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Promises …

And then there were five.  Five dogs in the house.  We have three — Ali, Frankers and Dante.  The current foster makes four.  Time to make good on a promise.

After my parents’ third miniature poodle passed away (neurotic little creatures, I tell ya!), I finally talked them into a different breed.  A Shih Tzu to be exact.  Cute as a button, that became her name … Buttons.  And only after I talked them into it as they wanted to name a black/white dog “Buffy” — until I made them watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer.   Along with the gift of a wriggling puppy 10+ years ago, there came a promise … should anything happen or their health fail, Buttons would come live with me. 

Mom died 2.5 years ago, the victim of a massive stroke.  Buttons helped fill the grief-filled hours and gave my father reason to get up in the morning.  She, in turn, sought him out as never before in the past.  A deeper bond was formed in the ashes of their loss.

Buttons has been with me off and on since the end of March.  Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer then and it was originally thought to be a “low grade” cancer.  Another procedure is performed in mid-June and we find a “fast, aggressive” cancer.  July 2nd brings the emergency surgery to remove bladder and a cancerous bowel obstruction.  The recommended post-surgical treatment — a grueling regimen of radiation and chemo — is refused (wisely, all things considered).  August runs together with two more hospitalizations in as many weeks.  For each emergency, Buttons and all her necessities are packed up and hauled to our house.  Easily done as she’s intimately familiar with our home and the other dogs. 

I suspect the doctors will move Dad to the hospice ward in days/hours as the bowel obstructions can’t be controlled or fixed.  He is drawn and frail, having lost 25+ pounds since July.  An obvious withering is present even though I see him daily.  Family has been called in — better get here while he’s still cognizant.  In short, he lies dying in a hospital bed … and his little dog sleeps quietly at my feet.

Time to pony up.  Papa … your beloved Buttons is my baby now.  Loved for who she’s been all these years and cherished as the last link to you.  ‘Til we meet at the Bridge when I escort her home …

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The little red dog …

The little red dog ... Mae-Mae
The little red dog ... Mae-Mae

… is an absolute joy.  And the resilience and adaptability of the canine never ceases to amaze me.  Mae-Mae — our little puppy mill survivor — has been here five weeks now.  Other than watching her a little more closely to monitor her house training, you’d think she’s been here forever.  Nothing short of astounding as she lived her entire life in a puppy mill.  Many of the mill dogs are fearful, having had little human contact, and their adjustment can take months or even years.  Some never get over the trauma.

Mae-Mae sleeps through the night in her crate.  She toilets appropriately having decided the grass is more “user friendly” than the concrete or stone patios.  She knows what “outside, go potty” means .. and will do exactly that … walk outside into the grass and go potty.  She dances for her food bowl and will take a treat from my hand.  She delights in being petted and will seek out this attention.  She is comfortable being picked up as she no longer splays her front legs out, stiff as a board and as wide as they’ll spread.  My Apsos are not lap dogs per se; however Mae-Mae definitely is and a favorite evening pasttime entails curling up next to me on the couch.  She probably thinks she’s died and gone to heaven.  In her five weeks here, she’s taught herself — with little input from me — to walk nicely on a leash.

Her greatest joy, I believe, is having the freedom to run in the yard.  Zoom, zoom … there she goes with a happy grin on her face.  Sometimes she just sits and suns herself, contented to soak up the warming rays.  I would surmise that her former surroundings were rather dark and dismal.

Sugar doesn’t come any sweeter than this little red dog …

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Kalsang …

Kalsang
Kalsang

Kalsang (“Kehl-sang” … Tibetan meaning “good fortune”) is an 8- to 10-year old Lhasa Apso who came to us from the county humane society. He was found urine-soaked and matted to the skin. He had extreme ear infections and an eye infection. The HS, who believed he was about 5 years old, cleaned him up, shaved him to the skin and began medical treatment. After their assessment, they believed he was just too sweet of a dog to wait out a new home there so they contacted our organization.

The first week in foster care was just plain sad. Kalsang didn’t move, had no reactions to anything; paid no attention to his foster home mates. He cried when he walked and cried when he slept. He was a dog with no soul. 

By the end of the first week we had him evaluated at our own vet. It was confirmed that he was older than the humane society believed him to be. Although his ear infections were cleared up, we began treating his eye infection and arthritis.

In just a few short days, a new dog began to emerge. First, with his pain under control, he was able to sleep comfortably all night in his crate. Small moments of play were noticed, either with a toy, a nylabone or with his foster home mates. It was brief, but signs of life began to show.   Now — several weeks later — his eye infection is cleared up, he’s on daily OTC meds to control his arthritic pain and his activity level has increased exponentially.

Kalsang is house trained and sleeps in a crate at night. Because of his age, his activity level is low and most likely will always be; a true couch potato. He will find a toy to carry around or chew a nylabone for awhile.  He also enjoys a Kong with filling to pass his time.  Kalsang is a good eater and loves his treats. He gets along with other small, low activity-type dogs and cats. He has shown interest in investigating his yard and surroundings, but never goes too far.

This senior would make a great companion for someone who matches his activity level. Kalsang is very loving and greets everyone as though he’s always known them.  Kalsang certainly deserves ‘good fortune’ for the rest of his life and a loving home to see to this old boy’s simple needs.  While technically a “senior,” he has many good years left … it is not uncommon for Apsos to live 15-17 happy, healthy years

Somebody needs their bangs cut ...
Somebody needs their bangs cut ...

UPDATE!!  Kalsang has literally bloomed in foster care.  He’s got more energy, is playing with toys and the other dogs.  Just a couple days ago, he emptied the toybox.  Not sure what he was looking for but he was a dawg on a mission.  Yesterday, he was at the fence — barking at the goats.  I’m sure he was telling them that was his yard and they weren’t welcome.   Like fine wine, this old boy just keeps getting better and better.  A true gentleman, he’d make an excellent companion for someone not interested in daily walks … a few cruises a day around the backyard  is sufficient.

 

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Her name …

Mae-Mae
Mae-Mae

… is Mae-Mae.  And she’s a puppy mill survivor from Missouri.  Despite her lack of socialization and handling, she’s an unbelievably sweet little dog.  Living in a puppy mill, she has no household skills and is unfamiliar with even the most basic of sounds.  Like the telephone or the dishwasher.

She had her rescue exam this morning.  The vet’s office was a bit chaotic with ill-behaved and/or loud dogs.  Mae-Mae just sat there, taking it all in.  More than one person commented on how calm she was.  Pretty amazing considering what she’s *not* been exposed to in the past.  As suspected, she has a pretty severe infection in both ears.  They will need to be flushed out while she’s under anesthesia to extract a broken canine tooth.  The spay sutures will be removed as well. 

Image041More to follow on this little one as we update her progress in foster care … and her new life outside the confines of a wire cage and endless breeding.

Update  22 July— I can tell she’s feeling better now that the ear meds are beginning to work.  With the amount of black goo that was coming out during the daily cleanings, I’m pretty certain she was in quite a bit of pain from the infection.

Mae-Mae is already crate trained and sleeps the night through.  She gets along with the resident critters, dogs and cat alike.  She has good canine social skills and respects the corrections that Ali and Frankers issue, modifying her behavior appropriately.  She loves to run in the grass/yard — something she’s never had an opportunity to do before. 

At the moment, we’re trying to impress upon her that the plastic airline crate in the bedroom is the same as the wire crate in the front room.  I’d like her to sleep with the rest of the pack; however, her digging at the door when placed in the airline crate doesn’t work for sleepy humans (makes hubby really grumpy).  Baby steps … she spent a little time there this morning while I was getting ready for work.  Both times when she started to dig and get all twitterpated, a quick “ehh, ehh, no!” stopped the behavior.  She’s a quick study …

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Angels …

angel statue… come in many forms.  For one little dog, her angel came in the guise of a cross-country trucker.  This particular angel has a name.  “Tom” to be exact.  He’s based in Colorado and makes regular runs to/from the East coast — which means a lot if you’re trying to coordinate getting a dog from back east transported to Colorado.  While one can find many a transport in the mid-west and eastern states, same can not be said of Colorado.  Having Tom out there and willing to go the extra mile to get a dog where it needs to be is a blessing.  His motto … “If it fits, it gits!”

Our deepest thanks to Tom for providing this service!

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Rally to Rescue!!

Okay folks … here’s an easy way to support rescue!  Click on the link and then the header that says, “Vote for Your Favorite Rescue Story.”  Then scroll down, find “Buddy” and cast your vote!  Helen Brown, the national rescue coordinator for the American Lhasa Apso Club, is doing the introduction during the video. 
 
 
Come on and get behind your breed!
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Seniors in the twilight …

animated-hourglassThere’s a reason why we don’t normally take senior dogs into rescue.  Actually several reasons.  Most folks looking to adopt a dog are not in the market for an older companion as they’d like to spend more  than just a year or two (or even less) with their new best friend.  Many times, the old dogs arrive with serious behavioral and/or medical problems.  Rescue has a term for these dogs … “forever fosters.”  “Forever” because they usually end up spending the rest of their lives in foster care.  The problem with that scenario is spacing  and funding.  Available space is at a premium — at least for us — and having a forever foster takes up a spot that could be used for a younger, more adoptable dog.  Funding is always an issue so taking care of an elderly dog becomes problematic.

For me, the seniors are particularly difficult.  It usually starts with a phone call and a voice on the other end saying, “I need to get rid of my dog.”  The vocalization “get rid of” is distasteful as it brings to mind a worn out item or a piece of trash that needs to be disposed of.  Often times it is an elderly dog that outlived its usefulness for whatever reason.  No matter how many times I review the applications on my waiting list, I don’t have someone looking for an old, sick dog.  These poor dogs that have given their life to their family only to be turned out when their need was greatest.  It then falls to me to tell them that we have no one interested in an elderly dog.  And that if they take it to the shelter, he or she will spend its last days — frightened and confused — before dying at the hands of strangers.  Far better for them to take it to the vet and make that last journey in the arms of loved ones.  Despite having “the speech” memorized, there are still times when my voice breaks, the emotion spilling over.   One of the first things my rescue mentor taught was that we can’t save them all.  I truly know that with my heart … however, it doesn’t make it any easier some days.  Harder yet is having to put down a rescue for medical or behavioral issues.  Even though it’s not one of my dogs, it still hurts.  Rescue isn’t supposed to end that way.

Having said all that … we find ourselves with a senior in rescue.  A stray, he was pulled from the Larimer Humane Society.  We know little of his story other than the fact he’s been long neglected — whether in his former “home” or because he was on his own for an extended period of time.  We also know he is the product of a puppy mill because his microchip was traced to the Hunte Corporation — a known broker of puppies produced in the mills of misery and sold in pet stores.  His coat was matted to the skin and urine soaked resulting in a complete shave-down at the shelter.  Nothing more pitiful than a buck-naked Apso.

Our rescue exam revealed he has had a long-standing eye infection.  Thankfully, he does not have KCS or “dry eye” as it’s commonly known.  His age is estimated to be 8- to 10-years old … not all that old for an Apso but which still puts him in the “senior” category.  He does have arthritis on the right front/rear; however, he’s responding quite well to the Rimadyl, even trying to play with the resident foster home dogs.  Some high-powered supplements are on the way and we’re hopeful he’ll get good relief from those as well. 

Despite how rough his recent days/years have been, this dog is exceptional.  He greets everyone as a long-lost friend.  If you are familiar with Apsos, you know that’s not always the case.  When I picked him up at the pound, he came out of the kennel — head and tail up — and offered himself in greeting.  Those old soul eyes saying “I’m yours … take me with you.”  And then he buried his head in my hands, taking whatever comfort he could find in the moment, however brief.  As is our tradition, we’ve given him a Tibetan name.  Kalsang (pronounced “Kehl-sang”) and meaning “good fortune.” 

Perhaps it will be Kalsang’s good fortune to find a forever home in the twilight of his years … a home that understands that the love of an old dog is, indeed, a special gift.

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Meet Manny …

Our man, Manny
Our man, Manny

Update:  I received word that Manny went to a new home earlier this week.  Wishing his new owners and Manny “Lhasa” happy, healthy years together!

From time to time, we work with other groups in the area that find themselves with an Apso … in this case it was supposed to be a Tibetan Terrier but, on arrival, it was determined he’s definitely an Apso.  And a darned cute one at that!

Manny is a very sweet black and tan Lhasa Apso, around 6 years of age and weighs 22 lbs.   He is neutered, current on his vaccinations, microchipped, housebroken, will use a dog door, just had a dental cleaning, is good with other dogs, cats and older children.  

For his new forever home, he needs a stay at home, experienced dog owner, preferably with Lhasas who will go slowly with his transition to his new home.   He can not be crated or closely confined, has a slight thunder phobia, likes to sleep on the foot of the bed and cuddle on the couch.  

Handsome dude ...
Handsome dude ...
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Red dogs and yard guards …

Ali ... Grand Dame

One of the favorite pastimes when what could pass for summer (at least in Colorado) arrives is hanging out in the backyard.  Hubby and I putz around with the flowers or vegetable garden while the dogs wander, amusing themselves with whatever comes along. 

Gardening is a bit haphazard.  If it grows and thrives, it gets to stay.  If it doesn’t, out it comes and something else gets planted … usually to the sound of hubby whining and moaning about digging yet another hole.  These days, I take him along when plant shopping.  That way I can say, “Hey, you were there when we bought the thing … you knew it needed a hole dug!”  Luckily for me, hubby got the gardening gene from his Mom and, despite his protestations, continues to dig holes.  Probably because something is always dying around here.  Winters in Colorado can be brutal on the plants.

Yard guard on duty ...
Yard guard on duty …

No matter what we’re doing, the dogs are smack-dab in the middle of it.  And, honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.  Curious to a fault, they have to inspect every item and then observe exactly what we’re doing with that item.  Sometimes offering to help … like digging a hole or harvesting lettuce in the garden. 

Foster dogs are included in the activities.  If a male, it generally ends up being a pissing contest around the yard.  I keep threatening to fence off the bark area from the grassy area to (1) keep the dogs from fence fighting with the neighbors’ dogs and (2) to keep the dogs away from the plants.  Just another thing to add to the list of projects.  And have you priced decorative fencing lately?!??!?!  With 260 feet needed, it’s going to be a while before that project even gets started.

Million Bells in a bas relief potMillion Bells in a bas relief pot

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Jackson …

Linda & Jackson… hit the jackpot at the recent Fire Hydrant 5 in Fort Collins!  He amped up the charm and captured the interest of a family from Loveland.  Turns out they were about as perfect for him as they come and he rounds a family of Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister and canine sibling, Annie.  Plans are in motion to have him certified for therapy visits at hospitals, nursing homes and schools. 

Didn’t take him long to settle in and, we hear, wrap his new Dad around his paw!  Not suprising with this little guy as he greets everyone as a long lost friend … whether he knows them or not.

Jackson will do well and go far with his happy-go-lucky attitude!

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Fun at the Fire Hydrant 5k …

Well, the weatherman totally blew the forecast but we’re not complaining!  Was supposed to be rainy with wind.  What we got was … sunny and breezy!  A little cool at 7:30 a.m. but everyone was dressed for it.  Some photos from the day …

Jackson ...
Jackson ...

Big Dog visiting our booth
Big Dog visiting our booth ...

Just enough breeze to show off our Tibetan colors!
Just enough breeze to show off our Tibetan colors!

If nothing else, we had lots of color ...
If nothing else, we had lots of color ...

Peanut ... taking it all in
Peanut ... taking it all in

Susan, right, in traditional Tibetan garb
Susan, right, in traditional Tibetan garb

The dogs did great with all the visitors to the booth … canine and human alike.  Several folks expressed interest in adopting Jackson so we’ll see what happens!

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A New Foster …

Jackson ... takin' it easy
Jackson ... takin' it easy

… arrived yesterday.  All 24 pounds of him.  Jackson, through no fault of his own, is a victim of the economy.  He’s been well cared for and very much loved.  Unfortunately,  his owner was forced to work two jobs just to keep up with the bills.  Leaving little time for taking care of a beloved companion … and even less money to deal with his medical issues.  A dental is in his very near future (like tomorrow)  along with dealing with some ear tip issues.  It appears he has a skin condition at the very tips of his ears — most likely from improper drying after a bath.

Once released for adoption, Jackson will make an exceptional pet.  A young dog, he’ll be three in mid July.  He’ll be dropping a few pounds and working on a “heel” command so as to walk nicely on a lead.  He’s crate trained, housetrained and will be placed with his crate, HW meds, a microchip and current vaccinations.

If interested in this little guy, please contact me at:  ApsoRescue@aol.com.  Better yet, if seriously interested, submit an application — unless you’ve previously adopted from us in which case you’re already approved!

Update:   Jackson came through his dental with flying colors. The ear tip issue was pretty minor and will most likely be cleared up with a short course of topical antibiotics.  Because he’s doing so well, Jackson will be attending the Fire Hydrant 5 in Fort Collins on Saturday, May 9th.  He’ll be sporting a bandana that says, “Adopt Me!”

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Pandora …

Whenever I leave the house … whether it be for 30 minutes or all day … I always have some “white noise” playing in the background for the dogs.  Living in a surban neighborhood, there are many sounds which are cause for baying off an alert.  While I realize the dogs are just doing what comes naturally to a hairy little sentinel from Tibet, I don’t need to be warned every time a car door slams or another dog barks in the ‘hood.  Thank you very much and, yes, I did hear that, and, no, they’re not coming to your house.  With spring’s arrival, it won’t be long before I’m opening the windows wide to let in fresh air … and more sounds from the neighborhood.  Having something playing throughout the house definitely cuts down on the everyday noises that set the dogs off.  Besides being alert dogs, they’ve also earned the nickname of “Tibetan door bells.”

pandoras-box1
Pandora's box ...

I employ this same strategy for myself at work.  Having something quietly playing in the background in my office allows me to block out the (sometimes loud) foot traffic and conversations in the building.  While streaming radio is great for this, I have no input as to what’s actually playing.  CDs work, but then I’m forced to have them handy and change out frequently on my CD ROM.  Enter the Music Genome Project through Pandora Internet Radio. 

The Music Genome Project®

On January 6, 2000 a group of musicians and music-loving technologists came together with the idea of creating the most comprehensive analysis of music ever.

Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or “genes” into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song – everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It’s not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records – it’s about what each individual song sounds like.

Since we started back in 2000, we’ve carefully listened to the songs of tens of thousands of different artists – ranging from popular to obscure – and analyzed the musical qualities of each song one attribute at a time. This work continues each and every day as we endeavor to include all the great new stuff coming out of studios, clubs and garages around the world.

It has been quite an adventure, you could say a little crazy – but now that we’ve created this extraordinary collection of music analysis, we think we can help be your guide as you explore your favorite parts of the music universe.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

Tim Westergren
Founder
The Music Genome Project

Basically, it allows me to plug in an artist and then Pandora plays similar type music.  Once you sign up for a free account, you can set up “stations” … add artists to your station … give a song thumbs up or thumbs down (in which case you won’t hear that song ever again) … not in the mood for a particular song but still like it — simply advance to the next selection.  It’s also a great way to explore new artists in the same genre or find something totally new and unexpected.

Some of my favorite “stations” — Deep Forest, Gandalf, Mike Oldsfield (of Tubular Bells fame), Hilary Stagg and Omar Akram.  They have an exotic flare, are mostly instrumental and do not have to be muted if a co-worker drops by or when taking a phone call. 

Now, if I could just get WordPress to add a widget for Pandora!

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2009 Fire Hydrant 5k

19th Annual Fire Hydrant 5
19th Annual Fire Hydrant 5

A new event for us … the Fire Hydrant 5 on Saturday, May 9th in Fort Collins at Edora Park as sponsored by the Larimer Humane Society.  This is a 5k Run, a 3k Walk/Fun Run and a Pet Fair in the park.  Information on the event …

When Does the Fun Begin? 

The Fire Hydrant 5 is Saturday May 9, 2009 at Edora Park in Fort Colllins.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.  5K Race begins at 8:30 a.m.  3K Walk and Fun Run begins at 8:40 a.m.  Pet Fair is 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The Fire Hydrant 5 is a Bolder Boulder qualifier.  This event will be held rain or shine!

Pet Fair Events

  • Fido Photos – A Fire Hydrant 5 tradition, pose for a photo with your furry pal!
  • Paw Painting – Take home some “custom artwork”, your pup’s paw print!
  • Breed-Specific Rescue Groups to talk with you about their special dogs! 
  • Special canine demonstrations including Eric Melvin & Angelyne, the amazing deaf Cattle Dog
  • Return appearance by “Sparky” the Loveland Fire & Rescue Dalmatian
  • Tour the Code 3 Associates Mobile Command Center for emergency animal rescue

Can Fido Attend?

Yes! Dogs are welcome at the event! Dogs participating in the 5K or the 3K must be registered and pay the $5 fee (one fee per family or individual handling the dog or dogs). 

The following guidelines also apply for our canine friends:

  • They must be leashed at all times
  • They must be current on all required vaccinations and licensing
  • Please use a 6-foot or shorter, non-retractable leash
  • Poop bags will be available, please make sure to pick up after your dog
  • Please, no aggressive dogs. If Fido is in a bad mood, he will be asked to leave
Lung Ta -- prayer flags
Lung Ta -- Tibetan prayer flags

Mark your calendars (pun intended) … come on out and have a “pawsitively” fun day with your favorite pooch!  Good excuse to spend some quality time with your dog, have a meet/greet with other like-minded members of the community and support the Larimer Humane Society.  If you’d like to visit our booth, just look for the white canopy with the “lung ta”  (wind horse) fluttering  … Tibetan prayer flags!  Hope to see you — and your Apso — in Fort Collins on May 9th.

Need more information?  Contact ApsoRescue@aol.com.

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Winners … by any definition

Dante ...
Dante ...

Today is a my catch-up after spending a three-day weekend at the dog show.   Sorting through and putting away everything that was so carefully packed up on Thursday … finishing up on laundry … returning email/phone calls … moving the week’s schedule around to accommodate my father’s doctor’s appointment … performing a final check on my taxes so I can get them filed … setting up a CERF eye exam for Dante.  So much for a “day off.”

We had some very stiff competition this weekend, including the #1 Apso in the country and Dante’s littermate, Fernando.  Needless to say, Dante came home with nothing to show for his weekend except a bath and a good grooming.  So goes the dog show.  Can’t really complain, though.  Dante did everything I asked of him and more … like not throwing some heretofore unknown behavior into the mix.  At one point, the line-up was squeezed together with little room between the dogs.  Dante, much to his credit, was solid and didn’t react.  And I agree with the old saying about dog shows … “Win or lose, I always bring the best dog home … my dog!”

To put it all in perspective … I was already a “winner” before leaving the house on Friday.  My 8-year old male, Frankers, is back … back to my quirky little guy.  He’s been running up/down the basement stairs (two weeks ago I was carrying him up because he couldn’t make it).  While fixing food bowls, I turned around and he was sitting up, waving his front paws at me.  He’s enthusiastic about eating.  He’s been tossing his toys around and engaging Ali to play with him.  Just last night, he was jumping up on the couch again.  He bounces in and out of the house, taking the steps with a spring.  The lymph node is down and shows no signs of infection.

His eyes are bright; his tail up and wagging … no ribbon can take the place of that.

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Spring Specialty …

Melissa and a bored Josie ...
Melissa and a bored Josie ... ho, hum. I'd rather be in the agility ring ...

This year our local show club … the Lhasa Apso Club of Central Colorado … opted to have our Spring “specialty” show in April rather than lumping it in with the large cluster of shows in Denver this past February.  Accordingly, our specialty will be held in conjunction with the TerryAll Kennel Club’s All Breed Show in the Exhibition Building at the Adams County Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road in Brighton, Colorado.

Details for attending (all Apso events in the Exhibition Building):

Friday:  Lhasa Apso Ring at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday:  Ring 3 at 12:50 p.m.

Sunday:  Ring 2 at 12:40 p.m.

As part of the weekend, we’ll be having a light potluck Saturday evening following Non-Sporting Group judging  and a breed seminar presented by Richard Camacho, including a slide show presentation and hands-on with Apsos, following Best in Show judging.

If you’d like to see other breeds, complete information can be found in the Judging Program.

Need more info?  Then contact me at ApsoRescue@aol.com.  Please note children in strollers and unentered dogs are not allowed on site.

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The Canine/Canine Bond …

Mr. Bed Head ...
Mr. Bed Head ...

The morning routine with three dogs changes very little from day to day.  Despite the fact Alan gets up some two hours before my alarm chimes,  the dogs sleep quietly in their crates until I greet the day.  Once up, the dogs are released from their crates in our bedroom and a small but colorful parade of Apsos makes its way to the back door.  Frankers excitedly prances, looking back over his shoulder to see if Ali is following, her usual ploddng self.  Dante brings up the rear … most likely with a slight detour off the hardwood into the front room to check out whatever toy was left out the night before or to goose the resident marble-brained cat.  An, ahem, well-placed nose will make him squeak loudly as he doesn’t buy into the typical canine greeting, considering it extremely rude to have a nose poked at one’s hiney!

Ali and Frankers go out immediately.  Dante — anticipating being picked up and put on a crate for banding — waits for me by the back door.  They thrive on routine, knowing what to expect as I go about making coffee and setting up their bowls for breakfast.

Having multiple dogs in the house — and one of them an intact male — came with a learning curve.  Despite the challenges, it has been an ongoing lesson in pack behavior.  One thing that became apparent early on was the canine’s innate need for interaction with others of its own kind.  While one can provide for their every need, we — as humans — cannot replicate the canine-to-canine bond.  A need that is hard wired into the canine psyche, a survival instinct sharply honed over the millenia.

'Rassling buddies ...
'Rassling buddies ...

Ali, adopted as an adult, acquired the nickname of “the Red Slug” shortly after she arrived nine years ago.  Once she adapted to the routine and activity of the household, she became … bored.  We took her places, including biking, canoeing, and on forays to PetSmart.  She had more toys than she could reasonably play with; she got to visit with my parents’ Tzu.  We worked on training.  We included her in all the assorted goings-on associated with work in our large yard.  Yet … something was still missing.  Exactly what that “something” was quickly became apparent with Franker’s entrance as an eight-month old puppy.  Infused by his energy, they became fast partners in crime and curiosity.  We couldn’t find one without the other being close at hand (and is still the case).  Wrestling matches became the canine sport of choice.  No matter the activity — or lack thereof — they sought one other out, taking comfort in each other’s presence.  As the fosters rotate in, they too are assimilated into the pack each with their own place in the pecking order. 

There’s a certain joy watching them interact … and a joy within them that’s unmistakable.  We humans tend to believe we’re the be all to end all, but I think our canine friends might disagree.  While adding a second dog will increase expenses (food, grooming, vet, etc.), the “return” is definitely worth the investment … for humans and dogs alike!

 

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Lives more temporary than our own …

Frankers
Frankers

We recently had a scare with my 8-year old male, Frankie a/k/a “Frankers.”  While holding him during a chiropractic adjustment for an old injury earned chasing squirrels, I found a large swelling just under his jaw.  To say I was “surprised” is an understatement because I had just groomed him that morning and didn’t find anything amiss.

The first round of antibiotics prescribed were ineffective and his condition continued to deteriorate, including spiking a high fever and complete disinterest in food.  Given his lack of response to the antibiotics, a biopsy was taken of the node to determine what exactly was going on.  While under anesthesia for the biopsy, the vet checked his mouth and esophagus for any foreign body that might be a contributing factor.  Zip, nada, zilch … meaning no clue as to what was causing it or how the swelling came about.  In the meantime, we switched antibiotics in the hopes he would respond.

The biopsy finally came back and revealed a severe bacterial infection of the lymph node (does it come through that I’m not a patient person in some situations??).  A few days later, he began to respond to the antibiotic and we were advised he’d have to stay on it four to six weeks as lymph node infections can be difficult to clear up.  Weeks later, the node has returned to almost normal, as has Frankers.

Shortly thereafter, I came across an excellent excerpt article on National Public Radio (NPR).  Written by a vet — Nancy Kay, DVM — it provides valuble tools for dealing with aging/ill pets and making decisons on their behalf … Speaking for Spot.  If you own pets, this is definitely a “must read.”  For myself, I’m tucking the information away in my mental tool box.  A guidepost for when aging bodies begin to fail and emotions run high in the face of loss.

The complete book is available at Amazon.com.

April 6th Update:   Today is a really, really good day for our household.  After months of dealing with Franker’s issues … first the hip/back injury and then the bacterial infection … I finally feel like I have my little guy back.  He’s playing with his toys, racing through the house, trying to get Ali to play with him, and bouncing up a full flight of steps from the basement (multiple times, no less).  A huge improvement over ten days ago when I had to carry him up the stairs because he couldn’t make it.  A week ago today, he had a chiropractic adjustment and a session of acupuncture.  I think what we’ll do now is explore the options for a maintenance program, something along the lines of once every 6-8 weeks (+/-)

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2009 PetExpo …

2009 Loveland Pet Expo
2009 Loveland Pet Expo

Always a good time, we attended the 2009 Loveland Reporter-Herald PetExpo the end of February.  Preparation begins several weeks prior as we make arrangements for our exhibit space and submit photos for the insert that comes out in the paper.  While there is a fee for submitting pet photos, half of it goes to the Larimer Humane Society so we’re more than happy to help support the local shelter.  It’s also good incentive to have  current photos of our pets … a momento of their life when all that remains is a memory and a pawprint on our hearts.

As this was our fourth year of attending the Expo, packing the day before is down to a science … grab the storage tub containing our booth supplies, review the inventory of  educational handouts,  pull books from the home library, and then get it all in the vehicle.  Last, but certainly not least, the dog(s) that will be attending get a bath so as to put their best foot forward for the breed.  If a foster is not available to attend, our dogs are taken to serve as ambassadors for the breed.  I always try to have one in coat there as most people have never seen an Apso in full coat outside the show ring.  Makes for some very interesting conversations with the most frequent comment being, “You must have to brush this coat daily!”  The big surprise is … I don’t do daily grooming!

We arrive early to unload and get set up — table display and dogs in place before the crowds start to arrive.  Looking across the large room, I see many exhibitors from past years and some new faces.  Later on, we’ll take a break and go visit the other booths … bronze statues, K9 photographers, pet crematorium, pet cemetery, dog bakery, canine massage therapist, to name a few.  All interesting when one has the time to browse.

Dante saying "hello" to a friend who stopped by!!
Dante saying “hello” to a friend …

This year, we were one of the few rescues in attendance and probably the only rescue with dogs in tow.  Having Dante there in coat pretty much guarantees we’ll see a lot of traffic at our booth and this year was no exception.  I love talking to the kids and seeing their reaction when they get to pet him … the little girls are especially fascinated with him.  The parents laugh when I tell them that “my husband calls this my Barbie doll.”    We’re also quick to point out that the breed comes in a “wash’n’wear” version, showing them one in a puppy cut. 

The dogs are on their best behavior and clearly enjoy the interaction with folks stopping to chat.   Dante took a shine to one little guy and proceeded to clean the top of his head for him … much to the boy’s delight.  At one point, we had a line of folks waiting to greet the dogs.  The day winds down and we start packing up all the gear, already thinking how we can add to the experience for next year’s visitors.

All in all, it’s a great way to connect with like-minded members of the community and educate folks about this unique breed that shares our heart and hearth.

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Nice Dog, but …

daily-rover-newspaper1I get a great deal of email most days between my personal contacts, what’s generated by the various lists of which I’m a member, and what comes across for rescue. Every now and again, something is actually worth passing along. Today’s entry is just that …

Bob McMillan of the Herald-Citizen in Cookville, TN has written an great article on dogs, our relationship with them, and the need for training …

Nice dog, but you have to train him