Sunday, March 25, 2012

For Anyone with Doubts...

That Paw Power really works! Our thanks and wet, slurpy kisses go to our friend Roo for adding little Lucy to the Power of the Paw badge (look to your right, and you'll see other pooches who can use a little extra Paw Power these days). And, our thanks and even wetter, slurpier kisses (if that's possible) go out to everyone in Blogville who kept Lucy in their thoughts during our wait for her ultrasound results. Why is it that time seems to stand still when we're waiting for test results?!

To catch everyone up, about a month ago, Lucy started drinking and urinating more than usual. At 14, she's otherwise in excellent shape, except for some hearing loss and a heart murmur that we've never had to treat. So this new behavior was obvious and worrisome.

Off to the vet we went. I LOVE my vet, by the way. Just wanted to get that in there! If you move to my neck of the woods, let me know. Have I got a vet practice for you...

The doctor had her suspicions from the beginning, but she wanted to check for more simple things to start. So, they looked to see if it was a kidney infection or Cushing's but no. Too "easy" for my complicated Aussy. Lucy's blood pressure was also up, which, when coupled with her high protein levels really pointed to chronic kidney disease. They did an ultrasound just to make sure there were no other nasties going on, and thank goodness, it confirmed that nothing ugly was taking over. I could deal with chronic kidney disease, but  not something more nasty with my Heart Dog!

So, here's the amazing part. On Friday, just two days ago, we started her on yucky, tasteless prescription food and blood pressure medication. I figured she'd turn her nose up at this awful, grey food. No, she gulps it down like it's sirloin steak. I also figured it would be hard to pill her - she's not big on letting me near her snout. But, I tuck her pill in a bit of food and she sucks that down, too. By yesterday afternoon she was a new dog! Playing again, bright eyed, back to her inquisitive and kooky self. It's like Lucy's back with us again. And we're very happy to have her!





Monday, March 19, 2012

Power of the Paw, Please!

May I ask for your Power of the Paw for my little Lucy? I would greatly appreciate it! She hasn't been feeling great lately, and she's been going through lots of tests to try and pinpoint the cause. We started with some simple urine tests to see if she had a kidney infection (no), moved on to a urine protein:creatinine ratio test and that showed that she has way too much protein in her urine. So now, she has an appointment for an ultrasound of her kidneys on Wednesday... I'm hoping that if we all cross our paws really tightly, she'll be A-okay.

This little lady is my {heart} dog, and I expect her to live forever. I know that's absurd, but it will happen. It has to! She'll be 14 on April 5th. And we'll be celebrating!!





Mine, all mine!

Mine. And yes, those are my ears.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Meet... Charlie!

I finally had a DNA test done on Charlie. All these years, I guessed that she was a pit bull/Shiba Inu mix. Well, as it turns out, I was close. Very close!

When she was a puppy, it was pretty clear that she had a drop or two of bully in her:

Welcome Home, Sluggo!
Je suis un chien petite. No, really. And delicate, too.

Ah, those ears. Her ears are just too funny. They started on top of her head, but only fell halfway. And that's where they've stayed. 

This has to be my absolute fave pic of Charlie as a puppy.
All the better to hear you with!
But, however you cut it, she's still a gorgeous, playful girl!

Yeah, if "playful" means stealing all the toys.

Who is happily eaten greatly admired by her siblings.

Hmmm... Lucy is noticeably absent from this picture...
But, you're probably on the edge of your seat. WHAT IS SHE? What did the DNA test reveal? Everyone agreed that she looked like she had some Shiba Inu in her. Her coat is a little thick, like a Shiba's, she's just a tad aloof, like a Shiba. So we went with it. For 7 1/2 years, we've described Charlie as a Shiba Inu/Pit Bull mix.

Not. I'm gonna have to change her Blogger profile...

The test revealed - drumroll please! - that Charlie has Akita on one side of her family and Akita/Staffordshire Bull Terrier on the other! After Oliver's DNA fiasco with his first and then second tests (talk about your Heinz 57s!), I was really pleased with how clear-cut Charlie's results were. Both the identifications of Akita and Staffy in Charlie were slam-dunks and make up about 75% of her DNA.

The lesser breeds detected, accounting for the remainder of her DNA, include - get this... - American Foxhound, Otterhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Far from the screwy mix that was found in Oliver's test! Sorry - testsssssss!

So, my little Shiba Inu has morphed into a big Akita. Still a Spitz breed, so I'm very happy. Best of all, she's still Charlie - my pooch, my love. Nothing will change that!





Thursday, March 1, 2012

MY Sofa

What? I'm not supposed to be up here?
You want me to get down? 
I'll consider your request as soon as I wake up.

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