The Cole Crew

Am I good trainer or is she smart?

2010-03-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

I think the answer is she is very smart. She's advanced in my opinion on everything from the leash, sit, kennel training, etc.

Update

2010-03-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I updated. I have been busy with work and school, barely time to do any picture taking. Still, I will try to do better to keep in touch with our friends.

We have a visitor. "Jill" is deaf and has only 1 eye. She is an Australian Shepherd mix. She came from the shelter I work at and she is only visiting until we can find her a great home. She is a doll. She is available for adoption is anyone knows anyone who is looking to give a great home to a slightly special needs dog.

Steve is building a shed and he spends his weekends outside with plenty of helpers.

This is me visiting Steve's dads. His property neighbors a deer sanctuary. This is #23, she likes me.

It's been a long winter here in Texas. We've had record snowfall and more days with snow on the ground then I have ever seen here. The dogs really love it!

The Three Happy Heelers Visit

2009-10-13T10:18:00.001-07:00

Louie, Gus and Callie (the three heelers) came to visit last weekend. Sadly, mom did not get any pics. The camera has been quite neglected lately. But the happy heelers have lots pics on their site.
http://gustheblueheeler.blogspot.com/
We had lots fun with them at the creek, in the woods and in the back yard chasing balls.

Happy Fall

2009-09-27T08:29:00.001-07:00

Summer is over and fall has arrived. We're sorry it's been so long since we posted but things have been busy. Mom went back to college, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks! We've been going to the park, swimming in our baby pool, watching the deer at sunset, everything is about the same here. Dad gives us our dinner and has taken us to the the vet/groomer lately picking up the slack for mom, but he is not a picture taker so we don't have much to show you.

Summer

2009-08-02T09:06:00.001-07:00

The summer has been busy and we have not posted in a long time. Mom is back to college full time and working. The little time she has she spends with us at the park or lake or playing in the back yard. Here are some pics from our summer so far.

Spring is gone

2009-06-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Spring is gone and summer is here in Texas and it is getting hot. But we had a good time. We have not posted in a while because we are so busy. Mom is working on the Baby Love Foundation's website http://www.pethydro.org/ and with vet neurologist & pet owners around the world, it has been a great success. Next week is the 1 year anniversary of Baby Love's death and we're sending out a bulk mail of information about pethydro.org to vet neurologist overseas. It will be a great way to spend that day. We'll check in again soon.

Sam with the roses

Wildflowers and patio lounging ... what a life

Daisy's summer haircut

Hey

2009-05-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

We haven't updated in some time but here are some photos from while we've been gone. Nothing new with us. We've had a lot of boring rainy days and soon it will be time for summer haircuts.

This is "Donny" our photo shy brother, it is rare that mom can sneak a picure of him.

Sam's hair is growing slow, but coming back after her surgery earlier this year

Here we are hanging out

Spring Time

2009-03-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

The sun was out last week and we laid out with mom.

Sam is doing well, fully recovered and her hair is growing back after surgery.

"Lucifer" is a feral cat that lives in the woods behind the house, he got in the trash a lot when when we first moved in. Mom trapped him, got him neutered and released him back into the woods. After two years he has the routine down. He comes to eat every night and if moms late he waits. In this photo he came out early before dark and mom was able to snap some shots.

2009-03-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting as much lately, I've been super busy. I think I will start posting everyother week now. I'll have to check up on all of our friends this week and visit your blogs.

Sam had a non cancerous lump (big one) removed this week she is doing very well. Here we are on the way to the vet.

She has to stay in the house and no playing for a week. Mia & Daisy don't know what to do without her. They peek in the windows a lot looking for her.

Mia Sitting on Things

2009-02-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

Mia loves to sit on chairs and any elevated surface. Laying on the ground or laying on a stack of hay, easy choice. She sun baths on the patio furniture and sits in her foldable lawn chair when we gather around the fire pit. She would rather sleep on top of her kennel than in it. Here are a few pics from last week of her not laying on the ground.

2009-02-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Blondie really wanted to stay forever. But a week after surgery she was ready to finish her rehab at the shelter. Mom learned a lot about her so she can look her the perfect home.

What are you doing? Recently mom has started walking in place in front of the window. It is very wierd that she doesn't go any where. This "treadmill" seems evil to me. I watch her carefully when she is on it.

We had an Ice Storm and it was great. The colder the better we say.We played with our frozen toys and watched the humans act stupid.

The Visitor

2009-01-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

We have a visitor this week her name is Blondie. We are fostering her for a few days post surgery. She had a broken femur so the vet had to operate and put a pin in it. Her entire leg is in a splint. She sounds like a pirate with a wooden peg leg when she walks around. We are being super nice to her but it's not easy. She has taken over my bed, she gets special treatment and even canned food and cheese. What is that about?

Whoops

2009-01-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

I forgot to give the URL. It is

www.jprairiedogs.blogspot.com

Update - Sandra Dee adopted & new blog to check out

2009-01-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Well my Sandra Dee got adopted just now. I am very happy. She went to a great home with someone I know who does occasion volunteer work at the shelter.

My friend Janet just started a blog about her dogs. Check it out. I am sure it will be good because she has a full house of Pit Bull's and Dachshund's. Some hers and some she is fostering. She will have lots of material for her blog.

Sandra Dee

2009-01-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

This week I wanted to show a picture and description of Sandra Dee. She is Pet of the Week at the shelter, and very special to me. Maybe someone out there knows someone who she will be perfect for her.

"Sandra Dee is very special to us so we are hoping for a great forever home for her. She was seen several times by motorists on the side of the road eating trash. When approached she ran away, but one day she didn't. When she came in she was emaciated/starving and had very little hair. She looked like she had a bad case of mange. It turned out to be be a horrible case of fleas, so bad she got an skin infection and temporary heart murmur. She is all healed and ready for a great new life."

"Sandra Dee is very smart and such a delight to be around. Her past life was sad and scary, but she certainly does not show it. She is a happy, treat loving girl!!!"

"The ideal home is one that will want to make her part of their lives. She is a great companion or family dog. She does very well with other dogs and does not seem to mind cats."

"Sandra is an Australian cattle dog mix, spayed and has been vaccinated for rabies and distemper/parvo. Sandra Dee is horribly scared in cars, and needs to be kenneled during car rides."

Please see http://www.justinanimalshelter.blogspot.com/ for shelter contact information.

New Year

2009-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a slow and painful recover for us after the holidays. Mom & Dad are back to work and we're back to sleeping the day away and causing trouble when we're up. Mom bought us a radio for our dog room so we are a little less bored now.

"Dingo"

2008-12-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

We got our gifts early this year because mom & dad were not here for Christmas. We got bones and some new squeakie's. Here's Sam hypnotised by her bone.

Our donkey friend has been coming back a lot to visit. Mom named him "Dingo the Donkey". He lounges around with us for hours and we do kisses through the fence. Mom thinks it is very odd but cute.

Mom caught us running with "Dingo". We ran up and down the fence with him for an hour.

It was an exciting week

2008-12-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

There was a big grass fire in the neighborhood. It did not reach any houses though. The grandmas can over and so did their dogs.

A donkey came to see us. We've never see him before. Short video, mom stopped it to go out and stop us from barking at him.

We stole more sticks.

The wood pile is our new favorite place to be

2008-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Mia relaxing on some hay, waiting for the next fire.

Daisy is the resident lookout. Looks like she saw me watching and tipped off Sam. Sam was looking for a good stick to steal from the pile.

Our Week

2008-12-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

We had a football watching party in the gameroom

Mom had popcorn and some Turkey Jerky for us

It's winter so that means we sit around the fire on Friday night and steal sticks from the wood pile on Saturday morning.

Holiday

2008-11-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

The deer were out.

Daisy wanted to stay out in the rain, she loves the stay out in the rain.

Molly got a lot of rest

Mia & Daisy get hyper in the cold weather.

2008-11-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

Molly is almost healed enough to go back to normal life (another 1-2 weeks) so it was time for a shave. Gotta wear the coat now when it's cold.

When your naked and have no hair the humans let you on the bed more! Thats a plus. That's dad sleeping in the background.

You can't see me! Daisy thinks she is camaflauged.

Pet Hydrocephalus Website

2008-11-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know "Baby Love" touched my heart and after her death I wanted to make a difference in the lives of pets with Hydrocephalus.

I founded "The Evie Foundation's Baby Love Fund" and an informational website about Hydrocepahlus in pets, with help from Dr. Ducote (veterinary neurologist).

We went through lots of medical data, photos and personal experiences to make this website the best it could be. It will help a lot of people who were like me and countless others - on the web looking for answers and information. This website is one of a kind and will benefit a lot of people and their pets.

Take a look, pass it around!

http://www.pethydro.org/

The Three Wild Heelers Visit

2008-11-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

The Three Wild Heelers came to visit and we had a lot of fun. Callie & Molly were on light duty since they are both healing. We had a great time!

Update

2008-11-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Mom is lazy what can we say. She was sick and really busy last week. She did not hound us with the camera, so sorry no new pics this week.

Gus, Louie & Callie are planning to see us this weekend, so there should be plenty of photos to choose from for a new post this weekend.

Molly is well, her 2 week check up was today and they are still impressed with her recovery. No playing with Gus, Louie & Callie this weekend though, she'll have to sit this one out.

2008-10-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Cabin fever is setting in for a recovering Molly. All rest and no toys makes Molly a dull girl.

Happy Halloween from Mia, she needs no costume to be scary in this picture.

I don't need a bath mom, I bathe myself in the sprinkler. First the back then the front.

Molly's Surgery & Oliver Visits

2008-10-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Oliver the Cat (from the shleter) came to spend the evening one night. He is a dog trapped in a cats body. We enjoy him visiting & so does mom. Here he is on a walk with us in the yard.

He loves the grass & the smell of the outdoors. He used to visit us a lot before Baby Love came to live with us. But mom said he and Baby Love on top of us was a little much for her, so this is his first visit in a year.

Molly had knee surgery. The left one was done about 3 years ago and the right gave out a few weeks ago. She's the "bionic" member of the Cole Crew now.

She is very unhappy to be on such limited activity. The full recovery time can last 4 months, but with physical therapy last time she back to new after about 6-8 weeks. Soon she'll be back to out running the youngsters!

2008-10-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Molly freshly bathed and still wet can't go out and play. Mean Daisy rubs it in.

The Good & Bad From The Week

2008-10-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

The Good:
Getting really dirty
Making a new friend across the fence

The Bad:
Mom putting the camera down to give me a bath
Our new friends bark sent us running to mom, our friend Buttkus who was visitng may never come back.

Hello

2008-09-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Is it a bird, a plane? What ever it is it's getting to close.

It's a hot air ballon that landed in our neighbors yard. Here it's leaving.

Maverick just moved in next door. We like him. His brother is Bojingles our mini friend from last week.

Where's Louie, Gus & Velcro when you need some herding done! Maverick got our of the gate and went for a joy run. His dad herding him with a 4 wheeler.

Shop Vacs are not our friends. I really wanted to get to mom in the office but I dare not cross it.

Secret lovers exposed. Donny saw the camera and the smooching was over.

Our Week

2008-09-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mia watching the deer. No pics of the deer they were too fast for me.

Did you see them mom?

Sam waiting for Molly to leave her bed unattended

Molly's going to wait it out.

A visitor stopped by "Bojingles" from next door

Mia thinks he's a creepy little gremlin.

Our other visitor

2008-09-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Time is short for our favorite ball. It's been run over by the mower, chewed and abused. But it is our favorite so though it no longer bounces when thrown or rolls the way it used too, mom doesn't have the heart to take it away.

Molly & the broken ball

The firepit was Sam's special spot this week.

Coming in from the rain is lame, don't bother me I am enjoying it. Hey mom, remember the time I refused to come in when it started hailing. You chased me around the yard with a pot on her head. Boy, I wish we had a video of that!

Our Weekend

2008-09-07T14:59:00.001-07:00

Molly & Mia being themselves

2008-09-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Molly can't stand in when Dady goes outside or anywhere without her.

Mia in her chair wondering - Whose peeping at me through the blinds?

Videos of fun with the Three Wild Heelers

2008-09-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

More fun with the Three Wild Heelers

2008-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Cole Crew & Three Wild Heelers (1)

2008-08-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Mom got a lot of photos of all us us, so this may be a 3 or 4 part series. Three Wild Heelers (Gus, Louie & Callie)came over on Saturday. They lived up to their name!

2008-08-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Come on and throw it!

Sam reading a book with mom on the patio.

Mom moved my bed, she got the cold shoulder for a few hours until I moved it back to the other side of the room.

Summer Time

2008-08-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been slow here, not much to blog about. This summer heat of 107 has kept us all in and moving slow. Not much action. So here are some oldies but goodies!

And Mia wonders why I don't buy baby pools in the summer anymore.

Molly in Paradise

Dasiy got a pretty bow in her hair after her summer haircut!

TV Thursday

2008-08-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Mom doesn't watch the news, but dad & I are all about the news and the history channel. So on a typical Thursday this is whats going on in the living room.

Eddie Munster

2008-07-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Donny, is my pomeranian - if you can believe it! He got another haircut and he looks more like Eddie Munster the older he gets!

This is lame

2008-07-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Poor Molly between the heat and her soar leg she had to come in when the others got to stay out and play.

Just the sun coming through the clouds, but it always looks so angelic. I took this photo the day after Baby Love passed away, I just didn't share it until now.

Friday Fun

2008-07-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Usually, the sprinklers pop up early in the morning when we're asleep. But for some reason when mom and dad decide to spend an evening on the back patio they come up too. Then they disappear just as quickly as they came. We charge them and attack! After, we're always soaked with our battle wounds.

Frog Hunter

2008-07-15T12:13:00.001-07:00

Do you see the frog? Mia does. No frog has a chance getting by her. It is her mission in life to harass all frogs and bugs that enter her parlor. We don't kill them, we just lick until they play dead and then we leave them alone. They play dead so well though that mom finds them and gasps and yells at us, but when she picks it up she realizes they are just playing dead really well and we get off the hook.

More 4th Fun

2008-07-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Following these dogs around with the camera makes me dizzy.

Pet Sitting

2008-07-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

We pet sat for some friends. Coco the pug and Buttcious the Rott mix. They come over often so it was all fun all the time. In this photo we were playing too hard and needed a hose down. Crazy Coco wanted to take a shower after Steve did I guess.

We're Done

2008-07-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

When we put the ball in our water bucket, that means we're done. Fetch it yourself!

Today is a special day!

2008-07-07T12:44:00.001-07:00

Today is a special day, for 2 reasons. First, today is the launch of our mom's company website "Cole Valley Dog Treats". A "pet" project so to speak that she has turned into a thriving business - thanks to us!! We're good testers. See the "Cole Valley" link and info to the left.
Secondly, today would have been Baby Love's 1st birthday. Mom wanted to have a little party for BL's 1st, after her passing mom decided to have a little Ice Cream Party in her honor instead. This was our first taste of ice cream, too bad our little sis could not have been here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOUIE! (BL's brother) www.gustheblueheeler.blogspot.com

Ashes

2008-07-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

I spread some of Baby Love's ashes in her favorite spot in the yard, what we called her "hole". The far end of the yard where she always ended up and very much liked to be. It was sunset and the field looked gold, this was her favorite time of day. She always looked like an angel prancing about in the light of the sunset.

Introducing the others

2008-07-01T16:45:00.001-07:00

These are my other little angels. From the left there is Donny, Molly, Sam, Daisy & her sister Mia. I wanted to introduce them since I will be blogging about them for now on. I have had Donny for about 10 years, he is a 12 years old pomeranian and is the only boy, though we consider him one of the girls. Sam is a 5 year old Lab mix and was the first dog my husband and I adopted together, she has serious allergies. Donny doesn't like to play with dogs just people so we needed a friend for Sam. We could not decide between Daisy & Mia (sisters) so we adopted both. They are 4 year old border collie mixes we have had since 6 weeks of age. Mia was born missing part of her front leg but that has never slowed her down. Daisy has been some work, she had a lot of fears and anxiety since puppyhood, but is now pretty much over them. Molly was a stray I found on the wrong side of the tracks before a long holiday, she stayed over the weekend and never made it to a shelter, she is about 10 years old. Sam & Molly are typical Daddy's girls, and want to be wherever he is. The rest think I'm #1.

By Request, Baby Love in all her glory!

2008-06-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Baby Love

2008-06-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about this all morning and am not sure what to say. Baby Love passed away this morning. She starting having some serious issues around 4am and by dawn we were off to the vet. It was bad, and I had to make the decision to stop it. I felt it was the only way. I spoke with the neurologist this morning and she agreed. If there had been any hope I would have done anything to save her. I know you all have followed her story for sometime and your thoughts, prayers and donations for surgery have been a blessing. She has meant so much to me. She and I were joined at the hip from the age of 4 weeks so starting over will be hard. She is in every part of the house and yard. I have about a million photos and videos of her. I think the hardest thing will be de programing myself off the routines and scheudles we had. My favorite memories are laughing and cheering her on as she jumped an played in the yard. She loved to be held like a baby and we cuddled almost every night. She loved music, I have a wonderful memory to share with you. One night my husband came home to hear Salsa music blarring in the house and me yelling. In coming in the door her thought "What the heck". What he found was Baby Love and I in the kitchen dancing to the music, she was jumping around and so was I as I cheered her on. I know she felt a lot of love and security, I just wish these last few days were not so much about pills and me being afraid to touch her and more about cuddles and fun in the yard. I have thought all morning about this and have made 2 decisions. One is that I am going to spread some of her ashes at her favorite places in the yard and the rest will go in a beautiful pewter urn. Second, I plan to continue the blog in her name but about my other dogs, her sisters. They were always so good to her and I am sure you guys will love to see and read about them.

To Baby Love:

You were an inspiration to us all. You were a comic, a fighter and a gentle soul!!

Someone told me once that for all I did for you and other animals that I would get a huge crown of jewels in heaven. But he can keep the stones if I can see you again! In all your glory!

Better

2008-06-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to walk around and stretch my legs around 10:30pm last night right about the time mom was falling asleep so she got up and followed me around the house until I crashed, as seen in the pic. I moved around a little in the night and was ready for breakfast at 6am. This morning I had a little more patience and a better disposition. I have been eating, drinking well though. Right now I am on the patio, my fav place soaking up the sounds and fresh air now that it is cooler.

Monday

2008-06-23T13:44:00.001-07:00

Baby Love came home this afternoon. Here at the house we're all treading lightly as not to disrupt her. She is not happy at all. This time the recovery has been more painful, touching her and moving her is hard. But we are happy she is home and in a few days she will be too. I think these photos say it all. Good news is the worst is over and her pain and disposition get better everyday the vet said, so tomorrow will be a better day for her.

Sunday

2008-06-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well she won't be able to come until Monday. They feel like she is still in some pain because she is acting out and crying. The staff have been holding her and rubbing her ears but she has been a cranky little handful, and crying. Which is unlike her. In talking to the neurologist today we both felt like she needs another day in care. I am sure part is being away from home and me but some of it seems she is just uncomfotable. So I'll be picking her up after noon tomorrow.

Friday

2008-06-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

All is well, BL ate and pottied today. She is sleeping away most of the day and night thanks to the IV pain meds. She is still on track to come home Sunday morning. I asked them to make sure and send some of those great pain meds home that they sent last time. They were mommies little helper. 3 a day helped to keep her out like a light and not fussing to play or walk around. The basics food, water, potty and sleep is what I have in store for her until atleast Tuesday. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.

4:45pm After Surgery

2008-06-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well I got the call and all went well. There were a few things during surgery that came up. It appears that her skull grew around the old shunt entry so it was left in and a new entry was made. The shunt will now run down the left side of her head, under her neck and back down the right side of her body into her abdomen. She will be on IV's the next day or so but they say she can come home as early as Sunday or Monday, much sooner than last time. Also, the Dr said that scar tissue grew around and basically strangled her tube. So basically the detachment from the brain, the skull over growth and the strangling scar tissue contributed to the shunt problems, all of this due to growth in her body. Poor little bugar, she's a trooper. The Dr. said it is unlikely this will occur again given she is almost 1 year old and fully grown.

No news yet.

2008-06-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

It's 4:27pm here in Texas and last I heard the surgery at 3:30pm the surgery was still in progress. The staff said her Dr. will call soon. I will post as soon as I hear.

Surgery Scheduled

2008-06-17T14:32:00.001-07:00

I am glad to say Baby Love's surgery has been scheduled for this Thursday. She is to report there at 8am, though not sure what time they will be starting. I will update you all Thursday and let you know how it went.

Oh My

2008-06-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

There is not much to say. Mom tried. She gave me a few bald spots but aside from that I kind of enjoyed it. While she shaved me her friend Mrs. Valarie gave me lots of ear rubbin and petting. I was a perfect patient.

Hello Friends

2008-06-13T16:54:00.001-07:00

Hello friends. The steroids have kicked in and I seem to feel a little better, not so much pressure in my head, mom is happy that I am more comfortable. This week I made mom very proud and got up and went for a walk around the yard visiting my favorite places - the corner of the fence and the bushes. Right now it's 7pm and I am in the shade on the patio, despite the heat I love it outside in the evening. We appreciate the kind words and donations from all our friends. My mom and I snuggled for a long time last night, I'll never out grow that! She was thinking about my upcoming birthday, I will be 1 year old on July 7th, it has been a long road so it will be a day to celebrate! A friend is coming over this weekend to help her "finish the job", the haircut that is. So stay tuned for my new all over naked look! This pic below was taken a while ago by our photographer sister in law, I hope you like it.

Do I not have enough problems

2008-06-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Mom had one of her brillaint ideas. She thought if she had me shaved I'd fair better in this summer heat, I get hot easily even at 80 degrees. Also, it could mean easier bathing, I'm a terror in the bath. But half way through the vet and groomer thought I was too stressed and did not want to continue, so mom came to my rescue and took me home. So here I am in all my glory. It looks so bad you'd think I did it myself. Mom is going to try to do the other side at home. Have I not suffered enough, Mom! I say leave it we'll call it a "fashion statement".

Lazy Sunday

2008-06-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

If I put my foot in the water, it won't get away!
I got caught drooling during my nap, and I still am.

Hello

2008-06-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, I don't know what to say. Thank you all for your donations. We have $956 as of today. The total max cost of surgery for new shunt is $3,500 and it is possible it will lower if surgery goes well. So the current donated amount is about a third of the cost already. The pic below isn't much but today she really enjoyed having her ears scratched so we did that for a while as she relaxed. It's hot here in Texas but now she's napping in the shade, just finished a big bowl of water. Luckily, she is indoors all day so the heat isn't an issue.

Sad little bugar

2008-06-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

No jumping, just rest for now. But soon she will be back to her old self. Baby Love is best friends with the water bowl now, the steroids she is on until her surgery can be done make her very thirsty. Thanks to all of our blog friends who are sending well wishes!

Baby Love "Expert Grass Hunter"

2008-05-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is the video I mentioned, she is just soo excited. This was taken about 2 weeks ago before she started having problems.

Update

2008-05-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

I spoke with the Dr. Ducote's staff about price. It will be 2,000-2,500 for a re-install of the shunt and 3,000-3,500 for a whole new one. Unfortunatly, this is only the 2nd time in her career this has happened, so she can't explain it. The only thing it could be is that as she has grown and her shunt did not pull as it should have as she grew. I have started her on steroids, this is meant to reduce the fluid build up and hopefully make her comfortable, but this is short term only. Not getting the surgery in not an option for me. She has done sooo well after her first surgery and she is a very happy dog. The past few days she has been the "old Baby Love" and I just hate it. She can't run and play like she used to, she gets confused easily, she is cranky and eating & drinking takes effort. I added canned food to her diet so she can try to keep some weight on during this waiting period. So the plan it to use the steroids and hope they serve their purpose, save some money and plan to do the surgery late summer, early fall (hopefully sooner). In the mean time I am debating my options. The re-install is cheaper but is not guranteed they won't have to replace the shunt. It also comes with a higher risk of infection. The all new shunt surgery is the ideal way to go but is more expensive.
I really appreciate you all checking in and leaving comments. I love reading them. She and I will get through this, it just will take some time and money.
Also, I will post that "awesome" video of her soon, it was her best grass hunting expedition yet and it was just before the shunt started having issues.

Bad News

2008-05-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry Guys, I have bad news. I haven't felt well so mom took me to my neurologist and my shunt has de-attached from my brain. This means the excess fluid my brain produces is building up in my brain and not being excreted. This means my motor skills are poor, I have trouble walking, eating and playing. Mom took some videos for the Dr. but you don't want to see them. I need surgery to have it reattached or have a new one put in. The Dr. is giving us the price tomorrow to try and re-attach the shunt. My mom is beside herself.

Not such a good holiday for me

2008-05-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I will be 1 year old this July & mom is very excited. She wanted me to tell all of you that she is still going to post the "best video ever" of me soon. The computer is slow and the video won't post and skips when she views it, so she has to call an IT guy out, the whole computer is acting up she said. This pic she got Friday, just a side shot to show you guys how big I am getting. I have had a bad weekend, Saturday I had two seizures and have had not had any energy or desire to eat or drink since. Mom has made me though and tonight I feel a little better, she also uped my meds. Mom says I may have to go see my awesome neurologist Dr. Ducote later this week if I don't perk up, so I am trying. Happy Memorial Day to all, my dad was in the military. We salute and thanks all that serve.

My busy weekend

2008-05-18T15:15:00.001-07:00

This weekend I realized my fav table is really shrinking and I lounged in the flowers early in the morning. I went grass hunting too and got a great catch, that video will be my next post. Stay tuned...mom is editing, it's too long.

Look what my mom found, family pics

2008-05-13T11:35:00.001-07:00

Going through the pics she found these of my dog mom & my siblings not too long after we were born. Don't I look a lot like my mom now. Her name was Amber, she was a stray in a residential neighborhood. She was a tough catch for my human mom but after a half hour she was caught and on her way to the shelter. 5 days later I was born, on a Sunday morning July 7th. 4 weeks later, due to my health I went to live with my human mom. All my siblings got great homes. Can you spot Louie in the mix?

Summer is coming

2008-05-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys, thse pics of me are my fav things to do on the weekends. Sleep in the guest room in the hot afternoon and find the shade on a hot evening.

Just me

2008-05-01T14:57:00.001-07:00

Mom's new fav pic of me

I hear my face might freeze this way

I am considering another basket nap

Me & my sis Molly, mom thinks we look alike

Hello

2008-04-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry we haven't updated in a while friends things have been super busy here. But I'm still up to my usual stuff. Jumping, lounging, eating grass!! Hope your all well.

Basket Loungin'

2008-04-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

In a panic I was looking for Baby Love on Sunday, I could not find her anywhere. I had just seen her in the dog room napping 15 minutes prior. I finally found her after searching the entire yard. She had been in her laundry basket just a few inches from the dog room the entire time. She was probably wondering why I was yelling and woke her up. Your probably wondering why she has her own trash can & laundry basket on the back porch, for the same reason her bed is washed twice a week - pee yew.

Party Animals

2008-04-11T14:14:00.001-07:00

We had some friends over last weekend, BL's made a new friend, Lisa. As usual Baby Love was the center of attention, and Sam had to be cut off after a lamp shade incident. Just kidding, we posed her .

Poor Bear

2008-04-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

That poor bear never saw it coming!

2008-04-03T14:41:00.001-07:00

Louie (Baby Love's brother) & Gus came to visit & we all had fun! Pictured are BL & Louie and one of Louie & Gus.

My sisters think the sprinklers are evil. They don't understand how the sprinklers followed them from the old house here. They mount a well skilled attack against them when they show up. I don't care as much, when they come on I just freeze.

Shot's Stink

2008-03-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

You know what I hate, when mom disrupts my morning routine by loading me up in the car and taking me to one of my vets! This Wednesday it was for a shot. My sis Daisy & Mia got it first & they didn't even notice - but I sure did. Mom was holding me and all of a sudden something stung my leg. I did the only thing I know to do - I showed it my teeth and it went away! Overall it went quickly. I don't remember the car ride home, I woke up from my nap on my bed and mom was gone so I guess I had a good sleep on the way back.

Tickle Crazy

2008-03-23T10:27:00.001-07:00

This is a great video of her when she was a little baby! I got her going tickling her. Even now it's all about exploring with her mouth. Due to her condition she is all about chewing & biting, not being bad of course just feeling things out. I've worked with our great behavior trainer Tod who suggested some things to keep her from chewing & biting bad things, the other dogs & me! Keep in mind other dogs can find their toys, she wonders up on something & whatever it is is hers for the taking, whether it is Mia's tail, daddy's foot or a towel on the floor. She's just happy to have found something!

Favorite Pics Movie

2008-03-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

My little girl is growing up, she will be 9 months old soon. This video is some of my favorite pics of her when she was a baby!

Where am I? (1)

2008-03-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Where am I?

I'm under the guest bed! This is what I do on weekends sometimes. Mom says that every since I was a little baby, I slept well in the guest room, it's the quietest room in the house. This is new for me though, I just recently found that I really love napping partially under the bed.

Hot, Cold, Hot, Cold. I Can't Keep Up

2008-03-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's a hot week! As soon as the snow melted the hot came on. This is Texas and I'm not gonna back it through the summer if I can't handle 78 degrees. Mom asked the doctor and this is not caused by my condition so I guess it's just me, sensitive to the heat! Thats ok I live in a climate controlled room on the weekdays and on weekends mom makes me come in when it gets to hot.

Mud Baby & the Cart

2008-03-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

The snow melted and in it's place there was mud in my special spot! Daddy fixed the fence for me but now mom won't let me go back until it has dried up, probably because I was rolling in the mud like a pig in slop! I loved it!!

Also, this is my new cart. I am about 30 pounds now, and when it's time to come in and I'm at the far edge of the yard mom gets a quite workout carrying me in. So she went to Home Depot and got this lawn cart wagon thing. I hate it but just like in the car I'm learning when moms at the wheel it's best to lay down, be still & pray!

More of me & my sisters having fun in the snow

2008-03-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

It is 74 degrees here today and I'm napping on my freshly washed bed. But my sisters and I are still dreaming of all the fun we had in the snow. We may be Texas dogs but we like the cold not the hot.

A lot of snow in Texas

2008-03-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

These are from Thursday when it was snowing. The videos of me are great but you have to excuse my mom's talking. The 2 other dogs are my sisters Daisy & Molly.

Security Breach

2008-03-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

Mia send her regards!

Snow & Ice

2008-03-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Snow & Ice in Texas! I'm on the patio with Molly's coat on, mine has gotton a little snug since my last growth spurt. I liked the snow it fell on me & my coat. I licked it off the patio. This video of me it just me in my big coat.

Mom says my sisters are not good "cold weather" role models. They don't like to come in from the cold. My sis Daisy told me about one incident involing snow, giant sleet and mom running around the yard with a cooking pot on her head trying to get them in the house.

I did it now!

2008-03-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Boy, I did it this time! My mom let us out when she got home yesterday and then took a shower. She came out and checked on me and I was fine. Then she went in to pay & write out bills. When she came out about 15 minutes later she couldn't see me, I am camaflauge in the yard sometimes. So mom used her zoom lense to look for me in the distance and this is what she saw.

Thats me stuck under the fence again, this time escaping. She put the camera down and came to my aid. By the time she got there my last little foot had gotton through. She tried to stick her hand & arm through to catch me, but she only managed to get her arm stuck in the fence, silly human. So then she tried to climb the fence, man I wish I could have seen that. Let's just say they don't call it a no climb fence for nothin'. The last resort was to run all the way to the gate at the driveway, then all the way back down the fence line on the other size. She finally got me before the barbwire did. When we got back mom put my harness on me and hooked me up to my tie out.

A little while later I did something that my big sis Daisy told me to do in times like this, something I have never done - even when I was a little baby. I whined! I wish I could say it worked but mom has seen it all. Don't worry though, Dad is going to rig the fence for me this weekend so I can have my freedom back. As for today, I'm napping in the house with mom.

What a life

2008-02-28T15:55:00.001-08:00

Daisy rolled the tennis ball to me with her nose, she's still hopefull one day I'll pick it up and run with it.

It was a nice Wednesday evening, my sisters were playing, even though I don't join in I get a lot of second hand excitement from it.

Awards

2008-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Velcro the Australian Cattle Dog (one of our Blog friends) for these awards, we really appreciate it, thanks for thinking of us!

Baby Love & Suzanne

Peek-A-Boo

2008-02-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

I was down on the ground trying to get a close up of her face, I got some.

Our room is finally done

2008-02-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

Well mom & dad finally finished our room, it's been half painted since we moved in last spring.

Though I can't see it, my sisters tell me it's pretty nice. They keep our room pretty clean. But I like that lived in, pooped in feel.

It's not as bad as it looks

2008-02-19T17:41:00.001-08:00

Dad is always telling mom to chill out, to let me have more freedom and to stop hovering over me. So she does - and then I go & do something like this. I did this Monday and she has been watching my every move since. It's not a big deal, I was just sleeping. In fact, I was a little upset when she woke me up from my 9am-4pm nap to pull me out & relocate me.

Happy President's Day

2008-02-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

It's a great day in Texas, the birds are churping & the sun is out. Everyone was happy to see that mom was not going to work. After breakfast we were off to play in the yard. Baby Love found a water hose to chew then it's off for some jumping. I took this pic last night in the sunset, she is getting so big!

Ready for a history lesson!

President Fillmore was a founding member and president of the Buffalo chapter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

President Teddy Roosevelt has the longest list of pets which included a one legged rooster and a pony who was allowed in the white house on occasion.

President Harrison & his wife had both a dog & a pet goat.

President Coolidge & his wife had a pet racoon named Rebecca.

President Lincoln had many pets including the first Presidential pet to ever be photographed, Fido.

Let's not forget President Reagan, who was captured endlessly in photos with his dogs Lucky & Rex.

Skill #6: Finding Trouble

2008-02-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

The BBQ area of the patio is a no zone for Baby Love, but try and keep her away. When I came out to get her she had crawled through the gas grill & was standing on top of balancing on the small fire pit you see in between the grills. I had no time for a photo as I was tryting to rescue her. The grill cover is a chew toy & the water in the bottom of the smoker stand (from the rain today)was good for swimming & drinking (yuk). In this photo I had just stopped her from drinking it!

Skill #5: Jumping/Hopping Everywhere

2008-02-11T15:40:00.000-08:00

Walking is so last year! If your not jumping & hopping everywhere your not cool. Notice how she effortlessly incorporated Skills #1 &#2 (Biting at grass & her own limbs)

Skills #3 & #4

2008-02-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Her #3 & #4 skills go hand & hand.

3.) Freezing like a statue when there's trouble. (see video below)
4.) The ability to look so pitiful that mommy races out to rescue me. (pic above)

Baby Love has skills

2008-02-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Most of the pics on this blog are of her laying down or sleeping. She wants you all to know that she does has some viable skills. Over the next week or so she will showcase some of them for you. Pictured above are 2 of them:

1.) Her ability to rip out & eat grass

2.) Her ability to bite her own limbs, repeatly

No one does it better!

BL & Daddy

2008-02-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

Baby Love likes to hang out with me in the office. When she hears typing she'll find her way in and lay down next to the desk. She was shocked to find out it was "Daddy" at the computer.

We like to keep him around for certain projects. He is a great bath giver.