tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46441005837701846602024-03-05T04:55:25.735-08:00Pups in Tea CupsDoes your small dog run (outsiders may say ruin) your life?
Me too!
But I can't stop lovin' them!!
So here are stories of 'Littleness,' hope you enjoyDr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-56919998621956621812011-03-20T16:13:00.000-07:002011-03-20T16:19:41.978-07:00Mommy's Coming Back in AprilWell, here's your favorite Chihuahua back again, doing his mommy's dirty work. Actually, that's just what she thinks. I'm using it to get steak. We'll talk about that in a minute.<br /><br />After she came back from SXSW, Mommy's been busy with all kinds of stuff that has nothing to do with petting me. After numerous complaints from yours truly, she realized that her mommy points were dropping dangerously low and that something had to go. And that something was NOT going to be paying attention to me.<br /><br />So, for the next couple of weeks, Mommy won't be posting any blogs about me, my fellow pack mates, or... you know... me. She'll be back in April with new stories to entertain you. Until then, she'll refer you back to earlier stories that you may have missed or just forgotten about.<br /><br />No, about that steak. I take mine medium rare.<br /><br />That was not a hint.Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-9959394353371053242011-03-06T16:51:00.000-08:002011-03-06T16:51:00.210-08:00Going to SXSW :-)This is Chief.<br /><br />I am very upset.<br /><br />Mommy is going to somewhere called Austin, Texas to give some kind of stupid, stupid talk on social media or something.<br /><br />Whatever it is, it is dumb because she is going to be gone from me.<br /><br />That is just wrong.<br /><br />It is also a bummer for you because there will not be an official blog this week or next.<br /><br />But really, it is far worse for me #justsoyouknow<br /><br />She promises to give me lots of kisses when she gets home and to get back to the blog on 3/27, but sometimes she is a fibber.<br /><br />Please feel sorry for me until she gets back. #andsendsteakDr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-14340673082433271132011-02-27T17:57:00.000-08:002011-02-27T17:57:00.079-08:00Linus in the Snow<span style="font-style: italic;">Linus is a unique dog, with a unique set of needs. It became fairly clear recently that he just wasn't fitting into the pack (you know, my largely sedentary, largely Chihuahua group of dogs). My business partner and friend, Ben Hopkin (@actingnodrama) was moving out to Idaho with his dog-loving (but dog-lacking) family and more than enough space for Linus to play with his imaginary friend. Plus, Ben's 11-year-old had bonded with Linus and kept looking at me with his big, please-can-I-have-your-dog-nice-lady eyes. It was a match made in heaven. So, today's guest blog comes from Ben, because as much as I know Linus is happy, I miss the little fluff-ball.</span><br />----------<br /><br />I was worried when we moved to Idaho. I was worried for a lot of reasons (I was moving to a place that has winters where the temperatures dip to -20 F commonly after living in L.A. for 1o years), but one of the bigger ones was how our new dog, Linus, recently adopted from Dr. McCray, would fare in his new home.<br /><br />I needn't have worried.<br /><br />Linus took to Idaho like a fish takes to water. He loved the bigger back yard. He loved the new neighborhood. He loved the dogs he met (well, all of the light-colored ones, anyway... a story for another blog entry).<br /><br />But it wasn't winter yet.<br /><br />Linus is a small dog. Linus is an L.A. dog. Linus had never experienced snow or the cold temperatures that accompany that snow. Linus was in for one heck of a shock.<br /><br />Once again, I needn't have worried.<br /><br />I have never seen a dog romp in snow like Linus does. He barks once when he wants to go outside. I figured that once it was winter, he'd only do that when he was desperate to go potty. Not so. He goes outside now more than he ever did in the more moderate temperatures. I'm beginning to worry about what he's doing to our heating bills, the door gets opened so often.<br /><br />One other, unanticipated problem. Linus is a white fluffy dog. Snow is a white, fluffy substance. See the problem?<br /><br />I have now nearly panicked about a dozen times, because I couldn't see the dog anywhere. Every time he's been busy flouncing around in the snow, completely camouflaged.<br /><br />But you know what? I wouldn't trade those heart-stopping moments for the world. Because there's no greater sight than watching our puppy playing with his imaginary friend out in the pristine white blanket covering our lawn.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-----------<br />Now that you've had a Linus update, it's time to let you know about my controversial thriller, </span>30 Pieces of Silver<span style="font-style: italic;">, that's today's Bestseller for a Day (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bestsellerforaday.com/">www.bestsellerforaday.com</a><span style="font-style: italic;">). Today only, you can get my novel for $.99, enter to win a Kindle, and help out indie authors everywhere. You can get a copy of my book </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://amzn.to/e3xqxt">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-33680941319174635642011-02-20T16:24:00.000-08:002011-02-20T16:24:00.719-08:00Orlin knows what he is doing!As most of you know I had a hard year with losing a group of 3 pets I had for over 15 years.<br />
<br />
Strangely it was Orlin who I still feel the most connected to. Perhaps because in life he was always such a good boy that I even though we didn't interact nearly as much as say Lance and I (worshiping him as I was commanded to) or Molly and I (mainly yelling at her to stop being bad), I knew I could always count on him.<br />
<br />
And even after he has passed to the other side, he is still my bestest boy.<br />
<br />
If you read a few weeks ago, s crappy little Chihuahua entered my life (via Orlin I am sure). He is everything I needed. Bright, funny, silly, goofy and a lovey-dovey kind of boy.<br />
<br />
Then after Molly went, I thought I wanted a Border Collie. I haven't had one since childhood and I thought, you know, I am only going to have so many more dogs in my lifetime, I want a Border Collie this time.<br />
<br />
But none seemed right. The ones that seemed like the best fit were up in a rescue in Tahoe, a good 10 hour drive from me. Was I really going to drive to Tahoe to look at a dog without any guarantee they would be a fit for my pack?<br />
<br />
The other concern was that Orlin had done such a good job bringing me Jasper (Jaspy-J is his rap name) but now it was Molly's turn to bring her replacement.<br />
<br />
Um... #yikes Given our 'interesting' (read difficult) relationship I was a little worried what she would send me. Did I really want to risk a fourth dog when my pack was so perfect right now.<br />
<br />
Our only hope was that in heaven she was the same dog as she was down here and she was too busy being bad to find her own replacement so she asked Orlin to do it for her (again, just like in life - he was her go-to guy).<br />
<br />
So once again I was sitting under the stars contemplating driving up to Tahoe to look at a Border Collie rescue, and I asked Orlin.<br />
<br />
Babe, can you do me one more favor? Could you tell me what am I supposed to do?<br />
<br />
I put that out into the heavens then went to bed. Fully expect to make arrangement for the long drive.<br />
<br />
But when I woke up in the morning there was an email (I am NOT making this up, folks, this is how my life works): "Sheltie pup in desperate need of rescue. If he doesn't find a home in the next 12 hours he is going to a high kill shelter."<br />
<br />
I just smiled and thanked Orlin. It wasn't a Border Collie - heck it wasn't even a Sheltie. It turned out to be a mini-Aussie, but I knew what I had to do.<br />
<br />
So to make a long story short, Wyatt is now our fourth family member. Does he have a ton of problems? Of course. He was neglected and abused.<br />
<br />
But he's right where he is supposed to be.<br />
<br />
At home with me.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Orlin. You will never be forgotten.Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-19492408810843759622011-02-13T16:58:00.000-08:002011-02-13T16:58:00.450-08:00Love Bugs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErwwm6fNpIB196P6ikbgylbNzhP6F_HiHjAYUJKhy43CDzToNwPf1o_bW2QC84_DskHpeI5mjsVoAIB6ity7mONvL8HxUVG3J3-HhZ-5QBVtQOpyraROu4CAwF1cc-uto1MuEe7WjLd9M/s1600/2_002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErwwm6fNpIB196P6ikbgylbNzhP6F_HiHjAYUJKhy43CDzToNwPf1o_bW2QC84_DskHpeI5mjsVoAIB6ity7mONvL8HxUVG3J3-HhZ-5QBVtQOpyraROu4CAwF1cc-uto1MuEe7WjLd9M/s400/2_002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569957248492238994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Every Valentine's Day I am reminded of two little puppies that I met very early in my career (I don't want to age myself but it was before CDs had been invented #ouch).<br /><br />I was just a kennel assistant back then and sure I loved all animals but growing up on a ranch I had a special affinity to working dogs, in particular Border Collies.<br /><br />So you can imagine how upset I was when two little Border Collie puppies came in with parvo.<br /><br />Back then parvo was a very serious disease with a super high mortality rate. We always did everything we could but back then we just didn't have the knowledge/resources to save most of them.<br /><br />But here came these two pups, so sick, but so in love with one another.<br /><br />Per standard protocol we separated them into two different cages. They were side by side. But that was not enough. Somehow they moved the barrier and were found snuggled together.<br /><br />Ok, we tried putting them in two different banks of cages. Somehow one of them broke out and was found laying up against the bars with the other laying on the bars from her side.<br /><br />Now remember I was just a kennel assistant, but I cared for a lot of patients and had great instincts so I told the vet that I thought we should keep them together.<br /><br />He had never heard of such a thing, and neither had I, I just had the gut feeling they needed one another.<br /><br />So with not a lot else we could do, we decided to keep them together. It took several days, but hour by hour they got stronger.<br /><br />And they survived! It was the first set of pups we had that were that sick that fully recovered.<br /><br />The owners, who came in every day to visit decided to call the pair "Love" and "Bug."<br /><br />Those two pups went on to live happy, long lives.<br /><br />After those two though, we realized the importance of managing body heat and the simple comfort of having another animal with them.<br /><br />For the really sick little babies, my own Border Collie "Sox" would curl up with those sick puppies and let them know someone in the world loved them very much. I can't tell you what that did for our survival rates.<br /><br />Even after so many advances have been made and how much better our survival rates are, there is still that occasional pup that gets so very sick. Thank goodness I had an Aussie girl who would love to curl up in their cage and nurse them back to health.<br /><br />So on this Valentine's Day, do not ever underestimate the power of Love (or Bug) :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-42076428903873657632011-02-06T16:33:00.000-08:002011-02-06T16:33:00.529-08:00Jaspy-JOk, so my new Chihuahua's real name is Jasper, however for some reason he has decided he is a rapper (and not a very good one), hence the rap name "Jaspy-J"<br /><br />He is one of those Chihuahuas that think he is so very cool. Kind of like the "Malibu's Most Wanted" for Chihuahuas.<br /><br />But really at his core, he is just a dork.<br /><br />His squeaky toy scares him half the time.<br /><br />Don't move too fast at night or you will spook him.<br /><br />He is afraid of strangers... even if he has met them a dozen times before.<br /><br />Yet for all his eccentricities (he likes playing with the cats than he does with dogs), he is exactly what I needed.<br /><br />After the difficult year I have had, having the goofiest, bounce like Tigger, still needs Mommy when the wind howls kind of puppy has been like a suave for my soul.<br /><br />I worried no one could ever replace Orlin, and no one can, but that Orlin. He knew exactly what his Mommy needed. A dork.<br /><br />So now I have 3 Chihuahaus.<br /><br />1 that is expert at mind control (all 2 pounds of him)<br />1 that thinks everyone is a serial killer<br />and 1 that thinks his album is going to drop sometime this year. #oyDr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-41352036584347685212011-01-30T15:57:00.000-08:002011-01-30T15:57:00.796-08:00The Band is Back Together #poignancyalertThe last 6 months have been rough and I am here to sadly let you know that Molly, the barking dynamo, has finally met her match and gone to the great beach in the sky.<br /><br />She was the last of a group of animals I got about 15 years ago. Which was about the time of my divorce so you can imagine what Orlin, Molly, and Lance meant to me.<br /><br />They got me through one of the roughest times of my life. And almost like dominoes they went down.<br /><br />First Lance, then Orlin and now finally Molly.<br /><br />As we know from my last post, I believe that Orlin sent that little Jasper puppy to me so that I had a playful companion when Molly finally needed to join him.<br /><br />Orlin always was the bestest of boys like that.<br /><br />Whenever I lose a pet, I always take comfort in the fact that I am sending them to a better place but for Molly that just wasn't enough. If you read my Twitter stream you know that she and I had a love/hate relationship.<br /><br />We certainly loved each other, however her main goal in life was to be bad. She had her routine DOWN. Make a fake play for the litter box then dash for the bathroom trash and once Mommy has committed to the turn, run for the kitchen to see if anything got dropped during cooking.<br /><br />She also orchestrated a gazillion break outs. Not to run away, but to go do the Lord's work in spreading the word about Spay & Neuter and adoption! Let's just say the "Home Again" microchip people knew me by name.<br /><br />So I was torn after she passed. Was I sad? Was I relieved? Was I crazy for thinking that Molly didn't really want to go to better place. She thought down here was pretty stinking awesome.<br /><br />Then I had a flash (I can only assume it was from Orlin) of Lance, Orlin and Molly totally hanging out together, with Molly in the lead, thinking up something naughty to do.<br /><br />Yep, the band was back together... in heaven maybe, but still back together. We are calling them The Blonds. And they are rocking the house!<br /><br />But with Molly's perchance to bark, I can only hope that angels come equipped with ear plugs!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-56841660093433882802011-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:002011-01-23T15:45:00.263-08:00Puppy LovePuppies.<br /><br />How could you not love them?<br /><br />Well, except for all that pooping, and peeing, and yipping and biting. I mean besides that they are perfect.<br /><br />And this little one has been perfect for me.<br /><br />As most of you know, I was devastated after the loss of my beloved Orlin. He didn't have a lot of flash or bang going for him, he was the kind of dog that was like your favorite pair of jeans.<br /><br />The whole family/pack went through the grieving process, but then one day you start to get that itch. That even though I was going to wait 6 months, I had the urge to head over to the shelter.<br /><br />I talked myself out of it, but kept having this urge to go look. Strangely it wasn't to find a replacement for Orlin, but my heart hearkened back to a dog a room mate long ago had. His name was Jasper and he was Chi x Jack Russel. And even though he was a little goofy for me, Chief loved him. Princess loved him. Molly loved him.<br /><br />I realized I wanted whatever new dog that came in to fill Jasper's place. But how to find a dog so uniquely silly yet restrained (so as not to hurt Chief)?<br /><br />That night I was outside, looking at the stars, like Orlin used to love to do, and I asked.<br /><br />I said out loud (thank goodness we don't have close neighbors) "Orlin, you need to give me a sign, buddy. Tell me what to do."<br /><br />Then of course Princess and Molly got into a little scuffle and I didn't think about it until the next day I went to work and was putting my key into the lock when everyone shouted "Don't!"<br /><br />"Why not?"<br /><br />"Because I found a Chihuahua puppy and he's running around!"<br /><br />Um, ya. He was Chief and Princess' color but if he had been a tri color, he would have looked just like that dog, Jasper.<br /><br />I knew at the very least I had to foster him.<br /><br />I got home with this new puppy (tentatively named Oliver by the tech that found him) and the other dogs were freaking out, barking, Princess snarling... What to do...<br /><br />Then I flashed on LJ (the flame point kitten... see blog post here for more info :-)<br /><br />If we could get Elvira to accept the kitten by calling him "Baby Lance" what about for a puppy?<br /><br />So there I am, going "Look, it's Jasper!"<br /><br />All the dogs cocked their heads. But he's the wrong color...<br /><br />"Jasper got a dye job!"<br /><br />Um... he's acting kind of weird.<br /><br />"So did Jasper."<br /><br />True, true.<br /><br />I set him down and he has been little Jasper ever since. He even likes the name (he will kiss you furiously if you say "Jasper, Jasper, Jasper"). He even has a rap name... Jaspy "J"<br /><br />I have no idea if we will be his forever home right now, but puppies. You can't live without and you sure as heck can't walk around the house in the dark without getting a little 'surprise' with them!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-23766676099915993352011-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:002011-01-16T16:23:00.118-08:00D.O.G. the dog that defined my career!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac8IffdWoBogUbLlhUkMu0gSRhC1xeWd9AynrhTBF8fTBrFRWNZp5EU3BHXxVm3DGWDisy10IOgQ9142ZbouNTSQ0ydr7BtG3w_ppBwmdcfhCkft7zRcQGbM2CO44ISkZE7sob_sVLc38/s1600/2421913683_e6e1cfdaf4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac8IffdWoBogUbLlhUkMu0gSRhC1xeWd9AynrhTBF8fTBrFRWNZp5EU3BHXxVm3DGWDisy10IOgQ9142ZbouNTSQ0ydr7BtG3w_ppBwmdcfhCkft7zRcQGbM2CO44ISkZE7sob_sVLc38/s400/2421913683_e6e1cfdaf4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541050350698924114" border="0" /></a><br />And before we get into the story, I know D.O.G.'s parents would want me to tell you it is pronounced "D-O-Gee," NOT dog!<br /><br />You see they found her on the front step one morning as a little tiny puppy. No one else around. No neighbors with Dachshunds. Just a D.O.G. the front porch. She got her name because my clients had a toddler and would spell D.O.G. in front of him so he wouldn't get too attached. Then when they decided to keep her, he shouted out, "Yeah! We get to keep D.O.G.!"<br /><br />And she was the cutest, sweetest dog in the universe. She would run right up to you, wagging her tail..."Hi, I'm D.O.G. and I love you." Then plant a kiss on your nose.<br /><br />But back to my career. I mean I knew I wanted to be a vet. They call people like me 'neo-natal veterinarians' since we pretty much knew in the womb we wanted to treat animals.<br /><br />There are those teenage years when your mind wonders and you start looking at other options. Not very seriously of course, but still you are a teen, ya know?<br /><br />It was during one of these periods when tragedy struck D.O.G. Her Mommy was holding her in her arms when a Labrador (yes, a Lab, shocking as that is) jumped up and attacked poor D.O.G.!<br /><br />I won't go into the details but D.O.G was horribly injured. Mommy ran her in and we promptly did surgery, but let me tell you there were complications and we were not at all sure D.O.G. was going to make it.<br /><br />While she was recovering from anesthesia, I held D.O.G. in my arms and prayed as hard as I could that she would make it.<br /><br />Still groggy and in so much pain I can't imagine, D.O.G. looked up, and said with her eyes "I'm D.O.G. and I love you." Then she kissed me.<br /><br />Whatever doubt I may have had about my career evaporated. I knew in that singular moment that I wanted to be just like my mentor. I wanted to be the person that Mommies and Daddies ran to when everything seemed lost and, at the very least, try to save their precious babies.<br /><br />D.O.G. did great. She never looked back from that surgery and recovered faster than any of us could have guessed. She wasn't even afraid of Labradors!<br /><br />So thank you D.O.G. for making sure I stayed the course. I hope I have lived up to both my mentor's and your standards.Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-11272427516378434392011-01-09T16:01:00.000-08:002011-01-09T16:01:00.649-08:00Mind Control... It's not just Chief!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMZ7wLibDl9fhe_fc0EXZeVXPD-tMW2OBsaW25KEzhzMvNKYTiish7XZ2eNqu9FBsgQokXedw0bPHA1bBnnsh0VetTRMrfeGjfLWQiZi7QTsIlmTCRzSd4nZqtPq2Qz3Pqi8x0RaDk8Qg/s1600/chihuahua.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMZ7wLibDl9fhe_fc0EXZeVXPD-tMW2OBsaW25KEzhzMvNKYTiish7XZ2eNqu9FBsgQokXedw0bPHA1bBnnsh0VetTRMrfeGjfLWQiZi7QTsIlmTCRzSd4nZqtPq2Qz3Pqi8x0RaDk8Qg/s400/chihuahua.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541049582908350978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I knew Chihuahuas were manipulative, and I thought Chief particularly gifted with his mind control.<br /><br />You know, the times when I was walking across the room, telling him that he couldn't control me with his mind only to realize that I was taking him outside just as he had asked! Those mind control powers.<br /><br />But I met another Chihuahua with possibly even greater powers.<br /><br />"Gazpacho"!<br /><br />She was so cute and sweet in the room. She had a broken tooth that we needed to fix, but besides that everything was great!<br /><br />Except I kept forgetting to write down her orders! My poor tech kept saying...<br /><br />"Dr. McCray didn't you want to give Gazpacho an antibiotic injection."<br /><br />Why, yes, of course!<br /><br />Then two minutes later... "Weren't we going to do a heartworm test?"<br /><br />Why, yes, of course we need to!<br /><br />This went on and on. Everything I had said I wanted to do in the room, whisked away from my mind.<br /><br />I apologized to the Gazpacho's mom. "I am not usually forgetful like this! I am so sorry!"<br /><br />"Oh, don't worry about it. Gazpacho has incredible mind control powers!"<br /><br />Both my tech and I started to laugh. We talked about Chief's mind powers all the time.<br /><br />Once I knew what I was dealing with, I combat Gazpacho's hazing of my memory. As hard as she tried though, she still got all the medicine she needed!<br /><br />Now I know to guard myself (and have my tech take PLENTY of notes) whenever Gazpacho's around.Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-69141698824468402862011-01-02T16:12:00.000-08:002011-01-02T16:12:00.024-08:00Frick & Frack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjanmu5dYjzh1uyA6bhyphenhyphendUSQo072WwI1a5rf-_rk-41A0W6cmR7VvXpkpbKHWQD5vSOPpOmclHE2yCBwf3VHSIhsEi4lqDkIs7DB5RjMaJmdWQ76oDRFcRuMxDz2YnTVwlm_RHS7XkqVIm/s1600/24-2+puppies.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjanmu5dYjzh1uyA6bhyphenhyphendUSQo072WwI1a5rf-_rk-41A0W6cmR7VvXpkpbKHWQD5vSOPpOmclHE2yCBwf3VHSIhsEi4lqDkIs7DB5RjMaJmdWQ76oDRFcRuMxDz2YnTVwlm_RHS7XkqVIm/s400/24-2+puppies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534265801180583026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For the New Year, I thought I would tell you a tale of... two mutts.<br /><br />Who knew they would possibly save one of my client's life?<br /><br />You see my client had lost her cat and had decided to not to replace her beloved feline. She and her husband were retired and really looking forward to traveling.<br /><br />They had dreamed for decades about heading to Europe, Alaska, Costa Rica. The further away, the better. They wanted to stay for weeks at a time, really immersing themselves in the culture.<br /><br />When she came back to pick up her kitty's ashes we said what we both thought would be our final good-bye.<br /><br />Um... ya... until later that day.<br /><br />My client went to spread her cat's ashes at a nearby beach when she heard whimpering from some bushes. There were two tiny puppies! They were skinny, filthy and starving!<br /><br />Our course she rushed them to me.<br /><br />And oh boy did they have a LOT of health problems, but oh boy were they cute!!! They were some kind of poodle, Jack Russell, Heinz 57 kind of puppy. All fluffy on the head and all wirey everywhere else with little short noses but long ears.<br /><br />I started to go over our option but didn't even get humane society out of my mouth when she said she would take full responsibility and at the least foster the pups until they were adoptable.<br /><br />For once, I actually thought this client meant it. I mean, I had been hearing for years about these elaborate vacations. They had brochures. They had travel insurance already purchased. They were serious. I fully expected to find those pups another forever home.<br /><br />So my client went home with the two pups and about twelve different medications (and several cans of food). But every day was a new problem... with both of them.<br /><br />Seriously it as if these two pups shared one body. If one sneezed, the other one sneezed. If one stopped eating, the other stopped eating. They walked in step. They played exactly the same. They came whenever the other was called.<br /><br />So you can see how easy it was to name them Frick & Frack.<br /><br />Then days turned into weeks.<br /><br />These pups needed a LOT of care and attention but my client's first big trip to China was coming up. They had scant days before they had to decide to cancel the trip and eat the cost of the trip (the insurance covered a lot of contingencies but not super cute but fragile pups) or find the pups a new home.<br /><br />My client's husband then started feeling a little ringing in his ears. He playfully blamed it on the pups constant yipping. But they saw it as a perfect opportunity to have him checked by the doctor. Maybe if he had an ear infection they would have a medical reason to cancel the trip and have it covered by the insurance.<br /><br />Well thank goodness he went to the doctor. That ringing wasn't an infection, but a tumor on the bones in his ear!<br /><br />Luckily it was caught early enough that they were able to do surgery to save not only his life but his hearing as well!<br /><br />If it hadn't been for those pups and both of them wanting to stay home to care for them, my client may have ended up in a foreign country needing delicate, intricate microscopic cancer surgery! The doctors even said had it gone on much longer it could have broken through into this brain cavity!<br /><br />So yes, Frick and Frack (who recovered as well as their owner did) possibly saved his life!<br /><br />And even better yet, after the surgery and radiation therapy, my clients decided they still wanted to travel! But this time in an RV.<br /><br />Now they and Frick & Frack cruise around the country getting to know our country's culture inside and out.<br /><br />I get post cards from them several times a year. Each time with Frick and Frack sitting side by side next my client and her husband with a national monument as a backdrop.<br /><br />They could not look any happier.<br /><br />Life seldom turns out how you plan it (even decades in advance) but it feels like when you let animals into your heart, it turns out just fine! :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-13622397225185232992010-12-19T16:32:00.000-08:002010-12-19T16:32:00.160-08:00A Christmas Miracle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZTKA8bT1uiRMXUBOOkjLtvu3gURdy1uzeovO8_dFef7P4C2QCYApMT1OW10RXZmJ0NIdGwtOcIBzNDIh5ug_8JlBIgbpqdG5SWPyTetvuJ4-OIFVZykL-KW8LLHguhyEMX9bLftZy4xJ/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZTKA8bT1uiRMXUBOOkjLtvu3gURdy1uzeovO8_dFef7P4C2QCYApMT1OW10RXZmJ0NIdGwtOcIBzNDIh5ug_8JlBIgbpqdG5SWPyTetvuJ4-OIFVZykL-KW8LLHguhyEMX9bLftZy4xJ/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534286129695907458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been lucky enough to have been witness to so many miracles involving animals, Christmas and otherwise, but I thought I would share one during this season that is near and dear to my heart.<br /><br />Years ago a technician and good friend of mine was in a bad car accident with her sister. Her sister came away with a broken wrist and sprained ankle, but my friend had been thrown from the car.<br /><br />Even when the police and EMTs arrived they simply couldn't find my friend. It was a cold Christmas Eve with snow on the ground and everyone knew if they did not find her soon (since it was clear she must have at the least been unconscious) we could loose her.<br /><br />Everyone was combing the thickly wooded area when my friend's sister heard the tinniest mewing. While she wasn't in the animal field she had been around her sister enough to know that was a newborn cry.<br /><br />So even though the cry was coming from the opposite direction her sister should have landed from the accident, she simply couldn't let a baby kitten die of the cold.<br /><br />But when she followed the sound, she found a tiny white kitten curled up with her sister! Somehow the kitten had found her! She was named Christmas Miracle right there on the spot (although we usually call her "Chrissy" for short).<br /><br />They rushed my unconscious friend to the hospital for emergency surgery, as I got the call about the kitten. Even though they were reluctant, after they heard the story, the hospital staff allowed me to try treat the kitten in their waiting room.<br /><br />With my friend's entire family (she was Catholic, so there were A LOT of people) gathered around, expressing their love and appreciation that little baby kitten faded. You would have thought it would have been sad, but it was so joyous.<br /><br />We all sensed that little creatures pure soul and her singular purpose was to come down, save my friend then be called home. Tears flowed but in gratitude (as they are right now as I write this).<br /><br />When my friend awoke from surgery we told her the miraculous story.<br /><br />She wasn't shocked. As a matter of fact, somehow in her traumatized haze, she had heard that kitten's cry and thought it was God letting her know everything was going to be alright. She didn't know what was going to happen but she said she wasn't scared.<br /><br />That was over 15 years old. Now my friend and I live states apart and seldom see one another. She has gone on to become a registered tech and a mom. I get a Christmas card from her each year and each and every year there is a tiny note at the bottom...<br /><br />"With ever loving thanks to Chrissy."<br /><br />And each and every year I cry remembering that little white ball of fluff and how she saved my friend's life.<br /><br />Even though I only knew you for a few short hours I won't ever forget you either, Chrissy. That I can promise you :-)<br /><br />If you have a Christmas (or otherwise) miracle involving an animal share it below! That's use this season to celebrate the animals that changed our lives!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-60181778775858548522010-12-12T16:58:00.000-08:002010-12-12T16:58:00.158-08:00Rambo Rambunctious<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjzd6U6V0hsTfRjKGiziGOg_hBrRYIUi28qI1tGQZ8xDmG4EP9wvtBsdzqLPBaY0GOJ7xJCec6c2xB1pa8TtSuU8xXc8gWHjJt82j8ALU6WKOgWDpSe4riu43Z2vioNvLrxxO92c7nIT-/s1600/DSCN2196_Small_.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjzd6U6V0hsTfRjKGiziGOg_hBrRYIUi28qI1tGQZ8xDmG4EP9wvtBsdzqLPBaY0GOJ7xJCec6c2xB1pa8TtSuU8xXc8gWHjJt82j8ALU6WKOgWDpSe4riu43Z2vioNvLrxxO92c7nIT-/s400/DSCN2196_Small_.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534288031575943394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now if you didn't guess that was a Yorkie, I don't know what you were thinking! :-) LOL<br /><br />If you thought the breed and name were weird, wait to you hear his story!<br /><br />You see, my clients couldn't decide on a name for this little terrier. They wrangled over names like Twerp, Jazzy, and Pete. But nothing would stick. And he wouldn't come to any of them.<br /><br />Now it wasn't like Rambo didn't have enough personality. He had TOO much. As a matter of fact one of his favorite things to do was to pick out his outfit for the day.<br /><br />And yes, he was macho enough to pull off a pink sweater occasionally!<br /><br />But the one that was his favorite was ... you guessed it a red head band and leather pants.<br /><br />So one day he came in for some vaccines dressed up as I described. Well some of my other client's weren't as understanding and laughed at him.<br /><br />Well, he barked right back!<br /><br />In that moment we knew we had a true Rambo on our hands. Although we have to admit most times he gets called Rambie, but you get what we mean!<br /><br />Do any of your animals like to get dressed up or had an unusual naming process? Comment on them below!!!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-39057617850246892732010-12-05T16:40:00.000-08:002010-12-05T16:40:00.964-08:00I hate to be a party-pooper...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvebvayQejvIeig6uVSzCll9_ZScETDZU2wLmvkLQBky1N1brI0DLNm4KohgTXrmLGeH_tSAVxRNCyJbE_k6j_sOVvyMpdpbjRAqbYiZy5pq4N0erJP-Ak3DVrxBpv6Sh2EN6O99hpbBY/s1600/holiday-party.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvebvayQejvIeig6uVSzCll9_ZScETDZU2wLmvkLQBky1N1brI0DLNm4KohgTXrmLGeH_tSAVxRNCyJbE_k6j_sOVvyMpdpbjRAqbYiZy5pq4N0erJP-Ak3DVrxBpv6Sh2EN6O99hpbBY/s400/holiday-party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534269461689196290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ok, I don't really hate it because it is my job to keep pets safe so as we head into this Holiday season I must put out my annual...<br /><br />A Party-Poopers Guide to Keeping Your Pets Safe Around the Holidays<br /><br />Do I wish I could tell you to decorate to your heart's desire and share every bit of holiday goodies with your pets? Yes I do.<br /><br />However I took a silly oath to always put animal's health first so here is a list (long but not exhaustive) of things to think about during the holidays.<br /><br />First and foremost do not feed your animals any holiday food. It is too rich and in the case of chocolate, it can be toxic.<br /><br />Even be careful of giving your pets to many of their regular dog treats. Remember these treats are many times the animal equivalent of a candy bar. Give LOVE rather than calories.<br /><br />When decorating, think as if you had a very rambunctious toddler in the house. What would they pull down? What would they put in their mouth. Yes, even seven year old, well trained dog will go for the popcorn on a string tree-trim.<br /><br />When in doubt keep anything new to the household either up above a dog's ability to reach or in the case of a cat - LOCKED up. Even the water under the Christmas tree can be toxic, so keep it covered at all times.<br /><br />Animals are creatures of habit. If their schedule is changed too much it can bring about stress which can result in behaviors that can go from annoying to downright dangerous. If possible try to keep feeding and exercise routines the same.<br /><br />Don't expect your pet to be social. Some dogs love a good party. Others want to run and hide. Unless your pet is super social, create a room/crate for them - AWAY from the action! Get them used to this little den before the party to let them know it is safe. Some animals also like a TV or radio on to drown out the party noise and reduce their stress.<br /><br />New animals especially can feel this social stress. And yes, they may be used to your family members, but maybe not ALL of them at once! When in doubt, create a 'den' space where they can relax during the festivities.<br /><br />Ok, that wasn't too much of a downer, was it? LOL<br /><br />If you have any to add, just leave a comment below and I may include it in next year's Party Pooper Guide! :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-47278701036246409732010-11-28T16:09:00.000-08:002010-11-28T16:09:00.978-08:00My Goodest BoyI was going to call this blog "A Tough Year" but then that wouldn't have honored my Bestest Good Boy in the Whole Wide World, Orlin.<br />
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As many of you know I lost my cherished flame point Siamese, Lance Flame the Wonder Cat, a few months ago then Orlin (my cocker spaniel, golden retriever, afghan, bull dog cross - don't ask me, ask his Mamma) was recently diagnosed with nasal cancer.<br />
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But Orlin would never want me to dwell on the bad or painful. I think he would have reported the last two weeks of his life as awesome. Simply because he didn't have a negative bone in his body.<br />
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Like I said he was the bestest. <br />
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If you asked him to sit across the room he would be like... "Um, okay that's a little weird, but whatever you want, Mom."<br />
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Even when he was 'bad' and jumped up onto a counter and knocked bread down for Molly, if you caught him and said "Orlin! What are you doing?"<br />
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"Um, getting bread down for Molly."<br />
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"But that's bad!"<br />
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"Um... but Molly asked me to."<br />
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He was such an innocent but willing pawn of Molly. Even his worst habit, humping Molly was hard to get mad at. After all, Molly had asked him to!<br />
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When Chief was pouting due to the injustice of the world (you know, the lack of steak and lobster every night), Orlin would comfort him. When Princess needed someone to snark at without them snarking back, Orlin was her go-to guy (he would just lift his head so she couldn't reach him).<br />
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He had the best bed head. Oh, how he loved his feathering.<br />
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I am going to miss all of that and so much more about him.<br />
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Right after he passed, I got worried that he wouldn't be appreciated in Heaven the way he had been here.<br />
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Then I had the feeling of my closest friend, Gary (who passed years ago) saying, "Carolyn, don't you think I know a good dog when I see one?"<br />
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Of course Gary knows a good dog (after all I learned my good dog identifying skills from him) and Orlin was the best of the goodest boys.<br />
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I know they are up in Heaven just hanging out waiting for... well... to be perfectly honest Orlin is probably waiting to hump Molly, but that's okay. Even good dogs deserve to have some fun!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-45158271040708138062010-11-21T16:05:00.000-08:002010-11-21T16:05:00.162-08:00Let's be Thankful for so much this week...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNzqqY8Pjz5EtwGzIVsvuyRDQeJUsZmA-nNClhvgo4KfMde43XqQQamkasoEYMajPo9e7_2braxEzSbNHRi-wcFon1SJinrmSHJdNsHOr-jD3MYVJSGzgTBaE6sky6u9e2Z7cPC-0YyaX/s1600/exps7767_TH2022C33C.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNzqqY8Pjz5EtwGzIVsvuyRDQeJUsZmA-nNClhvgo4KfMde43XqQQamkasoEYMajPo9e7_2braxEzSbNHRi-wcFon1SJinrmSHJdNsHOr-jD3MYVJSGzgTBaE6sky6u9e2Z7cPC-0YyaX/s400/exps7767_TH2022C33C.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534258990882589298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our health, our pets, our pet's health.<br /><br />However, Pancreatitis is not one of those things we should be aiming for this Thanksgiving.<br /><br />I know, I know, during the holidays we have this nearly overwhelming urge to share with our pets. There is SO much good food around and we know how much we enjoy it, we think... just a tiny left over... or let them lick the dessert plate.<br /><br />I am here to encourage you to share your LOVE not your food.<br /><br />Because you see all dogs (and even cats) can get pancreatitis. It is a painful inflammation of the pancreas usually brought on by... you guessed it rich/fatty/sugary foods.<br /><br />And small breed dogs especially are SUPER susceptible to this condition. Many times this disease requires days in the hospital on IV fluids, antibiotics and anti-nausea drugs. Besides the huge expense (usually right around the holidays), imagine your little angel having to be in a cage hooked up to an IV pump. #Ishudder #heavenforbid<br /><br />So keep that image in your mind when that urge strikes you to share just a little stuffing or slip your own pumpkin a little pie.<br /><br />Again... share you LOVE, not your food :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-69276224344569172402010-11-14T18:37:00.000-08:002010-11-14T18:37:00.282-08:00Linus, Kamikazee Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJnw3jgK-vv3Kx9kSv8SAPaK6S4h5K1pq2Y7nGoAoZI11NEew3mkOIjIjaw89eAT8WIpbcoAmiDt_ajCH1fWXbQDkbQJfER6gsLkL1p8kKLMa4e_Wo3W5ersl8Ce3ksD-96Hdh3p_lFNo/s1600/Linus.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJnw3jgK-vv3Kx9kSv8SAPaK6S4h5K1pq2Y7nGoAoZI11NEew3mkOIjIjaw89eAT8WIpbcoAmiDt_ajCH1fWXbQDkbQJfER6gsLkL1p8kKLMa4e_Wo3W5ersl8Ce3ksD-96Hdh3p_lFNo/s400/Linus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533155776080738418" border="0" /></a>I may have mentioned that Linus is...well...bouncy. I may not have fully conveyed how crazy he is.<br /><br />Linus is missing part of one of his paws. He doesn't really use that leg at all. And yet, somehow, that doesn't slow him down ONE BIT! You would think that, as a small dog with only three fully operational limbs, he would be cautious. Not so much.<br /><br />He is the one member of the pack that I am constantly having to scold for getting up way too high and LEAPING. No gingerly stepping down off a high roost for this pooch. That takes way too long. Launching himself into orbit is much more his speed.<br /><br />And watching him run? You would never guess that he had any sort of disability. He's super fast, makes hair-pin turns and stops on a dime. The faster he goes, the less you notice his leg.<br /><br />Even the way he greets you when you walk in is over-the-top. He acts like he hasn't seen you in MONTHS (even if it's only been a couple of minutes) and won't stop gyrating until you stop to pet him and say, "Hi, Linus." I once tried to see how long I could hold out...I only lasted a minute and a half, and that was through sheer force of will.<br /><br />Because that's the other thing about Linus. He's cute. Yes, I know, everyone thinks their dogs are cute. I'm not just talking about attractiveness. It's the whole package. Linus throws himself into life with complete and utter abandon. His life is lived in warp drive.<br /><br />The one thing Linus does slowly? Learn what "no" means. #oyDr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-9537652601191356592010-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:002010-11-07T16:28:00.175-08:00Why Don't You Like Me?Poor, poor LJ (our new flame-point kitten).<br /><br />He doesn't understand why Enya (our elderly torti) doesn't love him.<br /><br />Entitlement does not even begin to cover LJ's attitude.<br /><br />You see his name sake Lance (the Wonder Cat, and yes, even though he has passed away, you really should still wave your hands over your head when you say his name) is like the old patriarch who built up his reputation and his fortunes with his bare hands. Lance was a self-made cat.<br /><br />LJ on the other hand? Um... not so much. We call him our 'trust-fund' cat. You see he has the legacy of Lance, but hasn't really worked for it.<br /><br />If anything we have given him everything on a silver platter. But why you might ask?<br /><br />Because of Elvira (our black cat who LOVED Lance). You see God love Elvira but she can be a bit... well... evil... mean... swatty... witchy.<br /><br />She tolerates her sister, but as I mentioned she LOVED Lance. We knew it might be tricky to introduce another cat into the household and we really wanted her to love the new kitten.<br /><br />So, well, we told her that LJ was Lance. Ok, she thought it was a little weird he had gotten smaller, but he was the same color and the same smell (we rubbed Lance's favorite blankets all over him) and the same name so... he must be Lance!<br /><br />Elvira was ecstatic! Not only was Lance back, but he LOVED her back (something that never happened when it was the actual Lance). We have never seen a happier cat!<br /><br />But back to LJ. Now that we had conquered Elvira, we also convinced Yersinia (our not-quite-with-it black cat) that LJ was awesome.<br /><br />So basically LJ has gone through his short life with everyone adoring him (really whether they wanted to or not! :-)<br /><br />You can imagine his chagrin when he walked up to Enya who not only did not like him, but no one else was trying to convince her that she should.<br /><br />Um... ya, Enya was Lance's sister, hun. She knows you aren't him... and well... They were siblings with lots-o-rivalry. Even if you were him, I am not sure how glad she would be that Lance was back!<br /><br />But maybe this is a good thing. LJ needs to know that not EVERYONE loves him.<br /><br />Sure we will have to put up with the sighs and the sad looks, but he will be the better for it #hopefully #notsosure #tugsatourheartstrings :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-24883216982208201142010-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:002010-10-31T16:00:02.966-07:00The Evil Chihuahua Empire - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBS3Ecdir8J7sbKyvIxu64BpIV5Rwp4AhNZk5OL7cO7QW2pqFx-n6eUWOgONmumBnwQ06U_AAtYWfQjXhnupQ9DDS9zpjWBCgbCOAEhM38U08AD3KILn5RX80zupi15uHIGCpp0zeCLiE/s1600/Chihuahua_Bark.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBS3Ecdir8J7sbKyvIxu64BpIV5Rwp4AhNZk5OL7cO7QW2pqFx-n6eUWOgONmumBnwQ06U_AAtYWfQjXhnupQ9DDS9zpjWBCgbCOAEhM38U08AD3KILn5RX80zupi15uHIGCpp0zeCLiE/s400/Chihuahua_Bark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528304687641366066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Princess is disappointed in you. She just thought she should let you know! LOL<br /><br />Yesterday in the exam room I saw Lolli, a Chihuahua. She was tiny and sweet and gave me kisses.<br /><br />I went home and informed Princess of this and she became enraged!<br /><br />What Chihuahua is nice? To strangers no less???????<br /><br />I am not sure if Lolli knows this or not, but she has been kicked out of the Empire (I am not even sure if Lolli ever applied, but that is a whole other story).<br /><br />Now today I saw Champ, a Chihuahua. he was suspicious, growled and even tried to nip at me.<br /><br />Princess will be so proud!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Champ's owner was all apologetic and embarrassed. I told her not to worry.<br /><br />He is simply a fine, upstanding member of the Evil Chihuahua Empire!<br /><br />So all you Chihuahua owners out there.... Are yours more like Lolli or Champ?<br /><br />Princess wants to know! (and keep tabs on everyone) :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-8489925256031917592010-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:002010-10-24T16:07:00.749-07:00Halloween - A fun but potentially dangerous holiday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_ZaEu2GtN3y5urP1X8FK6MqJVjv8l7dLy3fquB_Uat4HhXFMBvBS6SLiv_AdE-ww6SvgFSq-WjJ1nOiomssBH23DnQ5UprYwqT5_WthZnE190bNmXgb9_VinoXtOCHmikksyvYAeuFi-/s1600/dog-halloween-costume.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_ZaEu2GtN3y5urP1X8FK6MqJVjv8l7dLy3fquB_Uat4HhXFMBvBS6SLiv_AdE-ww6SvgFSq-WjJ1nOiomssBH23DnQ5UprYwqT5_WthZnE190bNmXgb9_VinoXtOCHmikksyvYAeuFi-/s400/dog-halloween-costume.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528307548255059010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think pretty much everyone is up to speed on the obvious dangers of Halloween.<br /><br />Lots of doors opening and closing. Lots of excitement and kids hyped up on sugar. So keep all pets either confined to a room away from the action or keep the dogs on leashes.<br /><br />And yes, even your dog that has never run out the front door before. I worked emergency shifts for years and can't tell you the number of animals that came in for various wounds and injuries on Halloween that had 'never run out the front door before.' So play it safe!<br /><br />I am also pretty sure everyone knows about the problem with chocolate in dogs (and cats but for some reason most cats simply don't dig the taste of candy bars). So again, play it safe and keep ALL candy away from the pets.<br /><br />Most cat owners are also aware of the dark side of the holiday and keep all "Halloween" kitties (black, torti, orange and white) locked up tight the week before and during Halloween. You don't want your kitty targeted by some mis-guided people.<br /><br />What a lot of dog owners (esp tea cup size) don't realize is that ANY sugar or fatty food can create a condition called pancreatitis. This is a condition of the pancreas that inflames especially after high caloric foods are ingested.<br /><br />The rash of pancreatitis after a holiday (any of them really since most holidays involve ingesting large amounts of rich food #duh) is staggering.<br /><br />Don't be one of those people in my waiting room Nov 1st!<br /><br />I know we all have an instinct to want to share with our dogs, especially the little ones with their pitiful eyes and mind powers, but remember they don't have the same pancreas as we do!<br /><br />So have a GREAT Halloween. Just if we want to give treats to our dogs this year, how about we give LOVE instead :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-55477441087807428672010-10-17T16:13:00.000-07:002010-10-17T16:13:00.131-07:00Oh. There you are.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvF5fgEleADOiS-a7v6s_TxAtumQv-JdMW8KXH4wJq3AeeA8zIVBgaHDpkNK2bAaa-AJAHBFWqB9QAs9NxVC2L_t0bFUDwulyDDMjhqM0GPEtw0Mj9nbYWhnVg7GoWQDOu9NSRAqbVuon/s1600/cmcpictures.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvF5fgEleADOiS-a7v6s_TxAtumQv-JdMW8KXH4wJq3AeeA8zIVBgaHDpkNK2bAaa-AJAHBFWqB9QAs9NxVC2L_t0bFUDwulyDDMjhqM0GPEtw0Mj9nbYWhnVg7GoWQDOu9NSRAqbVuon/s400/cmcpictures.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527221707450818898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />God love these foster kittens but they are the most gentle little souls in the world.<br /><br />They aren't that loving though either. They are just... well... very proper. We think someone might have swapped out our kittens with some British kittens.<br /><br />How gentle and proper? Well I broke my pinkie toe last week. It was swollen and bruised and sore. Little Gretchen came over and started to play with my foot. I, of course, tensed up expecting pain.<br /><br />Nope. She just gently patted my foot with her paw, no claws, then 'gnawed' at my toe with her lips. That's it. That's how she plays. It wasn't like she knew it was sore or I asked her to be gentle. She just was.<br /><br />For more proof we just have to talk about the kittens favorite game, "Oh. There you are."<br /><br />And yes, it is about as exciting as it sounds. Basically the a kitten will 'find' either their sibling, another cat, or one of us humans.<br /><br />When I say 'find' I mean 'find.' There is no pounce. There is no 'Boo!' Or even a 'OH! Holy Cow I found you!!!!' Instead it is just a slight cock to the side of their head. "Oh. I found you." Then maybe a little bat of their paw, but nothing like a tag, you are it. Just a little acknowledgment that they did in fact 'found' you and then they are off doing something else.<br /><br />Then about 5-10 minutes later they come back. "Oh. I found you."<br /><br />Like I said, we are surprised they don't break out the afternoon tea!<br /><br />How have you been surprised by little ones (canine or feline)? Let us know!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-81724661662840125962010-10-10T16:14:00.000-07:002010-10-10T16:14:00.206-07:00Chi-Chi the... Shih Tzu?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1sg3IZf-CQ1bm5l021TlcEyUE5RQRCgH_MLcr0ANwNZVG6KZ388QmMzrBTwKOIe1gumcLJdGIfvy1NUrCshajU4SXI8BfUy4297eiUWw2ZblSllQAlu0yJTzGZ3GeY4-xJaV0leyxUjR/s1600/7-5-07+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522772800271351602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1sg3IZf-CQ1bm5l021TlcEyUE5RQRCgH_MLcr0ANwNZVG6KZ388QmMzrBTwKOIe1gumcLJdGIfvy1NUrCshajU4SXI8BfUy4297eiUWw2ZblSllQAlu0yJTzGZ3GeY4-xJaV0leyxUjR/s400/7-5-07+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 242px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Yes, that was my reaction too when I first met Chi-Chi.<br />
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I expected a cute little short-coated Chihuahua when I walked into the room. I mean I didn't even check the chart first to see what breed she was.<br />
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What I found was a black and white mop. Matted but oh so friendly. Even though she had eaten a paper clip.<br />
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It was lodged in her intestine and the owners decided not to treat.<br />
<br />
What???<br />
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Well, as you can imagine, we couldn't let that happen so Chi-Chi was turned over to the clinic and we of course took care of the problem.<br />
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Now that could have been the end of the story. A poor mis-named Shih Tzu rescued from a bad home, but that was just the beginning.<br />
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Just when we were starting to look for a new home for Chi-Chi, one of my staff come in with her elderly grandmother. Grams was 87 years old and did not understand why everyone was fussing over her and not wanting to let her drive.<br />
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Her license had been suspended but that didn't stop Grams. They had hid her keys and Gram just hired a locksmith to come out and make new keys.<br />
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But when Grams walked in and saw Chi-Chi. It was love at first sight! Once Chi-Chi was out of the cage, she ran right over, jumped in Grams' lap and curled up.<br />
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Luckily I knew of the situation so when the notion of Grams adopting Chi-Chi came up, I approved it, but only on 1 condition. Chi-Chi had to go where ever Grams went... and had to sit in Grams' lap.<br />
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Of course, of course. I looked at my receptionist and winked. Problem solved. How could Grams drive if she had to take care of Chi-Chi.<br />
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Now if Grams needs groceries, she just calls one of her kids or grand kids and they come and pick Grams and Chi Chi up and drive them to the store, because after all Chi Chi had come from a bad environment and needed that 'extra' care. ;-)<br />
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Littleness, once again, comes to the rescue!<br />
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Share your story of "Littleness" below in a comment!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-90581370947468936112010-10-03T18:06:00.000-07:002010-10-03T18:06:00.587-07:00Chief does NOT like changeNo, seriously, he HATES it.<br /><br />I think this is a characteristic of "Littleness." It seems the smaller they are the more they want their routine to be EXACTLY the same.<br /><br />The only change they want in there life is for YOU to give up more of your life to be with them more.<br /><br />Case in point? As I announced last week we have two new kittens. They were sick so required care. Which of course took time.<br /><br />I think you can see where that is going! I mean, not only did I spend less time with Chief, but then I spent 'his' time with some stupid kittens?<br /><br />Why that is the most insulting thing he has ever heard!<br /><br />So the first night we had them, he REFUSED to get under the covers with me. Oh not just refused to sleep with me, but went to the other side of the bed and laid with his BACK to me!<br /><br />Finally after a half an hour I coaxed him back under the covers. Somewhere during the night obviously while he was groggy, he crawled up and curled up in my arms.<br /><br />I awakened with 2 pounds of Chihuahua snuggled under my chin with my arm wrapped around him.<br /><br />But that's how Littleness is, right? They pout and strut and punish but at the end of the day, or first thing in the morning, they simply melt into you.<br /><br />I love the kittens. Who couldn't? But Chief? Ah, whether he knows it or not, change just makes me love him all the more!Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-38549240925195757492010-09-25T18:49:00.000-07:002010-09-25T18:49:00.518-07:00"LJ" is in the house!"L.J" stands for Lance Junior. So okay, this blog post may be about "Littleness," just not the doggie kind.<br /><br />If you have been reading this blog you know that we lost our most beloved flame-point Siamese a few months back. We then went into a strange altered state of not finding/yet finding a replacement for him.<br /><br />Well, not him, but you know some kitten energy into the household to take our minds off of how lonely we were without him (even with 5 dogs and 3 other cats).<br /><br />We had truly given up (at least for now) when the call came. A 4 week old flame-point Siamese kitten in trouble!<br /><br />You can only imagine how fast we were out the door. Even if it wasn't LJ, we could not in all good conscious in Lance's name a flame point kitten to go untreated.<br /><br />So we were driving to the not so great part of town and our GPS took us down a dirt alley. Um... Should we go down there? It was getting dark and my Roomie and I are not the bravest of the bunch.<br /><br />But then out of the shadows stepped a huge flame point Tom cat. He was dirty and scrappy and thin. But oh so beautiful. Since we were within 3 houses, we knew that was Daddy kitty. He disappeared back through a broken down car, but we knew we had just had our first sign that LJ was right around the corner.<br /><br />When we got there the foster mom totally had her heart in the right place, but did not have the knowledge necessary to care for such sick kittens. There were 5. Honestly LJ was so thin, malnourished, and dehydrated we weren't even sure if he was the kitten for us. But how could we leave him there?<br /><br />Then there was his runt sister. She was half the size of the other kittens who weren't really all that big to begin with. The foster mother and I spoke for over an hour giving care instructions and general tips.<br /><br />But at some point both LJ and his little runt sister ended up inside my sweatshirt. I looked at my Roomie. We both knew what that meant!<br /><br />Of course I rationalized it that with only 3 kittens on her hands the foster mom could give better care to the remaining litter, but the truth was I knew that little runt wouldn't make it another 24 hours without aggressive care.<br /><br />We spent 3 days getting the kittens back on the bottle. Giving fluids and medications. Grooming. Loving. Biting our nails. Would they make it?<br /><br />Well, we are happy to say they have! With flying colors. Our little runt is named Gretchen while of course the newest addition to the family is LJ, who happens to be a 'snow ninja,' but that's a whole other blog.<br /><br />And we are having the time of our life. To see two kittens on death's door bloom back to life (mainly so they can chew on our toes it appears) has brought love and light into the house.<br /><br />We shall always miss Lance, there is no doubt, but I think our period of deep, sorrowful grieving is over.<br /><br />After all Lance clearly sent LJ to us. We HAVE to enjoy him!<br /><br />#thankyouLance #evenknowwefeelyourloveDr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644100583770184660.post-1052178103339632082010-09-19T16:11:00.000-07:002010-09-19T16:11:00.622-07:00The Magic Dog Cookie Dispenser<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_vI0J-X713CVLUezswCe1g6G0-wevG3E7LerL1GAF3XDXej8tiK6CTTN9cMXTtm8cp_8FoTXd2tdElcDUAe2BZVnyxFQShdp9yyxh7-4yZULnkW1F4glfj55hoMeiL5lIgpoPzHI8ULL/s1600/1042-A-0019-P1-MD.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_vI0J-X713CVLUezswCe1g6G0-wevG3E7LerL1GAF3XDXej8tiK6CTTN9cMXTtm8cp_8FoTXd2tdElcDUAe2BZVnyxFQShdp9yyxh7-4yZULnkW1F4glfj55hoMeiL5lIgpoPzHI8ULL/s400/1042-A-0019-P1-MD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507637998901773106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My Bichon "Molly" believes that any object in your hand is a magic dog cookie dispenser.<br /><br />ANYTHING.<br /><br />Now let's be clear, Molly has chronic pancreatitis so in the 14+ yrs I have had her she has NEVER gotten a treat. Chewable medicine, maybe. Treat? Never.<br /><br />Yet a Bichon can always dream, right?<br /><br />Recently one of her little warts on her back leg (she is a Bichon so basically since birth we knew she would have fourteen million warts as she grew older, destined by her genes) got infected.<br /><br />No big deal. Gave her an injection of abs and started using a topical spray. Now she doesn't mind the spray. It doesn't sting. It doesn't bug her at all.<br /><br />Yet every time you get the little spray bottle out, Molly jumps up and starts wagging her tail.<br /><br />Because you see the bottle could be a magic dog cookie dispenser.<br /><br />Me: "No, Molly. I need your rear end."<br /><br />Molly: "Nope. I'll take the cookie right here in my mouth."<br /><br />Me: "There are no cookies, Molly, just medicine."<br /><br />Molly: "Um, that there is a magic dog cookie dispenser."<br /><br />#oy<br /><br />So what should take about 2 1/2 seconds takes about a minute in a half. 87 1/2 of those seconds convincing her that the tiny vial does not have cookies in it and the other 2 1/2 to spray it on her.<br /><br />Don't even get me started about putting on flea control!<br /><br />#tryanddoitinhersleep<br /><br />#lesstrauma.... #forme :-)Dr. Carolyn McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03246891932121736938noreply@blogger.com0