We started telling her “no”, which was a word she was hearing a lot.  If she saw it, it was in her mouth and she was chewing on it.  That also meant your hands, arms, feet, toes, and oh yes, let’s not forget head, hair, ears, face, nose, lips…….get the idea?

I had heard that if you flick them on their nose when they bit you, that they would stop.  Not her.  She saw that as a challenge.  Her eyes would dilate, she wrinkles up her nose and starts barking at you in a high pitch and snapping at you.  Hence her new name ”Chompers”. 

If you point your finger at her and reprimand her, you’re in for a lot of snarling back talk!  We are working on it, and we’re gaining, but she is not going to concede easily.

My point however is this: their bark, growl, cry etc. actually mean something.   Baying means your dog is on the chase, whining means she’s frustrated, howling means he’s calling the pack, growling when playing means she’s playing tough, growling when confronting someone means he’s mad, and yipping means she’s hurt, according to Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Blogger www.traveldogbooks.com/

Thanks to Helen, I now know Maggie is “playing tough”.

I always new that there were some plants that were toxic to our pets.  One of Chuck's (our brown spotted Dalmatian) litter mates died from eating Oleanders.  My sister always checks before she brings in new house plants because her cats love to eat them.

Now, we have our new puppy Maggie Mae, and we need to be sure her back yard is safe for her.  Let me tell you I was shocked at how many common plants, even vegetables can be toxic!  In my garden I have onions and tomatoes.  Onions can cause problems as well as Tomatoe Plants, not the actual tomatoe.  That is good because Maggie loves to pick and eat tomatoes!

Some of my other patio plants that surprised me were Asparagus Fern, Aloe and Creeping Charlie.  Keep in mind that they are not all fatal and there toxicity level varies.

Check the ASPCA site below for any possible Toxic Plants that could be present in your house or yard.  Knowledge is power, and with this power you will be able to keep all of your four legged friends safe!       

 http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx?page=1

Well when they brought him home I asked my mom what his name was and they said Trey, but we had to name him different because I had a cousin named trey and it would have been to confusing.  After we thought it over with we came up with Scooter, I loved it and so did everyone else!  Scarlet our other dog (she is a short hair miniature dachshund) loved him as soon as Scooter stepped inside the door.  They played and played until it was time to go to bed.  The next day he came into my room and woke me up by licking on my face, he wanted to play so I got up and got dressed and went out side and played with him.

Years and years later my parents moved to Midlothian TX.  Scooter was about 13 or 14 years old, I couldn’t remember very well.  I thought he was just fine and he played as usual.  Then his birthday rolled around and we realized he was 15 years old.  One day I came over and Scooter wasn’t himself.  He didn’t eat and he barely even slept.  I thought that he had a stomach virus so that could be treatable.  Well 2 weeks later they were saying that he had cancer and there was nothing they could have done.  I was so mad and I just stormed out crying.  I just wanted to be left alone.

About 2 to 4 weeks later Scooter passed away in his sleep.  They found him just lying there not breathing.  I wanted to say one last goodbye and I never got to.  I miss my Scooter and I never stop thinking about him and I never stop crying because he mean’t so much to me!!!!!

 R.I.P my beloved Scooter – August 28th, 2010

Some people don’t understand, they think that because it was a small pet it is insignificant. But I loved her so much, and I miss her terribly and I wonder how I’m going to get through it.

 She loved sitting in the grass outside with me, I would protect her while she grazed. She let me hug and kiss her and she wouldn’t bite me, I’m really going to miss her a lot.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.  I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.  I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. 

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.  I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. 

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.  I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. 

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.  I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.  Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. 

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe.  I would promise to always be by her side.  I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.  I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.  So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.  So many more to be saved.  At least I could save one. 

I rescued a human today.♥

There is a site called www.greenpaws.com where you can research which pet products are safe for humans and which ones are not.  There is also information for Natural products available.

A side note if you have toddlers: You may choose Not to use flea collars at all since we know Everything ends up in their mouths!

♥ We want to protect our pets, but we need to be sure to protect our family too! ♥

We now have Josh, and Pet n’ Vet Support Services.  I first met Josh when I was going to see Dr. Teague when we were caring for Jordie during renal failure and her last few months.  Josh was one of the knowledgeable techs that I came to know and rely on.  When I call any doctor office (people or pet) I would like to talk to the doctor, but as we all know they are not always available.  Being able to have confidence with the support staff is crucial.  I remember the first day that Josh came on my radar.  I called in because Jordie had just had some sort of seizure and I didn’t know if this was the time to take her in and put her down.  I got Josh on the phone.  I was annoyed that I didn’t know who he was and I was having to explain things all over again to him.  He kept asking questions that I felt he should have known since I had been bringing Jordie in for several of month.  After I rudely answered all of his questions, he was able to calmly explain what he beleived Jordie had just experienced.  By the time I got off of the phone, I was calm and felt confident with what Josh had told me, and yes, I did apologize for being so rude (after all, how could anyone be expected to know every case.  I was being unrealistic, thinking Jordie was the most important cat in the world).  Several visits later, I was telling Dr. Teague I was worried about our upcoming cruise and leaving Jordie.  She said that Josh did in home care.  I was so releaved!  By then, I had seen Josh several times in the office and had come to know and like him.  I did not want to put Jordie in a kennel while we were gone and knowing we could leave Jordie in her own house and surroundings while we were gone was a great comfort.  This was the best I could hope for and offer to my loyal pet. Below is the testimonial I wrote for Josh:

“We hired Josh to come to our home and take care of our terminally ill cat while we were out of town for a week. We didn’t want to put Jordie in a kennel, and Josh was recommended to us by our Vet. At the time, we new Josh from visiting the vets office and liked and trusted him, but we did not know he could provide us with in home care. We don’t usually let people into our home while were gone, but we were totally comfortable with Josh and I believed that Jordie would be well taken care of with love and compassion. Jordie needed daily medication, including IV fluids. We had been worried for weeks as to what to do when we needed to leave for that week. You couldn’t believe the relief we felt when we found out Josh would come to our home to take care of her. I will forever be greatful to Josh. He took good care of Jordie and made our leaving tolerable. I have recommended Josh to other friends and would do so, without hesitation, to you or anyone else. Your pet, house and belongings are in great hands.  March 9, 2010″

I hope that in every city there is a service like the one Josh provides,  In-Home Pet Sitting and Medical Treatment.  If you are in San Diego, I highly recommend Pet n’ Vet Support Services where your “Pets Health is their Priority”.

This beautiful picture came from the internet.  I wish I had the photographers name to share with you, look at this exquisite picture…..

This next picture is totally awesome!  Look at the detail of the snowflake on top of his head.  Hats off to this photographer!!

This beautiful photograph was taken by Hear2Heal Photoart:

 http://www.hear2heal.com/tiny-feet-photograph-poster-giclee-desert-hummingbird-p-432.html

  As this picture is named, look at the detail in his “Tiny Feet”

I wonder what he is thinking…..

This picture make me feel like you could put out your finger and he would climb on.

All of these pictures make me strive to become a better photographer.

Thanks to you all……

Please feel free to share any of your special photos.

(The picture and words below are from a dear friend who had to endure such a loss.)

Be sure to visit her site Small Dog Training, etc. for wonderful information and some great pet products!

“Dogs are more a part of our families than ever before. They eat with us, sleep in our beds and even vacation with us. Be sure to take LOTS of pics so you can put them in a pet memorial frame now or when their time with you is up. It’s tough to say good-bye, but a nice collage for your wall or desk can help. It helped me a lot last year when I lost my canine traveling companion in a tragic accident, but I wish I had more pictures”.

Small Dog Training, etc