Socializing with Friends

We've been trying to get to the De Pere Dog Park whenever we can. There is never any problem with approaching dogs, but I wondered how Opal and Marki would handle the presence of strange people. (No offense, fellow dog parkers). Well, here's the answer.

Marki meets Dan

Dan is one of our "handy" volunteers who built this ramp. He was installing a rubber guard between the platform and the ramps because of a gap that developed. Marki approached him, totally unsolicited. I have noticed she is more inclined to approach men. However, she also went right up to a number of other men and women who were on our walking route. Opal sometimes would have to be redirected as she would follow anyone.  She's so trusting!

Marki and Opal sit waiting patiently while I talk to Dan

Gizzy and Bubba blaze a trail through the woods.
Opal and Marki are hanging back walking close to me.

We Love De Pere Dog Park

Thanks to the man who took our photo Thursday

Last Sunday and again on Thursday, we visited the De Pere Dog Park. On Sunday it was full of people and dogs and everyone, my dogs as well as Marki and Opal, took it all in stride and strolled around the perimeter and through the woods for about an hour. We went back this Thursday and had the park almost to ourselves, however, when we did meet some people and dogs, the "girls" went immediately up to them as if they had no fear at all. 

As I reported earlier, the "girls" are now taking walks with us, Marki on leash, Opal completely off leash. I made everyone a warm coat and they like wearing them. It is amazing to me what these dogs have overcome.

Marki doing a photobomb

The Ladies of Downton Abby

I told my friend Pat that I left home Thursday with two weary pioneer women and came home with the Ladies of Downton Abby. Pat came over to help me get some pictures of my doggies with me. I have a real problem keeping track small electronic equipment so once again I am no sure where either of my digital cameras went. We used a little disposable camera so the quality of these pictures is not very good. Sorry.

Now the BIG reveal! Katie fully groomed Opal and Marki for the first time. She said they were excellent and she was walking Marki around the building when I came to pick them up.

So, live and in color...introducing...Opal and Marki!

The new and improved, ultra beautiful Opal!

Sweet and Sassy Marki...getting cuter every day!

These little girls have been making amazing progress. Opal now walks for an hour with Bubba, Gizzy and I completely off leash. She never strays from our path unless she sees another dog. When that happens, she stops in her tracks and waits to see if that dog approaches. The first time this happened, she was confused about who to resume following and we had to go redirect her or she would have followed the beagle and her owner home.

Opal loves a soft cushiony bed!

Marki continues to make strides to conquer her fears. I have awakened to find her on the bed, next to Bubba. She is a good jumper! She also now comes into my room where the heat is higher and uses one of the dog beds. She still prefers to hang out near the patio doors. She seems very enamored with the outside.

Marki shares my lap with Bubba

Gizzy and Bubba wear coats I sewed for them so I found coats to fit Marki and Opal from my considerable stash. I have new ones cut out waiting to sew for them. I think they still look adorable!

Winter Ready! I'm Irish so those are shamrock antenna on my head (naturally)!

As for me, I feel a lot like I did when my daughter was young, sharing those first experiences. Marveling at how smart she was, so trusting, loving and amazing! These dogs give me so much joy and a sense of purpose!

Notice how Bubba has to be right in the middle of things. He is a total Momma's Boy so this is hard for him, yet he does his best. Gizzy is cool about it all. I truly believe he is working this mission right along with me. I got a vibe that when my old boys first saw these adorable girls they thought they looked "hot".

So, I'll just add the rest of the pictures here. No explanation needed. Opal and Marki are coming with me to the Pet Expo next weekend. I'll be at the De Pere Dog Park booth. They will get a lot of exposure. I don't think I'll have them too much longer after that happens. I have tears in my eyes as I write this but I know there is another dog waiting in the wings when they leave and Gizzy and Bubba keep me always entertained and in love. Not only that, but I need a little break to go visit my daughter in Chicago...my late birthday visit.

Progress on the Home Front

Sat Night Marki -

I was finally able to snag Marki and get her in the shower with me. She stood quietly and allowed me to bathe her, even letting me put ear cleaning drops in after the shower. When I held her and dried her while sitting on the bed, she did not resist.  She even allowed me to flip her on her back while I gently towel dried her belly.  I even got to kiss her head!

Marki in the bathtub

Marki on memory foam mat having a shower

Then I let her go...She was no longer wearing her harness or leash. She went into a total "after bath spaz" rubbing on anything she could reach.  Once she did that, she came into my room several times and hid under the bed. This was in improvement because she seldom will enter my room when I'm there. Later she went back to her hiding and escaping mode.

Sat. Night Opal -

Opal was showing some interest in taking a walk with Gizzy, Bubba and I.  I made her a little cougar coat/harness and put it on her and attached it to a leash.  This is what I do with my dogs. She was a little confused but tried to walk along with us once I carried her outside. She did not seem to understand the leash so I shortened it and tucked it inside the coat.  She never strayed from us, even when we had to walk out on the street to avoid ice. We stopped and talked to a neighbor and she quietly sniffed around the area and then sat next to Gizzy and Bubba waiting for me.  She came into the house voluntarily and she wore the coat for a little while because I'd turned off the heat and left the patio doors open for Marki while we were gone.  She is an awesome dog!

Monday - Opal

Today Opal was avoiding me when I tried to put her coat on so I let her out and attached the leash to her collar. I let it drag behind her and she walked about 1/2 block but kept tripping over the leash.  I then took the leash off entirely and she did the same following close behind that she had done the previous time.  We came upon a neighbor and I asked him to take our pictures. His dog even came out to greet us and everyone kept their cool.

I also noticed today while talking to her in an excited, happy voice, her tail was wagging in a complete 360 circle, like a propeller.  That made me laugh and the more I laughed, the more she wagged.   It was a great day!

A new observation tonight. Occasionally Marki refuses to come in for her dinner plate. Everyone always has access to watered down and dry kibble. I have been letting Opal eat Marki's plate when that happens, even though I thought the serving size should be adequate. Immediately after, when she comes in from outside, she goes to her pillow in my room and throws up the undigested serving. It appears almost as if it was never swallowed. Again, this is something she must have done for her puppies. She must have been a very good mommy. I'll pick up the extra plate from now on.

Stopping Dogs From Eating Poop

While I am reading that poop eating is not that unusual or even harmful in most cases, I find it gross and unsanitary and want it to cease. Gizzy and Bubba do not eat their poop. Opal and Marki do.  Obviously their past living environment has a strong influence on this behavior.

I found this article and will try to make some of the alterations suggested to help them quit this nasty habit. There is no author to credit, so I am just copying and pasting it here with a little editing for format.

I am going to try things in a prudent fashion. Opal has started taking our daily walks using a coat/harness and is doing very well. Marki is still trying to get away from me at all cost. I make the dogs food and can selectively add things for each specific dog.  I  don't want to cause health problems from over using the solutions here. So far parasites have not been found in Opal or Marki's samples. I want to protect all the dogs from illness.  Habits are very hard to break and patience, understanding and a good smeller are vital.



Dog Tip: Stopping Dogs From Eating Poop (Coprophagia)

Does your dog have a dirty little secret?
A number of readers have contacted us about dogs who munch their own or other animals' feces. Here is background on the condition known as coprophagia, and what you can do to discourage doggie-do-eaters from this somewhat common, natural behavior that strikes humans as a disgusting gustatory pastime.

Background and principles:

Coprophagia is a condition that compels dogs to consume feces.

Why does the dog engage in this habit? A dog may ingest fecal matter for various reasons:

• He may be hungry and has no access to real food. You may be feeding a food lacking in sufficient nutrients and/or not appropriate for your particular dog.
• When a dog is fed low-quality and/or inappropriate dog food, he feels compelled to eat more of it in an attempt to satisfy his body's craving for nutrients. As a result, the dog is ingesting excess food, and a large proportion of the food goes through his digestive system undigested. The resulting stools smell and look fairly close to the food that the dog previously consumed, so the dog tries to consume the 'food' again. This is not just a vulgar habit; it is a cry for health. The dog needs a better diet that will enable him to absorb the nutrients his body needs.
• When dogs consume feces from other animals, they may be seeking minerals lacking in their regular dog food.
• The dog may be consuming feces out of boredom, loneliness, anxiety or stress.
• A dog who is confined to a kennel, chained, or restricted to a small yard or other space may eat his feces to occupy himself or clean his personal space. This dog needs to be exercised and played with several times a day.
• Some breeds instinctively like to carry things in their mouths. Picking up feces and carrying it around may signal that the dog needs more daily exercise, mental stimulation and interaction with his people.
• A yard or kennel where stools are allowed to pile up may prompt a dog to 'clean up' his stools. Be sure to clean the dog's area every day, and preferably right after the dog eliminates.
• The emotional stress of being left alone or restricted to a small area for long periods of time without the companionship of the caregiver can result, for some dogs, in the eating of his own feces.
• Internal parasites may lead a dog to consume feces, because the parasites can leach nutrients from the host animal's system. Thus, the dog will feel unusually hungry.
• If a dog is punished for defecating in the house, she may eat her feces in order to hide the evidence and avoid punishment. Typically, when a dog defecates indoors, it is because she feels unable to hold it. It is a myth that dogs poop indoors for spite; spite is a human, not a canine, emotion. More responsive management and training by the owner is the solution, not punishment. Also realize that elimination in the house can be a sign of a health or medical problem, from parasites to a serious condition.

Sometimes a mother dog will eat the feces of her pups out of a natural instinct to hide evidence of her offspring from predators.

It is common for many puppies to taste and try to eat feces. Some researchers even suggest that some components of feces actually can stimulate the brain and immune function in young animals. However, that possible benefit is far outweighed by the health risks of ingesting excrement. Prevention is the wisest practice. Don't let the pups indulge, and they won't develop a taste for excrement ... and won't develop this habit.

Prevention is better than treatment in mature dogs as well, since coprophagia is usually self-rewarding, meaning that the act of ingesting the feces is satisfying to the dog so he is likely to repeat the undesired behavior.

Solutions:

Change the dog's diet. Buy or prepare only nutritious, quality food that is formulated for the dog's age, breed and any medical issues.

For the dog who may be hungry, try feeding him a little more, and make sure you feed a quality, nutritious food that is appropriate for the age and type of canine.

Take the dog to your veterinarian for an examination for underlying medical and health problems, parasites and other problems that may be compelling him to eat feces.

Clean up after your pet, right after he goes - before he has a chance to eat his poop. Stopping access is one key to stopping this habit.

Walk the dog on leash so that you are in a better position to tell the dog 'leave it' and to physically keep the dog from trying to sniff and eat stools. Always praise your dog for listening. You can also reinforce the verbal praise with tidbits carried in a pouch.

As soon as the dog starts approaching excrement, tell her 'nah-ah-ahhh' or 'leave it!', and distract her with praise supported with a treat, clicker click, playtime or other action or activity that is appealing to the dog. This will convey the idea that it is more rewarding to attend to you than to attend to poop. As soon as she turns her attention to her, praise her ('Good dog!') and reward her. A wise practice is to always carry appealing tidbit treats, a favorite toy, clicker - something you can always use to effectively gain your dog's attention and reinforce desired behaviors. Once you get her attention, give her something positive to do. For example, tell her to 'Sit', reward her for listening, then proceed to an enjoyable activity such as playing or walking together. Distract her from undesired things like feces, and substitute a good, desired behavior such as sitting and attending to you. A dog who is interacting with her owner can't be investigating poop at the same time.

If the dog is defecating in the house, the dog needs to be fed and walked on a schedule that allows her to eliminate before the owner leaves her alone for the day and before bedtime. The dog also may need house training help. Teach the dog instead of punishing her; this is the sensible and effective approach. Also, visit the vet to see if a medical condition is the underlying cause of the dog eliminating indoors.

If a pup or dog is pooping in his crate, make sure he gets more exercise and has the chance to eliminate before placing him in his crate. Also, read about crate training. Dogs naturally do not like to poop or urinate in their living quarters, so a dog who potties in the crate needs you to help crate-train him properly ... and perhaps a trip to the vet to rule out medical problems that may underlie an inability to 'hold it' for a few hours. However, also realize that pups can't physically hold their elimination for more than one to three hours, and that it is not healthy or kind to crate adult dogs for more than 5 to 6 hours a day. Take the time to properly train your dog so that he can be left alone in the house, in a pet-safe area instead of confined in a crate.

Some alternatives to drugs that work for some:

• Add two to four tablespoons of canned pumpkin to the food bowl each day. Pumpkin apparently tastes good in food, but repugnant when expelled in excrement.
• Add a spoon (teaspoon or tablespoon depending on the dog's size) of canned pineapple, pineapple juice or spinach to the dog's food.
• Add some meat tenderizer or MSG to the dog's food.
• Coat stools, following elimination, with hot sauce or lemon juice. Or booby trap sample stools by penetrating some left in the yard with hot sauce.

Block the dog's access to any kitty litter boxes to keep him from developing a taste for kitty tootsie rolls ... or to help break a habit that has already formed. Keep the litter box in a room that the cat, but not the dog, can access. Or place a lid over the box that only the cat can access. Or place a baby gate around the box that has openings too small for the dog.

Coprophagia can be a hard habit to break since it is self-reinforcing, but do not be discouraged. Follow these tips and give them a chance to work.

In summary, the steps to stopping poop-eating are: feed a complete, nutrient-packed and balanced diet; provide lots of exercise, playtime and interaction; keep living spaces, crates, kennels and yard clean; avoid confining the dog for long periods of time; and take him to your veterinarian for a health checkup.

Things I Am Learning From My Dogs

Personal:

We love you.  Sometimes we want you to show affection so much we paw at you when you are typing or crocheting.  Pay attention to us. We all just need to feel a pat on the head once in a while.

Hey, we're here you know.  Can we get some attention?

We really love you!  We want to sleep between your legs or right next to you because it is warm there and we feel secure.  We want you to put your arms around us because we like how you feel next to us. We want you to feel loved too.

Gizzy and Bubba, bedroom proprietors 

We hurt. We want you to figure out what is wrong with us because we can't explain. Please check it out.  Maybe an ear has a big ball of wax inside.  Maybe I miss my babies.  Just try to get inside my head or body because your head and body are not that different from mine.  

We see you are hurting.  It scares us and makes us sad.  We love you!  We want to comfort you. Did we do something wrong?  Can we make it better somehow? Can you reassure us?  Can we help make you feel better?  We want to see you smile and laugh.  We love you!

Bubba, my little man.

There's always room in your heart for more.  You will miss them when they are gone but each one brings something no one else can give and you are grateful for the time you had with them.

Zacy, 1999-2010.  RIP little darling!

Food:

You are making Chicken Soup because you don't feel well...We love that!

Did you get some $.88/lb chicken thighs so you could make some for us too? Did you know we love brown rice and we don't mind Veg-All?  You can leave the spice and onions out of our portion.  In fact, you can even add in some Pedigree "chunks" of whatever that stuff is to ours. We will be so happy and nourished if you give us good food.  Thank you!

Good food.  Warm tummy.  Happy Animal.

Exercise and Recreation:

Make time every day to walk.  Go out in the sun and soak it up.

You are the captain of your ship!

Cleaning:

We know you like your house to be clean. We appreciate you are not a clean freak because that allows you to make room for us in your house that is never quite 100% the way you want it.

It's ok if all the clothes are not folded and put away all the time.  We don't mind that there are newspapers all over the floors for us.  We know they are there because you love us!

It can be scary to be left alone too long.  It's always best to have someone look in on you when you might be alone for a long time.  It's ok to freak out though if it seems too long. Messes can be cleaned.  No shame necessary.

Potty:

When we lived in a cage and no one cleaned up after us we got in a nasty habit of eating our poop. We know you think it's gross but we wanted things to be clean for ourselves and our puppies.  Habits are hard to break but we realize we have no need for this anymore and we are working on breaking this one.  Be patient with us and try to read our signals when we need something.

Behind the scenes at a puppy mill.  These are parent dogs.
This is how they are  "stored"

If that door could be open all the time, we'd go out without help.  This is WISCONSIN!

We're all getting older.  Life happens. We might have to have access to outside, papers or even wear a diaper.  That's not a big deal.  You want to be clean and so do we. It's just part of being a...being!

Gizzy, age 13.  Note wagging tail.  He may outlive me!

Baths:

We get dirty.  We're animals.  You get dirty too.  Baths are great.  If you participate with us you make us feel safer.  We transform from dirty animals to beautiful creatures with a bit of shampoo and loving.

We go a little crazy after we get wet.  Deal with it.  When you get crazy or sad you can cry in the shower and it washes away all the tears and whatever caused them.  It is good for your soul!

Relationships:

I have lived with you since I was a puppy. I always knew you loved me. Then
you allowed these strange dogs and people to enter our home. Some were scared and they did not know what to do.  I showed them they did not have to be afraid. I like that they are learning to trust. I love you and want them to love you too.

Our friends and frequent visitors, Carol and Reggie

Someone hurt me.  I am learning that does not mean everyone will do the same.  Once I got scared and I tried to hurt you. You did not get mad at me. I realized that you were trying to help me.  Now I love you.

Opal soon after her spay, mammary tumor removal.

I used to be afraid and I did not know what to do in your home. Your dogs showed me the ropes. They taught me that you meant no harm. They made me realize you love my kind...all kinds. I started following you around, just like your own dogs do.  I noticed it makes you smile. I feel like I belong now.

Bubba, being a bad role model.  This is not allowed (usually).

Photos:

Princess - RIP 2012, age 15.

I am beautiful...right now, yesterday and tomorrow. You don't have to take my picture all the time to prove it. If you do take a picture, it is to remember how wonderful I am right at this moment.  I live in this moment, you should try to do that too.

You were beautiful, the first moment I saw you. I was not sure who you were or what you wanted from me but I had no choice so I decided to make the best of it. How you look or what you say makes no difference to me, as long as I feel loved.  I love you all the time, no matter what you do.  I hope you will be good to me...but I will love you even if you are not.

It's Packer theme Holiday Parade.  We don't care that you have two coats on
 and that you look fat. We think we look awesome in our
Packer jackets and we are proud to show you off in the parade!

Family:

Being a Mom is a life-long gift.  It's ok to miss your loved ones and to be proud of all they are accomplishing in life. It is also necessary to wean them and let them find their own way. They may chose a path different from yours. Support them in any way you can.

My daughter Alyssa's Blog http://www.theimpactinnovators.com/

Sometimes you just want to have your babies around you.  That's when you need to find help and time so you can get together and visit.  Our babies never forget about us.  We never leave them!

The mothership and her satellites 

Alyssa and  me in Paris in 2010.

Family is everything! You may not be able to see each other frequently, but don't lose touch.  Time flies by so fast.  Some are missing now and you won't see them for a long time.  Treasure the time you have now. 

Friends and family at Horicon Marsh 1970's
Amy with Moriah's puppy, me, Laura and Moriah 1970ish
Family trip to Montreal World Fair 1968 (Amy, me, Pete, Laura)
Laura's last class photo 1978.  RIP Laura 1963-1978

Me, Cynthia, Pete and Amy at niece Phoebe's (Cyn's daughter) wedding in Cape Cod.

Friends:

Wonderful opportunities for friendships are everywhere.  Many of your friends are involved in rescue.  They are kindred spirits.  They support and love you.  You love them too.

Vicki and Sheryl with Opal and Candy at Younkers fundraiser.

The best people adopt a foster dogs. Some have become life-long friends. We like to see our old pals when they come to visit. More kindred spirits!

Benni and Gizzy lounging at the pool

Wendy, Pat (Benni's Mom) and me singing Xmas carols at
the Piggy Wiggly for Salvation Army

Open spaces:

We don't mind that you have too many dogs. We like that you have a big yard and plenty of space.  We like that your friends know their dogs are always welcome here too.

Just another day in the back yard

Sometimes there is too much space and that can freak you out.  Rein yourself in.  Put on a harness or leash.  Stay close to those you trust.

Marki and Opal lounging in the kitchen.

We are so glad to have space to roam free.  No one should have to live life at the end of a chain.

No one deserves to be sold at an auction!

Amish farmers at dog auction.  Brokers stay out of photos
 but they sell the puppies from these dogs at pet stores and on the internet.

No one feels free in a cage.

My first view of Marki before I brought her home.

Gizzy, rollin' in the deep!

We are so lucky to have space and beauty outside our door.

Back yard in Spring

Volunteering:

Find something that makes you feel passionate and do it. Help make a space where dogs and people can form a community.  If it makes you want to get up early or stay up late, it is worth doing.

We love and support the De Pere Dog Park

Foster or adopt a pet. We keep you young and make you responsible. We can teach you more than
you could ever learn on  your own. People at Green Bay Animal Rescue and Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary are truly committed to helping animals.

Bernie. our first foster dog.

Bo, living happily in forever home

Molly with her new sister Sally

Toby. Brought him to a foster home only.  This is his new little boy.

Vivian and Vanessa.  Puppy mill mommies. Adopted together as bonded pair.

Walter.  RIP after adoption 2011.

Shadow, RIP after adoption.  Left the world from loving arms.

There have been more animals not mentioned here but I can't remember all the names and faces.  Each animal meant a lot to me and I gave them the best I had at the time. I think I helped them.  I know they all helped me.

Inspiration:

Artist Unknown (to me at least). This picture says "Don't Give Up" to me.

Music keeps our hearts beating.  Josh Groban told our Mom, "You Are Loved. Don't Give Up" and gives her courage against the bullies of fear and illness with "Brave".  She loves him and we don't mind listening to him either.  We feel like we're "In The Arms Of The Angel" when he performs with Sarah McLachlan. 

Josh also has a Wheaten terrier named Sweeney who he is crazy about. He is a classical singer
but he is also a great actor and he's really funny. Follow him on Twitter.  He's a hoot!

Sometimes we hear songs that we interpret to be about certain people and then we find out we are wrong.  Maybe a "Smooth Operator" is really "Desperado".  To those we hurt, forgiveness is our "Prayer" because that's the "Heart of the Matter".  We worship at the alter of Adele!

There are so many artists and songs we love.  Without music life would be so drab.  It makes us laugh, cry, scream, sigh and feel.  No one makes us rock on or dance like Michael Jackson.

Books, Facebook, Dr. Oz, email, fan stuff, support forums, everything that is so abundant on the internet keeps our Mom entertained and in touch.  Sometimes she needs to get a grip because we need attention and so do lots of other things around here.

This is not me.  I am covered in tissues and on my back or I'd wake myself up snoring.
Not a pretty picture, so I stole this one.

Sleep:

We sleep when we are tired.  If you do not go to sleep when you are tired, we go to sleep without you.  We do not need drugs, alcohol or other artificial means to sleep.  We do stuff, we get tired, we rest.

Bubba, "So Say GOODNIGHT!"

Humor:

When we hear laughter, we come looking for its source.  Laughter is good for you.  We can't laugh but we can make you smile and laugh, so we do.

They call us Dog...That is God spelled backwards! It is not a coincidence.

Artist unknown to me

***********************
These are just a few observations I've made.  I'll try to jot down more as they strike me.  I just want to say that the dogs in my life have given me so much more than I could ever return and I am filled with gratitude for all I have received for merely allowing them to be part of who I am. Some of the photos, songs and art I did not or could not credit.  My appreciation to those who inspired me with these items.  You are LOVED!