No one knows what it's like to be the sad man - behind brown eyes

'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

'Twas the Night Before......

T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings where hung by the chimney with care
In the hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there

But at the North Pole sudden changes arose
All down to Rudolph and his ruby red nose
Clipboard in hand, a breed expert arrived
He motioned to Santa saying," please step aside".

A smooth haired coat and a muscular build
A broad deep chest our Rudolph did yield
The breed expert's pen, created pages of ticks
Then he suddenly called out "good lord, we've been tricked!"

"This creatures no donkey and clearly no horse!
I know these things! I've attended the course!"
Look at my clipboard the boxes are full!
It's very obvious to me: Rudolph is a pit bull!

Out with the measuring sticks, he explained to Santa the law
And he measured poor Rudolph from shoulder to floor.
As the spectacle continued Santa said with a sigh
He's a reindeer you fool! Why must he die?

"The law is the law" the expert said standing tall,
Then picked up his mobile and made a quick call
The sound of sirens filled the peaceful night air
and Rudolph removed ...to who knew where?

Days turned too weeks and confused and alone
Rudolph pined, for the place he called home
As the first snow started falling Rudolph gave up the fight
And he took his last breath on a cold winters night

You may think this is funny, if a little untrue.
But how would you like it, if it happened to you?
If your dog was taken because of its look...
Because it ticked enough boxes in some silly book?

Regardless of parentage it doesn't matter what breed
If it ticks enough boxes then it's a done deed
So humor me here and pretend this is true
Think how you would feel if it happened to you.

Cuddle your hounds while you have them close by
For some spend this Christmas, waiting to die.
Now back to the story, it doesn't end there
One more short verse I need to share

Santa fetched Rudolph's body and cried for his friend
And swore to himself, this would not be the end
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight
"The law is wrong, please help us to fight!"

Author Unknown
If you read this and know the author, please let us know so we can give them credit.

Thank you Sister's for sharing this.

For Shiloh

From mom:

Has it really been 6 years since you joined the family? It doesn't seem possible.

I love the way you look at me
I love the way you snore so softly
I love the way you greet me
I love the way you rest your head on my calf
I love the way you follow around whoever has food
I love the way you sit and look hopeful
I love the way you bury your head in my arm
I love the way you rub your eyes when I give you a belly rub
I love the way you look while your sleeping
I love the way you snort when you're on the trail
I love the way you stand beside me when you're scared
I love the way you smell (most of the time)
I love the way you are happy just to be with me
I love the way you run
I love the way your ears flop when you're walking fast
I love your gentleness
I love your sweetness

I hate that you won't ask for much
I hate that you miss so much because of your fears
I hate that you're sick
I hate that I can't feed you everything you want
I hate that your face and muzzle are turning white
I hate that you will most likely predecease me
I hate that I can't make you all better

They say that there's is always one special pup who will stand apart from the rest forever.
You are that pup.

I'll be forever grateful to God and the rescues who made it possible for you to join the family.

Love you my sweet Shiloh,
Mom

Now let's play!!

Good news.......not so good news

Another day another vet appointment.

The good news is I lost another 2 pounds, I'm down to a svelte 44 pounds and am now in the weight range for my size. I've lost 10 lbs in 11 months!!

The not so good news is my Snap test came back positive for Anaplasma again, so we began another round of Doxycycline tonight. We may never be able to get rid of it totally but we're hoping to keep it from progressing. I'm not showing any symptoms, such as lameness, and all indications are there is no damage to my liver or kidneys, so we're optimistic and are hoping it can be controlled.
Anyway, they are sending out my blood for a more in depth work-up and we'll take it from there.
Even this has a sort of good side, the vet gave the okay for mom wrap my pills in liverwurst Yum!!

xoxo,
Shiloh

One HUGE step forward !!!!

Today I went to a Labor Day BBQ and I met 2 other dogs and I did GREAT.

Mom is so proud of me, I sniffed and let myself be sniffed, I went on walks with the other dogs and just generally hung around.

I even let strangers give me treats....and I took them gently.

WoooooHooooo!!!

Home Sweet Home

We're back home where we belong!! I was very very good at Grandma's but missed my mom. Grandma said I just kind of laid around the last few days and didn't want to play anymore.
My appetite remained excellent, however ;-)

Mom had a great time on her vacations but missed me very much. It's been the most stressful year of her life with me getting sick, Grandpa's ongoing health issues, work being, well work, etc. etc. She told me she really really needed a break. She came back from Arizona all peaceful and calm, but says it's amazing how quickly dealing with people can make you tense up again.....I don't think she even made it 24 hours BOL - and she's not even back to work yet. Yikes!!

I go back to the vet on the 22nd for my 6 month x-ray follow-up and 9 month Anaplasma retest - wish me luck!!

It's great to be back home.....

xoxo,
Shiloh

The Fox and the Hound

Now, I'm no stranger to wild life, I've seen deer, fox, fisher cats, wild turkeys, racoons, possums, etc. etc. We had a coyote for a few years but he/she hasn't been around for a while. I've seen these, but only in the forest and from a distance (except for the coyote, we just heard it).
But my adrenaline was pumping this morning!!

Mom and I are taking our morning walk. It's about 6ish and I'm sniffin' and making sure the neighborhood is secure like I do every morning. We're almost home and there, not more than 30 feet in front of us, is a fox - frozen in the middle of the road just staring at us. Mom saw if first and she froze too, not quite sure what to do. (I was sniffin' the vegetation along the side of the road to catch up on the neighborhood happenings). Suddenly, I caught the scent and I went ballistic - barking, growling, whining and lunging toward it.

So now we have a fox standing in the middle of the road staring at us, mom holding a "blue bag" in one hand, holding on to my leash for dear life with the other staring rather blankly at the fox and a very brave lunging Shiloh Arooroooroooing to beat the band.
(Mom was so stunned that she didn't even say "no bark". )

I think we would still be standing there but a police cruiser came down the hill and the fox ran away - of course it ran into MY backyard to get to the woods so naturally I had to try to track it - but mom wanted to go inside and I am not allowed outside by myself. Sigh.

xoxo
Shiloh, the Great white, black and tan hunter

How not to train your pup

Mom decided, without consulting me, to take me to a trainer. We had our first consultation/session and the trainer suggested a program of exercises to increase my confidence and make me less anxious.

I've been sailing through them if I do say so myself, that is,until tonight. Mom asked me to sit and stay, then she disappeared. I kept following her and she would bring me back tell me to sit/stay and disappear again....and I would follow her again. After several times I finally stayed for the required 20 seconds. So we continued on and about 10 exercises later mom reads that she should have me sit/stay and then leave my sight for 5 seconds. That's odd, she thought, why would the length of time lessen? I'll tell you why because she was supposed to stand in a doorway for 20 seconds NOT, I repeat NOT, leave me all alone in the middle of the driveway.

Less anxious indeed.

xoxo,
A very annoyed,
Shiloh

Tagged

I've been Tagged !!!

YeeeeeHaaawwww ! Tink tagged and since she has always encouraged me in my artistic endeavors (you know, the dancing) I am happy to oblige. I have to answer five questions with four answers, then tag four more friends to do the same! You can tag with a Fun Rosette or a p-mail! Here I go!

1. Four Jobs I've had In My Life:

1. Guarding the couch
2. Cleaning the kitchen floor
3. Digging for gold (or chipmunks, whatever)
4. Ensuring the kitty doesn't get too chunky by selflessly finishing her food.

2. Four Places I Lived:

1. somewhere in North Carolina
2. Valley River Humane Society - Murphy North Carolina
3. Newington, CT at the Connecticut Humane Society
4. (and last) with my family in Connecticut

3. Four Places I have been to:

1. Grandma and Grandpa's
2. Crandall Pond
3. Soapstone Mountain
4. The Vet

4. Four Favorite Foods:

1. Bacon
2. Shrimp
3. Bacon wrapped Shrimp
4. Shrimp stuffed with Bacon

4a. Four Favorite Foods I am allowed to have:

1. Chicken
2. Liver
3. Mother Nature Treats
4. Dingoes


5. Four Places I Would Rather Be:

1. Nowhere. I'm happiest in the comfort and safety of my home
2.
3.
4.

I am going to tag the following four pals:

1. NuNu
2. Dusty
3. Miss Molly
4. Zoey

Thank you HQ!!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy

Mom signed in from work a couple of times this morning to check on the Adopt '08 stroll. She was vaguely aware that I seemed to be receiving a lot of mail, but she didn't give it much thought. Then, she went to Snoops and saw a thread with my name on it. I'd been named Dog of the Day!! I'm so excited, I can't wait until mom reads me my p-mail,pal requests and pretties :).

Thank you everyone for making this day all the more special and thank you HQ, you've made me a very happy beagley boy!!


....and please check out the adopt08 stroll and contest.


xoxo,
Shiloh

The Lesson of the Orange Pumpkin

On this night, one of the saddest we've ever spent on Dogster, Gracie Jane's family has asked that we hug our pups and be grateful we have one more day with them.

It reminded mom of what we call 'The Lesson of the Orange Pumpkin'.

A few months ago my vet was pretty sure there was something seriously wrong with me and worst case scenerio, I would only have a month or two on this earth.
Mom cried all the way home from the vets, then cried even harder when we came home.

She heard something after a while and looked up and I was sitting in front of her squeaking my orange pumpkin with an expectant look on my face. She stopped crying and started laughing, then got down on the floor to play with me.

The lesson I taught her was, of course, to enjoy today because tomorrow's not guaranteed.

Fortunately I'm doing fine now, the worst case scenerio didn't come to be, but each day mom remembers The Lesson of the Orange Pumpkin and each and every morning she sits with me and tells me I'm a good boy, a great dog and asks out loud how she got so lucky to find the best dog on the planet.

So please go hug your pup and wonder out loud how you got so lucky to find the best dog on the planet.

To our sweet Gracie Jane - Godspeed my friend.

xoxo,
Shiloh and mom

At long last.....

I'm Free I tell ya Free

I had a vet visit tonight and it turned out pretty good. Everything about me looks ship shape, except for my spleen, which is still enlarged. However, my Dr. says that it hasn't grown any since the beginning of December and it has sharp edges, like it should. Also, there are no lumps present so I'm Free!!

For the next year I have to be dewormed every couple of months so we can get rid of the hookworms once and for all. The good news is, mom can just go in and pick up my meds, I don't have to go!!

In May, I have to go back for a 4X snap test to see if the Anaplasma is truly gone and that's the next time my vet will check my spleen.

Sooooo for the next 3 months there should be NO TRIPS TO THE VET.

I'm a happy beagley tonight, that's for sure.

Oh, and I lost almost a pound in the last 3 weeks so as of tonight I've lost 7.5 pounds at the rate of 1 to 1.5 lbs per month.
1.2 lbs to go before I'm in my weight range. 4.2 lbs will put me at the bottom of the range. Mom says she'll be happy if I lose 3 more lbs.
My current weight is 46.2 lbs and I'm lookin' pretty darned good if I do say so myself.

Once again, thank you all for the encouragement and for caring.

xoxo,
Shiloh & mom

Latest update

I went back to the vet on 1/21 for a recheck, here are the results:

Good news: Blood panels came back looking good.
I lost another pound!! 2 to 5 pounds more and I'll be at my goal weight!!

So-So news: My spleen size remains enlarged. My vet is going to keep checking it and if it stays the same size, re-xray in about 4 months.

Icky news: The hookworms are back, or more accurately, probably were never entirely gone. My vet and Daisy Mae's mom both say that they are tough to get rid of, so I'll need to be de-wormed every 3 months for a while.

All in all, we're pretty happy with the results, and I feel great!

Next appt: Feb 11th.

With endless gratitude

I wanted to take the opportunity to send out a huge Thank You to all my pals for the love and support we've been shown in the past couple of months.

I am a fortunate pup indeed, for I have the greatest pals in the world.

To Sassy & mom...for the comfort, the advice, for talking us into letting pups know what was going on (you were right, we needed the support more than we thought we would) and for the ideas of mindless time wasters....... in essence: for everything.

To Daisy Mae & mom and Austin & mom, for your offers of help, for all the advice and for actually answering mom's rambling e-mails. It was a great comfort to know we could turn to you if we had needed to.

To Trudy, Scooter & mom, for starting the Snoops threads, for your concern, compassion and friendship. You are, quite simply, wonderful pups.

To Gibby and mom, thank you for jumping in and picking up the slack we left in Doggie Do-Gooders, for your friendship and for your inspirational p-mails. They helped more than you'll ever know.

To Rudy for sending me a guardian mouse angel. I did nod eads him....
and for always making me smile.

To my pals who lit candles for me. They worked and I thank you.

To all my pals old and new, who took the time to send prayers and positive thoughts our way, for thinking of me and for for caring. Especially to those of you who are going through your own illnesses and hardships. It is our good fortune to know you.

To my Snoop brethren, thank you for sending me the Power of the Paw, the prayers, the caring, for jumping on the plane and staying by my side during my tests, and for crying tears of sadness, then of tears of joy right along with us. You are a very very special group full of compassion, kindness and love, and I am privleged to be a part of it.

To all the pups (and kitty) in B&A. Every single day, through the endless waiting, you have sent hugs and love my way. You have lit candles, prayed for my health and kept me in your thoughts. I can't even begin to tell you how much it all meant to us, how much it made the waiting tolerable and how it eased mom's mind. There is an amazing amount of love, kindness and compassion in our little group and I hope each and everyone of you realizes how special you are to us.

You have our hearts.

With love,
Shiloh and mom

This just in.........

I had the ultrasound today, here are the results:

Liver - Normal
Lymph Nodes - Normal
Stomach - No mass
Spleen - still enlarged
Bladder - very very tiny stones

The ultrasound vet feels that the spleen size is physiological in nature. Probably caused by the Anaplasma or the doxycycline. I go back in a month just to make sure it hasn't grown any more. If it has, they will perform a needle aspiration to determine the cause, if it hasn't, then WoooooHooooo.

The stones in my bladder are very small (they aren't even visible in an x-ray) so we'll just watch for any signs of discomfort, but they may never grow or bother me.

Needless to say, it's going to be a very Merry Christmas at our house.

I don't even know where to begin to thank everyone for all they've done for us. I'm going to work on a separate entry for thank you's, but for now, please know that it was very much appreciated and needed.


xoxo,
Shiloh & mom

Feelin' good !!

We finally have a date for my ultrasound - Dec. 21st. Mom isn't too happy about having to wait so long, but can't find anyplace that could do it sooner, since it's not considered a true emergency. I'm not very happy about having to fast for 12 hours before going in. : (

At least I'm feeling really really good!!

More tests : (

My x-rays showed some irregularities in my spleen, liver, stomach and the lymph nodes around my heart and there is still excess bilirubin (produced by the liver) in my urine.

Next step is an ultrasound and more blood work. We're still waiting for the ultrasound doctor to get back to our vet.

Please keep you paws crossed that this turns out to be much ado about nothing.

xoxo,
Shiloh

Così così

Iwent to the vets last night for my recheck after finishing the meds for Anaplasma. The Anaplasma appears to be gone and I go back in 6 months to be retested.

Unfortunately, some of my tests didn't come back as good as they could have, so I have to go back tomorrow for more poking and prodding.

Here are a few things that are looking good:
My heart rate is good and strong
My gum color is excellent
Most of my blood work is great
My lungs sound good
My lymph nodes are not enlarged

Here's the short version of what need further investigation:
My spleen is still enlarged, although it is no where near as big as it was a month ago. The blood work came back pretty good, although my liver values were elevated. The urinalysis showed both crystals and bilirubin are present.
The crystals could have been caused by mom, leaving the "sample" in the car for a couple hours in freezing temperatures.

Anyway, tomorrow, they will recheck my urine, do additional blood work and take x-rays of my innards. This will be the first time in 5 years that I have been left with people I don't know well. Mom is worried I'll be scared, but I think I'm up to it.

I'm feeling really good and don't appear to be in any pain. I'm running, jumping, playing and eating normally.

Also, the diet mom has me on is working, I lost 3 lbs in a month, which the vet says is a very healthy rate, and I'm looking pretty fine if I do say so myself.

All our love and a huge thank you to everyone for the p-mails and prezzies and especially for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

xoxo,
Shiloh

Pebbles

I'm hoping that everypup who reads this would be so kind as to send prayers, positive thoughts and Power of the Paw to my sweet friend Pebbles

Thank you all.

Giving Thanks

I was Thanksgiving tagged by the one and only George Underwood.

Because it’s Thanksgiving time, there is a change to the rules. Each player needs to tell seven special things they are thankful for. Tagged dogs must post the rules in their diary and their 7 things.
It's Thanksgiving Day now, so I'm not going to tag 7 other pups, but here is what I'm thankful for.

1. I am eternally thankful for the Valley River Humane Society in Murphy NC, who sent me to Connecticut.
2. I am thankful that my family and I found each other.
3. I am thankful for a home that is cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
4. I am thankful for soft and comfy furniture.
5. I am thankful for hikes in the forest, where I can sniff and dig as much as I want.
6. I am thankful for food - 'cept for peas.
7. I am thankful for my pals here on Dogster. I think Rudy Patudy said it best "My heawt jest mewts wen I be awound you pups". I couldn't agree more.

It's baaaaaaaaack

My appetite, that is..

If I wasn't on a diet : ( I would be eating like I was before I got sick. As it is, I'm eating that horribly bland food (grudgingly, but a pups gotta do what a pups gotta do), stealing the cat's food whenever I can get away with it and giving mom my very special pathetic look any chance I get.

The meds aren't making me sick anymore either!!

I go back to the vet in 3 weeks to have my spleen and liver values rechecked. I'm acting like my old self, so we are optimistic.

Wish me luck....

Tag for Blue - Shared with me by Dreamy

A friend of mine is missing. His name is Blue - officially Yukonwind's Doobie Blues.

I still believe that he is alive and I still believe that he will be found. I have to believe... what would I do if I were missing? Would my humans look for me... would they still look for me after 2 months? after 6? Would other people help them or would they be all alone too? Would someone find me and try to make me theirs? Would I wonder searching for food and shelter? I'd be scared... this I know

Blue is alive, I feel it, but he's scared. He wants to come home and he wonders if anyone cares... if anyone is looking for him.

My humans live many miles away. They have never met Blue or Blue's humans but they are trying in any way to help... help spread the word, help find blue.

So... why help strangers, why help find a dog you don't know?
For many reasons, but mostly because they know that this could just as easily be me. How helpless would any of us pups, kitties or humans feel? Who else could we turn to who would truly understand? We do this because we put ourselves in the shoes of Blue and Blue's humans and because we've come to know that even as strangers, we'd be there for each other...

We do it for our own pack. We do it for the friends we've made here - we do it because we know if any one of us is in need, we will be there for each other.

We do it because Blue needs us... and we all have something to offer, we can all help and add to a sum that is so much bigger than just one.

Please help us - please post this in your diary. Please click here to go to WhereIsBlue.com and help us get Blue home!! and share it with your friends, ask your humans to share it with there friends. Please pay this forward - we would do the same for you.

Blue, a black and white Siberian Husky (4 year old male, brown eyes, microchipped) has been missing since May 8, 2007 from Brighton, MI.

Dogster page: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/620507

Website : WhereIsBlue.com

E-mail: inform@whereisblue.com

Telephone: (313) 550-6095
Reward offered for his return, no questions asked.

Permission and gratitude for cross posting. Thank you!

BEING LOST -- FROM A DOG'S PERSPECTIVE

The gate was left open
one bright sunny day
So I thought I would go,
explore, run, and play.


Seeing new things,
this is such fun!
But where do I go,
now that I’m done?

Was it back this way,
or maybe that
Where is my home?
I want to go back.

I have on my collar,
it’s red, white and blue
But, I don’t have my tags
to give someone a clue.

A man comes and gets me,
puts me in his truck
He’s taking me home,
Oh, what luck!

Wait a minute,
this isn’t my home
I’m stuck in a cage,
scared and alone.

People come see me,
so I wag my tail
I love the attention
I get in this jail.

The food is okay,
and the bed is too
But I really miss home,
yet what can I do?

I miss my yard,
my bed, and my ball
But, I miss my master
the most of all.

Where is my master?
It must have been weeks
I know he will come.
He really loves me.

Then someone takes me
down a long hall
I’m confused and uncertain,
I stare at the wall.

I feel a prick,
things start to go dark
I think of my master
and me in the park.

I’m going to sleep now
with him on my mind
Little do I know,
my fate has been signed.

I pray when I wake,
he will be there
Holding me close,
stroking my hair.

I’m sorry I strayed,
who knew the cost?
But it doesn’t have to happen
when dogs get lost.

Lisa Williams

This poem is dedicated to the "stray" animals that do not get reclaimed

Enough is enough

Yesterday I was poked, prodded, had my nails clipped, annoyed by an English bulldog puppy and told I needed to lose weight.

What could possibly be left to irritate me????? I tell ya -

A BATH

Sheesh.

On the bright side, mom says I can open my birthday package from Sassy today!!!

xoxo from the very clean,
Shiloh

My latest date with the Vet.

I'm back from the vets - The news wasn't as good as we had hoped for, but it wasn't too bad either.

First the good news:
The hookworms are gone - I have to take a dewormer in 2 weeks to ensure they don't come back.

My abdomin is no longer tense, the vet says this indicates I'm not in any discomfort.

We are starting to treat the Anaplasma today - I'm on Doxycycline 4 pills a day for 30 days.

Now for the so-so news:
My spleen is still enlarged which means it (along with the fuzzy liver edges and high liver values) was not a result of the hookworms.
Now we wait for the Anaplasma treatment to end and check everything again.

If all goes as we hope, my spleen will be back to its normal size and my liver values will come down. If not, the we x-ray again and have an ultrasound taken.

Lastly, the terribly bad news:
The new vet says I should lose 8 to 10 pounds.

I'm feeling really good and promise to take my medicine like a good boy. Mom's keeping me on the bland diet hoping the meds don't upset my stomach.

Mom is pretty mad at herself. I'm on Frontline Plus, which should have prevented the ticks from infecting me. She applied it faithfully every month, like the box says, but the vet said it stops working well after 3 weeks, so she should be applying it more often.

and... the heartworm preventative I take is supposed to work on hookworms too. She guesses she must have missed a dose and not realized it. She has promised me it will not happen again.

That's it for now.....

Of UTI's and Anaplasma

I have been a little under the weather lately.

First, I was diagnosed with a UTI and on antibiotics for 10 days, then, last Friday I started having horrible diarrehea.

Our long time vet has stopped Saturday appointments so mom called around and got me in at another one.
We looooove the new vet who shall now be our permanent one.

We spent 3 1/2 hours getting tests done and the findings weren't all that great.

Basically, I'm a mess, rather surprising to us since I get a yearly physical and mom takes me the vet at the least little sniffle, but hopefully everything can be fixed.

The new vet isn't totally convinced I ever had a UTI. The only abnormality in the test my old vet took was a slightly elevated pH level, I had none of the usual indications of a UTI.

The diarrehea may be caused by any one of a number of problems I have.
First I have hookworms (yuk, yuk, yuk)
Second I have Anaplasma (a deer tick transmitted disease).

The X-rays showed that my spleen is enlarged, my liver lobes aren't well defined and my upper stomach area is cloudy. These all could be caused by my body fighting off the infections, or it could be something else.

Our first step will be to clear up the diarrehea and get rid of the hookworms.
Next Saturday I go back and if my tests come back okay we will start treating the Anaplasma. The meds for this (doxycycline) will upset my stomach so I have to be on a very bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) for quite a while.
After the Anaplasma is controlled we will start looking at the spleen and liver - hopefully these will clear up when the infections are gone, if nothing has changed I will have to undergo more tests.

The Anaplasma is kind of troubling, we have no way of knowing how long I've had it and the longer it goes untreated the more damage it does. It seems that there are different kinds of Snap tests - our old vet used a 3DX test, which tests for Heartworm, Lyme and Canine ehrlichiosis.
The new vet uses a 4DX test, which also tests for Anaplasma.

I'm feeling and acting pretty good now, although I'm not very happy about the meds or the "no treats" order.

Please keep your paws crossed.

Mom says NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

A few weeks ago I wasn't feeling very well. After some testing, and that horrid cancer word being thrown around, I was eventually diagnosed with a UTI and put on antibiotics. The main symptoms were that when I had to go potty, I had to go potty NOW, and it was uncomfortable when anything was in my bladder. I would lay on the sofa and make the most pathetic and sad groaning noises that mom had ever heard. She would IMMEDIATELY grab the leash and take me outside.

Fast forward 2 weeks. Tests show the UTI is gone and the ucky meds are gone too. I learned one very important thing during my illness that I must share with you all - if I lay on the sofa making the most pathetic and sad groaning noises mom has ever heard, I'll get taken outside IMMEDIATELY.
I like that.

Mom is thinking about getting some meds of her own. :)

Today's the day !!!

I've been with my family for 5 years as of today - WooooHoooo

Mom was telling me about how I was licking her hand at the shelter and being all friendly when she walked out with me, but when it was time to get in the car I wouldn't do it - heeheehee. She finally had to pick me up and put me in. Some say I instinctively knew about her driving habits and was rethinking the whole adoption thing BOL.

When we got home I ran into the living room and immediately broke rule number 1 by jumping up on the sofa. I looked so pathetic and scared that mom let me stay there temporarily. Let's just say it is now called "Shiloh's sofa".

My family and I are so grateful we found each other, for the rescue groups that enabled us to do so and for all the wonderful pups who have sent us p-mails, stars and rosettes. Each and every one is truely appreciated and we'll send proper thank you's soon.

Oh - and I got presents - a bear stuffie, some Dingo's and a Bully Stick again - WoooooHooooo

5 years ago.......

5 years ago today I was in a kennel at the Connecticut Humane Society.

5 years ago today mom had been looking for a pup for so long that she was about to give up.

5 years ago today neither mom nor I had any idea that within 24 hours both our lives would change dramatically.

5 years and one day ago mom looked into my eyes........

5 years and one day ago I came home........

Tagged !!

I was tagged by the adorable Jasper http://www.dogster.com/dogs/407919

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, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

Here are 7 facts about me
1) I am a really really good boy.
2) I hate having my picture taken.
3) I have "fans" I meet on my morning walks who bring me treats.
4) No matter where my Grandma hides her cat's food, I can find it.
5) Given the choice between laying in the shade or the sun, I'll pick the sun. Even when it's very hot out.
6) I know my favorite toys by their names.
7) I dug into a yellow jacket nest once and ever since then, I am afraid of insects buzzing.

I've chosen 7 pup pals that I don't know very well. What a great opportunity to learn more about them!!

They are:

Link #468559
Khalua #585113
Riley Shiloh #586798
Princess #572074
Cody #421654
Poppy #529307
Missy #95270

I made mom so proud

A couple weeks ago during water torture day I heard my mom mutter something under her breath about how I was too heavy to lift into the bathtub.

My first choice, never having another bath, is apparently not an option. That left me with three choices: lose weight, have an outside bath with a hose or get in the bathtub myself.

Guess which one I chose?

That's right, with absolutely no coaching from mom, I jumped into the bathtub this morning all by myself!! Mom hugged me and called me the best dog ever!!!!

Don't misunderstand me, I still think the whole bath thing is barbaric and unnecessary. I am a dog, therefore, I should smell like one. Alas, mom sees things differently. At least she started using a shampoo that makes me smell like nothing instead of all perfumey.

Thanks for reading!!

xoxo,
The very clean Shiloh

Love Tag Part Deux

I've been love tagged by Rudy Patudy Sassy and Jovi. Believe it or not, as I was putting this together I received Jovi's tag - and Jovi was on my list to tag. BOL

We'll post what we have now and finish up tomorrow.

In case you've forgotten, the Official Rules are: Pick 3 dogsters who you think are just fantastic and tell a little about why you feel that they are so pawsome! Be sure to tell them how much they are loved with a star p-mail or a rosette!


Gibbon Gibby Gibby Gibby where do I begin? He is always friendly and upbeat. He cares about the plight of shelter pups as much as I do. But I would have to say the one quality he possesses that I admire most can best be summed up by the phrase "dance like no one is watching". I'm a pretty serious pup by nature, but when Gibbon's around, the craziness and fun are contagious and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for reminding me that everyone needs to let loose once in a while. We're just getting to know his little sister Mia, but we can tell she's going to be a special pup too - what a family!!

Clover - one of the first pups we noticed when we joined Dogster. We immediately fell in love with her sweet face (who didn't?). We were pleased to find that she is as beautiful inside as she is out. Clover is at the bridge
now, but she continues to provide love and support for anypup that needs it. A true treasure.

River - Of course, we love Clover's adorable little sister River too. Her face could melt an iceberg. Even though we are rarely on Dogster at the same time, we look forward to her morning posts wishing us all a good day. Reading her take on grooming, swimming and "accidents" makes us laugh out loud. We are so looking forward to watching her grow up.

Jovi - Jovi is an old friend who we are fortunate to have reconnected with lately. We just love him to pieces - he is always there with a kind word for everyone. He is fun and he is nice and he is adorable. We especially love the way he looks so sweet and innocent, even though the story is that he doesn't always act that way.

I am Loved

Jezzie, Sugar Danielle and Rudy Patudy have love tagged me. You just pick three very special Dogsters and say why they are fabulous. You're not supposed to tag the pups who tagged you but we have to say how honored we are the 3 such fabulous pups tagged us. We love all of you too!!

The Official Rules: Pick 3 dogsters who you think are just fantastic and tell a little about why you feel that they are so pawsome! Be sure to tell them how much they are loved with a p-mail or a rosette! Isn't it hard to pick only 3?

Why yes, Official Rules, it is hard to pick only 3, that's why I'm going to post more than that.

Ladies first:

Morgan - my sweetie - a pup as beautiful inside as out, with a love of food that matches my own. I love all the Fabulous Conway Sisters for their kindness and the concern they show for everypup and for the times they are silly and funny. The Conways commitment to shelter animals is deep and true. The
family is always willing to lend a helping hand, even when faced with their own problems and we admire that so much.

Annie - I love Annie for her preserverance and her willingness to give people a chance, despite her past. We could all take a lesson in forgiveness from Annie. Her big sister Daisy Mae does most of the posting but Annies antics
whether she's stealing cookies or smuggling puppies are a pure joy to read. She's a special pup, and not just in the way her big sister says. The family is funny, loving, caring, wise, willing to share their knowledge and always to
stand up for what they believe in.

Sassy - What can I say about Sassy that a hundred other pups won't say? Probably nothing, but here goes: She is always looking out for pups whether they be close friends, casual friends or total strangers. She cares truly and deeply about everyone and goes out of her way to make pups feel welcome and comfortable. She is not anyones doormat though, she will stand up for what she believes in and is not afraid to speak her mind. Sassy is another pup who is totally committed to helping shelter animals.

Cherokee - Forever Loved. We first met Cherry in a silly forum, we admired the way she and her mom handled her illness - having fun, enjoying every minute they had together and laughing through the worry and pain. Since
Cherry went to the bridge we have watched her mom write post after post after post extending kind words to families going through sad times. She rarely misses a day. Her posts are always encouraging, sympathetic and kind. My mom can't even imagine having that much strength, but we are awfully glad someone does.

Special Dawn - We've been some of the same groups for a while, but it wasn't until the Anti BSL 07 contest that I really understood what Special, Sugar and Precious were all about. I feel like a broken record, but once again, these
pups are so kind and caring. They work so hard to save unwanted pups and improve conditions in shelters. If they ever get wireless in their neck of the woods we hope to get to know them even better.

Next, the guys:

Nubert Nubinsky aka Mr. Nunu aka NuNu
What can I say about NuNu? He was my first buddy here and just the memory of him brings a smile to my face. He rarely posts now and the forums just aren't the same without his sweet, kind, silly, excitable, funny self. We miss him very much and are always happy when we get a p-mail from him.

Bruti - I guess you're not supposed to tag the pup who tagged you so we'll tag her equally deserving brother. Bruti is a kind soul who always looks out for the young pups. In a group with mostly girl pups, he is my buddy, someone I can be a guy with. His family is there for everyone, anytime with anything they can give. They can be funny, they can be serious, they can be silly, they can be sympathetic, but most of all, they are always kind.

Rudy Patudy - No pup makes me laugh louder and more often than Rudy, he is a natural comic but for all his silliness he is also a very caring young pup who is becoming the best host ever. We share a love of food and things best left unmentioned. He is always there with a kind word and a cyber-hug.


Well that's just some of the special pups we love. We'll update the diary with more later.

It should have been a great day.......

I saw mom get the cat carrier out and I knew - the cat (mom calls her Bailey, I call her a pain) was going to the vet.

My tail started waggin' at the very idea of Bailey being tortured by the vet.

Alas, things didn't work out exactly as I had thought.

She purred in the carrier
She purred in the waiting room
She purred in the examination room
She purred while the vet was examining her
She purred when she was given her shot WHILE THE NEEDLE WAS IN HER.

All the techs came in to pet her and marvel at her friendliness. They're only supposed to come over and make a fuss over me - 'awww, he's so cute', 'look at that sweet face', 'no one's going to hurt you Shiloh', 'Shiloh, you're very brave' - you get the idea.

If that wasn't bad enough the vet made some wisecrack about how it was too bad Bailey hadn't taught be to be less afraid. Like I would take lessons from a cat. Sheeeesh

Ms. Friendly Cat wasn't home 5 minutes before she was cuffing me when I walked by.

Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh

Home at last

Well, mom is finally back - she came to bring me home last night and boy did I get rake in the guilt gifts - treats, bandanas, a new collar, and new toys!!
Oh - she also brought back a new organic shampoo called Stinky Dog. I think I'm insulted.

According to Grandma, I stopped eating on Thursday because I was so upset that she was gone. Careful questioning by my mom revealed that I managed to choke down treats and people food, so I guess the situation wasn't as dire as Grandma made it out to be. At any rate, I ate my dog food fine last night and this morning.

It's good to be home, even if the cat did take over my sofa while I was gone.

I have to nap now, it's been an emotionally exhausting week.

Thank you Top Secret Cabal

When we checked our mail and saw the note from HQ that I'm DOTW, mom had to read it twice. Then she saw the Star from my pal Muffin and I got a treat!!

Since then we've made so many new friends and heard from old friends we'd lost contact with (and miss) - it's been just incredible.

Thanks to everyone for the PPRs, p-mails, star, rosettes, zealies and group invites (I'm a Snoop Dog Beagley now!!) and badges. A special thank you to the anonymous badge maker, since I can't do it properly.

Mom's leaving tomorrow for a weeks vacation and is trying to keep up with saying thank you as she packs. If we don't get to everyone we apologize and will be back the first of July to finish up.

Mostly, I want to tell my good pals how honored I am to know them. You are a spectacular group of pups - we love the humor, the kindness, the caring and the fun - heck, we love you.

Thank you again cabalists, cabalites, cabalians ????????

xoxoxo,
Shiloh

ps - I had a bath this morning and am now off to the vet to get my nails trimmed. Is that any way to treat the DOTW?

My sad face

When mom saw me in the shelter she said one look at my sad face and she knew I needed to go home with her.

When mom called the highkill North Carolina shelter I came from to thank them for sending me to Connecticut they said that when they looked at my sad face they wanted to save me.

When HQ sent an e-mail telling us I'd been chosen to be DOTW, it appears my sad face got to them as well.

Who says you need to put on a happy face?

A game

Hi pups! My pals Sassy and Cherry tagged me and now I'm it. I get to choose 7 of my pals to tag.

Yikes, I'm in again, Trixie Beaglesworth and Toby also tagged me.
Off to search tag again!!

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, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

Here are 7 fun facts about me!

1. I love to dig - but only in the woods.

2. I like to sleep with a toy for a pillow.

3. I hate to go out in the rain, but if I'm already outside and it starts raining, I love it.

4. I have the 'pathetic look' down to a science.

5. I drool for shrimp.

6. I love to play soccer.

7. If I'm forced to wear clothes, I will not move.

I Tag:

1. (Captain) Morgan
2. Mr.NuNu
3. Rocco
4. Connie
5. Paris
6. Lily
7. Dante