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.
Friday, November 7, 2008
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.
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