Second change – because it stays lighter longer,  we can go for later walks in the evening. Usually the FG gets to go for a longer walk – his energy level is boundless – so he needs it.  You can just leave us PONs with some treats, and we are good.

The last few nights, with the snow largely gone – my human has been taking the FG up to the golf course in the evening. He is kept on leash because the thought of a sunset rodeo is less than appealing.  It’s pretty quiet at that time of the  evening.   Not a soul around.  And it would be completely relaxing and mind-clearing.  Except for the fact that the FG is continually trying to freak out my human. 

The walk begins fine.   With him trotting along, scouring the grass for animal poop.  And smelling all kinds of things.  Then at about the half way point, he decides that the walk would be much more enjoyable if he were FREE.  It’s a little difficult to accurately describe the “look” that appears on his face – .07 seconds before he suddenly tucks his tail between his legs and bolts to the end of his leash – only to turn and bolt the other direction. He uses this element of surprise in the hope that my human will drop his leash.  My human braces herself for the impact as the leash goes tight.  This ricochet behavior helps to build human biceps and quads at the same time. Some people go to a gym to work out.  My human walks the FG.

If the ping-pong maneuver doesn’t work, the next attempt is to chew his way to freedom.  He grabs the leash and starts grinding down in an attempt to escape his bondage.  Needless to say, my human has to stop this behavior .  Usually by begging.

Lastly, there is the scare tactic.  And lately, he had been REALLY, REALLY good at this one.  He will be walking and he suddenly bolts to the end of his leash like he has seen something.  Then he stands completely still.  And stares.   He usually waits to use this behavior until just after sunset.  And it is best to stare into the woods.  

We know that dogs have much better hearing than humans.  We hear a greater range of frequencies and we can hear sounds four times further away than humans. My human listens – as IF she could hear what he hears.  Seriously- she knows we hear better – not to mention the fact that her hearing has probably been affected by Einstein’s incessant barking.  Long term exposure to noise will do that.

But she still listens and watches.  And sometimes he will look in the distance and move his head like he SEES something too.  Now that is REALLY freaky.  My human doesn’t actually scare easily but the stop and scare thing as it is getting dark out always seems to make her walk just a little bit more quickly.  Yup.  It’s a full body workout.

I started thinking that we could rent out the FG for people who want a workout.  We’ll make the price just under that of a daily gym visit.  Mind you, they also need to pay for the insurance….

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 39

March 20 – it’s so nice to see you.  It’s the first day of Spring!   And we are very glad indeed.  

My human was laughing at how differently we PONs and the Picard react to the changes in the weather in the Spring.  Take a PON for a walk and he will find the last patches of snow that are left to roll on.  Take a Picard for a walk and he hits the ground to roll when he sees a patch of grass.  The FG nearly took out my human the other night when he plunged to the grass – right in front of her as she was walking him.  My human almost joined him in the roll. 

Let’s start with the baby and the German Shepherd.  Now I must confess that my human sometimes winces when she sees baby and dog videos, because there are signs that the dog is NOT having a good time.  But by all accounts, these two are having a blast together:

Next we have the news hungry Golden.  It may be staged, but we can attest that it COULD be real:

Then we have the puppy with happy feet.  I think this beats Einstein’s pre-meal barking:

Then we have this Fido who likes to groove to the music while being groomed.  Maybe my human needs to play music while grooming us…instead of listening to audiobooks.  On dog training.

Next is this guy who can even out talk Einstein.  He definitely is in the “awkward moments” category:

And last but not least, my hero Kratu. This rescue provides his own type of agility.  I don’t know what my favorite part is – when he hides in the tunnel- or listening to the commentstor’s remarks.

I hope you’ve had a few giggles – and your day contains other laughable, healthy moments!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 37

According to the crazy calendar, March 18 is Awkward Moments Day.  A day to laugh at those strange things that happen (in day to day life) and let them go.  For example, walking us two PONs down the road and encountering other walkers (most likely neighbors) is ALWAYS an awkward moment.  Like last week…

It was a nice day so my human decided that we should go for a walk.  Or should I say WE decided that we should go for a walk.  Another walk.  We are still ensuring that my human gets lots of exercise.

The FG did his first and then it was time for me and Einstein.  We marched up our long driveway, and my human hesitated a bit as we neared the road , because she heard voices.  And so did Einstein.  Before I continue I should let you know that Einstein is the self-appointed guardian of the road.  Oh.  And he owns it.  The WHOLE road.  Not just our property.  EVERY property on the road.  And in his role as self-appointed guardian, he must announce his presence whenever he sees ANYONE.  Well anyone except Pig Pen and his humans.  He’s used to them.  And they carry treats.  So announcements are not necessary.  Begging is.

Anyway, Einstein heard the voices and assumed his “puffed up” trot.  He literally tries to make himself look bigger.  I just keep on walking silently.  

Up the road is a very nice family – which includes Mom and Dad, two year-old twin boys and their 5 year old big sister.  Dad and the two boys were out at the end of their driveway surveying the snow situation.  The boys had their own little shovel. Of course as SOON as Einstein spotted them, the barking began.  The typical “awkward” moment where my human laughs and says “oh he’s just saying hello” yet a slew of other words – directed at Einstein,  are pouring through her brain like Niagara Falls.  You can also see the stunned, cautious faces of the two sweet boys and Dad as the incessant canine rant continues. 

My human tries to carry on an awkward conversation from across the road – shouting over Einstein’s rant.  My human knows that if we would just go up to the kids and Dad, that the rant would stop.  But she can also see the understandable concern in their eyes.  So she moves up two feet at a time and stops, attempting to carry on a conversation- but not really sure what she is saying because she’s monitoring the approach.  And Einstein is being quiet. On and off.  As we juuuuuust about make it across the street, the boys’ sister comes down the driveway, setting the rant machine back on high volume and steady speed.  By now we have made our way across the street. Luckily big sister is totally interested in the two shaggy beasts and not the least bit worried.  My human gives her a kibble and tells her to open her hand wide, to give it to the rant machine.  Einstein immediately stops barking and gently takes the treat.  He decides that these three kids are fine, but he’s actually a tad bit shy of Dad, but thankfully doesn’t begin his barking.  Meanwhile I was quietly walking around and observing, being neither sociable nor worried.  I was just basically hanging out. FINALLY my human could carry on a conversation.

No sooner does everything settle down than Einstein spots another neighbor and a friend out for a walk- approaching our direction.  She warns the family that the rant machine is about to again begin and as if on cue, Einstein starts up again.  This neighbor is used to Einstein so they just march right up to Cujo and say “hey buddy, how’s it going?”  His puffiness deflated and he just started wagging his tail.  I went over and followed his lead.

My human thinks she is just going to buy everybody on the road a box of biscuits.  Maybe it will curb the guardian rant.  Then again, he may be more likely to take off and go to visit all the neighbors if he thinks they have food.  He’s no fool.

So awkward moments abound around here- if it’s not the guardian alert system, it the crazy Picard who, if allowed would use humans as a springboard.  I provide the least awkward moments of all three of us.  Unless you happen to leave me with the neighbors’ pillowcases….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 36

If you have been following my seizure free count, you see that I have passed the one month mark.  We try not to get TOO excited, because well, we have been here before.  But it IS good news – and most likely a sign that the new medication is working.

And what about the CBD oil? As you may recall, due to changes in government regulations, we could no longer obtain the type we were using last year.  My human was able to obtain a different brand through a different company in Ontario. Why could they still sell CBD oil? Who knows.  It’s a mystery.  But my human stocked up- trying to buy reserves should they be shut down.  The cost for this supposedly controlled product was around $150 per month – just like the cost of the original product we had been using before.

As you may recall, we started the CBD oil initially because there was preliminary evidence that it helps control seizures.  And we DID see a decrease in my seizures last year when I began using it.  BUT, if we look back, I had also started a new medication with my vet too.  So.  Was it the new medication making the difference ?  Was it the CBD?  Was it the combination of the two?

Since we can no longer get the controlled CBD product, we tried several others.  The problem- how do you know that what is SAYS on the bottle is what is inside?  There are currently no controls for many of the products out there.  There SHOULD BE third party testing available – as there was with the original product we were taking.  These current products did not have that testing available. Should one use these products? And the next question- what IS the correct dosage – and the correct potency? So to answer these questions,  my human went to the source.

There is currently a research study underway at the University of Colorado.  They are doing specific research on the use of CBD oil in dogs with epilepsy.  So my human sent them our questions.  And they answered. 

The big answer.  They don’t know.  Their research is not complete and will not be for some time.  They did say that they were using a dosage that was three times stronger than my human had been giving me.  Which would therefore cost around $450 per month.  The researchers actually said that without solid evidence, and given the high cost and the lack of controls for many products , at THIS point, they would NOT recommend taking it.  They recommended trying every available Veterinary medication possible, and THEN, if seizures were still occurring, start using CBD as a last resort.

Well.  THAT was a shocker.  My human THOUGHT it was making a difference- but was it?  So we began reducing my CBD in half at the same time I started my new medication.  You can see the results.

We predict that the research WILL support the use of CBD in dogs with epilepsy.  And if we need to go that route – we absolutely will.  But for now, given the lack of solid evidence, and the problems obtaining a controlled product, it just does not seem to be the best decision to use it- especially coupled with my recent success with prescription meds.  

My human says we will do whatever it takes.  And for now, we will stay the current course.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 34

On Wednesday, after 9 days, 12 hours, 39 minutes and six seconds, Pete Kaiser an Alaskan Native and his team won the Iditarod. This race is an amazing example of man and dogs working together.  In his 10th attempt, Kaiser became the first Yupik musher to win the famous race. His community stood strongly behind the 31 year old, who has been involved in dog sledding since he was a boy. When the race ended, after embracing his family he reportedly went and gave each dog a big hug, a rubdown and some very special treats. 

Today, according to the crazy calendar is ironically, International Eat an Animal for PETA day.  I’m not joking.  In 2003, a teacher in Virginia, decided to stage her own protest against PETA. It’s apparently also known as EATAPETA day.  This teacher decided to take photos at a steakhouse (having a steak!) with signs protesting PETA.  Anyway, there is a webpage and a Facebook page about it.  You can have your own little protest at home – having your chicken dinner or pulled pork sandwich.   I trying to convince my human that we all need a good meal of beef tenderloin – it’s to show our support!!!

Anyway – that’s ALL I am going to say about PETA.  For now.  But we DO need to be vigilant.  And pro active.  And supportive of our members in the canine community.  Remember- if one area of the dog world is affected (like ending sled dog racing ), PETA WILL take aim at another.   Paws up!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 33

March 14.  And it’s the birthday of Albert Einstein.   That’s ALBERT Einstein.  Not the Einstein who lives in this house. Our Einstein is named after the original one – who was a pretty smart guy who (among many other things) won the Noble Prize for Physics. I can’t even describe his scientific work- it’s WAY above me. Everybody (well I think everybody) has heard of Einstein and is familiar with his “mad scientist” appearance.  But did you know he reportedly loved animals? He had a dog – a fox terrier, named Chico Marxx. Here’s a witty quote attributed to Einstein about his feisty companion:

You can see his post-roll look in the above photo.  Looking like the real Einstein.

Pig Pen’s human did get to see how Einstein got his name.  In fact, she joked that she couldn’t remember his REAL name. His outstanding abilities were showcased when my human tried to get some photos of the three of us canines.  

For some reason, I was OBSESSED with Pig Pen, so we couldn’t be positioned for a photo together.  Then my human must have told me 50 times to look at her. I wouldn’t . 

Pig Pen, is  the  world’s most obedient dog on the planet when it comes to recalls.  But he does have a downfall.  No sit stay.  So we couldn’t get him in the photo.  

Meanwhile, Einstein was posing beautifully.  My human got a shot of the two of us, but it wasn’t great.  So she took Einstein over to two large boulders and told him to get up.  He jumped up.  She then told him to stay and look at her.  Of course he did. He’s Einstein.

Such a show off.  

It sure is nice to get out for a good run- and get this- we have been letting my human sleep in until 6:45!!!! She says that’s one good thing about the time change.

Speaking of which – time to get her moving. Another great day in the forecast- and I hope yours is as well!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 32

One reader suggested a viral campaign to let people know about Coke’s removal of the Iditarod sponsorship as a result of pressure from PETA.  She suggested bombarding the net with photos of dogs and upside down Coke cans – and the words- “Coke supports PETA.  I don’t. I support dogs.”   This type of campaign is sure to get some attention- and an initial version is already circulating on Facebook.  Please Share it if you see it!

I started thinking that aiming at Coke is definitely one course of action.  But the REAL culprit is PETA.   PETA states that they bombarded Coke with 205,000 emails from “supporters” which pressured Coke into dropping their sponsorship.  And while 205,000 sounds like a huge number, it’s really a drop in a bucket when you look at the MILLIONS of pet owners.  It seems that dog owners need to take direct aim at PETA – but many don’t KNOW PETA’s real agenda.   

NOBODY in their right mind, wants to see animals abused.  And that’s how PETA ropes people in. They rightly support issues that most people would agree are cruel – like the treatment once upon a time of circus animals.   People support the work against blatant cruelty.  But they don’t realize that underneath these good works, PETA does not want humans to “use” animals in ANY way.   They don’t believe that animals should be used for any form of “entertainment .” And this is where the water begins to get muddy.   For example, under this category of entertainment, they deem that things like sled dog racing are abusive.  People might be surprised that they believe horseback riding (not just racing) is cruel.  They only show the negative side of humans and animals – not the positive.   

They strongly promote spay and neuter to control dog overpopulation.  They believe in “a no birth nation.” Their words.  They have nothing positive to say about dog breeders. They also do not support “no-kill” shelters- where animals are “warehoused.”  They believe that euthanasia is more kind than sending a dog to a no-kill shelter.  

To find information on their website, you need to dig deep.  And frankly, while their website is flashy and contains LOTS of information, (some of which is informative) some of it is written in very odd language.  The arguments do not even make sense.  But it is probably to deflect and confuse.  They are very good at that.

Bottom line – they ultimately do not want humans to own companion animals.  So when you support them, you are supporting their long term agenda.  

This kind of promotion has to be professionally done. And IN THE MEDIA.  Maybe organizations like the AKC, CKC, UKC – could work TOGETHER on this kind of campaign.    

The Coke add is a great start.  It’s bringing attention- and that’s what we need to do.  And for major change, we also need support from the major players.

But I’m still not letting my human drink any Coke.

Just a humble dog’s opinion….

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days:  31

I was going to write today about Coca Cola and the fact that it was first sold in bottles on this day in 1894.  But I am angry with Coke- because I see they have fallen prey to the pressure of the Animal Rights movement- specifically PETA.  This company, which was a sponsor of the famous Iditarod Sled Dog race, pulled their sponsorship reportedly after pressure from PETA.  

This is just another step in the direction to END pet ownership. Really – it is.   If you carefully read PETA’s website you will see that they do NOT believe people should own animals.  At all.  And so they are slowly working at that goal – beginning with things that could be deemed as cruel by some in the the uninformed general public, and gradually working their way toward a ban on pet ownership.  A total ban. 

Think the greyhounds were abused?  Like anything, some may have been.  But regulations in the recent years controlled the sport more.  But guess what?  Greyhound racing ended in Florida- leaving dogs without homes and owners without jobs.  Think the sled dogs are abused? Again – controls have been put in place and regular veterinary checks are done to ensure the health of the dogs.  Without sponsors though, how long will that sport continue?  

Purebred dogs and breeders have been vilified because there are “so many deserving dogs in shelters who need homes.”  While there ARE deserving dogs in shelters, we need to recognize that responsible purebred breeders did not create the shelter dilemma- irresponsible breeders and puppy mills did that.  But guess what happens if we follow the motto of spay and  neuter all dogs – and adopt, don’t shop?  You don’t need a PhD in biology to figure out that if all dogs are spayed and neutered, no dogs are born.  And guess what?  Eventually you have no dogs.  So PETA’s mission is accomplished.  They would rather have NO dogs than see animals as pets.

Stopping sports like racing and sledding are just the START of the movement.  Next on the list – probably hunting dogs.  I mean think of those poor dogs having to retrieve ducks.  Or those poor dogs herding sheep.  That’s hard work.  And think about those poor dogs having to run around an agility course?  I hope you are reading my sarcasm- but not underestimating the seriousness of this issue.

I have ranted about this topic before – but seeing companies fall victim to the anti-pet agenda just stirred me up again.  You might THINK that this is a purebred issue – but it affects anyone owned by a dog.  By vilifying purebreds, if PETA can get people to stop owning them – what is left?  Neutered shelter dogs. And then what is left?

I wish humans would wake up.  There are MILLIONS of pet owners world wide.  You need to be vigilant and pro-active in supporting your RIGHT to have canines in your households.  When PETA  pushes – you need to push back.  Imagine if all the people who own dogs  said they were going to STOP drinking Coke for a week – in protest.  Imagine how it would hit sales.  But that’s the problem, Animal Rights crazies DO protest – and they get what they want!  But pet owners don’t.  There is danger in standing by and saying “oh I don’t own a sled dog – it’s not my problem.”  It’s a very slippery slope when one area of the canine world is affected…. and if you think it will never happen- talk to the greyhound owners – and the breeders who are watching their breeds near extinction.  

Done.  I need a biscuit.  Make that two.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 30