Calling All Chi Lovers: Chihuahua Party!

In this edition of The Crazy Dog Lady, I'm going to tell you all about today's adventure at the dog park. Mr. Flea went to a Chihuahua party! Drew found a meetup group called South Bay Chihuahua Meetup that holds a monthly Chi party at Ed Levin Dog Park in Milpitas. It's the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Today is a gorgeous day so we took our Chi, Flea, and had a blast. I was a little nervous that Flea might not be well-behaved enough, but he fit right in with all the other crazy Chis. It was fantastic! There were Chis and Chi mixes of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. Some were teeny tiny, others (like Flea) were medium to larger sized. Some were young and others nearing fossilization. Some had on rockin' outfits and accessories, others just brought their sassy personalities. My personal favorite was an ancient 2-3 pound cutie who had on one-piece pajamas (butt-flap style, except no butt-flap necessary). There was an adorable long-haired dapple Chi named Milkshake and her sibling French Fry. And I can't forget to mention the oh-so-teeny-and-timid Nugget and her pink tshirt. There's even a pair named Rat and Brat who are having a birthday party next month! 

A handful of party-goers (including Flea) showing off

Flea was in hog heaven. He spent most of the time sniffing and marking the fenced perimeter. Occasionally he'd have a little stand-off with another feisty Chi, but all in good fun! Butts were sniffed, tails were wagged, dirt and grass were kicked, and everyone was in their ferocious glory. I am SO proud of Flea and super excited that he had such a great time. If you're in the South Bay area, find us on Meetup and come out next month if you want to witness a real spectacle! It's a great way to socialize your Chi without having to worry about their feisty antics being misunderstood. It's also super entertaining and a nice way to meet new people!

Somebody is all played out...

The Journey Continues...

Our guys enjoying the new view

This blog isn't about me. It's meant to share all of my dog adventures and the many things Drew and I learn along the way. While I vent and emote through my posts, I always try to be sure the dogs remain my writing focus. Having said that, life just threw Drew and I a pretty serious curve ball that I feel deserves a post of its own. My blog's been quiet lately and I want to explain why. So, if you don't mind reading about me for a little bit, I'll share our latest adventure with you.

We moved from Atlanta to San Jose, California last week. Drew got a job offer in San Francisco just after Christmas. One month later, we sold our Atlanta house, said goodbye to everyone we know, loaded up our three dogs, and pointed the Pathfinder west. It was really fast, really exciting, really scary, and in some ways really sad. We don't know a single soul out here, but it's a totally fresh start for both of us. What does that mean for me? I left law school. I didn't transfer; I'm not taking time off. I'm done. What does any of this have to do with dogs? A whole lot! Let me explain:

1) I am enrolled in Carrington College California's Veterinary Technology program beginning June 2014. I didn't have this kind of opportunity it Atlanta; our nearest vet tech program was an hour away. I am SO tremendously excited about this! Dogs aren't just going to be a hobby for me anymore. They're going to be part of my career. I learned through fostering how much I love helping animals recover from illness and injury, being a dog nurse, paying close attention to things that a lot of people don't have the stomach for, and gaining an animal's trust in a really special way. I started with heartworm treatment and ended with Cap'n Jack's FHO and enucleation recoveries. I can do this. I really want to do this. I am super mega ultra excited to DO THIS! So I left law school in the dust for something I'm truly passionate about: animal care. Of course, being a vet tech involves way more than just dogs. CCC's program encompasses thirteen different species: Cows, snakes, frogs, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, dogs, rabbits, cats, horses, birds, pigs, and mice. I've got a lot to learn!

2) We're going to have to take a hiatus from fostering. We are renting a townhome out here until we figure out all the neighborhoods and decide where we want to replant our roots. Let me tell you, finding a landlord who is ok with three dogs is no small task. Try doing it on a three day house hunting trip, to boot. I'm pretty sure we almost wound up living in a cardboard box under a bridge with our dogs. Anyway, we absolutely love our new neighborhood (Willow Glen, San Jose!) and our townhouse, but we probably should not push the envelope any further by adding a rotating fourth dog to the mix. Maybe after we live here for a year or two I can talk to our landlords and see if they'd be open to the idea, but I'm not comfortable doing it on the DL. Not to mention, this isn't our property. If you roll Cindy Lou Who (December 2012) and Cap'n Jack (January 2014) into 2013, we fostered 22 dogs last year. None of them were destructive, but if something ever happened here I'd be up a creek with the landlord because this isn't my house. While it's heartbreaking to step back from fostering, it's only temporary and it's better to be responsible about it. My dogs need their space while they adjust to our major life change anyway. They're doing great, by the way!

Chrissy, Katharine, & the FODA van

3) We don't know anybody out here. Anybody. I left my entire rescue network behind in Atlanta and the Northeast. I've got to start completely from scratch. How? The same way I did it in Atlanta when I moved there. I submitted my volunteer application to Santa Clara County Animal Care & Control this morning. Volunteering at animal control is the best way to get your finger on the pulse of animal welfare in your locale. It's also a great way to meet fellow animal lovers and give back to your community. Drew and I will be attending the next volunteer orientation on the second Saturday of March. So, we'll go from there. Eventually I'll learn which rescue groups are the best to work with out here, who needs the most help, who I'd like to foster for, etc. For now, we'll focus on walking and socializing the dogs at AC. I'm really curious to see what our AC is like out here...you can be sure I'll post about that. I'll really, truly, from the bottom of my heart miss fostering for transport through FODA for all the wonderful groups up North. You guys rock. I'm heartbroken about leaving you and I don't know how I'll ever possibly find such amazing dog people to work with again.

4) I need a job. My vet tech program doesn't start until June and even then it's only going to take up four evenings per week. I've applied for reception positions at local vet offices and sales positions at a couple of reputable pet supply stores. I'll only be working part-time and it will be nice to either establish a good relationship with a vet office early on or be able to help people find high quality products for their pets. We will see what happens. If I end up going the pet supply route, you can expect many more product plug posts to come!

5) I got a tattoo. What? Haha. I did! I'm going through a really hefty phase of 

change in my life. I wanted to mark it with something personal and special. I always wanted a paw print tattoo, but I never acted on it. (No, Mom, I don't have any others). Well, I finally did it. Two days before we left Atlanta, I grabbed Katharine and got inked. It meant a lot to me that Katharine, a dear rescue friend, tagged along. Here are a few of Katharine's other names: Zaxby the Chicken Wing Dog's mom, Finn the Dog's mom, FODA godmother / transport co-pilot / foster mom extraordinaire, and bringer of lunch to our awesome buddies at DeKalb County Animal Services. Anyway, the paw print is something really special to me. It punctuates my rescue work in Georgia, marks where it all started for me and also the end of that chapter, and commemorates the beginning of my vet tech career. So huge thanks to Katharine for going with me and to Dirk at East Atlanta Tattoo for being gentle. Now I figuratively wear a piece of my heart on my proverbial sleeve.

So, this is where The Great Foster Adventure that started it all stands. See what I meant about all the mixed emotions? It's a lot! It's taken me a while to get around to writing this post, but I'm glad I had the chance today. As always, thanks for reading and stay tuned to see what comes next! This isn't the end, only a new beginning. I have no idea where this crazy dog life is going to take me next!

This post is dedicated to Jamie, Chrissy, Katharine, Melissa, Jacki, Jane, Anna, and Rebecca. Thank you all for being such amazing friends, advocates, and drinking buddies. Paws up for DRDC!

Happy Tail: Cap'n Jack!

Straight off the bus and kisses already!

Ahoy, mateys! We've some great news to share with ye: Cap'n Jack found himself a couple o' jolly hearties who be offerin' him a poop cabin to call his own! The ole salt set sail for New York with Quartermasters Chrissy and Katharine on the FODA jollyboat a couple fortnights past. He be happy as a clam in cold waters! His new mateys say climbin' the riggin' n' unfurlin' the sails he was! No more swabbin' the decks for this cap'n...treats n' belly rubs be the only sight in his salty future.

Spoiled rotten, he be!

Ok, I can't keep that up for an entire post. Yes, Wacky Jacky settled in perfectly with his new family. His adoption was lined up long before he left on transport. His parents even had a skull n' crossbones collar waiting for him! He gets along swimmingly with his two canine siblings. Jack's parents are continuing the physical therapy for his hip, but you know he hasn't let it slow him down for a second. I'm super lucky that his mom and dad keep me updated with tons of photos and videos. They even speak fluent Piratese! Jacky couldn't have scored better. The little scruff munchkin steals the hearts of everyone he meets; mine is no exception. I miss his snorty mcsnort face and scrufftacular spirit, but I am so beyond thrilled for him and his forever family. Fair winds and smooth sailin' to ye, Cap'n!

PS: HUGE thanks to Auntie Kirsten for temp fostering Cap'n Jack TWICE during his stay in Georgia!

BONUS: Check out some pictures from the time between my last post about Jack and his adoption below for some over the top scruffaliciousness!

Happy Tail: Raven!

Belated happy tails are better than none at all...Miss Raven got adopted earlier this month! She lives in Nashville, TN and is as happy as can be. Icing on the cake: her leg is fully healed and looks great. We are so happy to see this girl enjoying her new life. Paws up for Raven and for Canine Pet Rescue!

In other news, CPR has taken in a very difficult new case: Allie the young GSD with severe chemical burns. If you'd like to donate toward Allie's care in honor of Raven, please follow the link below:

http://www.petcaring.com/animal-rescue/help-us-help-allie/36795

                  

 

Ahoy, Mateys! Lefty / Cap'n Jack Pupdate!

Shiver me timbers, I'm home!

Pawsome news: Lefty is home again! He spent Sunday night through Wednesday (today) afternoon at the vet being treated for his tummy ailments. I finally got to pick him up just an hour ago and he is very happy to be home with all his buddies again. Oliver missed playing with The Whack Attack! That's what we call Lefty...Wacky Jacky converted to The Whack Attack because he's so nutsy. So, he's home and doing just fine so far.

WHAT, I have to get another bath?!

The vets couldn't quite put their fingers on what caused his massive upset, but they're suggesting it was a combination of the Rimadyl, maybe a little something viral, and possibly worms or intestinal infection. They finally got the multi-point explosions to cease, thank goodness. They sent me home with the works for upset tummy: Fortiflora to help firm things up, Carafate to coat the belly, Panacur just in case he is wormy, and of course the fabulous miracle-working Metronidazole. Metro seriously solves every single tummy problem imaginable. That stuff is magic. So, Wacky Jacky should be good to go from here.

Lefty had has staples and sutures taken out while he was there for his tummy issues, too. His leg looks GREAT. Check out the before and after. His fur will grow back and he will look perfectly good as new! The eye looks great, too. You wouldn't even notice he's missing one at first glance. We are to continue doing the physical therapy exercises for the leg: bicycle rotating it when he's on the couch and shifting his weight to the healing side when he's standing. Barring any more surprise catastrophes, Lefty should be ready to head north in a week or two. Check out the video below to see Wacky Jacky in action (from a week ago).

Me foster mum says I should have me a bit of a lie-down

Yaaaarr, 'tis true mateys, I be a tired scaliwag!

Lefty / Cap'n Jack: SOS, Mateys!

Cap'n Jack is a pro at the side-eye

Paws crossed for Jacky, everyone. He's rather sick. We had to rush him to Village Vets emergency last night. He had diarrhea for over 24 hours, which is enough for concern. As I called the vet, it turned to blood. He was crying and obviously in distress. I thought it must be due to the rimadyl he's been on for two weeks, although I discontinued it the morning before when I first noticed his tummy problems. When we got to the vet, he threw up in the lobby. I really got scared then because I thought he must have gotten into something toxic. We have nothing lying around the house, but I thought maybe he could have eaten a poisonous frog or something in the yard. I was so scared; I know he's not a super young pup and that he's had all his shots, but it looked like parvo. They admitted him for overnight testing and monitoring.

He's also an underbite expert

I got a call at 9PM last night saying we could come get him. I said I'd rather them keep him overnight. Sure enough, his diarrhea continued throughout the night. This morning when I spoke with the vet (the same wonderful lady who operated on Jacky's eye), she said that he's stable but is still passing a lot of blood. His x-rays and bloodwork were clear, so no blockages or organ damage. He tested negative for parvo, thank Dog (the mere fact that the vet tested him shows how acute his symptoms were!). He held down a little bit of food, which is always a good thing. The vet said he's resting well, but she definitely wants to keep him for another day and night at least. Her suspicion is that it's viral, not something he got into. Either way, I know they'll take great care of him.

Behold: extreme ear scruff!

Of course, Cap'n Jack is as affectionate and feisty as ever. He is a staff favorite at Village Vets; he practically has to sign autographs when he comes through the door. A vet tech even asked us yesterday if he's still available for adoption, haha! They said they were wracking their brains for good pirate themed nicknames for him when he came in for his enucleation. Y'all should have seen how excited they got when I told them Lefty is only his "official" name, but that he actually goes by Cap'n Jack! Yaaaaaaarr, mateys! They absolutely love him. So I know he's in good hands. Nevertheless, it always hurts my heart when one of our guys is struggling. Jacky is one of my favorite fosters ever...he is such a lovey little scruff munchkin and is just so happy all the time, no matter what he's going through. So please cross every paw you've got in hopes that Cap'n Jack / Lefty will overcome yet another medical challenge. The poor little guy needs a break!

As if the costs of Lefty's FHO and enucleation weren't already sky-high, Perfect Pets Rescue continues to stand by his side no matter the expense. They could really use some help raising funds to cover Lefty's medical bills, especially now that he's had to have expensive tests and overnight hospitalization. If you can forego an afternoon coffee run or maybe even just a morning bagel to help PPR, please click here to donate for Lefty's care: http://www.perfectpetsrescue.org/donations-and-how-you-can-help.html

Bonus Happy Tails: Katie and Suri

When I had them...

Bonus happy tails alert! Remember Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise? I posted about their transport to NJ and adoptions a couple months ago. I've been super fortunate to receive continued updates on both of these precious girls since their adoptions. I really want to share with you how happy they are in their forever homes and just how adorable they both look. Huge thanks to both of their new families for taking the time to share these wonderful pictures and updates with me! It warms my heart to see their new lives. I couldn't have dreamed of more for Katie and Suri / Kit and Zoe!

First up: Miss Katie Holmes, now Kit! Judging from these pictures and her mom's correspondence, Kit is as adorable and feisty as ever. Kit's mom says her skin (remember how awful it was from the flea bites?) is doing pretty well overall. That one bad spot flared up a little due to the super cold weather, but with continued fish oil supplements and an antibiotic shot from the vet it seems to be under control. Wearing sweaters helps keep Kit from scratching and prevents flare ups, too. How conveniently cute! Love it. She's settled in beautifully with her new siblings. Check out how pawsome she looks in her fancy Christmas dress and Santa suit!

Suri / Zoe then...

...Suri / Zoe now!

Next up: Suri Cruise, now Zoe! Just. Look. At. Her. Squeeeeeee!!! Zoe's mom emailed me this picture. It's a good thing she told me who it was because I would never have recognized our little baby girl! Oh my goodness! She is so grown up and big! And surprise: she still looks absolutely nothing like her mama. Hah! What a goofy pair these girls are, honestly. I hear Zoe's about ten pounds now. She was barely five when we sent her on transport. I just can't believe how much she's grown and changed. Dachshund? Yeah, right! She looks like a baby Boxer or Mastiff. How ridiculous! Again, the only telling trait is the double dewclaw phenomenon. Otherwise you'd never know Zoe was Kit's puppy. Zoe's doing great. She's learning how to play politely and continuing her potty training.  Check out her transformation! That's all I have for now. Just wanted y'all to see the pawsomeness of rescue pupdates! Paws up for Zoe & Kit!