Let Sleeping Dogs...

As far as I know there are two camps of dog caregivers (dare I say owners...there's another ethical argument with that concept).  One camp is strongly against dogs sleeping with their caregivers and the other is all over that like white on rice.

After purchasing a king sized bed, along with the Japanese style panel bed frame that is just low enough for Pete to jump on, I am siding with the sleep-with-your-dog camp.  In fact, just last week, Pete and I shared a pillow.  OMG....so fricking cute and dysfunctional at the same time.

I don't care what people say, it's worth the kicking and squirming and snorting and snotting just to feel that little warm body literally attached to mine (but it is important to note that he stays on top of the covers...I'm not some icky pug perve.....just to be clear.

That's all I got.

K

Ode to the Bully Stick

What can keep Pete occupied for the entire duration of my workout? What, when he appears to have no energy, can wake him up and generate a firestorm of excitement and desperation? What, when chewed up and gooey, can stink up the room and promote the dry heaves just by looking at it?

Answer:  The Bully Stick (a.k.a. a bull's penis)

This brilliant invention in canine entertainment was born, I am sure, from the meat industry.  I can just imagine the talk around the slaughter house, "Hey, Bob! What do you want to do with these bull's penises?"  Who knew they would make such amazing chew toys for woman's best friend?

It's a gross thought and it's an even grosser image, but if it makes my Pete happy, I'll put up with the little bits of chewed connective tissue lying around the house.

What my bebe wants, my bebe gets.

That's all I got..

K

Osteoarthritis at the Age of Six!

Poor Pete. It started with a limp and turned into two weeks of rehabilitation following a diagnosis of early onset osteoarthritis. I was mortified and very sad knowing that he is only six and my hopes are to ensure his health and safety for a long life.  I realize osteoarthritis is not a death sentence, but it can change how Pete lives into his older age.

Another problem I am faced with is how to alter the personality of such a outdoorsy, risk taking pug that lives like a border collie? How do I stop him from leaping off furniture and running like a bat out of hell on the trails? I have now installed dog steps that lead from the couch to the floor and have carried him down the stairs on more than one occasion.

He is now eating a diet of fish and taking supplements to aid in joint health.  He is also on a weight loss problem with the goal of achieving a five pound weight loss (and he isn't happy with that).

I look back on my exercise regime with Pete and I realize that I may have contributed to his diagnosis.  In addition to some of his unfortunate genetics, it looks like we will have to re address his walks and reduce them to no more than 30 minutes each....at least until he is out of the woods.

The problem is that osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that doesn't recede. I believe there are things I can do to stave off the effects, but it is what it is.

Meanwhile, Pete is a trooper and continues to enjoy the times he does get to explore the woods (and that's is most of the time).  It's just not as long as we used to spend, but I'll take it if it means his happiness, health, and comfort.

K