am not exactly close to Macon." I am about 2 1/2- 3 hours away.

So I got in touch with the people in charge, and told them that I thought the Pardon was a great and wanted to help anyway I could. While it's great that any dog gets adopted from a shelter, I felt this needed to be ALL or Nothing thing. Getting some out, leaving some behind, would not be as such a success as getting everyone out. About 60 dogs and cats. I didn't care who I helped as long as I helped someone out. And if could help out more than one, that would be fine too. While my kennels are not designed for permanent living, they also aren't full all time either.

So the first dog they called about was Jimmy. Sort of a Shepherd Mix, type of a dog. Click on the photos and they should enlarge a little bit- I am fairly sure the ones I took, will. Not sure about the screen shots.

There was a picture on Facebook and you could tell that Jimmy was terrified. Very scared, very timid. Other dogs were picking on him and he had to be separated. A lot of people we concerned about Jimmy. People wanted to adopt or foster Jimmy.

So when they called about Jimmy, I asked, "Really? Are you sure? Because I don't care who I help, and if people want Jimmy, I'll take someone else. I just don't want to see someone left behind." And when they explained how Jimmy was in person, I realized that he isn't your typical shelter dog. Jimmy was brought into animal control in a trap. He's sorta feral. While he pretty much is unadoptable in his present state, it doesn't mean that he needs to be euthanized because of it, either.
You wouldn't want him in you house at this point. If he thought he could get away, he would chew through your drywall, insulation, and siding to try and get out. Or chew into your couch just to have a place to hide. You can't put a leash on him yet. He chews through it.

So I agree to take and work with him. So he was the first one. Hopefully, he'll learn to trust people and make fast improvement. The is sort of the deal with the pardon- everyone gets a 2nd chance. And if Jimmy needs a little extra time to make the most of his, no problem.

I originally said I could adopt someone and foster someone. They asked about this girl a little later. A SharPei? Shepherd? something mix? They said they were worried about her, as she was almost as scared as Jimmy. I have to tell you though, I wasn't sure- From her photo, I thought she was a lot larger than she really is. And Shepherds and Shar Peis aren't my favorite breeds. Not that there is anything wrong with them. I see a few as patients, and they are great.

And I am so glad I agreed to take her too. Maybe more than Jimmy. She has not had an easy life. She's small. She only weighs 30 lbs. Probably should weigh 40-45 lbs. She is timid, but in a different way than Jimmy. She just wants to curl up in a ball and hide. They were dropped off at the office, Friday night. And she curled up next to the wall, not sure what to do. In the waiting room, there are 2 wooden chairs and a wooden bench for clients to sit on. She crawled under the bench and hung out there. Just looking for a safe place to hide. Her name is Ginger.

The next day, I kept looking at the list of dogs still available for adoption. And there were lots of of black dogs, bull dog mixes, etc. I told them I could take up to 4 if some didn't get adopted, and if it would help to just get the pardoned ones out of there. I have a few holiday boarders, but still have some empty cages. I can spay or neuter them, rephotograph them, teach them the basics of walking on a leash, and put them on petfinder. Basically give them more time to find their home.

So I said I want this guy if he doesn't get adopted.

Isn't he lovely? I said I think he has character and personality. Yep, from that photo. He could have been Cujo. I would take him if he wasn't adopted. I nicknamed him Bert.

Somewhere along the way, photos, id numbers, and names got mixed up. Because I ended up with this"Bert", below.

Oops. But that is fine. I'll help which ever Bert shows up on the doorstep. I don't care as long as they all get out and into a home or foster home.

The 4th dog, I put in for, if not adopted, was this sad looking pit bull female. I don't have her shelter photo. Oh it was sad. I don't know where the sad dog went, but what arrived was a spunky little female with lots of energy. She was bluffing. I was conned, I tell ya, conned. HaHa.   She's a red color and has a little brindle to her. I named her Rosie. You'll see her below.

So that are the 4 dogs that arrived from the Macon pound on Friday night. Jimmy, Ginger, Bert, and Rosie. None of them would have made it out of the shelter if it weren't for Shane and Janet Smith.

So Saturday , Rosie, Ginger, and Bert all got checked for intestinal worms, got their vaccines, checked for heartworms, and got a bath. I am guessing they are young adults, 1 1/2- 2 years old from looking at their teeth. Ginger's front teeth are worn down, not sure what she has been chewing on.

They all three tested positive for heartworms. Which was a possibility with any dog, other than a puppy.   I sort of forgot about that as the medication to get rid of heartworms isn't inexpensive. It's possible that Jimmy has them as well.

Here are the photos of Rosie. She seems to be "really" interested in the cats. Bert didn't pay as much attention to them.

Here are the photos of Bert.

Bert was loaded with hookworms and whipworms.

Bert also has some old scrapes and scars on his feet.

I took a few photos of Jimmy on Saturday.

Here's a short video I shot Sunday morning of Jimmy taking a treat out of my hand. He wouldn't do that in the afternoon. Bert was barking. He did eat one when I left it next to him.

and then there is Ginger. She has an scrape over her right eye. And an entropion with her lower left eyelid. That is where the eyelid rolls inward and her eyelashes and fur are rubbing her eye. More common in dogs like SharPeis, Rottweilers, Chows, but any dog can have one, cats too. Hers might have developed from being so underweight. The entropion can be corrected surgically when she is spayed, with a little eyelid tuck if needed. She needs a lot of TLC to get her confidence back.

Saturday Morning.

Notice that you don't see her standing in any photos. She will get up to go outside and she does walk on a leash. Sort of. She like to walk behind you and over to the side where you can't see her or be real close to her. She also seems to be a little bothered by open spaces. I tried to get her to go for a walk in an open field and she wanted to hover around the edge next to the bushes and the trees. She doesn't like to be picked up and she readily jumps back up into her cage. The cage is small and closed in on both sides, so she feels safe there I think.

This is her after her bath. She hasn't had many of those either, I'm guessing. Bert on the other hand, seemed to love his bath.

So that is how I ended up with 4 pound dogs. All of the pardoned dogs and cats, 61 of them total, made it out to permanent homes or foster homes. Some as far away as Canada and Seattle. Which is sort of amazing if you think about it, as most shelters can only keep pets for a few days, due to space. Euthanasia rates are very high- 60, 70%, even higher. I seriously doubt these 4 would have been adopted.

My Christmas letter to Santa this year reads like this-

Dear Santa,  

I have been very good this year. Flossing occasionally and taking my cholesterol medication.   

For Christmas this year I would like some 

1. Donut House brand coffee for the Keurig. Anything named after a doughnut has to be good. 

2. Courage for Jimmy. 

3. 6 pack abs. 

4. Confidence for Ginger.  

Love, 

 Dr. Andy 

PS. and please tell Rosie that cats aren't Little Debbie Snack Cakes on Legs.

Queen

2011-11-11T16:35:00.001-05:00

This gal is in today for the 2nd part of her heartworm treatment. She's a sweetheart. But is rather unusual looking. Part SharPei (obviously) and not sure what else.

She is on a diet, and has lost about 10 lbs. since August. Probably 20 lbs. more to go.

Back in 2005, I spayed her and fixed entropions on her eyelids. She came in again in 2008 and weighed 83 lbs. She came in this year, and weighed a whopping 95 lbs. She had heartworms and we put her on a diet, and started her treatment. If I remember correctly, she originally belonged to the son, or grandson, of her present owners. He was killed in an automobile accident. I suspect Queenie has been taking advantage of her owners, to get extra treats and snacks.

Have a nice and relaxing weekend.

Meet Buddy.

2011-11-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

This is Buddy. He came in today. He cut his leg open sometime over the weekend. His owner didn't bring him in. A concerned neighbor did. She really can't afford to be taking care of dogs, other than her one, and her 2 cats.

About 8 weeks old. 12 lbs. Lab Mix?

If the family keeps him, he'll likely get run over because they live close to the 4 lane highway. That has been the fate of previous dogs. The neighbor, my client, worries about them all the time. Being elderly, that isn't good for her health.

He's on antibiotics and has something to clean it with. It'll granulate and heal together pretty fast. I'll probably call the animal control officer to make sure they get the Mom out of the puppy business.

Meet Rocky. Rocky Balboa.

2011-11-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

I giggled out loud, just a little, when I saw his name on the new patient form. We've seen a few Rocks and Rockies, but never a Rocky Balboa that I can recall.

This was him yesterday- 11/3. 23 lbs.

Here is his video from yesterday.

This was him 3 weeks ago when he first came in. He has gained about 8 lbs- from 15 lbs. to 23 lbs. Soon he'll lose his widdle puppy face. The dogs were barking and howling in the kennel, and he was talking to them, but he wouldn't do it so well when the camera was on.

So what fun filled adventure does everyone have planned this weekend? I am not sure what I am up to, but I think I'll be glad to see the time change. I have the worst time getting up in the morning when it isn't getting light out until 9:30 am.

Esmerelda

2011-10-18T17:41:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday afternoon, I spotted the city animal control truck pulling into the parking lot. Which is rarely a good thing. Usually it's me getting hit up for free tranquilizers, free medications, free services, etc. Which I wouldn't mind helping out if I could, if the City were more amicable to deal with. There are 2 veterinary hospitals in town, and I am about 5th on the list of hospitals that sees any referral business from them.

The dog catcher brings in a pet carrier, and says, "I need to have this kitten put to sleep. It has an upper respiratory infection." Which sometimes, respiratory infections can be quite severe- with eye lesions, corneal ulcerations, infections, etc. So I look into the carrier expecting to see a really sick kitten.

Instead, I see a little kitten purring with a slightly weepy eye. "This kitten doesn't look that ill . . . how long have you had it?", I ask. "10-15 minutes", he says. The look of disappointment and shock and on my face had to be apparent, as he added, "I have another cat that I can't find a home for . . . I can't be bothered with a kitten."

And I'm thinking to myself, Yeah, and I can't be bothered euthanizing a kitten just out of convenience on a Thursday.

So I have to think fast and sort through the options.
1. Put the kitten to sleep and make the dog catcher happy.
2. Refuse to put the kitten to sleep. Which I know is gonna end badly for her.
3. Keep the kitten and find it a home when she is better.

So that is what I did- #3.

Meet Esmerelda.

She got a bath on Friday. Her weepy eye cleared up over the weekend. She was really, really wormy, and got dewormer for 3 days over the weekend. Flea medication for the ear mites. She still has a little rattle in her chest, but I am waiting to see if that will clear up on it's own. Antibiotics won't help if it is viral in origin. I suspect part of it is malnutrition and the intestinal parasites. She's been eating great.

Here's her video from Friday.

Here she is today. You can see how her eye looks better. With about 2 applications of eye ointment.

She'll be up for adoption in a few days. If you know anyone who wants a grey tabby kitten, with a loud motor, get in touch. I'll probably put her on petfinder as well.

Jack is Still Looking for his Forever Home

2011-09-28T17:32:00.001-05:00

You saw Jack back in July. He is still looking for his forever home. He boarded last week along with his foster family.

He's small to medium size. 22 lbs. He has been vaccinated for everything, neutered, and is on heartworm prevention. He lives with his foster home that is full of other dogs and cats and gets along well with everyone.

If anyone is interested is meeting him, or adopting him, or know someone or a family that might be, let them know, and get in touch with me.

Notice Lucky, the Cat Shark, circling and stalking his prey . . . . .

Lucky has a thing for Brunettes

2011-09-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

Shih Tzus it seems.

Since putting Leon to sleep in July, no one has claimed his chair in the exam room. Lucky is about the only one who'll sit in it while clients and patients are in there. Sometimes he is so in the way, that he has to have time out in his own cage during office visits. When clients aren't here, sometimes Sunshine or Priscilla are sitting or snoozing in it.

But strange things started happening a few weeks ago. When Holly came in for annual checkup.

Holly is a Shih Tzu, 5, maybe 6? years old now. She has several middle nicknames- from Cockeyed to Jumps like a Frog- but the one that has stuck the most is McNasty. She got that one as a puppy when she devoured a dead rat carcass before anyone could get it away from her.

Holly McNasty.

-

So Holly was on the table and Lucky proceeds to get on the table too. And starts getting all amorous as if he is Pepe LePew. Rubbing on her, grabbing her leg, etc.

So the next week another little Shih Tzu comes in. This time it is Chloe who is about 13. She is getting a haircut. and the same thing happens again.

Hershey

2011-08-29T19:40:00.000-05:00

jumped off the bed. He's 6-7 months old. Chihuahua.

He came in a little over a week ago. Check out that leg he is holding up.

This happened several days before these photos were taken. A callus has already formed trying to stabilize the fracture site. You can't move the bones around. It happens rather fast in puppies and kittens. Ideally, if he had come in after it happened, we probably could have put a spoon splint on it. A spoon splint won't fit on it at this angle. Referring him to an orthopedic surgeon wasn't an option, and neither was anesthetizing him and refracturing the fracture. As it heals, I think it will remodel and not be at such a severe angle.

We sent him home on some pain meds and orders for strict confinement so it can finish healing. No more jumping off the bed.

Happy a Cupcake in Celebration of Friday

2011-08-26T12:51:00.001-05:00

Hi all-
Who wants a cupcake? For dogs?

I made 10 of these late last night. Carrot and Blueberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. No sugar in it so it is dog safe.

There is probably some health code about selling them, so I am giving them away for a $3 charity donation. The special little box to keep them from getting squished costs a $1.

Stop by if you want one, I only made 10 and Daisy has already eaten one . . . . .

Enjoy your weekend-

barn kitties

2011-08-18T13:12:00.001-05:00

I have clients who live out in the county and strays are always showing up at their house. After awhile some have to be delegated as "barn cats". Then the problem becomes trying to catch them, (or trap them), and get them spayed or neutered before they have more "barn cats".

While they are out of town, their "pets" are boarding, and they brought a Mama Cat, her 2 kittens, and another kitten in to be neutered and/or spayed. Check them out.

The kittens are part siamese. The 3rd kitten, from another litter, is solid black and he is hiding in back of the carrier. Probably can't see him well at all. The little female kitten won't be spayed for a few weeks. She came along for companionship as she would be lost without her mom and siblings according to the owners. And they were right- she started meowing as her two brothers were taken out of the cage, anesthetized, and neutered. They'll be awake enough to return by late this afternoon.

Here's a video of them-

In other news, July and August are flying by. It's been over a month since I sent Leon to Cat Heaven. I mentioned it here and there, but I don't think I officially mentioned it here on my blog. Clients have asked about him as they come in, and they don't see him anywhere. If you were following along with his bad kidneys, he got worse over the 4th of July weekend- depressed, dehydrated, etc. And when he got to where he wasn't interested in eating his treats, (he NEVER refused cat treats. Even with tooth gel on them, he would eat them.) I knew it was time to set him free. He had been here from almost the beginning of Granite Hills Animal Care so it was rather different not having him around. I told someone I sort felt like I did when my last grandparent passed away. You always have grandparents, and then one day, you don't. He sits on a shelf here in the office with Jezabelle and Jethro.

I have also been working on some gift ideas for the holidays and beyond. I needed to take photos of some of the items, so I bought some flowers yesterday and got out the camera to photograph this vase-

Well . . . today we find "You Know Who" grazing on the salad bar and upchucking all over the office.

I wasn't messin' with the flowers. Honest.

We finally had to put the flowers in a cage to keep Lucky away from them. Sunshine enjoyed the salad bar a little as well, but not nearly to the extent that Lucky did.

So what's new with you? Ready for the summer to be over with? Looking forward to Pumppkin Pie?

Tuki and Her Pups

2011-08-11T19:24:00.001-05:00

You saw Tuki as a puppy when she was about 9 weeks old in this post.

She is all grown up now and having puppies of her own. These 3 came in today for their 6 week vaccinations. 1 boy, 2 girls. Pebbles is the name of the little grey one.

They are all cute, but check out runty little Pebbles again. All 2.2 lbs. of her. Uno, the male is about 3 lbs., and the other little female is in the middle at 2.7 lbs. They like their pedigree puppy food mixed with vienna sausages.

Here's a short video of them. Tuki is in there too.

Pit Bulls in Animal Abuse Case for Adoption

2011-07-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

A week ago, the police charged a person with animal abuse and confiscated several pit bulls. Some were euthanized, but this young Mom and 2 puppies were spared. They are up for adoption. The Mom is young, about a 1 year to a 1 1/2 old, I'm guessing from her teeth. She is heartworm negative. The 2 puppies are about 6-7 months old. They all were in for a bath and flea medication yesterday.

The Mom reminds me of my first dog, Jezabelle.

Contact Animal Control, through the Elberton Ga Police Department, if anyone is interested in adopting them.

Tony Boots

2011-07-27T12:21:00.001-05:00

This is Tony Boots. He was a stray kitten, rescued off the side of the road, a few weeks ago. He had a eye injury at the time- ulcer, rupture of the globe. It doesn't seem to bother him much though. When he gets a little larger, probably when he is neutered, the bad eye will be removed. He was in today for his vaccinations. About 12 weeks old now.

His owner reports that he'll sail off a second floor balcony if given the chance. With only 1 good eye his depth perception might be a little off. Or maybe he thinks he is SuperKitty.

The Immaculate Conception of Jill

2011-07-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

Y'all remember Jibby, right? From last summer? Her post. She was a stray that showed up at her owner's home. A sort of different looking mixed breed dog. Her ears and the texture of her hair remind me of a Shar-pei. Does she remind anyone else of a frog? Just me?

While at first glance, she might not be considered the prettiest dog, she makes up for it in personality and character.

So last summer she got her shots, treated for heartworms, etc. and everything was fine until November. Black Friday- the day after Thanksgiving. When this thing popped out.

First of March- her 3rd puppy vaccination.

Meet Jill.

So while y'all were outside, standing in line, waiting for the mall to open, Jill arrived in this world. Just her. No one knew Jibby was with child . . . No one saw her in heat . . . . or any male dogs hanging around. . . . and what medium sized dog has only 1 puppy? It had to be divine intervention and immaculate conception. Just like Jesus.

End of March- her last puppy vaccination.

So Jill, being the only puppy, has her choice of 10 dining locations. Some days it might be a table upstairs, next day downstairs . . . next to rear leg . . . a front leg next to an elbow. . . . lots of options.

Sort of like me at Fat Tuesdays with all those frozen drink machines. Same thing.

So when Jill came in for her first vaccinations at 6 weeks old, her body was way too big for her head. That was understandable as she had been eating for at least 8.

This past week, this Mother and Daughter pair decided to make a day of it. While some ladies go to the spa, shoe shopping, get their nails done, etc., these two decided to have their lady parts removed. This was them the next day. Don't they look thinner, relaxed, and refreshed?

WhoDoo-a rescued Calico Kitten

2011-07-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

The name is short for "Who Do You Think You Iz?"

She was found at the rec dept. ball field along with 3 siblings a few weeks ago. The person called their Mom, a client, who said to bring them home. They were only about 4 weeks old. Too young to be weaned. By the time he got home, 3 had been pawned off on other people. It's a bit easier to bottle feed 1 kitten than 4 . . . .

Of course, with a name like WhoDoo, she'll probably have to learn to answer to YayWho, YooHoo, AnyHoo, HooHa, YoYo, etc. Oh wait . . . she's a Calico, she answers to no one. . . . .

She was in for her second vaccinations last week, so she's now about 10 weeks old. If you are local, she might be up for adoption. Expect to be tested and jump through a few hoops though, as no looking for a home at the Walmart parking lot, for this little girl.

Buckets by Beth Nadler

2011-06-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

I don't think I showed you the little decoupaged bucket I won from Beth Nadler. It's galvanized with her artwork on it.

I haven't won anything since a little Washington Monument statue in a Bingo Game at the 1977 Halloween Carnival. So I was due. . . :)

Cute, aren't they? They are available in her Etsy Shop. She has other designs as well. Thanks Beth.

Michael Vick - Subway's Sportsman of the Year at BET Awards

2011-06-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

I am bringing this up as I am curious to know what you think.   On Sunday, Michael Vick was named Sportsman of the Year at the BET Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles. The Award is sponsored by Subway restaurants.

Yesterday, the controversy blew up on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Most vowing to boycott Subway restaurants.   From what I can gather, the recipient isn't selected by Subway, but by the BET network. Boycotting the restaurants only hurts the innocent franchise owners and employees.

I personally dislike anything to do with Michael Vick. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have let him back in the NFL.

So, I wondering, what do you think about the controversy?   What should Subway do? Do you think Subway should issue a statement? The sooner, the better? Or wait and see if it all blows over?
And if you normally eat at Subway, do you plan to change that based on this award?

I am personally waiting to see how Subway handles this fiasco. If they say nothing, I take that to mean that they endorse this award for Athlete of the Year. And I like Subway.

Or I did.

Jack is looking for a Home

2011-06-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. It's sort of summer vacation around here this week. I'm working, so it's more like a stay-cation for me. My parents rented a cabin out at Lake Russell state park. My brothers and their families have been here. The nieces and nephews have had a rather large time tubing, skiing, and jet skiing. Some have been fishing too.

So I've been popping in at the best parts of the day- lunch and dinner. and been neglecting my blog just a little. I should have posted this about Jack before now. Better late than never, I guess.

He's a stray that showed up at a client's house a few weeks ago. And they are looking for him a home. He gets along with their dogs and cats. Probably around a year to a year and a half old. 23 lbs. so he's a rather small dog.

If anyone is interested in adopting him let me know. Feel free to forward this blog post or video link to anyone that might be looking for a dog such as Jack.

Just in Case you didn't believe me. . .

2011-06-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

that those American Bulldog puppies from a week or so ago, do actually get quite large, I have proof. Three adult dogs have been boarding this week here at ClubPet. Tank, Maddie, and Bear have been enjoying the high life. They are supposed to check out later today to return home.


This is Maddie. Is this a face only a Mom could love?

American Bulldog Puppies

2011-05-24T21:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry everyone, I've been slack about posting for a week or two. I went to NYC to see the National Stationery Show over the weekend of May 14th. While I was there, or on the way home, I came down with a nasty cold and cough. So I've been downing a barrage of medications- Nyquil, Dayquil, Pseudoephedrine, Mucinex, and various cough drops and chloraseptic. I am slowly getting some better. Pity me. CVS keeps giving me the evil eye as I keep buying pseudoephedrine. As if I have time to run a meth lab . . . . . I have cats to feed.

Before I left, these guys came in for their puppy vaccinations.

Now I know what you are thinking. "They SO Cute. I'll take two." Now here's the reality. The males weigh about 90-110 lbs. when they are grown. They don't eat like a bird either. I hope you have extra room in the trunk to haul dog food home for your twins. I'm just sayin'. While everyone is complaining about $4 per gallon gas, you'll be the one complaining about the price of dog food.

They are cute though, I admit. I just want to squeeze and hug them when they come in. Even the adults. I try not to let them step on my toe though. :)

You'll have to speak up, I mean scream. . . . We have the bugs.

2011-05-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

13 year cicadas. If you live in the South, you might know what I'm talking about. About a week and a half ago, a client was talking about the Cicadas at her house. I knew they are around in the summer, but was unaware of the 13 year and 17 year species.

Two days later, the trees started whirring with this humming sound. Luckily, they are quiet at night. Soon the females will lay eggs in the ground, and we'll see them again in 2024.

Photo found via Google Images and Flickr.


Photo found via Google Images and Flickr.

Photo found via Google Images and Flckr.

Here's a few short video of clips I shot last week. You can see them fluttering around the branches. It sounds like there is a construction site next door, but that isn't the case. You do hear vehicles going by on the highway.

Lucky Update- the Atresia Ani Kitten

2011-05-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

A few people have written to ask how Lucky was doing.   So here's an update. Lucky has gained some weight and is now about 5 lbs.

Did I tell you that we know think she is a he? I can't remember. I know I mentioned it on Facebook. If I did, you get to hear it again . . . . .

Let's back track a little. Lucky had surgery to fix the atresia ani birth defect right at the end of Feb and first of March. The sutures came out from that 2 weeks later on March 16th. That was all fine. So we were waiting for all that to heal a little further, get a little bigger, gain a little weight to "spay" Lucky. So sometime around the 2nd week of April, Lucky had gotten up to 4 lbs. (which is still little, so I decided to spay her). From the outside, Lucky appears to be a female. Inside, I couldn't find a uterus. So I sewed he/she/it back up. We could feel 2 little blips down his back leg that I "think" might be testicles. Asides from being born with no colon, he/she/it is far from being anatomically correct. I sort of suspect that he might be a hermaphrodite, with both sex organs, or some bizarre genetic something or other- like an extra X chromosome- XXY instead of a XX or a XY.   (There are tests available to identify this, but they are expensive ($100-250) and they take a huge blood sample. Testing really wouldn't change much at this point, so I'm holding off on those for now.)

After rooting around looking for a uterus, I didn't feel like chasing blips, so I decided to leave them alone for a little longer till he is a little older and larger. Making them (the suspect testicle blips) easier to find and identify.   And I still might have to send them to a pathologist to confirm they are in fact testicles. . . . .

So over the past few weeks, I've kept the camcorder out just making little video clips of Lucky and the other cats. Well, them and the 13 year cicadas outside. (You won't believe when you hear those videos).

Someone asked about a Lucky update, so I strung all the little videos together into 17 minutes of Lucky. Way more of Lucky that you ever wanted to see. You'll be sorry you asked. It took almost 6 hours to upload to Youtube. All the while I'm hoping that the lights don't flicker off and knock off the modem. And have to start all over. (You're Welcome. . . .)

I almost neutered him this week, but then decided I was too tired (read lazy) to play, "Find the testicle" so it's on my to do list for early next week.   After that, he'll be officially up for adoption.   Don't everyone fight over he/she/it.   I know you are just imagining what fun dinner conversation you'll be having with your guests, trying to explain that your cat was born without a colon AND both man and lady parts.

Enjoy-

Georgia- a Boxer Puppy

2011-04-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

This week has been slow and yet, I've managed to get behind with little video clips.

This is Georgia a Boxer Puppy that has been coming in for her puppy vaccinations. This was her back in February (sorry about the blurry photos)

She quickly fell asleep after her vaccination.

And this was her about 10 days ago.

Ellis- A Pit Bull

2011-04-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

This is Ellis. She is boarding for a few days. She is about 11 months old. She was adopted from the pound just hours before being euthanized. Her new family went to the pound that afternoon, and she was scheduled for euthanasia at 4 pm. So they adopted her. Not necessarily looking for a dog. Not necessarily looking for a pit bull puppy.

She got lucky. There are so many other dogs, and cats, that are not so fortunate.

Years ago, before petfinder and the using the internet to get pets adopted, the pound wanted me to bid on their euthanasia services. Occasionally, they'll bring an injured animal by, and I'll do those. Those are different. But I couldn't even come up with a dollar amount. I asked how many are you talking about? The pound wasn't very proactive about finding homes for anyone. Remember this was before petfinder. The answer at the time, 4-7 per week. About 1 per day. 1 per day.

And I said, "I don't care how much you pay me. There isn't enough money in the world to get me through therapy, to drive out to the pound each day and euthanize a dog or cat that just needs a home. I realize that you need someone to do it, but it can't be me." They weren't very happy.

George and Gracie and their Last Puppy Vaccinations

2011-04-11T17:33:00.000-05:00

George and Gracie came in for their last puppy shots today. She's up to 29 lbs. He's 32 lbs.

Kids grow up so quickly these days. *sniff, sniff*

They are boarding in a few weeks, for a few days. We'll be loading up on Doggie Treats that weekend.

How could you not with those faces? You just want to pinch their cheeks and squish them around.

2011-04-09T18:37:00.000-05:00

Nobody likes having to make the decision when it's time to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I often write this on sympathy cards.

Charlie Brown Grew into his Ears - Well, sort of

2011-04-05T13:47:00.000-05:00

Just a little. :)

Y'all remember Charlie Brown from about a month ago. He was about a 3 1/2 month old Chihuahua at the time.

So a Month has gone by, and he had grown into his ears, a little, when he came in last week for his puppy vaccination.

It really is amazing how fast puppies grow and change when you look back at photos.

Yawn Welcome to Monday

2011-04-04T12:10:00.000-05:00

Samson came in on Friday afternoon for his puppy vaccination. It had been a long day . . . playing with brothers and sisters. . . going to new home. . . getting a bath . . . . .getting a puppy vaccination and being checked for worms.

And then it was lights out. Just as if someone turned on the Narcolepsy switch.

They aren't exactly sure what breed of dog he is. The Mom is a beagle-something-something and no one knows anything about the Dad. He sort of reminds me of a cocker spaniel, with his color pattern, and the shape of his head and ears. It'll be interesting to see what he ends up looking like.

Hank- A Stray Pointer Looking for a Home

2011-03-31T10:19:00.000-05:00

This is Hank. He's a stray Pointer. Sort of a stray, you might say. At one time, he had a home.

He showed up at a clients house and wouldn't leave. Looking sort of worn and tattered. Too thin. Skin scraped up and irritated. Bird dogs tend to be a little on the thin side naturally, but usually not too the point of seeing one's backbone.

He actually belonged to her neighbor down the road. So she called him, and he came to her house to pick him up. Hank took off in the opposite direction towards the woods. He wouldn't go near his owner or the truck. Now, sometimes dogs and cats will develop an aversion to a person or something if they get spooked or scared around one. Like they are riding in a car, and the car backfires and makes a loud noise that scares them. So from then on, they associate the car with scary loud noises and don't like to ride.

Hank was in the woods. And his owner got in the truck to leave and was heading out of the driveway. Hank immediately runs back to my client, standing in the driveway, and sits down. The owner sees this in his rearview mirror. So he turns around and comes back. Hank takes off again.

My client begins to get concerned about how Hank is acting. So she asks the owner, "He doesn't seem to want to go with you. Should I try to find him a home?" And the owner says, "Yeah." So that is how Hank became a stray. He seems like a nice dog. From looking at his teeth, I think he is somewhere between 2 and 3 years old. Not a puppy but not a really old dog either. He gets along with my client's other dogs and cats. He appears to have been neutered as well.

If you know anyone who is interested in adopting him, give me a holler. His video is on youtube, if you would like to share it with others that might be looking for a Pointer type dog. And I am listing him on Petfinder. Thanks.

George and Gracie- Part 2. and Part 3.

2011-03-28T15:45:00.000-05:00

I am the most unorganized blogger that ever lived. I have to admit. I have to often go back and look for blog posts to see who you've seen. Or not. Or seen twice. Or almost saw twice.

It takes a little while to resize photos, string together video clips in imovie, and upload them to youtube. Youtube probably takes the longest, as last night I was trying to upload these clips and it was saying it would take an hour. Forget that. This morning, it took about 15- 20 minutes between the two.

So here's the update on George and Gracie, the 2 pound puppies, you saw getting a bath a few weeks ago. Well, it's their current update, and the one from 3 weeks ago. Put it that way.

When they first showed up, they weighed about 8 and 9 pounds respectively.
On their second visit below they weighed 16 and 17 lbs.


Photo from 3 weeks ago- 3/1/11, I think.

And here is their little video clip from last week. They are no longer Little George Burns and Little Gracie Allen. They are now Medium George Burns and Medium Gracie Allen. 23 and 24 lbs.

Anyone seen any Cat Kidneys on Ebay? A functional one, perhaps?

2011-03-23T17:07:00.000-05:00

Mr. Leon needs one. For the past 2 or 3 weeks, I've noticed that Leon wasn't his usual self. Not eating so well, vomiting up hair balls a little more frequently, pooping off schedule, etc. He had lost a little weight. He was ADR- Ain't Doin' Right.

Sure, he still gives clients the Stink Eye if they happen to sit in his chair before he gets there. That is sort of funny, by the way, to see a 17 year old cat sitting in front of a chair, staring at the client, while everything else is going on in the background.

So I sent off a blood sample to the lab, to check for the usual suspects in old cats- diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney problems. This is what came back.

Some things were fine. His glucose was good. His thyroid levels were okay. But that BUN and creatinine are too high. I am sort of surprised that his phophorus is still normal. Usually it starts creeping up in kidney failure.

I switched his food to K/D, low protein food for kidney patients, and gave him some fluids subcutaneously. That was Saturday night. He seemed to feel better on Sunday morning. Ate his K/D canned food. Gave him more fluids last night. He had to pee in a cup this morning. (Totally true- he was using his litter box about lunch time, and here comes this little cup from the side. . . ) Specific gravity of urine, which is a measure of how concentrated the urine is, was 1.008. Ideally, with normal functioning kidney you expect to see 1.030- 1.040 or higher. 1.008 means not much happening with those kidneys.

You can lose 2/3 of your kidney function and still concentrate urine normally. You won't see BUN and creatinine start to go up until you've lost about 3/4 of your kidney function. Just so you know in case you ever need those little facts in the Trivia Challenge at Blind Pig Tavern on Baldwin Street. You could win some bucks.

It was a year ago that Leon grew Herman. and had him removed. Y'all remember Herman. He lives in a jar. In case you don't, here's a link to all things Herman. And if Herman had been anywhere else at the time, like in the oral cavity, or under a leg involving blood vessels, or a lymph node, I wouldn't have been able to remove him. And would have had to put Leon to sleep. So in that one respect, Leon has been living this past year on borrowed time.

Leon has been here from almost the beginning. He was brought in to be euthanized back in 1995. We think he's a 1994 Model. We weren't exactly looking for another hospital cat at the time, but no one wanted him. (This was before Petfinder. almost before the internet, actually) . So I kept him. He's like an institution of Granite Hills Animal Care. The Colonel Sanders of GHAC.

I think he's feeling a little better this week than last week, and his kidney values might stabilize on the food and occasional fluids. And they might not. So I'm watching him closely to determine when it's time to send him to Cat Heaven. Not too early and not too late.

I'll have to put a plaque on his chair. "Sit here at your own risk of being haunted by a Grey Tabby Ghost. Giving you the stink eye."

Lucky got her sutures removed yesterday

2011-03-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hi all.

Lucky got her sutures removed yesterday.

Her updates might become less frequent now, as the fun stuff is over with. Right now, we are on poop monitoring and no one wants to hear about that. Her discharge instructions are posted below. Click on the photo and it should enlarge a little making it easier to read.

As it says, Lucky nows 2 distinct tubes. One for urinating and one for pooping. At the very caudal aspect, (closest to you if you are looking from behind) both open into a common area where the tissue didn't heal together. A little pocket there.

It might be handy for carrying change for the bus, perhaps.

She doesn't have much muscle tone to her anal area. She did before surgery. That might return. In the literature with dogs, some regained continence but only after several months. So now, we are just waiting and watching to see if she urinates and poops in her litter box. She has been urinating in the box and pooping there some of the time. We aren't sure how much of the pooping is a conscous effort. Even if she is fecal incontinent, that is still better than Priscilla's situation where she ('Scilla) has to have help expressing her bladder twice a day, and is fecal incontinent.

Lucky still has to get spayed. So the plan is to wait a few weeks to let her get over this, and then spay her. Once she is older, and larger, with healthier perineal tissues, we might try to close the pocket at that time. It depends on if she is able to keep the area clean on her own. She can live with a little change purse there. There is an increased risk of getting a urinary tract infection in the long run. But if you didn't have a urinary tract infection before surgery from pooping through too tiny of a single opening as if it were squirt cheese, then that doesn't seem too terrible of a concern either.

I'll probably spay her before looking for a forever home for her, or a foster home. It might depend on the poop situation. Below is a video of her around the office yesterday afternoon.

Thanks again for all your help. And drop me a note if you find yourself suffering from withdrawal of Lucky updates. Someone suggested a litter box webcam. Where you can see "progress" as it happens.

I'll think about that one. . . . . .not.

Bessie- Walker Hound Puppy

2011-03-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is Bessie. She's a 5 week old Walker Hound puppy who was in for her vaccinations the other day.

Normally, we wouldn't be vaccinating puppies at 5 weeks old. Most aren't weaned until they are about 6 weeks old. But in Bessie's case, we are.

The last litter than Bessie's Mom had, all the puppies died before they were 6 weeks old. Like 8 of them in a 24 hour period, which is unusual, and one worries about things like parvo virus and intestinal parasites. Usually one doesn't see parvo in such a young puppy, but if the Mom isn't vaccinated, it is possible. And hookworms can suck puppies dry and make them anemic. It takes about 3 weeks for hookworms to mature. So puppies appear to be fine for the first couple of weeks and then start getting ill.

Bessie's owner was planning on waiting for a few days to get her, but then the Mom died, the day before this video was shot. Eclampsia, maybe? not sure. So it was time to get Bessie out of there and into her new home. She did have lots of roundworms and hookworms so that might have been a role in the death of the previous litter.

The yellow Lab is Elvira. She was a stray that lived at a front end loader, parked in the pasture, for a few days, before anyone could get their hands on her.

She's Back!

2011-03-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

Now, I know the word is that Lucky has been telling the other ladies at the Ladies Auxilary that she went on vacation for a few days in Williamsburg.

But, the truth is. . . she had "a little work done." It's true. You know. . . the usual. Nose Job. Face Lift. Boob Job. Ass augmentation surgery.

Now, one can BE an asshole, and that it totally free. It won't cost anyone a dime.
But, let someone NEED an asshole. . . and that is another story entirely. Be prepared to spend bookoo big bucks. Lucky returned from "vacation"this afternoon.

This is the "I hate this lampshade thing" look. Just in case, you can't tell.

So now we wait. Antibiotics, Stool softeners, Pain meds. Sutures come on in 2 weeks. There still can be problems down the road- megacolon, chronic contipation, fecal incontinence.

Priscilla was happy to see her but even she wasn't digging the satellite dish as you can hear her hissing and growling at Lucky in the video.

Thanks again to everyone for her donations. If this had happened 10 years ago, surgery would not have been an option due to the expense. So thanks to Facebook, Twitter, and other Social Media sites for making it all possible.

And while Lucky doesn't appear thrilled in that lampshade pic, I am sure she is smiling on the inside.

She had enough money in her fund to cover the surgery with a little left over to cover any rechecks and followup. Sundown Surgery and the Grace Fund are two of my favorite pet charities, along with Old Dog Haven (love them), so if down the road you find yourself looking for funds to make donations to, please keep them on your list. While there aren't too many other Lucky's out there with her problem, fortunately, there are other pets who find themselves needing surgery to fix a medical problem (foreign bodies, trauma cases, orthopedic cases) and an owner who can't always make the finances work out on such short notice. That is where the GRACE FUND and SUNDOWN SURGERY fund can step in to help.

Charlie Brown and Lucky Update

2011-03-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

This little guy came in today for his puppy vaccinations. He's about 13 weeks old. 2.2 lbs. Chihuahua who will have to grow into his ears.

Here's a short little video of him (the batteries died)

Lucky also had surgery today at the UGA Vet Teaching Hospital. I heard from her student today about 6 pm. She got out of surgery around 5 and will be spending the night in ICU on fluids and pain medication. They were able to correct her fistula a ittle easier than expected, it sounds like. She's not out the woods yet, but doing as well as can be expected. Now we wait and see how everything heals.

Thanks to all of your donations, your prayers and good thoughts, she's gets a second chance to be a normal cat. I'll keep you posted.

Lucky Update- 2/25/11

2011-02-25T16:48:00.000-05:00

Okay y'all.

Lucky's fund has grown a little more. It takes a few days for any online donations to show up. The same with donations mailed in. We are closer to her estimate, but not totally there. I think with what I've sent in, and with what people have said they sent in, we are around the $1500 mark. The official total is still $1050 when I called the office today. That's when I found out that it takes a few days for credit card payments to show up.

So, I have decided to go ahead and schedule her surgery for next week. She's getting dropped off on Monday with surgery probably happening on Tuesday. Thanks for everyone's help so far. Donations or just spreading the word about her.

I originally thought I wouldn't be able to schedule her surgery until the funds were totally raised. Between 2000-$2500. But now that we are a little closer I think it's wise to go ahead with the surgery and let the surgeons actually see what we (they) are dealing with. With the knowledge that I (we) might need to raise a few more funds.

Here's a little video clip I shot of her earlier.

Thanks again for everyone's help so far. Lucky OWES everyone a LOT of chores around the house. I'm just sayin'.

I'll keep you updated on her surgery next week.

Wellness Programs

2011-02-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hello-
I would like to hear your opinions about the subject of wellness programs that are billed monthly. Sort of like budget billing for your utiity bill. But for your pet care instead. Leave questions or comments in the comments section below. Thanks.

For awhile we've been seeing dogs and cats come into the office. Some are sick as they aren't vaccinated. Others have things like heartworms and fleas. Some are overdue on their vaccinations. Like a year past due. Some dogs got 6 months of heartworm prevention at their last visit and then forgot to get anymore. So the dog went off heartworm prevention for 6 months and now has heartworms.

We mail out reminders when dogs are due for their yearly checkup and vaccinations. But we don't send a reminder for heartworm prevention in 6 months as sometimes people buy less, sometimes they buy more, and there isn't a convenient way to set up a reminder based on quantity that they purchase except to do it manually.

Cat yearly checkups and vaccines run around $70 and Dog annuals run around $100 for vaccinations, their exam, check for intestinal worms, and a heartworm test that checks for heartworms, ehrichia, lyme's disease, and anaplasmosis.

So by the time, you have that done, then get their heartworm prevention, and flea and tick medication, you have a nice little chunk of change and Fido has to go home and do chores around the house. I can only assume that people don't bring Fido back when he is due for his vaccinations because of the lump sum of paying for his stuff. If the owner was highly organized they could work the amount into their budget, but most people aren't that organized. Or as is the case with senior citizens, they might only have a small monthly budget to deal with in the first place.

Pet Insurance can be obtained to cover emergencies and that breaks down into a monthly payment for the owner. And some insurance companies do offer coverage for the pets annual checkup, medications, and spay/neuter. Some people ask about pet insurance. Some already have it and are familiar with it. And Most don't know that it exists. So when you mention it to them, their eyes begin to glaze over.

What do you think of a wellness program where the owner pays $15-25 month to cover their annual checkup, vaccinations, medications, etc. The routine stuff, not the emergency stuff. It certain makes owning a pet more budget friendly, and I think I could set it up through paypal as a subscription for those with an email address. Or if no paypal account, we would enter the amount in the credit card machine each month. I think there is some law about not keeping credit card numbers on file that can be stolen, but I think it would be okay if I kept the file locked in the drug safe.

Care Credit is one payment option for clients. It is used more for emergencies and larger hospitals. The main reason is that it is used more for larger hospitals, I think, is that it would cost me $300-400/ year just to be able to offer it to clients. And then the client still has to qualify.

Does anyone already use such a wellness program for their routine pet care? If so, how do you like it, and if you elaborate in the comments about how it works, that would be great. Is it billed to your credit or debit card monthly?

I would hope that people would bring their pet to the vet, or pick up their refill medication, if they knew it was already paid for.

And two additional things-

I made up some magnets, pocket mirrors, and bottle opener keyrings for Lucky's Fund last evening. They are at the office if you are local and want to see them. $5-7 bucks each. I have some, maybe most, of them listed online too if anyone who lives out of the area wants to purchase any.

And the other thing- For clients who read my blog, and happen to also have a Facebook account, LIKE the Granite Hills Animal Care page, and I'll give you $10 credit off your next visit. (just a few minor restrictions on where it can be applied.)

I think Facebook can be a useful tool to let clients know if we are seeing outbreaks of things like parvo virus, kennel cough, etc. Or if the office happens to be closed for an afternoon. Things like that.

Thanks for reading this LONG post, and let me know what you think about Wellness Programs. Yay or Nay?

Items Being Sold For Lucky's Fund.

2011-02-13T13:39:00.001-05:00

Hi all.

I wanted to do a quick update as people are selling items on behalf of Lucky and her surgery fund.

The first I mentioned the other day. Karen Weidert has paw print pendants that you can purchase on her Facebook page (even if you don't have a facbook account). I am linking to her page and to purchase a pendant click on the SHOP NOW tab at the top, above her name. Karen's Facebook Page.

The next is from my friend Rebecca who has listed catnip toys in her Etsy Shop.

Drop her a note if you want one or something different. Someone asked about a cat bed as they cat doesn't play with toys. She said sure- make it larger and leave out some of the stuffing but keep all of the cat nap. Here's the Link to her Etsy Listing.

The last one is by a website called Squigglefly.
They sell digital stamps and are donating any cat images to Lucky's Fund for the remainder of February. If you don't know about digital stamps, watch their videos on their website. You download the stamp and you can use if for card making, scrapbooking, gift tags. Even just print it out on paper for your kids or grandkids to color with. (OR for you to color with. No judgement here. :) )

Squigglefly's Website Link.

Thanks all.

Dear Pet Product Manufacturer

2011-02-10T16:43:00.000-05:00

I am getting tired of being accused by clients of price gouging them on pet products. They get mad when I refuse to match the price they find in a catalog, or online from international locations such as Australia or Canada.

I understand that you can't dictate what people actually charge for your products at retail. That would be price fixing and is illegal. But perhaps some guidelines are in order. Or maybe reconsider your volume discounts.

We use a standard markup for products. I try to explain that the price they find online or in a catalog isn't a true retail price, it is more in line with the actual wholesale price you charge veterinarians and veterinary hospitals. That is to no avail.

In the past, offering a manufacturing rebate or coupon to clients did help. But the gap continues to grow wider and wider.

I have always evaluated products based on efficacy and value. Does the product work as it should? Does it seem to work as well as other products? Is it priced comparable to similar items? And let that guide me on what products to recommend to clients.

This problem has escalated around a few products, a few companies and volume discounts.

From this point forward, not only am I going to be evaluating products based on efficacy and value, I will also be evaluating the sales policies of the manufacturing companies. And then determine which products, vaccinations, and medications to either recommend to clients, or with to treat patients.

Lucky Update

2011-02-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

Just like the Jeffersons, Lucky moves up to a Deluxe Apartment in the sky.

After Lucky's bath on Sunday, she moved to an upper apartment. Just like Weezie.

Thanks to a uber generous donation this week, her fund has grown up to $877.

George and Gracie

2011-02-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Look at these two. Little George Burns and Little Gracie Allen.

The pound thought they were Saint Bernard Mixes, but I don't think they are going to be that large. I think they might be Australian Shepherd Mixes or something. We'll see how much weight they gain between now and their next appointment. Big dogs will gain 2-3 lbs. / week.

They were adopted last week from the pound by the family who had Barney. Barney was the Lab who I had to put to sleep early last year. The one who was Jethro's buddy. You can search fom "Barney" at the top and find photos of him.

Barney, was found at the garbage dumpster when he was about 8 months old. And lived quite a pampered life after than. I asked his owners over the summer if they were thinking about getting another dog when I was looking for a home for Maggie. They said not right then, they were traveling in the fall visiting relatives and had decided to wait. I was happy to hear that they were considering it as they were such a good home for Barney. And if you had asked Barney, he would have wanted the same for other dogs in a similar situation. Dogs that just need a home.

George and Gracie, along with their littermates, had their photo in the newspaper last week. So, Mr and Mrs. P went to the pound to see what was available. They were just gonna look they said. "I even left my purse at home", said Mrs. P.

Well, she liked George. He liked Gracie. So they got them both.

They were in yesterday for a puppy vaccination and bath yesterday. Listen to the mouth on lil Miss Gracie while George was getting his bath.

Lucky Update

2011-02-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

I posted this elsewhere, but didn't get around to posting it here until now. Shiloh's painting was purchased over the weekend and Lucky's Fund had a few more donations over the weekend too. That brings the total up to about $625, about a 1/4 of the way there.

My little yupo paintings are small, 5x7 inches. I am working on another one of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that might be finished by the weekend. I've had little prints available at various online sites, signed by me, for $20. If people want larger prints, those are now available at FineArtAmerica.com. They aren't signed though. ( unless you happen to live close by, then bring one by and I'll sign it.)

When my painting appeared on the cover of the JAVMA magazine almost 3 years ago, I had a few veterinary hospitals purchase some. And if they bought 4 of them, I threw in a 5th one free.

So, I am doing this again for Lucky. 5 prints for the price of 4 with free shipping. That works out to be 20, almost 25% off. That makes the pot a little sweeter and Lucky gets closer to surgery, a little faster.

You can choose, mix and match, or let me send you my favorites.
Where to go look for the prints? They are on various sites, but the most complete sites are going to be ecrater, artfire, or bonanzle. The print of Shiloh isn't on any of the sites yet.

AndyMathis at Ecrater
Me at Artfire
Bonanzle

There might be some on Etsy, but they tend to expire, and I forget to renew them. Etsy.
The other sites don't expire.

If people would like to purchase a single print, you can purchase it through the various sites. But if you want the "Lucky Special of Buy 4, Get 1 Free, plus Free Shipping", buy it through this paypal link, and include a note with the prints that you want.

Lucky's Print Special

It doesn't have to be just the cats or dogs. You can mix in the florals or fruit ones too.
For reference,
Cat Ones -- Grey Tabby on Yupo, Can We Play Now, Please?, Cat Nap, Penske, Lily, Maybelline, Jedi Whiskers, Latte, Marco, Shoe Polish Nose, Visions of Sugar Plums, Luna.
Dogs- Retriever Puppy, Dog Portrait, Basset Hound, and the new one of Shiloh.

There are probably a few I forgot along there somewhere too. If you find it as a painting, it probably is available as a print. Not sure, drop me an email, and ask.

Of course, if you would like to make a tax deductible donation to Lucky's fund yourself, the link and information is posted in the blog post about her surgery consult from almost 3 weeks ago.

Shiloh- Varnished Watercolor on Yupo

2011-01-30T19:19:00.001-05:00

Print proceeds of this new painting goes to Lucky's Fund. (The original might too). The original will be available in a few days after the varnish dries. SOLD

Shiloh- Varnished Watercolor on Yupo, 5x 7 inches. I lurve the red background.

White Tulips in a Pitcher- Varnished Watercolor On Yupo

2011-01-29T16:17:00.000-05:00

I did say a few months ago, I was separating out the animal stuff from the art stuff. And that is still my intention. But this new painting, my first painting of 2011, is going to Lucky's Fund if anyone wants the original or prints of the original so I am posting it here.

Once Lucky has her surgery, then I probably won't be cross posting, so be sure to stick your email in the subscription box over there if you want to see future paintings.

It's a rather loose still life of White Tulips in a blue Pitcher.

Dog painting to follow probably. I just wasn't up to painting anything with an eyeball as I'm a bit rusty, Haha.

Here's the link to the Art Blog.

Lucky Update

2011-01-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who has made a donation to Lucky's Fund or has helped spread the word about her predicament. I let her out of jail over the weekend, and shot this little video of her around the office. Priscilla is the only one who would befriend her. In one short scene, you see Sunshine poking her head around the corner.

The link to her fund at the Teaching Hospital is located in her first blog post. Last Thursday, I think.

Maybelline get a Laser Treatment

2011-01-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Maybelline is the 2nd oldest cat at the hospital and she's been rather gimpy on her back legs. Starting before Christmas she was going over to Anderson to have laser treatments to see if it would make her feel better.

Class 4 therapy lasers have been around for a few years, but I consider them still relatively new. Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Sports Trainers use them. Now veterinarians are starting to use them for pain management, and some other problems like hot spots and lick graulomas.

Maybelline is still gimpy, but I think it might help her some. And since their are no side effects to laser treatments, I think it is worthwhile. She is also taking some other medications and injections too for arthritis.

Yesterday she went for a treatment and I took my camcorder along to record her session.

Lucky Had Her Surgery Consult Today

2011-01-19T23:12:00.001-05:00

Some of you are familar with Lucky the kitten that I took in on Christmas Eve. She has been here at the hospital waiting for a surgery consult at the University of Georgia and had that today. But let me back up and tell you how we got here . . . . .

We first saw Lucky back at the end of August with what appeared to be a wound on her tail and some type of wound in her perineal region next to her rectum. Her family thought it was some type of trauma. Over the few weeks, while Lucky was coming in for her vaccinations, the wound wasn't healing.

November went by and most of December. On the 22nd of Dec, Lucky's Mom called and her husband brought Lucky in. Lucky had weeks worth of poop all over her rear end, flanks, and rear legs. Once we got her cleaned up the best we could, she appeared to have some type of fistula as she had a vaginal discharge that looked a lot like poop.

In talking with the family, it wasn't looking good for Lucky. Some of the family wanted Lucky euthanized. Some didn't. And some felt that the most humane thing to do would be to throw her out somewhere. And it seemed that the dumping her somewhere was going to be her fate. On Christmas Eve. With it being 22 degrees outside. With poop on her rear end. And it was going to snow the next day.

So I took Lucky in to get her out of harms way.

in the dryer cage after her bath

The Teaching Hospital is on a holiday schedule the week before Christmas until after News Year. Most of the students are gone, and most of the cases are emergencies only. Lucky originally had an appointment last week when the 2nd snow storm hit. And was rescheduled for today.

Here's a Short Video of her on Flickr.

I think it's in the Movie Dirty Harry, there's the line,

" Opinions are like ass holes. Everyone Has One."

Well, it seems that Lucky was born with no opinion. And no ass hole.

"Atresia Ani" is the fancy name for it. If you insert a thermometer into her rectum, it's like a closed pouch. And that's where the fistula developed into her vagina.   (I hope no one is about to eat dinner after reading this by the way. . . .) Rectovaginal Fistula.

The next time you feel like calling someone an AssHole, take the fancy route and tell them, "You are so NOT ATRESIA ANI." By the time they google that, you will have safely left the building.

So, at this point, Lucky has 2 options.
1. Euthanasia.
2. Surgery to try and repair the fistula.

Surgery Estimate- $2000-2500.   There are possible complications as even routine surgeries have risk of complications. Colons don't like surgery. Surgical sites don't like poop on them. There is also the risk of nerve damage to her sphincter muscle resulting in fecal incontinence. But at least I (we, they) tried to give Lucky the best quality of life in the first place.

Now I know that some of you are thinking, "That sounds like a beautiful case for surgery students to study. So much better than a routine spay. Why can't they do it pro-bono or at a really reduced rate?"

And it is a fantastic case. You just don't see things like this everyday. But I can't expect the teaching hospital to do the surgery for free. They are too many expenses involved- salaries, utilities, medical lucky supplies, etc. It can't all be covered by tuition alone. Poor college students pay a lot as it is. However, sometimes when cases go way over the estimate, the hospital does try to write some or all of that off. So I personally think it all works out in the end.

When I posted the first photos of Lucky of Facebook and Flickr, people offered to donate some funds to help her out, but I had to first find out if surgery was even a possibility. And it is. So, the University has set up a fund for her.

It is set up through Sundown Surgery Fund at the University website so any donation is tax deductible. It is important to note in the Notes or Comments section that the donation is for the Lucky Fund.

If you would like to help with an online donation, here's the link to the page.

If you would prefer to mail in a check, please make the check out to The UGA Foundation for Sundown Surgery and make sure to note For Lucky on the check. The mailing address is

Veterinary External Affairs Office- Sundown Surgery Fund
501 D.W. Brooks Drive
Athens, GA 30602 USA

I would also appreciate if you would take the time to pass this post around. Post it on Facebook. Tweet it. Email it. Lucky can't have surgery until the funds are raised. The Foundation Office will let me know when donations come in so that I can share it with you.

Any questions? Drop me an email at andy@andymathis.com

Parvo Virus- From Velvet to Maggie Moo

2011-01-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

Happy January Everyone.

I ate a salad for Wendy's for lunch. Probably the most healthy and green thing I've eaten since mid December. These new year's resolutions are tough.

I am a bit behind so I'll show you these 2 girls. They had or have Parvo.
Velvet was here last week, some might have seen her photo on Flickr. She came in on Tuesday. Sketchy vaccine history, lethargic, with projectile diarrhea. and by sketchy vaccine history it usually refers to someone's neighbor, down the road, going to the feedstore, some time several months ago, but the dog is all up to date and current on its shots. They are most sure of it.

Well, this was Velvet in the middle of the week. Not feeling so great.

By Friday she was feeling a little better. Still had diarrhea though. This video clip was shot on Friday afternoon.

She was starting to eat a little on her own on Saturday morning so she got a bath and went home. Her Mom came by on Monday and said her stool was clearing up too and her appetite had improved as well.

Next, we have Maggie. Maggie Moo. An 11 week old Boxer Puppy. She came in on Monday of this week. Not feeling good. She was wormy, not running a fever. She we gave her dewormer and got a puppy shot in her. She came back in yesterday, still not eating. Her stool had changed from a normal color on Monday to bloody. So we sent a sample to the lab and I got the results back this afternoon. PARVO.

With her Flying Nun Ears

She's a sweet, sweet puppy. I shot these photos and short video of her yesterday afternoon. She felt a little better this morning. She was a little perkier, but still depressed. Her temperature has remained normal (too high is bad, and too low is bad). She has been curled up on a blanket in the corner of her cage under a heat lamp. If you open the door to pet her, she'll rest her head on your forearm, let out a big sigh, and go back to sleep. We've not seen projectile diarrhea today, so I am hopeful that she'll pull through. Time will tell.

If you happen to know someone who got a puppy for Christmas, please ask about their vaccinations. And if no one seems to know, encourage them to get one as soon as possible.

It could save the puppy from unnecessary suffering. And save the family from heartache if that puppy passes away. Not to mention a lot of money to hospitalize and treat them. The owners of both Velvet and Maggie could have prevented this if they had gotten a $25 puppy vaccination sooner.

I just know Currier and Ives were envisioning Granite Hills Animal Care

2010-12-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

on Christmas Day. All those years ago. Just like a picture postcard.

Love this Holly Tree. It is covered with berries 70-80% of the year.

Here are some photos and video of Christmas Snow 2010 in Elberton. It started snowing about 8:30 Christmas night and into Sunday. It was mostly grey all day, but the sun finally did peek out about 5:30 in the afternoon.

Sunlit Tree Tops

Merry Christmas to All

2010-12-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like we are winding down towards the Holiday. Some boarders came in yesterday, a few more arrive on Friday. I have few more things to buy. A few more things to make. A cluttered house to clean by Saturday night. Ugghh. My Mother announces this past weekend that she and Dad are staying at my house on Saturday night. I'm sure she does it just to aggravate me. So I have to suck up the Taj Mahal of spider webs out of the spare room with the vacuum cleaner. If I don't make it out alive, tell the coroner and Channel 11 film crew to look for my body in that room.

I poured up homemade vanilla extract last night for little gifts. It has to sit for 6-8 weeks to cure, so people can use it by March. Maybe.

It's vodka and/or Bourbon with vanilla beans in it, poured up in little Jelly Jars.

Then Ms. Ellie came in for a bath today. Y'all have seen her several times since she was a puppy. Don't tell anyone, but some say she's the prettiest and sweetest dog around. That's what they say.

Her hair has grown out from when it got cut off by the groomer back in the summer. That was a tough day all around. Ellie was overjoyed. And cooler. The rest of us cried like little school girls.

(Okay, I cried like a little school girl. No fibbing right here at Christmas. )

You know how you do when you pick up a sweater or scarf made out of cashmere? You say the word "cashmere" in sort of a sigh, as if it something rare, treasured, and precious, and immediately want to rub it on your cheek.

Ellie's the same way. She's all fluffy and fuzzy, and smells like shampoo. She's like the ultimate pillow pet and you just want to nap on her.

I'm sure this happens to her all the time.

(You should visit more often, Ms. Ellie. Preferably about 2 in the afternoon, okay?)

And then the surveillance video captured this mischievousness by Little Miss Sunshine.

There is a folding chair in the exam room. It usually has a slip cover on it. Leon, the old hospital cat, claims it as his own. If a client sits their purse in it, Leon wanders in, sits and stares at it until someone moves the purse. So he can get up in the chair for a better view, a petting, a treat, or all the above. If a client sits in the chair, the same thing happens.

So the slip cover was getting fairly grungy with cat hair and all, so we changed it to a clean one. And 5 minutes doesn't by before crabby Miss Sunshine is in there christening the clean slip cover. . . . take a look.

Lastly, I doubt I'll be posting again before the holiday, (that spider web is huge) so I just want to take the time to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. If you are traveling, be careful. Be safe. Stay warm. Stay dry. Spend time with family and friends and make memories if there are little ones around. 2010 has been a tough year for some people and their families, so here's wishing 2011 will be better, whatever the case may be.

Thanks as usual for reading my gibberish and spending time here.

Merry Christmas everyone,

From Me , Daisy, Leon, Maybelline, Sunshine, and Priscilla

Ginger - Pomeranian Puppy- 12/15/10

2010-12-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

This is Ginger. You saw her first back in mid October. She was in today for her last puppy vaccinations. Not quite 5 lbs. yet.

If you want to see her earlier photos, click here.

Slade- Australian Blue Heeler Puppy

2010-12-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

I had the perfect photo of this guy and somehow my camera ate it. Gave me an error message and left me with only this one photo. Boooooooooo . . .

He's 9 weeks old and was in for his first puppy vaccination today. He got his collar yesterday and has been scratching or trying to back out of it. Today he met a leash for the first time. Can you tell? He doesn't seem too thrilled about it.

If Daisy Were Singing Beyonce If I Were a Boy

2010-12-01T18:51:00.000-05:00

You might remember Daisy.

She's the Corgi looking dog that was abandoned here at the hospital about 4 years ago. You can find her first photos on this blog, way way way back in 2006.

This other little dog was rescued from the pound 2 weeks ago. His name is Dee. And the resemblance is uncanny. So I had to get it on tape and put together a video.

If you are on a really slow connection, and can't watch the video, here are some photos of Daisy and Dee. (But watch the video if you can)

Carly, Bailey, and Your Opinion is Requested.

2010-11-28T17:50:00.000-05:00

First the fun stuff.

This is Carly. She was in the other day for a haircut and a puppy shot. She was surprising good for her first haircut as most puppies jump around, acting the fool, until the realize that the buzzing clippers aren't all that scary.

The next Beast is Bailey. She's a 4 month old Lab who came in the other day.

The camera batteries died rather quickly, so I only got this short video of her. She got a puppy vaccine but she originally came in because she got bug bit on her face by something, (bee, bug, spider, etc.). You can't see it very well but her left eye is swollen, almost closed, along with the left side of her face. We got her some Benadryl and she was fine.   We did get a puppy shot in her too. Getting bug bit might have saved her life. She was already way behind on her puppy vaccinations, and we've already seen our first parvo puppy this winter.   A 7 month old Bulldog mix died last week with it.

He had received one vaccination from the feedstore. It's very disheartening to know parvo puppies have to suffer unnecessarily like they do, or die, when it's easy to prevent, not to mention a hell of a lot cheaper, than to try and treat it.    But such is the reality when people rely on the feedstore, a yearly rabies clinic, and the spay- neuter clinic for their veterinary care.

And now for my question-
What do people think of crowd sourcing fundraising sites? Sites like KickStarter.com, ChipIn.com, IndieGoGo.com, Profounder, or CrowdRise?   Any experiences with them?

The reason I ask, I have been secretly wishing for a class 4 therapy laser. Familiar with those? They have been used longer in human medicine than veterinary medicine. Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Sports Medicine specialist use them for rehabilitation.   They are a little different than a surgical laser that is used for tissue cutting. Surgical lasers are great for surgery- no bleeding, less pain and swelling, etc. Therapy lasers use a different wavelength of light than surgical lasers.   They are good for degenerative joint diseases, pain management, wounds that won't heal, fractures that are slow to heal- really anything where it is desirable to reduce swelling, pain, inflammation, and stimulate collagen-   hot spots, lick granulomas, stomatitis, herniated disks and spinal injuries, etc. I am probably going to get an appointment for Maybelline with a hospital that is about 40 miles away in Anderson, SC. To see if the treatments help her mobility.

If you want to read more about laser therapy, search for k-laser usa, companion therapy lasers, or litecure.com. You can also find videos online on Youtube.

I first learned about therapy lasers 3-4 years ago. And I think it is one of those things, that one would use, if they had it. The case studies are impressive. Jethro has his neck lasered twice when it seemed to be bothering him from his cancer.   The two treatments might have helped some, but he had worse problems to deal with so he only got 2 treatments.

The problem is that lasers aren't cheap. And since they are rather new and everybody loves the one they have, you can't find them used or refurbished.   The surgical lasers run about 30 thousand dollars new. You can find them used and refurbished since they have been around a bit longer. Therapy lasers cost a little less but they are still expensive- 16-17 thousand.

And with the economy what it is at this time, I don't want to deal with an equipment payment or lease without knowing if that equipment can pay for itself in such a small community. Large metropolitan area wouldn't have such an issue.    Arthritic patients would require a series of 6 treatments and then maybe only a monthly treatment after that.

The reason this comes up again now, is that I have an older cat patient who is a little gimpy in his rear legs. He had a couple of treatments when he got sick while the couple was on vacation in Florida. And his owners could really tell a difference in how he was moving afterwards.

So, I am back to looking at laser therapy. Using a program like kickstarter would fund the equipment ahead of time, without going down the traditional route of a lease or a bank loan.   (Kickstarter is actually for creative projects, so this might not qualify for them, although in my case, it's sort of a hybrid between business and art in how it would be stuctured.)

I guess what I like about Kickstart is that it's an "all or none" approach. I think the limit is 90 days, so if the goal isn't met, no money is exchanged. The fees and credit card fees would be similar to what a bank loan would charge for an interest rate. I can get creative with incentive packages. For local pet clients, it might be a series of treatment or other veterinary services. For art patrons it could be packages of gift items, original paintings, reproductions, etc.

So, after all my ramblings, my question is, What do people think of crowdsource fundraising rather than traditional financing? Would you consider it? Specifically for a site like KickStarter, what tiers of packages would you choose to do- $20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500, 2500, 3600?

Leave me your thoughts or comments below. Also if you have any experience or comments about laser therapy in pets, leave those too. Thanks.

Where Dat Bus Be?

2010-11-08T15:49:00.000-05:00

Well, today is the day. In about an hour and a half, Princess will be headed on her way to the hippest and hottest (kewlest) place on the East Coast. Miami Beach. Where the young and beautiful people live. She might even meet a Kardashian, Ryan Seacrest, or Diddy.

She's got her luggage packed and ready to go.

All right, Mr. Chauffeur Man. Now, where you be?

Unfortunately though, there was no Limousine service to Miami. Or First Class Airline Service. Or no service that anyone offered to pay for, put it that way. So Princess will be styling and profiling, hitching along, in a semi-truck hauling granite. It's a glamorous life, let me tell ya. Like Fergie sings, G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS. Glamorous.

So, if you happen to see a big rig driver, somewhere between here and South Florida, walking a fluffy, prissy little dog, in a pink halter top (the dog, not the driver) , don't be so judgmental.

That's just Princess. Safe travels to you, Girlfriend.

PS- If you recall, the owner of Princess got moved to an assisted care facility, a few weeks ago, in Miami. This will be the first time she has seen her in about a month. She did call last week to check on her. She sounded good on the phone. Her daughter called today, and said that every time the doorbell rings at the facility, her owner hopes it's Princess. Since I told her last week, she would be arriving this week.

So I am sure she'll be tickled to see her. They might have to give her oxygen or something. . . dart her with a tranquilizer gun, etc. (not princess, her owner)

It's November- We don't need no flea stuff.

2010-11-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

Right? Now that the chill is in the air (exluding those reading from the Southern Hemisphere), that's what you are thinking, right?

It's Winter, fleas go away in the winter. . . . . . I can put away the flea stuff till May.

Let's ask Sasha. and see what she says about no flea stuff. Or flea medication from the Wal-Mart. (Which is what she was using.)

Sasha is a 3 year old Pekingese who came in a few minutes ago. She was itchy and ADR (ain't doing right). Okay. A little closer look, and one can see why she ain't doing right.

She was well on her way to the same fate as Belle, the little cat, you saw 2 weeks ago. She's a little anemic, but not to the degree that Belle was. It helps that she is a little larger (more blood volume).

Her owner was just mortified when she saw the amounts of fleas that fell off. I was a little surprised as well. She mentioned something about photos, and I chuckled a little and told her, I don't take photos to turn people in to the SPCA or anything. I take photos and share them so hopefully they might help another pet and keep them from suffering the same problem. No one believes me when I tell them fleas can be a problem. People have to see photos. No worries. No one is going to jail.

So what does Sasha say about her flea medication? It looks like that Walmart stuff is working well. . . .it looks very effective. . . you probably could skip a month or two.

Sasha says , "No, not working too great at all." (that's a big ass negatory, in case you are wondering)

Tonight is going to be the first night she's been able to sleep without creatures biting her. . . and if you have ever been bitten by fleas, you know they are not painless. Not to mention just annoying.

(PS- Turkey/Bobby left onTuesday with his new owner, in case you were wondering. I haven't heard back from him, so he must be getting along splendidly with the other dogs.)

2010-11-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

Mornin' all.

Turkey, as you recall, is back up for adoption on Petfinder. His Foster Mom has had to move to an assisted care facility in Miami. Princess, her Pomeranian, can move down there if I can find transportation for her.

I shot a new video of Turkey last week.

Yoda, Bentley, and Jake

2010-10-25T13:35:00.001-05:00

Mornin' All. Or it was morning when I started this post. Welcome to Monday. It's Halloween week.

How many of y'all have already eaten all the candy and have to go out and buy more? I know y'all are out there. . . .

Here's who came in last week.

Jake came in on Friday, and went home on Saturday. He's about 10 weeks old, a Chihuahua puppy.

Then there was Bentley. . . .

Middle of last week, Bentley had managed to get himself stepped on, but he was fine for the most part. He's a mix between Jack Russell Terriorist and a Pomeranian, I think, his owner said.
Cute, cute, cute.

Then Miss Yoda came back in on Friday for a follow up vaccination. She's growing and only wanted to do her own thing and get off the table. We were having enough trouble herding one cat, much less how it would have been to try herd a bunch of cats.

She was wearing a new blinged out, too big for her, Pink collar. She wasn't too amused, and it must have been new I assume, from the way she kept scratching and chewing at it.

Her eyes have changed color a little. They are now more green. The last time I saw them, they had turned more of a grey color. Her adult haircoat is growing in as well. Looks like she's going to have longer hair.

Fleas Can Be Fatal

2010-10-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

This is probably going to be a long post. (Apologies, in advance, but it needs to be discussed)

I do like sharing photos and stories with you. Some topics are happy, and some a little less happy, put it that way. I don't post anything that I wouldn't tell a client in person. I don't post to embarrass anyone. I don't mention clients names, although some of my readers do recognize the patients, and know who they belong too. And when I discuss things like parvo virus, as a reader, it's easy to point a finger and say, "that dog should have been vaccinated". And I agree. It sort of indirectly, unintentionally, reflects poorly on the owner. If I had my way, every dog would get vaccinated, but I am up against a feed store, a rabies clinic, the pound, and a low-cost spay neuter clinic, that rolls into town every 2 weeks, that says otherwise.

The only reason that I post these stories in the first place is that if I can keep another pet from suffering the same mistake, then it's worth it. As a reader, what you don't realize is that these posts about things like parvo show up really high in google, and on youtube. A little client pet educational information never hurt anyone. So that is my intent. Not to pass judgment on any one person or embarrass anyone. Does that make sense? Okay then.

This is the story of Belle. A 4 year old Himalayan cat that came in on Thursday.

Literally knocking on death's door. Weighed about 4.5 lbs. Probably should have weighed 7 pounds or more. Totally inside cat. I vaccinated her as a kitten and then hadn't seen her again until Thursday. Someone else spayed her. Not sure when her last checkup was. Her body temperature was 92.5 degrees. Normal body temp for a cat is up to 103. Mucous membranes the color of notebook paper.

She's in a rather precarious situation. You are not going to be able to get a catheter in her, without stressing her out. Which means she crashes then and there. Sedating her is not an option either.

So I got a capstar down her, sprayed her with flea spray, gave her a shot of b vitamins, and packed her in hot water bottles, and papoosed her in a towel. To fumigate and get her temp back up. Or try and get her temperature back up.

The fleas had literally sucked her dry. You can see the dead ones on the inside of the towel and on the table. The white things on the table that look like grains of salt are flea eggs. You wouldn't believe how many of those fell off her just in the few minutes she sat on the table. Just loaded.


Flea Eggs

Her only hope is that she can hang on for 2-3 days to let her blood levels build back up. She made it through Thursday night. Her temperature was still low on Friday morning, but I did get it back up to 101 by lunchtime. I was hopeful. I got a little nutrical in her, gave her a little bit of fluids under her skin. Not too much to dilute out her blood volume further.

She was sleeping with hot water bottles, wrapped up in a towel, and under a heat lamp. When I went to check on her about 3:30 pm, she had passed away. It was all just too much for her to try and hang on.

There is a small possibility that Belle has some underlying medical condition that made her weak or anemic in the first place, and the fleas didn't help any. Without a blood sample to test, or possibly an autopsy, we'll never know. But that was a lot of fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt on her. And "flea dirt" as it is called is just flea poop made up of digested blood from her.

The owner has another cat and 2 dogs in the house. She said she has been using Frontline on all of them. I have no way to verify what she was exactly using. Or what she had sprayed the house with. I did send her home with Siphotrol to spray the floors and upholstery with. It has much more active ingredients than most store brand of flea sprays. If she has been treating the other pets, and spraying the house in the past few months, I bet she has spent way more than she would have if she had purchased the "good stuff" in the beginning.   I also bet if she had called me a week, maybe 2 weeks ago, she would still have her cat, and not be having to get her cremated. But that is hindsight, isn't it.

No dog or cat should have to live with fleas. Certainly not die from them.

Often people will say, "Oh, my cats stay inside, they don't need flea stuff." And this is true, up to a point, they are less exposed compared to an outdoor cat. In the beginning anyway. But if a flea problem ever develops, and it can happen very fast without one realizing it, the indoor cat is at a disadvantage. The outdoor cat can move. If there are fleas in the barn, the outdoor cat can go elsewhere. The inside cat can't get away from them.

Just a few notes about flea products. Read the label and know what you are buying. Or better yet, ask your vet. I know from experience that when people complain about a flea problem, and I ask what they are using, the answer is usually a flea collar. Or flea shampoo.   Well, there you go. Problem solved. That'll be $85 for the consult.

A flea problem isn't about the fleas that you can see. It's about the flea eggs and larval stages that you can't see. For every flea one sees, there are 10 more waiting to hatch. The flea you see on Thursday probably isn't the same one you saw on Tuesday.   Flea medications don't repel fleas as if your dog or cat lives in a bubble. Fleas hatch and have to get on the dog or cat long enough to absorb the stuff. Treating the carpets, upholstery, bedding helps too.

Many of the over the counter flea products for dogs contain permethrin. You can't put permethrin on a cat. Or you shouldn't as it is toxic to cats- make them seizure or have uncontrolable twitches. I see that more than I would like to.

One ingredient in some flea medications is methoprene. Methoprene is a insect growth regulator. It is supposed to help keep flea eggs from hatching. I have seen some OTC cat flea medications that only contains methoprene. It doesn't actutally kill anything. (And they wonder why they have a flea problem . . . ) Sometimes it's combined with something to kill fleas. Like Frontline plus. And that combination is fine. Personal opinion though, is that Frontline Plus doesn't kill fleas any faster than Frontline, (that ingredient is the same in both). So I don't think the "plus" is worth the extra money that it costs. If you really want something to keep flea eggs from hatching, look for an ingredient called Lufenuron. It's in a product called Program for Dogs and Cats. (I actually have it compounded into dog's heartworm medication saving a client money).

Thanks for reading to the end of the ridiculously long post. I hope you learned something and that it helps to improve your pet's quality of life. I hope I never see a cat, or dog, in Belle's situation again.

Ginger the Pomeranian Puppy

2010-10-13T12:12:00.000-05:00

Meet Ginger. She's about 9 1/2 weeks old. Weighs 2.2 lbs. Mostly fluff. :)

Blur, blur, blur

None Too Happy about that Leash

Here's a short video.

Rowan and Gypsy

2010-10-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

This is Rowan and Gypsy. They look like pit bulls mixed with something else. Pointy ears but rather long noses. They also don't weigh very much, about 10 lbs. so probably not a lab mix.

The owners found(caught) one when they spotted them on a dirt road. It took a few more days of coaxing to get their hands on the 2nd one.

Here's a short video. One had the hiccups.

Best Friends Animal Society September Blessings

2010-10-08T13:58:00.000-05:00

This video stumbled across my email and I thought it was worth sharing. (spoiler alert- you'll probably need a tissue). There is also an art auction at the best friends site that starts today. Paintings done by the animal residents. Literally.

I didn't realize, or had maybe forgotten, that Best Friends videos are on Youtube. You might want to check those out as well- Go to this Link.

To find out more about the online art auction, here's a link to the Best Friends website.

Have a nice weekend. I am off to a family reunion at my Grandparents old farmplace. I'll be sure to eat cake for everybody . . . .

BW

2010-10-06T09:44:00.000-05:00

He's like a newspaper. Black and White and Read (Red) All Over. *smirk*

Y'all are probably too young to remember that joke.

This is BW. Short for Black and White. He was in today for his second round of booster shots. He was a stray that showed up at his owner's house. He's about 5-6 months old. And I do believe, he is redder than he was 3 weeks ago.

Perhaps he's been spending just a little too much time sunning himself and lounging in the neighbor's hot tub. Chlorine can be so damaging to one's hair . . . .

I should win a Nobel Prize or something. . . Demodex

2010-10-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right. A Nobel Prize for Medical Health Technology or something. Based on my Discovery.

I was surprised my little point and shoot digital camera would take photos of radiographs, in a darkened room, when I discovered that a few years ago. But when Sparky was in today, I discovered it would shoot pics from the eyepiece of the microscope. Kewl.

Above is a bad photo of Sparky. She's 14 and chewing at her skin really bad so it's getting infected.
So we did a skin scraping and found Demodex mites there. That's what I was able to photograph under the microscope. The red arrows point to the Demodectic mites. They are the clear, sort of cigar shaped things with little legs that looks like rings around part of their body.

Aint that just the Koolest? Totally made my day. Have a good weekend everyone.

English Shepherd Puppies- I Haz Em

2010-09-30T14:34:00.000-05:00

These guys came in for their 2nd puppy vaccinations today. All 8 of them.

A few are sold, but some are still available if anyone is interested. I'll pass the word along to their owner. They are 4 or 5th generation of a very desireable bloodline of English Shepherds. I can't remember the details at the moment.

Charlie

2010-09-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

Meet Charlie.
He's a 6 lb. stray rescued from the pound about a month ago. That's right. The Pound. He looks like a Papillon. He got neutered today.

I know what you are thinking- "How come the only strays that show up at my house are old, 3 legged beagles? With one eye?" Just lucky are you.

He is pretty cute. I don't think he was at the pound very long.

Heeee's Back. . . . Turkey, that is.

2010-09-25T16:54:00.001-05:00

Not to stay though. The lady who adopted him isn't well, so Princess and Bobby (formerly known as Turkey) are hanging out with me, while she is in the hospital. I took this photo to her last night, and I uploaded the video to my ipad to play for her. Her dogs are her life.

She didn't much care for the name Turkey. So she changed it to Bobby. (I'll always know him as Turkey. Don't tell his Mom).

Put Turkey Dalton into the Search Bar above and you can find his earlier post when he was dumped here by his bad check writing, bill skirting, previous owner. Back in June, I think.

More Little Prints at ArtOMat

2010-09-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

I sent off more little prints to ArtOMat yesterday. With their little easels. Several cats images and 3 dog images.

They should be around the country in ArtOMat machines shortly. They are small- 2 x 3 inches. More of a promotional item than anything, as they do take quite a bit of time to make. Print and trim the prints, drymount them, apply three coats of varnish, sign the backs, cut and score the easels, pack them in their little boxes, apply the labels and cellophane, and ship them off. They really are quite the bargain as they sell for $5 in the machines.

If you want to check locations of the machines, visit their website.

I thought these links were worth sharing . . . .

2010-09-14T10:47:00.000-05:00

and totally unrelated.

The first one is a link to a blog post about an ikea commercial where 100 cats were released into the store. How ironic that I have an ikea chair here at the office, that the cats have claimed for their own.
http://www.tonic.com/article/100-cats-ikea-happiness/

Here's the video on Youtube-

I also came across this book on Amazon. It's about a cocker spaniel named Katie. The book has just been released, I think. You must watch the video about the story behind the book. You must.

Here's the book on Amazon.

If you want to watch the video about the bookm, without going to the Amazon page, It is also here at this link as well.

I don't have a Kindle, but I ended up downloading the ebook from barnes and noble and am reading it on my ipad. Only got to about page 25 late last night.

Yoda and Priscilla Today

2010-09-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

People on Facebook were requesting another video. . . .
It went something like this-

We're bored. We're hungry. Can you make us something to eat?
And bring it to us while we lounge here in the lounge chairs?
We don't have anything to do. Entertain us. Shoot another video of the cats.

My little digital camera takes okay photos, but the video on it is a not so great. So I took my camcorder to the office this afternoon. It does better in low light situations. Yoda and 'Scilla were playing in the cat room this time.

(note to self- next time, remove that cat litter or whatever is stuck to her rear end . . . )

Jibby

2010-09-10T16:20:00.001-05:00

Jibby is part of "ma Posse" this afternoon. She's here for the day getting the second part of her heartworm treatment. She was brought in about 2 months ago, all itchy, chewing most all the hair off her back half.

Look how nice she looks now. That Dr. Mathis, he's a miracle worker, I tell ya.

She had heartworms and did the first part of the treatment about a month ago. She's going to be fine. But if anyone has a dog, or a cat, that isn't on prevention, consult with your veterinarian. Some areas of the country are less susceptible (no mosquitos- lucky you) . Left untreated, they can cause heart, lung, and kidney damage. Sometimes irreversible and fatal. They (heartworms) are bad news. They are often not taken as seriously as some worms since owners can't see them.

It's often like this- Heartworms. Meh.
But, let a tapeworm crawl of the dog or cat's rear end, and the owners are sitting on the doorstep the next morning waiting for the office to open. (PSssst- Tapeworms are more of nuisance than anything. Not terribly pathological)

Enjoy your weekend.

The Latest on Ms. Yoda

2010-09-03T16:07:00.000-05:00

My apologies.
I realize that I haven't shared the latest photos and videos of Yoda over the past 2 or 3 weeks. I have too many irons in the fire . . . photos and videos. . . . going in different directions. . . facebook, twitter, petfinder, etc. That got shared everywhere but here.

So today, y'all get treated to a Super size post of Yoda. She is off her bottle as of yesterday. I listed her on petfinder last week, I think. But so far, no takers. Don't all raise your hands at once. :)

Y'all saw her first photos sometime the first of August.

These photos were from the 17th.

This video of her is also from the 17th.

If you have been following along on Facebook, then you've seen me over the last month whining about my Coffee Woes. I drink coffee. It's my vice- that and Diet Cokes/Pepsi. Anyway, one day, Carrie was headed to Walmart to pick up the usual supplies- paper towels, cat litter, etc. And I was out of coffee. So I asked her to pick some up. I don't consider myself a coffee snob. I don't buy the most expensive coffee. Nor the cheapest. I buy somewhere in the middle. I've bought 8 O Clock brand in the past. Now I like the Bi-Lo brand, Southern Home Roasting Company. So I suggested 8 O clock and figured Walmart would have that one. Well, they didn't. And Carrie doesn't drink coffee.

(Note to all you out there- Never EVER let a non-coffee drinker buy coffee! )

So she brings back Maxwell House. Like a 5 gallon bucket full of the stuff. And I've been drinking it, rather than throw it out. Mixing it with the BiLo brand, Doctoring it up with Cream and Splenda, etc.
And I was finally able to empty the container. And put it to a more practical purpose.

Last Friday, I recorded Yoda and Priscilla playing around the office.

A little light reading while muti-tasking earlier this week. . . .

A Little Fun with the Roomba, Wheee!

So if you know of anyone that might want to adopt a long haired black kitten, I know where one can be found.

2 Homeless Kittens

2010-09-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

A client brought these two kittens in yesterday. 2 males. She found them on the side of the road. One has a rather nasty looking wound, two wounds actually, on his head. But, it will heal, and he will be fine with a little TLC and antibiotics.

They got a bath today, and will look a little better in a few days. I have been thinking up names for them. Frick and Frack. Joe and Moe. Lettuce and Tomato. Bert and Ernie. Punch and Jody. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

She will be trying to find a home, or homes, for them. She already has several dogs and a cat or two. If you are interested, let me know.

If you want to see all 16 photos, click here to go to the set on Flickr.

2011 Cat Charity Calendar

2010-08-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

I was planning on releasing this around the 1st of September, but Lulu is having a free shipping special until the 23rd.

It started out a few months ago for 1 charity, and has sort of morphed into a project for several charities- Best Friends, Tabby's Place, Clowder House, and Sundown Surgery Fund.
New paintings and a few old favorites that I've been saving for such a project. 100% of the profits are donated to the charities.

Free Shipping ends on the 23rd, although they'll probably do something similar again between now and end of the year. Calendar on Lulu- Click Here

Dogs on Roofs

2010-08-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

Y'all know how much I enjoy flipping through photos on Flickr.

I came across this fun group pool of photos that I had to share.
Dogs on Roofs.

Photo by Flickr user Planeta

Photo by Flickr User George Kouvakis

Photo by Fickr user Anhidric

Enjoy your weekend. I am off to a family reunion. I'll be sure to eat CAKE for everyone.

Miniature Black Yoda

2010-08-10T10:39:00.000-05:00

Look at what some DEAR, SWEET person left on my doorstep this morning . . . . .

Probably between 4 and 6 weeks old.

Whoever was so generous with their gift, (bless their heart) , I hope they get into chiggers and fire ants. . . on the same day.

Kitten anyone?

Painting of Luna on Yupo

2010-08-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

Karen Weidert is an online artist friend of mine who resides near St. Louis. She volunteers with the Clowder House Cat Foundation in St. Louis. As I've mentioned before, I am working on a calendar project with some of Karen's photographs.

Here is her website, by the way.

Luna is her personal cat, and I think she adopted her from Clowder House as well.

Lurve this Photo

So I decide to paint Luna for the calendar as well. I also decided to flip the photo, mainly because the painting of Latte has her positioned on the right. Luna can go to the left.

Luna, 5x7 inches, varnished watercolor on Yupo

I'll admit, I love the reference photo, for the dramatic lighting, but I am not totally happy with this painting. I didn't like the rattlesnake zombie pupils in the photo, so I decided to paint them similarly to another photo where the pupil was a little larger and a little more round. That might have been a mistake.

I've been looking at the eyeballs of Maybelline, Sunshine, Leon, and Priscilla all morning. One can't glaze on Yupo without moving the color underneath, so I might play with it in photoshop, and add a little glaze of fluid acrylic to the eye(s), before it is varnished. But not too much glazing as I don't want to loose the lightness of the blue-green color. Or I might paint her again, one never knows.

Have a nice weekend, Everyone.

I'll have my Lap Dog Super Sized, Please . . .

2010-08-05T12:58:00.000-05:00

This in Ginger. She thinks she's a lap dog. She thinks she weighs only about 10 lbs, while she tries to crawl into your lap.

Truth is she weighs 110 lbs. She's about 3, maybe 4 years old, a Mastiff Mix, can't remember the mix part without going to look at her chart.

She boarding till tomorrow. She is here getting heartworm treatment. Which is a little unusual as her owner had her on heartworm prevention since she was a wee 40 lbs. She stays outside all the time, year round. Which means she is exposed to mosquitoes more frequently than a dog that stays in the house. Heartworms must travel through a mosquito, the mosquito is a biological vector, so we can only guess that a few heartworm larvae got passed the development point in their life cycle where the prevention kills them.

She should be fine. And we are switching her back to an oral heartworm medication, along with something topical for the fleas, ticks, flies, and mosquitoes.

I think she is enjoying 2 days of lounging in the air conditioned kennel.

Worf needs a new home in Ohio.

2010-07-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

This is floating around Facebook and for those not on Facebook, I am sharing it here.

Worf is a 2 year old Shar Pei. He is in a foster home. His owner has cancer and is in the VA hospital.

Here's a link to his facebook page. Anyone should be able to see it even without a facebook account.
Pass it along if you know someone who might could help him out in the Ohio area.

Turkey, the Toy Poodle is officially up for adoption today.

2010-07-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

I got behind with holiday boarders and the Gift Show last week. Turkey was neutered today and he is going up on PetFinder.

Up to date on his vaccinations. 8-10 months old. 6 lbs.

These photos above are from today. They are a little blurry as Turkey wouldn't be still, plus Carrie took them with her cell phone. His video is from a few weeks ago.

If anyone is interested in adopting him, let me know. Thanks.

Demi

2010-07-06T15:12:00.000-05:00

This little Girl came in for her puppy vaccinations today. Her previous owner gave her away about 2 weeks ago to her new owner. She's about 7 months old- Terrier -Something- Something Mix.

Hmmm, do those ears remind you of anything? anybody? anyone ? . . . . I'm can't quite put my finger on it. . . . . *thinking, thinking* . . . . . OH. Yes, that is it . . . . .

From the Academy Award Winning Movie- Legally Blonde, 2001, starring the fabulous Reese Witherspoon.

Leon was sitting in the client chair (as usual) hoping to get petted (or fed). Demi wasn't too fond of him in there as you might have guessed from all the growling and carrying on in the video.

Demi from Andy Mathis on Vimeo.

Dr. Andy Mathis- The Animals and Other Stuff

Gus- long haired dachshund puppy

Opal- Shar Pei Puppy

Ginger - 01/14/12

Happy New Year Everybody.

KiKi

Latest Photos and New Video of Jimmy

Photos of Lucky

English Shepherd Puppies

Jimmy Gets out of His Cage on a Leash

Happy Friday Everyone.

The Latest with Jimmy and the Crew

Jimmy Has a Breakthrough

Jimmy sees Dead People

Rosie Gets a New Tail

Ginger is starting to look a little happier.

The Pardoned Pooches

Queen

Meet Buddy.

Meet Rocky. Rocky Balboa.

Esmerelda

Jack is Still Looking for his Forever Home

Lucky has a thing for Brunettes

Hershey

Happy a Cupcake in Celebration of Friday

barn kitties

Tuki and Her Pups

Pit Bulls in Animal Abuse Case for Adoption

Tony Boots

The Immaculate Conception of Jill

WhoDoo-a rescued Calico Kitten

Buckets by Beth Nadler

Michael Vick - Subway's Sportsman of the Year at BET Awards

Jack is looking for a Home

Just in Case you didn't believe me. . .

American Bulldog Puppies

You'll have to speak up, I mean scream. . . . We have the bugs.

Lucky Update- the Atresia Ani Kitten

Georgia- a Boxer Puppy

Ellis- A Pit Bull

George and Gracie and their Last Puppy Vaccinations

Charlie Brown Grew into his Ears - Well, sort of

*Yawn* Welcome to Monday

Hank- A Stray Pointer Looking for a Home

George and Gracie- Part 2. and Part 3.

Anyone seen any Cat Kidneys on Ebay? A functional one, perhaps?

Lucky got her sutures removed yesterday

Bessie- Walker Hound Puppy

She's Back!

Charlie Brown and Lucky Update

Lucky Update- 2/25/11

Wellness Programs

Items Being Sold For Lucky's Fund.

Dear Pet Product Manufacturer

Lucky Update

George and Gracie

Lucky Update

Shiloh- Varnished Watercolor on Yupo

White Tulips in a Pitcher- Varnished Watercolor On Yupo

Lucky Update

Maybelline get a Laser Treatment

Lucky Had Her Surgery Consult Today

Parvo Virus- From Velvet to Maggie Moo

I just know Currier and Ives were envisioning Granite Hills Animal Care

Merry Christmas to All

Ginger - Pomeranian Puppy- 12/15/10

Slade- Australian Blue Heeler Puppy

If Daisy Were Singing Beyonce If I Were a Boy

Carly, Bailey, and Your Opinion is Requested.

Where Dat Bus Be?

It's November- We don't need no flea stuff.

Yoda, Bentley, and Jake

Fleas Can Be Fatal

Ginger the Pomeranian Puppy

Rowan and Gypsy

Best Friends Animal Society September Blessings

BW

I should win a Nobel Prize or something. . . Demodex

English Shepherd Puppies- I Haz Em

Charlie

Yawn Welcome to Monday