Merry Pitmas

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Gotta Love it! From a great member of the pitbull list serve. opps- looks like it is cut off! You can see it in all it’s glory here:
Video - Direct Link


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Merry Xmas to All

Many years ago (1987) SI had a terrible image on a cover, that many believed contributed to the downfall of the Pitbull breed. Well, this new issue brings a new image to the fore!

Link to Sports Illustrated Article

See my Bad Rap blog link for more insights!

Post Op Dog

I can relate to the relief when the call comes, that the pre-op labs and surgery went well. Our sweetie also his patellar area opened up and may need more surgery there later, per bad conformation and a more complicated Luxating Patella from bad conformation.

Our post op notes: Booker had his TPLO on Thursday 12/4 so we are at the 2 week mark already.

Booker came home the morning after surgery. He had received a epidural anesthesia and a long acting antibiotic injection (no antibiotic pills). He had a fentanyl patch bandaged to his other rear leg for 5 days for pain control. No bandage was applied to the incision and we were given written instructions to leave it alone. I did a minor bit of icing on days 2 and 3 when a small amount of redness appeared below the patellar incision ( one stitch). There never was any swelling. His stitches are not staples. The incision itself is absolutely picture perfect- and you cannot see it from the outside at all either. Believe me, I am an RN and have seen much worse by human surgeons!

He did some toe touching for a few days, mostly holding the operative leg up but started full weight bearing on day 5. Now when he walks slowly, he looks like he is walking normally! If he picks up a little speed, he will want to hold it up again. Of course it is cold and wet out and he is on-eash only for a few potty break. He also left the incisions alone after a few “leave it” requests on our part, when he started sniffing around. GOOD BOY!!

We have a comfy cone we put on when we were not at home( xpen‘d as well) and had introduced these earlier,so he did not fighting the cone at all. Since it is attached to a collar and he has a blocky Pitbull head, no way he could have pulled it off! We definitely will watch him like a hawk after stitches come out (Saturday) and use the cone when he is alone for a bit after that.

Tramadol was the only real problem- seems it tastes BAD so was a bit tricky to administer at times. We gave it 3 x a day while awake , since it seemed to wear off in 5- 6 hrs. Today he only got it in the morning, per is now not shaky or displaying other signs of pain or discomfort. He is back to eating kibble mixed with our meaty /veggie/ eggy /seaweed /flaxseed oil/ loaf, after refusing anything with kibble for a few days. The addition of pumpkin helped with BMs. He also gets a few supplements and a homeopathic anti-inflammatory.

We did lots of Kong tug play in his blanket filled dogbed and rope tug action while in a down there too, so no stress on the back legs etc...and his beloved Nylabones to chew on- all have kept him relatively happy. Of course all the hugs and petting are good medicine too! Treats when the cone goes on. Weekly grooming of nails, ears and daily massage / brushing also - most of his regular interactions with us, outside of romps was fun to do. I miss the walks/ romp as much as he does!

He slept more too and was a bit more irritable about strange sounds but otherwise pretty much his usual, happy go lucky self, just the doggy bedbound version. He parked himself on his living room bed for the recovery time; a little safe propane “fire” nearby kept him basking happily there too.

Those plaintive, fully -attentive- to-us LOOK moments were the worst of it ( his hopeful for a walk plea). Since we had done conservative management over most of the summer, we knew how to deal with it all pretty well.

Booker earlier had a strange reaction to Rimadyl, so we received only Tramadol. Investigation indicates this medication has a mild antidepressant action that probably helped too.

Our Ortho vet is great- he has owned the very busy 4 or 5- man ( and women) Vet Clinic for 20 years; I called him a few times and received prompt answers.
Pix of Booker now

Pitter Patter

Family Dog portrait that was enhanced and added to a fun Pitbull website, where other similarly amusing images are posted.

Canine Good Citizen

Booker took the test on November 30, 2008 and is now an official Canine Good Citizen! We have been taking him for training sessions this year, except for a few months off when he injured his stifle.He is a lovie and destined to be a therapy dog one of these days.

He will be once again be bed bound; on Thursday he will have a TPLO surgical procedure.

I rescued a Human Today

I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew
I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she
wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view
from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want
her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter
keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about
my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made
little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head
up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my
neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her
cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I
instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do
everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her
eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many
more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to
be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Please consider a shelter animal.

CGC

Booker is doing well these days. He runs again, has regained his muscle tone etc. Each Saturday he goes to the BAD RAP meeting spot, which luckily is nearby. Our teacher, Linda, has Booker deemed destined for his Canine Good Citizen Certificate. He was so excited to be in Pit Ed 1, and has lots of training under his belt. Or should I say WE ( his dedicated owners) have been dutifully trained. He’s ready for the test. GOOD BOY!!

Booker is getting better

Update
Booker, probably 4 to 5 yr ( vet says 3.5!) , 48 lb American Pitbull Terrier Booker, has been resting and recovering for 7 weeks now, with limited activity and is getting better every day.

Story:
This spring, Booker had a few episodes of right rear leg limping that went away after a day or two ( extra hard day at the beach and a long hike another time). I also had noticed he was slowing down on the trip up/down the stairs too. Then one day- a BAD limp, off to Vet, 4 days of Rimadyl daze ( not going to use that again!) and he still was limping. X-rays ( bad hips) and a positive drawer sign. Ugh. he is not well conformed in several areas so we shall see over time.

So we opted for good supplements, extra good food, and Conservative Management as the first “move” (is that a bad pun or what?) The files here are very helpful! I also joined the Orthodogs list, which is another resource; however it actually strengthened my resolve to do the wait and watch pathway.......as in Conservative Management.

He was such a good boy, really well behaved, did not run around at all and were able to limit his activities- whew! For an active dog who lives for romps and run/walks, this was quite the transition.. My husband is home by mid day, or all day, most days, as he works from home, and of course that really helped too. I am the long hours away one here...

Booker has lost muscle mass on his affected side, but it is amazing how much returns every day, as we lengthen his walks, each day.

It is so exciting to see him sitting again at the door, totally in a stay via my husband, when I am get home. Before, Booker would freely race around the yard and do his tricks ( jump and spin) as my return home greeting. Then we would go for a walk. LONG, with some time for a good off leash run and a (controlled)fennel plant attack or two- LOL - THAT IS OUT FOR NOW, of COURSE!

The whole experience of having him be under careful watch has resulted in lots of additional attention and training opportunities. So interesting to see how he adapted; he really loves the increased personal contact and is so calm and mellow with lots of happy smiles for us. Since he can no longer independently go upstairs to what we called his rule free zone/ lair (LOL), and is right next to us all evening etc- his charming personality and desire to please has deepened to a new level. He always has been a great dog with a naturally very sound temperament, but is now even more well trained, and even more of a character than ever! He has a clown and show-off streak for sure!

ALSO I have noticed today, ( lazy me /Saturday-itis set in after a stressful work week)-I only walked him for a short potty break, or 2, and he was stiff legged when he walked late in the afternoon. So I definitely will make sure to keep to the regular schedule of 3 times a day potty AND slowly increasing, 3 therapy/ sloooow walk sessions! Bad, lazy Mommie today!

We also do PROM exercises, and I have had to definitley STOP his heavy duty, cover the poop action! That may have been a huge factor in wear and tear...anyway, hoping to not need surgery anytime soon. Ortho Vet consult will follow shortly re hip and some other issues, and how to keep things going in the right direction, now that at 6 weeks he is not limping, and is gaining strength

Live and learn- thought I’d share our “getting there”. Realistically, he is physically/ortho very challenged and I do realize he just may need surgery of one kind or the other in the future.

Claudia and Booker ( <--the best dog ever!)
multiple ortho issues, .....and probable CCL partial tear June 14 08

PitBulls Rock

Below is fab Posting from a PitBull advocate whom I admire. She gave me permission to post this, a listserve message she shared.
Thanks Lynn L!

Yesterday I had to take my cat to the vet and we stopped by Petsmart after. While shopping, yes he was in a carrier, we ran into one of the national *animal supply store* Trainers and her GSD client and the dog's owners and started chatting. Even though the national *animal supply store* trainer handles all breeds, she quickly let it be known that GSDs are her breed of choice. I had on a PBRC shirt so she started asking me about pit bulls. I quickly realized she was getting into a "competition" over the breeds.

She first asked if pit bulls could do search work. I replied, "of course - there are two pit bulls named Cheyenne and Dakota that are top in their field"

Regrouping, she stammered and said, "Oh, I meant search - like Narcotics and bombs"

Me: "of course, Popsicle made the biggest drug find in US history and he's a pit bull!"

It then became like a canine version of Password.

Her: "Schnuzund" Me: "Whitehead - just won the national championship"

Her: "Agility" Me: Wallace the Pit Bull - Purina Ultimate K9 Champion

Her: Flyball" Me: Pumble

Her: Dock dogs Me: Morgan (RIP sweety)

Her: Police K9 Me: Neville

Her: Therapy dogs Me: Murphy

Her: Assistance dogs Me: Pit bulls are increasingly being used as all types of assistance dogs. In addition to the traditional roles as sight or hearing dogs, they have also proved that their strong physical build as well as even temperament makes them the ideal breed for people who need the actually physical support that the dogs can provide. We then discussed a local case where a legally blind soldier with a prothestic was kicked out of a restaurant because of his seeing eye/physical support pit bull assistance dog. It wasn't because the dog was a pit bull but the young employee didn't think any dogs could be in the pizza joint due to health codes.

Her: Well, I don't think they'd be very good at any kind of search work since they aren't scent hunters.

Me: What a pit bull lacks in olafactory, they make up for in tenacity. You take a breed that used to be bred and trained to fight to their own death and now show them that their goal is to find that cocaine or that lost toddler and they just won't quit until they do.

Her: Hmmm, I guess I'd seen them in these jobs more than I had ever really thought about. I still love my GSDs but I'll give you kudos for all the great pit bulls out there too!

Me: That's all we ever ask :)!

Boo Hoo maybe Cranial Cruciate Ligament Blues

Hi It’s me. I just had a bath. It is in the 90’s here. Boy did that feel good.

Last weekend I was at my last PIT ED 1 class with BAD RAP, and all of sudden I could not walk on my right rear leg.

Vet said right stifle (knee) and hip joints were having a problem for sure, and sent me home to rest and come back if I didn’t get better in a few days. i didn’t so he put me out and took x-rays.

They are not entirely sure yet, what I have going on.

I am a young fella and not overweight. I sure like to romp around and RUN. I really don’t like this having-to-hang-out- on -my-new bed-all-day action, except for a few potty breaks, on leash only, where I limp around. I am getting better but if i walk too much. The limp returns.

I like my crate OK, but would rather not have to be in there too, when nobody is home. Fortunately, that is not too often. Usually I have the run of the house, since I am well behaved.

Now it looks like I was born with some bad hips too, so we shall see....

I have been taking Rimadyl pills ( my mom sure was proud of the way I just chomped them up but don’t tell her, they taste great, unlike those other pills she had to put peanut butter around, to get me to take them, when I had to have surgery for the foxtail in my paw awhile ago).

Anyway, boy was I messed up from those pills, Mr Smushy Stoned Dog, but they made it easier to just loll around and chew my Nylabone and hang with my black Kong.

I miss my mom; she is on vacation. I hear she is worried sick about my knee injury.

I will be a good boy.....

National Shame

This is a video aided appeal to all dog owners to spay and neuter their pets. PRONTO.

When I recently went to a shelter for a training group orientation, I had to look straight ahead as I walked down the hall with the dogs on either side. I happened to glance at the last door and saw of course the most adoraBull young pibble...I was in tears throughout the meeting.

The estimates of 5-10 million unwanted animals Put To Sleep each year, is a shameful tragedy, beyond imagination.

The below video makes it perfectly clear. No more imagining.

Every pet owner needs to see this.

The lastest comment I received, when I offered a young man to help with a neutering, was that he is such a good dog, I want to breed him once( so he could then have one of his puppies when he died). Any information about fate of the other 9 or so puppies, and their potential offspring....was blocked. 8-(

I so admire those who work at shelters.

TISSUE WARNING_ get out a whole box for this...

Pit Bull Blues

This is so cute and so true! ENJOY!

Family Portraits

(Pre neutering) Booker on the left, Juanita and Konaloni. These are the family dogs, the girls are my son’s. Due to circumstances beyond my control (poor crate design and obviously determined dogs)...... there was a litter.

Booker was adopted by me when that occurred. And immediately altered......He is such a love, headed to a therapy and possibly a service dog “job”. He could then be at work with me at times. We are in the BAD RAP pipeline with training. His most challenging aspect is that he is easily distracted by other dogs and humans- he wants to play.

Kona was the mama. She is blue fawn. Below is the only one (Buckertte was her puppy name since Bucker was his name at the time) that had B’s coloring. She lives with a dog trainer who adores her, and has the happy go lucky nature of her daddy dog. She lives at a beach. Lucky her!



I helped out my son, who lives 30 minutes away, during this time, and suffered greatly when 3 pups were determined to be bilaterally deaf. One found an experienced home, 2 were PTS tearfully in my arms. My son did carefully screen new owners and has made sure they all received and continue to receive good care. I can only hope all were altered.

I am hoping no more litters will occur but my son has not taken what I adamantly believe to be the appropriate steps, and I have to keep up the vigil. Dang!

Beach Bums

Yesterday I took Booker to the beach- Muir Beach.

Our first time, tho it was obvious he had been a beach dog before from the excitement as we turned onto Hiway 1- he KNEW.

He frolicked in the waves, jumping over the waves, swam a bit at times and chomped on the seaweed attached to the rocks.

I had him leashed up to avoid accidents with other dogs but we did nice introductions to a few other dog owners with dog friendly pooches, so he got to run around with a few new pals at times.

We were alone on the beach and started to hear this odd yelping, sounded like a dog in some kind of hysterical fit. I looked over at the cliff, expecting to see a dog smashed on the rocks, having fallen off the cliffs. The weird noise continued, and off we went to investigate.

Low and behold, a young seal had beached him/herself.

Knowing this is a wild animal and one must let it be alone, not let be alarmed by a dog or human, we walked away quickly. I did not see any sign of injury but there was an orange tag on it’s tail- a-ha! Has had human contact! Well, he started to follow us down the beach, I was snapping cell phone pictures as we walked away and the darn thing broke into quite the gallop, BOY CAN THEY MOVE! We had to run!

For the life of me, I think he wanted to play!. Of course Booker was ready for more playtime and happily pranced back an invitation to play....which may have alarmed the seal into an attack/ pursuit.

We attempted to steer his pursuit into the water but he turned around and headed up to the warm sand. Still moving at quite a clip. I assessed he could not be very sick or injured with that much energy!

A quick call to the Marine Mammal center confirmed my suspicions, - young animal not old enough to have learned to fear humans. Very common for them to go ashore to sun themselves. I learned they only vocalize, like we heard as he was coming in, when they are excited/happy.

Wow. I had seen them in the water when I was swimming there before, when they kept their distance but not in the middle of our old sunning spot!

I spent the remainder of the day reminding folks strolling by, to keep WIDE away from the wild animal.

He lolled in the sun, tossing sand about in play, and was still there when we left at 4pm.

BAD RAP

This is a nice Video of BAD RAP and the Vicks dogs. See their website for details.

Vicks and Bad Rap

Below find a link to the west coast group called BAD RAP
Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls
and what they have done for a group a dogs.

Now that the gag order has been lifted ( last defendant sentenced in Virginia) the story is revealed.
The videos/slideshows are very touching as well.
Bad Rap Timeline: The Michael Vick Dogs