I know Jesse can see me – but in this shot I can see me!

See number nine? Best of breed…some people don’t like his face but I love the squareness of the jaw. Jesse and I had fun in the show ring, it was something VERY different for me and what an experience. If you have seen the movie ‘Best in Show’ the real thing does not stray far from that story line. If you haven’t seen it rent it!  My favorite part of the dog show is the Jr. Handler portion. I think that the Jr. program does so much more than teach dog training. It is a perfect way for a young person to learn how to behave, communicate with adults (the judge), dress appropriately for public, confidence … when I was talking to a few of them I heard ‘thank you’ more than I would in a business meeting!

If you have a chance to watch an AKC dog show in your area be sure to make time. It’s a great way to see some unique dog breeds!

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pw

Thursday evening Kirk, Jesse and I attending the Spot Magazine Mutt Mixer at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland. I had been to a dog event earlier in the at this venue and was in love with the decor and the fact that they are so dog friendly! And get this…if you didn’t bring your dog with you for your stay, they will put goldfish in your room to keep you company. LOVE it!

The benefiting local rescue was Pacific NW Pit Bull Rescue and they had a white puppy there that was just adorable! Ellena Thomas who started the rescue was there to talk about advocacy and adoption of bully breed canines. I struck up a conversation with her to learn more about their organization and I couldn’t figure out where I knew her from and her the same…then we figured it out! She works at the SW Washington Humane Society where I volunteer – small world! I plan on posting more about this breed and my personal experience with them at the Humane Society.

We are happy to report that Jesse was on his best behavior. Amos is definitely our dog of choice to bring to events but with his back on the mend we didn’t want to risk it. Jesse was able to see his long time play friend Zoe and strike up a new romance with a Yorkie – she was very popular with all the male dogs!

dog kisses – pw

p.s. This was my first time using my speedlight on dogs…not my favorite but I think it all worked out pretty good. Practice, practice, practice…

Hotel Monaco | 506 SW Washington | Portland, OR

My sister’s dog Baron lost his battle with lung cancer yesterday. He was 13 years old and the first ‘baby’ of my sister’s family. I know that he brought so much comfort to my sister and brother-in-law and so much joy to my niece’s life. She will miss blowing bubbles for him. Baron thank you for everything…

Who’s on the cover? The lovable Beagles Duncan and Arrowyn.We had a great time during their photo shoot out in gorgeous Boring, Oregon. Congrats to Christie and her furbabies for wining the 2009 Cover Model contest!

Download a PDF version here

Dog kisses – pw

Dachshunds and their back issues, it’s a matter of WHEN, not IF – Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease is serious business and it has affected one of ours. This is Amos. One of our sweet little boys who is very active (was our ‘racer’) and out of the three he is the one that is in the best shape. His weight is around 12 pounds, but he is also our jumper. His vertical leap is the dining room table, which is part of the problem.

His first signs of back problems came last September (2009), you can read his story here. After all the crate rest and drugs he had been good until last week. I immediately noticed the symptoms before they got worse and went to the vet. As the vet and many people told me, this was going to be an on going issue for Type II herniation (where the disc has not slipped yet). He recommended acupuncture right away and told me about Dr. Aimee Witherspoon of IVS. Last Wednesday we had our first appt and I am happy to report that Amos is doing very well! She said that she does aggressive treatment and typically has 90$% success in healing the back. I am hoping that we are on our way…after the first day of treatment she had me take him off all the drugs and see how he reacted and he was much better than when he was on them.

As part of his treatment she would like him to lose a pound by cutting back on his diet, exercise and doggie yoga. Right now his exercise is limited to on leash walks in stead of off leash runs. The doggie yoga is really just neck stretches, but I thought doggie yoga sounded better.

This was the first time I have really seen the acupuncture process and for someone who does NOT like needles I have to say I did pretty good. I think it was because I was so interested and was amazed that Amos didn’t seem to mind too much. There were a few times he tried to escape but for most of the treatment he could barely keep his little eyes open. I wish I had my camera – I will be sure to take it next time so I can show you all the little needles in his back!

I touch base with her tomorrow to give her a status update and we are probably looking at a couple more treatments and then hopefully only once a year maintenance. Will keep you posted!

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pw