9 and 10

Here, at the 1/2 way point between your 9th adoption day and 10th Birthday I wanted to write for you what Dogster used to call a 'Tale of Devotion'.

On a warm early October day in 2002 I headed for the Humane society, just to look as I had done so many times before. There is Kennel #2 was a skinny, scared, shy 11 month old pup with the biggest, saddest eyes I had ever seen. For the first time I decided to meet with an adoption counselor and learn more about this frightened little one. And so we talked, the counselor and I and I discovered that there wasn't much she could tell me about you, other than you had been sent by truck from North Carolina and were very shy and very scared. You had a wound on your nose that was of unknown origin. I decided to meet you in person but you didn't want to meet me, you would rather stay plastered to the side of the adoption counselor who you knew and trusted. I was thinking that maybe you wouldn't be happy in my home but then you did something that changed both our lives forever. You slowly approached me, whined a little and licked my hand. That was all I needed to seal the deal. Once paperwork was filled out and fees were paid you left with me. To say the first couple of weeks were rough would be an understatement. Taking the advice of the shelter I bought a crate so you would have a safe place to call your own, but you were so scared you soiled it every day. Eventually you settled in and grew to love and trust me as I did you. I've tried to socialize you as best as I could; I've taken you to behaviorists and taken you to new places trying to get you used to changes...We've hiked mountains and walked beaches together but you've always been happiest just hanging out in familiar areas. Your extended family loves you just as much as I do and I'm happy to say you love and trust them too.

The last 2 years have been full of changes, most not exactly ones I had planned nor wanted and although I may have been sitting next you my mind was miles away. Now I find the years have passed so very quickly and you are about to turn 10. Your muzzle is white and your chronic health issues are showing themselves more frequently and I regret every single second I didn't fully accept the gift that you are.

I make these promises to you - I will let you be exactly who you are..I will take the time to enjoy everything you have to offer, and I will do anything I can to keep you healthy.

So, Happy Gotcha Day (Oct. 5th) and Happy Birthday (celebrated Nov. 9th) to my quirky, funny, sweet little guy.

I love you very very much,
Mom

My big day

Those of you who know me are aware that I find the world a pretty scary place except when I'm home or at Grandma's. Today I was a very brave pup!!
First, mom took me to a fundraiser for dog rescue. I was not exactly relaxed but I let other pups sniff me and I sniffed them back and was overall friendly...not one warning grrrrrr at all!!
Next, I went to Mansfield Hollow State Park and I looooved it. We went to a relatively secluded spot and I ran and sniffed and waded in the water.
Mom says she is very proud of me.

xoxo,
Shi

Grrrrrrrrr

Well, I'm supposed to take the Doxycycline for 90 days but after 6 I'm getting sick already. Last night my stomach was making all sorts of noises and this morning I didn't want to eat my breakfast at first (until Bailey started heading toward my bowl) I ate it all but later I had diarrhea (sp?) Mom's going to see how am I tonight and if I'm still sick she'll call my dogtor for something that will settle my stomach enough to make it through the next 84 days.

Update 2/14 - My stomach is better and I didn't have to miss a dose!!! Yayyyy!!

Anaplasma be gone

Well, the Anaplasma saga continues.....

I got the results of my last blood workup yesterday and it showed that Anaplasma is very present and very active. We have chosen to try a pretty aggressive round of anitbiotics....400mg of Doxycycline a day for 90 days. We're hoping that I can handle the Doxy for that long and it doesn't make me sick to my stomach, which will mean I won't be able to keep down the meds. This is the only time since I first got sick that mom is really worried.
After a few weeks, if I'm handling the Doxycycline okay we'll add Denosyl or milk thistle to the mix which should aid my liver. Our hope is that this will kill of the infection once and for all and my liver levels will go back to normal. If not, then we'll deal with it then.

Thank you to my pals, I'm sure you're as sick of hearing about this as mom is but we really appreciate the support you've shown.

xoxo,
Shi and mom

The Night Before Christmas at the Shelter

The Night Before Christmas at the Shelter

'Tis the night before Christmas
and all through the town,
every shelter is full ~ we are
lost but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our
kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that
someone will care.

They'll come to adopt us and
give us the call,
"come here, Max and Sparkie ~ come
fetch your new ball!"

But now we sit here and think
of the days.....
we were treated so fondly ~ we
had baby ways.

Once we were little, then we
grew and we grew ~
now we're no longer young, and
we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were
thrown like trash,
they reacted so quickly ~ why
were they so rash?

We "jump on the children," "don't
come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us,"
"climb over the wall."

We should have been neutered, we
should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of
the error they made.

If only they'd trained us, if
only we knew.....
we'd have done what they asked us
and worshipped them too.

We were left in the back yard, or
worse ~ left to roam....
now we're tired and lonely and
out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they
kissed us good-bye....
"Maybe someone else will give
you a try."

So now here we are, all
confused and alone........
in a shelter with others who
long for a home.

The kind workers come through
with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they
can't stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel,
giving each of us cheer....
we know that they wonder how
long we'll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet
dreams fill our heads....
of a home filled with love and
our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes,
brimming with tears ~
our friends filled with
emptiness, worry and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's
no room at your inn ~
could you help with the bills
and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each
day of the year ~
can you give more than hope to
everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay
for the heat......
and help us get something
special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us
wants us to live,
and more or us will, if more
people give.

Dave the Dogman (thanks Hungry Puppies)

'Tis the season

Yesterday mom took me with her to a party and I was a very good boy. I didn't grrrrr at the other dog once and when they took us for a walk my tail was wagging! We both got lots of treats for being good. WoooHooo!
Then when I went for my blood work tonight the techs brought me out and said I was, and I quote "very good and very brave". : )

I hope Santa Paws is watching.

I've been Tagged!!

I've been tagged by my pal Casey I have to tell seven things about me, answer a special question and ask a special question

Q: If you weren't a dog; what kind of animal would you be? A polar bear. I love cold weather.

1. If anyone says the word bath I droop my shoulders and slink into another room, but mom doesn't have to call me when it's bath time. I know the sounds of my bath being prepared.

2. I have one kitty sister named Bailey.

3. I was adopted when I was approximately 11 months old from the Humane Society and we just found out that my Grandma makes a monthly donation to them in my name.

4. It's a wonder I know my name, I have about 3 dozen nicknames.

5. Before I was adopted mom read all sorts of books and decided I wouldn't be allowed on the furniture. I set everything straight right away - as soon as she brought me into the house I jumped up on the sofa and look so scared and pathetic she didn't make me get down. It is now my sofa.

6. I love hiking in the forest.

7. I am loved.

My Special Question - What is the first memory you have of your family?

I am supposed to tag 5 pups back:
Rudy Patudy
Rumble
Meemo
Buddy from Ohio
Annie

Rescued

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Author unknown -
found on www.helpwillysfriends.org

What's that stench?

Why, it's ME....the good news is that mom can't lift me out of the tub until her arm heals so I guess I'll be able to smell like a dog for a while longer. BOL

manly (albeit smelly) hugs,
Shiloh

Rudy Patudy

OMD, Rudy Patudy is DOTW. What a fantabulous choice. He is a prince among pups, kind, sweet, funny and adorable (in a manly way, of course).
We love him and his family, even though mom now thinks in Rudyese...
He is always there with a kind word and a cyber-hug when we (or anypup or kitty) need one.

Here's to you HQ, for recognizing one of the brightest stars on Dogster.

Congratulations my buddy, you're in my heart always.

xoxo (manly)

Shiloh