We did some great planning for our vacation and only had Trixie's
litter to be taken care of while we were away! Cindy is a great
friend, who comes and helps us a couple of times a week to groom
and bathe our dogs, as well as do some of the extra cleaning
and giving our babies some lovin' and outside attention. She
stayed at our house and took care of our furry family members
and our little babies too!
Hawaii was great and we really enjoyed our time together. We
had the great pleasure of swimming with a school of dolphins!
It was the most awesome experience. Where is the camera when
you need it? We also took a helicopter ride over the island of
Kauai. It was amazing seeing all the waterfalls and the Waimea
Canyon, which is called the Pacific Grand Canyon. I was really
proud of me getting on this helicopter -- I don't like to fly!
It wasn't as bad as I had imagined it, and am really glad that
I had the adventure. We saw beautiful scenery, a gorgeous rainbow,
and Hawaiian Monk Seals who are almost extinct. It was paradise!
We knew Cindy was here taking care of everything, so we were
able to relax and have a good time! Thank you to all that sent
us Happy Anniversary wishes!
Many Blessings,
Billy & Debbie |
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Tips for Training Your Pet
Training Your Puppy
A couple of years ago, I started researching training our dogs.
The only training I had ever heard of was what I now refer
to as the "chain and yank method." A collar and leash
is put on the dog and then they are pushed and pulled into
what you want them to do. What a frustrating way to train!
They do not understand what you are wanting them to do and
you don't understand why they just don't get it. I knew there
had to be a better way and something that was more fun. I started
doing some research and discovered Clicker Training. This is
a positive way to train your puppy or dog. Once they learn
the marker (clicker) the possibilities are endless. It is fun
for the puppy/dog and fun for you too!
I attended a ClickerTraining Expo and it was so much fun seeing
what fun things that dogs can learn to do besides the basic sit
and come commands. The dogs were dancing with their owner and
playing games, such as 101 things you can do with a box. It was
such a great learning experience and being with dog lovers and
so many dogs!
Check out the puppy DVD
Have
photos you want to share -- please send my way!
Medical Issues
Hernias - Inguinal and Umbilical
Hernias are common in small breed dogs. A hernia is a bulge
of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal
opening of the surrounding tissues.
Some of the most common types of hernias are:
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found
in puppies. A portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through
an incompletely closed umbilical
ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The
most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is as a
result of the umbilical
cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. This can occur when the
mom cuts the cord to closely. We have found by using hemostats and cutting
the cord for her, helps to reduce the occurrence of this happening. We have
also started dabbing the cord with iodine, which seems to help deter her
from continuing to lick and pull.
In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the
puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old
the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. If
the pup has a large hernia, or one that can be pushed into the
abdomen with a finger, consult your veterinarian regarding possible
surgical repair.
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding
through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered
bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral,
involving only one side.
Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both
sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear
as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s).
Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This
may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy,
or atrophy of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age.
When any of our puppies have either the umbilical or inguinal
hernia, we go ahead and have them repaired. If they are very
small, we usually wait and let the family know that they have
one and our vet feels it should disappear by the time they are
six months old. Our vet has been really good with working with
us in deciding which ones to go ahead and take care of and which
ones to wait on. He is very reasonable in what he charges and
that also helps the family that is adopting the puppy.
We Recommend
We love Pet Silk Shampoo!
Pet Silk shampoos and conditioners are enriched with natural
silk fibers, panthenol and Vitamin E to help strengthen the
coat and intensify the natural shine. We use the shampoo and
conditioner. It leaves your dog/puppy's coat soft and silky
and doesn't dry out their skin. It comes in different scents
and they also have a tick/flea shampoo, which works great.
Do a "Google Search" it to find the best price, as
you can order it from various stores.
