Addy turned two this month. It is really hard to believe....that she is only two. Granted she still looks and acts like a puppy. But it seems we have always had her. I remember so clearly the day we got Sydney and all of the nights I spent up with her. But Addy was such a good puppy that we transitioned right along.
I guess I am paying for it now. Ever since Addy turned two, she has been wild. So much energy. As the weather gets better, we have started our walks again. We will walk two miles, leaving them both panting. Give Addy 5 minutes and she is chasing Sydney around the house. She has been getting into everything and not listening. I really hope these 'terrible two's' don't last.
My baby girl is two. Whenever I need a cuddle buddy, she is always ready to hope in my lap. She is ever faithful because she follows me everywhere I go. And if I don't say 'hi' to her when I come home, she lets me know it. She wakes me up every morning and tells me good night on most evenings. I just don't know what I would do without her.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Addy & the Paci return
Addy has a habit of walking around with bones, toys and so forth in her mouth. She will carry it every where and for lengths at a time. We don't why she does this. Sydney has never do it. Addy has a trouble coming up the steps with whatever is in her mouth. So she can get up the 4 bottom steps fine but the top steps are a struggle. She will go up a couple of steps, abandon going up any further, turn go back down...repeat cycle. She will get frustrated and she will stand on those 2 steps and whine. At that point, I will take bone, toy, sock out of her mouth and she will follow upstairs where she claims said object upon reaching the top stairs from me.
She abandoned this a couple of months ago. She didn't carry anything around or if she did, she took it to a destination (pillow, bed, etc). But now, she is back to carrying things, in particular bones around. We give them the cow bones b/c the nylabones where tearing up their gums when the got sharp. So she carries around this bone in her mouth all over the house like a old man with a cigar! I think it has to be that she doesn't want Sydney to take it from her so she just carries it with her and, unless their is a knockdown, fight, Sydney isn't getting it.
I like it better when she is carrying toys around. Addy has a habit of dropping the bones at random which does not feel good when you are barefoot.
She abandoned this a couple of months ago. She didn't carry anything around or if she did, she took it to a destination (pillow, bed, etc). But now, she is back to carrying things, in particular bones around. We give them the cow bones b/c the nylabones where tearing up their gums when the got sharp. So she carries around this bone in her mouth all over the house like a old man with a cigar! I think it has to be that she doesn't want Sydney to take it from her so she just carries it with her and, unless their is a knockdown, fight, Sydney isn't getting it.
I like it better when she is carrying toys around. Addy has a habit of dropping the bones at random which does not feel good when you are barefoot.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas from Sydney & Addy
Sydney and Addy wish everyone a very Merry Christmas with joy and peace in the upcoming year. Here is their annual Christmas photos with Santa (which were definitely more troublesome this year)!
Merry Christmas!
...and from Ella too.
Merry Christmas!
...and from Ella too.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Sydney and Addy - The New Morning Routine
Sydney and Addy are morning dogs. I am not. Every morning, Addy starts waking me at 5 am with 'the paw'. I tell her to go lay back down on her pillow and she goes...but 15 minutes later I get 'the paw'. This goes on until my alarm goes off at 6:15.
The weekends are a completely different story. I would rather NOT get up at 5 or 6 or even 7 am on the weekends. So the girls and I have started the following:
I get the paw around 5 am.
I send Addy back to her pillow.
Sydney starts whining at me around 6:30 - 6:45.
I get up and feed them and let them out.
Then we go lay down on the lover sofa and ottoman until I finally get up.
Let me explain. I pull the ottoman flush with the lover sofa, in the middle of the sofa. I curl up with legs out on the ottoman with my head on the arm rest of the lover sofa. Addy crawls right next to me so her head body is on the lover sofa and head in my lap. Sydney crawls up next to Addy with body half on the lover sofa and half on the ottoman with her head on my calves.
Oddly enough, we can sleep a couple of hours like that until the weight of Sydney's head on my legs wake me up.
No wonder, I am always tired...
The weekends are a completely different story. I would rather NOT get up at 5 or 6 or even 7 am on the weekends. So the girls and I have started the following:
I get the paw around 5 am.
I send Addy back to her pillow.
Sydney starts whining at me around 6:30 - 6:45.
I get up and feed them and let them out.
Then we go lay down on the lover sofa and ottoman until I finally get up.
Let me explain. I pull the ottoman flush with the lover sofa, in the middle of the sofa. I curl up with legs out on the ottoman with my head on the arm rest of the lover sofa. Addy crawls right next to me so her head body is on the lover sofa and head in my lap. Sydney crawls up next to Addy with body half on the lover sofa and half on the ottoman with her head on my calves.
Oddly enough, we can sleep a couple of hours like that until the weight of Sydney's head on my legs wake me up.
No wonder, I am always tired...
Sydney and Addy are still alive
Sorry it has been so long since the Adventures of Sydney and Addy had been up and running. They definitely have had stories to tell and I promise to start telling stories again. New job & the holidays and kept the myself and the girls very busy. The Adventures of Sydney and Addy are still alive and kicking and will hopefully return with more regularity.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Bush's Dog Bites Reporter
Thank goodness the girls have never bitten anyone. I had a friend whose dog bit a house guest and had to fend off a lawsuit.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Results are in!
It is a dead-heat.
The first Adventures of Sydney & Addy 'Paw the Election' is in and it is a tie. One vote for Obama and one vote for McCain with a 0 plus/minus margin of error. There was an attempt at voter fraud by Addy trying to cast 2 paws but was caught by the election judge.
The Paw the Election was conducted in the following manor:
A picture of Obama was on the floor on the left and McCain was on the floor on the right (for obvious reasons). The dogs were sitting at a stay. Once I yelled, "VOTE", they proceeded to cast their paw. Thus resulting in a tie.
Here is how the vote count:
Sydney - Obama
Addy - McCain
Disclaimer: Results Sydney stands on my left and Addy stands on my right so that might be why the 'paw' went the way it did.
So, we will have to wait to see the results later tonight!!!
No treats were used in the 'paw' process.
The first Adventures of Sydney & Addy 'Paw the Election' is in and it is a tie. One vote for Obama and one vote for McCain with a 0 plus/minus margin of error. There was an attempt at voter fraud by Addy trying to cast 2 paws but was caught by the election judge.
The Paw the Election was conducted in the following manor:
A picture of Obama was on the floor on the left and McCain was on the floor on the right (for obvious reasons). The dogs were sitting at a stay. Once I yelled, "VOTE", they proceeded to cast their paw. Thus resulting in a tie.
Here is how the vote count:
Sydney - Obama
Addy - McCain
Disclaimer: Results Sydney stands on my left and Addy stands on my right so that might be why the 'paw' went the way it did.
So, we will have to wait to see the results later tonight!!!
No treats were used in the 'paw' process.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Adelaide tried to kill me - once, twice, three times
Is this the face of a killer?
I am using Addy's full name because, if she is a killer, she needs to be addressed like one. Here is a point by point synaposis of the threats on my life:
1) We were out walking the other night and Adelaide in a 'mad dash' tangled me in her leash. I swan dive down using my hand in blocking my fall. She walked away sheapishly.
2) The second incident occurred a couple of weeks ago on another walking trip. She darted out for a squirrel (or so I presume b/c there wasn't a squirrel to be found). She just so happened to dart out right in front of a recycle bin. Resulting in a in quick hurdle of the recycle bin in order to not break my neck.
3) In the final attempt at my life, Adelaide pulled out the stops. She lured me under false pretenses that she had to go outside. So up the stairs to take them out, not thinking I didn't turn out the lights (I go up the stairs in the dark all the time). However, this time would be much different. There awaited Adelaide, unbeknownst to me, blocking the steps. As I came up the step, I tripped over Adelaide and fell, on my side, 4 feet. I laid their quietly and did a quick assessment of all my body parts. After I realized that I was ok, I got up and let them outside.
Adelaide came back in and was good the rest of the night. I assumed it was quiet defeat that she had not killed me...at least not yet.
Happy Halloween!
I am using Addy's full name because, if she is a killer, she needs to be addressed like one. Here is a point by point synaposis of the threats on my life:
1) We were out walking the other night and Adelaide in a 'mad dash' tangled me in her leash. I swan dive down using my hand in blocking my fall. She walked away sheapishly.
2) The second incident occurred a couple of weeks ago on another walking trip. She darted out for a squirrel (or so I presume b/c there wasn't a squirrel to be found). She just so happened to dart out right in front of a recycle bin. Resulting in a in quick hurdle of the recycle bin in order to not break my neck.
3) In the final attempt at my life, Adelaide pulled out the stops. She lured me under false pretenses that she had to go outside. So up the stairs to take them out, not thinking I didn't turn out the lights (I go up the stairs in the dark all the time). However, this time would be much different. There awaited Adelaide, unbeknownst to me, blocking the steps. As I came up the step, I tripped over Adelaide and fell, on my side, 4 feet. I laid their quietly and did a quick assessment of all my body parts. After I realized that I was ok, I got up and let them outside.
Adelaide came back in and was good the rest of the night. I assumed it was quiet defeat that she had not killed me...at least not yet.
Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Vacuum Cleaners - Follow-up
I now know more about vacuums than I thought I would ever know. The area I am vacuuming is my den that is carpeted with indoor/outdoor carpet. We spend most of time down there so a lot of dog traffic in that area. I went on several blogs, read a dozens of reviews (including Amazon), and a multitude of forums. I even posted the questions on a couple of sites including moms site and pets site. After weeding through all of that, I came up with 3 models:
Bissell Pet Eraser - All of reviews had this as good as the best pet vacuums. The price ranged from $135-$170.
Dyson Animal - This one had a lot of mixed reviews. It seemed professional reviewers loved it. But the consumers didn't like it or thought it wasn't worth the money The price ranged from $450-$550.
iRobot Roomba - A lot of reviewers talked about it on their hardwood floors, not on carpet. And many reviewers talked about parts breaking down. Most of them raved about the scheduling function. The price ranged from $330 - $550.
I loved the concept of Roomba. A vacuum that you could schedule and it would clean for you. I wouldn't have to nag my husband about it and the floors would be pet hair clean. However, I was definitely scared away about the breaking down function and, for that price, I didn't want to consistently repairing a product. I have always been attracted to the Dyson...but not the price. I thought the reviews were mixed enough that I didn't want to put out that money on mixed reviews. Thus, I went with the Bissell. I guess you can say I am risk averse around money.
I bought the Bissell from Kohl's (they had a sale). I bought it on Sunday and put it together and ran it on Monday. The results were great. The canister was full and I really felt, by doing the look test for hair, that the vacuum got most of it up. I don't get around to vacuuming until Friday. On Friday, I start vacuuming and after about 5 minutes I start smelling a burning smell. And it keeps getting stronger. So I unplugged in defeat and put it away. I was going out of town and asked my husband to take the vacuum back - at this point, I think it is defunct - and get a new one. I liked the first results and wanted those back.
Did I mention I should have gotten the Roomba before? My husband did not take the vacuum back. Instead he ran the vacuum again and told me that the smell was faint but not bad. Not what I asked him to do. I just got back into town so I haven't had a chance to test the vacuum. So stay tuned...
Bissell Pet Eraser - All of reviews had this as good as the best pet vacuums. The price ranged from $135-$170.
Dyson Animal - This one had a lot of mixed reviews. It seemed professional reviewers loved it. But the consumers didn't like it or thought it wasn't worth the money The price ranged from $450-$550.
iRobot Roomba - A lot of reviewers talked about it on their hardwood floors, not on carpet. And many reviewers talked about parts breaking down. Most of them raved about the scheduling function. The price ranged from $330 - $550.
I loved the concept of Roomba. A vacuum that you could schedule and it would clean for you. I wouldn't have to nag my husband about it and the floors would be pet hair clean. However, I was definitely scared away about the breaking down function and, for that price, I didn't want to consistently repairing a product. I have always been attracted to the Dyson...but not the price. I thought the reviews were mixed enough that I didn't want to put out that money on mixed reviews. Thus, I went with the Bissell. I guess you can say I am risk averse around money.
I bought the Bissell from Kohl's (they had a sale). I bought it on Sunday and put it together and ran it on Monday. The results were great. The canister was full and I really felt, by doing the look test for hair, that the vacuum got most of it up. I don't get around to vacuuming until Friday. On Friday, I start vacuuming and after about 5 minutes I start smelling a burning smell. And it keeps getting stronger. So I unplugged in defeat and put it away. I was going out of town and asked my husband to take the vacuum back - at this point, I think it is defunct - and get a new one. I liked the first results and wanted those back.
Did I mention I should have gotten the Roomba before? My husband did not take the vacuum back. Instead he ran the vacuum again and told me that the smell was faint but not bad. Not what I asked him to do. I just got back into town so I haven't had a chance to test the vacuum. So stay tuned...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Vet and 1800PetMeds - Resolved
I have been wrestling with who is right, the vet or 1800PetMeds, when it comes to providing prescription medication for my girls. See the discussions and comments Round 1, Round 2 & Round 3.
Finally, on a forum I posted the question on, I received a very informative answer from a vet. Since it seems there is a lot of confusion on the subject, I felt I should post the information. Here is the vet's response:
I am a vet and I have seen both sides of this argument as it has come up on the AVMA message boards too. 1800PetMeds is not a reputable company. If you go to http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/finalordernet/folist.aspx and type Pet Med Express in the search blank you will see about 70 lawsuits pop up. They have imported meds from overseas. In my experience I had a client who wanted heartworm pills, but added on an antibiotic. When I questioned her about it she said she just wanted to have it on hand for one of her dogs that has skin problems. Well the antibiotic and dose were totally inappropriate for what she was trying to treat.
We all have expenses. If we can't sell prescription products to help pay our bottom line, we will just raise prices elsewhere. I have very loyal clients and the issue rarely comes up. But if I need to write out a script I use Vet Centric because I trust them. Of course I have a Holistic Practice and don't use a lot of "drugs" anyway.
I think you need to decide how important your vet is to you and if you want to to support them. If you think they are an anal money grubbing jerk you may want to look elsewhere. If they have always done right my you and your pet, it may not be worth the couple extra bucks to alienate them. You can always ask them to meet the Pharmacy price, many will.
I hope this helps you see both sides of the issue
Susan Maier, DVM
www.horizonvetserv.com
Finally, on a forum I posted the question on, I received a very informative answer from a vet. Since it seems there is a lot of confusion on the subject, I felt I should post the information. Here is the vet's response:
I am a vet and I have seen both sides of this argument as it has come up on the AVMA message boards too. 1800PetMeds is not a reputable company. If you go to http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/finalordernet/folist.aspx and type Pet Med Express in the search blank you will see about 70 lawsuits pop up. They have imported meds from overseas. In my experience I had a client who wanted heartworm pills, but added on an antibiotic. When I questioned her about it she said she just wanted to have it on hand for one of her dogs that has skin problems. Well the antibiotic and dose were totally inappropriate for what she was trying to treat.
We all have expenses. If we can't sell prescription products to help pay our bottom line, we will just raise prices elsewhere. I have very loyal clients and the issue rarely comes up. But if I need to write out a script I use Vet Centric because I trust them. Of course I have a Holistic Practice and don't use a lot of "drugs" anyway.
I think you need to decide how important your vet is to you and if you want to to support them. If you think they are an anal money grubbing jerk you may want to look elsewhere. If they have always done right my you and your pet, it may not be worth the couple extra bucks to alienate them. You can always ask them to meet the Pharmacy price, many will.
I hope this helps you see both sides of the issue
Susan Maier, DVM
www.horizonvetserv.com
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Best Vacuums for Pets
Our vacuum cleaner, a Dirt Devil, died on us this past week. The suction is gone. It only pushes around the dog hair (of course after I have cleaned out everything).
I have been googling best pet vacuums and I am finding reviews across the board. Anyone had succes with pet vacuums?
I have been googling best pet vacuums and I am finding reviews across the board. Anyone had succes with pet vacuums?
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sydney Fluffs Pillows
About a month ago, we (correction, my husband) started letting the girls sleep downstairs at night. I didn't like it because it was Sydney who stayed downstairs and she is truly our watch dog. If my watch dog is downstairs napping, who is watching out...
So we have tried to get her to stay upstairs now but the dog beds we currently have are pretty flimsy. I got them in a Friday After Thanksgiving sale as a trial basis. I didn't want to spend a lot of money in case the girls wouldn't like them. Well, they liked them. Addy continues not to be bothered by it too much. But it is Sydney, who apparently needs more cushion. She is constantly pawing at the bed or, as I like to call it, fluffs her pillow so it will be thicker. Thicker I am assuming means more comfortable. (I find all of this funny b/c they are in the cage all day long with only a blanket. Can that be comfortable?)
Last night was GREAT Sydney fluffing. I did some fall cleaning Monday night and a pile of clothes stacked up to be taken to Goodwill. (Yes, I realize that last night was Thursday and I still haven't moved the pile of clothes. However, my laziness has now resulted in this episode with Sydney so I think it is completely justified.) Tuesday morning, I woke up to find Sydney laying in the middle of the piles of clothes. This is not what I expected. Wednesday night - same thing. I assumed the clothes must be more comfortable than her bed. We never saw Sydney lay on the clothes until that morning. She would start off on her bed and then move to the clothes in the middle of the night.
Last night, different story. It was late when we all moved upstairs because I had to watch the SNL last night after Grey's and ER. Sydney goes to lie on the pillow but apparently that isn't working so she gets up and moves to the clothes. Now the clothes are strewn apart b/c of the activities of the last 2 nights. Sydney can't get enough to fluff. She spends 2-3 minutes fluffing the clothes, turning around in circles, fluffing some, more ciricles, fluffing some more and so on. You could see her get frustrated. She laid down at one point and got right back up. I guess because she hadn't fluffed the clothes enough. My husband took pity on her and created a big pile of clothes for her. Well, that wasn't getting enough either because that resulted in clothes, literally, flying 3 feet out of her way.
Finally, we just had to tell her to lay down, which she did. However, I have a good feeling she was fluffing throughout the night because she was in a different spot when I woke up this morning than where she was last night.
I have got to get her a new bed.
So we have tried to get her to stay upstairs now but the dog beds we currently have are pretty flimsy. I got them in a Friday After Thanksgiving sale as a trial basis. I didn't want to spend a lot of money in case the girls wouldn't like them. Well, they liked them. Addy continues not to be bothered by it too much. But it is Sydney, who apparently needs more cushion. She is constantly pawing at the bed or, as I like to call it, fluffs her pillow so it will be thicker. Thicker I am assuming means more comfortable. (I find all of this funny b/c they are in the cage all day long with only a blanket. Can that be comfortable?)
Last night was GREAT Sydney fluffing. I did some fall cleaning Monday night and a pile of clothes stacked up to be taken to Goodwill. (Yes, I realize that last night was Thursday and I still haven't moved the pile of clothes. However, my laziness has now resulted in this episode with Sydney so I think it is completely justified.) Tuesday morning, I woke up to find Sydney laying in the middle of the piles of clothes. This is not what I expected. Wednesday night - same thing. I assumed the clothes must be more comfortable than her bed. We never saw Sydney lay on the clothes until that morning. She would start off on her bed and then move to the clothes in the middle of the night.
Last night, different story. It was late when we all moved upstairs because I had to watch the SNL last night after Grey's and ER. Sydney goes to lie on the pillow but apparently that isn't working so she gets up and moves to the clothes. Now the clothes are strewn apart b/c of the activities of the last 2 nights. Sydney can't get enough to fluff. She spends 2-3 minutes fluffing the clothes, turning around in circles, fluffing some, more ciricles, fluffing some more and so on. You could see her get frustrated. She laid down at one point and got right back up. I guess because she hadn't fluffed the clothes enough. My husband took pity on her and created a big pile of clothes for her. Well, that wasn't getting enough either because that resulted in clothes, literally, flying 3 feet out of her way.
Finally, we just had to tell her to lay down, which she did. However, I have a good feeling she was fluffing throughout the night because she was in a different spot when I woke up this morning than where she was last night.
I have got to get her a new bed.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Addy Doesn't Like Oven Mitts - Video
Here is Addy showing her distaste for oven mitts. The growling & barking is all Addy.
BTW, I am a little behind the times and just learning how to do video. So that is why there is an extra second of video. I haven't learned yet how to cut the duration of the video down yet
BTW, I am a little behind the times and just learning how to do video. So that is why there is an extra second of video. I haven't learned yet how to cut the duration of the video down yet
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sydney has a Histiocytoma
A lot happened at the vet last Thursday (Read about the vet visit here and all of the events leading up the vet visit and the girls medication with Round 1, Round 2 and Round 3).
Overnight - or so it seems - we found a raised bump on Sydney's back right behind her front shoulders. At first, I was worried it was a tick that had got itself buried under her skin. Ticks in Southern Indiana have been very bad this year. Warning: if ticks make your skin crawl - like mine do - don't look at the photos!
The vet looked over the spot and was about 99% that it was histiocytoma. Histiocytomas are benign tumors on the skin surface of a dog that usually goes away without treatment. Here is a pretty good definition on Wikipedia. It occurs in dogs under the age of 3. However, it is not common in labs.
This is Sydney's second histocytoma. The first one occurred when she was a puppy on her face and was removed when she was spayed because it did not go away. This time it is definitely more developed than when she was a puppy. Here is a picture of what it looks like:
The vet assures us it should go away on its own, much like it appeared.
Overnight - or so it seems - we found a raised bump on Sydney's back right behind her front shoulders. At first, I was worried it was a tick that had got itself buried under her skin. Ticks in Southern Indiana have been very bad this year. Warning: if ticks make your skin crawl - like mine do - don't look at the photos!
The vet looked over the spot and was about 99% that it was histiocytoma. Histiocytomas are benign tumors on the skin surface of a dog that usually goes away without treatment. Here is a pretty good definition on Wikipedia. It occurs in dogs under the age of 3. However, it is not common in labs.
This is Sydney's second histocytoma. The first one occurred when she was a puppy on her face and was removed when she was spayed because it did not go away. This time it is definitely more developed than when she was a puppy. Here is a picture of what it looks like:
The vet assures us it should go away on its own, much like it appeared.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Vet and 1800PetMeds - Round 3
I have blogged about all the problems I have had with my vet and 'unwillingness' to not fulfill prescriptions to 1800PetMeds here and here. Thursday, I took Sydney to the vet (read how Sydney freaked out here) determined to resolve my prescription issues.
The vet asked if I needed heartworm medication and I responded that I did but would like to get it through 1800PetMeds. Here is what the vet said:
1) We offer cheaper prices than 1800PetMeds and she proceeded to show me a price list. She also said they offered a manufacturers rebate.
2) She said that if Sydney had been on the medication (Interceptor)and still got heartworm, than the manufacturer would pay for the treatment. If we got the medication from 1800PetMeds, then the manufacturer would not pay for any treatment.
So, I agree and buy a year long supply (really 6 months since I am giving it to both Sydney & Addy) from the vet. But once I got home, I was really curious to the vet's claims.
1) The first claim that the vet's office was cheaper than 1800PetMeds is a toss up. The vet sells it for $78.00 whereas 1800PetMeds sells it for $83.99 and has it on sale for $75.49.
2) I looked on the Interceptor website and couldn't find anything about paying for treatment if the product didn't work.
Has anyone else had any of these problems? Does anyone know about manufacturer and if/how they pay for treatment if the medication doesn't work?
The vet asked if I needed heartworm medication and I responded that I did but would like to get it through 1800PetMeds. Here is what the vet said:
1) We offer cheaper prices than 1800PetMeds and she proceeded to show me a price list. She also said they offered a manufacturers rebate.
2) She said that if Sydney had been on the medication (Interceptor)and still got heartworm, than the manufacturer would pay for the treatment. If we got the medication from 1800PetMeds, then the manufacturer would not pay for any treatment.
So, I agree and buy a year long supply (really 6 months since I am giving it to both Sydney & Addy) from the vet. But once I got home, I was really curious to the vet's claims.
1) The first claim that the vet's office was cheaper than 1800PetMeds is a toss up. The vet sells it for $78.00 whereas 1800PetMeds sells it for $83.99 and has it on sale for $75.49.
2) I looked on the Interceptor website and couldn't find anything about paying for treatment if the product didn't work.
Has anyone else had any of these problems? Does anyone know about manufacturer and if/how they pay for treatment if the medication doesn't work?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Sydney & the Vet
Sydney went to the vet today. She was due for all of her yearly shots and physical. Sydney is better dog one-on-one on a leash and she couldn't have been any better going in. She was a little 'shell-shocked' in the waiting area b/c there was a dog in there just barking and barking and barking. At one point, I had my legs crossed and Sydney laid down so she could lay her head on my foot that is in the air.
After 30 minutes, we got back into the exam rooms. The vet tech took her back to get her nails clipped and start her heartworm exam. When she got back, Sydney went straight for the door to leave but was pretty calm with the vet tech.
Sydney freaked out when the vet came. I don't know if she remembers the white coat or the actually vet. But she got in a corner between the wall, bench seat and me. Sydney just shook the entire time. I had to pull her out of the corner so the vet could do the physical exam by asking Sydney, "Do you wanna go?" She was more than ready every time to get out of there. Sydney jumped so much with the first shot that the needle actually came out and had to be administered again. She weighs 73.6 pounds and the vet said she was a little overweight. (I have one dog overweight and the other dog I can't keep weight on). So we talked over food choices and maybe putting Sydney on a 'diet' dog food. We currently give both Sydney and Addy Purina Pro Plan .
Once we were done, Sydney was ready to head for the exits. She knew where all the 'escape routes' were and proceded to try to break out of the vet's office.
After 30 minutes, we got back into the exam rooms. The vet tech took her back to get her nails clipped and start her heartworm exam. When she got back, Sydney went straight for the door to leave but was pretty calm with the vet tech.
Sydney freaked out when the vet came. I don't know if she remembers the white coat or the actually vet. But she got in a corner between the wall, bench seat and me. Sydney just shook the entire time. I had to pull her out of the corner so the vet could do the physical exam by asking Sydney, "Do you wanna go?" She was more than ready every time to get out of there. Sydney jumped so much with the first shot that the needle actually came out and had to be administered again. She weighs 73.6 pounds and the vet said she was a little overweight. (I have one dog overweight and the other dog I can't keep weight on). So we talked over food choices and maybe putting Sydney on a 'diet' dog food. We currently give both Sydney and Addy Purina Pro Plan .
Once we were done, Sydney was ready to head for the exits. She knew where all the 'escape routes' were and proceded to try to break out of the vet's office.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
How Addy Got Her Name
A couple of blogsago, I introduced Addy. How Addy got her name is as good of a story as how Sydney got her name.
We already had Sydney and I wanted a name that went along with Sydney. Once again, I googled 'Sydney' to come up with a duo or anything that was related to Sydney. I was hoping for great heroes in history or famous street corner or even a bank robbing duo. However, the only thing that came up when I googled 'Sydney' as Sydney, Australia.
I finally caved in and started looking at cities in Australia. The cities of Melbourne, Brisbane, Wagga Wagga, Perth and many others came up in the search. But I couldn't see myself calling a dog Melly, Bris, Wagga or Perthy.
I did find the city of Adelaide. I loved the name Adelaide; my husband hated it. I could not convince him of Adelaide, no matter how hard I tried. So, in an epiphany, I came up with shortening Adelaide - to Addy.
My husband was fine with that and we went with it. Now she goes by 'Ad', 'AddyBear' and 'Baby Girl'. I have been asked before, when I am introducing the girls, if I am from Australia. No, but my Australia friends love the connection!
We already had Sydney and I wanted a name that went along with Sydney. Once again, I googled 'Sydney' to come up with a duo or anything that was related to Sydney. I was hoping for great heroes in history or famous street corner or even a bank robbing duo. However, the only thing that came up when I googled 'Sydney' as Sydney, Australia.
I finally caved in and started looking at cities in Australia. The cities of Melbourne, Brisbane, Wagga Wagga, Perth and many others came up in the search. But I couldn't see myself calling a dog Melly, Bris, Wagga or Perthy.
I did find the city of Adelaide. I loved the name Adelaide; my husband hated it. I could not convince him of Adelaide, no matter how hard I tried. So, in an epiphany, I came up with shortening Adelaide - to Addy.
My husband was fine with that and we went with it. Now she goes by 'Ad', 'AddyBear' and 'Baby Girl'. I have been asked before, when I am introducing the girls, if I am from Australia. No, but my Australia friends love the connection!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Vet and 1800PetMeds - Round 2
So after yesterday, I just assumed I was just going to have to bite the bullet. I had planned on setting up Sydney's annual appointment next week and then, hopefully, talk them into signing the prescription for 1800PetMeds and everyone would move on. Now, I don't know what to think.
Hillside called today...again. This time it was one of the vet techs who called. She said they found the order for prescription in February and was wondering if that was the problem. I said I was really unsure what the problem was, only that they wouldn't sign it because it was a 1800PetMeds order. I told the vet tech that I would just take care of it when I came in for the visit.
The vet tech asks, "Why do you buy it from anyone else but us?" (I thought this was rather intrusive but I proceeded). "Well, I get a discount and think it cheaper and it is convenient because it comes to the door." The vet tech replies, "We can mail it." **shocked** "Really? Does it cost anything to ship?" "No", says the vet tech. "The thing is we don't recommend buying from any of these outside sources because we don't know where the medication is coming from. It could be coming from outside the US where it is not regulated. Also, the temperature on the medications is not controlled. And we have done our research and we are cheaper than they are." At this point, I reply "Well...I'll have look into that".
Really...did this just happen? Was the vet trying to sell me something? I don't know what to think at this point. Nor what to do...
Hillside called today...again. This time it was one of the vet techs who called. She said they found the order for prescription in February and was wondering if that was the problem. I said I was really unsure what the problem was, only that they wouldn't sign it because it was a 1800PetMeds order. I told the vet tech that I would just take care of it when I came in for the visit.
The vet tech asks, "Why do you buy it from anyone else but us?" (I thought this was rather intrusive but I proceeded). "Well, I get a discount and think it cheaper and it is convenient because it comes to the door." The vet tech replies, "We can mail it." **shocked** "Really? Does it cost anything to ship?" "No", says the vet tech. "The thing is we don't recommend buying from any of these outside sources because we don't know where the medication is coming from. It could be coming from outside the US where it is not regulated. Also, the temperature on the medications is not controlled. And we have done our research and we are cheaper than they are." At this point, I reply "Well...I'll have look into that".
Really...did this just happen? Was the vet trying to sell me something? I don't know what to think at this point. Nor what to do...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Vet and 1800PetMeds
I ordered Sydney and Addy's medication from 1800PetMeds yesterday (They are on FrontLine Plus and Interceptor). Interceptor - a heartworm medication - is precription only. The Frontline Plus - flea & tick - is OTC. I take my dogs to Hillside Animal Clinic in Floyds Knobs which according to Google
maps is only about 7 miles away from the house. It isn't a bad drive but it is really out of the way to go pick up medicine. I started using 1800PetMeds so I wouldn't have to drive there, it came straight to my door and it usually included a treat for the girls.
Since the Interceptor is a prescription, 1800petmedshas to have a prescription from the vet. Hillside called this morning saying they won't fill it because 1) they only do that with recent heartworm checks and Sydney is due up for hers and 2) the last record they have of Sydney having any heartworm medication was October 2007. I tried to explain to the vet that I 1) buy Sydney's medication on a quarterly basis. She then argued with me that if I did it quarterly then I would more than a quarter (I buy the 6 pack). Which of course I replied, I have two dogs. 2) I give my dogs their medication every month. I don't miss. She asked me when the last time I gave it to them. This month. The vet said, "Well that will get them until you come in next time".
I have every intention of getting my dogs to the vet. I felt the vet was being very accusing of me and/or was trying to make money. Either way, this isn't the first complaint I have heard about Hillside in the past month.
maps is only about 7 miles away from the house. It isn't a bad drive but it is really out of the way to go pick up medicine. I started using 1800PetMeds so I wouldn't have to drive there, it came straight to my door and it usually included a treat for the girls.
Since the Interceptor is a prescription, 1800petmedshas to have a prescription from the vet. Hillside called this morning saying they won't fill it because 1) they only do that with recent heartworm checks and Sydney is due up for hers and 2) the last record they have of Sydney having any heartworm medication was October 2007. I tried to explain to the vet that I 1) buy Sydney's medication on a quarterly basis. She then argued with me that if I did it quarterly then I would more than a quarter (I buy the 6 pack). Which of course I replied, I have two dogs. 2) I give my dogs their medication every month. I don't miss. She asked me when the last time I gave it to them. This month. The vet said, "Well that will get them until you come in next time".
I have every intention of getting my dogs to the vet. I felt the vet was being very accusing of me and/or was trying to make money. Either way, this isn't the first complaint I have heard about Hillside in the past month.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Long night for Sydney
Sydney got sick last night - 2 sessions of vomit - 2 acts of vomiting in each session. A total of 4 vomits I had to clean up last night. (BTW, Resolve carpet cleaner for pets works great for getting the stains and odors out of the carpet). I took them walking about 7:30 pm, almost 2 hours after they ate. We were walking at a pretty brisk pace and Addy was superexcited about walking. I had to cut our walk short - only about a mile and a half - because 1) it was starting to get dark and 2) Addy just would not slow down.
Sydney didn't show any outward signs of wanting to slow down either. She would grab some grass as we went along (dogs will sometimes grab grass if they feel nauseated to make themselves throw up) but she will eat grass every time we walk - usually without the vomiting. It was maybe 30 minutes after we got back did we have Session #1. Session #1 consisted of all of her dog food, non-digested. She laid down and fell sleep. She was definitely lethargic. About an hour later, she got up and played with Addy - Session #2. Session #2 was more bile - she threw up her dinner in Session #1. After Session #2, I gave her the prescription medication the vet prescribed (yes, we have been here before). It seemed to help her b/c she slept threw the night without incident...
...or so we thought. We were getting ready to put Sydney in her cage this morning when we found another pile (could this be Session #3). We have no idea when it happened...
I have to add that my husband did not, nor never does, clean up the vomit. He apparently gets 'sick' when he is around it. What does he think happens to me?
Sydney didn't show any outward signs of wanting to slow down either. She would grab some grass as we went along (dogs will sometimes grab grass if they feel nauseated to make themselves throw up) but she will eat grass every time we walk - usually without the vomiting. It was maybe 30 minutes after we got back did we have Session #1. Session #1 consisted of all of her dog food, non-digested. She laid down and fell sleep. She was definitely lethargic. About an hour later, she got up and played with Addy - Session #2. Session #2 was more bile - she threw up her dinner in Session #1. After Session #2, I gave her the prescription medication the vet prescribed (yes, we have been here before). It seemed to help her b/c she slept threw the night without incident...
...or so we thought. We were getting ready to put Sydney in her cage this morning when we found another pile (could this be Session #3). We have no idea when it happened...
I have to add that my husband did not, nor never does, clean up the vomit. He apparently gets 'sick' when he is around it. What does he think happens to me?
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