FG adventures

So the FG has been having some interesting adventures at the golf course lately.  Besides watching geese and ducks.  For example, yesterday morning he and my human were walking along one of the paths at around 5:30 AM.  And the golf course has JUST started to put the sprinkler systems on now in the morning.  They shoot out water and spin around.  If you time things right, you can walk along the path without getting wet.  BUT if you are in a hurry, because you need to get home, eat breakfast, feed three STARVING canines ( well, really two starving canines - the picky Picard is inconsistent with his appetite - as opposed to the always famished PONs), shower, dress, take all three dogs out for a second time to pee and go to work - you don't have time to wait for spinning water sprinklers.  What my human didn't expect was that as soon as the water came down over their heads, it caused the Wild Child to literally launch himself straight up into the air in an attempt to grab the sudden downpour.  My human has NEVER seen him do that.  And he did it more than once.  We are talking about a canine version of a rocket launcher.  She WISHED she had had her camera.

Meanwhile, during his evening walk, he made friends the other day with Martin, the chef at the golf course.  Martin seems to think the FG is cool. So the other day, he asked my human if the FG could have a treat.  "Sure" she said.  Well, let me tell you, the Picky Picard was NOT picky over barbecued chicken.  Martin made a friend for life.  Now the FG pulls to go and see Martin, and he even waited patiently while Martin went in last night to get him another treat of chicken.  Clearly the FG is more trainable than I thought - he remembers VERY well.

Tomorrow my human has the last day of an important program at work.  She then has a few weeks that will be less busy before her time gets crazy for another 4.5 week program.  We are looking forward to some shorter work days for a few weeks.  Not that it will stop us from getting up at 5 AM.  It's light out - so who wants to waste a perfectly good day!  Besides, I think Einstein and I need to meet Martin too.  We like chicken. We like anything!!

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 14

Designer duds

So.  My human was reading about this on-line business in the UK that started in February.  And their big thing is selling designer dog clothes.  Coats and jackets,  jumpers (or sweaters for people not in the UK) and hoodies, tops, t-shirts, bandanas and bow ties - you can find it all at their website...
https://www.aurorapets.co.uk/

Oh and they sell collars and other stuff too.  At first I thought it was all for little dogs.  But I see they offer things in size extra large.  Ugh.  I hope my human doesn't get any bright ideas.

But it wasn't their website that made ME take notice.  It was an article about their company - and a person interviewed for the article who has a dog named Rocky. Rocky looks to be a chihuahua in his photo.  And are you ready for this crazy bit of info... Rocky has more than 1500 outfits.  Yes.  1500!   Oh and by the way, Rocky also has a diamond decorated bed worth more than $2000.  Hello?  How do you spell spoiled?  Or is the word excessive?    Rocky can go for more than three years without wearing the same outfit twice.  Who KNEW one could even FIND 1500 different outfits for dogs.  He must have his own tailor.  Better him than me.  And I thought wearing the dreaded raincoat was bad.   I wonder if Rocky gets to select what he wears.  Like humans, he probably wears only 20 of those outfits and the rest hang in the closet.  I want to see Rocky's closet. 

Meanwhile, here at the zoo, things continue to improve.  We hope. Cone-head is at least not waking my human in the middle of the night.  And Butt-head is not bothering him.  Well, at least not as much.  Please keep your fingers crossed that it continues....

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days:  14

News

So time to see what’s new in the world of dogs.  Besides the three in this house.

First of we have the story of the service dog who was about to board a plane in Tampa, Florida-and gave birth to a treasury of 8 puppies in the airport.  The mother was a two year old Golden retriever.  Now while  the story DID have a happy ending, I DO wonder why the humans  would even consider flying with a dog who was about to give birth.  Just sayin’.  The dog was lucky the airport paramedics were helpful with the delivery... Guess those weren’t very experienced breeders....Like I said, just sayin’.

Meanwhile, in Montana,  a rancher shot a mysterious, scary creature that he feared was about to attack his livestock.  The thing is, they don’t know what he shot.  It doesn’t look exactly like a wolf.  Or a coyote.  Or a dog.  But it could be a cross of two of those animals.  Or it could be an alien.  The tabloids are leaning that way.  I think it’s a PON-Picard cross.  Now THAT would truly be scary!

And lastly, you have heard of the Run for the Roses- the famous Kentucky Derby Horse Race we talked about a few weeks ago. Well this past weekend was another famous race - but in California.  The run for the Corgis. Check this out....

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2018/may/28/corgis-in-california-race-top-dog-in-pictures

I think we need to start an International Run for the PONs.  Put a full food dish at the end of the race track and it could be very interesting.   VERY interesting. My human said they should put in jumps with water, just to keep things extravinteresting.  Ha.  Ha.

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 13

PONdini strikes

Did you know that on this day in 1937, the car manufacturer, Volkswagen was founded?   We like our VW Golf, Ludwig.  He’ll be 2 years old this fall and he is still like new.  Although Einstein tried to destroy him the other day...

The rule in Ludwig is “No dogs in the front seat.” When we are traveling, we are put in a crate.  And if all three of us are going somewhere, the FG is in a crate that is positioned across the vehicle (with the rear seats folded down, of course),and Einstein and I ride behind the crate, in an area that is still plenty big enough for the two of us.  Well the other day when my human took Cone-head back to the vet, she didn’t want to put him in the crate with his head gear on.  So she put him in the area behind the crate.  And he rode to the vet just fine.  And he stayed in the back, as we always do.

After Cone-head did his drama performance in the back room at the vet, my human put him in the vehicle while she waited for the bill to be tallied, and to get his new medication.  She chatted with one of the staff people for a bit and then went to the car.  And as she approached the vehicle, she could not see Cone-head through the back window.  Now I should have mentioned that when the crate is positioned across the vehicle, there is very little room between the crate and the back side doors. When one opens the back side door, one can open the crate door, but there is not much room.   So it is very difficult to go from the rear of the vehicle to the front seat.   VERY difficult.  Especially if one is wearing a cone.  But remember, we are talking about Cone-head aka Einstein aka PONdini.  And just like the great magician who could escape chains and handcuffs, a cone in a VW was no match for PONdini.  He SOMEHOW managed to wedge himself between the crate and the back side door and was able to rid himself of the cone.  He then wedged his way into the front seat.  Like Gumby.  Where he MUST have proceeded to lick himself like crazy, because the seat was all wet.  No - not the passenger seat.  The driver’s s seat.

When my human opened her door, he leaped into the passenger seat.  And just stared at her.  He was mighty annoyed that he had his private parts again examined and shaved. He was suffering from PTPE - post traumatic private exam - and he felt it was all my human’s fault.  The wet seats covered with hair were a bit of payback. 

My human actually let him ride in the passenger seat on the way home.  She didn’t have the energy to put him in the back. So I believe if one was keeping score, this would be PON-1, human -0. 

The good news is, that Cone-head IS seeming better.  He’s not 100% - although he has not lost his appetite or his energy.  And despite  the fact that he KNOWS what the cone is for, he willingly puts it on every time.  I’m not sure I would be so accommodating....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 12

The sun

May 27. It’s  Sunscreen Protection Day.  And did you know that just like humans, we dogs can get sunburned?  AND too much sun can lead to skin cancer?! It’s reportedly most dangerous for white, short haired breeds like Dalmatians and Bull Terriers.  I see that some sites claim that we coated dogs like PONs and Picards are at less risk for sunburn, but certainly areas like noses and ear tips could be susceptible to sunburn if we are outdoors all day.  With dogs with fair colored noses, who are light in color with a short coat,  the sun CAN definitely be dangerous, so those dogs, who are outdoors between 10-4, should probably have sunscreen applied. Sunscreen should be applied on ears and noses, around the lips and on the belly and groin area. 

There are sunscreens specially formulated for dogs.  Dogs should NOT use human sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or  para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).  These ingredients are TOXIC to dogs if we lick the stuff.  So do NOT use sunscreens with these in gredients.  At all.  I have NOT used this product, but apparently it is good for dogs...

http://www.epi-pet.com/sunscreen.aspx

Alternatively, if your canine kid is going to be outdoors for a long time, a body suit could be used.  Oh joy. Oh happiness.  Wouldn’t we just LOVE that? Humans need to be aware though, that we dogs can get heatstroke if outdoors for too long in the heat.  And that’s really no joking matter.  And I hate to burst the bubble for those folks who think that shaving their double coated dogs in the summer will keep them cooler.  On the contrary - it can expose them more to the sun. To avoid this problem, if you must shave your dog, keep at least one inch of coat to protect your dog from the sun’s rays. I know that many PON owners DO shave their dogs to cut down on grooming and for dogs who love to swim ( which is neither PON in THIS household ) a shorter coat has less drying time, and there is less likelihood of getting a hot spot.  But try to keep that one inch of coat. 

Things are SLOWLY returning to “normal” here at the zoo.  Although at 3AM on Saturday morning, Cone-head was feeling uncomfortable.  So he started squeaking.  My human took ALL of us out ( one at a time) and we each got a treat.  Thanks to Cone-head for his dramatic performance.  In addition, my human is now able to allow Cone-head and Butt-head to be in the same room for a longer period of time without chaos erupting.  By Saturday afternoon, Cone-head was not squeaking, and Butt-head was not lunging.  Things are looking up.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure- free days: 11

Is her luck changing?

My human came home from work last night and decided that her luck is changing....

She got home and was supposed to meet the neighbors at the golf course for a meal.  It was a long week (although it really was a short week- but multiple vet trips made it seem long. That and being up repeatedly throughout the nights).  So she welcomed the invite to join folks for a bite.

When she got home, Cone-head was relieved of his lampshade while we went out, and for some odd reason, my human decided NOT to let me run free.  Must have been that weird human intuition.  Cone-head and I went out before Butt-head.  We ran around to the back of the house, with me on leash, did our thing and raced back to the front door.  But we heard something. A LOUD rustling in the foliage along the front of the house. My human thought it must be a bird.  Cone-head heard it and had to go in the bushes to see what it was.  In the meantime, my human and I were standing at the opposite end of the house.  Cone-head went in and suddenly, a rabbit burst out of the bushes and literally raced within 3 feet of me and my human.  I was so shocked I didn’t realize what was coming, but my brain registered pretty quickly that Mr Bunny should be chased.  Cone-head was two steps ahead of me until I reached the end of the leash. Cone-head would have taken off, but my human shouted “no.”  It works for Cone-head.  It would NOT have worked for me.  Not a chance.  I would have been GONE.  My human stared at the heavens and said “thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.”  

Cone-head continues to moan  and groan about his “condition “ and Butt-head continues his role as nurse. Which continues to result in annoying barking and lunging.  But it DID seem to be a bit better yesterday.  All that praying to St. Roch has paid off. ( He’s the patron saint of dogs). I think we should be praying to Saint Jude - the patron Saint of desperate cases. 

It’s Saturday- time for some extra long walks.  I wish all of you a cone-free day.

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 10

Cone-head. Part 2.

And so the drama continues...

When my human went to work yesterday, we  three amigos were all separated.  Cone-head was in the front hall, Butt-head was in the run in the garage, and yours truly had free reign in the house.  I won the coin toss. When my human got home from work, Cone-head was happily waiting in the hall, and he seemed fine. For about 5 minutes.  And then the squeaking began - and it was clear he was in discomfort.  Again.  My human tried to get a look at the area, but he wouldn’t let her- he kept squirming.   She knew that our vet would be closing in less than an hour, but she called and pleaded.  The woman who answered the phone said they were fully booked, but a tech could look at Cone-head.  My human said she would be there in 12 :minutes- it was better than going to the Emergency again.

My human left Cone-head in the car and went in.  The waiting room was packed.  I mean PACKED.  But, I think because my human has frequent flier miles there, the tech was called and she immediately came out.  My human had to return to get Cone-head from the car.  And he was whisked in past the waiting crowds, wearing the infamous cone.  Like some kind of celebrity.  A celebrity wearing a lampshade. 

My human didn’t go in the back with him- as she usually does, because she KNEW they were lucky to be seen at all.  She could hear Come-head’s dramatic cries from the waiting area.  Now before you start saying “awwwwwwwww....poor Frodo,” remember this dog screams when you brush his paws.  Really.   Anyway, when the tech emerged with Cone-head who was CLEARLY ready to go home, she explained that they shaved more hair in his nether regions and low and behold, his scraped jewel had a bit of an infection.  Yowza.  No wonder he was uncomfortable.  My human figures he was crying either from the infection or the fact that he didn’t want to be shaved to have his private parts revealed for all the world to see.  Good thing he isn’t entered in any dog shows any time soon.  

Cone-head came home and had new medication to take.  My human kept Butt-head in the hallway for some of the time - so that Cone-head would settle down.  

So we’ll see how this new medication works.  One thing I know for sure, when Cone-head is squeaking and he looks particularly miserable, if my human says “would you like a treat?” the moaning immediately stops. I mean totally.  I realize Cone-head IS sore - but he is going to milk this as MUCH as he can.  Good one, Cone-head.  Go for it.  He’s getting LOTS of treats.  And of course, we are sharing in his misery....

TGIF!!!! Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 9

 

Cone-head and butt-head

So cone-head and butt-head are still at it.  Those are the new names for Einstein and the FG. It is UNBELIEVABLE that I am the good dog in this household. 

Butt-head continues to go after cone-head.  Cone-head in turn, is so annoyed, he actually grabbed a bunch of hair on butt-head's face, and tore it off.  But not to worry - butt-head obviously was not hurt because he went right back to try again. My human immediately stepped in to end that round.

The really bad part yesterday was the fact that my human discovered that cone-head had a bunch of his hair stuck to the sore spot.  IMAGINE trying to fix THAT dilemma.  Honestly, if this was a reality show, everyone would think it was fake.  

 The squeaking by both cone-head AND butt-head sounds like living in an aviary.  Last night, my human even gave cone-head a few drops of my CBD oil to  settle him down.  She seriously considered chugging the whole bottle herself. 

Oh yes - and on top of our insanity, my human is battling ants.  It's that time of year when the pesky insects make their way through cracks in the most crazy places and they are driving my human nuts.  I think it's a good thing - it takes her mind off the battle of cone-head and butt-head.  Sure it does.  She has been placing ant traps in inaccessible places.  Inaccessible to us dogs.  Not the ants.  In fact, she found ants crawling all over one.  So either it is working great - or she needs some new ammunition.  

Someone suggested my human needs a vacation.  She actually has planned a few days away in August - only to find that our most recent dog sitter - who stayed with us in November, is no longer sitting.  My human thinks we made her retire.  And another potential sitter is getting married.  Really - I think the marriage excuse is a bit much.  OK.  She is getting married like three days before my human plans to be away.  Does she REALLY need a honeymoon?  The newlyweds could stay here!  On a lake.  In the "woods."  Near a golf course.  Three pleasant dogs.  What more could newlyweds want?  

Keep those fingers crossed that the sore on cone-head continues to heal.  If he continues to complain today, he may end up at our vet's tonight.  Just for a check up.  Not to stay.  

And if anyone knows a good dog sitter in our area, please contact my human.  She actually pays danger pay.  Just kidding.  Actually - no, I'm not....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 8

The cone of shame.

You know the old saying, it's all fun and games until somebody ends up in a cone....

So you may recall the torn nail the other day.  The one belonging to Einstein.  The one that my human bandaged.  The one that appeared fine.  And it IS.  But the problem after the unfortunate injury did not have to do with Einstien so much as it had to do with me and the FG.  We were nurses in another life.  And we wanted to FIX that nail.  By licking it.  My human had to constantly keep telling us to stop showering Einstein with "affection."

But then the next day, something ELSE happened.  The FG, who was already obsessed with Einstien's nail, now became OBSESSED with...well...Einstein's nether areas.  I mean CRAZY obsessed.  BEYOND his noraml crazy.  My human has not had male and female dogs together, but she guesses the behavior was QUITE like having an intact (or non-neutered) male with an intact (non-spayed) female.  My human has HEARD the stories of males going OUT of their minds while a female comes into season.     Well that was like the FG and Einstein.  The FG would NOT let Einstein alone.  He would poke him with his nose and Einstein would swing round and bark at him.  The FG would come back again.  Einstein would bark again.  Einstien would chase him.  The FG would come back again.  My human would use the squirt gun.  The FG would come back again.  The FG would attempt to even mount Einstein.  IMAGINE how well THAT went over.  My human would have to put him in his crate - it got so out of hand.

It would stop for periods of time, but at 2:30 AM on Sunday morning, my human had had enough, when it started again.  She got up and put the FG in his crate and it was at that point that she realized that Einstein was clearly in discomfort.   She examined his rear end for mats.  Nope.  But he was panting and seemed in distress.  She called the emergency hospital and asked if is could be an anal gland problem.  Not that he has ever had one, but it seemed like a possible reason.  They said to take him out for a walk and then apply a warm compress to his butt.  So here she was, walking the road at 3AM and she then applied the compress.  He seemed better after that and went to sleep, so she figured if it was an anal gland problem (with no visible signs of an abcess) he would be OK until at least the next morning.

 Monday morning,  Einstein appeared fine.  He pooped and peed and ran around and ate his breakfast like normal.  We even went for a nice long walk with our buddy, Pig Pen.  The FG went for a good walk, but still when he came back, at every chance, he would go after Einstein.  My human had a funeral to attend, so she left the FG in his crate.  She examined Einstein, and although he did attempt to lick his nether regions a few times, he seemed OK.  After the funeral, my human had a few errands so she got home mid-afternoon.  She let the FG out of his crate and he immediately went to sniff Einstein.  Who by this point was starting to bite the FG on his face.  Clearly not hard enough, because although he would squeak, he would go back after Einstein again.  My human figured something was really wrong.  She called another 24 hour clinic - because remember - this was a holiday and our regular vet was still not open.   They suggested she take another good look - it could definitely be an anal gland problem.  Back they went on the grooming table.  My human searched his rear end (the stuff that dog people are used to doing), and noticed nothing.  And then, she touched his privates.  Ooooo-eeee.  She found the problem.  She couldn't get a great look - but it appeared that one of the family jewels was quite red.  Problem solved.  Sort of.  Now what to do.  Go to emergency, of course. 

I should have prefaced this whole story by reminding you that Einstein IS a COMPLETE drama king.  I mean you brush him and you would think he was being tortured.  So IMAGINE a scrape in the nether nether areas...

The vet examined him (with lots of assistance and much moaning and groaning - by Einstein - not the vet) and said that the jewels were safe, but he did have an abrasion.  My human figured that it probably happened while racing over a log or through branches out beyond the trail.  The vet gave her some cream to put on the spot (good luck with that) and some medication for pain.  She said it would relax him.  My human asked the vet if she could take some herself.  The vet did not laugh.

Along with the cream and the pills, they came home with the cone of shame.  The vet didn't want Einstein licking at the sore area.  My human should have really got cones for all three of us.  Big mistake on her part.  Actually, when Einstein growls at me - should I attempt it, I DO back off.  But Mr. Stubborn?  Not so much.  Hopefully the sore will heal quickly because right now, my human can't leave the two of them together.  It is total chaos.  TOTAL chaos. Barking, lunging, poking, snapping, squeaking - it's crazier than a session of Congress.

At the end of the day, one REALLY can't be mad at the FG.  It was his persistance that alerted my human to the problem.  Sort of.  I think she should give the guy credit for trying to help out.

Please say a prayer that this heals quickly.  Or my human will be locking HERSELF in the crate.  And taking a few of those pills....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!
Seizure-free days: 7

Losing it

It’s official.  My human is losing it.  Literally and figuratively.

It all started on Wednesday, when she realized I was down to the last drops in my bottle of CBD oil.  I have continued to take CBD oil - a different version than I originally started with.  It’s a long, complicated story, and I won’t get into the chemical make up of this stuff.  What I can tell you is that it is full spectrum CBD, but it does not contain THC - the part of the cannabis plant that makes humans high.  This stuff comes from Colorado and apparently is USDA inspected.  The challenge with this stuff is finding a product that contains what it says on the bottle.  IF it even says anything on the bottle.  Anyway, for now we are sticking with this stuff - and although as we all know I still do have seizures, they do not last as long.  So my human doesn’t want to change anything for now.

Back to the story.  The product we get is distributed in Canada by a company here in Nova Scotia.  It’s a little over an hour from our house.  In the Valley area of the province - which is our agricultural area for those who have never been here.  Lots of apples are grown there and in recent years, grapes.  Which means lots of new wineries springing up all the time.  

So on Wednesday night my human placed an order on line for my stuff.  The company, Dogs of Pride is always SUPER prompt in filling orders.  They also carry several brands of REALLY good dog grooming products.  But that’s another story.  My human knew they would ship the stuff on Thursday and sure enough, there was notice in our mailbox on Friday that the package was at the post outlet at a local pharmacy. We had JUST enough to squeeze out my dose for Friday night - so my human went on Saturday morning to pick up the stuff.  Which comes in a box that measures 6”x4”x4”.  Keep that in mind.

On Saturday night, my human went to open the box.  She had been shopping and she had things in a few bags.  So she looked for the box.  Not in bag #1.  Not in bag #2.  Nor in #3.  She went back to look in the car to see if the box had fallen out.  It’s small.  But not THAT small.  She looked on the floor.  She looked in the back seat.  No box.  She looked around the house.  Had she put it somewhere and not remembered?  Nope.  So now she starts thinking back.  She picked up the box in the postal outlet and then went to an ATM machine in the back of the store.  Then she purchased something at the counter at the front of the store.  But her heart sunk.  She couldn’t remember carrying the box out of the store.  So she MUST have left it by the ATM machine.  By now, of course, the store was closed.  She was in a panic.  Would I have a seizure?!  She had some of the original stuff I had been taking before - so gave me that, praying I would not have a seizure.  And I thankfully didn’t.

The next morning, she was waiting as the store opened.  She rushed to the ATM machine expecting to see the box on a nearby counter.  No box.  I should note, this little box of stuff costs over $175.  She looked behind the ATM.  No box.  So she went to the front of the store.  “Did anyone hand in a box?”  Nope.  Could it be back in the postal outlet?  The young clerk explained that the postal outlet was closed on Sunday, and they didn’t have a key to get in the back.  My human explained that the package contained medication for her dog.  Another clerk offered to call the postal clerk who had workrd the day before, to see if anything had been turned in.  She couldn’t reach her - but another clerk kindly offered to come in and take a look.  My human was SO grateful.  When the girl emerged empty handed, my human’s heart sank.  The girl said it was possible it was put somewhere, but she couldn’t find it - and we would have to wait to hear from the original clerk.  My human thanked them for their effort as she did one more scan of the small store.

She went back to the car.  Now what?  With the holiday yesterday, she knew the earliest she would receive a shipment would be Wednesday. She just didn’t want to take a chance that I would seizure.  So she called the store in the Valley.  They were not open - but the owner answered her cell phone.  My human explained the dilemma and the owner kindly agreed to meet my human at the store.  Problem solved.  Now she just needed to drive a little over an hour to get the stuff.  In what was at times, torrential rain.  But not to worry - she made it and had a wonderful visit with the owner of the store who thankfully understands crazy dog owners.  While there, my human figured she might as well buy some grooming supplies too - might as well make this trip doubly worth it.  She parted after what was probably an hour, thanked the woman profusely, and headed home.  But not before she stopped to take some photos of her adventure....

When she got home, we were all excited to see her.  In addition to the grooming supplies she also got some yummy treats.  All was right with the world.  Medication ready to go.  However, my human STILL kept thinking about the original box.  She was so disappointed that someone had probably noticed it - and had taken it.  That was the only explanation.  The person wouldn’t even know what was it the box.  Mind you, there ARE people like that in the world.  It continued to bother my human.  She looked again around the house.  No box.  She looked around the garage.  No box.  She looked again in the car.  No box.  She opened the passenger door.  No box.  And then, she reached UNDER the passenger seat...

Never a dull moment I tell ya.  Never ever.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 6

An experiment

My human would like to try an experiment.  She would like to get a warren of rabbits.  That’s one word for a group of rabbits. Other words to describe them include a colony, a nest, a down or a husk.  Who knew you call a group of rabbits a husk?!  The other option for domestic rabbits is a herd.  Somehow the vision of a herd of rabbits sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. Anyway, I digress.

So the experiment involves a colony of rabbits.  The experimenter would place them on the front lawn. Of our house.  Somehow.  And then the experimenter would open the front  door to our home.  With two PONs at the front door.  Seems like there would be a pretty simple hypothesis about what would happen.  But wait.  I forgot to add one important element to the experiment.   Rain.  It would be pouring rain.  And it would be windy too.  Now, what’s the hypothesis?  I would say that one PON might venture out to chase a rabbit or two.  But would quickly come back.  That would be me.  I am not a huge fan of rain.  Especially if I was forced to wear a raincoat.  Einstein?  I predict, with 99.9% accuracy that he would NOT go out that door.  Nope.  Not even a husk of rabbits could make him go out.  A husk of rabbits waving dog treats.  Nope.  He wouldn’t go.

And so was the scene yesterday morning at 5:30AM.  I still got up at our regular time even though it was the weekend, but there was no anxious spinning and barking to go out the door.  None.  I did approach the door - when my leash was put on, but Einstein retreated to a spot under the dining room table.  He had NO intention of going out.  He heard the rain.  The FG just watched the proceedings. 

I got to go first.  And let’s face it - who can poop while wearing a raincoat?  True - the coat doesn’t obstruct anything - but it just doesn’t feel right to poop in a coat.  So we walked.  And walked.  And WALKED.  Trudged is more like it. When my human had no luck on the road or around our house, she put me the the vehicle, drove me down the road to the trail (which was her last resort)and took me out there.   And I finally went.  Then it was Einstein’s turn.  First she had to catch him.  He circled under the dining room table.  Then he squirmed as she put on the ill-fitting plaid raincoat.  I got to wear the flashy blue one, but it was already too wet to wear.  Instead of dragging him up to the road, once she managed to get him out the door, she took him into the backyard.  I had warned him as they went out that my human was NOT giving up.  She was already soaked, so she was determined to get results.  For a change, he complied rather quickly.  And then it was the FG’s turn. 

 First off, there is no coaxing with him.  Rain, snow, hail - he doesn’t care.  Mind you, by the time it was his turn, my human didn’t even feel like putting on another raincoat, so he went out naked. No worries with him really - he’s wash and wear anyway.  AND , thankfully for my human, he is a power pooper.  You tell him, and he goes.  They were back in the house in no time.

The rest of the morning we lounged around as we didn’t want to go anywhere.  Bonus for my human who took advantage of our low energy, and went back to bed for about an hour.  

Today is a holiday - Victoria Day - a day to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday.  Wonder what she would have thought about the wedding the other day? I thought the bride looked lovely.  The FG thought that dress would have been perfect to rub his face in.  My human watched the entire proceedings.  Kind of like watching a live fairytale.  Good luck to the couple.  May the fairytale continue, even when you have to pick up your partner’s stinky socks from a heap on the bathroom floor.  Wait.  They have servants for that, don’t they?  Anyway, we do wish them well.  Even though our invitation never arrived in time....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 5

Flowers

May 20. And according to the crazy calendar, it is Flower Day.  I guess it’s a day to appreciate flowers.  The canines in this household appreciate flowers.  We like to eat dandelions and we will pee on any other flowering plant that dares to grow on our property.  Right now, the mantra is “don’t pee on the lupines.”   Lupines grow wild here and they are coming up like crazy on the part of our property closest to the road.  It started with a few flowers and now they are really spreading.  They will open in a few weeks. My human really likes the tall, cylindrical flowers that come mostly in purple and white, and sometimes also in pink on our property.  And right now, as they are coming up, she struggles to drag  us down the road when we go for a walk, so we don’t stop to water them. 

I’m thinking though, that our watering is really not that bad.  I take as an example, a hosta growing in our yard.  We have LOTS of varieties of hosta, and while many people say they have trouble with deer eating them, it has never been a problem for us.  Anyway, there is one hosta in particular that really gets a LOT of pee showers ALL FALL AND WINTER and right through spring.  And I mean a LOT of pee.  And guess what?  It is looking great and will no doubt be one of the biggest hostas we own.  Obviously our pee did no harm with that plant.  Maybe we could market that hosta as pee resistant.  

Today we have a rainy day forecast.  Not good for us PONs, but my human is quite happy to settle in with a book and relax.  As IF we will EVER let her do that.  I’m banking on some games of Find the Bunny. On the flip side, I hope she doesn’t have any plans for grooming...  Uh oh.  Excuse me while I go and hide...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 4

Somebody is bleeding.....

My human has decided she would like a day without any drama.  Just one day.  No seizures, swarms of black flies, bears, banana swallowing, counter surfing capers - just one day of peace.  But no.  Not in THIS house.

On Thursday she had a busy, busy day at work.  She zipped home to walk and feed us but then had to go back for an evening event at work. She made arrangements with a neighbor to come in and give me my 7 PM medication.  She got home just as the sun was setting - around 8:30 PM.  She was tired and  debated whether to let us run around outside. It was starting to get dark, so she wasn’t sure she should take a chance.  But she stuffed her pockets with tasty treats and opened the front door - and Einstein and I EXPLODED out the door.  Barking and rolling and chasing each other in total PONdemonium- like we hadn’t just spent the whole day together.  Of course, the FG was on a leash - my human wasn’t about to lose him in the woods. We raced around for a few minutes, peed and ran back to the door to get the treats.  Perfect.  Or so my human thought.  As she took off her coat and prepared to dole out the treats she looked at the floor.  BIG bloody footprints.  Everywhere. And she immediately spotted the victim.  It was Einstein.  Who was still jumping around  but clearly injured.  She grabbed him and picked him up so quickly, none of us even saw the move coming.  She whisked him into the garage aka grooming torture palace aka surgical suite to examine the injury. It was the left rear foot.  

At the BEST of times, Einstein doesn’t like anyone touching his feet. So you can IMAGINE the scene with one very tired human and a squirmy, hurting PON. My human couldn’t get a really good look - but it appeared to be a nail and not a pad problem.  It almost looked like the nail was torn. So what to do?  Bandage it.  She got out gauze and vet wrap and went to work.  After she finished she put one of those rubber boots on him - the kind that look like a balloon.  At first Einstein walked kind of wonky but was then fine.  But, the FG was obsessed with the new attire and would NOT leave him alone.  By this point, it was after 10 so my human figured she would try to sleep.  She sequestered the FG in his kennel - to keep him from bugging Einstein who kept rushing at him and barking like mad.  My human went to lie down - but in typical obsessive fashion, started worrying that Einstein would bleed to death.  My human is a BIT dramatic at times.  So at 10:30, she got up and took him back to the surgical suite.  This was, of course, after she had done some on-line research.  She carefully unwrapped the foot and saw that it HAD continued to bleed.  BUT it NOW clearly had stopped.  She didn’t want to poke and probe too much - so she wrapped it back up.   Then she proceeeded to groom him.  Really.  She was wide awake and figured in some twisted logic that she could keep him off the foot by grooming him. She finished around midnight and decided she could either go to the 24 hour vet (which seemed a bit of overkill given that the bleeding had stopped and he was not limping or in obvious discomfort) or she could go to bed as she had a busy day at work the next day.  She opted for bed - but set her alarm for 4:30.  So she could get up and examine him.  No I am NOT kidding.  At 4:30 she figured she would first  take us out for our morning walk and then examine the foot to see how it was after walking.  Not the regualar walk - just a short jaunt. And if there was a problem, she would drop him off at our vet on the way to work. 

Thank goodness we didn’t happen to run into the bear at 4:30 or the porcupine a neighbor had spotted in their yard that evening.  If we had run into the bear, my human would have probably surrendered - she was so tired.  After our walk, she took the FG out.  And she then returned to the surgical suite with Einstein.  She AGAIN examined the foot and there was no sign of bleeding.  But she still wrapped it again.   Just to be sure.  He still wasn’t happy about letting her examine it - but as I said before, that’s nothing new.  She knew the FG would still be obsessed with Einstein, so he got to spend the day in the run in the garage - while my human went to work.  She was so proud of her bandaging skills.  It looked fabulous.  However, at around 10:30 in the morning, when she went to check on us via Big Brother, she saw Einstein ripping her bandage masterpiece off his foot.  She had to stop watching as she knew there was nothing she could do.  

The good news in this whole saga and drama?  She got home from work and Einstein appeared fine.  He was not limping or bleeding and if you didn’t know about the excitement from the night before, you wouldn’t know anything happened.  He’s not bothering with the foot although the FG and I would LOVE to lick it if given the chance.  The squirt gun is being carried everywhere by my human.  It s a great deterrent.

Thank goodness it’s a long weekend!  She NEEDS Monday off!  MAYBE one day this weekend will be drama-free.  But then again, what fun is that?!

 Now excuse me while I prepare to watch the wedding.  Cheerio!

Have a jolly good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 3 

Puntastic

May 18.  And according to the crazy calendar it is O. Henry Pun Off day.  A day to honor the writer William Syndey Porter from the 1800's whose pen name was O. Henry.  Stories by O. Henry often included twisted, suprise endings and used wordplay.   So in Texas each year, there is a Pun contest to honor the author”s artisic use of words - through puns.

So I decideed to loook up some dog puns.  And thanks to Reader's Digest, I was able to find a few.  They are groaners - so don’t  blame me.  I didn't write them.  Here we go...

What do you call a dog that floats ?   A  pug boat

What do you call a sad pup who loves fruit?   A mellon collie

What was the dog’s favorite type of homework?  A lab report

What did the dog at the contrsuction site say?   My specialty is roofing.

What do you call a dog magician?    A Labracadabrador

 Why did the tree think the dog was talking to him?  He kept saying "bark, bark, bark."

What do you get when you cross a cocker spaniel, a poodle and a rooster?  A cockerpoodledoo.

What's the diference between a dog and a marine biologist?  One wags a tail and the other tags a whale.

What did the Dalmation say after a big meal?  That hit the spot. 

What kind of dog does Dracula have?  A bloodhound
 
What’s a chihuahua’s favorite Christmas carol?  Fleas Navidad

Why aren't dogs good dancers?  Because they have two left feet.

OK.  Enough of that.  Remember- I just found ‘em.  

Tomorrow we will have to get up extra early with our human.  We’ll be settling in front of the telly  to watch the big event - the Royal wedding. I’m disappointed my invitation in the mail didn’t arrive on time,  but I’ll still watch it.  Wonder if there will be any dogs in the ceremony....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 2 

Mistaken identity

Well here is an interesting story out of China.  Given our adventure the other night, it caught my eye.  Seems a family in China purchased a "puppy" two years ago.  And they were surpised at how quickly he was growing.  Turns out he is an Asiatic Black Bear.  Really.   They thought it was a Tibetan Mastiff puppy.  Really.  But don't think they are crazy to not recognize the difference.  Apparently some other guy in China found a stray "dog" in the woods and raised it in a cage.  It also turned out to be a bear.  I'm thinking that guy might have known the differnece - given that he DID keep it in  a cage.  But really.  There's not much chance we would EVER make that mistake with our recent visitor.  Even if he was a cub...

But if you think mistaking a bear for a dog is unusual - what abut the story of the guy in Florida who also made a big mistaken identity error.  Apparently he went to pick up the family Maltese at the groomer - and are you ready - brought home the WRONG dog.  He THOUGHT the dog seemed a bit "different" but it wasn't until he got the dog home that his sons noticed he had the wrong dog.  And, of course, his sons turned to social media to share their father's embarrassing mistake.  You can be sure he won't make that error again!

As you may have noticed,  I, unfortunately, had another seizure the other night.  My human has a suspician as to why it might have happened - in fact, that evening she was wondering if it would.  It seems every time I get low on my potassium bromide medication - like there is an inch left in the bottom of the bottle, I have a seizure.  She actually asked the pharmacist the last time it happened if the medication loses it's potency over time.  They said it's not used a lot - so they had no info on shelf life.  But it did happen the last time the bottle was low - so MAYBE that was the reason?  Who knows.  It's just disappointing.

Anyway, it's Thursday so one more day of work for my human after today and THEN she has a three day weekend!  Whooo  hooo.  Longer walks!!  In the dark.   Before the black flies get up.  While making lots of noise to scare away bears.  I can't WAIT!!!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!
Seizure-free days: 1

Pooh. Or Paddington. Or Smokey. Or T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Well QUITE the excitement at our place Monday night.  Around 8PM, my human went into the kitchen for a little snack.  Any GOOD snacks are hidden in the microwave for safety reasons.  She headed for the stash and happened to look out the kitchen window. And not 20 feet away she saw the rear end of a creature ambling away from the house.  A BIG jet black rear end.  A bear.  She went to grab her phone to take a photo as he wandered up the grassy hill and disappeared behind the bed of large bushes and plants. She stood there shaking - not knowing what to do.  She called a neighbor who didn’t answer and quickly hung up as she saw him again- heading back down the driveway toward the house. 

OK.  Now I hate to admit this, but none of us watch dogs were the least bit aware of the intruder.  The kitchen window is too high - although the FG CAN look out if he puts both paws on the counter.  But we were all basically silent.  My human watched as he approached our garbage cans.  When he attempted to knock one over, she knocked on the window and he ran off.  The knocking on the window started the canine chorus, so she figured that was the end of Paddington. Nope.  He came back and attempted again to knock over the bin.  This time he did, but one bag in the can contained some broken glass, so the sound of it falling over seemed to scare him and he took off.  And then he came back again.  This time he knocked over the can full of dog poop bags.  The guy must have been desperate.  All the while, we were barking like mad- but we didn’t even know why. 

When he headed back to the can with the glass, my human decided he might hurt himself.  No.  I’m not kidding.  So she sequestered us in the house, and threw open the front door.  The sound of that scared Pooh for good, and he dashed into the woods- and this time disappeared for good.  

After a while, my human took us out for our last night pee.  And she wondered if we would react to his scent. Not us PONs.  Well actually we DID smell him, but had NO intention of following him.  This was no bunny!   Forget that!

When my human took the FG out, he was MUCH more interested in the scent.  Finally a potential playmate who could withstand his roughhousing. Right.  Wonder if the black flies bother Smokey?

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!
 Seizure-Free days: 0 Again.

Horrible guests.

We have company.  Bad company.  They are back.  And we cannot WAIT until they are gone.  Talk about unwelcome guests.  And they are as big and bad as ever.  Who?  The black flies.  It was like overnight. We went from hanging out on our deck, to being sequestered except for walks.  And it’s a good thing our walks are super early.  Black flies like to sleep in.  My human tried to do some yard work on Saturday, and she had to get her bug suit out.  They can also bite us dogs- and they really seemed to go for the FG’s ears.  Along with ticks, they are right up there with those things I would like to see become extinct.  Seriously.  I know it’s not nice to be so mean, but both insects have no redeeming qualities in my mind. Thankfully, unlike ticks, the miniature flying  piranhas will only be around for a few weeks.  In the meantime, we pray for wind.  STRONG winds to blow them into tomorrow.

We just need some researcher to figure out how to get the two insects to annihilate one another.  Now wouldn’t that be perfect...Anybody know a good entomologist?

And besides the horrid flies we had ANOTHER guest last night.  And that newcomer was a REAL doozy!  Be sure to read tomorrow’s blog about it.  And this one was no April Fools joke....  Stay tuned!  

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 13

Birthday boy adventures

So yesterday we got up and Einstein and I were all excited- we got to go for a long walk with Pig Pen and his human.  Early in the walk, Pig Pen rolled in something- so I became OBSESSED with him.  I stuck to him like glue.  And I kept smelling his face because whatever he rolled in was delectable.

I felt a bit sorry for the FG.  He was missing the fun. But little did I know my human already had plans for the birthday boy...

FIRST he got to go to the pet store to pick up dog food and treats.  He waltzed in and immediately began to shmooze - with the staff and other customers.  Of course the “what is he” question was the first out.  My human did her best Berger Picard promotional speech -while  he licked anyone who cared to listen.  THEN he got to go down the TOY aisle where he selected this ball within a ball toy which also has a handle.  He carried it to the register.

After the stop at the dream store, my human picked up her sister and they took the FG down to the boardwalk on the harbor downtown.  It was PACKED with people walking, kids, dogs, people on bikes, scooters, buskers entertaining- the weather was perfect so everyone came out.  At one point a guy stopped and said “oh my gosh is that a Berger Picard?!”  My human was shocked because people rarely know what the FG is.  He asked if he could pet him - and said he had read all about the breed and would like to get one some day. Well apparently the FG was the PERFECT ambassador- giving kisses and hugs and before my human knew it there must have been 6 people standing around looking at him. He lapped up the limelight.

They walked for several km. and he was the perfect dog. Except for one little “almost incident “ when it was crowded and my human thought the FG tried to goose a man from behind.  She pretended she didn’t see it. 

They came home and the FG conked right out.  Einstein and I were a BIT jealous, but mind you, we DID get our long walk in the morning- and it WAS the FG’s birthday.  Now I’m counting down the days until mine.  In October. Gotta plan ahead. I like the Pet Store part and we can skip the waterfront part.  Just take me to another pet store.  Where there are free samples.  Lots of them...

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 12

Happy birthday!!!

Well it’s a big day here. The FG is celebrating his birthday.  The big 2. Now if he was a human, we could expect the Terrible Twos.  I think we have already endured the Wild Ones. I must say, though,  that he IS beginning to settle down.  A bit. The other night when my human went to take me and Einstein out for our last pee, she must have been really tired - because she didn't close the interior door.  And just as we turned to come back in, the screen door burst open and out came the FG.  And it was dark out.  And he was FREEEEEEE.  My human had visions of him bolting for the woods and ending up as a porcupine  pin cushion.  She whisked us into the house, and calmly went out to get him.  She sweetly said "sit" at a distance of about 10 feet and she nearly passed out when he did! She calmly walked over to him, he wagged his tail and let her guide him back into the house.  So I guess he IS maturing.

I have also decided I am really starting to like him.  We frequently lie side by side and just hang out.  He doesn't attempt to lick my face, like he does with Einstein - he won't go that far, but we are quite comfortable together. 

Last year he had two remarkable events - the dog show where he got a Group 3 placement AND he passed his herding instinct test.  Without maiming any sheep. So although he didn't get to compete much - he had two big results.  We will see what this next year holds for him.

Happy birthday to my picky- eater adopted brother.  Just remember bro, any time you don't want to eat something, I'm here to help.  And by the way, I do think you are pretty cool.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 11

Guilt

 

My human is pooped out.  No wonder.  She gets up each day at 5AM.  If I don't get her up before then. I often try around 3 - but she is on to my fake requests and tells me to go back to sleep.  Which I do.  

She is feeling kind of guilty today because she entered the FG in a dog show this weekend.  Actual 4 dog shows.  She paid their entry fees and everything.  But she is pooped.  She has had a very busy time at work the last couple of weeks - so she doesn't  feel like she has the energy to go to the show.  I'm not sure what the big deal is.  I mean all she has to do is pack the vehicle with everything one needs for a show - grooming table, all kinds of grooming supplies (for a dog who basically needs a brushing.  But one never knows what one will need.)  Water.  Food.  Chair.  Mat for the floor.  Dryer.  In case a flood occurs and she needs to dry him off.  A change of clothing.  In case she drips ketchup from a dog show hotdog on her attire.  Extra shoes.  Crate.  Oh yeah - and then an assortment of leashes and collars.  One to walk the dog into the building.  Another to use in the show ring.  Bait (or treats in real world verancular).  Oh yeah - and then she needs the dog.  Who probably won't fit in the vehicle with all the other stuff.  

Imagine that she didn't feel she had the energy to lug all that stuff into the show site.  And then lug it all out the next day.  

Anyway, she still feels guilty because she DOES like to show him.  But his show career will have to wait until later in the summer - when her work is done.

In the meantime, today is also Limerick Day.  And I must confess, I'm reusing these from a previous blog.  I think they are good enough to repeat!

PONs

There once was a Polish breed

You cannot forget to feed

PONs will bark to remind you

To eat and to go poo

And will tell you JUST what they need.

 

PICARDS

There is a very special French breed 

The Picard is made for herding and speed

They love to leap and to run

Their middle name is "fun"

Look out when they are off leash and freed.

 

And here is a variation on a previous version...

 

DOGS

You’ll know right from the start

That we dogs are very smart

We' ll charm you

Never harm you

And steal a piece of you heart.

 

I THINK we may even let my human sleep in today.   Then again - she could use the exercise....we shall see....

 

Have a good one! Peace and pawsup!

Seizure-free days: 10 

Trivia

It's Friday, so time for some dog trivia that you can share with all your friends on the weekend.  First question - how many US states have official state dogs?  You know what I mean - states have official flowers, trees, etc.  But how many have an official state dog?   The answer: 12.  That surprised me.  I thought there would be more.  Now let's see if you can figure out some of the the breeds that go with the states.  Let's start with some easy examples...

1.  Alaska

2.  Massachusetts 

3.  Virginia.  Hint: George Washington was instrumental in starting this breed.

4.  Wisconsin.  Hint: a state with LOTS of lakes would have this American hunting breed.

OK.  Now these are tricky.  

5.  Pennsylvania.  Some say the head of this giant breed looks like the shape of the state.  Others say that William Penn who founded the state just liked these Gentle Giants

6.  Louisiana. Contrary to the name of the breed, they did not hunt for these big cats.

7.  South Carolina.  This bred originated there!  It is a type of spaniel.

8.  New Hampshire.  This sledding breed is said to have descended from dogs used by Adrmiral Perry in his travel to the North Pole.

9.  Maryland.  This sporting breed is named after a Bay in the state.

10. North Carolina. This hound descended from hounds in Germany that used to hunt wild boar. They have a rather conniving name.

So how do you think you did? If you get all of them correct, you are an extreme dog trivia expert.  Here are your answers:

1.  Alaskan Malamute 

2.  Boston terrier

3.  American Foxhound

4.  American Water Spaniel

5.  Great Dane

6.  Catahoula Leopard Dog

7.  Boykin Spaniel

8.  Chinook

9.  Chesapeake Bay Retriever

10. Plott Hound

Nova Scotia has an official dog. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog. JUST kidding.  The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  They give them away free to tourists when you come to visit.  JUST KIDDING AGAIN.  I don't want all the Toller  people getting mad at me - they are some of my most loyal blog readers.  

Anyway, feel free to share that trivia with your friends .  You will look very dog saaavy if you do.  

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!  Let the weekend begin!!!

Seizure-free days:  9

The morning....

Picture this idyllic scene...

It is a Spring morning.  The air is still crisp as the sun begins to rise.  There is a fine mist which the sunlight beams through.   The world is quiet, except for the birds who are chirping and calling their joyful "Good Morning" song.  There is dew on branches,  and all the trees have buds beginning to burst open.  The stream along the trail rushes along.  Two PONs silently walk along the trail, smelling the ground for traces of wildlife who had been there before them.  Their human breathes in the fresh air and is ready to begin a new day.  They walk and walk.

They decide to traverse the golf course on the way home.  They actually see a rabbit on the fairway, but for some reason, the PONs just watch as he runs away.  (Mind you, they ARE on a leash.)  They continue along and pass two ducks silently swimming across a pond.   There is no wind and it is a PERFECT morning.  PERFECT.

They reach the road, and continue on toward home.  And then, in the blink of an eye, the idyllic, mystical world changes.  A neighbor comes up his driveway, with garbage to leave at roadside.  And THAT is when heaven on earth becomes the quick road to hell.  Because the peace and solitude of the morning is broken - actually make that SMASHED - by a PON who explodes at the sight of the neighbor.   Everyone within a five mile radius is now, no doubt, awakened (at 5:35AM) by the sound of the PON turned Cujo.  And of course, this is one of two neighbors who is not EXACTLY enamoured by dogs.

As my human tries to put on her happy face greeting and explains the typical "he is just saying hello" the neighbor sidesteps the whirling dervish on the end of the leash.  Luckily yours truly doesn't make a sound.   My human tries to say a few words over the sound of the PONerator, while she is dragging him down the street.  She weakly waves good-bye.   No point- the neighbor isn't looking.  She, of course, tells Einstein that his behavior is unacceptable.  Blah-blah-blah.  He rolls his eyes.  I just want to get home for breakfast.

And then she gets to take the FG out...Luckily, THAT walk was uneventful.  For a change.  Thank goodness for small miracles...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
 Seizure-free days: 8

Barbara Woodhouse

May 9. And today is the birthday of Barbara Woodhouse - who  died in 1988 at the age of 78.  Don't know who Barbara Woodhouse is?   Well you should - because she was a famous dog trainer.  She was born in Ireland but spent much of her life in the UK.  She had her own television series and even appeared on the TV show 60 Minutes. She was famous for her “walkies” command, with a high pitched tone.  I watched a couple of videos with her demonstrating her training techniques.  Let’s just say the some of the positive reinforcement trainers of today would not agree with some of her “jerk and pull” techniques.  You can see her in action in this clip...sorry it ends rather abruptly- but it gives you an idea of her methods.

https://youtu.be/lou83JMvbCM

She sure had her work cut out for her training those humans.  And I wonder if kids were well behaved.

But before you assume Barbara was totally tough on dogs, watch this video with the actor William Shatner.

Note she doesn’t care too much for “show obedience” dogs.  Ugh - that would be Einstein.  He has obedience and rally titles.  BUT really, compared to me and the FG, he IS easy to live with. Except for the barking.  Which is incessant.  Like all the time. Morning, noon and night.  OK.  Maybe Barbara was right...

Anyway, you see in the last few minutes how she really feels about her dogs.  She dreams of them every night...

https://youtu.be/RGjHf5-vQ6k

My human decided to try Barbara’s “sit” command with the three of us - with the emphasis on the “t.”  Guess whose butt hit the floor instantaneously.  Yup.  Einstein.  The FG and I just stared at my human. Seriously.  She had no treats....

I think we would be in BIG trouble if Barbara was our trainer.  Although that thought scares me, I DO think Barbara understood us canines.  After all, one of her book titles was “No Bad Dogs.”  Really- that says it all, doesn’t it?

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 7

In the news. Literally.

I sometimes write about dog news, but I just came across these two videos of dogs IN the news.  Literally.

The first is a dog who interrupted a news anchor in Russia.  Check out the woman’s reaction when Fido appeared out of nowhere.  Apparently he was with a guest on the show, and he got loose.  The anchor woman said she is a “cat person.”  Can you tell?

https://youtu.be/tSJ69ZwWwzg

But if you really want a chuckle, check out this dog who appeared during a weather forecast.  It was apparently “take your dog to work day.”  Only problem - it wasn’t the weather guy’s dog.  Talk about “ the show must go on.”  He hardly stopped his forecast!

https://youtu.be/N9DhAFfw_hg

I want to be on the news!  I could certainly do a weather forecast... the PONs won’t go out- it’s raining. Who do I call for my screen test?!

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days:6

Play NICE!!!

OK.  The FG needs to learn how to play nice.  Or he won’t have any friends...

Yesterday morning, my human made arrangements to meet our neighbor and Jackson to go for a walk on the golf course just after the sun came up. My human knows that if she wants a “relaxing walk” she should take me and/or Einstein- because we run around but generally stay close (unless there is a bunny...) and we are very well behaved with Jackson and his human.  But my human figured that since I had over 5km of walking the day before, AND the FG really needed some exercise, she should take him.  So much for relaxing...

Remember that Jackson aka Pig Pen is a Lab so like a magnet to a dog tag, no body of water can be passed by.  And for Pig Pen, the muckier , the better.  My human made the FG stay on his leash for the first part of the trail, where there are many mucky spots.  But once they got up to the golf course, both canines were let off leash.  And Pig Pen went in every pond, followed by his sidekick.  Now keep in mind that the wild child had not seen his buddy in quite a while.  And they were both happy to run and chase one another.  Which was fine for a bit.  But then Cujo appeared. That’s when the FG gets a little TOO rambunctious in his play and he attempts to grab poor Pig Pen’s tail.  And the FG races around him. Resulting in Pig Pen running toward my human for help. And then my human has to try and catch the FG as he circles around both of them.  It’s like he goes totally nutso.  Which eventually results in my human grabbing him by the collar and walking him on leash.  The thing is, if Pig Pen would tell him off, like we PONs do (so well!) , the FG would probably stop.  But Pig Pen is sooooooooo very sweet and nice- he never tells the FG to stop.  

I think the FG needs a porcupine as a playmate.  That would teach him not to bite tails!  Mind you, I had better take that back.  That’s ALL my human needs!  Maybe he will start to behave when he turns 2.  Fat chance - his birthday is right around the corner.  Maybe age 3....or 10.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days:5

New world record

So here is my latest timeline for trouble.

3:56:37 AM. PON places paws on counter and begins to eat something that human has left in a bag.  Human thought the bag was empty and it was supposed to be put in the garage for recycling, but she forgot...

3:57:17 AM human has heard sound and thinks it is PON having a seizure so she runs into the kitchen.  She spots PON with paws on counter and shouts to get down.

3:57:27. PON jumps down and runs into dining rooon with bag and contents.  Human chases PON around dining room. 

3:57:09 Human finally catches PON who has stopped to swallow something.  Human grabs PON and finds him trying to swallow two bananas.  Whole.  Human removes two intact halves of bananas with the other halves being chewed mush.

Human throws away banana remnants, and then recalls that there were FOUR bananas to begin with.  There are no signs of the other bananas.  They must have been devoured while said PON was standing at the counter.

OK.  The PON was me.  And let me tell you, my human said some pretty colourful things at 4:00AM.  And for some reason, I didn't get much for breakfast.  She expected to meet with a mess when she came home from work - but luckily she found none.  And I had a giant poop when she did get home.  BUT the fun was not over.

Yesterday morning she assumed I would still have another big poop.  I mean I ate probably the equivalent of three full bananas with peels and she still DID feed me supper.  IMAGINE her frustration when I wouldn't poop the next morning.  So she kept walking me.  And walking me.  For over 5 km according to an app on her phone.  So no breakfast for me.  In the afternoon - still no poop.  And at supper time, still no poop.  Of course I was STARVING by then so she relented and fed me.  And then she just stared at me.  She had visions of a major obstruction with all those peels.  

Finally at 8:30 last night, after she could not get me to poop anywhere on our 2.5 acres of land, she loaded me in the car, drove me to the public trail up the road and tried once more.  Score.  She should have immediately gone out and bought another lotto scratch ticket.  

So I'm off the hook for now.  Truth be told, this REALLY was just part of the exercise program I have for my human.  She SAID she wanted to get rid of the results from that Halloween candy. From 2016.  I'm just trying to get her out and moving.  Sure I am...

Oh and if you are wondering about those times in the timeline...they are EXACT.  Thanks to Big Brother and the ability to replay footage.  I think I might be eligible for some banana eating world record.  I knew I could get my name in the books somehow...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 4

Kentucky Derby

The things you learn when writing a blog.  So today is the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby - that famous American horse race where humans drink mint juleps and wear funny hats. So of course I had to see if there was ANY connection to dogs and the Run for the Roses. And here is what I found...

I found this cute video with Jimmy Fallon :

https://youtu.be/wkxWlY6tlK4

And then I found out about Jim the Wonder dog.  Never hear of him?  Me either.  Jim was a Llewelyn Setter who lived from 1925-1937.  And apparently, Jim had an uncanny ability to "predict" things.  He could predict the sex of an unborn child and the winner of the Kentucky Derby - which he did 7 times in a row!  The Director of the Veterinary School at the University of Missouri even tested Jim and said he had unique talents for predicting things.  In 1999, a statue of Jim was erected in a park in Marshall, Missouri where Jim died. Here is more info about the interesting things that Jim did.

http://www.jimthewonderdog.org/foj_story.html

OK, Disney, do I see a Jim the Wonder Dog movie coming soon?!

So that's a few dog related connections to the Derby.  Now excuse me while I go and race Einstein to the treat jar.

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days: 3

Flying the unfriendly skies...

So what's new in dog news?  It seems United Airlines  has banned 40 breeds of dogs from travel aboard their flights in the cargo hold - for fear that it could be dangerous.  They have also banned some cat breeds as well.  The dog breeds include short or pug nosed breeds like pugs or bulldogs or surprise surprise French bulldogs - like the one who died in the overhead compartment a while back.  I decided to look up the list of banned breeds - and here it is from the United website:

Dog Breeds

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully
• American Pit Bull Terrier/Pit Bull
• American Staffordshire Terrier/"Amstaff"
• Belgian Malinois
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog
  • American Bulldog
  • English Bulldog
  • French Bulldog
  • Old English Bulldogges
  • Shorty Bulldogs
  • Spanish Alano/Spanish Bulldog/Alano Espanol
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chow Chow
• English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel
• Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff
  • American Mastiff
  • Boerboel/South African Mastiff
  • Bullmastiff
  • Ca de Bou/Mallorquin Mastiff
  • 
    
  • Cane Corso/Italian Mastiff
  • Dogo Argentino/Argentinian Mastiff
  • Dogue de Bordeaux/French Mastiff
  • English Mastiff
  • Fila Brasileiro/Brazilian Mastiff/Cao de Fila
  • Indian Mastiff/Alangu
  • Kangal/Turkish Kangal
  • Neapolitan Mastiff/Mastino Napoletano
  • Pakastani Mastiff/Bully Kutta
  • Pyrenean Mastiff
  • Presa Canario/Perro de Presa Canario/Dogo Canario/Canary Mastiff
  • Spanish Mastiff / Mastin Espanol
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • Tosa/Tosa Ken/Tosa Inu/Japanese Mastiff/Japanese Tosa
• Pekingese
• Pug
  • Dutch Pug
  • Japanese Pug
• Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei
• Shih-Tzu
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier/"Staffys"
• Tibetan Spaniel

I see SOME similarities in THE breed NOSES but I am not sure how the Belgian Malinois got on this list? I sure as heck wouldn't call those guys pug nosed!   I also wouldn't really call a chow-chow pug nosed either.  

Frankly, I think this whole ban smacks of discrimination.  OK, maybe those breeds COULD  be at greater risk.  But isn't it up to the owner to sign a waiver acknowledging that?  I am SURE many short nosed dogs have been flown before without horrible consequences.  Apparently this ban comes into place in June.  So if you are planning a vacation with your short nosed breed, and you plan to travel with United (why would you?) you had better do so quickly.

I understand the bad press that airlines get when something bad happens with a pet.  Like the horrible overhead thing - which as you may recall I also blamed the owner.  Or stories of pets getting off on the Tarmac and getting lost at the airport.  Or pets being sent to the wrong destination.  But really - shouldn't the AIRLINE be more careful - and not punish the pet passengers as a result of their errors?  Just the humble opinion of a dog who has never flown anywhere.  And I guess I still can fly as PONs aren't on the list.  Clearly United does not read my blog.  Einstein's barking would no doubt be cause for an additional ban.

Personally, I would REALLY like to be at the airport when someone arrives with a pugacockadoodle.  Now THAT would be fun to watch...

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure-free days:2