:-/

Recently, several people have been concerned that Angel has been fighting. She has scars from mange on her face, neck, and chest and I guess they think they're fighting scars. They aren't...but I would like to find out if there's any way to get rid of them?

OMG

This is from Angel's mom -

My room mate's dog Becca is starting to get on my nerves. It seems he may be intent on not spending Friday nights/Saturdays at home. It would be fine if Becca didn't suffer with separation anxiety & if I didn't need to sleep during the day for work. As it is, this is the 2nd weekend in a row my room mate has done this. However this time he came by the house to walk her and left again. Unfortunately for me she barked/howled the whole time I was trying to sleep.

She's not crate trained because he said she freaked out when he tried crate training her. I personally think that would solve a lot of issues. When he's gone for a long time she will shred trash, knock things over, whine, bark, scratch on the door/walls, etc. (I am so glad I immediately started crating Angel when she was a puppy!)

I'm half tempted to start training my room mate's dog to use a crate...but honestly I don't know how I'd start that with a 7 year old dog. I have to be able to get sleep during the day (I work graveyard shift) so something needs to be done...

Ouch!

Mommy got into a bad car accident today on her way to work! Luckily she is okay but her neck and shoulder hurt, plus she's got a heck of a headache. I'm just glad mommy is okay and not hurt bad! I'm going to do everything I can to make her comfortable and make sure Tia doesn't bother her. Poor mommy I know she must have been scared! Thank goodness grandma and grandpaw went to make sure she was okay and mommy's car is going to get fixed. Mommy said we are going to be using a truck until it is...I don't know what a truck is but sounds fun!

Just venting

A lot has gone on this year. I lost a good paying, full time job in March; lost my insurance (my former employer sent the COBRA instructions to the WRONG address & I didn't know until it was too late); I failed most of my classes in the Spring semester due to losing that job and being way too stressed out about the situation of having two pets to feed and not knowing if I would have enough money to take care of them. I have had different utilities turned off at different times due to not having enough money. Even though I got Care Credit to help with Jack's vet bills, that will be something else I must pay on in a few months and that's at least $5000. I do have a job but it's only part time, I babysit twice a week for $40 each day, and have tried to pick up odd jobs here and there. I am still looking for a second job (hopefully full time so I could get insurance benefits) and I need to get back on track with school. I know that won't leave me much time to spend with Angel and Tia but it would be better for us in the long run and I'd be able to make sure we would all be okay.

I am tired of people judging me for having two pets on an extremely tight budget. As I mentioned, when Angel and Tia came into my life I had a great job. I wouldn't have taken them on otherwise. Jack was a special case...he needed someone and no one wanted him. I did what I could even though it's going to cost me in the end. I have a friend that's moving down to Texas in a few months and he's going to stay with me a while until he gets settled in. He's going to help me with bills, and I know Angel and Tia will get all the attention they need. I just hate not knowing what will happen in between now and then.

Bye Jack

We were so excited that mommy brought Jack home...I thought it meant he was doing better. I only got to see him a minute before mommy said he needed rest. So I went outside to play. Next thing I know mommy is holding Jack and crying...I think she was praying as she was petting him. Jackie took his last breaths in mommy's arms. Tia and I are really sad - he was a part of our little family! I already miss having Jack around...it was fun having another dog to play with. Now mommy seems really depressed, and I am too. Tia has stayed in one spot since mommy got home. I know Jack-Jack's in a better place...I just wish he could still be around. We will all miss him so much.

Poor Jack

Mommy took Jack to the doctor today. I was concerned when Jack didn't return with her! She told me that Jack is sick and won't be home for a few days...something called Parvo. I am glad I have had all my Parvo shots! Mommy is concerned for Jack because he is so young and tiny. I wish I could make mommy and Jack feel better, but I am concerned also.

New Addition

Well mom brought home a new addition to our little family yesterday. I think this puppy will be a lot of fun and I cannot wait to show him the ropes! Mom said we rescued him...mom rescued me when I was his age! I made sure to give him lots of kisses, and didn't even mind him climbing all over me! I don't think Tia was too happy, though...

Fetch

Well the other day I started teaching Angel to play fetch. I think our first lesson went very well, and she responded when I would get or act excited as she brought the ball to me. The cat of course couldn't understand why she wasn't allowed to be outside, also, lol...but that's not unusual. Angel is still getting big, and putting on weight. I cannot believe how far she has come! Seems like only yesterday I had a skinny, worm-infested puppy with a skin condition! Now I have a confident, happy & healthy 4 month old puppy that looks more like a medium sized full-grown dog lol. She's discovered how good bones are to chew on, and not mommy's furniture, as well as Kong treats, pigs ears, and even has a dog house for when she stays outdoors! I can't wait until it becomes summer time so I can introduce her to another great adventure - the swimming pool!

Sorry!

Okay, I know it's been a while since I've checked in or written a blog. Things have been kind of crazy around my neck of the woods. Angel and Tia are both doing great! Tia (cat) will be 1 in March! And I can't believe how much Angel has grown! She's still kind of skinny, but has grown taller already and starting to fill out more.

We have had some trouble with my next door neighbor. She apparently called Animal Control because she thought I wasn't feeding Angel. Instead of talking to me and letting me explain everything, she immediately assumed the worst. So Animal Control did their investigation in which I showed proof that my little doggie is under vet care, UTD on shots, IS getting food, and has access to water. I also had statements from other neighbors, as well as the vet herself. So the investigation was dropped, thankfully! I did make a few improvements so NO ONE else believes what this lady believed. Since Angel likes to spend a majority of her time outdoors, I bought her a little dog house to go on the patio so she will have a nice place to nap, as well as a 4 gallon feeder & also a 4 gallon water bottle w/bowl. That way no one can even think she isn't getting treated right. (I replaced the "regular" food & water dishes)

Since we go walking every day, and the vet said it is okay to start working on Angel's muscle development, I bought her a doggie backpack to carry her water, treats, and disposal poop bags. She wasn't too sure about it at first but after some time she got used to it and doesn't mind at all. I am also working on her trust issues as well as her ability to use her nose and ears for "problem solving" instead of just her eyes. It's where you make it so the dog cannot see, and they have to find you using smell & hearing. (YOU have to be careful and start off in an area where there is nothing the dog can run into!!!) Angel seems to love this game and is getting very good about finding me.

Question: how can you train a dog to play frisbee?

Update

Angel is doing very well! She now goes with me for car rides, and is really starting to learn how to walk with my mom & dad's dogs. They are a little older, so I am hoping to find someone to walk with that has a younger dog - or more tolerant of Angel.

Other than that she is doing great. Her body is beginning to fill out, gaining muscle and body fat. I read somewhere that if a dog gets 'constipated' after eating, 1/8th cup of milk with their food helps. Since I started doing that there is no constipation! She has also stopped peeing so much in the house. I also give her 2 eggs (scrambled, no butter or anything BUT egg!) each week and that's really helping her coat & dry skin issues. She's really starting to look like a 'Bully' now.

I just wish I could get her to chew on bones, rawhide, etc instead of things she might find on the floor!