Come and meet Trixie!
Trixie will be at the Lab Rescue Adopt-a-Lab event on Sunday, October 3rd.
Where:
PetSmart
5154 Nicholson Lane
Kensington, MD 20895 (301) 770-1343
When: Sunday, October 3, 2010
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Trixie will be hanging out inside near the adoption application table on her fave blanket. Stop by and say hi!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Perplexed Puppy
You can tell when Wyatt is confused. His ears droop, his tail droops and he gets a look of dismay on his face. Things that completely baffle Wyatt:
- Fire hydrants - They smell like dogs but they are brightly colored metal and clearly are not dogs. What the hell! Light posts and telephone poles also smell like dogs and are clearly not dogs but they are not Wyatt-eye-level so they are allowed.
- Barking noises from people - Humans can meow and make any other sort of sound but no barking! That's just wrong.
- Car alarms that arm with a honk - Hey! We're not in the car anymore - what's up with it still making noise?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Sad News About Wyatt and Trixie's Friend
Wyatt and Trixie's friend Mickey passed away this morning. He was my 15 year old gentle giant Chow. Mickey suffered what was likely a stroke a little over a week ago and his health declined significantly after that.
Wyatt understood Mickey couldn't play with him- he was just too old for play - but he liked to nap with Mickey and he always slobbered kisses all over his face.Trixie liked to sleep next to Mickey too. She isn't always interested in going out in the backyard to play every time I open the door but if she heard me getting Mickey up and helping him walk down the stairs, she'd come bounding to the backdoor and hang out in the yard with Mick. All the critters will miss big sweet Mickey.
Wyatt understood Mickey couldn't play with him- he was just too old for play - but he liked to nap with Mickey and he always slobbered kisses all over his face.Trixie liked to sleep next to Mickey too. She isn't always interested in going out in the backyard to play every time I open the door but if she heard me getting Mickey up and helping him walk down the stairs, she'd come bounding to the backdoor and hang out in the yard with Mick. All the critters will miss big sweet Mickey.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Thief
Trixie often hangs out in the background when stuff is going on in the house. I noticed she loves to collect toys for her bed. She makes a little pile of her favorites and sleeps with them. But I never see her putting them in her bed so I decided to watch and see how they ended up there.
It turns out Trixie is a bit of a thief. When she hears Wyatt rolling around, playing and tossing toys around the room, she goes in and sits quietly, keeping an eye on the toy she wants. Once that toy lands near her and Wyatt's not looking, she picks it up and leaves the room. She drops the toy off in her bed and comes back to see if there's another she wants.
I've noticed she does the same with socks. She'll go over to any laundry on the floor and check for socks. Then she'll pick out one or two and carry them back to her nest. She never chews on them and it's not an anxiety pattern. Apparently recently worn socks are just the thing for making bedtime groovy in Trixie's opinion.
It turns out Trixie is a bit of a thief. When she hears Wyatt rolling around, playing and tossing toys around the room, she goes in and sits quietly, keeping an eye on the toy she wants. Once that toy lands near her and Wyatt's not looking, she picks it up and leaves the room. She drops the toy off in her bed and comes back to see if there's another she wants.
I've noticed she does the same with socks. She'll go over to any laundry on the floor and check for socks. Then she'll pick out one or two and carry them back to her nest. She never chews on them and it's not an anxiety pattern. Apparently recently worn socks are just the thing for making bedtime groovy in Trixie's opinion.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Progress Report
Wyatt's doing great! He's destroyed his e-collar so that's off but he's not interested in chewing at his stitches. Keeping him calm for another week will be a challenge - but it makes the folks that sell dog toys happy. Bought him another assortment yesterday to keep him busy. Trixie likes him much better without the crazy collar too.
The only worry is his persistent skin infection. I think we'll probably need to do a culture to see what antibiotics would work better for him. The Simplicef is keeping it at bay but not getting rid of it.
And nothing says "I'm a big fierce pitbull" more than hiding behind my legs when a barking lhasa apso approaches.
The only worry is his persistent skin infection. I think we'll probably need to do a culture to see what antibiotics would work better for him. The Simplicef is keeping it at bay but not getting rid of it.
And nothing says "I'm a big fierce pitbull" more than hiding behind my legs when a barking lhasa apso approaches.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Can't keep a good dog down....
...or from jumping on the furniture, trying to run up and down the stairs, racing through the house, playing...
Oh the challenges of keeping a 7-8 month old puppy inactive without being killed by the guilt of pitiful whining when he gets left in the guest room by himself. He's occupying himself by decimating a legion of squeaky toys. The purple bunny became a multiple amputee and the pink piggy has had an impromptu lobotomy. He's eying the stuffed turtle next I think.
The good news is he's doing great, his heart murmur is downgraded from a grade 6 to a grade 2 with more improvement expected, and he can be neutered next month as scheduled.
Trixie still hasn't decided whether the e-collar scares her or not. She does go up to Wyatt's gate at the guest room to say hi and get kisses back from him through the gate :).
Oh the challenges of keeping a 7-8 month old puppy inactive without being killed by the guilt of pitiful whining when he gets left in the guest room by himself. He's occupying himself by decimating a legion of squeaky toys. The purple bunny became a multiple amputee and the pink piggy has had an impromptu lobotomy. He's eying the stuffed turtle next I think.
The good news is he's doing great, his heart murmur is downgraded from a grade 6 to a grade 2 with more improvement expected, and he can be neutered next month as scheduled.
Trixie still hasn't decided whether the e-collar scares her or not. She does go up to Wyatt's gate at the guest room to say hi and get kisses back from him through the gate :).
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Flower Power
Wyatt makes a lovely Pittunia
Wyatt is home and completely oblivious to the fact that he just had heart surgery. He wants to play and run around and be a normal pup. But he can't be active yet so he's set up in the guest room with his e-collar on and plenty of toys. In theory, he's sore from the surgery but you can't tell at all. He's doing great!
Thank you for the ChipIn donations and the folks that sent in outside of ChipIn! Wyatt's up to $700 in his tip jar :).
Wyatt is home and completely oblivious to the fact that he just had heart surgery. He wants to play and run around and be a normal pup. But he can't be active yet so he's set up in the guest room with his e-collar on and plenty of toys. In theory, he's sore from the surgery but you can't tell at all. He's doing great!
Thank you for the ChipIn donations and the folks that sent in outside of ChipIn! Wyatt's up to $700 in his tip jar :).
Monday, September 13, 2010
Poor Sleepy Wyatt
Awwww......post-surgery, drowsy Wyatt
He looks very much the pitiful pittie in the pic- but he's doing fine. He wasn't really out of the anesthesia yet when I visited. He recognized his pink piggie and snuffled it a bit but was still pretty disoriented and out of it. Dr. Rosenthal came by and said hi and checked on him. Poor little guy's getting a lampshade once he starts moving around so he doesn't pull out his sutures.
Wyatt has succeeded in charming the socks off everyone at the cardiology vet- no surprise there ;). He has such a sweet disposition and happy personality.
Vet bills for all his care at both vets are just shy of $4K. Eeek - I think that scampering, squeaking noise I just heard was my credit card limping off to the corner to lick its wounds!
Wyatt has succeeded in charming the socks off everyone at the cardiology vet- no surprise there ;). He has such a sweet disposition and happy personality.
Vet bills for all his care at both vets are just shy of $4K. Eeek - I think that scampering, squeaking noise I just heard was my credit card limping off to the corner to lick its wounds!
The mother of all....
...PDA's....
The vet noted it was one of the largest PDA's he's worked on. They had to use the largest size stint/plug and it's still got some flow around it right now. They're hoping that will close up as he heals. His heart murmur is still there but greatly reduced and should get better as we go.
He's awake and hopefully I can go visit him shortly. Little Fritter made it through too.
The vet noted it was one of the largest PDA's he's worked on. They had to use the largest size stint/plug and it's still got some flow around it right now. They're hoping that will close up as he heals. His heart murmur is still there but greatly reduced and should get better as we go.
He's awake and hopefully I can go visit him shortly. Little Fritter made it through too.
Waiting...
Wyatt's been dropped off.
He gave out kisses to everyone in the waiting room and tried to climb into everybody's lap. He met Fritter, a little chi mix who is in for heart surgery, and promptly gave him kisses too.
Wyatt half in the lap of one of the vet techs @ cardiology
I'll get two calls - one right before he goes in and one right after he comes out. There will be a third call if there are complications or if he goes into cardiac arrest during surgery. Fingers crossed that I only get two calls today and that little Fritter makes it through too.
He gave out kisses to everyone in the waiting room and tried to climb into everybody's lap. He met Fritter, a little chi mix who is in for heart surgery, and promptly gave him kisses too.
Wyatt half in the lap of one of the vet techs @ cardiology
I'll get two calls - one right before he goes in and one right after he comes out. There will be a third call if there are complications or if he goes into cardiac arrest during surgery. Fingers crossed that I only get two calls today and that little Fritter makes it through too.
Surgery Day is here !
Wyatt goes in for his PDA heart surgery in half an hour. He was rather disappointed to find that no breakfast was being served today (can't have food or water 12 hours before surgery) so he occupied his morning by doing his version of a guard dog. He sat on a pillow on the bed upstairs and occasionally barked at a passing dog across the street. If any of those dogs ever learn to levitate and fly in the second story window, he's ready for 'em.
Wyatt will have to stay til tomorrow afternoon - sending his favorite squeaky monkey and stuffed horse with him so he'll have some toys for his overnight stay.I'll update after he is out of surgery later today.
Wyatt will have to stay til tomorrow afternoon - sending his favorite squeaky monkey and stuffed horse with him so he'll have some toys for his overnight stay.I'll update after he is out of surgery later today.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Weight Gain and Big Scary Things
Wyatt went in for a second round of bloodwork today in preparation for his surgery on Monday. He has gained a total of 10.4 lbs! He weighed in at 36.8 today and he looks quite normal now. The vets even commented on how he looks like a different dog - no more ribs and spine and hips sticking out.
He's also discovered ceiling fans- much to his apparent dismay. He noticed them last night and quickly ran for cover. It took him a couple of hours to decide that they weren't giant whirling birds of prey that were going to attack him, although he kept an eye on them just in case. I can add Ceiling Fan Guard Dog to his resume now, right below Squeaky Toy Decimator.
He's also discovered ceiling fans- much to his apparent dismay. He noticed them last night and quickly ran for cover. It took him a couple of hours to decide that they weren't giant whirling birds of prey that were going to attack him, although he kept an eye on them just in case. I can add Ceiling Fan Guard Dog to his resume now, right below Squeaky Toy Decimator.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wyatt ~ Adoption Profile
Six days til Wyatt's heart surgery! And with that- here's his adoption profile.
Name - Wyatt
Breed, Age, Gender - 7 month old male pitbull mix
Color - White with a few black polkadots on his ears
Size - Medium - 35 -40 lbs
Energy Level - He's a puppy - high :)
Good with other dogs? - Yes - loves to play with other dogs although he's rather scared of small barky types.
Cats? - Good with cats
Adoption Info - Wyatt will be available for adoption in October once he has recovered from his heart surgery and been neutered (cannot currently be neutered due to his heart condition)
More Info - Wyatt was found wandering an alley near my house, eating trash. He was emaciated and had a bad skin infection. He also has a grade 6 heart murmur/PDA (scroll down to see more about PDA) - he'll be getting heart surgery on Sept 13th for the PDA. He's gained 10 lbs and is nearly normal weight now. He has a sweet disposition and enjoys people and other animals. He is leash trained, crate trained and working on his house training. I'd say 90% there on house training - he understands house training but sometimes doesn't make it to his newspapers on time due to the Lasix he's on for his heart. He's working on learning his basic commands like "sit" and he's doing pretty well understanding basic rules like what is a chew toy and what is not. He's a happy dog who is fine playing with other dogs, going for a walk or a ride, or just playing by himself with his toys. He's a bit undersize due to his heart but may eventually catch up on his growth. His feet are too big for him still :).
What Wyatt is looking for.... Wyatt would love a home with another dog and active people. He loves to go places and once he has recovered from his heart surgery he'll be a great walking or jogging companion. He can also turn into a couch potato and sit with you for movies and puppy cuddles.
Name - Wyatt
Breed, Age, Gender - 7 month old male pitbull mix
Color - White with a few black polkadots on his ears
Size - Medium - 35 -40 lbs
Energy Level - He's a puppy - high :)
Good with other dogs? - Yes - loves to play with other dogs although he's rather scared of small barky types.
Cats? - Good with cats
Adoption Info - Wyatt will be available for adoption in October once he has recovered from his heart surgery and been neutered (cannot currently be neutered due to his heart condition)
More Info - Wyatt was found wandering an alley near my house, eating trash. He was emaciated and had a bad skin infection. He also has a grade 6 heart murmur/PDA (scroll down to see more about PDA) - he'll be getting heart surgery on Sept 13th for the PDA. He's gained 10 lbs and is nearly normal weight now. He has a sweet disposition and enjoys people and other animals. He is leash trained, crate trained and working on his house training. I'd say 90% there on house training - he understands house training but sometimes doesn't make it to his newspapers on time due to the Lasix he's on for his heart. He's working on learning his basic commands like "sit" and he's doing pretty well understanding basic rules like what is a chew toy and what is not. He's a happy dog who is fine playing with other dogs, going for a walk or a ride, or just playing by himself with his toys. He's a bit undersize due to his heart but may eventually catch up on his growth. His feet are too big for him still :).
What Wyatt is looking for.... Wyatt would love a home with another dog and active people. He loves to go places and once he has recovered from his heart surgery he'll be a great walking or jogging companion. He can also turn into a couch potato and sit with you for movies and puppy cuddles.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Trixie's Big Adventure
Trixie is scared of walks in general as unfamiliar sights and sounds make her flatten herself to the ground. She doesn't enjoy walking along the sidewalk at all. But I've been taking her to a quiet park near my house called Sherwood Gardens. When I first started taking her there, I had to carry her from the car partway into the park and set her down. She would just sit and maybe walk a few feet in a circle. Then I had to carry her back to the car as she was too scared to walk.
She's been gradually walking more and more in the park.
Today Trixie managed a complete circuit of the park! She seemed to really be enjoying herself- we took it slow and stopped for her to sit in some of her favorite spots in the flowers.
She even walked all the way back to the car, hopped right in, and then hopped back out at home and walked up to the door to be let in. Huge accomplishment for a dog that started out too scared to stand or walk :).
She's been gradually walking more and more in the park.
Today Trixie managed a complete circuit of the park! She seemed to really be enjoying herself- we took it slow and stopped for her to sit in some of her favorite spots in the flowers.
She even walked all the way back to the car, hopped right in, and then hopped back out at home and walked up to the door to be let in. Huge accomplishment for a dog that started out too scared to stand or walk :).
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Things that ruin Wyatt and Trixie's morning
- coffee grinders
- garbage trucks
- dryer buzzers
- threatening looks from Minerva, the 3-legged cat (and undisputed Queen in Residence)
- house rabbits that snort at them
- alarm clocks
- 4lb yorkies
- garbage trucks
- dryer buzzers
- threatening looks from Minerva, the 3-legged cat (and undisputed Queen in Residence)
- house rabbits that snort at them
- alarm clocks
- 4lb yorkies
Thank you!
Thank you Sara, Linda, Monte, Sherry and Keri for Chip-In donations for Wyatt! Between Chip-In and other donations he's up to $497 so far to help with his surgery costs :o).
A couple folks have asked- yes, Wyatt will get the surgery no matter what. It's not dependent on donations - that's just to help offset a percentage of his surgery and aftercare costs.
And thanks to all the folks for cross-posting the blog. Trixie's had some inquiries! Yay! She's such a sweet dog.
A couple folks have asked- yes, Wyatt will get the surgery no matter what. It's not dependent on donations - that's just to help offset a percentage of his surgery and aftercare costs.
And thanks to all the folks for cross-posting the blog. Trixie's had some inquiries! Yay! She's such a sweet dog.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Trixie ~ Adoption Profile
Name - Trixie
Breed, Age, Gender - 4 year old female lab mix (mostly lab)
Color - Black with white on muzzle and chest, white flecking all over body and face
Size - Large but on the small size of large - 50 lbs
Energy Level - Quiet, couch potato
Good with other dogs? - Yes~! Loves them and needs a home with another dog
Cats? - Very good with cats - currently lives with two and they sleep on the couch next to her.
Adoption Info - Trixie is a foster dog with Lab Rescue of the LRCP
More Info - Trixie spent most of her life confined to a small pen with another dog that attacked her frequently. Her interactions with people were not kind - she was abused and neglected and ended up terrified of everything when she arrived at rescue. The people that had her cared so little about her welfare that they stuffed her in a car trunk and dumped her out at the local SPCA. Despite her bad start to life and the bite wound scars on her face, Trixie genuinely likes people and other dogs. She will probably always be a shy dog but she's learned that people can be kind and her sweet, goofy disposition has surfaced. She likes to sit quietly with you on the couch while you read or watch movies. She has a lot to offer - Trixie rarely barks, she's house trained, crate trained, doesn't chew, has no separation anxiety issues, and she has no food or toy sharing issues with other animals. Trixie loves other dogs and is perfectly happy to share her space with cats. She is skittish on walks but she loves to run around and play in a fenced yard or just sit outside with you. Her cutest habit is to put her head on the edge of the bed at night to get a good ear scratch - she does a little head wave with her nose in the air and a big grin on her face and then she settles down to sleep.
What Trixie is looking for.... Trixie would love a quiet home with another dog or two, no young children, and a fenced yard is a must. Oh- and lots of chin scratches and ear rubs :).
Breed, Age, Gender - 4 year old female lab mix (mostly lab)
Color - Black with white on muzzle and chest, white flecking all over body and face
Size - Large but on the small size of large - 50 lbs
Energy Level - Quiet, couch potato
Good with other dogs? - Yes~! Loves them and needs a home with another dog
Cats? - Very good with cats - currently lives with two and they sleep on the couch next to her.
Adoption Info - Trixie is a foster dog with Lab Rescue of the LRCP
More Info - Trixie spent most of her life confined to a small pen with another dog that attacked her frequently. Her interactions with people were not kind - she was abused and neglected and ended up terrified of everything when she arrived at rescue. The people that had her cared so little about her welfare that they stuffed her in a car trunk and dumped her out at the local SPCA. Despite her bad start to life and the bite wound scars on her face, Trixie genuinely likes people and other dogs. She will probably always be a shy dog but she's learned that people can be kind and her sweet, goofy disposition has surfaced. She likes to sit quietly with you on the couch while you read or watch movies. She has a lot to offer - Trixie rarely barks, she's house trained, crate trained, doesn't chew, has no separation anxiety issues, and she has no food or toy sharing issues with other animals. Trixie loves other dogs and is perfectly happy to share her space with cats. She is skittish on walks but she loves to run around and play in a fenced yard or just sit outside with you. Her cutest habit is to put her head on the edge of the bed at night to get a good ear scratch - she does a little head wave with her nose in the air and a big grin on her face and then she settles down to sleep.
What Trixie is looking for.... Trixie would love a quiet home with another dog or two, no young children, and a fenced yard is a must. Oh- and lots of chin scratches and ear rubs :).
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