gracegirl

I am so sorry for your terrible loss.

I feed the Iams Healthy Naturals Lamb and Rice currently. I noticed that was marked "reduced to clear" last time I was at petsmart so I asked the store manager about it. Iams is re-merchandising at the big box stores and some SKU are going to be eliminated. She was not able to tell me if the Lamb and Rice would be one that was eliminated, but she guided me to Authority when I asked for a recommendation on an alternative. If Iams does discontinue the Lamb and Rice, I'll try switching to Authority first. It is petsmart's "store brand" so not available anywhere else. ***Note that Fenway has unique dietary needs as he can't go too much over 20% protein as he has minor kidney damage. He's 7 and I don't plan to switch him to a senior food.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Thinking of you and Joey. I can't imagine having to handle this news on top of your recent losses.

I would insist on the urine culture immediately. Any reasonable vet might say "I don't believe it's necessary, but I'll go ahead anyhow". I would never, ever continue going to a vet that flat out refused a test I was requesting.

I sent you a PM with the vet referrals. Carron, I don't mean to step on your toes. I hopes it's okay that I reached out to R + E.

Do you have Care Credit? It's a credit card you can use for health and dental for both humans and pets. It will allow you six months of no interest to pay off the charges. I highly suggest you apply for care credit online so that you have a bit of cushion for their vet care.

I know for sure they go to the VCA hospital on Post Road right off 95 (exit 11, US 1). I'll email them for more details. Carron, if you happen to know this info you can post here.

Darien is not far from Fairfield. Would you like the name of the regular vet and emergency vet that carronstar and I know of in Darien, CT? Just let either of us know and we can get you the information.

Cat bites and scratches can get infected very easily. I would schedule a non-emergency vet appointment for tomorrow just to get antibiotics and get him cleaned up a bit more. It might be important to shave around the areas where he was injured. Your vet will do that if necessary. I'm sorry about the kitty. That must have been really hard to see and have to dispose of. But that doesn't mean he's not cat safe a around indoor cats. I'd be extra cautious though, just in case one of the indoor cats you know takes off running.

Fenway will pick a pill out of any treat and spit it out. I have to shove them down the hatch and then rub his throat to get him to swallow. That's the only way that I can get tramadol in him.

For a short time our airedale did this. We would go out with him and correct him every single time. Then I caught Grace snacking a few times. Same with her, a few corrections and she quit. We bought a supplement called Nasty Habit from petsmart. I still have part of the bottle and would be happy to send it to you if you could cover the shipping costs. Just PM me if you are interested.

Feel better soon, Dolly.

Fenway is awake! Those good thoughts can all stay with Dolly now.

Fenway's having a dental and a bump off today too. Thinking of these babies as they are under anesthesia. Good luck Dolly!

If only we could reason with them and say "it's okay to go *here* (any given acceptable place like a pee pad or the garage) but not *here*". Alas, we do what we can to keep these babies comfortable. I hope to be able to take care of an old dog some day. I lost Grace one year ago at a very "young" 9 years, 11 months.

Spock is very handsome! Another vote for navigating in the bedroom again, or at the very least blocking access to the newly chosen indoor bathroom location.

Just wanted to get the collective advice of the experts. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. About a year ago, I noticed a small bump on Fenway's lower front right leg. It's a soft tissue bump, not attached to the bone and smaller than my thumbnail. I discussed with the vet a year ago, and he said it was not suspicious and could stay. He advised me to measure and come back in if it grew. It's grown the tiniest bit in the last year. Tiny. We were are the vet about a month ago and I also asked about a dental. Our wonderful and trusted vet thought we could hold off on the dental for about 6 months. We discussed and decided that the bump on his leg would come off at the same time. The biggest risk with the bump is really wanting to take it while it's small as it's in a tricky spot without much extra skin to stitch up. Now here's the twist: I'm moving to San Diego before March 1st. DBF just accepted a job there. I'm inclined to get Fenway's teeth done now and go ahead and take the bump off while he's under. Would you wait until a dental is truly *needed* and find a new vet in San Diego to do both procedures, or would you speed up the timeline and go ahead and do both now?

I didn't read all of the responses, but Grace was my problem girl. She didn't scream or try to bite, but she really disliked having her nails touched. I was single for most of her life so my trick was to keep her standing, pop a muzzle on her and place her against the back of the couch or a wall. I could "block" her in and then I'd lift up a foot as you would lift a horses' hoof to pick it. As soon as we were done, she'd get a really awesome treat. She never "liked" it, but stopped fighting me in her later years.

Pro in always worked well for Grace. She was on it for about 5 years until I had to say goodbye one night at the e-vet. She was on one pill in the AM and 1/2 pill in the PM. I'm sorry that I can't remember the dosage by mg, maybe 75mg?? Anyhow, at one point I tried giving her 1/2 pill with each meal (AM and PM) and she started leaking after a few days. Back to a full pill in the morning = no leaking. If she does not have a UTI I would consult with your vet about a safe dose increase. Keep us posted!

Ducky, by heart sank today when I saw her medical thread locked. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I third the muzzles. Following a dog and growling is not normal behavior.

Great news on Christmas!

Giselle is the pro here, so take her advice. I, too, want my dogs to bark at the door. My wimpy greyhound does, the intimidating-looking airedale will not. I do reward Fenway for barking, but additionally I have (inadvertently) put a verbal queue to let him know if these are people we want in our home. Years ago, when we were expecting company and a car would pull up, I'd say "who's here?" Fenway gets really excited when I say that and knows those people are welcome. I don't know exactly how you'd go about associating "who's here?" with guests aside from treats, but that's an example of what works in my household.

I'm really sorry to hear about the attack but very glad to hear you reported it. My mom was born in Dorchester. Grew up in Lexington. Do you ever go to Phillip's Candy House? I have find memories of that place as a kid.