Prairie Dogs

Checking My E-mail

2012-01-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

The Wolf is at the Door, er Window

2012-01-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

Former Shelter Dog

2012-01-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dachshund and Pit Bull Still Life

2011-12-26T16:10:00.001-08:00

Dachshund and Pit Bull Still Life

Until I Woke Them

Fearless Ferris Bueller

2011-12-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

My newest agility prospect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuGe1KrLtnk

Pit Bulls in Sock Monkey Hats

2011-12-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

The Crew

2011-12-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Crew Says, Merry Christmas To All And Come On Over Santa!

Gus Opens Christmas Presents

2011-12-23T09:03:00.001-08:00

Movie Night

2011-09-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

Problem Solver

2011-09-14T19:11:00.001-07:00

Working From Home

2011-08-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Seven Dog Blessing

2011-08-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

Oliver

Bill

Blue Moon

Gus

Gracie

Joey

Abby

What's That In The Shirts?

2011-08-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Winston Needs A Home

2011-08-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is Winston. He was dumped out here in the country. He needs someone to take him to be their forever pup!!

1,2,3,4,5

2011-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Hot Summer

2011-07-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dachshund and Pit Bull

2011-07-15T15:32:00.001-07:00

We Are Family

2011-07-13T07:07:00.001-07:00

Yes, Virginia, There Are Monsters In The Closet

2011-07-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

96 degrees, feels like 99

2011-06-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Honey bee update

2011-04-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

http://chris-pondero.blogspot.com/2011/04/brood-box-addition.html

Springtime on the Prairie

2011-04-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

Springtime on the prairie is also the beginning of mowing season. I like to mow, because I like to drive the tractor. We have a Kubota tractor outfitted with a front loader and a bush hog mower. It is a small tractor. Sometimes I wish we had one of those fancy tractors with the enclosed air conditioned cabs - I like to dream big.

Today I finished mowing our six acres. About the time I was finishing up, I spotted a Killdeer. Killdeer are cute little birds that frequently scurry along the ground before taking to the air. They also nest on the ground. This can be very unfortunate during mowing season. Fortunately today I was able to spot the nest after mom alerted me to it by performing her "broken wing act". This display is designed to distract predators from the nest and to focus their attention on the mom who feigns injury, and then conveniently flies away just out of reach of the predator. In this case it allowed me to locate the nest and mow around it. A happy ending for all involved!

Easter Photos Take 2

2011-04-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Easter Photos Take 1

2011-04-11T15:46:00.001-07:00

We Are Now Beekeepers

2011-04-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

The Johnsons are now beekeepers. To view the photos and read the narrative, click on this link

http://chris-pondero.blogspot.com/2011/04/project-on-prairie.html

Some Dogs Have A Hard Life

2011-03-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Some dogs live a very hard life.

She is not one of those dogs.

Blue Moon the Agility Dog, or, Selective Photography!

2011-03-24T16:08:00.001-07:00

What follows are pictures of Blue Moon running agility. What does NOT follow are pictures of Blue Moon running around like a fool, visiting with other handlers, and generally having a very happy time. He did nearly equal parts of agility running and fool running. For him, life is all about sunshine, smiley faces, and cupcakes!

Waiting patiently for his next turn at agility/fool running.

At least one of us was concentrating on the course.

Handicap, What Handicap?

2011-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is Gracie - today.

She jumps on the black chair, then climbs over onto the green chair.

This gives her a view into the house to remind us that it is her supper time.

This is Gracie - October 31, 2009.

There was no jumping, climbing, or even walking on that day and for many, many days after that.

This is Gracie - October 1, 2009.

On that day she was still able to jump, climb, and generally be naughty.

I wouldn't mind having this Gracie back with us.

Although she was kind of a pain in the butt.

The Muffin Tin Game

2011-03-07T16:28:00.001-08:00

I did not come up with the idea for this game, but I thought it sounded like fun. To set up the game you put a treat in each of the muffin places and then put a tennis ball on top of the treat. The dog has to figure out how to get the treat that is under the ball. Flipping the entire muffin pan over is cheating and I did not let them do that.

I let all of my dogs play one at a time. The dachshunds and Gus moved the balls with their nose or pawed at them with their foot to get the balls out of the way. Blue Moon and Gracie used nose, paws, and mouth.

Both Blue Moon and Gracie got side tracked with trying to destroy the tennis balls before all the treats were uncovered. The other 3 were only interested in the treats, the balls were simply an annoyance.

The dogs had fun and we will do this activity again.

I Forgot I Taught Him This

2011-02-25T17:56:00.001-08:00

Sometime in the past, I thought it would be cute to teach Gus to carry the laundry basket to the laundry room. Using a clicker and treats, I shaped Gus to carry an empty laundry basket to the laundry room - it was cute, but not very useful. I thought I might teach him to take the basket AND the dirty clothes in it to the laundry room one day. I never did get around to doing that.

This evening there was a full basket of laundry waiting in the bathroom for the trip to the washer. I heard a growly commotion in the bathroom. When I went to check it out I ran into Gus who was coming out of the bathroom with the EMPTY laundry basket in his mouth, followed by his two friends Blue Moon and Gracie. The dirty laundry was spread all over the bathroom floor. Perhaps the three of them could be taught to wash, dry, and put the laundry away?

I Don't Care a Thing About That Dog

2011-02-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

Whatever...

Blueman, Snowman

2011-02-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Sunshine

2011-02-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

BFF?

2011-02-05T12:13:00.001-08:00

Spunk Muffin

2011-02-04T09:15:00.001-08:00

Her name is not really Spunk Muffin.

It is Abigail - Abby for short

She belongs to my sister-in-law

She is only just visiting.

Perhaps this accounts for her nickname?

Photos

2011-02-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Photos courtesy of Fiona Green

Yes, I am Sure!

2011-01-31T19:04:00.001-08:00

Yes, I am sure I do not have to go potty!

Doggy Pictures

2011-01-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Believe It or Not

2011-01-04T16:46:00.001-08:00

Believe it or not

Gracie has rolled herself up in this comforter.

She puts herself to bed at about dark thirty

every night.

We believe she is a dachshund, dressed in a pit bull costume...

You have our attention now!

2010-12-20T16:08:00.001-08:00

Bad Dog

2010-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

I thought we had moved beyond this stage.

I thought wrong.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

King Bill

2010-11-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

Bring me Cheerios and yogurt, serf! And turn on the Lassie channel!

Viscous Dogs. Exactly what do you mean?

2010-11-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

We have a septic system and employ a company to inspect the system 3 times per year in order to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In looking over the contract they sent to us, I was struck by this sentence: "Unhindered access (viscous dogs, locked gates, etc) to the system is the responsibility of the User/Homeowner."

Viscous means "having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid". I don't think I should be responsible for viscous dogs. The TCEQ might ought to be notified regarding viscous dogs. That sounds like failure in the environmental quality.

Just saying...

Camping dog and others

2010-10-22T16:17:00.001-07:00

Oliver Wednesday

2010-10-13T14:29:00.001-07:00

A True Conversation

2010-09-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

The following is a complete transcript of the conversation Gus and I had on the way home from agility Thursday morning:

"Gus, I'm just wondering why you won't stick with me for just one hour, once a week, during agility? Am I asking too much? Is running away really all that rewarding??"

"Well, Janet" (he always calls me by my first name), "it's not that I don't try. Every week I say to myself - I'm gonna stay with her this week, really I am, this week will be different. But cats, they are like crack - they make my brain go numb. That toy thing you did today - that was brilliant! It momentarily took my mind away from cats - maybe next time we could play tug with a real cat?"

"Gus!!!"

"Just kidding, just kidding."

"Seriously, Gus, if you don't like agility just say so."

"Ummm, let's look at the facts girl friend. We've been in level 2 almost 15 years."

"15 years? Gus, you are not that old."

"Focus Janet - I'm a dog - I'm talking dog years here! Sheesh..." (rolls eyes)

"Anyway, like I was saying - 15 years, everyone who started with us has moved on to a higher level class, some who started after we started have moved on. Those new dogs who started last week - the cocker and the shelties - they will be in level 3 by next week. Janet - we stink!!"

"OK, ok, maybe you have a point. But Gus I want to do agility."

"Fine by me Janet, but since I am the one who actually does the obstacles we do it my way. And my way includes occasional cat hunting ventures."

"You know Gus, I have other dogs. Perhaps one of them would enjoy agility more than you do."

"Ya, right! It sounds like you are thinking about replacing me? Get real, what have you got? Let's see - Gracie? - can't jump, can't walk up inclines - don't think so! Bill? too short, afraid of dog walks, A-frames, and teeters - not very promising! Blue Monster? - eats Border Collies, nuff said! Looks like you are stuck with me - the Gus-man!! Ya!!"

Mumbling under my breath - "maybe I'll replace you with a cat..."

"What!?! What did you say!?!"

Wait For Me

2010-09-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

Chillin' with Gracie

2010-09-16T12:06:00.001-07:00

The Puppies

2010-09-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Photo Shoot

2010-09-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sucker for a Pretty Face

2010-08-18T16:18:00.001-07:00

And so since Justin Animal Control is shutting its doors

And this little guy needed to get out ASAP

And since he is so cute, he landed at my house

But, not to worry

He is not staying

He is moving to League City to be the "little brother" to Joey

My youngest's dachshund

Since she can't decide on a name for the little cutie

I am calling him Puppy-wuppy

She did send me a list of "Skills My Puppy Should Have"

My job is to instill these skills into Puppy-wuppy's small skull prior to him going to his forever home

I think I can reach a close approximation to this wish list...

1. Know that the bathroom ALWAYS outside, NEVER inside, even when he is scared. (Good Potty training and no submissive peeing)
2. Can be in crate without being upset
3. The less barking, the better, especially when nobody is home
4. Chewing only on appropriate objects
5. I would love to have a dog who fetches or does some kind of playing
6. Basic commands like sit and down so Carey can ruin it... I'll teach him the touch his nose to the tuppaware!

Where are my pink flip flops?

2010-08-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

My pink flip flops are missing.

I just wore them this morning

Oh, there they are. Thanks for finding them for me

What's in your closet??

2010-08-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Justin Animal Shelter out of business

2010-08-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Justin City Council has chosen to eliminate Justin Animal Control due to the city's financial situation. The target date for relocating all of the animals is August 24. We currently have 8 puppies, 5 adult dogs, as well as kittens and adult cats (unless something came in today that I don't know about). The animals are listed at the following petfinder link. If you or someone you know are interested in one of these animals you can call Animal Control @940-648-2541 x113.

All available animals are listed at the link. All adoptions are free.

http://justinanimalshelter.blogspot.com/index.html#7572461158941865590

Apparently, He Wants My Job

2010-08-03T18:38:00.001-07:00

Good vs. Evil

2010-07-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

In your mind rate the following creatures as good or bad. Don't think about it, just go with your first emotion.

Brown grasshopper

Yellow grasshopper

Yellow Garden Spider

I don't know about you, but I would guess it might be common to rate grasshoppers as good, maybe even cute. Spiders might be thought of as bad or maybe scary. Guess what? The good, cute grasshoppers are totally decimating my landscape - eating holes in leaves, and damaging garden and yard plants. The evil, scary spiders are catching grasshoppers in their webs, which for me is a good thing. There just might be a lesson to be learned here...

Post Agility Position

2010-07-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

We have assumed the traditional post-agility position.

Expect us to maintain this position for approximately the next 24 hours.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

I Will, If I Can Get Away With It...

2010-06-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Who Me?

Nothing!!

Wordless Wednesday - Sundog

2010-04-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Wrecking Crew...

2010-03-31T19:03:00.001-07:00

"Or why she crates us, rather than leaving us loose in the house while she is away."

"And I helped..."

"Not satisfied with simply trashing the yard, we must trash one another."

"Yes, this is an acceptable level of carnage, quite satisfactory!"

"What should we do now, Gracie?"

"I dunno, Gus, world domination is one option."

The Three...

2010-03-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Three...

Musketeers?

Stooges?

Wishes?

Little Pigs?

Amigos?

Strikes?

or Three Kinds of Trouble - Light Brown, Dark Brown, and Blue & White!

Destructo-puppy + Gracie the Grown-up = FUN!

2010-03-07T16:00:00.001-08:00

This is Destructo-puppy. He is looking for a forever home.

This is Gracie the Grown-up. She is easily influenced by Destructo-puppy, and may be looking for a new home herself. I can make you a deal. How about a two-fer?

Partners in Crime.

Fun, Fun, Fun...

And more Fun...

Destructo-Puppy plus Gracie the (easily influenced to do bad things) Grown-up - debris.

Formerly known as the back porch mat.

Wordless Wednesday, Adore-a-bull...

2010-03-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

It's What We Do.

2010-03-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Gracie upside down play-growling

Chance barking at Gracie.

Gracie's growly posture.

Let the games begin...

And now we sleep...

Goodbye Suzie

2010-02-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

We are fortunate at the Justin Animal Shelter. We have the luxury of being able to hold animals for longer than many other shelters. However, sometimes we have to make hard decisions. Sometimes we have to make "the list" - those animals who will be euthanized. Sometimes we have to euthanize due to space limitations. Sometimes we have to euthanize an aggressive animal. And sometimes we have to make the decision to euthanize when an animal begins to deteriorate emotionally and or behaviorally. We were not full, she was not aggressive, but she was definitely deteriorating. She had been in the shelter for almost 7 months. Even though we provided walks, kongs for unstuffing, rawhides for chewing, and other dogs to play with it wasn't enough - she needed a home. The shelter is not a home, at best it is a stopping off place on the way home. She had become unresponsive to the shelter workers, she spent her days either staring off into space like a despondent person, or digging at the concrete floor and biting at the wire fence in an obsessive attempt to escape the confines or her 10 x 10 run. Today we said good-bye to Suzie. I will miss you pretty girl. Wish we could have done better for you!

Attention Span of a Cornflake

2010-02-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

This foster puppy

has the attention span of a cornflake.

In spite of that fact,

he is very cute, in a clown-like way.

I can help you make him yours. You'll have more fun than a barrel of monkeys...

Let me help...

Blue Moon's Lucky Chance

2010-02-14T15:51:00.001-08:00

I dunno why, but it just seemed to me that he should have a fancy sounding name. Parvo -puppy does not seem adequate. Since he is blue and white and very lucky to have received another chance for life he shall be named "Blue Moon's Lucky Chance". His call name is Chance. I did not know, but he is potentially still contagious for the next 2 weeks, so he could not go back to the shelter after being released from the animal E.R. Saturday night. He currently is residing in my laundry room, and being a Very Good Sport about the whole thing! You may recall the E.R. vet did not want to euthanize him even though the City would not fund the treatment for parvo virus. I knew the treatment would be expensive, I did not realize how expensive. The E.R. Hospital offered to treat him for what they would have charged for the initial exam + euthanazia. In all the total cost of the grace extended to this little one was just under $2000. Wow!

Now all he needs is a forever home!

Taking a treat.

What a cute face!

Can't wait to get out from behind these bars

Did I mention that he is cute, potty trained, and needs a home? How 'bout it? You could be the one to give this story the truly happy ending it deserves.

We Play, We Rest

2010-02-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

Gus and Gracie playing in the snow

Gus and Gracie and an Orange Juice container

Gus

Gracie

Bill did not spend too much time in the snow. Probably had something to do with his height perspective.

Exhausted puppies.

Someone failed this puppy - big time!

2010-02-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

Got a call from a concerned citizen at about 4:45 this afternoon. A dog has been sitting up against the outside of the neighbor's fence for several hours and it might be sick. Thank you for calling, I'll be right out to check.

Sure enough there's the dog, right where the caller said it would be - against the fence, in the mud. I approach, and see it is just a baby, a pit bull baby, - he doesn't look good at all. Try to pick him up, cause he's not gonna move on his own - he screams and I reconsider my original plan. Go to the truck get a towel and something to wrap around his sweet baby mouth to muzzle him. More screaming, but I get him into the cage in the back of the truck. Now what? Clearly he is in pain, and I can not take him back to the shelter in this condition.

It is after 5, all of the regular vets we use will probably be gone for the day. Sure enough they are, so it is off to the emergency vet with the precious little puppy.

We have called ahead, so they know we are coming and have agreed to see him without up front payment. We are ushered into an exam room - puppy promptly throws up on the floor. The vet tech suggests they will probably want to do a test for parvo. I explain the city doesn't have the funds to treat this puppy if he is really as sick as he seems to be - probably all we can do is make him stop hurting. She understands what I mean and puts the parvo test on hold for now. She takes his temp and tries to get his pulse. Now we have bloody diarrhea in addition to the vomit - the vet insists on the parvo test. Makes sense to me, but I want them to know the city won't be

willing to pay for treatment.

They test him. I sit on the floor, his head in my lap, his body on a towel to keep him off the cold fake wood floor. We wait - me and the sick puppy, I have to keep shifting my legs to keep them from falling asleep. I stroke his soft baby ears, and try to think of a name for him. He should have a name, it just isn't right for him to be nameless. I can't think of anything suitable. He sleeps, I listen to his soft puppy breathing, and am sad because I don't think this is going to end well. The vet comes into the room. Yes, he has parvo. In fact the vet says he has probably been sick for 4 or 5 days, and is so dehydrated he probably wasn't going to last much longer. Probably been throwing up and having diarrhea for several days, but no one noticed, or no one cared. So I prepare myself to say that I want to be with him, to hold him when they euthanize him. But first he needs a name...

Then a surprising thing happens. The emergency vet says she has talked with the owner of the clinic and they would like to treat this puppy for the same price that they would charge the city to euthanize him. I am surprised. I know this is a good deal. A very good deal. She says she expects he will have to stay at the hospital for several days, but they would like to do this. She thinks they can save his life. I hesitate for a moment, because I know that even if his life is saved he still does not have a home. He is a puppy - a shelter is not a good place for a puppy to grow up. We already have two pit bulls at our very small shelter. Two pit bulls that have been there for quite some time. Two pit bulls that no one has looked at. He might have a life, but what kind of life? The moment passes and I smile and say - it's a deal! I fill out some more paperwork, whisper good luck to the puppy, walk back out to the truck, and start thinking of a suitable name for this puppy whose luck may have just turned around.

Big Teeth

2010-02-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

And lots of noise.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

Former Shelter Dog

Graduate Number Three

2010-02-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

If you have read much of this blog, you know that I enjoy taking my dogs to agility classes.

http://jprairiedogs.blogspot.com/2009/05/graduation.html

http://jprairiedogs.blogspot.com/2009/09/cue-music-we-have-another-graduate.html

I am proud to announce that dog number three is now a Beginner Agility Graduate. I have pictures and a certificate to prove it!!

Bill waiting to do agility

Always up for a treat! Thanks, Terri!

Sailing through the tire.

Over the broad jump.

Coming out of the tunnel.

Jump.

Bill's good friend, Bebe.

3 on, 1 off?

Dogwalk. What a brave little guy!

Flying through the weave poles. Looks like all of his feet are off the ground.

2 on 2 off, just like it is supposed to be!

A-frame

Proof of Graduation!

In the absence of my usual photographer (who was working so that these dogs can go to agility classes), I would like to thank the very capable, Mike McIlraith, for dealing with my temperamental camera and taking such outstanding photos. Mike was attending graduation with his outstanding wife, Terri, of team Terri and Sami

By the way, if it looks like winter in these pictures, let me assure you it was a very cold and windy day on a hilltop on the North Texas prairie!! Brrrr!!

Special Shelter Dogs

2010-02-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

We currently have two special ladies at the Justin Texas animal shelter looking for two equally special homes.

Suzie came in as a stray on July 29, 2009, and currently calls the shelter her home. If you do the math, Suzie has been in the shelter for a little over 6 months. Often dogs who are in a shelter situation (translation: loud, stressful environment) begin to display undesirable, stress related behaviors. Suzie has been able to take it all in stride. She plays well with others, and has incredible dog to dog social skills, of course she loves people as well. I would classify her as "bomb proof" around other dogs. Cats however, not so much... If she is so incredible why has she not been adopted? Because people come in, look at her and say: "yikes a pit bull!" And so it goes...

This little darling is called Shasta. She came in as a stray on January 20, 2010. I truely like this sweet gal, too! She is such a wiggle-butt it is difficult to get a picture of her. She really loves people (alot!). She gets along well with other dogs. Shasta has not been around as long as Suzie, therefore we have not had the opportunity to observe her interaction with as many different dogs as Suzie. So far there has been no indication that she is anything but friendly with other dogs. No one has shown any interest in adopting Shasta either.

If you think you might need a little more pit bull in your life, consider one of these special girls! I'd be happy to help you explore the possibilities!!

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX220.html

Saturday Night, Living Room Agility

2010-01-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

It has been a cold/wet week and weekend here on the North Texas prairie, and the pit bulls are becoming feisty. Hanging around inside with nothing much to do is OK for awhile, but they can only take so much. Tonight we set up the "agility course". The course consists of two chairs + one mop handle = wing jump, one ottoman = pause table, and one play tunnel = tunnel (duh!).

Gus taking a jump. Good job Gusser!

Gracie coming out of the tunnel. Trickier than it looks. Her right leg frequently catches the tunnel edge during entry.

Still the girl can move!

Gracie taking a jump. She can jump about eight inches without knocking the bar.

Notice how well the left leg can be pulled up to jump. The right leg, not so much...

Silly Gus chillin' in the tunnel. By the way two 50 pound dogs can not fit into this tunnel side by side - doesn't stop them from trying however.

Bill coming out of the tunnel. Tight turn, wonder where he is going?

Bill pausing on the table. He likes this obstacle (alot!)

Bill jumping the same height that Gracie does. Look at how high he gets. Go little dog! Go!

Sometimes Mr Bill cheats and runs on the outside of the tunnel instead of the inside of the tunnel. No reward for you this time, Mr. Bill!

And that is Saturday night, living room agility (S.N.L.R.A.)

One more thing. Perhaps we could incorporate this red bike into S.N.L.R.A. It could be similar to the tire jump. The dogs would leap through the opening in the bike frame. What about it, honey, want to donate your new toy to the cause??

http://chris-pondero.blogspot.com/2010/01/single-speed-baby.html

A Short Update

2010-01-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

Our family computer crashed several weeks ago. That is the main reason this blog has been neglected. I can use Chris's laptop, but it is not convenient. Hopefully we will get a new computer soon and the neglect will end. The dogs are doing well. Gracie is up walking and running. She can run as fast as Gus, which is slow for her since she once was "wicked" fast and could basically run circles around him. Her gait while functional is not pretty. The back right leg tends to swing out in a peculiar way and she sits funny. But she is a very happy girl, and that is the main thing.

Just Chilling

Agility Bill

Bill is finishing up the foundation/level one agility class. He is very enthusiastic when it comes to agility, or perhaps more accurately when it comes to agility food rewards. He's cute, it's fun, and I plan to continue with him!

Coming soon a post on living room agility. Using the ottoman as a pause table and dining room

chairs plus mops as wing jumps. Fun for all dogs!

Sonic, aka Maynard

2010-01-09T09:11:00.001-08:00

I was going to write something about our new visitor, Sonic,

but, my sweet husband beat me to it. Check out:

http://chris-pondero.blogspot.com/2010/01/maynard.html

Happy New Year

2010-01-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

Nap Buddies

2009-12-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Sunshine Boys

2009-12-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

7 weeks out

2009-12-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

It has been 7 weeks and 1 day since Gracie's Very Bad Day. She is doing very well. She is completely ambulatory - she walks, she runs (not a pretty sight however). She is happy! Gracie's back right leg is rather unstable and weak, it just doesn't work right. But she is able to get around, the big challenge is climbing and descending stairs, and staying upright when she "runs" or tries to turn quickly. She also can not wag her tail very much. Gracie was always a huge tail wagger - I do miss that, and hope it comes back. The thinking is that she may still improve over the next 6-12 months, but probably not as dramatically as she did in the first 5 weeks - where she went from paralyzed to walking. Thanks to you who have inquired about her progress - Lisa, Terri, Debbie, Daisey Dog, and others.

Gracie on the big bed. She can jump up there all by herself

Gus offers moral support.

As does Bill.

Napping with Gracie - cheering her to wellness! It's the least we can do!

Wordless Wednesday - physical therapy

2009-11-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Physical Therapy and other musings

2009-11-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

Chris was telling friends about Gracie. He mentioned that she can not walk. They said "why don't you take her to physical therapy? Ha Ha!"

Well guess what? That is an excellent idea! I just tossed them my credit card (again).

Gracie in the underwater treadmill. Working those back legs!

Walking over the poles. She has to pick up her feet.

Walking - This is not as easy as it looks.

Of course the other dogs still have lives I can comment on. Bill, or Agilitybill, as Chris refers to him, is in the foundation/beginner agility class. Today a cute little Jack Russell girl got all up into Bill's face. He handled himself quite well and now they are best friends. It is so much different training a small dog than training a big dog. For one thing, my back is killing me from having to bend over to lure or deliver treats to Mr. Bill. But, on the positive side, if he is not cooperating with me, I can just pick him up and relocate him. Not so much with the big dogs.

Gus also had agility class today. He is in the level 2 class, which a step above beginners. He is doing very well. Usually (OK, even more often than usually) when he messes up on a sequence, it is my fault. Sometimes I just get lost on the course, or give him the wrong, or late cue. Agility is not as easy as it looks, either.

In addition to agility, Gus got lucky this afternoon when I was distracted by a phone call and left the bag of agility treats in the backyard. It is one of those square (actually it is a cube) vinyl lunch bag things with the zipper. Inside it was a bully stick plus several ziplock bags containing cheese, hot dogs, vienna sausage, and boring kibble. When I noticed the carnage all that was left was a tattered, zipperless lunch bag, + empty, ripped plastic bags, + a slightly chewed bully stick. He is sleeping it off now.

One more thing, to the person in class who is scared of Gus - really he is just a dog, not a chupacabra. Maybe he is a pit bull, or a pit bull mix - but I promise not a chupacabra.

Just saying...

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

2009-11-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

How We Spent Our Day:

Lazy Dog

Underwater Treadmill - Working dog

How's Gracie?

2009-11-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Gracie is doing OK. She can't stand completely, she can't walk properly, she doesn't have control of her bladder or bowels, but Gracie is doing OK. She has made small improvements since Gracie's Very Bad Day. Gracie is now playing the wait-it-out-game. While improvements will probably not be measured by days, the expectation is that they will be measured by weeks and months. Gracie is not on strict crate rest, rather she is on more of a supervised activity schedule. The Application of Heat, Passive Range of Motion Exercises, Standing Exercises, and Walking Exercises are the prescribed method of healing, along with time - lots of time. Gracie seems to be happy with this turn of events. She's living in the moment, not concerned with what tomorrow may or may not bring. Probably not a bad way to approach life...

Gracie and Gus enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Gracie enjoying a good chew toy in the fresh hay of the outside kennel.

Gracie chewing, Gus chillin'.

Gracie taking a break from walking exercises. Notice the back legs - not working quite right.

Taking a walk, using the "walk a bout", to hold up the back end.

Princess Gracie Came Home Today

2009-11-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Six Weeks of Crate Rest Begins Now

The Patient

2009-10-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

Gracie is still in Dallas at the Veterinary Surgical Center. She has regained a bit of function in the left hind leg and some feeling in the right. Obviously she can not walk.

Poor thing, can't even wag her tail. She is always a big tail-wagger. Still she might come home on Monday. I hope so.

Gracie's Very Bad Day

2009-10-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

Gracie had a very bad day. Gracie is at the Dallas Veterinary Surgery Center, rather than snoozing here by my computer.

I was playing with Gracie and the other dogs this morning on our agility equipment. Gracie took 2 jumps, powered through the weave poles, and began dragging her right back leg, then the left as well.

I got her to the vet and she sent us to Dallas Vet Surgical Center, where Gracie will remain for a few days. The myleogram of her spine was normal, so it is not a ruptured disk, no surgery required. The suspected diagnosis is a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). An FCE is like a stroke of the spinal cord. Apparently some disc material enters an artery causing an obstruction of the blood flow to the spine. A piece of the spine dies. Lots of dogs recover from an FCE, some don't. It is a painless injury. The good news is that the left leg still has a reflex response as well as feeling. Although there is no reflex response in the right leg, it does appear she still has some feeling - which is good. Hopefully Gracie will be able to walk again one day.

P.S. For those of my friends and relatives who can not believe I would go to this much trouble and expense for a dog (you know who you are), look at it this way - just doing my part to stimulate the economy... Love you!

Satan's Child

2009-10-01T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here she is just chillin' with the dachshund, so calm and sweet...

Hard to believe...

She's off the team

Suspended with pay

Out of the game

Our girl was a big bully last week at agility class

Come to think of it, she's been kind of sassy lately...

Object of Her Desire

2009-10-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

She really wants these Oscar the Grouch house shoes. Problem is they are a "leave it" and they are on a high shelf...

Maybe not so much of a problem...

Got 'em. Now get out of my way...

End of the Garden

2009-09-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

Our garden was abundant in its production of yellow squash. We are not real big fans of yellow squash. So, we thought of other ways to use yellow squash rather than cooking and eating it ourselves. We tried giving some of it away - not very successful, seems that other folks also had an abundance of yellow squash. Joey ate a bit of yellow squash. We played games with yellow squash. Finally, I let the squash grow and grow to see just how big it would get. It got pretty big - not championship size or anything, probably about 12 inches or so.

They say if squash gets big it gets too hard to eat and is good for nothing. My big dogs would disagree! Big, old squash is the best! Gus will take the squash, bite off the stem end the way the old men in black and white movies bite off the end of a cigar and spit it out before lighting up. He then takes little nibbles off that squash savoring each bite. Gracie hovers around him until he is distracted, swoops in, snatches the remainder, and chomps it down in as few bites as practical. Gus is left wondering what in the world just happened.

I've looked inside big, old yellow squash. It has a kind of pumpkin look to it. There is a thick hard outer shell, with fiber and seeds inside. The seeds look a lot like pumpkin seeds. I bet yellow squash and orange pumpkins are first cousins. In fact if old yellow squash was round it would probably be yellow pumpkin.

The dogs like it a lot. But there is one thing about letting them eat mature yellow squash. They can't have it 24-36 hours prior to agility class, or let's just say you might be embarrassed by their performance.

Gus with his prize

Gracie with Gus's prize...

New Foster

2009-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that after Chippy was adopted to a nice home and I said NO MORE FOSTERS, I have another foster. Meet Dylan the miniature dachshund, or possibly, Dylan the chiweenie. He was found wandering around in the city of Justin. I'm really surprised the coyotes didn't get him, as he is about the right size to be a coyote snack. Dylan is about 5 years old and fat! Dylan is on a diet. Dylan is not happy to be on a diet, but he is shaped like a football with legs. Sometimes Dylan has difficulty keeping his legs under him so he stumbles and falls. I hope losing some weight will make him more stable. He weighs about 12 pounds, but should weigh more like 10 pounds. Two pounds might not sound like much but it is about 17% more weight than his little body ought to be carrying around.

Dylan chillin' with the big dog.

Cue the Music, We Have Another Graduate!

2009-09-01T16:45:00.001-07:00

Gracie before class on graduation night.

She loves the contacts the best - good girl stopping in the yellow!

Shooting through the tunnel

Coming down the dog walk. Looks like she is moving slowly - NOT!

Weave-o-matics. Gotta make me some of these.

Again in the yellow - yeah!

Taking a jump.

A-frame. Run fast!

The proof of achievement

And to think this time last year our girl was a stray at the Justin Animal Shelter. She has come a long way.

Except For This One

2009-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

He says, "don't like dogs!"

I say"except for this one who is a total suck up."

Look at how she plays him. The paw draped over his arm.

The "look how cute I am" eyes. The way she leans into him. He is putty in her paws.

Which One Is The Best?

2009-08-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hmm, which one is the best?

Always, always, the one SHE has! Give it to ME!!

Few Word Wednesday

2009-08-26T16:16:00.001-07:00

She has to duck her head and fold her body, but she can fit into the dachshund crate.

Still has the big head!

No idea why she likes to do this...

What We Like to See

2009-08-13T09:54:00.001-07:00

These are dogs that are sleeping soundly because they have run agility sequences this morning. It is true that a tired dog is a good dog.

Gracie

Gus

Bill - no wait he is just a pretender.

Today in Gracie's class we ran sequences, rather than just a couple of obstacles and then another couple of obstacles. Something that I knew became very apparent to the rest of the people there. Gracie is really FAST!!! and really ENTHUSIASTIC!!! about RUNNING!!! I will have a hard time living up to her potential.

No Dogs on the Bed

2009-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Nope, no dogs on this bed!