Mama's paws

I am excited to tell you that sometimes my mama's paws resemble mine. Every time she takes off her new Uggs that my sister and brother bought her for Christmas I see her paws are black and white. Just like mine!!

Wow, I don't remember posing for this adorable picture--it looks just like me. Maybe I was still groggy from the anesthesia. Mama can't wait to introduce me to the beach. I am not sure if I am going to like all that sand. Mama says true Jersey girls don't mind sand between their toes. She also says they don't pump gas. I can't imagine why anyone would pump gas, mine just comes out naturally.

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

Zoey meets Katrina

This morning's walk was interesting. We approached the same area where Katrina was poking around. She is a beautiful, large, shiny black (like me) Doberman, who I wanted to play with. Mama says Katrina is very well trained. Katrina at one time also needed a Forever Home and Andrea gave her a fabulous one.

Both encounters this morning were from a safe distance. Andrea says Katrina needs time to get to know me before we become best buds. Mama says Katrina goes on play missions with other dogs and they run through fields, of course they are supervised by the two-legged species. OMG, that sounds so wonderful. I think I will be dreaming of my large, almost new friend tonight while I am snoring away in dreamland.

I want you to know that I wasn't a bit afraid of Katrina but she did her nervous dance and on the second encounter around the pond she showed us her teeth for a quick second. Not a pretty site; I will have to remind her that is not becoming of her. Her mama handled her like a pro. Hey Katrina, I get it...you are afraid of little ole me. No worries, we will just keep meeting around the pond and before spring arrives we will be playing together, or at least walking together.

By the way, I am still wearing that life preserver. Although, Mama lets me go without it when I have my chain on and we go for walks. Thank goodness for the respect she shows me. I would not want beautiful Katrina seeing me with that thing around my neck. Oh, I just had an idea, maybe Mama will glue some fake diamonds on it so at least I won't look so pitiful. A pitiful mutt, how embarrassing!

Home to get my breakfast, meds, and a few kisses and hugs.

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

Day 3 of my surgery...

Hey, I am back! I am feeling much better and healing nicely. Mama has me wearing a life preserver on my neck; that is what my Uncle Alfie calls it. She takes it off to walk me but then it goes right back on. She says I am a trooper. Yeah, I am a trooper, a trooper, a trooper, I am so glad to be a trooper. Only problem is I don't know what a trooper is. If Mama says I am one, then I am happy to be one. I love all the praising she gives me. She says I have to wear the life preserver for 8 more days. I am not going to tell her that I can't count so 8 may as well be 800 in my thinking.

Mama will post a picture later of me sporting my life preserver. My sister, Danielle,  lent it to us, not sure if that is a good thing but it is doing the trick of keeping me from licking my wound.

Daddy is still reminding Mama that I am a foster dog. Mama just goes about her business and ignores him or tells him, "Yep, she is a foster dog for about 14 years." I love my Daddy but he is stubborn. He just won't give up. I think Mama is doing the right thing--ignoring him.

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

Zoey is back in her FOREVER home

Zoey is home where she belongs. Her surgery went well. She is still groggy and resting peacefully. 

She is a real trooper. She vomited some.
Hopefully, tomorrow she will start eating and drinking again. 

Dr. LoFaro said she is about 10 months old (5 months older than what we were told). 

She will probably weight 65 lbs when fully grown. 

He also told us how sweet she is, which we already knew.
 He said she had a great temperament. 

She is with us two weeks now. She need not worry anymore
because we are going to foster her for the next 14 years or so. 

Zoey's ears are like silk; Laura would have loved playing with her ears.
She use to always kiss and nibble on  Sierra's ears. 

I forgot to ask Danielle who won the bet. Her or David. 

Including my grand boys: Jackson & Louie

At the vet

Zoey is at the vet's office being spayed, micro chipped, vaccinated, and getting her nails clipped. She was so frightened but she didn't bark or put up a fuss. She is a true sweetheart. I will be picking her up soon. I hope she fairs well with the anesthesia and has a quick recovery.

The house is back to being a house. A home is not a home without a dog. I can't wait to get her home.

We love you Zoey.

Missing you always

Hey Laura, 

I hope you were with us last night at Pat's house. 

I felt your presence at Church.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Love forever and ever, 

Your Mommy

Off to the vet...

Zoey doesn't know it yet but she is going to be spayed the day after Christmas. My poor girl, but it has to be done.

Info taken from ASPCA

Spay surgery can be behaviorally and medically beneficial for your dog. In addition, if you spay your pet, you'll avoid unwanted puppies and help control pet overpopulation. Millions of healthy dogs and cats are humanely put to death each year in the United States simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. While the traditional age for spaying is six to nine months, puppies as young as eight weeks old can be spayed as long as they’re healthy. Dogs can be spayed as adults as well, although there’s a slightly higher risk of post-operative complications in older dogs who are overweight.

Medical Benefits
There are significant medical benefits to be gained from spaying your dog. Spaying prevents the following conditions:

• Mammary (breast) cancer Females spayed prior to their first estrus cycle have a significantly reduced risk of developing mammary cancer, a common cancer in unspayed females. The chances of developing this cancer increase if a female isn’t spayed until after her second heat cycle, but they still remain lower than the risk for unspayed females. So if your dog has already gone through her first heat cycle, it’s not too late. Spaying her will still reduce her risk of developing cancerous mammary tumors.
• Pyometra Bacteria can infect a female dog’s uterus, causing a potentially fatal infection. This kind of infection, called pyometra, usually occurs in older females (about seven to eight years of age). Approximately 25% of all unspayed females will suffer from pyometra before the age of 10. If your unspayed female shows signs of lethargy, depression, anorexia, excessive water drinking, vaginal discharge, excessive urination, pale mucous membranes (the skin inside her mouth and nose), vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal distension or inflamed eyes, get her to a veterinarian immediately. Having your dog spayed greatly reduces the possibility that she’ll contract pyometra.
• Ovarian and uterine tumors Ovarian and uterine tumors are uncommon in dogs, although some breeds may be predisposed to developing ovarian tumors. Older female dogs are at increased risk. Having your dog spayed completely eliminates the possibility of her developing ovarian or uterine cancer.
• Injury, stress and disease related to having puppies Carrying and giving birth to puppies can be both physically dangerous and stressful for a dog. Spaying eliminates these potential risks.

Behavioral Changes
Dogs become sexually mature when they’re between six and 12 months of age. At this time, female dogs produce a surge of the hormone estrogen and begin the reproductive cycle, which leads to cycles of estrus or “heat.” When in heat, a female dog will be receptive to breeding with males. Most dogs experience two heat cycles per year.
Having your dog spayed won’t affect her working abilities, friendliness, playfulness or personality. However, spaying can affect many behaviors associated with the heat cycle. You may see a reduction in these behaviors after you spay your dog:

• Roaming While in heat, female dogs often try to leave home in search of males, which puts them at risk of getting lost and being injured or killed on roadways. Spaying your dog will reduce or eliminate her drive to roam while in heat. (If you don’t get her spayed, you’ll need to confine your dog indoors or in an escape-proof yard when she’s in heat to prevent escapes and unwanted pregnancies.)
• Frequent urination Females in heat urinate often to attract male dogs with the scent of their urine. Not only will this cause a line-up of neighborhood male dogs at your door, but it can also lead to urine on your carpet and furniture. Spaying your dog will eliminate frequent urination and bloody discharge, both of which may occur during her heat cycle.
• Irritability Each estrus cycle causes significant hormonal changes in a female dog. Some dogs become irritable or nervous and even feel pain due to ovulation. Because spayed dogs don’t experience these hormonal changes, a female dog’s behavior may be more consistent after she’s spayed.
• Aggression Females may be less aggressive toward both dogs and people after they’re spayed. Unspayed females sometimes compete for the attention of a male dog by fighting. Spaying can reduce or eliminate this fighting. Spaying your dog can also eliminate the possibility of hormonally driven guarding behavior. Female dogs will sometimes behave aggressively if people or other pets attempt to approach or touch their puppies. Some dogs who don’t get pregnant during a heat cycle will experience a “false pregnancy” or “pseudopregnancy.” Females in false pregnancy often “adopt” objects and treat them like a litter. These females may guard the adopted objects as if they were real puppies.

To prevent the development of the behaviors listed above, it’s best to spay your dog before she reaches sexual maturity at six to 12 months of age. That way, she’s unlikely to develop unwanted habits associated with her heat. If your dog has practiced these habits for months or years, they might persist even after spaying. However, if you have an older dog, it’s still worth it to spay her. Even if you can’t completely get rid of her problematic behaviors, you might see them less often after she’s spayed—and spaying will still be beneficial to her physical health.

If your dog still has habits you dislike after spaying, like roaming, frequent urination, irritability or aggression, it’s best to seek professional advice. Getting help is particularly important if your dog has an aggression problem. Please see our article, Finding Professional Help, for information about locating a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), a veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB) or a qualified Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). If you elect to hire a CPDT because you can’t find a behaviorist in your area, be sure to determine whether he or she has professional training and extensive experience in successfully treating aggression, as this training and experience are beyond what CPDT certification requires.

Common Myths
Don’t Spay Your Dog Until After Her First Heat
There’s no behavioral or medical benefit to waiting to spay your dog until after her first heat cycle. In fact, each heat cycle your dog experiences increases her risk of developing serious medical conditions. To best prevent the development of unwanted behavior and medical problems, make plans to spay your dog before she reaches sexual maturity at six to 12 months of age.

Letting a Dog Have One Litter Will Calm Her Down

There’s nothing magical about giving birth that leads to a calmer, better-behaved dog. Two things that do lead to a better-behaved dog are proper obedience training and regular exercise. If you use gentle, consistent training techniques to teach your dog some basic manners, she’ll learn how to control her impulses. (To find a professional in your area who offers classes or private training lessons, please see our article, Finding Professional Help.) Making sure your dog gets at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, as well as plenty of mental exercise, can also greatly improve her behavior. (Please see our articles, Enriching Your Dog’s Life and Exercise for Dogs, to learn how to give your dog a great physical and mental workout.) If you have a puppy, keep in mind that maturity may bring calmer behavior, too.

Spaying Is a Quick Fix for All Behavior Problems

Some people think that spaying a dog will get rid of all her behavior problems. Although it often reduces undesirable behaviors caused by the heat cycle, there’s no guarantee that your dog’s behavior will change after she’s spayed. The effects of spaying are largely dependent on your dog’s individual personality, physiology and history. Even if spaying does remedy behavior problems that are influenced by hormones, it’s not a quick fix that will instantly transform your dog into an angelic companion. If you want her to learn polite manners, you’ll still need to teach her basic obedience skills. If you need help with training, please contact a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) in your area. If your dog has a more serious behavior problem, such as fear or aggression, and it persists after she’s spayed, please see Finding Professional Help to learn how to find a qualified professional who can assist you.

Potential Detriments of Spaying
Although spaying is beneficial in many ways, there are a few potential effects to be aware of:

• A small number of studies report that unspayed female dogs who are aggressive to family members may become more aggressive after they’re spayed. This could be caused by a decrease in estrogen and oxytocin, both of which may have calming, anti-anxiety effects.
• Spayed females have an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections.
• Between 5 to 20% of spayed females suffer estrogen-responsive urinary incontinence (or “spay incontinence”), which means they have poor sphincter control and are less able to hold their urine. At least one study found a slightly higher risk in dogs who were less than three months of age when spayed. The risk is higher for overweight dogs, and dogs of certain breeds are predisposed to this condition. Fortunately, this kind of urinary incontinence is almost always easily controlled with medical treatment.
• Dogs who are spayed before they reach their adult size may grow slightly taller than they would have had they not been spayed.
• There is a very slight increased risk for spayed dogs to develop transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma (three kinds of cancer), particularly those breeds that are already predisposed to these diseases.
• Dogs spayed prior to five months of age may be slightly more likely to develop hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, particularly those breeds that are already predisposed to these diseases.
• Spayed dogs are at increased risk of developing hypothyroidism.
• Physiological changes after spaying may affect your dog’s metabolism and appetite, making her prone to weight gain. There’s some evidence to suggest that puppies spayed before five months of age are at greater risk of becoming obese than puppies spayed later. This potential drawback is easily controlled with appropriate diet and exercise. If you notice that your dog looks overweight, you can decrease the amount of food you give her and increase her exercise. If you’re not sure if your dog is at a healthy weight, please consult her veterinarian.

It’s important to realize that the potential drawbacks of spaying are minimal relative to the benefits. However, you should discuss both the benefits and detriments with your veterinarian to make the best decision for the health and well-being of your individual dog.

Pics of my homecoming on Dec 10

Mama finally had time to upload pictures of me during my first couple of days. Enjoy...

My sister Danielle and Melanie picked me up from the home 

I was in and had to vacate immediately or I was looking at a death sentence. 

I was really frightened; Danielle had to carry me out of the car.
Thank goodness she didn't slip because we both would be kissing the snow. 

Our friend Melanie helped Danielle transfer me from one home to my new home.
Thank you Melanie. I hope you come to see me again
but not to take me to another home because I like this one. 

Dad and me. He is still considering me a "foster" dog. 

Here I am with my new toy, which I haven't torn apart yet. 

I am sporting a pink scarf. 

Mama likes pink and she says it is a great color for me. 

Here I am wearing my Christmas scarf.
My eyes look funny, don't know where the color came from. 

My own pillow

Me and Dad

My sock monkey, which has been already in surgery. 

Did I tell you Mama can sew my toys for me to pull the stuffing out again and again?

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

Napping

My Dad and I are napping while Mama is handling bills on the computer. Dad is on the couch and I am on the love seat. Yea, me, the foster dog, got my own couch to rest my young bones on. Dad's bones are bit older and larger, so he got the full couch.

Woof, woof, till later...

Zoey

I didn't mean to do it...

I was so excited today to see Mama. Dad let her sleep in this morning so I didn't get my breakfast as scheduled. I was patient...waiting...waiting... and finally I spotted Mama coming down the stairs. I am always so excited to see her! I can't help myself, I have to jump on her and nearly knock her down each time. I hear her tell Dad that we have to break me from doing this. I know it will be for my own good, but believe me when I say it is fun to jump on her.

Anyway, she went to refill my water bowl with clean, cold water and my food bowl with yummy food. I couldn't restrain myself. I had to jump to give her my wet, sloppy kisses of thanks and before anyone realized it the water bowl went flying and I went running when I heard Dad's voice.

Mama was good about it. She said the floor needed washing anyway. That's my Mama, I like how she thinks. I know though she wants me to stop the jumping and she is determined to train me not to do it. I know I can, I just need to practice more and more to keep my four paws on the floor.  Look how good I am in the pic below.

Woof, woof, until later,

Zoey

Dad to myself today

Oh, how I love my Mama, but today I have special time to bond with my Dad. Mama is at work all day. Dad is working from home, so it is just the two of us in the kitchen. Maybe, just maybe, I will be the receiver of extra treats.

Dad keeps reminding Mama that I am a "foster" dog. Luckily, Mama isn't hearing too well!

Woof, woof, till later...

Zoey

Who is this Bruiser fellow?

Last night I heard Mama giggling when she was looking at her tablet, so I took myself over to her, cocked my head, and wondered what was so funny. She said Renee & Bruiser look so cute in pictures that were posted on FB, so I am thinking, FB, FB, fat bones, fabulous bones, five bones for me...? I was wrong, FB has nothing to do with bones.

Mama sure seems to like this Bruiser fellow. She showed me a picture of him. I guess I can see why she thinks he is cute. I will wait until I meet up with him, see if he has any thoughts about sharing my treats and toys, before I make a judgement call about Bruiser!

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

cookies , cookies, and more cookies

Today was a long day waiting for Mama and Daddy to arrive home. Dad beat Mama, so he was the lucky one to take me for a walk.

Tonight Mama was filling containers with cookies she made on Sunday. My tongue was hanging out while I was wishing as hard as I could for just one to drop on the floor. Not my lucky day, not even a morsel did I get. Mama will not let me by the table. She keeps saying she doesn't want me to learn to beg, especially while their dinner is being devoured. I think it has to do with the Precious Princess Pup who lived here before me. She must have been the queen of beggars because she really spoiled it for little ole me.

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

Mama's busy with a special day called Christmas

My mama has been so busy, shopping, wrapping boxes (how I wish I could help open them), baking, and going to work. No wonder she is tired. I can't imagine doing all that stuff; I am all about love, fun, and sleeping. Today was my longest day without Mama and Daddy. I survived but I like it better when trey are home.

Tonight they made a bad judgement. They waited too long to take me out after dinner. I tried to hold it, but after all, I am only a puppy! You can't judge a puppy by size.  I don't know how to give signals yet when I have to go to do the pee pees. Hee, hee, I don't think they will make that mistake again. I apologized by giving them lots of licks after I was brave enough to come out of my house.

Yesterday I had my nails clipped at Happy Paws. The lady was nice but I was so frightened. She cut them a little shorter but not as much as she should have done. She said next time she will cut them shorter or file them. Daddy had to give the lady some green paper and I got a treat in return. I call that a wonderful transaction.

Have a good sleep; dogs are really good at doing that.

Woof, woof, till later...before you go, check out mama and me.
Zoey

I must be a celebrity pooch....

Sunday we had lots of people come to my house to meet me! Me, can you believe it, a foster pup! Wow, I am liked and it is a wonderful feeling to have people like me. Oh, how I am hoping to stay forever at this house. My sister came with her cousin Kerry, so I guess that is my cousin too. Mama's good friends Pat and Jim, and Megan too came to meet me. I am leaping on sunshine! Oh, what a feeling.

More later.

Woof, woof, till later....
Zoey

Did you know I have a foster brother?

I met my foster brother today for the second time. The first time was just for a few seconds but today he spent time with me. I wasn't to gracious. I was a bit frightened and it took me a while to warm up to him. He is BIG--and mama says I am big. I think she needs to look at her son and then look at me. He has gigantic paws!

David bought me a cool stuffy and treats. I am keeping them and he is not getting them back. Mama said they were treats from him, so I guess I don't have to really think about giving them back.

He also took me out for a quick walk so mama didn't have to take me out in the cold. I am  getting to like walks! I am still a little skittish when I see the leach, hopefully I will resolve that issue.

I am looking forward to seeing my foster sister again. She is really, really nice. She found this home for me so I will be forever in love with her.

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey

I am liking the white stuff called snow

I got to spend another night with my foster family and still hoping they will become my forever family. I am really, really trying to keep my good side showing. Not sure if I have another side. Anyway, I like to stare out the sliding doors in the kitchen and watch the snow fall. Very pretty scene.

Mama took me to the dog run early this morning. I didn't run though the play area though; I picked up branches instead. Maybe I will take a fast run next time.

I don't know who Laura is but Mama does. She talks to her and a Sierra dog when she walks me. I know already that Mama loves them. Hope she will love me too!

Woof, woof, till later,
Zoey

Being good

I heard my foster dad tell my foster mama on the phone this morning that I am being a good dog! I am trying my best to get them to want to give me a forever home. I am sorry I broke mama's gold chain, I only wanted to give her lots of kisses.

Zoe or Zoey?

Our house guest is feeling more comfortable with us. The first night (Tuesday, Dec 10) she slept in her crate and didn't say a peep. She was quiet until we came down to the kitchen in the morning.
 
We can tell she is feeling more at home because last night she didn't want us to leave her in her crate. She whimpered for a few minutes before quieting down to sleep.

Her ears are shaped like Sierra's. I can visualize how Laura would bite Sierra's ears playfully. I think Laura would have done the same with this pup's ears.
 
She came to us with the name Eris (Ancient Greek: Ἔρις, "Strife") is the Greek goddess of chaos, strife and discord. Her name is translated into Latin as Discordia, which means "discord." I didn't like the name and now I dislike it more. So I am going to call her Zoë, Zoe, or Zoey (not sure how I am going to spell it), which means "life" in Greek. I think that is appropriate since we saved her from a kill shelter. I know what you are thinking--I am talking like I am keeping her. Honestly, I am not sure what we are going to do. She is so sweet and she is touching my heart. I do know she will be with us for a while.

Scandal is on so I will post more tomorrow. Need to go watch TV.

Are too many kids taking antipsychotic drugs?

Use is climbing despite questions about how safe the drugs are and how well they work

Published: December 2013

Here is a link to an an extraordinary special report for Best Buy Drugs on the overuse of powerful antipsychotic medications in children. You can and should read it here:

Are too many kids taking antipsychotic drugs?
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/12/are-too-many-kids-taking-antipsychotic-drugs/index.htm

The story will serve as a terrific aid to parents and caregivers, create pause among policymakers, physicians, and concerned consumers. And in general, the story advances knowledge and information what is known and unknown about the effectiveness and safety of these drugs when used in children. 

In addition, it lends to a chorus of questions parents, doctors and others should be asking of drug manufacturers and regulatory agencies. 

A glimpse of my house guest

Dec 10 2013_First introduction

She is on her way...

The snow didn't deter my daughter-in-law from rescuing my new foster girl! Danielle & Melanie went to pick her up. Danielle said the first stop is Petco. The dog needs a bath! Danielle will be picking up the essentials. Pic to come.

A new addition to the family

Tomorrow we may be fostering a 5 month old pup to save her from going to a kill shelter. I hope we like each other! Until tomorrow...

Dinner with co-workers/friends

December is a very tough month for people like me who only want
their loved one to return to our world. It is hard to watch other families
during this month--celebrating and enjoying all the special events December
has to offer. I try to insulate myself throughout the holiday season.
I almost didn't go out  tonight with the Health Impact team.
I am really glad I changed my mind! I had a delightful time, learned some
things about wild mushrooms in the state of Washington, and how to get free
 rides to work with strangers in the San Francisco area. I really laughed a lot
and it felt wonderful.

Thank you, Tara, for the treat.

Happy Birthday

 

to Laura's Aunt Georgeann

Beautiful people do not just happen

Beautiful is not a look it's something that radiates from the inside. 

We all struggle and have to find the light…

when we find that light and stand in it, our true beauty shines. 

Oh no, it is December already...

Uncle Sonny (died this September) & Laura

Laura

The busy season has started. 

I have to admit I did spend some part of Friday shopping in one store. 

I am glad to say I don't know any one who violated 

Thanksgiving by rushing dinner to go shopping. 

This week starts Holiday parties; Christmas cards, and decorating. 

I am thinking about putting up a tree this year; still not sure if I am ready to do it. 

The tree hasn't been assembled since the last time Laura did it--six years ago. 

I will give it some more thought.