A Cool Morn~

With fog~

Old Girl & the chickens~

Cousins!

How is it possible?

"Brutus" Dogue de Bordeaux

Sleeping in Dukes bed!

"Duke" Japanese Chin

French Mastiff's or Bordeax are large powerful dogs and can weigh up to 128 lbs. plus plus.  Where as the Chin can weigh in at 4 - 15lbs. 

The cousins pictures were sent via cell phone.

"There's never a dull moment~"

It had been a long hot summer - the pups are sure happy about things cooling off, especially Sophie our bullmastiff!  You'd think she was a snow dog. . . as soon as it cools off she comes alive.   But more in spirit since she has Hip Dysplasia; a painful thing for any dog to go through and I believe especially hard on larger breeds.  Frankly, I was shocked when given the news last year.   At the young age of six years she has been doing well over all but I have to say very discouraging.  Sophie tries to do as the pups in keeping up but that generally bums her up the the next day or so.  Walking helps as well as high doses of Glucosamine and Chondroitin - we've also been watching her weight.  I believe many things can attribute to weight issues not only food and our dogs have been on a good diet for dogs.

I'm always conscious of how she moves and there are times when she favors one leg more than the other.  Recently after closer investigation I saw that her leg wasn't just swollen, it never was previously, it also had an opening that was infected (There was a small fatty growth in this spot that either ruptured or got scratched in play.)

So I thought I'd get her in to the vet, (though reluctantly) we normally try and treat our animals at home. However, not being certain if there was something in the wound - off we went.  We should have stayed home!   Once we arrived Sophie and I went right in with her recognizing where she was and after dropping to the floor tried to leave.  She had seen a vet in Ohio with never a problem.  The last time here we brought her in with limping favoring her back legs; her overall experience wasn't so pleasant.  That's of course when Sophie got x-rays of her hips and finding out about the Hip Dysplasia.  It all seemed rather dramatic for her and with me not aloud to go in she wasn't cooperating.  I happened to see through the door they had her on the table lying on her back with Sophie putting up a struggle.  I just went in and calmed her down to get the pictures.  I truly believe she was in pain and being wrestled on a metal table didn't help.

So with Sophie and me setting on the floor waiting - the vet's assistant came out to take her back - I mentioned I wanted to go with her and apparently that was going to be a problem.  I was quickly informed that there was other "patients" back there and typically wasn't aloud - she would ask.  It was a little wait but the vet came out and looked at her - I showed her Sophie's leg in question - the vet took her nail and scraped at it - ordered up a script for an antibiotic - asked how much I was feeding her and after I told her - "she is to fat she should be getting 1/2 cup a day!  I explained to her that I cut way back to 2 - 2 1/2 cups and even at times fast her.  To much she said. . . whatever!  She didn't even weigh her or ask how she does over all - didn't even look at her leg other then to scratch at it with an uncovered painted finger nail. . ."is it just me!" lol  Walking off  the receptionist said that will be 90 bucks! What can I say?

So I took Sophie home got her antibiotics going and used warm compresses on her leg.  Junk kept coming out and she felt better.  I kept this up until mostly if not all the stuff seemed to be removed and over a few days.  Swelling gone and wound healed.

Lilly

Lilly is a sweet girl and pretty tough; though she had a time of it when her nail split lengthwise.

All the dogs (including Sophie if I don't catch her) love chasing up and down along the fence.  As you can see it isn't like running in a meadow where there's grass; we have rock / granite / dirt!  It isn't even like running on a sidewalk this stuff can chip nails if they aren't kept short.  So prior to taking Sophie to the Vet we took Lilly mid September with her being a real trooper until they clipped the nail.   I could have done it myself but the way it was split lengthwise and so close to the toe I choice not to.  (Of course same vet - and I "couldn't" go in with her).  I asked that they trim the rest up and they had to sedate her to do so.   You see Lilly's nails seem to be very sensitive I learned this when at home I previously tried trimming them -  when one broke before,  she did fine until I started trimming the rest with a nail a tad short.  Well after that you can't seem to get near them!  Over all she does well.  It took around a month or so to heal.  For a few weeks I used a leash - then I'd let her out by herself, etc. 

I need to add this to Lilly's story.  After the vet or her asst. trimmed Lilly's nails - leaving some :/ she asked me "why are her nails so brittle?"  I almost said, "Why don't you tell me - you're the Vet!" Instead I replied, "I don't know."  I know have been giving the dogs what I used to give Sophie and Miki in the past.  Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin E (or wheatgerm) Nails have improved.  :)

Gordy on the other hand doesn't seem to be bothered by all the "issues" the females are going through.  He and Sophie have their moments but he loves on her - he's very gentle when she want's to play.   Of course now that Lilly is pretty much all mended up they both like to rough house but that is kept at a minimum.   Sometimes I get on their case when the two are tug o waring and wrestling around.  For the most part they spot.  Sometimes it just gets very quiet and they've moved it to the bedroom and on top of the bed!  When it comes just to Gordy I'm sure he thinks he's top dog and is pretty comfortable where ever~

Now on a different note~  Can you guess what this is?

It's been said that chickens will eat just about anything - maybe even anything!  Friday my Dad, with my help,  preformed surgery on a rooster.  Surprised?  Let's say it wasn't in my plans for the day.  I knew it was coming since the rooster swallowed it few - several days prior; it wasn't passing through to the gizzard and keeping him from eating or digesting.   Poultry have been known to die from things being lodged in their crops.  Some suggestions were given to help remove the obstruction but it never would have worked.  I read (after we preformed surgery) that if using water, olive oil or liquid paraffin.  In serious cases surgically removing was listed as an option and that of course is what Dad chose.  I was that serious but the suggestion was in taking the "chicken" to the vets.  Dad had done this before and by himself!  I was impressed to say the least and really marveled at the rooster.  Really!  Well we gathered all that was needed - I'll leave the details out but will say I sewed him up!  Yes, me!

So what is the picture of?  Have you given up?

An old banana peel - to the right the hard stem!

In quoting my cousin Tammy - whom I haven't seen in years, "There's never a dull moment~"  Dad and I did such a great job I mentioned we ought to take it on the road - or not~  Not!

August has come and gone - it's sure been a busy summer!  August had also been the hottest recorded here - so it's been said.  The animals hid most of the time where ever they could stay cool so did I accept for when I was trying to work in the garden.  After awhile I just let it go only to go out and harvest a bit -it turned into a jungle!  Slowly I've been weeding and cutting back everything that's grown together.  :)

I haven't any new pics to share but I would like to share a link I've enjoyed.  I don't believe I've shared this before and if I have you can't have enough of a fun link!  The Hen Cam  is a wonderful place to visit put together by Terry Golson author of cookbooks and children's books.   Check it out you while you're taking a break or cooling off - you along with your children and grandchildren if you have them will enjoy watching. 

Happy July!

Gordy & Lilly

It's been a couple months since I've visited this page and have missed posting having so many things to share with you.  Hopefully one day I'll get them in here.  Most recent - of news, is that our Lilly "Pad" as I call her is here for an extended visit.  She and brother Gordy are getting along wonderfully. 
Lilly also enjoys playing with Sophie and plays very gentle with her.  I suspect she knows Sophie's (Bullmastiff) joints aren't doing well.  We found out a year ago that she didn't have any cartilage just bone on bone in her hip joints (a good article on Hip Dysplasia *) so she has a hard time of it.

*Keep in mind that I do share links but don't necessarily agree with all.   Example would be the use of NSAIDs for dogs without researching more; I was under the impression that dogs can not use some since it's potentially harmful to them.  However, I'm not a vet and would need to seek advice on that subject.

Sophie

Typically we've gone with what the breeder recommended for Sophie (Natural Rearing) and find after research it to be the best advice.  I personally don't like treating with conventional methods unless no other choices.   When all the pups where born we could not afford the more holistic approach and as for food bought what we felt would be a close second to a raw diet.  I located the food through Shirley's Wellness Cafe.  Also placing Sophie and Miki on the same they had done okay but Sophie had put on weight.   Since then we've gone back to at least giving her a mostly raw diet, as well as, Gordy and Lilly while she's here.  Our boys told us the pugs (grand pups) and Lilly started eating Earthborn "grain free" Primitive Natural; the grain-free makes me happier!  Primitive Natural is sold in small bags of 28lbs verses the 40lb bags of the other - I believe it is better if you can afford it and don't want to feed raw.  Sophie and Miki when she was with us definitely did better on the raw diet and that's our preferred choice.

For treatment of Sophie's joints I give her a good dose of Glucosamine and Chondrontin, the brand I use is Nature's Plus, that seems to be helping.  Most recently I found a product on line and was impressed with all the testimonials from other users.  It's called, Arthro-IonX through Vetionx Natural Pet Health Products.  So along with getting back to her or as close to "old diet" we're giving this a go; using the recommended amount in food or water. 


On a lighter side of things, I found this listed on the Framers Almanac web-cam listing.  The Hen Cam is so cool you'll love checking this one out!  If you have small children they will love seeing what the chickens are up to - and the goats on the goat web-cam.

At Home~

We've had a couple batches of peeps hatch this spring and they are already out and about independent of momma hen.  I thought I'd better get a picture of the recent peeps before they get to big.

"Girl" Not caring to much for her picture taken.

I noticed something that I didn't want to overlook any longer - the best farm dog ever, "Girl."  Girl is my Dad's dog given to him from an old friend, and several years ago.  We figure she is at least 12 years old and may actually be year or two older (I'm thinking older).  She's slowing down some but very young at heart and possibly the sweetest dog I know.  There isn't a need for a cat - she's a great mouser.  She will chase off hawks, keep snakes cornered, alert you when someone or thing is around most of all she just a happy dog and loves you around.  It would be hard to fine one as good.

Gordy on the other hand is very much the pup always curious and on the move.  He's very much my buddy follows me everywhere; inside or out.

He's always ready to play and is very spoiled!  Even though he's spoiled he's very smart, quick to learn, listens well, eager to please - he's loyal and loving.

Sophie is my sweetheart though and has been a loving mom figure to Gordy.  They love each other and spend most of their time together.

Best buds - Sophie and Gordy

**********

A couple of months ago we did get to visit two of the pups in Tucson.  I took them a treat they used to get when they were living here.  A wonderful yummy raw beef bone.  

Maggie

Jack

The pups love their homes and the owners are very pleased with them and have all good things to say.  I have to say though with chagrin that Maggie ended up impregnated by another dog they owned a red nose.  I wasn't happy to hear that in fact I was upset.  The owner wasn't to happy either but the male got into the run.

Indy - looking all Innocent!

Maggie had 10 pups (is that a surprise) 2 didn't make it - altogether 4 red and 4 blue - I was told they are doing fine.
With heart felt sadness I was informed that Bella at her new home got out of the fenced area and was hit by a car and she didn't make it.  Bella, Maggie, Lilly, Jack and Gordo spent the longest time together they were all 6-7 months old before they left to there new homes.
One night a few months back Gordy woke up from sleeping crying and howling very mournful.  He didn't want out he was weeping.  I almost immediately thought  something must have happened perhaps to one of the siblings or to mom Molly.  Aaron told me that Lilly did the same and she was in California.   I beleive it was the loss of Bella.

Bella Rosa

Maggie and Bell

Lilly and Bella

Bella was so loving but she was one that we were concerned about the most - she was an excape artist.  She will be missed :(

There's More To Poultry - Than Egg's & Meat!

When I was younger, living in a small town in Pennsylvania, we had chickens.  I always thought they were beautiful!  The colors of the feathers were truly something to see and it holds true today I still think they're beautiful.
Some people take the business of chickens very serious, meaning, there's more to raising poultry than just for eggs or meat ~ LOL ~ many are pets.  Last month we had taken some time to check out and enjoy the Poultry Show here at the County Fair grounds.  It was interesting and fun seeing so many different types of poultry.  Here's a small sample of what we saw.



Types of chickens~
All About Eggs~ 

Okay when you realize how awesome God is creating such wonderful diversity - when you thought you might have seen it all in the poultry world -- I've only heard of this and it got my curiosity.  Chickens that lay a chocolate "dark brown egg"

Are They Telling Secrets? :)

 

Sophie and Gordy

I took this shot with my phone on February 11, it would have been a nice Valentines pic if I would have thought about it!  Truly they're buddies but they to also have their moments.

FYI Plum Lyme Disease

I opened a news letter today from Whole Dog and felt this is one article that I couldn't just pass by and not share.  Lyme Disease is something that not only effects your dogs but is also very serious to humans.  I hope you take the time to read this.  

Plum Lyme Disease

FYI on Vaccines from Whole Dog News!

Here's another news letter from Whole Dog, I hope that you will sign up with them to receive important helpful information to keep your pets healthy.  I'm not an advocate for vaccines or over vaccinating your pets or "people" for that matter.   Some of my values sometimes gets me into heated discussions but I hope you read with an open mind. 

How vaccines effect both socialization and behavior in dogs.