Arwen's Pack

The Top Ten Reasons Why Dog Teens Dogs are Better Than Human Teens

2012-04-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

What adults see...

10. Dogs grow up faster - learning the ropes and falling into line takes far less time for dogs than the learning curve we have for humans. You'd think with those enormous brains, the human teen rate of learning should far exceed that of the family dog. If you don't believe me, teach your dog to put away his toys. Then tell your teenager to clean his room. See who follows through faster, and with better reliability.

9. Chew toys - I can order elk antler chews for all three dogs for under $30. Teens want video games, iPads (not gonna happen), make-up, new clothes, iTunes cards, etc. I can feel the cash being sucked from my wallet even now. I remember the toddling days when the cardboard box holding the toy was far more fun than the actual toy could ever be.

**crickets chirping**

8. Quiet - Teen dogs don't chatter. Never have, never will. Oh, the quiet hours spent enjoying my dogs - puppies, teens, adults or seniors - all of which have been chatter-free! Not a full minute can be spent with a teen without hearing blah, blah, blah about some kid at school, or some new incident. And let's not forget about those one-sided phone conversations we're lucky enough to experience from the other room. Squeals of disbelief and statements peppered with "like", "oh my God", "I know", and "that's disgusting!"...

7. No lies - If a dog poops on the carpet, he doesn't pretend it didn't happen. If he eats a full bag of pita bread, he'll bring you the empty, half-chewed bag. If a teen does something wrong, he'll tell you it wasn't him, or the teacher didn't require that assignment to be turned in, or even that someone stole his binder at school. The best one yet - that she didn't cut her own bangs, while they've clearly been butchered right down the middle. She actually said someone must've cut them while she was sleeping!

6. Responsibility - If my dogs never earn the right to be left unattended at home, or to run off leash, it's really OK. There's always the crate and the leash. If my teen can't be trusted to stay home alone and not get into mischief, I can't watch her forever. And when she's old enough to go into the world on her own, I can't leash her. The leash is just too short...

5. Back talk - Dogs don't back talk. They don't have attitudes. They don't pout. They don't slam doors. Now God forbid my teen back talks or slams doors, but there's no shortage of attitudes or pouting around here. Yuk. If the dogs are unhappy, they just find something new to do, or take a nap. I've never received a haiku about how unfair something is from my dog. I can't say the same for my teen. See reason #2.

So full of woe!

4. Behavioral consequences - When a teen dog misbehaves, you have a few options. You can crate her, you can redirect her away from something undesirable, you can distract her with training. I've never once been able to redirect my teenager away from being passive aggressive with a shiny new squeaker toy, or stopped her from leaving dirty laundry on the floor with a few pieces of salmon jerky and a "sit, stay". And she just won't shut up when I put her in the crate...

3. No break-ups - Dogs don't date. Sometimes they pine, sometimes they hump, but they simply don't date. There's nothing sweeter than a dog following after the object of his affection, just trying to play bow his way into her heart. The same cannot be said for human teens. Seeing boys' names enshrined in red hearts drawn all over binders and notebooks just makes me nauseous. And the long phone chats analyzing something "he" said meant, drives me to drink. If you don't go anywhere, are you really "going out"?!

Double shot, please...

2. No drama - For anyone who's ever lived with a teenage girl, there's no creature more dramatic or theatrical. A dog in her teens doesn't know the meaning of drama (except of course if you have a Sibe and are trying to trim her nails or give her a bath) but human teens live and breath by the beat of soap opera music. They ride each emotional wave like surfers on crack, crashing hard on the rocks of each jagged emotion. (Thought I'd give you a little taste of the daily drama with that last line...pretty awful, I know.)

1. Spaying and Neutering - enough said.

Poor Arwen - even teen dogs can be annoying!

No More Cooties!

2012-04-05T15:11:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had that AHA! moment when you realize someone is your friend? That person might be in your life, but you never really clicked just right, or you never really had the opportunity to get to know them? This just played out with our dogs.

Arwen and Fenway get along great - she is the matriarch, he is the scrappy little pup. They've liked each other from the start and have similar full-contact play styles. But Nyxie and Fenway have had their differences. Nyxie would rather chases and play with toys than be mouthed and wrestled with. Fenway tries the chase games, but they eventually lead to his entire throat inside her jaws.

While this play hold is great for Alligaterrrr, Fenway isn't a big fan

Just the other weekend, I took Nyxie and Fenway to work with me to stretch their legs in the big yard where the boarders play. They sniffed and ran a bit, but were more interested in running laps inside the clinic. As they toured the long halls together, I saw a new spark. Maybe it was Fenway's joy at having one of his sisters at "school" with him, or maybe it was that Arwen wasn't there to hijack Fenway into a wrestle match. Whatever it was, they bonded that day. Wild-eyed, and with tongues lolling sideways out of their panting heads, they found that missing piece.

Fenway loves going to school so much, I found his Kitty Head toy packed in the gym bag I use at lunch!

My decision to take them to work that weekend was made spur of the moment to kill some boredom, get some exercise and give Arwen a break from the high energy of youngsters. Dogs are masters at taking a spontaneous moment and making it a memory. Here's how I found them later that night:

He's touching her and she's not yelling "COOTIES!!!""

Cuddling on the bed together!! Unprecedented!

When the Student Surpasses the Teacher

2012-03-22T13:46:00.003-05:00

Screw Up Fairies in progress...

So often, walking through our home makes me think the Screw-Up Fairy has detonated a grenade deep in the dog toy basket. After big play days, the rooms are literally littered with the sad, squeaker-less forms of these war-torn toys. The dog's lack of organization is rather impressive, really!

Nyxie, being the brilliant German Shepherd dog that she is, recognizes most of the silly names we give her toys - Dead Kitty (sorry feline fans, but the poor thing's head is hanging precariously to one side), Blue Bunny One Ear and MooCow, to name a few. Feeling she'd be up to the challenge, I decide to teach her how to put her toys away. But since I'm no trainer, I don't have the foggiest idea of where to start.

MooCow, Blue Bunny One Ear and Dead Kitty

YouTube to the rescue! (At this point, I'm pretty sure I see Nyxie roll her eyes in disgust).

So I watch a couple of YouTube videos on how to do this trick, the trainer making it look so easy with her happy little background music and enthusiastic voice. How hard can it be? (Nyxie glances over at the clock on the cable box. Did she just start tapping her paw?)

"tap, tap, tap"

The goal is to have the dog pick up each individual toy off the floor and drop it into the toy basket. We've all seen it done and think "I wish my dog would do that!" Each step is rewarded - pick up toy, bring toy, drop toy, eventually becomes drop toy in basket - the final progression looking seamless. Clearly both trainer and dog are brilliant in every way! It's not as easy as it looks, folks.

Number One - The dog has to be interested in her toy. I make the mistake of having treats on the table where Nyxie can see them, and since treats trump toys any day of the week, any toy interest goes the way of the Dodo bird. I'll have to wait until she's in the middle of playing with her toys to reintroduce training.

Number Two - The toy basket must not be filled with a few gabillion toys (oops!). Nyxie eyeballs this enormous basket of potential fun before her and thinks, "Ooooh! I haven't played with this one in the past 3 minutes!" I decide to take the toys out of the basket but I'm too late. Nyxie follows me, my arms laden down with dog toys crunchy with old slobber. I make a pile of these in the other room and she immediately plops down in the middle of the pile, happily chewing her old "buddies". See Number One.

total distraction

Number Three - I discover that actually having a plan for this trick is crucial. See, even after watching the chain exercise on YouTube, it's crucial to know how to make it work for your dog. Also crucial to follow the steps in order and not try and skip ahead. I don't have a plan yet and skip a few basic steps.

I feel so stupid looking into Nyxie's deep brown, almond eyes. I can feel the intensity of her gaze, all the history and weight of her lineage dating back from 1889 when Capt. Max von Stephanitz began standardizing the breed in Germany.

I hear her sigh, her eyes saying, "It's ok. Why don't we start again tomorrow when you're more prepared."

I See You, Fenway

2012-03-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

The clinic where I work has a kennel and a doggie-daycare. On Tuesdays, which is my longest day (12 hours), I bring Fenway to work with me. He loves to go to school to "play with the other kids". He knows when I'm getting ready for work and follows me around like a lost kitten, rubbing up against my legs and not letting me out of his sight!

There are certain other "kids" he likes to play with, and they're the Tuesday regulars. I watch him proudly through the viewing window as I work, a few moments stolen in quiet watchfulness. He's generally pretty well-behaved, but sometimes goes overboard with the humping and the rough play - he is a teenage boy, after all. He comes from the school of hard knocks - a doggie version of South Boston! Having 2 older sisters is no joke!

"Mom? Is that you out there?"

As I watch him through the window, I see him running and playing. I feel like a mom watching her kid on the playground. I watch him stumble and get corrected. I watch him run and jump with glee! I watch him sort out his relationships with other dogs, all on his own. Then he sees me through the window and I hear him squeal with recognition, and crane his neck to see inside. It's then that I realize he has my heart. No more a homeless little foundling, but a loved dog. A dog with a home. A dog in Arwen's Pack.

Home is where you can snooze on your back in the sunbeams

A Day for Wellies and Movies by the Fire

2012-03-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love rainy days.

T and I took the girls out for a nice long walk this morning. It was drizzly and grey, and the weather kept everyone else inside. An ideal walk day for a family with reactive dogs! We talked and walked - a great start to the day.

A perfect morning for a walk!

After some laundry and other chores, we settled in to marathon of Terminator movies. We cheered at the "I'll be back" lines, fretted over John Connor's fate, and marveled at Linda Hamilton's muscles, all the while snuggling in front of the fire. The dogs having walked and played most of the morning, were content to trade snoozing places between the couch and before the toasty warmth of the fire.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator

Nyxie has a favorite spot on the couch. It's right in the center where all the extra throw pillows end up. Matt and I sit at either end of the couch, legs outstretched and Nyxie will eventually find her cozy spot in the middle of us. I call this spot her "nest" - a safe haven away from Fenway, who tortures her by just coming too close.

"Not another picture, Mom!"

It's in these moments when she is cuddly, soft and trusting. She'll bury her snooter in the pillows beside us, her nose just touching us. Sometimes she lays with her head resting on the soft pillows, snoring quietly in a deep sleep. I'll rest my head on her back, grateful for her trust. If we watch a scary movie, her proximity and warmth keep me grounded and safe.

Tonight she snored quietly, head behind my closest pillow, paws resting against my hip. I felt her deep, slow breathing and knew she felt secure between us. All her fears and insecurities melt away in these moments shared with the people and dogs that make up her world. She could let her guard down knowing she was safe.

And we all knew it was a good day to be in Arwen's Pack

"Mom - can I share your monkey slanket with you?"

Underdogs Go South

2012-03-08T11:04:00.001-06:00

One of my family's favorite TV shows is Animal Planet's Pit Bulls and Parolees. Although we don't always catch the show at its regular air time, we can usually catch it through our cable's "on demand" feature. If you've never watched this show, (where've you been?) it's about a tough, heart of gold Pit Bull rescuer who runs a huge rescue ranch in California with her daughters and extended family of parolee guys. See, Tia Marie Torres doesn't just rescue Pitties. Her husband is incarcerated and she believes in second chances. She's opened her heart to parolees, helping them get their lives on track by caring for the dogs at Villalobos Rescue Center in California.

Yeah, she's pretty awesome...

Tia is one of those women who really knows dogs. She also really knows people. She's tough as nails and has razor-sharp intuition. Her daughters impress me and I hope I can raise my own to have the same strength and sense of self that her two have. And to also instill in her a rescuer's heart. Raising a strong girl is tough work - she's done it twice. Cheers to you, Tia!

Tia with daughters, Tani and Mariah

Pitt Bulls and Parolees is one of the few TV shows that has actually moved my own 14 year old daughter to tears. She says Tia is tough like me (aw, shucks). She's grown so attached to Fenway (who's suspiciously of Pittie lineage) and empathizes deeply with the plight of these rescue dogs. It's a beautiful thing to see, really.

BFF's

So why have I told you all this?

I just finished watching episode 12, season 3 -"on demand", of course- and got some wonderful news. Villalobos Rescue Center has moved to New Orleans! Any of you who follow my blog know how much I love New Orleans. It's the city that truly holds my heart.

Now this was no easy move for them, I'm sure. People, belongings, and over 150 Pit Bulls were moved! Only Tia...

Tia and her family

I wanted to help spread the word here and ask you to visit their website. They're humanitarians, rescuers, and relentless champions for the ultimate underdogs - Pit Bulls and parolees. If you read through their site, you'll find they ask for doggie goods, volunteers, and financial support.

As though my family needed any more reason to go to New Orleans? It makes sense for them to be there. If ever there was a place that will be home to a tough fight, New Orleans fits that bill. Good luck, Tia! Maybe someday we can clink Hurricane glasses and talk dogs, raising teenage girls and fighting the good fight.

Cheers!

Luck of the Irish month?

2012-03-01T22:36:00.001-06:00

As dog parents, we have the duty to keep our wards well-groomed and in working order. This often comes with the arduous task of nail-trimming. I know. I know - many of you are shuddering - the mere thought of cutting dog nails is causing sweaty palms and accelerated hearts. To celebrate the new month - March - my personal month-long Irish heritage festivus - I decided to trim dog nails.

Yes, it's nothing but good times here at my house...

Arwen is an old pro. Like everything else in her distinguished life, she handles nail trims like a champ. I call her over, she lays down on her back in front of me. I simply start trimming. She slowly pulls her legs away from me at times, and when we're almost done, she tries to wriggle away. For the most part, though, I just clip away and talk softly to her. When we're done, I cheer for her with lots of praise and she runs to the kitchen for a big treat.

Notice the patient look in these eyes?

Nyxie is next. This girl is big, smart, high-strung, and mostly compliant. A bag of training treats wins her over as I call her to lay down in front of me. I trim her nails as she lays on her side, taking softly to her and giving her a treat after each nail is done. In a vain attempt to resist me and the treats, she rights herself usually after each second nail. She's a drooling puddle of forgiving goo that while she wants so terribly to resist me, her desire to please me wins out every time. Thank goodness for her German Shepherd-ness!

Nails? Whatever you say, Mom.

And then there's Fenway...
Fenway is a dog that's not used to being groomed. In his former mystery life, I'm quite sure there weren't regular baths or nail trims, ear checks or paw cleanings. When there's no suspicion that you actually have a grooming tool, or medication, he lets you pretty much do anything to him. But if you try to do anything to him, he treats you like a zombie bite victim.

"Will she bite me? Is she infected? Better to run away!"

Poor kiddo. With a ton of patience and treats, his nails were cut and then filed. He did pretty well, actually. I think he finally got tired of my unrelenting persistence in holding those little paws of his. Happy March, Fenway - maybe the rest of the month will bring you the luck of the Irish. But then again, you need to be neutered soon...

YOU'RE GOING TO TRIM MY WHAT?!

Anticipated and Not-So Anticipated Drop-Kicking

2012-02-28T16:28:00.000-06:00

Last night, our family went to the Dropkick Murphys concert at the House of Blues in Dallas. We're long-time fans, having seen them years ago in Portland, ME where we used to live. They're a Boston band, with a loyal New England following, so a Texas show is a rarity. This was T's first real concert with us and we'd all been looking forward to this show all these many weeks since we surprised her with the tickets on Christmas Day.

House of Blues last night

The show was cozy and intimate, which was both good and bad. While we were a stone's throw from the band, we were also very close to the speakers and the mosh pit. Much of the night was spent sheltering T from every shove and push. Now that we're getting older, and bringing a young one around, we'll be buying balcony tickets instead. Ah, the joys of growing up...

So close!

Acoustic set

A little banjo...

With my head still foggy from hearing loss and Guinness, we set out on our morning walk. As always, Arwen was very interested in these huge cabbage-shaped weeds in the open field behind us. I tugged at her leash a couple of steps ahead of her, urging her to keep up. Feeling annoyed at her desire to sniff every green thing between home and her usual potty area, I tugged again. Suddenly, she started sneezing deeply. These were the kind of sneezes that shake her whole body in thunderous tremors.

"Wait, mom! I think I smell coyotes!"

This time, I turned towards her just in time to see Arwen leaning far backwards in the throes of an enormous sneeze, at the end of her leash as I pulled. Over she toppled, and then fell onto her side. She was still trying to get that sneeze out, but was now flailing her legs around trying to right herself. As I looked down at my beautiful, helpless Arwen, I was convinced she was having a seizure! All the symptoms were there - stiff, rigid body, legs flailing in helpless motion, and unable to stand up. I called for Matt who was far ahead of us now and he came running back over.

I was missing a really crucial piece of information, though. When Arwen had gone over onto her side, she was lying in a bit of a ditch - her body was actually almost upside down and I was kneeling over her. She was simply stuck! Here I was trying to deal with what looked like a seizure, when in reality she was stuck like a ladybug on her back!

So while I was relieved she hadn't had a seizure, I felt awful that I'd managed to flip my poor old lady onto her back and then I'd pinned her into a ditch. All because I was irritated that she wanted to smell some weeds and then got sniffly.

There are definitely extra belly rubs in Arwen's immediate future.

"Oh, this belly? Yes, you may rub this belly"

FiveSibes' "What's Wrong With Gibson?" Canine Epilepsy Awareness Book Tour

2012-02-16T19:47:00.000-06:00

We had the most wonderful delivery come via snail mail just the other day...It was a book! Not just any book, Dears...oh no. It was What's Wrong With Gibson?, written by Dorothy Wills-Raftery and illustrated by Michelle Littler. It's a touching children's book about canine epilepsy, told with love and compassion from the FiveSibes mom herself.

"Look at our awesome new book! So many pictures of my cousins!"

The story unfolds in rhyme, sweetly illustrating the FiveSibes pack at play. I won't spoil it for you, but I will tell you that through their seizure experience, they teach us some great information. The story is moving and actually had me choking back tears - I'm a big sap after all. Harley knows just what to do, and shows her pack to act with care and love in supporting big brother, Gibson.

"Come here, Fenway, I'm going to read you a story about seizures..." "Seizures?! They sound scary!!"

I remember watching my first seizure as a vet tech. I can still see that poor Rottweiler's body shaking and tensing, while her head hit the hard floor. We placed a towel under her until it was over, waiting anxiously for the electrical storm in her brain to stop. My heart goes out to all those that suffer from epilepsy and are forced to endure it alongside their kiddos.

"I'm too scared to look..."

"Nyxie, do we have to be worried about epilepsy?"

Please support Dorothy by heading over to ArcticHouse Publishing and buying a copy. Please visit my friend, Dorothy at FiveSibes to read more about her fantastic pack, and please buy What's Wrong With Gibson - a percentage of each book will be donated by the author to Canine Epilepsy Resources!

"I've got you covered, Little Brother. Let's read it together..."

"We don't have to be scared! Thanks to The FiveSibes, we know how to handle seizures!"

Arwen has Arthritis

2012-01-30T22:12:00.002-06:00

Arwen's particular type of arthritis is more specifically known as spondylosis - osteoarthritis of the spine that causes bony spurs to grow on the ventral side of the vertebrae. These kinds of bone spurs result from trauma, or from a familial predisposition. Since Arwen hasn't had any trauma, she must have had this lovely characteristic passed down to her from her family. We knew she was starting to have some discomfort from seeing a prior xray, but this most recent visit to the vet for pain symptoms, showed us how very bad the condition was becoming. Here are her x-rays:

See where the arrows are? Those are the bone spurs - ugh!

The arrows up show those nasty bone spurs. The arrow down shows how much poo the poor girl wasn't able to pass because those spurs were pinching her nerves!

The bone spurs were pinching the nerves that tell Arwen that it's time to poo. My poor girl was painful from her spine AND uncomfortable because she couldn't pass a bowl movement. She was grumbly, panting and couldn't get comfortable. Now I understood why. We started her on a canine NSAID, Metacam, and she was back to normal in a couple of days.

To get her off of prescription meds, I've been advised by her vet to stay on fish oil at high doses, and start tart cherry juice supplements. We've also started Dasuquin, a powerful joint supplement. I just started her on the tart cherry supplements. I'll let you know how that goes. I'm also considering acupuncture.

Arwen is still playing, jumping and walking as well as she always has, but there are subtle changes. She sleeps on her back mostly and while playing, she's pretty guarded with the other 2 jumping around her. She rarely sleeps through the night on her bed, which is something she's always done. Now she's changing positions more and often leaves her bed for the flat floor in her crate. Lest you think she's become weak and frail, she still runs the Pack with an iron paw. Discipline and leadership can't take medical leave!

No More Pine Sol

2012-01-26T13:26:00.000-06:00

"If only I had thumbs I could open this infernal bathroom door!"

When Fenway comes home from daycare, he smells like Pine Sol. He doesn't have a secret cleaning habit, or a penchant for wearing cleaning goods cologne; he just can't help it. The kennels are cleaned with Pine Sol just as we close for the night. As I'm one of the last ones out the door, he ends up smelling pine-y fresh for a day or two after "going to school to play with the other kids", as I call it.

Sunday was a warm day here in Texas, so I decided Fenway needed a bath. I was reminded of the bath we gave him when we first brought him home and had to wash the gum and grime out of his fur. He wasn't impressed with his bath then, and his opinion of them hasn't changed one iota.

We scrubbed him up in lovely oatmeal shampoo which caused T to worry that the girls might have a sudden and uncontrollable craving for breakfast...

Here's our handsome boy warming in the sunbeams post bath:

Our Happy Sundog!

Nyxie's "It"

2012-01-22T23:03:00.000-06:00

"You're going to WHAT?!"

"You're going to stab Nyxie in the chest?!"

This was what Matt asked me on Friday when I told him I needed a cytology of the growth on her chest. I originally blogged about "It" in "Nyxie's Great Adventure". She's had "It" on the deepest part of her sternum since she was just past puppyhood. "It" has grown over time and has elongated, looking a bit like a large, flat, dog nipple. Kinda gross, really. So at her yearly visit, I asked if we should remove "It". This was when we discovered her heart murmur that I obsessively worked up to reveal that she has...well, a heart murmur. (Sometimes seeing heart disease in everyone else's dogs everyday, prepares me to expect the worst. Which is exactly what I did. Me worry? Simply unheard of!)

Having passed the initial heart concerns, I was finally able to focus back on this growth, bump, thing, on her chest.

~~Let me first go on record to say that any growth, bump, thing, should be examined as soon as possible by a vet. The sooner something is caught, the safer the resolution of that something~~

So I took everything I needed home with me to do a proper cytology of "It" and asked Matt for my help. And now you're all caught up:

"I'm only poking "It" with a needle for some cells, not stabbing her! When you put it like that, it sounds awful!"

So he fed her treats and I indeed stabbed "It" with a needle, gathered some cells on a microscope slide and saved my sample for the next day. Nyxie never even flinched! I waited until Saturday so if there was something ugly on that slide, I'd have a day off to digest the news. The doctor set it on the microscope and searched for ~~an eternity~~ a few minutes.

"Nothing unusual - nothing that would cause concern."

So Nyxie's "It" is a callous. I feel a bit silly, but so very relieved. She got a few extra cookies this weekend, just because. And the "It" will remain with us, now free of suspicion and stabbing.

My pretty girl

Happy Dog is Happy!

2012-01-19T13:12:00.000-06:00

Being the dog nut that I am, I'm compelled to search the web for all things dog. Passion, obsession - don't judge! I found this video through Dogwork - a fun, feel-good website for all of us animal lovers. Please turn up the volume on this video for the complete experience.

If you don't laugh at this, you might be clinically depressed. If you don't smile at this, you're probably dead. Have a wonderful day smiling, laughing and LIVING!!!

Patience and the Passage of Time

2012-01-16T12:25:00.000-06:00

You can almost see the ones on her chin here...

I just discovered some white hairs on Nyxie - a couple on her shiny, black head and a faint little row of them on her chin! When did this happen? When did Nyxie go from obnoxious, crazy puppy to a still crazy, white-haired senior? She's lost no vigor, no strength, non of her wild-child, cracker dog ways. But white hairs? No way.

There's no better reminder of the passing of time than the aging of a beloved dog. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. How time flies! They're so faint, I'm quite sure a picture wouldn't register them.

I took this picture a few weeks ago at the park after she saw the vet and was a bit sedated still. Behind the park is a Doppler radar tower. I imagine this as either Nyxie's dream come true, or a torturous tease - an enormous ball waiting to be caught!

"Why can't I catch it, Mom?"

The Perfect Poo Spot

2012-01-09T12:15:00.001-06:00

Arwen is as particular at shopping around for the Perfect Poo Spot as a bargain hunter with her last ten dollar bill. This dog can truly take a 45 minute morning walk and finally select the Perfect Poo Spot when she's almost home. I've stood in torrential rain, sleet, nor'easter snowstorms, thunderstorms (last night), and blazing 110 degree heat, tethered to a dog with sphincter control so strict, it would startle Sigmund Freud. (Sorry to nerd out here, but I couldn't resist a bit of Psychology humor - can't let a 100K dollar education go to waste). I kid you not, folks - the dog is made of tough stuff. Tough, picky, hard-headed stuff.

Matt discovered a little trick recently to accelerate the Perfect Poo Spot selection process on days with miserable weather. If breakfast is prepared in front of her before she's walked, she finds that Perfect Poo Spot in seconds. The food is put on her plate (yes, she eats off of a lovely blue and white plate - spoiled? No way!) - complete with fish oil, medication for urinary incontinence, salmon, chicken and a small amount of kibble - and then we do the truly unthinkable. We leave!

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" she must wonder.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!"
"IT'S THE MOST GLORIOUS TIME OF THE DAY AND YOU'RE LEAVING?!"
Poor Arwen. She's mistreated and put upon. Her life is one big frustration after another.

Somehow on these mornings, we are back inside, all the outside business competed within about 6 minutes. Quite impressive, really.

Searching....

"I am weak from hunger! Carry me to the Royal Plate!"

"Going outside?! But my food is ready?!"

EzyDog

2012-01-05T13:23:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard of EzyDog?

The company prides itself on making rugged and attractive gear for active dogs. They were the originators of the shock-absorbing leash. If you haven't heard of the company, you'll be glad you read this!

I recently received an email from a very polite, likable product rep from EzyDog, named Brady, who asked if we'd use some of his products and then review them here on Arwen's Pack. I wondered if I was really qualified to make recommendations on dog gear. I thought about this for a while and then realized that I'm the "every-dog-owner". Like any of us that have at least one dog, and like many of us that have a few. We all need good gear and have to save our monies for food and vet bills!

Easy to put on!

Brady sent me a lovely blue Chest Plate Harness in Fenway's size, with a car restraint attachment to allow the harness to double as a seat belt! The harness is made with a foam rubber pad that molds to the pup and allows for better weight distribution. Putting it on Fenway was easy - this harness actually makes sense. Chest support and clasps were placed where they seem logical. (As a vet nurse, I see a ton of patients wearing harnesses and some require a doctorate in engineering a bit of voodoo to put on or take off.) The fit was solid - he was comfortable when I first put it on him, and immediately started leaping onto Arwen for a round of "bitey face".

Here is the back of the harness with the seatbelt attachment clipped on.

We also received a Cujo leash (great name!) and 2 Standard Extensions couplers for walking 2 dogs. The leash has a fantastic rubber padded handle that feels just right to hold. A far better feel than most leashes. The Cujo leash is designed to shock absorb the impact of even the strongest pullers (I wouldn't know anything about that - hehe). Great design, sturdy construction. One surprise was that the leash is made of a plastic / synthetic material, not a synthetic fabric which we're mostly used to in dog gear. But this outer construction accounts for the shock absorbency hiding within the leash - brilliant!

How do I look?

Here's a profile shot...

All in all, the only criticism I could find, is that these products are made in China, rather than the US. I know I'd pay more for a great product like this if it were made here in this country by American labor. Aside from this, everything from the communication to set all this up by Brady at EzyDog, the speed at which the goodies arrived, and the gear itself was spot on. If you're looking for durable, rugged dog gear that looks good and feels right for the walker, check out EzyDog. You might just end up being a convert from traditional leashes and harnesses!

So as the EzyDog website says: "Now go and Play!"

A Look Forward

2012-01-03T22:38:00.001-06:00

With each new year that blazes in, I inevitably look back at the past year and try to settle my personal scorecard.

Did I make positive changes?

Did I grow as a person?

Was I a good parent more often than a bad parent?

Was I a stronger person than the year before?

Did I learn new skills and evolve professionally?

Did I come closer to becoming the daughter my late father would be proud of?

I suppose there's no denying that in even asking these questions, I'm still striving for better. I don't want to be envious of those that have more than me. I don't want to feel jealous or spiteful or negative. I don't want my pride to overshadow the good that I do. Sometimes it's painful to look around at all those things you think you need and want. And worse still to feel there's so much left unaccomplished and stymied in seeing that potential through.

It's these moments that I look down and realize that only inches from my typing hands, lies the velvety soft muzzle of a sleeping puppy. The black nose is pressing tightly to my leg, and I hear the soft inhale and exhale of each life-sustaining breath. I remember that this is a good moment. One that will never repeat itself.

It's in these moments that I know:

I made positive changes.

I grew both cognitively and emotionally as a person.

I was a parent that acted out of love, the root of which is goodness.

I found both physical and emotional strength deep within myself that allowed me to pick myself up.

I strove to do my best possible job, to care when others were indifferent, and prevail over injustice.

I thought often of my father and what he would want for me and from me as a woman of worth.

It's in these moments that I realize the past year is just a marker of time. Each day signifies the start of a new year, and each year is what you make of it.

Our Wish for You!

2012-01-01T20:17:00.000-06:00

I hope this year brings only love and peace. I wish only happiness for you this year, and the sincere hope that your packs are strong and healthy.

Happy New Year, friends!

Arwen's Pack

Fenway's First Christmas

2011-12-25T20:28:00.001-06:00

Christmas is here!

Have you hugged your pups today?

Was there a special bone or squeakable under the tree for your pup?

This is Fenway's first Christmas with us...

There's something on my head, isn't there?

And something on my neck, too...

But I love my T!

So I'll wear these silly antlers...

Merry Christmas!!

Nyxie's Great Adventure

2011-12-24T21:33:00.001-06:00

"Where to, Mom?"

Nyxie went to the vet last week.

Now if you've followed my blog for any length of time you understand the enormity of that statement. Nyxie went to my place of work - a busy, populated by people and other animals building - for her yearly exam. This was like bringing in a loaded gun to a post office full of holiday-stressed postal workers! Dr C decided to see Nyxie without any pre-exam sleepy-time happy juice for sedation. I admit I trembled a bit in my boots when she told me her intention, but I trust her dog skills and I knew she'd be able to read her well.

I decided it was time to bring Nyxie to work, not only for an overdue yearly exam, but also because she had a growth that needed Dr C's opinion. Since she was about a year old, Nyxie has had a small flap of skin that's looked like a simple skin tag on the deepest part of her chest. Lately though, the skin tag has grown and seems more firm. I wanted it checked out to see if there were any scary changes happening. Any growth should be examined by your vet, and the sooner the better.

The morning of her exam, she was curious but defensive, wanting desperately to learn more, but ready to bark if anything frightened her. Nyxie's bark is that deafening German Shepherd bark that stops you dead in your tracks. That morning we learned that giving her direct eye contact is what will bring the bark out. Interesting.

'"Are you looking at me? Are you threatening me?!"

Dr C decided to go ahead and give her a very mild sedation ("Needle? What needle?" - she took all the poking like a champ!), and all the while, Dr C gave her lots of praise, good doggie vibes and treats!

She was sleepy in no time and Dr C started her exam (outside in the cold because she thought Nyxie might feel better without confinement! Great doc.) by listening to her heart. She told me that Nyxie has a Grade 3 heart murmur. My own heart sank. Then she looked at her growth and recommended that she take it off. More sinking. She drew blood and Nyxie tried kissing her but missed, depth perception impaired, and planted a wet nose on her face! My sweet girl made a new friend - better living through chemistry! She really wants to make friends, but she can't seem to get away from that damn fear.

"Will you be my friend?"

One of the bloodwork panels she ran on Nyxie was a CardiacProBNP, a test which can measure the amount of a certain peptide released when the cardiac chambers are stretched. Her measurement fell just below the reference range for cardiac disease and / or congestive heart failure. A blood pressure check was the next step, and Dr C suggested I take it at home for a more relaxed, accurate, at-rest reading. That, too, came back just below the reference range for high blood pressure. Her next step was a chest x-ray.

Since she (mostly me) is stressed around strangers, we decided to take Nyxie in after-hours and have Matt and me to shoot the radiographs alone. That was...interesting. She was still pretty stressed and wiggly, so positioning her 75 lb German Shepherd body was a tiny butt-whipping, but we managed it! I couldn't see anything glaringly obvious, but I'm no vet. I left the radiographs for Dr C to look at when she arrived the following morning. I know Dr C's very busy and being a weekend morning makes "busy" a silly understatement, but I was dying to hear her expert opinion.

Nyxie's beautiful heart

She sent me a text - the radiographs look good, vertebral heart score in the normal range (heart not enlarged), healthy spine, good abdomen. Yay!! I hugged my Nyxie tight. Eventually we may need to worry about her heart, but for now, my girl was fine. My own heart swelled!

I know it's silly, but each time I look at her now, I'm reminded of how much I love my baby girl. Sometimes feeling you might lose something is enough to help you appreciate what you have. Especially at this time of year...

"Tis the Season of Giving...and Learning

2011-12-15T01:13:00.000-06:00

Four fat boxes of goodies are en route to Afghanistan. I sent the K9 care packages this past Saturday with much appreciated help from Matt and T, and with only 2 small meltdowns of my own. Hopefully, they'll reach the soldiers just in time for Christmas, bringing a bit of home to the stark unfamiliarity of being overseas. But most importantly, I hope these soldiers get a small sense of the respect and pride we have in them. I can't think of a better way to start off the Christmas season for Arwen's Pack.

Since I started asking for care package contributions for the military working dogs and their handlers, I've seen some generous and beautiful acts. I've had total strangers send me packages to pass on to the guys. A friend of mine who is a vet nurse and single mother was the first to contribute for the packages and later also contributed cash towards shipping. Another friend and vet receptionist gave fat, colorful rope toys, and one of my favorite clients (Mom to 2 adorable Poms) from the clinic where I work called in an order for treats and chewies for the dogs. At least one Cub Scout troop and a couple of blogs also sent packages of their own! I sent some of my dogs' Frontline, new dog toys, treats & rawhides, magazines, toiletries, a couple of backpacks, and playing card sets.

All this will eventually smoosh into boxes...

Another view...

Through other care package websites, we found out that para-cord bracelets are popular with soldiers. They're wristbands made of braided para-cord that the guys can unweave if they want to make use of the sturdy rope. Matt and T made a ton of them to send, weaving well into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

para-cord bracelets (sorry about the blurriness)

And I'm not done yet - I don't think thoughtfulness has to be a once yearly event. Here is my last post with the correct addresses. I've asked the soldiers if they have any requests or if they care to share their thoughts with us. I'll let you know if I get any responses.

When Dorothy of FiveSibes tried mailing her care package and was told the APO address was wrong, my heart sank. I felt like I'd had the wind knocked out of me. Words can't describe the feeling of dread I experienced. Here I was, sending people out to mail packages to a nonexistent address! I felt like a scam artist and a fool. Luckily I got all the correct addresses fast and I my heart resumed beating, oxygen finally able to get through again.

What I learned from doing care packages:
1) Start earlier - organizing anything takes time.
2) Triple check addresses - duh!
3) Expect the best to shine in people - you never know what will touch someone to open their hearts.
4) There's magic in connecting with others for a good cause - new friends are a gift!
5) Doing something you believe in takes perseverance but pays off in unexpected and delightful ways.
6) If you want to ask a teen to contribute of themselves, show them why it's meaningful (I'm so thankful for YouTube military working dog tribute videos!)
7) And finally, it's best to keep big, overflowing boxes of treats and new toys on a top shelf - we had 3 snooters working overtime to provide K9 care package quality control.

Arwen's Pack sends enormous hugs and positive thoughts to our soldiers in all those dangerous places so far from home. We hope those amazing dogs will help keep you safe until you're home with your family and friends. Merry Christmas!

"We'll be in a Sit / Stay until you get home!". Here's Fenway in his Red Sox starter jacket :)

Super Important UPDATE on military care package shipping addresses!!!

2011-12-08T17:20:00.001-06:00

Breaking news!

Our friend and supporter in the care package drive for military working dogs and their handlers, Dorothy of Five Sibes is an absolute angel! She was ready to ship an enormous Christmas stocking (bigger than a Sibe!) at the post office when they told her the address in the original Facebook post, and therefore in my blog was WRONG!

BAH!!!!!!!

I am soooo sorry for this - I hope this wasn't an inconvenience to anyone else, but now we have everything squared away...I emailed the gracious Sgt Salem (original poster and care package idea Facebook buddy) and he got back to me with correct APO addresses, names and more info. Here is the email:

Dave has 19 teams that he will pass the packages out to:

Dave Lynch
COMKAF HQ / VCSI-K9
APO AE, 09355

Clint has 40+ Handlers that he will pass the packages out to:

Clint Reynolds
Program Manager K9 Unit
APO AE 09320

or if you want to send to a specific soldier (these are British soldiers) who doesn't get any mail:

Dereck Gower
Les Thomas
Steven Brander
Brigit Yelen
Don Pearson

Same address:
(example)
DERECK GOWER
C/O CLINT REYNOLDS
PROGRAM MANAGER K9 UNIT
APO AE 09320

As you can see, there's plenty of need! Please use the above addresses and NOT the one I originally posted!

I'm so excited to be able to do something good for these handlers - that's what Christmas is all about, right? And it doesn't have to end there - if you'd like to send a care package along, feel free to do so anytime. And remember to include a note with a personal message!

The Gun Show - Soul Food Continued

2011-12-08T15:45:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday, we went to a gun show. Never fear, gentle readers, you didn't miss my "enormous" biceps...this was an actual firearms show. There were both handguns and rifles on display and for sale, a real weapons extravaganza! Two days later we decided to try our hand at shooting and went to a local firing range (this is Texas, so there are plenty to choose from). We rented 4 different handguns and went through a couple of ammo boxes. It's an extraordinary feeling to hold something with so much power in your hand and realize you're in control. I remember feeling the same way when I slid into the driver's seat of my parents' car for the first time so many years ago.

I think what impressed me the most was the explosive power of firing a gun. I was also struck by the ease with which I was allowed to hold and use said guns, Oops - I forgot I was in Texas...We drove to a clean, organized, family operated shooting range, The Bullet Trap, Inc., which I highly recommend. We spoke with a courteous young man that asked us to read through a rental agreement, held our driver's licenses and helped us pick out 2 different 9mm handguns. He slid 2 cases, 2 boxes of ammo and 2 handguns - a Beretta and a Springfield - across the counter, assigned us to go to lane #11 and told us to have fun. And with that, I looked at him, mouth agape, wondering how I was now holding a gun in my inexperienced little hands. The same hands with the muscle memory to sooth, comfort, and heal were now holding the cold steel of a firearm. Sobering. And exciting.

I imagined I looked like Kate Beckinsale in Underworld...

But this was probably what I actually looked like.

Matt and I have been together for 11 years this month. There isn't much we haven't experienced together. Since we've never shot guns together before, and it was my first time (not his) doing so, it was very exciting. We topped off our afternoon with a late lunch from In and Out Burger - a highly coveted burger chain from California that's finally reached Dallas, highly anticipated in a city that LOVES its less than healthy food. If you ever get the chance to have a burger from In and Out, order the Double Double Animal Style. You'll track me down and thank me. I don't know if it was the outrageously dangerous experience we'd just had, or what, but my senses were on overload and that burger was illegally delicious.

Mmmmmm!

So a new experience, a new interest found, and a decadent treat - more soul food for my vacation week. But what of the pups? I reserved the next vacation day for them...

Where are they?! I bet they're shooting stuff and having burgers....

Military Care Package Update - It's Almost Over!

2011-12-05T17:17:00.001-06:00

As many of you know, Arwen's Pack has been soliciting for care package goodies to send to military working dogs and their handlers in Kabul, Afghanistan. This is the final wrap-up week of collection, with delivery scheduled for Saturday. I'm cutting it a bit close delivery-wise, but I had to wait until payday this week for our family's contribution.

Look what came in the mail today! Not one, but TWO packages were sent by Jennie Jones of Tennessee who said she has some of her dogs working over there! What a great way to support our troops. There were 2 heartfelt notes in the packages along with shaving cream, deodorant, candy!, magazines (Caeser's Way!!), DVD's, and a lovely digital camera. I was brought to tears by her generosity.

Package #1 - Nyxie tried to stick her snooter into the dog treats :)

Package #2 - Notice the cool camera? How generous!!

It's definitely not too late to send a package, either through me, or on your own. If you send the package to me first, please keep in mind that I'll be mailing them out this Saturday. If you'd like to send your package separately, the link to the original address is here.

Talk about feeding your soul - I can't think of a better way!

Nyxie is working on her "stay" to support her working cousins in Afghanistan

Also, fans of The Walking Dead, please check out my newest Etsy shop item here. Oh, I've never been good with secrets...here it is:

Feeding My Soul Week - Our Thanksgiving Feast!

2011-12-04T12:12:00.000-06:00

Since we were at the Cowboys game on Thursday, we pushed our Thanksgiving feast to Saturday! Matt was in charge of the turkey, the headliner for the feast, while T and I made side dishes. Deviled eggs were made early for grazing while the real cooking magic started. We made cranberry sauce from scratch from a recipe we acquired from a retired Texas schoolteacher - can't go wrong there! Next, we made our traditional sweet potato casserole, which is truthfully more of a dessert. We followed that with a green bean casserole, which while not fancy, is a must have. This summer, Matt's mom finally handed down to T, her sister's long-awaited recipe for Bacon-Corn. This is an uber-decadent recipe for corn cooked with truly law-breaking amounts of butter, sugar and bacon. We finished it all off with macaroni and cheese, stuffing and pumpkin pies.

The Headliner!

Almost done...

We each sat with our well-earned plates by the fire and gave thanks for the things that matter - family and health, our strong pack. The pups shared in the feast, each with a third of the enormous turkey neck and some gizzards. With their sensitive snooters I can only imagine how alluring the kitchen must have seemed. It was only fair that they share in the feast!

Arwen's Pack Thanksgiving feast - canine edition

This was the first of my consecutive vacation days, spent with the people and dogs that matter the most. And although we cleaned as we cooked, I was in no rush to clean a single dish. But now several days later, and many leftover turkey sandwiches later, I never want to eat turkey again. Maybe next year we can continue the Maine tradition of Thanksgiving lobster, ordered from our favorite wicked good lobster purveyor, the Lobster Pound in Portland...

Tom the...Lobster?

Please don't forget, we're in the last week of collecting items for the Military Dogs and their handlers in Kabul for the holiday care packages. If you'd like to send some cheer along, please see my post here.