A Pom on a mission...

Tag!

I have been tagged by my love pup Cosmo!!! So now I am tagging you and 5 other friends! Here is what you are suppose to do:

Answer all questions, post them in your diary, then tag 6 friends by sending a rosie or pmail.

1. What color is your collar?
Purple with colorful butterflies.

2. What kind of food do you eat?
Wellness Small Breed, Wellness Core, The Honest Kitchen

3. What are your favorite treats?
Bully sticks, D.O.G. Barkery cookies, Zukes treats, rawhide chips

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other?
My handsome Cosmo!

5. Do you get table scraps?
I get a bite of whatever is healthy on mom's plate when she's done. Veggies, bread, a bit of meat - who knows!

6. What is your favorite toy?
It changes daily. Sometimes it's my booda bunny or koala, sometimes a mini tennis ball, the fleece frisbee, or Mr. Carrot. Mom never knows what I'll be carrying around all day!

I am taggin' these good friends:
Louie
Foxy
Bailey
Dixie
Sophie
Bambi

*If you already been tagged or too tired to run.. .BOL ...just consider it me sending love your way!*

Yay more dogster time!

Long story short - mom once again finds herself single tonight so you'll probably be seeing a lot more of her on dogster.

It was sort of a long time coming, but I sure will miss having a dad around...

A poem from my Secret Santa!

Who could resist a Pom so fine
Maddy, oh Maddy you are truly devine
Your coat is so pretty, silky and smooth
I bet even Stewie approves
She loves her toys and drags them all around the floor
Maybe for Christmas she will get more.
Her mommy's socks she likes to steal.
I bet she trained for that a great deal.
Catching treats in the air is another thing she does with flair.
She's a happy and loving friend to all.
She likes new friends both tall and so small.
Her Secret Santa I became and so far she hasn't figured out my name.
This rhyme might give it all away but that's ok cause then we can play!

Secret Santa!

THANK YOU SECRET SANTA!!! *hugs*

Change of plans...

In a 30 mile drive, we saw two accidents and were ran off the road once by a psycho driver who almost took out a whole line of cars when he swerved in the other lane a few feet later. Mom said she loves her family, but values our lives just as much so we decided to turn around.

No grandma's house, but we do get to stay nice and toasty at home with mom and dad and dogster!

Merry Christmas! We're goin to Grandmas!!!

We're leaving in about an hour for grandmas house and the grand tour of families. I heard mom grumbling about having to go to 5 different pawties in 4 days, but I can only go to 2 of them. Not fair! Oh well, at least Grandma and Grandpa will spoil me while they're gone.

Oh, and we go to meet a little pommie girl named Libby on our way home Sunday! I heard she had a really rough start to her life, but that all changed when Fuzzy Dog Rescue came into her life. If all goes well (ie: I behave myself in front of the rescue lady) she could be coming home then!

A new sisfur for Christmas? Maybe she'll distract Stewie from my toys so I can finally play with them in peace!

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving everyfur! Here's hoping your families all have slippery fingers and drop a morsel or two for you today.

Great cardio news!

Great news everypup! The cardiologist said he considers my condition only a mild case right now, even though my murmur is quite pronounced. They still say it's around a grade 4, but the only meds they'd even consider using right now would be enalapril, and even that probably wouldn't do anything for me until I start showing signs of problems - shortness of breath, fainting/falling spells, uncomfortable laying down, coughing, etc. So, no meds for me yet!

The overall diagnosis was mitral valve regurgitation and minor tricuspid valve regurgitation. Basically what our vet thought it would be. The good news is now I have a baseline set of xrays and an echocardiogram diagnosis so we'll be more prepared.

Mom was really impressed with Michigan State University's veterinary teaching hospital. A fourth year student came in and took the history and talked with us about our concerns. She was absolutely amazing, and even decided to hold me to calm me down and listen to my heart - a technique no other vet used on me before so she became my new best friend! I willingly went into the back room with her where about 8 students and the cardiologist did the echo on me. He didn't have to shave my chest either thank dog!

Thanksgiving Tag

Thank you Kurowski Pack for tagging me!

7 things I'm thankful for are...

1. The time we had with Precious
2. Power of the Paw and the support of so many dogster pups
3. All our dogster pals, especially our Plus Fun, Pommie Love, PUFF, and Rainbow Bridge Angel Babies pals.
4. Our new furbro Skipper Stewie, for bringing joy back into the house
5. Mom for taking such good care of me, even though that includes lots of trips to the dogtor for my heart problems
6. My grandma and grandpa for letting me roll in stinky stuff when I visit
7. Bully sticks!

Off to tag 7 of my pals!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ps - sorry I forgot about the other tag game too! Here's 7 fun facts about me for those waiting for them...
1. I'm very independent, unless I don't feel good or something scares me then I run to mom as fast as I can!
2. I love to go on walks, but get tired easy so my pawrents have to carry me most of the way
3. I go to the cardiologist in two weeks. Yikes!
4. Bully sticks are my favorite treat!
5. I love rolling on stinky stuff
6. I eat grass because it's yummy, not because I have a tummy ache
7. I'm extremely stubborn, but mommy loves me anyway. BOL

Maddy's getting a new brother!

Mom here...

As you all know we've been extremely lonely since Preshy left us. A local rescue called us about a 1 year old male chi they pulled from a high kill shelter. They wanted us to come meet him before he went up for regular adoption because they thought he'd be a perfect fit for us and a great future therapy dog.

We went down there with Maddy on Saturday, and it was love at first site - not only for us but for him! You should have seen him with Maddy. Josh was holding both of them and he was nuzzling into her fur and licking her ear...and she let him! If you knew Maddy you'd realize that was huge for her. She usually doesn't let any dog near her ears or butt, and he was allowed to sniff both. His vet appointment is Tuesday, and we get to bring him home on Friday.

All of us are so excited to rescue a new baby again. We can't wait to introduce him to you all!

No! It's my pee!

So, if you ever want to mess with your mom wait until she has to catch some pee for a urinalysis test. Here's what to do:

1. Act like you're going to squat, then change your mind.
2. Repeat #1 a few more times.
3. Wander all over the yard.
4. Keep looking back to make sure mom is still following.
5. Start jogging in a jagged line so mom feels extra silly chasing after you with a tupperware dish while still in her PJ's.
6. Squat real low to the ground so it's extra hard to fit the dish under your bottom.

Unfortunately, mom still managed to catch some of my pee in the dish. Dad took some not so flattering photos of the whole ordeal but thankfully mom was still in her PJ's with no shower so I doubt they'll ever end up on dogster! BOL!

Vet Results

The appointment went pretty good actually! Dr. Aja wants to take me off the heart meds (Enalapril) because recent research has showed it doesn't really help much until they are technically in heart failure. Here's a summary of the results:

Grade 3 Mitral Valve Murmur
Slightly enlarged left atrium
Beginning stages of Nuclear Sclerosis (loss of depth perception)
Minor Spondylosis (little bone bridges form between vertebrae)
Early signs of lung changes / asthma
Blood Pressure and EKG were normal!

The blood and urinalysis samples were sent out to the lab. We should have those back by Monday. Keep your paws crossed nothing major shows up!

Mom took the news quite well though. She was a bit more concerned about Precious and her news. Check out her diary for that info!

Full body workup, oh my!

We just moved to Traverse City and have our first appointment with a local vet. Yikes! He was recommended to us because of his advanced knowledge in the cardiology field, and mom has read a few of his articles on health and wellness so mom has high hopes for him! They have a senior wellness program on sale this month so here's what we're going in for (under $300 for the platinum package):

-Nose to Tail Examination with Nutrition consultation
-CBC (Complete Blood Count)
-25 Blood Chemistry test
-Thyroid Test
-Urinalysis
-Intestinal Parasite Exam
-Blood Pressure
-10% off teeth cleaning
-Information folder with discounted coupons on j/d diet and arthritis
medication samples
-Free 6 month follow-up examination
-Radiographs: 2 each of chest and abdomen
-EKG

Here's the website for more details:
Cherry Bend Animal Hospital

We're a little nervous for the results, and am not sure what to expect. Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated! We'll post the results as soon as we have them.

Have a Heart and Help Save Casper!

From Casper's diary:

**HQ Approved** **HQ Approved** **HQ Approved**

i am a proud owner of 5 Pomeranian's but i have trouble with my little 6 month old Casper (he will be 7 months as of Aug 28/2008)...
Casper has been diagnosed with heart problems about 3 weeks ago… after seeing 3 different vet's that gave me 3 different opinions I decided to do a EKG (Electrocardiogram or also known as Ultra sound).
I was Hoping that it was nothing major and it's something that he can grow out of…
Well I was wrong, Casper needs a operation… he's got PULMONIC STENOSIS…
Casper unfortunately has severe stenosis… that's why his heart murmur sounds so loud and that's why the first vet evaluated him at a grade 6 murmur . The right artery is barely pumping blood into his heart; he is in risk of his heart enlarging on the right side, and then cardiac arrest, or even sudden death..

He needs the operation as soon as possible I am hoping to get it done by mid September (the procedure that he needs done is Balloon angioplasty) … his heart is only going to be able to take it for so long… I don't have much time, the vet told me I have no more than 2 months before it gets even worse… and it’s been already almost a month.
i Really need help from all you animal lovers out there... i can't afford this procedure on my own I am currently trying to raise money for Caspers Heart Procedure...
The procedure is $3500…
I feel so heart broken over this whole ordeal, as he is just a little baby and still have many years to live one…
If there's anyone that's willing to help me, please make a donation to save Casper's life…any donation will be greatly appreciated..
I don't ask for much any donation will help... as little as 1$ to 10$ can save him....
Thank you for taking the time to read this

*hugs and may God be always with you*

YOU CAN MAKE THE DONATIONS BY

calling FL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL and do it over the phone with Credit or debit and they will send you a receipt and it is TAX DEDUCTIBLE
the number is 352- 294- 9894
the donation is for CASPER SANTOS Account number- 241807

or
if you like you can make a check to

FVMFA
P.O. BOX 100121
GAINESVILLE FL 32610

make sure that on the check it says that it's for
ACCOUNT NUMBER 241807 and its for CASPER SANTOS

*ANY DONATION WILL HELP IT COULD BE AS LITTLE AS 1$ ... *

Please keep in mind that I am trying to raise this money before the second week of September as Casper needs this surgery as soon as possible…

thank you and may GOD BLESS YOU

* * * * * * * * * *

You can also donate to Casper's surgery through The Forever Franklin Fund like we did!

And we're off!

That's right, the big move is today!!! I can't wait to explore my new neighborhood. Mom said there's a doggy bakery, sand dunes, and to expect LOTS more snow this winter. I'm so excited! I LOVE the snow!!!

The bad news is that we won't have cable and internet at home for one week, but we'll try to sneak on during mom's lunch time at work. : ) We'll miss you all until then! I think mom is already going through dogster withdrawals. BOL

We're moving in ONE week!

OMD, there are boxes everywhere! We keep trying to peek inside as the pawrents pack stuff away but they're too tall. I guess that means we're finally moving to this Traverse City place I've heard so much about! Mom said something about a new job and pay raise too, so I can't complain...that just means more treats for me! Mom says the majority will be put into savings to help pay for my medical care and heart meds, but I know she'll use it to spoil us too.

Fighting heart disease

Mom here...

In March my girl Maddy (7 year old Pomeranian) was diagnosed with a grade 2 heart murmur. Nothing major, just needed to monitor it. Yesterday she went back to the vet for her distemper booster and they
said it had progressed to a grade 3-4 (in 4 months). The xray showed
her heart enlarged horizontally from 2.5 ribs to 3.5 ribs, so they
want to start her on Enalapril (5 mg per day) to stop the heart from
enlarging any more. Her heart is also very close to her breastbone,
almost touching it which was also a concern of the vet.

As for symptoms, she really doesn't have any other than slowing down
a bit. She used to play for an hour - now it's more like play for 15
minutes, take a 5 minute break, then play some more. I can tell this frustrates her, but I'm thankful she's limiting herself some.

If you have any suggestions for us as we travel down this road, please feel free to pmail me or post in our thread:

Maddy's heart murmur thread

Mommy's so proud!!!

Tonight I really impressed mommy! When it was time to go outside to go potty I ran to my toy box and picked out a toy super fast (I usually get frustrated and can't decide). Then I went outside to go potty, came back to the door, and then remembered to go get my toy! Mom usually has to remind me at this point. After grabbing my toy I ran up the stairs and tripped a little dropping my toy on the middle step. Instead of freaking out like usual, I went down two steps, came back up, went down again, came back up, but on the third try I was a brave girl and used my paw to pull the ball closer, picked it up by the tag, and brang it straight to mom at the door!

It may seem silly that this made mom so happy, but I'm usually a naughty little girl who pushes the envelope of appropriate behavior. :P

No more fur cuts for me!

Mommy is really not happy with how my furcut turned out. She's not sure if she should call the groomer for a recut or not. It might just make it worse! I'm still cute of course, but now I look HUGE compared to Precious and I'm actually 2 pounds lighter! Hey, that's a lot when you're 8 and 10 pounds. BOL

Check out the pic on Preshy's page - she's even gloating about it!!! It's not my fault they trimmed my fur and then it went POOF!

Precious

Operation Roger transport

Just wanted to put out a plug for this transport group! They are truckers that sign up for different routes. What a neat idea! They're driving across country anyway...might as well do some good too!

Operation Roger
www.operationroger.rescuegroups.org

I had a visitor!

Guess what! When I went outside this morning there was a pretty white bunny in the corner of my yard! I barked a few times but it didn't move, so I just sat down and stared at it for a while. Mommy said it looked like a pet bunny so they tried to catch it, but the bunny decided to go in the neighbor's garden instead.

I hope he comes back!!!

Tag!

Hello everyfur! My dogster love Cosmo tagged me!

Time to answer 4 questions in our diary and tag 4 friends.

Name 4 jobs that you have:
1. Barky Butt (mom's title)
2. Squirrel guard
3. Perfume sampler (ie: roll in all the stinky stuff I can find)
4. Dog park greeter/rule announcer

Name 4 places where you have lived (or stayed at):
1. Mt. Pleasant, MI
2. Clare, MI
3. 3 apartments in Saginaw, MI
4. Bay City, MI

Name 4 places that you have been: (Vacations?)
1. Grandmas house! 20 acres of woods, tons of stinkies to roll on!
2. Dog Park! Hey, it counts - I LOVE it there!
3. Mackinaw City motel - Mackinac Island (tons of horse poo to roll on! BOL)
4. Alpena Holiday Inn (beach vacation!)

Name 4 places you'd rather be:
1. In bed on mommy's pillow
2. DOG PARK!!!
3. Chewing on a something yummy
4. Rolling on something super duper stinky

Okay, I'm tagging the following friends:
Digger, one of the sweetest poms I know! - 556226 Digger
Lacey, my dogster look alike! - 708429 Lacey
Franklin, the CUTEST Chi on dogster! - 629827 Franklin
Gunner, the little min pin with the big personality! - 582528 Gunner

We were Saturday's top rated video!

OMD! Our "Maddy plays in the snow, Preshy cuddles mommy" video was listed as "yesterday's top rated video" on Sunday! That's so cool! I'm not sure what was so special about it - but thank you to all the pups that voted for our video! It was an honor to know so many pups enjoyed watching our antics for a few minutes.

Thank you Dogster!!!

Heart Murmur - any advice?

I was just diagnosed with a stage 2 heart murmur today at my vet appointment. Mom is starting to do her research, and would love to hear how other pups are coping. Should we be doing anything special? Should mom encourage me to take it easy, or will I just let her know when I need to rest? What other symptoms should I be watching for? The vet answered a few of these questions, but I'd love to hear from pups who've been through it too.

I really want to learn as much as possible about this, so if any of my pals could recommend a few books or websites I'd greatly appreciate it!

*hugs*

Maddy and mom

Me evil plan worked!

Guess what pups - my evil plan of keeping mommy home with me on Valentine's Day worked! All I had to do was act all pathetic like I couldn't walk through the 18" of snow that's piled up in the backyard. She felt so bad for us (Preshy helped get sympathy votes) that she decided her stomping out paths wasn't enough. 2 hours later she and daddy had shoveled a huge potty area in the backyard and knocked down all the dangerous icicles! By the time they were done mommy was too tired to go anywhere so daddy went and picked up chinese food (which was ultra yummy by the way). The rest of the night we played fetch inside and cuddled on the couch.

It was the perfect Valentine's Day!

I've been Valentine's Tagged!

My wonderful valentine Cosmo (177264) tagged me! I feel so loved! So, here are my five wishes for this Valentine's Day...

1. Precious will start to play with me! I just want her to chase me around a bit - is that too much to ask?

2. Mom will start to foster fun dogs who like to play with me.

3. My tennis ball will stop rolling underneath the TV stand.

4. Mom will learn how to speak dog so I can stop getting so frustrated when she doesn't understand a word I'm saying.

5. And finally, that Cosmo and all my wonderful Dogster pals have a safe and happy Valentine's Day! Stay away from that chocolate pups!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now to 5 of my Pommie Love pals - Tag, you're IT!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Chewee Bear (359338)
Ted (598424)
McFluffin (681751)
and my two dogster twins...
Ginny (636701)
Lacey (708429)

A huge thank you to my dogster pals...

As many of you know from mom's freak out in the Dog Health Forum, one of my anal glands ruptured yesterday. Mom found so much comfort and compassion in her two threads and she just wants to say...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

So many wonderful dogster pups posted a response, sent a pmail, or gave a rosette to help me and mom feel better. It truly did help mom calm down, which helped me calm down as well. And even better - I made some new pup pals!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On a brighter note - warm compresses on your booty are AWESOME! It feels sooooooo good. Mom warms up a damp washcloth three times a day and places it right on my wound (but my booty's so little it actually covers my whole backside - BOL!). Then she wraps a towel around me so the heat lasts longer. It's like a spa treatment for my butt! I love it!

This morning she woke up a little late so she had me sit on the washcloth while she was in the shower. She thought there was no way was I going to sit there the whole time, but almost ten minutes later my butt never moved! Are you kidding - no way was I moving! It felt great!!!

My First Camping Trip

I went on my first camping trip ever this past weekend! It was so fun. Right when we got there mommy let us run in the woods, roll in stinky stuff, and dig in the dirt while they set up the tent. Preshy and I took turns marking the perimeter as our territory, and then we went to the boat launch so we could watch the other doggies swim. Mommy decided we looked hot and could use a swim too. NOT FUN! I'm more of a beach splasher than a swimmer, but some silly person decided no dogs were allowed on the beach. : (

After our swim we went back to camp to eat dinner and wander some more. Mommy clipped some bells to our collars so we couldn't wander off too far, but that didn't stop us from running like mad dogs down the trails! I came back every time they called though because I didn't want to be hooked up to the tie outs. Mommy played cards while we took a little nap on the floor, then we took turns laying in her lap by the fire before bed.

Around 4am it started to thunderstorm, which was REALLY scary. Well, I thought it was scary - Preshy just slept right through! I guess her birthday party from the night before wore her out. I had to climb under the covers with mommy to feel safe. Every time I heard more thunder I cuddled a little closer! The storms passed after a few hours though, then it just sprinkled. That didn't stop us from exploring some more before we had to leave! I even got to cuddle with Jake in the cabin. I like him. He tells me I'm adorable every time he sees me! Mommy says he's going to stay at the house next weekend to doggie sit while she goes on a mini vacation. YAY!

I hope we go camping again soon!