Riverhound

I just found some old stitches on new New-Girlie-Without-A-Name's ankle (rear). The kennel didn't mention them, so they could easily have been there for months. (They're clear, greenish plastic, and not at all noticeable.) Can I take them out myself? Clean the area with some alcohol, clip under the knot and pull steadily? Or since they're probably old, should we do a vet visit to get them out? She doesn't seem at all bothered by them, and the area isn't irritated at all. She's also got some kind of problem between two front toes. Maybe webbing that split(?). I'm doing Epson salt soaks and antibiotic goop on that right now, but if it doesn't improve/gets worse we'll being going to the vet and stitches could come out then. I'd really wanted to wait for a vet trip till after she's insured and past the 30-day mark. Dogs know how to spend money, don't they?!?

Joe usually gets some of whatever we're eating, as appropriate, and in moderation. Nothing if he's being a pain! Missy-Nameless-New-Dog gets kibble, and a biscuit once a day. No treats or people food till she learns manners. As long as they eat their food and aren't in your face when you're eating, I see no problem with spoiling dogs. This doesn't apply if their tummies can't handle it, though!

You are baaaaaad!

He seems fine today. Had a nice poo this morning. About how many hours does it take for stuff to pass through them?

I found the bulb-y part of the squeaker, so it's just the plug part that's missing now. And Joe's daddy is giving him a foot massage, so he's happy with the trouble he caused! I'll be watching the Joe's output for a couple days, but I think he's fine, and I freaked out for no good reason. (Shocking, right? )

It was funny, and stopped me from having a spaz attack -- you did good! The dog gets plenty of treats. I think he was bored and wanted to watch Mommy spin around in circles and flap her hands. He's all comfy on the sofa now!

Ok. I'll try not to freak out. Thank you all!

Joe gets stinky farts with bully sticks, but I give him one sometimes. They make him tired, which helps my sanity!

Joe was playing with a toy, and the noises went from squeak, squeak, squeak to crunch, squeak, crunch REAL QUICK. I stuffed my hand in his mouth, but nothing was in there. He tore a toy (quietly, damn him!) and I can't find the squeaker on the floor. Just gave him bread. What next?

He's beautiful! Welcome!

I waited less than a week. I'd try again.

No, no, no! Not a real sit . Just settle down. Yes, more time. I just want him to be happy. I just wish he would understand when I tell him he's home. Thanks! OMG...I said that to someone. I wish I had a safe crate like Sonny does!!!! Thank you everyone for the advice. I just needed reassurance. It's been so long since I had a new dog in the house and all the fosters I had, except for 1, made themselves right at home in no time. This reminds me of a children's poem/book! And I want a cage, too. Good luck with your boy; he'll be fine. THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON By Ogden Nash Copyright Linell Nash Smith and Isabel Nash Eberstadt Belinda lived in a little white house, With a little black kitten and a little gray mouse, And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon, And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon. Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink, And the little gray mouse, she called her Blink, And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard, But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard. Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth, And spikes on top of him and scales underneath, Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose, And realio, trulio, daggers on his toes. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs, Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, But Custard cried for a nice safe cage. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival, They all sat laughing in the little red wagon At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. Belinda giggled till she shook the house, And Blink said Week!, which is giggling for a mouse, Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age, When Custard cried for a nice safe cage. Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound, And Mustard growled, and they all looked around. Meowch! cried Ink, and Ooh! cried Belinda, For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda. Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right, And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright, His beard was black, one leg was wood; It was clear that the pirate meant no good. Belinda paled, and she cried, Help! Help! But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp, Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed. But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine, Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon, With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. The pirate gaped at Belinda's dragon, And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon, He fired two bullets but they didn't hit, And Custard gobbled him, every bit. Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him, No one mourned for his pirate victim Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate Around the dragon that ate the pyrate. Belinda still lives in her little white house, With her little black kitten and her little gray mouse, And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon, And her realio, trulio, little pet dragon. Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears, And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs, Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage, But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage. 1936

If your neighbors insist on being morons, you may have to consider muzzling your dog when you are in that area. It'll keep the little "snack sized" dogs safer, and people may think twice when they see your dog looking like Hannibal Lecter. Or find somewhere else to exercise your dog. Document incidents like this, just in case. No one wants to see your dog getting blamed because someone else doesn't bother to control their pup!

Damned allergies. They really loved her!

Good! I have to stress that the vet didn't see anything wrong with Joe's blood or urine when he had his (presumed) UTI. He got better on antibiotics, worse off them, and all-the-way-better on more antibiotics for a longer duration. Can't hurt, might help, not too expensive! If not the vet you use, then try the rescue's vet. This sounds wrong. I bet he's hurting.

Joe does a wonderful sit if I have something he wants -- like my own dinner! Sometimes he'll sit with no bribe, but usually just looks at me like, "Geez lady, I know you don't have anything, so why should I bother?". BUT, he's a good dog who knows our routine, crates well, and loves going places and meeting people. "Sit" is pretty minor!

How about icing it, just to make it feel better? And maybe a benedryl? That looks pitiful! Poor baby.

I don't know anything about buying antibiotics at a feed store; I'm in a fairly urban area. I'd call the vet, and say you wanted to try them "just in case". I thought Joe was just being a spaz at first, he was pacing and poking at things and generally just being a pain in the neck. Then I came home from work one day, and he just wasn't right. Not happy to see me, blood shot eyes, etc. We'd been to the vet before that, but nothing had shown up. Decided on the AB's that day as a first step. He got better, then worse after a few days off them. Then we gave him more time on the drugs, and added a second -- maybe two weeks worth (?). He's been fine since. I have to say that Joe is fantastic about not pottying in the house. He bonks the bedroom door or sticks a cold nose in my face EVERY time he needs to "go". I'm a proud Mommy! Good luck!

My Joe had a UTI last winter that didn't *look* like a UTI when the vet ran their tests. I'd think about a long course of a combo of antibiotics, just as a test. Can't hurt, might help. And I have to keep the bathroom door shut 1 week each month, too. Ick!

Good thoughts for the pups and for you!

What a pretty girl! Glad she's feeling better.

You'd do better to go to an emergency vet and get doggie meds. I'm sorry. I know that's not the answer you're looking for.

We have Trupanion for Joe - About $50 per month, no deductible. We haven't had it a year yet, and I'm waiting to see an increase mid-winter. I love their customer service; they give frequent e-mail updates when I file a claim, and the checks come fast! We haven't "broken even" this year, but I love having the ability to make the best medical decisions for my dog, even if they're going to cost a fortune. I was terrified that his limp would turn out to be osteo but at the same time felt secure that I'd be able to have him well taken care of without worrying about going into major debt. So far, I've found Trupanion easier to deal with than my own insurance company! I'll be watching this thread.

No advice, but as someone who's also dealing with a mystery limp I understand how frustrating it is. Best wishes for Enza and for you.

:f_pink