Vegmom Moments

Veg Meets Animal Haven

Today was one that allowed me to be off work... It is Summer... Which means, A Veg and Mom Adventure  day! 

Wait a Minute... rewind............ Several years ago Veg read this book:

 
In the book, Benji's Dad takes him to an Animal Sanctuary to help him understand why they don't eat meat.....Ever since then he has asked to go to one.

OK Fast Forward ...to a couple weeks ago..  Veg and I were talking and he said "Mom, when can I go to an Animal Sanctuary like Benji? Can I go when your off work?"

<Benji???> 

"Yeah, the book"  Oooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....   then I began my research... The boy wants to go to an Animal Sanctuary, the boy shall go to one!! 

Not to mention he's been asking more questions lately about meat, and I thought this would be a good age to make an impression for his little noggin.

Sooo.. Fast Forward to this day!!  I found an Animal Sanctuary, and the wonderful people said we could come visit.   I surprised my Vegman with the news... and OFF we went!

To Beautiful Asheville North Carolina and Animal Haven... 

 

We spent A LOT of hours in the car... I mean A LOT!   As in single lane, sitting still for hours, A LOT..  But it was totally worth it!  We stopped Down Town, Had a great Vegan Meal, Purchased some re-usable non-plastic lunch gear, and Went to Animal Haven!  

At one point, Veg said... "Mom we are so crazy, to spend this much time in the car for an Adventure, but I'm sure glad we did".  I told him that we probably wouldn't make the trip again in a single day, but he said "Why?"  ha ha...

They had little barns/sheds all over the land, and each decorated as if they were home.  Most of the animals were sleeping due to the heat of the day, but they all looked so peaceful and calm. (As they should)  

All the Animals were rescued from horrid conditions, abuse, Neglect, even near death....  Some escaping factory farms, and Some just dumped on their property. 

Now they are able to roam in huge free spaces with their animal friends...  In and out of the barns/sheds.... The pigs have access to mud pits and clean sleeping quarters.  The goats can roam or sleep in the shade... The ducks and hens can do as they please... All with food and water and shaded spaces.. no chains or ropes or 2x2 cages...(or chopping blocks)

And this DOG!!  Oh my this dog...  She only has one eye, but she could catch a Frisbee... Or try to carry this ball... and try, and try and try.... for like an hour... it was the funniest thing I'd ever seen:

 

Veg was in love with the cats. There were a lot of cats in different spaces.  All cared for in wonderful condition.  Many different cat houses and structures and toys...

 

My favorites were the pigs... Eventually they woke up (but of course I didn't get a picture of that)... I'd never heard a pig snore.  I got such a kick out of being so close to some of them..

These guys/gals were sooo comfortable in there many sleeping spots and could care-a-less that we were in there with them.  Veg talked a lot while visiting the Piggies that he didn't understand how anyone could Eat them or be mean to them....  I think my mission of the Sanctuary Visit was accomplished in the first 5 minutes!  *smile*

 

 

I'm sorry, but HOW cute is this??.. I just wanted to snuggle up next to them and take a nap with these sleepy heads. 

We stood next to them and watched for a bit.  And then came back and watched some more.  Some of them were out in the pits, so I couldn't get their pictures.

The other Animals were just as amazing...  Couldn't get enough of this Cutie:

And you know, it wasn't like a petting zoo where they are begging for food and trying to eat your camera strings. There wasn't the sadness of a real zoo with animals on display behind glass...  There was a Peace... a Happiness....

Or maybe it was just the hot of the day....

They were happy and content, would maybe say Hi and walk away. 

Or just go under the shed with a Hen and Duck and go to sleep.  Or in a barn and find their favorite spot.  I mean there was no pushing, fighting, chewing on our stuff... It was an Amazing Experience.  There were a LOT of goats, and not a care in the world.

"Hey, you looking at me?  OK, Well be sure to get my good side"

 

And these guys, were Soooo Sweet.. They were rescued from a horrible situation.  But are resting in their own little space now.

When they feel like walking around, The door is open,  All this and more is waiting for them outside that fluffy Hay:

This little thing, had a whole lot to tell us... Walked right up and started talking.. and when the chat was over, it just walked away... We laughed and laughed!

If you ever find your self in Asheville North Carolina, be sure to check out Animal Haven.  Or just check out their website.  They do so much with their Outreach programs.  And all non-profit.  They take donations to help care for the animals, but also run a thrift store to help raise funds.

Thank you Animal Haven for making a little man's dream come true, teaching him a bit a long the way, and all you do for the animals.  

What a Wonderful Adventure..and Amazing Place!!!

Keeping the Dog Busy

Who knew that something so simple could make my dog so happy! 

Ya see, my dog has allergies and many fabrics and foods are included... so his toy pool is limited to Ice Cubes and real animal bones, which I prefer not to go with the animal bones.  

Once I found some plant based rope toys, but he had them torn to bits in two seconds.

Then we had the bottle idea... Put some food in recycled bottle, and off he goes...

He will roll this old bottle around for hours if needed to get the last chunk out.. 

NOTE*** If I don't take the bottle away when food is gone, he will EAT the bottle... so I never give this "toy", unless we are in the room with him...

In fact he is looking for his bottle right now... Time to go play!

Good Morning

Do you ever have those mornings when you don't want to get out of bed??

I could totally have one of those today!

The Dog is back to Normal

Thanks to everyone that was concerned about our Pup and his Poison eating Escapade....  It was touch and go yesterday as his body didn't seem to be working very well, but finally at 9:30ish, he did both #1 and #2...

We all cheered.... as that meant everything was working...  And from then on, he's been his Spunky Ol' self....

As for how he got in to the Trail Mix?  Well my sweet Lil'Veg left it where he shouldn't and the rest is history.

My Vegman felt HORRIBLE.... and was sooo upset... He immediately said prayers for Spunky to get well and yesterday morning he agreed to do extra work around the house to help pay part of the Emergency Bill.

By 1pm he counted 8 chores.  And said next week, he will beat that by doing 10.  I mentioned that he didn't have to plan 10 for next week, as the 8 he did this week were hard enough... And he said... with his little smart self:

"Mom, I set my goals in life extra high, to see if I can make them.  But if I can't, I know I tried my hardest, and will make it the next time.  If I don't make it to 10 next week, but make it to 9, that is still one more then this week, right?"

Ah... can learn so much from our kids when we take the time to listen!  *smile*

When Plans Change - Pet Crisis Style

What a wonderful day I had yesterday... Went to the Farmer's Market, off for a long walk, had a great lunch, planted some veggie items....  It was a great Day.

Took Veg to a Tiny Local store to pick out his own trail mix.. Its a special treat.. He fills his container up with all his favorite things.. Raw Macadamia Nuts, Dark Chocolate Chips, Coconut Chips, Peanuts, Dried Fruits, Raisins...

And then we went to rent a couple movies and to a park with friends... the kids played, and we all (except Hubby - don't ask) went out to dinner...  It was a Great Night!!!

Then we came home... Plan was, to get Veg in bed, and I would watch my movie on the couch before I climbed in to bed... BUT.. This is where the plans changed!

I heard a noise in the kitchen... Walked in to find my dog had devoured Veg's Entire Trail mix container.  he got the lid off, and ate every last single bit....

Well, in case you don't know this... the items above in pink, are HIGHLY toxic to dogs... Think of this as a public pet-service announcement.....  MACADAMIA NUTS, CHOCOLATE CHIPS, RAISINS AND GRAPES...THEY ARE TOXIC TO DOGS!!!!  And ---- any of these items in combination, let alone all three, are even more toxic to some dogs.

As in Kidney Failure, as in DEAD!

Sounds Dramatic, but very true... Because I knew that these were toxic and I knew the quantity and time he ate them, I immediately called the vet emergency... They told me I had to get him to throw up and then bring him in.  We had 2 hrs before it absorbed...

So we did what they said...  2 1/2 TBS of Hydrogen Peroxide in to his mouth... Yes really!!!  POOR DOG!!!

It took about 15 minutes, we stood out in the rain on a Vomit mission and finally.... I won't even tell you what came out of this poor dog.....

Then we got in the car and off to the Emergency room..... We still had about an hour left, and they forced Charcoal stuff down his mouth....then we waited and waited for a while... And then they filled the skin on his back up with IV Fluids... He looked like a camel with two big humps...  The fluids would absorb slowly and flush his kidneys while avoiding dehydration.

Around 11pm, I brought him home for a 48hr watch... I also had the wonderful job of cleaning up the vomited contents, so he doesn't get back in to it.  Avoiding spiders, slugs, and beetles by flash light, was quite the adventure.

The Vet requested I set my alarm for every hour, so that I could check on him.  She said if I went to sleep and found him in the morning, it would be too late!  ACK!

So you can imagine that I didn't sleep!!!  He made it threw the night very well, Vet is hopeful we caught everything in time... But we still have another day to be completely out of the woods....

And that is how a minor crisis can change nice evening plans..... 

Poor Puppy

I came home yesterday to find the Pup not looking so happy.  Then I realized he hadn't chowed on any of his food or touched his water... He was just being pouty...  So I asked him what was wrong....  If only he could speak??

He comes running over and sets his head on my lap... Which is when I noticed his ear...

 

It was poofed up like a little balloon or pillow... Never seeing such a thing, I assumed he got stung by a bee or bit by a spider...  Until I started searching the web for answers.

It seems my little luv bug has an Aural Hematoma.. Basically a broken blood vessel that fills his little ear flap with blood. According to the professionals found on the Web (and our Vet) the only answer is Surgery.  An excruciatingly painful recovery and a deformed looking ear.

All I know is that he now has a Stand up Floppy ear.  And a Puffy ear that doesn't flop!   But it just adds to everything else on him that is not proportioned correctly.  I can't say he is the best bread mutt, that's for sure! 

But he is my Mutt... And the sweetest dog that has ever made me keep him... I mean really... Could you say no to this face?? 

 

I don't want him in pain.. so I immediately started looking for other options...  Sea Salt water Soaks.... Arnica.... Aloe Juice.... and Witch Hazel.  All on the list for helpful remedies.... And all of which I happen to have in my house....

All of which I used last night and he immediately started feeling better.  Ate, Slept, cuddled, played...

So when I called the Vet this morning and she said "I've never seen them go away on their own and you will need to set up an appt. for surgery".... I immediately thought.....  "No Ma'am!!"

I wouldn't take surgery as a first option for any human in my house, I'm certainly not doing so for the canine in my house.... 

And so, we wait... And keep him comfortable.... If it doesn't go away on its own, I will go see that Vet.  But if I find another way......Then I will share it with the world... or the 10 people that now read this blog *smile*

Ultimate Foot Rest

 
PS, thats not a dirty toe, its a bruise...still not sure how all my foot was bruised, Doc Xrayed the whole thing and didn't find anything else broken.  I tried to crop out as much as I could in the picture.  Just had to show you my sweet pup as a foot rest... he's been extra cuddly this week...

PSS, I notice in this picture how his muzzle is turning too grey.. Sigh Sigh... He's not allowed to get old...

SNOW DOG 2010

My Pup loves the snow, always has.. 

He bounces, I mean doesn't walk, but really bounces until you open the door and let him out... And then he goes in search of snowballs.  If you throw them off the deck and they smash on the ground below, he will still look for it, as in ALL DAY trying to find the snow ball...

He'll dig in the snow and make piles for himself to eat... He'll eat it off your hand, He even ate Snowman #1 Off the table before I had a chance to get his picture.  Poor Snowman #1....

Snow is NOT safe with my Dog, No Sirree!!! 

So today, when we still had a little powder and a lot of ice, Veg gave the dog some snow...  His little face was so red from the cold, but he still wouldn't come in (talking about the dog, not Veg)

Umm, Excuse me, there are fingers in those mittens:

What??  Did I do something?

More Please:

 

Just a little more, Pllleeeeezzzeeeee! 

 

Who can resist this face?:

He Likes his snow!!

 

Oh but he is soooo Cute.. Snow face and All:

 

THE CHAIR IS NO LONGER MINE

There was a time, 2 houses ago, that I HAD to have a Papasan Chair.  Looking back, I have no idea why?

But at the time, I really really needed one... 

Once in this house, it has since sat in a corner of our basement virtually unused.   There is just no spot in this house that fits a Papasan Chair.

And yet, I don't get rid of it?  Why?  Because I like it... I do... there are times where I just want to curl up and read a book and it fits me perfectly.  The Vegman even used the cushion as a make shift floor mattress for a while and it fit him perfectly....

Problem being. I can't get rid of it now, even if I wanted to....... Some one, Some thing, has taken over the Papasan Chair.....

 

And it is no longer mine....

DOG OR REINDEER?

Its that time of year again... The time of every year that I try to get the Perfect Holiday photo... This one is certainly NOT it!  And I didn't have much luck today at ALL in this department...

But how cute is this Pup?? 

He's such a good sport!  :-)

EVEN THE DOG LIKES MR. VITA-MIX

The Spunk-meister has figured out, that when I get ready to pull out Mr. Vita-Mix,  a Banana can't be far behind... And where there is a banana, there is a Spunk... HE Loves bites of Banana...

And he waits for it...

 

And waits.....

 

He was right... There was banana... and he got his bite...

Much more stuff was added too.. See...

 

At this Point, Spunk-meister is no longer interested... He goes along his merry way...  Until Veg stops him and decides this is a perfect time to brush the dog's teeth.....  Get those bananas...

I how ever must enjoy this organic raw goodness...  I MUST....

Blend Mr. Vita-Mix... Blend Away...

 

A little more please....

 

Ah, that's better.... 

And, here is some Green Juice... Yummy Ummy cold Green Juice!! 

Thank you Mr. Vita-mix

A WALK, DOG, AND RECYCLE BIN

Today was such a variety one....See here:

• Wake up in the morning, make Green smoothies - head to soccer
• Home for a pit stop and take care of Dog
• Off to our Fav. Veggie eating place (now a Saturday Tradition)
• Then to our Fav. Coffee place (also a Saturday Tradition)
• That is when a dog found us... a sad sweet dog looking for his family with no collar tag.
• Dog followed us for a walk to the park, sniffing for his family the whole time... he'd befriend different people and other animals and eventually left us....he'd continue on his way..
• Veg wanted to keep dog and was very angry that we didn't
• But following dog and Veg who began following dog led us to a Recycling event at the end of the park..
• We didn't know about recycling event.. Dog found friends there, and we hoped he would be OK
• We found a free Recycle Bin and Free posters which was pretty thrilling
• Recycled Crafts were there too, and lots of them.. Some pretty nifty things...
• Walk all the way back to car with Recycle Bin and posters and sad Veg (who had to leave the dog)
• Then off to the New Pet Supply Store by our house.. He loves to watch the critters inside and we thought it would cheer him up...
• Little did we know they were having an Animal Rescue event that day... Oh yes... Cats, Dogs... LOTS OF THEM... Veg now didn't want to leave... he wanted to take them ALL home!  Especially a creepy little looking white cat.
• And so we promised the Leaf Jumping Pile when we got home.. This would cheer him up (again)
• Hubby joined in the fun... Leaves, Leaves and more leaves
• Then I spent several hours on line trying to figure out new insurance choices...whether or not to Refi the house and updating this blog....
• We had some good dinner, tried New things
• Played some board games
• And called it a night

So you see... Random, Variety... Fun, Enjoyable.....yet sad regarding dogs with Chelsea fresh in Veg's mind.  But Good food, and nice company (and some grumpies), Beautiful Day, yet parts were freezing...

A little of this and a little of that!  Variety at its finest...

Speaking of which, my new favorite Tortilla:

 

With Vegan Pizza Fixin's:

Oh My YUM!!!

Hubby stole one.. Really, he did... Took it, and ate every last bit... So I made another, which Veg claimed as his own... So I made another....and another.. You get the idea... Everyone liked their little pizzas.

11 YEARS AGO

Over 11 Years Ago we moved out of Apartment life and in to our first home owning house...A dog found me while I was visiting the local pound and she became mine in an instant...

After all, who could resist this freckle face nose:

 

I didn't have any of these bundles over 11 years ago:

And would have NEVER thought this was possible back then:

 

Blogs were not heard of, I didn't have a computer, and still had to buy film if I wanted to take pictures.

The thought of carrying an Ipod would have been laughed at, as we didn't even have a CD player then.  Cassette Tapes and the Radio... And a Gigantic Walkman... were the options in our house... We were broke, to say it nicely. 

9/11 hadn't happened then, Flying on an Airplane was fun and you mostly got to your destination on time.  Our Jobs were very different, Gas was much cheaper, I was driving a Ford Aspire... HA... now that's funny!

If you told me 11 years ago that I would be a Mom, let alone a Soccer Mom, I would have laughed at you in a big way.

I didn't have any nieces then or a sister-n-law for that matter.  My Bestest Michigan Friend wasn't even married yet (let alone with 2 kids)..

A LOT can happen in 11 years, I tell ya!!

Do you ever wonder what will be different in the future?  What new things we'll have 11 years from now?

All I know, is that We may only have one Canine Baby now... but something tells me, the next 11 years will be just as great..... 

What were you doing 11 Years Ago?
 

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

While I did find more laughter today, I still was a little weepy at times... You know, leave it to my Pup to decide its time to go during PMS...  The nerve?

But My Vegman is NO help in this matter.  His sweet nature of yesterday was quickly passed by his new game of today called... "Lets see how many times I can make Mom cry"

"Mom, Chelsea died yesterday right?

<Right>

"So she's Dead right?"

<Yes she is>

"And your last memory of her was watching her die, right?"

<Yes it was>

"So you saw her head fall to the ground?"

<Yes I did>

"Mom, why are you crying?"

Hmmmmm... I dunno?  Let me think about that.... Stinker!

FINDING LAUGHTER

I know there are steps to the grieving process, but mostly I'm not like most people... I have grieved today about saying goodbye to the dog I've had barking at me for 11 years.... I cried more then I thought I would and I shall go to sleep early to rest my eyes.

By tomorrow, I will be trying to find laughter... That is what I do..... And I'll have moved past the experience at the Vet.   Obviously I'll still miss my Old Gal tomorrow, but my emotions will be in check.  This was good for her, and what she needed.  So I should be celebrating and not crying.  I should be happy that she is no longer hurting.  And celebrate that.  I should be laughing again...

And tomorrow, I will be... After I rest my eyes...  But for tonight.. I must snicker just a tad at my Vegman...

He said he would marry me tonight if he didn't love me so much....  Awwwww....

And then he asked why we couldn't bring Chelsea home... he said, we'd set her up a section near the recycles, and could pet her when ever we wanted....

In Mommy Words, I explained that her fur wouldn't be the same and petting her wouldn't be good after she has passed. 

Then Daddy Chimes in....  "She'll decompose and we'd have maggots in the house"

Ooh, Thanks Hubby for the Visual...  How did we go from Marrying me to Maggots... I dunno, but it turned fast!

"Mom, What does decompose mean?"

Ah, who has time to grieve when you are explaining things like Decomposing dog bodies.  Because if you know my kid, you know that the questions don't stop... 

"Well how long does that take?" 

"What happens to the blood?"

"How do the maggots get in there"   Hubby, I'll let you take it from here!  Thank you very much!

But to say my Vegman took this well is an understatement.  He gave me lots of hugs and lots of smiles, even got some belly laughs.  He didn't even need the day of tears.  He went straight to laughter....

Sure am lucky to have that little guy.... Now, on with my sleep... I have to rest my eyes after all.

SWEET DREAMS CHELSEA GIRL

Our house is short a family member today... We woke up this morning to find a mess that I won't even describe here.   But lets just say walls, carpet, dog, and floors were involved...

After getting her and the rest of the mess clean, I set her on a mat in the garage, and I noticed Blood coming from her bottom... That can't be good, Right?

So back to the Vet we went... They saw us right away, and didn't offer any other options, she was old and her days were done...  Never did really find out what was wrong with her either, but maybe that is a good thing.  I dunno?

Anyway, it was harder then I thought it would be to say goodbye... My real sadness comes from her canine brother that hasn't been the same all day.  And what our Lil'veg will do when he gets out of school. 

The first loss of his life.  He'll probably handle it better then me, but either way, its a sad day here at the Veg House. 

We'll miss you Chelsea Girl... Even all your barking, and snoring, licking the carpet, and eating my craft paper, and running out the door and making us chase you....  You will be missed...

Not that a dog would read a blog post in doggy heaven or on earth for that matter, so I'm not quite sure why I'm writing this to her as if she'll see it... But regardless it makes me feel better....  So There!!

Sweet Dreams Silly Face!

 

SHE'S MOVING

I still have nothing funny to post, but had to show this picture.  My Old dog couldn't stand her brother sitting next to me any longer without coming to join us.  It took her a while to walk to the next room, but for the first time in a couple days she did it...

SEE!

Whether she snaps out of this or not, I know that some day she will leave our home... and I fear that her canine brother will be the hardest hit.

After all, who will bark at him uncontrollably, who will push him around at every little thing,  who will sit on top of him every time he gets comfortable , who will lick his face every time he falls asleep...

While Hubby could take on the roll of barking and pushing, and I can get the snuggles, I'm pretty sure NONE of us will be licking his face when he falls asleep... YUCK!

IF ONLY

If only a Green Smoothie could make my Old Gal feel better...  We had to take her to the Vet this morning because she was unresponsive and unable to move.  Thought the end was near and I don't have a desire to make her suffer.

But when we got there, she started walking, all on her own... had a strong heart, good blood and healthy breathing.... They diagnosed her with a new heart murmur in addition to a Stress Disorder (from us going on vacation) and the effects of her not eating, then eliminating what she did eat, caused everything to roll down hill....

They Gave her IV Fluids, Some medicine, Some special food and a Few shots... Then sent us home....

Funny how I can find all the natural remedies in the world to keep the humans in my house healthy, but don't know anything that will help my Canine family members feel better when they are sick.  If only a Green Smoothie would work... If only some ACV or Aloe Juice.  Some Garlic... Anything...

If only I could give her a kiss and a hug and make her feel all better....  If only she didn't have to suffer...

But here she is on my Kitchen Floor tonight still not moving much...  And for those of you that know my Chelsea Girl, this is not her...She didn't even flinch with the camera flash.   I hope she is in there somewhere and knows that we love her...

Maybe she will bounce back tomorrow like the Vet says... But for now, I'm sad for her... If ONLY!

P.S.  Sorry for the grim post... I'll come up with something funny soon.
 

DOG'S RELATIONSHIP

My Dogs have a love/hate relationship.... I think if one of them were gone, the other wouldn't know what to do with his/her self.   But while they both live in this house, they drive each other crazy....

See here:

They are both content on the same dog bed (old ottoman covered with old baby mattress sheet) Content... all is welll....

AND THEN she moves over....  "Mooommm, she's got her butt on me, can you make her move?"  

He can't STAND when she sits on him... or steps on him.... or invades his space... he likes to cuddle with humans, but not the other dog in the house.

"Fine... I'll go hide.... She won't find me if I bury my face?  Maybe, if I just stick my ear out, she will think I'm a Donkey and leave me alone"

Yeah, that lasted 5 minutes......."Argh, She found me.........Moooommmmmm, she's licking my face again"

And Repeat!..... This goes on ALL DAY LONG....  If they didn't have each other, I think they would run out of things to do.  It's like an old married couple that runs out of things to complain about, so they make up stuff to complain about.... My dogs will bark at the air, because they have nothing else to bark at anymore.

But they are so darn cute.... Look at those faces...

 

A DOGGY STORY

My Mom sent me this really cute video about DOGS and GOD...

I sent the really cute video to Hubby... He replied saying how much he liked it.

First let me explain... Hubby is a Cat person, never wanted a dog and we have two... He's learned to adapt.  He likes them more then he knows (Shhh. don't tell) and would be horribly sad if they were gone.

Oh sure, he can put on a good act, but at the end of the day, he cares...... (Shhh! don't tell)  And so after watching that video he had lots of warm and fuzzy dog feelings and was very nice to them....

About 2hrs pass... I get a call....  "What do I need to use to get poop off the carpet?"

Warm and fuzzy dog feeling has quickly gone out the window......Watch the video again Hubby... Just watch the video! 

Oh and by the way... Use some Nature's Miracle on that carpet!  Thanks! 

LIFES ABUNDANCE - FOR DOGS

The Pet Food that saved my Pets.....

A little background...  I have two Pups, one was rescued from a pound, the other was found in a ditch as a tiny Baby. 

My Pound Puppy has her own little issues, I don't know, like barking at a dust speck?   And the worst is her tummy sensitivities... She throws up if eating a milk bone, a noodle, a piece of rice off the floor, a banana bite, raw hide...  You name it she throws up... Now, eat a pound of grass and chew on some dirt, she's fine.... go figure.

But finding a bag of food that she could eat without revisiting on my carpet was a HUGE Challenge.  We were constantly on the hunt!

Insert Ditch Puppy...and this dog has some issues, from anxiety to allergies, to chewing his feet 1/2 off.  Seriously my 50 pound mutt cries big crocodile tears if you don't let him sit in your lap.  He has issues!

But this dog wasn't all smiles when we found him and the 2 years that followed.  He almost died many of times... His zest for life and cuddles inspired me to find something that would rid his skin ailments and systemic infections from mange and the state we found him in.  He developed an allergy to the antibiotics that were supposed to save him, and over time the Vets could do nothing more for him. 

We went to 4 different Vets all across town and of different caliber.  When they all said "there is nothing else we can do" and it was only a matter of days, I realized I had to take matters in to my own hands.  Different foods, different raw diets, vegetarian diets, homeopathic remedies, and finally we found a combination that worked.

A homeopathic remedy that my Mom found (only sold in Michigan) which I've never found online since.. This stuff saved my dogs life and my spirit...  Immune Booster and Probiotics was my first little dibble in to natural remedies.

Then I found this food thanks to an amazing animal saving co-worker...  She showed me the way to this food, and the rest is history...

My Pound Puppy now 13 can eat without Vomiting, and my Ditch Puppy is a thriving 9 year old dog with all his skin in tact and fur completely grown in...

The food has been amazing!!! 

Why am I typing about it now???  Because we almost ran out... I had a panic, I called and they had my shipment to me in 3 days...  Already at my house....  what an amazing company that does so much good... I know there is good for my Pups!!!

Thank you Healthypetnet for Lifes Abundance And my dogs thank you too!!

MY ALARM CLOCKS

Who needs alarm clocks when you have these....  A view around my bed at 7am...

Alarm #1 --- "Don't wake up Mom, I just want to cuddle...."

 

Alarm #2 ---The Fluff Ball... Sure, she looks innocent enough..."I will jump on and off this bed until you get up.... wake up wake up wake up"

 

Alarm #3 --- Because everyone wants little FEET on or around their Pillows... "Come on, Mom, its time to go to camp"..... (never mind that camp doesn't start for 2.5 more hours)

 

No snooze button on those toes!

WHY I DON'T READ BOOKS

Reason #235 why I can't ever finish a book:

 

I sit down, I get comfortable, whether it be bed, or couch or floor, I get ready...and then this happens, every single time:

ALLERGIC TO MY DOG

Poor Chelsea girl... because she is so old and ever since her brain disease last year, her coat has turned in to sheeps wool.  It is impossible to brush, cut, wash and she can't really shed like she should this time of year....

So last Sunday I spent 3 hours...really THREE hours cutting with scissors then clippers, scissors then clippers, trimming, brushing...until we got like a garbage bag full of her hair.... but she looked like someone had really spent 3 hrs chopping her hair to bits.  It was horrible, but she was instantly cooler.  I could tell she was thanking me.... after she ran away and screamed her head off...

Then I took her outside and used our new shampoo... same place, just different formula... all natural and great ingredients... with the hose, I washed her up...

When she dried, I couldn't believe how pretty she looked... 5 days later and she smells so pretty and looks so comfortable.  Much less panting, and just a little fluff ball.  You can't even tell I took a full garbage bag of fur from her body.

And so whats the problem????  I'M ALLERGIC TO THE SHAMPOO......  As soon as I pet her I sneeze my head off, by Monday my eyes were swollen and sinus's plugged.... go to work and I was FINE!

Get home, pet the dog... starts all over again.  Last night she slept with me and I woke up unable to breath... wash my face get out of the house and I was FINE!  Come home... instant sneeze...

I'm allergic to my dog??   But her coat has never looked so good.  Even the other formula, wasn't as great as this one...What do I do??

Look at this pretty girl.... You can't even tell she's like 13 years old.... unless she walks in to the wall and falls over, then you remember quickly.... Poor Chelsea girl...

And my poor nose... its running so much it may make it to Michigan before the end of the weekend.

NeeNee, if you see my nose can you catch it and mail it back priority.

DOG AND THE SNOW

My terrier mutt LOVES the snow. He'd stay out catching snow balls all day if his body didn't turn beat red and frost bight didn't kick in.

He doesn't have a lot of fur. So the cold temps are not good to him. Well the other day he got mad at me becuase I wouldn't play outside with him any longer, and before walking in the house HE MADE SOME YELLOW SNOW on the deck right outside the door!! He's my sensitive child! Very emotional..

Now my Old girl Mutt that can barely walk as is but is covered with TONS of fur, can't STAND the cold.. She can't stand the snow and would hibernate for the winter if she could... Will REFUSE to go outside. She won't go in the house and wouldn't dare go on the deck unless she was sick.

And so she paces!! And whines and shakes...well she finally went down the deck stairs and slid on the ice... Needless to say she would NOT go out after that. So yesterday morning I opened the door downstairs to make it easier for her to get out.. This worked well... Till the duefus didn't come back in the same door?? NOooo, she climbed the stairs to the deck..while I'm downstairs holding the door and calling her name, while freezing my buns off (although that wouldn't be such a bad thing)

And she slid on the ice again! Now, not wanting to go out any door!! Seriously she stands there shaking by the door as if she was being tortured.

Insert Hubby to story!! He was home before me last night and was getting quite angry with the dog as he is chasing her around trying to get her to go outside... I'm picturing them running in circles.. Too funny...

And then to my surprise, hubby tells me he "had a moment". Realized how hard it must be for her on the ice and so old. And how he would feel when he was older if someone treated him that way.. "WOW?"

So he went out with some garden tool and chipped the ice off of EVERY step. And made an ice free path at the top and bottom of the deck.. And now the pretty girl mutt is going out with ease! This morning went much smoother.

AWWW.. Hubby really loves the dogs, he just doesn't know it...(Shhh..don't tell him I said so either)

SNOW DAY IN A DOG WAY

Don't you just want to kiss this nose!!   Poor guy thinks he's a husky but his skin without fur cover thinks very differently...

WE GOT SNOW....

OK, Maybe its a flurry, Maybe its just a dusting.... But if there is enough for a snowball, we shall play!

MY ANGEL

LOOK OUT!!

I LOVE THIS NOSE.. EVEN WITH SNOW ON IT!!

AND HE LOVES THE SNOW!  In fact he ate so much, I think his belly will float away.

AND THE CUTEST SNOWMAN EVER!

ANOTHER SHOT IN CASE YOU DIDN'T GET ENOUGH OF HIS CUTENESS

AND THE BEST PART OF PLAYING IN THE SNOW?? 
COMING IN FOR SOME HOT CHOCOLATE!  OF COURSE

LIFE IS GOOD!

A FLEA IN WINTER?

 

 My old girl dog has been acting funny (more then normal) pacing, scratching,  panting... all together not happy all day...(Fyi - the picture to the left is from her younger happier days, isn't she cute?)

When she laid down in front of me, I found a bug crawling on her back... A closer look revealed a FLEA, yes A FLEA...

A creepy crawly on my dog in the middle of winter... The coldest its been since anyone can remember... its freakin' 9 degrees... Why are their fleas?   She doesnt' get fleas when it is 80 degrees and sunny... so why now... 

Well I stomped the creepy crawly... he is no longer, and I shall hope there are no more... But she'll get a bath tomorrow just in case.  

Most bugs that enter our home unintentionally, I am kind too... Catch and release...  one, because I don't have the ability to kill and two because the crunch of a critter makes my stomach turn.. Just got chills typing that sentence...There was a time, where a bug would sit in side a cup until my Hubby got home to do something about it.  I will NOT handle the crunch!

But when it comes to fleas and/or Mosquitoes... there is no mercy!   They must go!  And I just mentioned to Veg that I'm liking this super cold weather because it will kill off some of the bugs before Spring... But not so much... The bugs are smarter... they just come in doors away from the freeze, and then exit when spring comes. 

That must be their plan... BUT NO, I will not be a bug motel..  Sorry creepy crawlies, but you must let nature do its thing.  And that means some of you FREEZE in the winter!

(and by the way, if any of you bugs are reading this.... leave my dogs alone)

THE THINGS DOGS DO

Take hand and put under blanket, move hand side to side.... Dog goes balistically insane trying to CATCH the hand?..  Put hand on top of blanket, dog stops balistic behavior and kisses the hand....

Repeat?  And this could go on for hours...

Why??  What really does the dog think is under the blanket?  It is still the same hand that was on top of the blanket.

A dog can smell something miles away, it can sense that there is an earthquake across the country, they know when storms are coming, can hear a dog barking from down the street, and yet... A hand under the blanket and they have NO CLUE?

PUP TENT

Spunk's New favorite sleeping spot during the day: