Leave a bone for NeeNee Nicknames: NeeNee, Diva Dog, DiBa, Lil Bit, Lil Shi*** Doggie Dynamics:
Energy
sleepy
energetic
Intelligence
silly
genius
Friendliness
aggressive
affectionate
Playfulness
not playful
very playful
Disposition
anxious
calm
Sun Sign:
Quick Bio:
-purebred
Birthday: December 20th 2003 Likes: Cuddling with mom! Traveling, riding on a bike with mom. Pet-Peeves: Lily! Favorite Toy: Flappy toy that Dixie's mom gave her! Favorite Food: Chicken!!! Favorite Walk: On our street Arrival Story: Nisha was adopted from Sheree's Dog Rescue outside of Dallas, Texas. She arrived in California after her flight with her new mom on 9/20/09. She and her sister shih tzu were raised with miniature schnauzers, who were all released to rescue.
Nisha was a frightened dog who had just been spayed at age 5. It is unknown how many litters she may have had in the past. She was a puppy mill dog who had not been socialized with people. She was unable to follow commands, walk on a leash, was not housebroken and is afraid to have people touch her, other than her new adoptive mother. She is completely comfortable with any dog so she probably was raised in a kennel. On her arrival in her new home, she went for an examination at the vet's who determined that she had a fractured lower jaw. During her first dental procedure, she had a CT scan to view what was going on with her jaw. She lost several teeth, one tooth was abscessed with infection into the bone. The CT scan verified that a section of the jaw was floating due to 2 fractures. We have delayed her surgery until she reaches a calmer demeanor. At this time, she runs away if any one but mom tries to touch her. She'll panic and jump off of anything to try to get away. Due to the facial construction of a shih tzu and their short legs, it is common for them to impact their jaws when they land from a jump. In order to not further damage her jaw, she will have surgery in the future. She was on antibiotics for 3 weeks for the infection. At the end of this course of meds, she was a changed dog. As time goes by, she is in less pain. She has even progressed from all wet food to kibble. Brushing her teeth is impossible as she doesn't like any pressure on her mouth. It's really unfortunate that neglect and abuse can lead to such damage to such a cute little dog.
Her progress will be updated in her diary. She's coming along nicely with learning the basics of life in a home. It's going to take time and patience and a lot of love for her to feel comfortable. But that is what we have for her. Bio: UPDATE: 7/12/11 Jaw surgery completed successfully. The wonderful vets at UC Davis Dental/Oral Surgery clinic used bone morphogenic protein (bone growth stimulator) and a plate. We're hoping for a pain free, strong, stable jaw! Forums Motto: Diva Dog...but somebody has to do it! The Groups I'm In: ~Shih Tzus and Friends United~, Schnauzers Rule The Last Forum I Posted In: o no
So far, mom hasn't played any tricks on us. Probably because it has been raining nonstop for 4 days. Every one has been asking dad if he's gonna build an ark. Is that a place for us to bark, with some kinda accent? Mom says, "no silly, when the water rises we have to get on a boat and paddle away". Doesn't she know that shih tzus don't swim??? Mom says, "no worries we're not in a flood area". Yeah, I said, "either were our pals, the Lafayette Little Rascals, and look what happened to them. They had to stand on their bed while the water was rising around them"!!! Mom says "we live way up on a hill and we'll see the water rising long before it gets here...I hope". I said "well let's hope the hill doesn't give away because I don't do mud skiing either!"
Actually, we're doing just fine except when we have to go potty the schnauzers don't want to go outside. Silly boys! Lily and I don't mind a little wet. And besides, we get to cozy up with mom in some warm blankets and get warm by the pellet stove. We're all snug as bugs in a rug, mom says. Silly mom. Oops, mom's not silly, she's the one with the treats!
Today I went to the UCDavis veterinary clinic for my six month followup after surgery. They had set up an appointment to do anesthesia and radiographs. But when I got there, they decided against it. I've had NO problems. Several doctors examined me and said my jaw feels firm and there are no complications from the screws into the gum. They said it just didn't warrant putting me through the anesthesia!!! I said YAY, and mom said YAYAYAYAY! AND I don't have to go back for X-rays until the next time I get my teeth cleaned, in about 9-12 months. In other words, great outcomes all the way around. They're hoping I go back to UCD for that.
In the meantime, since we moved to Oregon it is really a Looooooong drive to UCD. So mom found a veterinary dentist in Eugene, Oregon about 3 hours from our house. She is one of only 3 in Oregon and is known to my vets. Mom talked to her, and she has agreed to follow me if needed or to do X-rays. Of course, if I have any surgery needs, I'll need to go back to UCD.
So the future is bright! In the meantime, I'm getting really spoiled by mom and loving it!
Happy Birthday sweet NeeNee!!! You've been with us for 2 years now and have lived through so many changes. I'm so glad you live with us, you are my special little girl. The moment we met we had a special connection. When you first joined us, you were so afraid of everything except the other dogs. I worked with a behaviorist who taught me how to gain your confidence. You're a quick study so you came around. Then we found out that there would be many other challenges in your training and health. We worked through each issue as it arose with the help of a trainer, and you continued to improve. You joined our family about the time I was going to retire, so we've travelled extensively. We've visited family, met lots of dogs new to you, stayed in hotels, and even went on 10 hr drives to Oregon. Although you were nervous you learned to cope and improved each time. Now you're a seasoned traveler and welcome everywhere you go.
Our biggest challenge was realizing that your jaw was fractured when we got you. It was not a new fracture, but you were in pain. Your jaw was so displaced you could not chew or shut your mouth on the lower left side. CT scans showed that a segment of your jaw was fractured and there was a free floating piece about the size of my little finger. After a year of working on your behavioral issues, this past year was about having that repaired. The first vet felt that he could place a plate with screws to hold your jaw together, but there was a 30% chance it would not work. Those didn't seem like high enough odds for us. So we went to the UC Davis Veterinary Clinic Dental Surgery specialists who were open to an idea that dad presented. He had experience with humans in the use of Bone Morphogenic Protein which generates bone growth. The University of Washington had been using it for your type of fracture. Dad offered to get some for you, but one of the research vets donated it for your use. You went through extensive surgery with a very long recovery. You were in so much pain, took so much medicine but you had no complications and you healed. You had to be isolated from the others and your activity monitored so that you wouldn't hurt yourself. We were inseparable for months during your recovery. We developed our own language. You learned to trust me and let me know your needs. Now you've recovered completely and your surgery was 100% successful (you've regrown the bone & your jaw is strong).
You have shown the resilience and strength of a wise old soul. You have become a happy playful dog. You still have a few issues, but based on where we started they are minor. You have taught me so much about love, patience, perseverance, trust and strength. Just a little 9 pound dog who went through all of this and came out so well. You and I have a special bond that is life changing for both of us. I will be here for you, sweetie!
We will celebrate your birth day with special joy! Almost as much as you bring me.
The Dog Show: Who's Your Mama?
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