She's Just Like her Mommy, Unfortunately.

Well, Most of the people who know me know my nickname, Lil Gimpy. I earned this name because from about age 7 until the present, my knees have been dislocating due to some bad genetics. I have shallow knee grooves, and hyper-flexible joints which means that my knees dislocate very easily. 

Unfortunately, at our most recent vet visit, we were told that Leia's mild limping was due to the fact that both of her knees in the back are out of place. The vet tried to put them back but they will not return to their position. This makes her about stage 3 of 4 (higher the number, worse they are) of luxating patella in dogs. Anything above stage one (which is where the knee just slips out and back in to place) is normally a candidate for surgery, at stage 3 it is strongly suggested because if not, they will continue to deteriorate and probably suffer with severe arthritis later in life. The only stage worse is where their back legs don't bend. at all and they "cowboy walk."

Surgery can be dangerous. Especially dealing with anesthesia. There are several different surgeries but the most likely one we'd be facing is where they deepen the groove that the knee sits in so it has a better foundation to sit in. Recovery time is 6-8 weeks. The difficult part is that unless the dog is under a year (which Leia is not) they have to have one leg done at a time (which means twice as much anesthesia, twice as much recovery, 16 weeks recovery with a few extra weeks thrown in for the time between surgeries...  and the part we're struggling with, it is over 3k per leg... and possibly up to 10k if we discover hip problems too... We're students, and we don't have that kind of money on our own...

For now, we are doing comfort care (glucosamine chondroitin and pain meds when necessary {so far not necessary}) until we can take the next step which would be a specialist appointment where we get Xrays and an expert opinion. Unfortunately Xrays also probably mean anesthesia as it is very hard to get an 80 lb girl (that's right, she weighted in at 82lbs at her last visit and is now on a diet for her joint health.) to hold still for an Xray.  It's gonna be a rocky road, but I pray she will be strong enough to see this through. We're doing our best to be strong for her and do all we can to make her happy and healthy. 4 feet or 2, she is our baby girl and even though we've only been together for 6 months I can not imagine life without her. She has met the whole family: our parents, my sister, my aunt, neighbors, all love her. 

We'll do our best to do whatever is right by her and as we always promised, we will love her for the rest of her life.

Leia Becomes a Philanthropist! - Paws for Peace 2012

Why we up so early?

Excited to be going too!

Leia was confused when I stumbled in to the living room at 6am. It was time for a short walk and some breakfast. This is totally off our normal schedule (where she eats around 10am) but she was happy to get to walk in the cool weather.

She got nervious when I started packing the car with a few things (a jug of water, and her "baby bag" stuffed with treats, a pop-up water bowl, several doggy poop bags just in case, and some yellow ribbon to let people know she is still learning to socialize.

Leia poked her head through the garage door "Coming too?" Normally it is just a wish and then she is in the crate but today I called her out. She wiggled the whole way and was psyched to leap in the car.





 What she didn't know was for the past week and a few days we'd be bombarding facebook with invites to join our team or to donate to a fundraiser called Paws for Peace. This worthy cause is raising money to build a shelter for pets. This shelter will house the pets of survivors of domestic violence so when the family leaves their abuser they can all get to safety, instead of having to leave their pets to a grim fate.
Here are some facts about Domestic Violence, families, and pets:

• 48% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving an abusive home because they don’t have a safe place for their pets.
• Battered women have been known to live in their cars with their pets for as long as four months until an opening was available at a pet-friendly safe house.
• According to the American Animal Hospital Association, an estimated 88% of pets living in households with domestic violence are either abused or killed.
• 71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters report that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims.
• Pet abuse is often a retaliatory action of abusers. Animals are used as leverage by the batterer as a means to control their victims or as part of a pre-emptive strike to gain or maintain control.
• Abusers kill, harm, or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse.
• Of all survivors who enter shelters to escape violence, 57% have had a pet killed by their abuser.
• Harbor House will be the only shelter in Central Florida with a kennel for pets of domestic violence survivors. Pets are not Pawns!

Before we continue with our story, I have to point out how crucial this cause is... In September 2012 alone there were 10 deaths due to domestic violence in Orlando... Who knows what stopped those people from leaving, or if they were trying to escape when they were killed... Now more than ever, we need this shelter.

If you are interested in Donating here is Our Personal Donation Page &  Our Team Donation Page.
Also here is our Team's Facebook, just for the record.

When we got to the event we checked in at registration and waited for Amber and Rachel to arrive. As we waited Leia had her picture taken by and event photographer and a lady told me that Leia looked so much like her dog. She then told me her pup recently and suddenly passed at 9 years old. She began to tear up as she patted Leia's head. I offered her a hug and she accepted. As I hugged her she quietly said "At least I know that here, people understand." Leia just smiled and wagged, loving the sweet attention. She met several pups including  a chow who's name means "Smart loving bear" (which was perfect for her!).

The registration booth!

It is called "paws" for peace and
here is our Kitty representative!
What a brave girl!

Opening Ceremonies: The release of the butterflies

 Right about 9 Rachel arrived with her dog Kilo and her boyfriend Jayson and right after was Amber with her dog Jack and her boyfriend Allen. Our team of 8 was assembled!  The pups all sniffed each other and then we were off to opening Ceremonies.

In honor of the 10 people lost in September, The Harbor House crew released 10 butterflies in their honor. Shortly after the opening words and introduction of special guests it was time to walk!

There were tons of people and pets walking through the park in a long caravan of wagging tails and noses in overdrive. Within the first 10 meters it was a good thing I brought extra poop bags as our entire team relieved themselves all at once (the girls thanked me for bringing enough bags to share). From there we were off again and walked with dogs of all sizes (and one brave kitty!). Along the route were signs with stats about domestic violence.

The long trail of walkers goes around the loop and over the bridge.

Jack was excited about free samples!

We finished our first lap quickly and decided to do another two. For some reason none of our dogs wanted to drink from the doggy watering stations so I whipped out our collapsible water bowl and everyone had a drink.

When it was time for closing ceremonies we parked the dogs in the shadow of one of the vendor booths. Lucky for our dogs, it turned out to be the Pookie's Pet Nutrition & Bow Wow Bakery booth!

The dogs lined up for free treat samples. Leia loved the apple cinnamon treat but also tried a beef treat and has a peanut butter one waiting for her in her bag. The Ladies from Pookie's were so very nice to all of our pets and were more than generous (Thank you!).

As we rested a small, small little girl, probably under a year, toddled over to Leia. I watched both very carefully and sat with them, making sure everything was ok. I showed the little girl how to hold out her hand for Leia to sniff and then I petted Leia's ears while she petted Leia's back. Leia was awesome with the little girl and totally unphased. She was just happy to have the attention. I didn't snap a picture because I was too busy monitoring the situation but it was an awesome moment to see Leia interact with such a small little girl so gently. The little girl was equally gentle and clearly has been raised with dogs. She wasn't afraid of Leia at all, even though Leia had a good 8 inches on her when Leia was sitting down.

Our Team at closing Ceremonies

Amber, Allen, and Jack

Rachel, Jayson, and Kilo

 
We stayed through the raffle (Jack got to see a toy dog {a stuffed animal} on a leash and was very curious!) and by this point all of the dogs (not just our team) were getting tired a tiny bit cranky; they were hot, tired, and needed a nap! Everyone got one last sniff in and then it was time to head home.

All in all it was a great day and we raised a lot of money toward the shelter:

Leia and I raised $250!
Our Team raised $300!
And the event raised $16,500!!

Thank you to everyone who donated, supported us, and made this awesome event possible!!!

Additional Pictures

Leia taking a nap at home. Tired girl!

Kilo looking awesome!

See Leia's Facebook!

Looking for daily updates? 

Leia now has a Facebook page where you can find out her daily thoughts and activities! 

Check it out!

We will still be updating her blog, but mostly with big events and updates.

Leia: The Granddog

This week Leia met Tom's parents. This was a HUGE step for her, as his father has a bit of a phobia about dogs (especially larger dogs). Before they showed up we warned them about her typical introduction (a few low growls and then sniffing) so they were prepared for it. Sure enough when they came in she growled twice and then was over it. I handed both of his parents hotdog pieces and then we let Leia out of her crate. She sniffed, ate hot dogs, and soon had won over both Tom's Dad and Mom.

"Hi! I'm your Granddog!"

His mom was even trying to pick out what her grandparent name would be, "Nona... Nana, Grandma..." still not sure what it will be but they love their new Granddog. Tom's Dad enjoyed petting her and said that photos really didn't do her justice (in both beauty and size). She is a pretty big girl and normally people passing buy have two comments, "She's pretty!" or "Dang that's a big dog!"

We had a great time with the family, went for walks, lots of good talks, got some groceries, (Hear that Leia? You're family has FOOD!) and a nice dinner together.

One additional note, today is Leia's first day trying her vitamins (we got a free bottle from a good friend). Just gave her one (even though her dose is 2-3) to see how it sits. Additionally, Leia has a Facebook (oh my God can this dog Social network) which will be linked to the main page shortly.

List of Friends grows to 2!

Leia has made her second friend. Yesterday she met a little black lab mix named Chief for the second time. She saw him from across the street and got excited. They practically ran to each other, then sniffed each other one more time. Followed by lots of bouncing in circles.

Today they met up at the tennis court and (gulp!) I took the step to drop the leash. Leia ran around with him, chased the ball with him (and didn't get possessive!) and played with both Chief's Dad and I (and stupid me I still haven't learned his name but I am pretty sure it starts with and A). Leia still gets growly if sniffed in the rear (like the hip back) but didn't nip or lunge to nip. This is a huge first step for me as I have never quite trusted her not to bite (even though she never has) but today I did and she didn't let me down nor did she barrel over this little puppy (who can't be more than 20 lbs yet).

Super happy for my girl!

What's this? What's that?

Leia has continued to explore the world around her. Last night on her walk she re-discovered trees. There was a light shining up on the tree and she was suddenly very intimidated by it. We hung out with the tree for a little bit, then moved on.


Leia got another bath (her second) today with Tom and I. We've accepted that during bath time two things happen, Leia gets clean, and we (and the entire bathroom) get soaked. Leia did jump out of the tub this time (before it was time) but I put her back in. She also sat down in the tub for the first time. It's not one of her favorite things but she does very well. 

Leia has also been more inquisitive about the lake and likes getting close while hunkered down and sniffing at it. I talk gently to her while she does and try to encourage her to feel confident around it.

She also got a "new toy" today in the form of the ox my pencil sharpener came in. I cut two holes in it and put a treat inside and "tada!" Leia has a new thinking toy. It took her a moment to realize there was something in the box for her, but when she did it was on and the box was flipping around the room to get the treat out.

Workout: Mind and Body

So I often wonder if I am challenging Leia enough. I have been working on her commands in the evening and we normally run through a few with a treat. Teaching the down command (lie down) is a little challenging but  she seems to be getting it. I want to keep her active and learning (and me too!) so I am thinking up things to expand her repertoire.

Soccer: Get a soccer ball and work on shaping her ability to dribble a ball. It can be done, I've seen workshops on how to do this and Leia already loves batting her tennis ball around so I think we could learn how to play ball.

Scent Games:  These are similar to the "games" that bomb detection dogs do. The simple way to start is put some cups on the ground, one with a treat under it, and the dog knocks over the cup that has the food under it. I am thinking of making a "game board" where there are cups which can be attached to the board so the dog can't flip them, but have them be ventilated.  This way the dog can smell it, try to get it out, and then probably sit and look at you as if to say "Do something about this!" and then they get rewarded. A complicated way to get the dog to sit when they find the scent. (advanced scent game could be identifying one if a few scents)

Recall Games: Essentially, hide and seek. Start this game without really hiding, just from across the room and escalate to more complex hiding places and less hints (or calls). Another step up would be identifying specific people to find (ex: I tell Leia "Find Daddy" and she has to go find Tom. This obviously requires some pregame name training so she learns who is who).

"On the first time" games: Training to do a command on the first time given. This isn't so much a game at first. You give a command, like "sit" and if they do it on the first time you get super excited and bouncy or have a special treat for them. If not, continue on as usual. Example: At the front door Leia is expected to sit before entering. So we get to the door and I say "Sit." She either does it and it is happy freakout time with treats, or I simply give the command again and when she does it open the door, and call her in as normal. The aim of this game is to get her  to enjoy doing something the first time.

Additionally I could look at some of the treat games in which the dog has to search the board for the treat. or figure out how to get the treat out of a puzzle.

Currently I am excited about soccer.

Long time no update: Where are we now?

Well Mommy got busy and forgot to update the blog for 10+ days. Oops!

Leia waiting to update her blog at the laptop.

Leia has been doing very well and is continuing to settle in (yep, it's not just a 1 to 2 week thing, it takes a few months to really settle in. Leia has been home almost 2 months and continues to grow and learn.

She has found a new favorite place to chill which is under the coffee table with her chin on my book bag. This can pose a problem though when  she is trying to get out to go to bed, mainly because she gets stuck and needs us to move the table.

She's gained 4 lbs since coming home but we're not worried about it. She's a big girl and it doesn't show on her at all. Even so I am trying to keep a handle on her treats and food portions.

That being said, she has discovered that she LOVES Dentastix and even though we are currently only doing one a week she would love this to be a daily thing. Someone discovered Bacon recently and we've created a monster. She will sit outside the kitchen and look in, patiently if she smells hotdogs or bacon cooking and wait to see if any of it is for her.

Leia is learning how to cuddle and is learning a hug command where she leans into us and we hug her. She is also beginning to master "down" (lay down). She knows the sit command though sometimes would love to ignore it, and is also learning that two hands held palms out means we are done playing/petting for now. She has also learned her own trick and will go sit beside her leash when she is ready to go for a walk.

She loves running around the tennis court and has developed a new mini game called bowling for Mommy/Daddy where she runs, full speed and risks taking us out at the knee. Great! She loves going to the court and "spinning her wheels" for a bit. We have to be careful with that hip and it has probably bugged her about 3-4 times now. Here is a short video of Leia playing around on the court. I am currently working on training a recall whistle that would help with distance recall. We're still working on it. Sometimes she is great about it, other times she just "can't"  hear us.

On an amusing note, Leia has mastered the dos equis pose "I don't always pose for cameras, but when I do I pose like a boss"

 She has gained a good appetite and now is excited about when it is time for breakfast and dinner.

 She also knows her bedtime routine. One evening I went to bed early and left Tom to put her up. Our room was dark, the living room was dark, and Tom was brushing his teeth. Leia woke up from her place at the foot of the bed, and walked out into the living room and stood in her cage until I got up and shut the door for her, as if she were saying "Ok ma, I know this, come tuck me in and shut the door!"

She is SUCH a good girl and knows when she is in trouble one example of this was the McDonalds burger box that she discovered in a low trashcan. I saw her gently lifting it out and yelled at her to "DROP IT!" She plunked it down and scurried away. After a while she came back over to see if she was in good graces. She still really wants to explore the trash, but knows that she isn't supposed to. She will look at it, look at me, and then back away.

She has started cuddling stuffed animals when she sleeps. I find this adorable beyond words.

All in all, things are gong well. She still occasionally cries when we leave but seems to understand that we are coming back. She will see me getting a Kong ready and runs to her cage because she knows we're going out, and that is the only time she gets Kongs. That being said, she doesn't mind us leaving, as long as we give her the Kong. I forgot once... never again!

I jokingly call her my velcro girl, because if she can't see me, she is trying to find a way to be able to. She isn't quite as clingy to Daddy but I think that is just because she came home with me first. She loves when he comes home or wakes up in the morning and just runs to him for Daddy/Doggy time. It is almost becoming a joke to holler "PETS Daddy!!!" across the house as she barrels after him.


 She also has her morning routine down pat and if I haven't taken her about by 10:30 or 11 she is circling, nudging me, and then sitting by her leash. "Mama, time to waaaaalk!"

She is very determined and expressive. I mean look at the picture on the right. Can't you just see the "Seriously mom, another picture!?" mentality?

I am so glad we brought her home. She keeps me active and smiling, even when things are hard. If I am crying she sits next to me quietly and firm, just trying to make it better. She loves cuddling on the floor and actually doesn't hate the vacuum any more, she still runs but her tail is up, not tucked. Even the maintenance man who saved Mommy from the porch can see she is become a more confident balanced girl. Very proud of her.

Additional Pictures!

Leia's First Friends!

Leia has made her first friends (Dog and Human!) Today we bumped in to a man and his Yorkie as we were returning from getting the mail and they were going to get it. I asked if he wanted to meet and he said sure. He asked her name and I said "Leia." He laughed and smiled "and this is Obi wan!" We died laughing as the pups sniffed.

Leia did growl at him once but quieted down and got to sniffing. Little Obi was very bouncy and happy. We found out he is about to go into training to be a therapy dog for children and veterans with PTSD. His owner, Pierce, is a nerd just like us and is going to the Star Wars con that Tom and I desperately wanted to go to (Jealous). Both Leia and Obi didn't seem to want to leave but eventually let Pierce and I go about our chores. I thanked Pierce for letting her socialize with Obi and he jokingly said the quote from the movies "help me Obi Wan Kenobi, your my only hope." Little Obi may be the hope for Leia and socializing, So far he is the first dog that she has been interested in socializing with and she really liked his owner too.

Thank you Obi and Pierce for being our first friends!

Thank god it's Fri-- Is that a cookie?

Well this morning we went for a short jaunt on the Tennis court and then a walk around the lake.We saw our friends the Ducks again and got some additional pictures. Leia's hip is still a little sore as sometimes you can see her "stagger step" (begin to step on that leg and then shift the weight off of it) but all in all she is still doing very well.

I took a short video of her on the tennis court.

As we were finishing up walk around 10:30, I saw a work truck from AT&T who had stopped to do some work on the lines for another building. Leia noticed the workman who immediately smiled and said hello. He asked if he could greet her and as always I said yes but just make sure to give her your hand first. He was sweet and kind and admired how cute she is. I mentioned she was a rescue and he said he didn't know why people still insist on buying dogs with how many good rescues are out there. I like this man!

He then asked if he could give her a cookie. He mentioned that the smartest thing he'd done was to start carrying milkbones in his truck. I had Leia sit and she gently took the cookie from him. I wish I knew his truck number. I tried to call AT&T and give him a good review but couldn't find a number that would do anything except sales. Either way, thank you to the great guy who took the time to make a Dog's day.

________________________________Additional Pictures________________________________

Crazy storms coming in.

 

Leia with her Tail Mustache

 
For my own records: Hip problem happened again 8/17