All Choked up

A little lost? Read our last chapter: Just another Saturday  

First sight of the boats

The biggest boat

Well, we had a good easy morning with a walk, breakfast, and ear drops. On our walk we saw some men sailing their toy sail boats. Leia is passed out on the floor and I am going through the cabinets to see what food we have left (man do I need to go grocery shopping!).

What's new today is.... I entered Leia in one of Cesar Millan's contests to see if she could win for happiest eyes. I am trying to keep my expectations real because lets be honest, on Cesar's site you know, you know there will be a ton on entries. The way it will work is that for each of the 4 categories the Cesar staff will go through and pick out the top 10 contestants for each category and then will let the public (via Facebook) decide. So I figured what do we have to lose? Might as well give it a shot, especially considering the pizes.

The Prize is a basket with 6-8 month supply of Vetericyn products: Vetericyn Wound & Infection Liquid
Spray (2 different sizes), Vetericyn Wound & Infection Hydrogel Spray (2 different sizes), Vetericyn Canine Hot Spot Spray (2 different sizes), Vetericyn Canine Eye Wash, and Vetericyn Canine Ear Rinse. (a prize package worth $200.)  Right now we don't have any of these issues (minus the ears!) but hey, maybe we will need it or maybe our rescue will need it.  Any how I will keep the  blog and our facebook updated and if she is in the 10 I'll let ya know! If she is chosen, voting start on the 14th and goes to the 27th of July.

Today we were playing on the tennis court working on recall and burning a little energy and had a bit of an "oops" moment. I'd just given Leia a cookie for coming when called and then tossed Mr. Penguin.  Leia went to run after Mr. Penguin and took a deep breath, of cookie... and she choked on it. I ran over as she was coughing and made sure she was ok. Luckily she was able to cough it up. Poor baby. After that she was not too hip on playing fetch with Mr. Penguin today.  We did a little recall practice and then went for a walk around the lake.

Leia has kinda been acting up a bit today. She is whining for no reason  and pacing a bit. Not sure if she can hear something I can't or if she was just bored and upset about it. She seems to go fitful and then crash for a bit so maybe she is just fighting a nap.

I've noticed she chews at her nails a little and licks them. Could just be a habit but as always, I'm watching it. She's a good girl and I just want her to be healthy and happy.

Read our next chapter together! – Life Unleashed

Just another Saturday

A little lost? Read our last chapter: Food and Fun

Dead fish that someone threw out,
big enough to feed a family of 4!

Big spider, silver dollar sized!

Well same good morning with a long walk (where we dodged that dead fish again as well as a huge spider) and then breakfast. Leia was so tired from her walk that she didn't quite have the energy to get to her breakfast sooo I kinda spoiled her and brought her the bowl which she woofed down (put water on the food again, one happy girl.).

After she had a little time to rest it was day 2 of ear cleaning... She was all happy until she saw me reach for the bottle of cleaner. Oh boy you'd though I'd reached for the beating stick (metaphorically, we don't actually have one nor do we condone physical punishment) because her smile vanished and she was OUT of there and ran right into the bedroom. NICE.  I called her back in and put the leash on her so she couldn't run far. I also bribed her with bits of treats. She was NOT a fan of getting her ears cleaned and would clearly rather be just about anywhere else but she tolerated it and didn't growl or whine. If I felt her tense up I'd pause and pet for a little bit and then go right back to it, praising her the entire time as I cleaned. We got a much better cleaning done today and in a little bit we'll put the drops in. I know this isn't fun for her, but it is important and a part of life she will have to get used to, especially with her semi-flop ears.

I was proud of her today. A stranger passed the glass door and she began to growl (her concerned growl) and I quickly corrected and what did she do? Flop back down like "Ok, not a problem? Got it!" Good girl!

We did a little bit of crate training today where she got in for no reason and chilled for a while. One hitch, she absolutely destroyed her water dish when she first got in (meaning she flipped a huge dish of water all over her blankie). So I cleaned it up and am drying her blanket (for the 3rd time this week). She stayed in her crate while I made and ate lunch, then quickly walked out to get the mail and returned. I think I might have heard her howl once as I was returning down the hall but couldn't hear it when I was at the door, so if it was actually her then she piped down. After returning I did a few things and then let her out without making a huge deal about it. I know I am repeating thoughts from earlier posts here but it is important that she learns that not every time in the crate means I am leaving or going away for hours.

I realized today that I am going to have to watch out for Leia's back hips. Yesterday I was petting her and went to roll her and she whined, I just figured the ground was hard but today she flopped down funny on her leg and cried because it put stress on her back left (right from our perspective) hip... This probably explains some of the limping, stiff and painful. Poor baby girl I know all too well how bad that can hurt (having 16 knee dislocations myself.) For now I will try to make sure she doesn't do a lot of dodging and weaving where strain would be put on that hip. That's fine with me because I can't do too much of that either.

Read our next chapter together! –

Food and Fun

A little lost? Read our last chapter: Facing her Fears

 Well, same ole same ole today. We went for our morning walk and came back in for breakfast. Leia wasn't too interested in eating so I gave her a piece of kibble. She spit it out. Gave it back to her; she spit it out again. The third time she acted like I'd given her a completely different kind of food and woofed it down. I tried to figure it out and then it hit me. It was wet. I put two handfuls of water over her kibble, and set it down in front of her. Now, understand for the past week she has been leaving about a 4th of her food in the bowl and just not eating with much oomph. Today she cleaned the bowl. I put water on her dinner too and yet again, the bowl was shining. Ha!  I've figured it out and now I'll be sure she's eating enough.

We went out for a walk in the evening and discovered there was a wedding taking place at the pool. We watched for just a minute and then went back to the tennis court for a run around. Leia burned some energy and did well with coming back to me. I didn't even have treats this time but apparently love was enough.

After dinner Leia was playing with Mr Penguin and shaking him around when suddenly she lost her grip and he went flying across the room and on top of her crate. She immediately looked at me as if to say "oops, how the heck did that happen!?" I retrieved it for her but it was cute, she was both dumbfounded and worried she was somehow in trouble. Nah, nothing broke hun, you're good!

Read our next chapter together! – Just another Saturday

Facing her Fears

A little lost? Read our last chapter: But... I Want my Wednesday Walk....  

Well our morning walk went very well. We had several bikes pass us and she was very happy to meet a nice couple who wanted to greet her. I of course asked them to let her sniff their hands first and they were happy to do so.

First Ear Cleaning:
We came home and it was ear cleaning time (not just drops, cleaning). She did a great job and occasionally gave me a protesting look but didn't make a peep.  We were able to clean them pretty well and get the drops good and deep in there. Proud of my girl! I was all worried this would be a big fight and right in the beginning she did try to back away once, but I called her back and she realized I wasn't trying to traumatize her, and was even willing to pet her through the whole thing.

Leia meets the Vacuum:
Our next big scary event was that I needed to vacuum the floor. I knew she wasn't going to like this beast so I put the leash around my waist and hooked her to me. First I let her meet the vacuum while it was off, then once she seemed ok with it we cut it on and let it sit stationary. She tried to back up but the leash stopped it. I encouraged her to come back closer and she did. She seems to trust me a lot and knows that I am not going to call her toward something which could hurt her. We then vacuumed the house together which she wasn't a fan of but did. Every time she stood with me and didn't try to back away she got a treat. I figure if she gets treats when she is a good girl near the vacuum maybe it will help ease her fear of it.

We cleaned most of the living room together and then walked her past it a few times while it was sitting, on, and then off. We put it away, I praised her, and then let her go. She didn't bolt and seemed to understand that I wasn't asking her to love the vacuum, I was asking her to not run away while I was cleaning. I doubt she is gonna be best friends with it any time soon, but we'll keep doing this so she gets used to it and realizes the vacuum is nothing to fear. We've been doing this with golf carts too, and the big dumpster as well as a Uhaul truck. She is uncertain of  them so I walk up to it and touch it while talking to her kindly. we then walk around it or back and forth until she isn't trying to swing wide or run away from it.

We've had to do this on our walks too. Originally, when cars passed us from behind she'd try to speed up. I've been working on correcting it each time, and even giving a preventative "shh" command (which means slow down) and now she seems to be calming down and accepting that cars passing isn't something that should phase her. I'm glad she didn't try to fight it, but at the same time, I don't want her to be so afraid that vacuuming becomes an exercise in fear.

6:00 PM - LEIA IS LEARNING HOW TO PLAY FETCH!!!!

After Dinner we went out and played with Mr. Penguin on the Tennis court. We got about 6 throws in before she was ready to just let him sit there. Bringing him back needs some polish (she forgets a lot) but it was a good way to burn off some energy in the evening.

By bed time she Climbed right in to her crate when I told her "In." I must admit I am proud of her.

Read our next chapter together! – Food and Fun

But... I Want my Wednesday Walk....

A little lost? Read our last chapter: First Vet Visit!

"Mom, we are going for our walk... right?"

Back from our walk,
I had to change back into PJs

Well, this morning it was raining again and I really was tempted to not do the big walk. It was rainy, I was tired, and I thought "well, maybe today we'll just go out, do business and come back." So we walked out and she peed and I began to walk back to the apartment. Leia followed by looked at me like "wait... you mean we're not going?" Oh man is she a heart breaker. 

So we walked back to the apartment and I picked up my Jacket. The walk was on. Luckily the rain subsided about 4 minutes into our walk. She was very good about walking near me (except when we passed the big dead fish someone just left in the grass. I mean it was big {like fish market dinner for 4 size}and they just left it!). Leia thought "hey now, I could really go for some 2 day old fish!" but with two little corrections she agreed that kibble at home might be a better choice.

As we were walking home I saw a lady in her car at a stop light watching us walk. She was smiling (probably because Leia is adorable!) and so I gave a little wave. Who knows, maybe by walking, even in the rain, someone else will walk their dog today, or brave the rain to give their pet what they need.

"Steps don't scare me!"

I love this picture of her!

I also did a confidence booster with Leia today and had her walk the flights of stairs in our apartment building. At first she was hesitant but as we went up and down she seemed to realize "hey these aren't so scary" and got the hang of it. We also took a few more pictures today and she was very good during our little armature photo shoot (just keep the love and petting coming!).

I love my stunning girl!

Around 5 we went out to the tennis court again and practice recall and ran Leia around.  Leia seems to like our "come to me" game and if I get too far away she runs to me. At one point I knelt down, opened my arms and said "Come here Leia" and she ran, absolutely barreled toward me and stopped just short of pummeling me over and buried her head in my chest. She is such a sweetie! We also practiced a little sitting and laying down in a more distracting environment. It took her a while to sit the first time and a good bit of coaxing to lay down (especially since the tennis court floor is a weird texture for her) but she did both.  Good girl!

Photo-shoot Pics!

Read our next chapter together! - Facing her Fears

First Vet Visit!

A little lost? Read our last chapter: Mundane Monday 

So wait? Why are we here?

Well, this morning we got up, went for a walk, fed Leia and hopped in the car.  Today was a big day for her: First vet visit. She did great in the car and walked right in and waited politely (minus knocking a box of cat toys off a shelf). She met the staff and was pretty good in the waiting room. She wasn't so hot on getting on the scale but all in all it went pretty well.

We went back and talked a little about her health. I mentioned her sneezing and pawing at her ears/face so that meant it was time for round two of testing. Leia did NOT like her fecal test/temp taking and got loud about it which meant it was time for a "party hat" (translation: Here's your muzzle!)

She whined and cried during the whole thing but didn't really snarl or try to bite so I think it is mostly fear related. I've noticed Leia is very sensitive about having her butt sniffed, probed etc. I wonder if she's had a bad experience with that?

We also had her ears tested and discovered she has a yeast infection in her ears. She did not like getting them cleaned annnnd now I get to do this at home with no spare hands every other day and do drops every day. OH boy this ought to be fun. Plus we don't have a muzzle... but I have instructions as to how to make one with a leash so if need be we'll do that until we can get one.

We talked about the fact that we need to socialize her a bit more (especially since she growled at a pit puppy). She seems to be a dominant personality with other dogs and I'll have to work to keep her respect and obedience. She's a sweet girl but she really does think she is Princess Leia and should be in charge (and would probably take charge if I let her.) Anyhow, it is still very hit or miss with introductions, sometimes she is great, sometimes she growls. She is good with people though, just nervous.

Her new penguin.

Part of me is hesitant to write those things about Leia because I know some will judge her for being nervous or having trouble with socialization, but she IS a good girl, she is just learning the rules and how to be a dog in her new home.

 For being a good girl at the vet the ladies gave her a new Penguin toy that squeaks. She is still not sure what to make of this little guy but is starting to show an interest. It takes her a while to understand a toy is hers and she can play with it but I think she'll get it.
 
It's going to be more important than ever for us to work on our budget as this visit with 6 months of preventative, ear meds, and tests, ran us a whopping $300.  OUCH! Then again preventatives run high anyhow. Soon (after a second negative heartworm test) we will be able to cut the price of preventatives by getting one combined preventative instead of two different ones. We have a follow-up in 2 weeks to double check her ears.

New Squeaky toy.

Around 4 today we went out to the tennis court again. I tied Leia's leash to her collar for my own security, even though I know it wouldn't make much of a difference if she got away. We walked and ran around as well as worked on recall. I brought a few broken pieces of a milk bone with me and we'd walk around and then I'd wait until she got distracted or wandered away and then call her back cheerfully. When she came over I'd love on her and give her a little bite of cookie. She seemed to like this game and I think it reinforces that coming to me is a positive thing. I was a little worried because the court has a few gaps at the bottom of the fence but most are small enough she can't fit through and the one that might be close I always steer her away from. She seemed to have a great time and did pretty well with recall.

"Ok, he squeaks but I like him any way!"

Tonight I was a little worried because in the half hour after I put Leia's food down she showed zero interest. I finally walked over with the bowl and a pellet and had her try eating one piece. She spit it out twice but then caught on to it being food. She's eating pretty well now  but it wasn't her normal behavior. She isn't a ravenous eater but she normally eats at least some portion right away and then might walk off. I know she knew where her food was because she saw me pour it, put it in her kennel, and even walked in and saw it. I think I just had to get her started and then she was ready to eat. She didn't quite finish it all but she normally doesn't (like 7/10 times).

Read our next chapter together! - But... I Want my Wednesday Walk....

Mundane Monday

A little lost? Read our last chapter: Sunday Snake!

Well, nothing too big happened today. We did our normal morning walk and were promptly DRENCHED on the way home. I dried off Leia and then had to change clothes. We left when the rain lifted for a bit but 15 minutes in the heavens opened up and we got a decent shower. I am pretty sure the people driving by thought we (well, probably me) were crazy for walking in the rain. I mean, it was pretty much raining sideways, but Leia looked up at me with a smile and I just kept on smiling back. Heck with the rain, we have a walking date to keep!

Most of the day was uneventful. On a second walk (the one intended to wear her out before I had to go to class) we met up with another dog and she actually acted pretty dominant, but then again the little dog we met (which looked like a black pit bull to me) dropped to his stomach and promptly wet himself... I really felt bad for this dog... It wasn't until we walked on that I noticed he had hair loss (hopefully not contagious) and a few scars... I can't help but wonder what his story is... was he always this shy or was he beaten? Was cowering and submissive peeing his only way of protecting himself? Was he a fight dog? I feel  really bad for this little dog... and his owner didn't even clean up after him (even though that's a $50 charge in our apartments... ) If you have a space in your prayers tonight, send one out to little black dog. I hope his life gets better...

On our walk we also met another sweet dog lover. He knelt down and let Leia sniff before petting her. We talked about her story and he loved on her. One of the great things about having a dog is you get to meet a lot more of the neighbors for two reasons: 1. Most people like dogs and those that don't ask you to keep your dog away from them. 2. You are out an about more (I've already lost a little weight from all of our walks!).

Tonight I did Leia's normal routine and she got her Kong before I left. She did cry a few times while I was gone (I skyped in about 4 time while I was out, in 2 of them she was crying) but not too loudly from what I could tell. She seems to know I go out and come back, she doesn't panic the entire time, but it seems more like she is just mourning my leaving. It is no longer her standing and crying but more of her just laying there and pouting. When I came home she was finishing up her Kong and I was greeted by the thump thump of her tail. I did my normal calm welcome home and let her out a bit after I'd been home a bit.

"Free!"

Tomorrow will be an adventure: Leia's first vet appointment!   I am hoping we will get a vet who is willing to take a little time with her and let her get settled. I'll take cookies so she can get rewards. We'll be getting our preventatives and a basic check up to make sure she is good and healthy. I don't think we need any shots (except maybe a dog flu follow-up/booster) but we'll see. Hope all will go well and she wont be too nervous.

Adorable Bedtime update: I was calling Leia over to get in her crate for bed time and I realized why she wasn't coming over. She was stuck under the coffee table. While she was resting she'd scooted around and got herself wedged under the table and looked at me like "Maaaa! The table's got me..." I encouraged her to crawl and she figured it out. I gave her cuddles in repayment for laughing at her adorable expense. Poor baby girl. Wish I'd caught that on camera!

Additional Video: Leia Being Cute

 

 Read our next chapter together! - First Vet Visit!