http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails Dogster diary for the dog Isabelle en Copyright 2009 by Isabelle & Dogster Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:04:17 PST Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com 360 http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/377949 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:10:31 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/377949 I was tagged by Suzy Q, Gracie & Hairy H. Parker Esq.! In this game of tag each player starts wit ... I was tagged by Suzy Q, Gracie & Hairy H. Parker Esq.! In this game of tag each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged need to post in their diary the rules and their 7 random facts. Then choose 7 pups to tag and list their names. Then let them know by pmail or a rosette that they have been tagged and to read your diary for instructions on how to play. Have Fun! My 7 facts: 1. I love ice cream! 2. My favorite place is the park! 3. I like riding in the car! 4. I am not scared of fireworks or thunderstorms! 5. My favorite thing to do is kissing my Daddy! 6. I am not so sure about my new sister Wednesday, I stay clear of her BOL! 7. I really don't like having my nails trimmed! These are the pups I am tagging: ♥ Sissy ♥ Eva ♥ Maggie ♥ Morgan ♥ Sweetie ♥ Sunny ♥ Kayla]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/367999 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 17:51:49 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/367999 Halloween is an annual celebration and this event is fraught with traditions from around the world. ... Halloween is an annual celebration and this event is fraught with traditions from around the world. The basic traditions associated with Halloween are as follows : JACK'O LANTERN : These are hollowed out pumpkins with a face cut into one side. People once carved out beets, potatoes and turnips to use as lanterns on Halloween. Nowadays we carve out pumpkins. According to an Irish legend, jack-o-lanterns were named for a man named Jack, who could not enter heaven because he was a miser. He could not enter hell either, because he had played jokes on the devil. So instead, he had to walk the earth with a lantern until Judgment Day. This was later brought into existence as one of the most popular halloween tradition. Fire : Fire is an integral part of the halloween tradition. Fire was very important to the Celts as it was to all early people. In the old days people lit bonfires, to scare away evil spirits. They believed that light had power over darkness. In some places they used to jump over the fire to bring good luck. Today, we light candles in pumpkin lanterns and then put them outside our homes to frighten away witches and ghosts. Apple Bobbing (Duck-apple) : The Roman festival for remembering the dead was also in October. During this time, the Romans remembered their goddess, Pomona. She was the goddess of the trees and fruits, and when the Romans came to Britain, they began to hold these two festivals on the same day as Samhain. Apple games probably became associated with Halloween because of this. Dressing up : The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. To keep ghosts away from their houses on Halloween, people would place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter. Halloween costumes is by far the most important and the most interesting customs of halloween. Trick or Treat : Halloween was a time for making mischief - many parts of England still recognise Halloween as Mischief Night - when children would knock on doors demanding a treat (Trick or Treat) and people would disguise themselves as witches, ghosts, kelpies and spunkies, in order to obtain food and money from nervous householders. Till date on the halloween day children disguise themselves and go knocking from door to door shouting "Trick or Treat". The people usually entertain children by handing out candies to them.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/345688 Wed, 1 Aug 2007 22:22:11 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/345688 Here are the rules of the game. Make a diary entry, giving 5 pawsome facts about yourself! Choose 5 ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/340348 Sat, 21 Jul 2007 14:35:17 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/340348 Here is the newest Dogster TAG game! I have been Love Tagged by Gracie! All you have to do after ... Gracie! All you have to do after you have been "Love Tagged" is share some love by tagging three friends! That's all! Tell your friends they have been Love Tagged and to read your diary! You will submit an entry telling who you are tagging and why! I tagged: 1. Mugsy because she is such a fun girl and very fashionable! 2. Sidney because he is one of the funniest guys I know and makes me laugh! 3. Lola Chanel because she is a cutie girl and a sweetie! Watch out for the Love bug…….]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/312941 Wed, 23 May 2007 17:12:53 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/312941 I have been tagged by Preity Cassandra, Nikki & Alli! Here are the rules: Each player starts ... Preity Cassandra, Nikki & Alli! Here are the rules: Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their Diary the rules & their 7 pawsome facts. Then choose 7 dogs to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to bark them a pmail that they have been tagged and to read your Diary!!! 1. I am a very loving and sweet natured girl. I am really a Daddy's girl. I love to sit on my Daddy's lap and nap. 2. My favorite toy is my puffball, although I do have to fight my sister Lucy over it. I think that puffball has magical powers! I sit with my puffball in my mouth and it makes me very sleeeeepyyyyy! 3. I sleep in my Mom and Dad's bed with them at night. I like to be close to my Mommy at night as she is very warm and comfy! I almost snug myself right underneath her at night! 4. I just figured out that I love kitties! We found four baby kitties abandoned by their Mom in our backyard! We took them in until we could get them to a shelter and I absolutely had a ball with them! I wish we could get one of our own someday! 5. I love to ride in the car even though I sleep most of the way. 6. I am not scared of the thunder or any other loud noises. When I was just a pup my Mommy and Daddy took me with them to watch fireworks. We were right up close and I just sat there and looked at all the pretty fireworks! 7. I weigh almost 12 lbs now! I was very skinny and I didn't eat well but my Mommy has worked very hard this past 6 months to get my weight up and now I finally have a 'lil junk in my trunk! I tagged Gracie Sue, Hannah, Terra, Maggie, Jedi Knight, Gloryficous & Kyli! TAG, you're it!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/285116 Sat, 17 Mar 2007 22:21:24 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/285116 As with the Easter Bunny and the holiday itself, the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Ea ... As with the Easter Bunny and the holiday itself, the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old when Easter was first celebrated by Christians. From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers. Today, children hunt colored eggs and place them in Easter baskets along with the modern version of real Easter eggs -- those made of plastic or chocolate candy.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/272559 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:59:31 PST Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/272559 Just what does a Leprechaun look like and why are they so special? A Leprechaun (Irish fairy) looks ... Just what does a Leprechaun look like and why are they so special? A Leprechaun (Irish fairy) looks like a little old man. He's about 2 feet tall and dresses like a shoemaker with a cocked hat and leather apron. A Leprechaun's personality is described as aloof and unfriendly. They live alone and pass the time by making shoes. They're special because they also possess a hidden pot of gold. If you listen closely for the sound of their hammer you might be able to capture one. If you do you can force him (with the threat of bodily violence) to reveal where he's hidden his treasure. Be careful! Do not take your eyes off him for if you do he will surely vanish and your hopes of finding his treasure will vanish with him.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/270553 Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:54:34 PST Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/270553 Nutty Natural Bon Bons 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup honey 1 cup Grape Nuts ce ... Nutty Natural Bon Bons 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup honey 1 cup Grape Nuts cereal 1/2 cup unprocessed wheat bran Blend Grape Nuts cereal and wheat bran together by hand in a bowl. Add peanut butter and honey; combine everything well using your hands. Roll into small-sized balls. Chill and serve. Doggone Delicious Ice Cream 3/4 cup mashed liver, or finely chopped chicken or beef (can be from leftovers) 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt 1/3 cup canned pumpkin 1 teaspoon minced garlic Combine all ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour into small, (approx. 3 oz.), paper cups. Freeze for 15-20 minutes. When ready, remove one cup from freezer and push out into a bowl for your baby to enjoy. Keep the rest frozen until ready to eat and enjoy.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/241112 Tue, 5 Dec 2006 21:25:44 PST Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/241112 Sometime around 1850 or so, in one of the larger cities of Massachusetts or New York there lived a b ... Sometime around 1850 or so, in one of the larger cities of Massachusetts or New York there lived a boy named Jack. He didn't have a last name, or a middle name. Just the one single name, "Jack" scrawled on a wrinkled scrap of newspaper pinned to his clean but worn baby dress. No one knew who his parents were, where they came from or where they went to. Jack just showed up one day, a tiny baby wrapped in an old torn blanket and lying in a cheap wicker laundry basket on the steps of the orphanage. Jack was a quiet baby, not given to much crying. He tried hard to listen to the grown ups who told him what to do, and he always followed the rules as much as he could. When he was nine he had chocolate brown wavy hair and eyes to match. He didn't grow very big because there wasn't much food to be had in the orphanage. All the bills were paid and food bought with donations from kind and generous townspeople, who weren't as kind and generous as they could have been. It didn't help much that the orphanage was surrounded by six foot gray stone walls and none of the townspeople's consciences could be pricked by the sight of the boys' ragged clothes and shoes tied together with twine. So the boys in the orphanage went without more often than not, and grew resigned to the constant gnawing in their empty bellies. In the winter, when the snow was thick upon the ground, the stone walls of the orphanage felt like ice to the touch. The boys shivered throughout the day as they did their chores, sat in their classes, played in the dirt in the walled-in yard, or waited in line for their meager portions of porridge at breakfast and thin soup and black bread at dinner, and each one shivered through the night under his single scratchy wool blanket in the unheated dorm room. There just wasn't enough money to pay for extra fuel. When December rolled around their stomach growls and shivering grew less as the townspeople began to feel the Christmas spirit and remember the poor, parentless boys behind those tall gray walls. And on Christmas morning, a very special, very exciting treat appeared at breakfast. An orange! Jack and the other boys waited eagerly all year for this day, for this most rare of all gifts. In fact, it was the only gift any of them had ever received. It was prized above all things, cherished, caressed and gazed upon with wide and sparkling eyes. Each boy saved his single orange as long as possible, lovingly running a hand over the smooth outer skin, feasting on its beautiful glowing color, the one sun-bright spot in their gray lives. They each anticipated its sweet, tangy, juicy taste for days, until the skin began to wrinkle and dry out. Then, and only then, was the orange peeled and each delicious bite savored to its fullest. Jack's quiet and gentle personality had won him many friends in the orphanage by the time he was nine years old. They played their own form of baseball every chance they could using a fallen tree limb and a rock with a rag tied around it. They drew bases in the dirt with a stick, and Jack and his buddies played even after the snow fell. They just pushed as much of it as they could against the walls and played anyway. The teams, the Pirates and the Cowboys, each had ten boys, and Jack was captain of the Cowboys. He had picked the name because he planned when he got old enough to travel out west and become a cowboy, with his own horse and saddle, and no one else had any better ideas for a team name. It was Christmas Eve on this fateful day, and the championship game was at the bottom of its last inning. Jack and his Cowboys were down one run. The Pirates had already made two outs on them. It was Jack's turn up at bat. He grabbed the tree limb where it was leaning against the wall and sauntered up to the plate. He tested the swing of the "bat" a few times as he let his eyes scan the bases, trying his best to ignore the Pirate's catcalls and derisive comments. Every boy in the orphanage was standing on the sidelines, their eyes riveted to Jack. The orphanage windows winked in the sunlight above their heads. He swallowed one last time and stepped into the batter's box, and nodded to the pitcher. The boy on the pitcher's mound looked to one side, then the other, and started his wind up. Jack kept his eye on the pitcher's right hand as it came around, and felt a shiver rush through his body that had nothing whatsoever to do with the icy wind slipping through the holes of his sweater. His eye followed the rock-ball as it came hurtling toward him, and he swung that bat as hard and as evenly as he could, his face grimacing with effort. Crack! The ball soared high above the third baseman's head, up and up until it flew past the left fielder. Jack pumped his legs as fast as he could. He rounded first and headed for second at top speed, his eye trying to follow the course of the ball. His steps slowed as he projected the ball's trajectory, and his heart stopped beating as he realized what was about to happen. The ball sailed right through a second story window. The precious, expensive glass shattered, and shards cascaded to the snow on the ground, like drops of fire from the sun overhead. Not a sound was heard except the tiny tinkle of glass. Every boy stood like a statue, immobile and incredulous. Jack stood stock still between second and third, and beads of sweat and fear popped out on his forehead. One by one the boys turned and looked at him, their mouths hanging open. Jack looked from one to the other, hardly believing what had just happened. He was afraid to think. Every head turned as the orphanage's front door opened and the austere headmaster charged through and came barreling toward them. It didn't take him long to figure out who was responsible for the broken window, and he hauled Jack off by the ear, dragging him up the steps and inside. Just then the bell was rung and all the boys silently filed into the gray stone building. The next day was Christmas morning. All the boys woke even before the bell summoned them, thrilled to their toes to find the coveted orange at the foot of their beds. All the boys, except Jack. There was no bright shiny orange on Jack's bed. Just an empty gray hollow. He looked around the cavernous room and saw the sunny round fruit cradled in each boy's hands. The other boys, even his best friends, his fellow Cowboys, avoided his gaze, and talked only amongst themselves. Jack tried to ignore their silence, tried to keep his eyes off their oranges, but it was very hard. It seemed so unfair that this was to be his punishment for yesterday's broken window. It had been an accident after all. But nothing he could say yesterday had softened the headmaster's heart. And so, orangeless, he dragged through the day. He did his chores in silence, for no one would speak to him. He walked to chapel alone, for no one would walk by his side. He stood by himself in the yard, for no one would play with him. Jack had never felt so miserable in his entire life. He could endure the scant food, the thin clothing, the snow that got in through the holes in his shoes. But he could not bear to be without his friends. It was the greatest punishment of all. And oh! How he wanted his orange! He could just imagine the sweet, cold nectar slipping down his throat. But it was not to be. Not this year. Finally the endless, empty Christmas was over, and Jack went alone to his bed. He hoped in his heart that he could die before morning, so he would never have to endure such a day as this had been. He just couldn't face seeing all the other boys with their precious oranges, laughing among themselves and ignoring him even one more day. With his head buried beneath his pillow, Jacks' little body shook with sobs. A soft hand on his shoulder startled Jack and he sat up. A strange, moist object was shoved into his hands, the giver quickly running down the aisle between the beds into the dark. Jack felt the odd roundness of the object. It took him a moment to figure out what it was. Not a regular, run-of-the-mill orange was now cradled in his palms. Rather, a very special one, pieced together from segments of nine other oranges, highly prized by his Cowboys teammates that would now, of necessity, be eaten this night instead of several days hence. Author Kathy Fowkes]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/230142 Thu, 9 Nov 2006 00:03:12 PST Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/230142 Preheat oven to 375°F 1 loaf uncooked bread dough or pizza dough 1/4 cup turkey broth 1-2 tsp f ... 1. Roll out the dough and cut into 3 inches circles with cookie cutter. 2. In a saucepan, combine the broth and flour, stirring until flour is dissolved and mixture thickens. Add the turkey, veggies, and garlic powder. Cook until mixture is heated through. Let cook a bit. 3. Spoon one to two teaspoonfuls of the turkey mixture onto each circle. Fold up the sides and pinch shut. Roll into a ball shape. Mix the cheese and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Roll or sprinkle each ball with the mixture. Arrange the balls on a cookies sheet. 4. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/201689 Sat, 2 Sep 2006 00:05:06 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/201689 Sign of The Water Bearer Ruling Planet - Uranus Most Desirable Qualities - Determination, Curiosi ... Sign of The Water Bearer Ruling Planet - Uranus Most Desirable Qualities - Determination, Curiosity, Devotion Talent - Water-bearing Physical Characteristics - Slow and deliberate, well-built, slightly tall Lucky Day - Wednesday Most Harmonious Signs - Libra, Gemini, Aries I just wanted to see how it works - could be your motto since you love to experiment - not to everyone's delight! You want to study everything and can occupy yourself for hours while the family worries since they have not seen or heard from you! You have a real talent for getting wet and if you are deprived of a swimming hole, you will gleefully seek out fishponds, water sprinklers and mud puddles. Beware, anyone who gets too near, when you have finished frolicking for they too will benefit from your water-bearing nature! If there are children in the family you are both a guardian and a playmate. You are intuitive, handsome, very friendly towards everyone, but devoted to your family. While you may seem uninterested in what is going on around you, you are thrilled when someone fusses over you. Those that really know and understand you always have a treat for you. In the area of love you have roving eyes and a tail wagging' welcome! One day it's your pal next door; the next day it's a new dog in town. Your mate, should you ever settle down, should be born under the sign of Gemini. Your love of adventure may lead you far from home and even though you are intuitive, those around you will worry and until you are safely home. Often you return from these adventures with an adopted stray, for as the humanitarian you are always willing to offer a helping paw. Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the horoscope which explains your humanitarian nature. If you are falsely accused you will more than likely suffer the sins of others and, of course, you are always willing to admit to your own indiscretions. This will be a good year for you since 2 is your lucky number! Your favorite color is Vibrant Electric Blue. You will meet many new friends and long-delayed promises will be fulfilled. Those promises include adventure, affection and rewards. You will never feel left out and any change that occurs will be easy to deal with or adjust to. Your desire for rainy weather may be hard to satisfy.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/199846 Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:25:25 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/199846 One day in April 2005 my husband I were shopping. For some reason we decided to go into a pet store. ... One day in April 2005 my husband I were shopping. For some reason we decided to go into a pet store. We normally don’t go into pet stores and we were not looking to buy a dog. We looked around a bit and a teeny tiny little white and black angel caught our eye. She was in a cage next to the window with another dog. She looked at us and we fell in love with her. We held her for a while and thought, what are we doing! We didn’t plan on getting a dog. My husband and I went home and could not stop thinking about her all night. I called the pet store the next morning and told them we were coming to get her. I felt a connection with her right away. Not just that she was a cute little puppy but that I needed to take care of her. I felt she needed me, I felt she would be all alone in this world without us. There was something we could give her that I felt no one else would. We brought Isabelle home on April 22, 2005. That night we slept on an air mattress with her in the living room. She slept on our shoulders nuzzled up in our neck all night. She never ever cried at night. She was so good and full of love. I’ve had puppies growing up but Isabelle is different than any puppy I have ever met! We spent the weekend with Isabelle and I noticed a few things that weren’t right with her. She had a runny nose and sneezed a lot, more than most flat nosed dogs. I also noticed she was going potty too often and not much was coming out. Isabelle was constantly itching her ears and shaking her head as well. I know what most people are thinking, I should have taken her straight back to the pet store. I called the pet store to let them know about the situation but I could never just take her back because she had something wrong with her. I took Isabelle to the vet that Monday. This was a new vet I had never been to. I voiced my concerns to him right away but he didn’t seem to be concerned. He told us that she probably just had an upper respiratory infection that would go away on its own. He said he couldn’t see mites or anything in her ears and didn’t see the need to test her ears or her urine for infection. He asked me where I got Isabelle and I told him. He said more than likely she had come from a puppy mill. I was shocked and my heart sank. He then told me the story about pet stores and puppy mills. I felt terrible. Not in the sense that I shouldn’t have bought Isabelle. I felt terrible that Isabelle had gone through all that she had. I found out she was from Oklahoma. To think this poor little thing being torn from her Mom and carted off with a stranger and sent to another state to be sold. I can’t imagine what she went through. I’m sure no one gave her the love and attention she needed, she was all alone. We took Isabelle home from the vet and continued to watch her for another day. She was still itching her ears, sniffling and not going potty normally. I called the vet and took her back. I told him that he just needed to do the tests. So the vet did the tests and Isabelle had a yeast infection in her ears, the respiratory infection was Kennel Cough and she had a urinary tract infection. I was so mad that the vet didn’t check her in the first place. If I hadn’t been persistent she could have suffered even longer. So the vet sent us home with a cleaner and ointment for her ears and an antibiotic for her urinary tract infection that was also supposed to help with the Kennel Cough. A week later we took Isabelle back to the vet to be checked. He looked at her ears and said they looked fine but I knew better and made him check them again. The right ear still had the infection. Her urinary tract infection was not clearing up with the antibiotics. So the vet put her on a stronger one. By now you are thinking why are we still going to this vet. I was wondering this myself but the pet store was paying for all the care Isabelle was receiving at this particular vet. I thought since I was making him do the tests then he could make her better when he found the problems she had. Poor Isabelle got so sick from her new medication. I felt so bad for her. So we had to try a few different medications. I called the vet and made another appointment because Isabelle’s urinary tract infection was not getting better. When we got to the vet’s office, there was another vet filling in for the original one. Apparently the first vet takes Fridays off and this vet from another office fills in for him. This new vet started to look over Isabelle; he was very sweet with her. He checked her ears and did another test without me having to ask him. The test for her ears came out clean so that was a relief. Her Kennel Cough was finally gone. I expressed my concern with her urinary tract infection. He said he would do another test that checks everything. I thought why didn’t the other vet do this in the first place? The test results came back and Isabelle had struvite crystals in her urine which can lead to the formation of bladder & kidney stones. I was relieved to finally get to the bottom of things, mad because Isabelle had suffered for so long and scared of what we had just discovered. This new vet was very caring and answered all of our questions and seemed to really want to help Isabelle. He put her on a special diet to hopefully eliminate her condition. The new vet educated us on what struvite crystals are and how to eliminate them. He told us we would just take it one step at a time and try to eliminate the crystals. So we went home with our baby. While all of this was happening you would never think she was in pain or unhappy. She was such a good and happy girl the entire time. That is why I don’t think anyone else could have helped her; I don’t think they would have thought anything was wrong with her. I knew things weren’t right with her health. I started doing research about Isabelle’s condition and found a food that had all the things puppies needed but wouldn’t aggravate her condition. Even thought I trusted this vet, I still wanted to take a more natural approach with what I was feeding her. I found out where the new vet was practicing and started taking Isabelle to him at his office even though we had to pay for the visits. I told the vet about the new food and gave him information about it, he said it was fine and we would keep checking her. Isabelle was getting better. It was so nice to have her healthy again. We had Isabelle checked a few months later and the struvite crystals were gone! Meanwhile, Isabelle came down with a few eye infections and reoccurring infections in her ears. So we just treated them as we went. Isabelle does have blocked tear ducts which causes her eyes to drain down her face. That will need to be repaired with surgery soon. She also has allergies that we are in the process of figuring out. Luckily her allergies are not severe and are easy to keep under control. I am just thankful that she has had no reoccurrences with the struvite crystals. On the downside our vet that we loved has moved out of state. When we decided to get a sister for Isabelle we did our research and found a healthy puppy that came from a healthy background. Lucy did not come from a pet store. I have done some research trying to figure out where Isabelle actually came from. We know she came from Oklahoma but the only papers we have are from a place called Pine Springs Pets. They are a puppy broker, puppy brokers usually get their puppies from puppy mills to sell to pet stores. So more than likely Isabelle came from a puppy mill, we will never know for sure but the facts point to that. We are so proud of our Isabelle; she is the best dog anyone could ever ask for. Isabelle is a very smart girl; she surprises me all the time. She acts more like a human than a dog! Although I will never purchase another puppy from a pet store, I have never been nor will I be ashamed of Isabelle or where she came from. She is perfect in my eyes and I am very proud of her. We have no regrets with Isabelle, if we had to do it all over again we would. I think people do need to be educated in purchasing a puppy. People need to be educated about pet stores and puppy mills and all the things that come with them, as I was not. I do realize that not all dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills, but unfortunately most do. Isabelle has very minor health problems compared to a lot of dogs from puppy mills. Isabelle has been spayed, which is very important. Dogs that have health problems should never ever be bred to carry on unhealthy genes. Isabelle shows us everyday what love really is. I know she found me for a reason. She is a very courageous little soul and I feel like we rescued her as much as she rescued us! I love you Isabelle! More Facts About Puppy Mills]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/187131 Mon, 31 Jul 2006 07:13:06 PDT Isabelle ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/222159/diary/isabelles_tails/187131 I love you my sweet little Isabelle. You are such a sweet natured girl. I am so glad you chose me to ... I love you my sweet little Isabelle. You are such a sweet natured girl. I am so glad you chose me to be you’re Mommy. You have been a brave little girl even when you were sick and had to go to the vet all those times. You never complained once! No one would have known you didn’t feel well; you are such a happy puppy! Mama knew you were sick and got you the best of care to get you well again. I will always take care of you and protect you. You are a wonderful big sister to Lucy, she adores you. You have taught her so much in the short time we have had her. I love when you wake me up in the morning by rubbing my neck on yours! Who taught you that, you’re Mommy and Daddy? You are a good listener and you are so smart Isabelle! You are the light in our lives and have taught us so much. If ever I am having a bad day you always seem to know. You cuddle with me and give me kisses until I am laughing again. You are my sunshine!]]>