Veterinary Surgery

I was taken to the vet's today to get a benign, fatty tumor (lipoma - as in lipids or fats) surgically removed from under my left foreleg. It's best to catch these things early before they get any bigger. Now I feel all groggy and ill from the anesthesia and the brachial tube put inside my mouth and down my throat. So I don't feel like eating anything right now (Hopefully I'll start eating again by next weekend.) I also got my teeth/gums cleaned and polished, so my mouth feels rather sore inside. I also got some prescription medicine from the vet that I have to take to help get rid of the pain and make me feel better.

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge and Washington S.P. in Missouri

Yesterday my Mom drove me down to Washington State Park in Missouri. The trail that we hiked turned out to be harder than Mom thought. It was like 1,000 steps up steep inclines that the Civilain Conservation Corps built back in the 1930s. The C.C.C. also built a scenic overlook shelter at a midway point on the trail for people to stop and rest after climbing all those steps uphill. In the end we ended up at a picnic shelter and couldn't figure out where the rest of the trail finishes. So we went down to the Big River where there were other people swimming and playing in the water (mostly teens). Mom got me into the water and I did a little swimming/wading and then after a while decided I had enough; I'm still somewhat afraid to go in. Definitely not one of the best Missouri State Parks.

We then made a brief stopover at the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge in Jefferson County, Mo. It's one of the last few remaining covered bridges in Missouri and it provided a transportation link between St. Louis and Hillsboro. We met another woman by Sandy Creek under the bridge with her two very small children. I also did a little exploring and wading around in the water here, but I started feeling hot and tired. It was a long drive back home to bed.

Spring Break

Mom dropped me off at Kennelwood Suites in Ballwin, Mo. for my fifth B-Day and went off to Va. to see other hounds (probably friendlier, more outgoing ones). I really enjoyed myself at Kennelwood throughout the rest of May. I did quite a lot of exploring and running around (sniffing the ground all the way) and inspected all the new, exciting bones and toys. Also, I drank some water and relaxed in the shade whenever it started getting too warm in the afternoon. I really loved playing with my "busy bones" and ate all sorts of yummy treats. After running and playing with other dogs, I took a few leisurely naps. Every night I looked at whatever was on Animal Planet, ate a "cookie", and went to bed. I also cuddled with the Kennelwood staff so they could pet me and rub my belly. Some people think that's cute of me!

During the first week of June, Mom took me to a couple of new places in St. Charles for some "doggie" ice cream: mint carob chip and liver. Yum!!

Veterinary Dental Cleaning

Right after New Year's, I went over to the Humane Society of Mo. Veterinary Clinic to get a dental cleaning done. My teeth and gums are in very good shape; I just have a little yellow staining on my lower canines. For right now, I have to take an antibiotic to rid my mouth of any infection and to prevent any serious vital organ damage.

Go see your vet for a dental cleaning, brush your teeth several times a week along with an oral rinse, eat primarily dry dog food, and try dental chews/treats like Greenies and Nylabone Nutrident. I think next month is National Pet Dental Health Month, if I'm not mistaken.

Christmas

I had a wonderful time staying at the Happy Tails Pet Resort over Christmas weekend. I ran and played around with all the other dogs, ate up all of my food, and slept well. I like everyone on the kennel staff.

Lola's Luxurious Day at the Doggie Spa

Today on Dec. 16 (Beethoven's B-Day), I went to Lola and Penelope's in downtown Clayton, Mo. for some special holiday spa treatments. First I got a nice, warm, gentle massaging spa bath with mini deshedding and warm oil treatments. I was then fluff-dried and got my nails trimmed and my eyes, ears, and teeth cleaned. After a finishing spray, it was time for my owner to come in and watch my Aromatherapy massage. I picked out pine "Woodsy Woof" flavor since that reminds me of being outdoors in nature. The room was nice, quiet, and dim but I didn't really want to lie on their little bed for the massage. I wanted to stay on the floor instead. The massage therapist showed my owner how to do it after spraying the "Woodsy Woof" scent on the bed and on my back. We had a great time! Now what is this Tellington Touch deal all about?

Afterwards, I went over to Three Dog Bakery in Ladue to get myself some doggie toothpaste and Christmas cookies.