Happy Adopt-iversary Deucey!

April 30th, 2015 we celebrated Deucey’s Adopt-iversary! It was exactly 1 year to the date that we adopted our naughty boy but it’s been one of the best decisions for our family. 

It’s been a journey to say the least. What I thought was this cute little white Pit Bull turned out to be a very scared and distrusting puppy that not only HATED men but every time you raised a hand he instantly thought he would be reprimanded physically. In general, if you raised a hand he instantly went into defensive mode because he couldn’t bear to be hit, beaten or harmed anymore. I was scared, yes because at times he would get aggressive but more or less my heart hurt for the fact that he thought are intensions were not to love him but hurt him. 

I knew it would take times, lots of time for Deuce to ever trust us (or any humans) again and it did. It took months for Deuce to understand that we were here for the long run and weren’t going to give him up or hurt him like his other homes had. 

Enough of the negatives because these days Deuce is the happiest and most wiggliest dog in town! That tail goes 100 miles per hour at the site of his humans. He loves to cuddle and I mean LOVES. It’s true when they say Pit Bulls think they are lap dogs because Deuce sure does think he’s 7 pounds verse 70. He loves his brother Deagan although at times he can be a little too rough. They are both learning every day how to play with each other but it doesn’t stop the love they have for each other. Josh has also gotten quite fond of Deuce. I would say they are buds. Deuce doesn’t pass up a chance to cuddle with Josh on the couch. 

When it comes to Deuce physically, like I mentioned he’s a whopping 70 healthy pounds of PURE muscle. He literally has a 12 pack on his chest (it’s awesome). He stands about two feet high. He’s finally grew into his one goofy ear… kind of. Now it just kind of sticks up. 

Deuce has the silliest personality. He LOVES car rides. Seriously, if I let him out the door and I have a window open, he will jump through the window to get in my car. I’ve even drove around the block a couple times with him in the car just because he’s spoiled rotten. He loves to play fetch and with him toys but he doesn’t share well. He loves doggy daycare at both NC’s Doghouse and Le Dee Dogs, also, the local dog park. He wants to play… all. the. time! He knows how to sit, shake, lay down, kennel and bang-bang although when we have a crowd he likes to pretend he has no idea what I’m saying! He’s still learning how to walk on a leash but we’ve improved. 

Deuce has two feline siblings, April and Leo. April (our Diva) and Deuce have a love-hate relationship… they love to hate each other. Leo and Deuce wrestle constantly. I’ve tried to stop the madness but they have too much fun so I let them be in hopes no accidental bites or scratches happen. Then there’s Barnabee, our 13 year old German Shepherd x Lab that wasn’t too fond of having a puppy in the family. He was very content with being the only dog but he’s been VERY good at sharing the attention he receives with Deuce. Deuce is definitely that annoying little brother but there are times where I catch the two playing so it can’t be THAT bad. 

I feel as though Deuce has made me a better person. He’s taught me so much! I’ve learned that puppies are similar to babies but can run fast, bite hard and destroy EVERYTHING. Ok, it’s not THAT bad but he has taught me patience. Also, that not everyones past can reflect their future. He had proven that Pit Bull are amazing animals. He learned to love and trust again without holding a grudge against the only people he is suppose to trust in. Thank you, Tri-County Humane Society for blessing us with such an amazing companion. He has truly fulfilled our family!

Leo is BLOCKED!

Who would of thought… my free male kitten that I found in a boat would cost me nearly $1,000.00? Well, he did. If you forgot who Leo is, he’s our 2 year old Orange Tabby cat. He was our 1st pet so he has a special place in our family plus he’s like the coolest cat you’ve ever met. 

To piggy back off of my last post, just when we though everything was going good with Leo, matters went south AGAIN! The poor guy was squatting again and this time I knew it was serious. 

We called the vet and made our way back to Becker Vet Clinic for what I thought may indeed be surgery. I walked into the clinic crying, not only because my sweet boy was in so much pain but I was scared to death of the financial repercussions of bladder surgery. Our Vet, bless him, had to deal with me a sopping mess. 

Welp, to my surprise, the Vet came up with a alternative (and much cheaper) solution to removing Leo’s bladder stones. He would place a catheter for 24 hours to flush those painful little nuggets that were blocking Leo’s pork-link (family term for wee-wee). It would require over night care as well as follow-up medication and prescription food but hey – it was half the price! 

The following day after placing the catheter we received a call that Leo was peeing again - YAY! I was actually excited that he peed this time!! We were given the OK to bring him home where we’ve been nursing him back to health. We have a long road ahead of us but our sweet Leo is all worth it. 

Always Ask For a Second Opinion

After coming home from vacation for nearly 4 days, I found that my sweet boy, Leo is squatting all over the house (looking like he’s peeing but not). I instantly am angry because who wants cat pee all over their house! After googling WHY a cat may be doing this, I found that this could be a serious matter. I reached out to a local vet that was open after hours (after 5:00 PM) and they said that I should bring Leo in immediately because he would potentially be backed up (which is common in male cats) and may need immediate surgery. So obviously I rushed him to the vet in a panic. 

Shortly after arriving I was brought to a room for Leo’s examine. Leo was extremely uncomfortable, making noises I’ve never heard before. He didn’t enjoy their company what so ever. They could feel that his bladder was full so took him in the back room for a urinalysis. I could hear Leo SCREAMING and SCREECHING in the back room and when the staff returned to the room, they were carrying a towel full of blood. When I asked who’s blood was on the towel, the staff assured me it was theres which is also VERY out of Leo’s character because he truly is the sweetest and calmest cat. Then came the BOMB placed upon me… the vet had informed me that they will be closed the following day and they are unable to perform the “emergency” surgery that Leo will need because he has high pH levels and signs of crystals. Mind you, this assumption to have emergency surgery is based off a urinalysis and an examine, not an X-ray. Therefore, since they were not going to be open on a Wednesday and unable to perform the surgery, they recommended I go to the St. Cloud Emergency Vet Clinic to perform the surgery with an estimated cost of $1,200.00 (does not include the exam and urinalysis I had received at this clinic). I would have to pay for ANOTHER exam once I arrived along with an office visit, the surgery and 3 days with a catheter and 3 days rest at ANOTHER vet clinic. 

I was instantly ANGRY! Why would they have me rush to their clinic if they couldn’t perform the surgery anyways? Why wouldn’t they send me directly to the ER in the first place if you thought it was a blockage? Well, they received my $112.00 that could have been spent at the ER. 

$1,200.00 was definitely an eye opener and sticker shock. I needed to go home and discuss with my fiancé. Obviously, I would do anything for my cat but holy crap… that’s a lot of money. Leo’s primary vet is at the Becker Vet Clinic and it’s someone that I enjoy very much. I came home and decided that I am going to wait until morning to bring Leo to his primary. 

I monitored Leo all night and he actually did piddle a bit in his litter box and he was comfortable and no longer squatting. Therefore, we will rest and head to Becker Vet Clinic bright and early in the morning.

Wednesday morning I loaded Leo in the car and headed South to Becker (about a 30 minute drive). Instantly, his vet was able to get us in. He felt his bladder (which is VERY small) and noticed it wasn’t hard and not full at all. I had left Leo there until the “other” vet was able to send over the urinalysis so I went back to work. 

Welp, the call came… it was a bladder infection… NO SURGERY NEEDED! Thank you, Becker Vet Clinic!! Leo did have signs of crystals but they were not formed and we could prevent them from forming. So with a prescription of medication and a special diet, Leo was sent on his way back home and happy as hell :) 

So note to EVERYONE, always get a second opinion when your animal is needing “emergency” anything and surgery of course. Thank you again to Becker Vet Clinic. They are absolutely awesome. Leo is happy and healthy at $250.00 verse $1,200.00 AND being cut open.

Thank you, Banfield

Although, all of our animals visit different Vet Clinics in the St. Cloud, Minnesota area. We are VERY fond of Deuce’s Vet Clinic, Banfield Pet Hospital. When deciding on a provider for our new puppy, Deuce we explored MANY options. We based our decision on recommendations from Tri-County Humane Society and whom would give our puppy the best care. Of course, we were looking for affordability too. 

After scoping out our options, we chose to dedicate a year to the Puppy Wellness Plan at Banfield Pet Hospital. We chose the Early Care Package due to Deuce already being neutered when we adopted him. The Early Care Package with the Puppy Wellness Plan consists of two comprehensive physical exams, routinely recommended vaccinations, diagnostic testing, fecal exams, deworming treatments and unlimited free office visits. The free office visits SAVED US when it came to Deuce, our continually sick puppy. 

We battled Upper Respiratory Infection, Juvenile Cellulitis, an Absessed Tooth, Aggression, Ear Infections, his hatred for nail trimmings and just recently his constant nail biting so as you can tell… the free office visits were a saint! We pay $30 a month for the Puppy Wellness Plan which with the amount of visits, it’s paid for itself. Mind you, not every puppy gets incredibly sick like Deuce BUT the staff is absolutely amazing (we visit the clinic in Waite Park, Minnesota) and the convenience of dropping the dog off for their visit is great. They are also open evenings and weekends which was very helpful for us since my fiancé and I work full-time. 

We do utilize other Vet Clinics in the area when it comes to our cats or Barnabee but Banfield has just worked the best with Deuce. They have watched him grow and gain 40 lbs in the last couple months. They have taken excellent care of him and have been very informative to us as well. 

Thank you, Banfield for being GREAT!

http://www.banfield.com/

Ear Infections Stink!

Ear infections — they are gross, smelly and annoying but unfortunately dogs and cats get them. 

How can you tell your animal has an ear infection? Well, the constant itching should give it away quite quickly but if not, you can smell them. My dog will scratch his ear, shake his head and you can see scratches from his nails which make the ear really red. These are all common symptoms that your animal has an ear infection. Ear infections are caused by bacteria and yeast built up on your animals ear. 

Like I’ve mentioned before, I am NOT a professional but I write on remedies that have helped my PERSONAL animals. With 4 animals (6 prior) going to the vet can be costly and not always necessary in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I have a special vet for each of my animals and when serious issues arise we take advantage of amazing Veterinarian professionals but such things like a simple ear infection — I first try a home remedy. 

What you need:

Ear Cleaning Solution (ask your vet or check your local pet store)
Cotton Balls
Q-Tips (I use the thicker baby safe q-tips)
Ear Relief Drops (I use Auro with the dropper)

First, I use the Cleaning Solution in their ear to clean out at bacteria build up. After I squirt it in their ear, I will massage and then take a cotton ball to get the excess cleaner. I then use a q-tip to get all the “junk” out of their ear (might need a couple). I then squirt some Ear Relief Drops deep in their canal (not too deep but deep enough that they won’t shake it out). I then spend about two minutes rubbing and massaging the ear so that relief drops get in their good. Obviously, do again on the other ear. I would recommend doing both ears even if you think the infection only lies in one. 

If your dogs ears don’t get better within two to three days, I would recommend taking them to your Vet. There could be an underlying issue such as ear mites (common in puppies). 

I can’t stress enough. I am not a professional but just a girl with a lot of experience with animals ;)

Be the Leader

For Christmas, my boys gifted me with one of the most amazing gifts… a dog training book (or it could possibly be a hint to get Deuce under control) and it’s amazing. It’s titled “The Only Dog Training Book You’ll Ever Need” by Gerilyn J. Bielakiewicz – Top Dog Trainer and Cofounder of Canine University.

Unfortunately, I feel as though I may have a lot of habits to break with Deuce after reading this book but I will most certainly will work towards making him a well behaved Pit Bull. 

First and foremost, Bielakiewicz states that you need to create guidelines with your dog. Being a strong leader is the first step toward ridding your dog of behavior problems. Following are some guidelines on how to be strong, fair leader.

1. Nothing in life is free. Make sure you give your dog a job. Teach him/her to Sit for dinner, Lie Down before doors are opened for them, etc.

2. Humans go first through doorways and up and down stairs. This prevents your dog from escaping out the front door or knocking you down the stairs. Teach your dog to Sit and Stay until he is released through your door.

3. Down/Stay sessions for five to twenty minutes at a time help teach your dog self-control and give her a constructive job to perform around distractions and company.

4. No dogs on the beds or furniture. Young dogs should sleep in a crate or in their own bed, not in bed with you. Your bed is the highest, most special place in the house and should be reserved for you only.

5. Don’t repeat a command more then once. If your dog doesn’t respond on the first try, he does not get what you were offering.

6. Ignore your dog if she nudges you for attention. Leaders give attention on their own terms, not when their dogs demand it.

7. Ignore your dog if he is constantly pushing toys at you, Leaders initiate play and decide when the game starts and ends. This keeps a dog on his toes because he never knows when the fun begins.

8. Follow through. If you’ve asked your dog to do something but she does not respond, make sure you help her to get into the right position rather than repeating the command.

9. Provide consequences. Ignore what you don’t like; avoid yelling at your dog for barking or jumping, for instance. From your dogs perspective, any attention is better than none, and speaking to the dog often be mistaken for reinforcement.

You can find this book online and at a store near you. Order yours today.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/2430719?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227001125643&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=53082165288&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=52145918454&veh=sem

http://www.wag.com/dog/p/the-only-dog-training-book-you-will-ever-need-from-avoiding-accidents-to-banishing-barking-288135?site=CA&sku=BAP-003&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_W&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&utm_content={adtype}&ca_sku=BAP-003&ca_gpa={adtype}&ca_kw={keyword}&CAWELAID=1327352946&kpid=BAP-003

Welcome, Princess April O’Neil

Meet the biggest pain in my @$$, Josh’s least favorite animal and Deagan’s little love. Why do we all have such different opinions on April? Well, mine started when I spoiled her rotten as a baby and carried her everywhere. April these days will following me everywhere around the house, pawing at me and meowing until I hold her on my hip like a baby and carry her while I complete my household responsibilities. If that isn’t annoying, I don’t know what is! Josh dislikes her for practically the same reason but not because she wants to be held but because she’s ALWAYS in your way. She’s under your feet constantly. When we open the fridge, she’s right there! Deagan loves the attention! He loves April and the love she gives him. April is VERY loving and loves to give and receive affection but it’s to a point where it’s annoying to Josh and I but to the point where Deagan thinks it’s great. 

Although, we rant about how annoying our Princess is, we do absolutely love her. Each and every one of our animals makes our family complete. I mean — our house just wouldn’t be the same without any of them even if they drive us nuts!

We adopted April from the TriCounty Humane Society in November of 2013. Deagan and I were going to “look” at kitties but we actually had every intention of adopting. I saw the cutest, long haired, fluffiest, black kitten and I had to have her. She was so adorable! Of course, Deagan and I put our deposit on her and went home to BEG Josh to let us adopt her. It didn’t take long to convince him due to reminding him that his cousin Holly did say — cats need playmates and two is better then one. Josh said yes, and we were on our way to pick up Princess. Unfortunately, when they were examining her prior to us bringing her home they found out she had fleas so there we were… kitty-less and had to rush home and wash all our clothes because we didn’t want to give fleas to the other animals at home. We had to wait three gruesome days before we could pick up Princess and take her home. 

Josh made one exception to adopting Princess and that was that her name HAD to be April O’Neil. I thought it was the CUTEST and it stuck, Princess April it will be. 

For the first couple days, we let April stay in Deagan’s room and took turns introducing the cats and letting April explore the house while Leo stayed locked in Deagan’s room and getting used to April’s scent. It was so scary when we would put them together because Leo would ATTACK April and the poor girl would meow so loud. After patience and weeks of introducing they finally did get to a point where they become BFF’s. 

April is a true blessing to our family because she makes us a whole and Leo would be lost without her. Animals make a family a whole and even though we complain about April, we absolutely love her. 

Thank you, TriCounty Humane Society for spaying April and giving us the opportunity to adopt her :)

Also, thank you Becker Vet Clinic for giving April her vaccinations.