But Doc, the Dog’s Already Dead
Posted: November 12, 2007 Filed under: Lotsa Lhasa Info 6 Comments
Over the weekend, a friend shared this excellent, excellent article with me. Having been responsible for the health and well-being for numbers of dogs since I was a young teen-ager (Mom owned a boarding kennel and caring for the large dog building was my chore…meanwhile my sister Lori’s chore was cooking…hummm – enough of nature vs. nurture!), along with working at a small animal veterinary clinic in high school and graduating post-high school with a degree in Veterinary Technology, I have witnessed the transition in veterinary medicine. This author’s words are right on! And, I could elaborate regarding the experiences of my grooming clients. Because of my own knowledge I wouldn’t allow the veterinarian to try to revive my dead dog, but I can tell you plenty of my clients would. I have wondered, in the past few years, what happened to the option of euthanasia with pets. Veterinarians seem not to present the option. Rather, my clients will bring up the subject with me, as if seeking approval for something they’ve been thinking about. Off the top of my head, I can recall client dogs that tried to die, tried to die at the time their body seemed programed to leave this earthly world. Over and over, intervention prevented this from happening. My heart goes out to these dogs. I’ve even told a dog or three that if he/she wanted to die, go ahead and do it right here, at my grooming shop. I’ll hold you. I’ll be with you. And I won’t call in the ambulance. Now, I’ve never had a dog take me up on that…and I’d probably contact the owner, but, hey, why not give the old dog a fantasy!
I find it very disturbing that insurance companies have become involved in veterinary medicine. Isn’t it interesting what a mess our health care system is in, and now we, as consumers, have opened that door for veterinary medicine. And, isn’t it interesting that many of us have made a living will, expressed our desire not to have heroic methods taken to prolong our lives. Some of us would like to see euthanasia as an option for humans. Yet, that final gift, that legal gift, the gift of release from an aged, diseased body, is being used less and less on our animals.
I have been searching for a new veterinarian. David, my former vet, I really really like. He is skilled. He is competent. He learned to do kidney biopsies for me. He’s a good man. But, his prices have become unreasonable. So high, in fact, several months ago I wondered if I’d be able to continue breeding dogs! The last health certificate I got there cost me nearly $250!! Tests were ran on the dog’s eyes (and, no this wasn’t Panchen) without my permission. The final straw was an entirely new staff.
So, Edie and I headed off to an old-school vet for the health certificate she needed to fly to Houston for the National. I had done plenty of research trying to find a compatible veterinarian. My criteria is somewhat different than the average owner. It’s a pain-in-the-behind to establish a new relationship with a new vet and staff. I knew I had made the right decision when he told me, unsolicited, that he didn’t like the way veterinary medicine is headed!
The Zeke and Sadie Show!
Posted: November 11, 2007 Filed under: FFT Lhasa Apsos Leave a commentFriday afternoon I met Katy and Ken in a dog park on the north end of Colorado Springs for the Sadie Passoff. I picked her up the previous week when Julie and I met in Lincoln. Here’s some photos, along with Katy’s update:
Hi Ladies!
I think we have a match!
We made home safe and sound around 9PM last night. Sadie spent her time traveling quietly in her crate, chewing on the meaty rib bone I brought for her. We made two stops and she did her job both times, then ate her supper.
It’s been non-stop play for them both, without a cross word between them. Zeke’s tongue is hangin’ out; you’d think they’d take a break! He is very respectful and seems almost in awe.
She is a very confident little lady and I foresee no problems at all. She eagerly “goes outside” to do her jobs, so all I have to do is keep on task to have her housetrained in short order. Goats, parrots and chickens are now a part of her life with curiosity all around. She shows no fear nor animosity, true to Apso form.
She ate well this morning. Got her first taste of fresh goat milk, ate a few bites of smashed chicken neck, some Primal meatloaf and some of her kibble. They even ate from each other’s bowls at the same time.
Zeke is trying to teach her to use the doggie door; she’ll have it before the day’s out.
Here’s some photos in the blackberry patch and the garden.
Thank you so much, Debby, for bringing her to the Springs for us. We enjoyed our time with you, brief again.
Julie, she’s a sweet, confident little champ and she’s going to do just fine. Zeke is truly smitten.
And Kathy, thanks for your prayers for a friendship and harmony. Our prayers are answered!
Blessings and Joy to each of you!
Katy, Ken, Zeke and Sadie
Weekend Update
Posted: November 11, 2007 Filed under: FFT Lhasa Apsos Leave a commentTammy just called from Pueblo, where she’s been exhibiting dogs, including Zena, this weekend. Yesterday Zena was awarded Winners Bitch for her first championship point. Today Zena won Best of Breed, Best of Winners and Winners Bitch for 2 more points! Yippee!!
To become an AKC Champion, a dog must win a total of 15 points, including 2 majors. Points are determined by the number of Lhasa Apsos entered, the state in which the show occurs and can range from 0 points to 5 points. A major is any 3, 4 or 5 point win. The two required majors must be earned under two different judges.
Shortly after, Tammy’s call, Ginny called, happy to report both Ethan and Chloe were awarded Reserve Winners both days! Christi reported Ruby made progress both days and that she had a good time this weekend.
Way to go ladies (and Ethan)!
Zena’s sire is Alma’s Roadie. Her siblings include Zeke, Ken and Katy’s Apso. Zena, Ruby, Chole and Ethan are first cousins, their dams – Cayenne and Hattie – being littersisters.
Raisin The Alarm
Posted: November 11, 2007 Filed under: Lotsa Lhasa Info Leave a comment
Read this article to learn more about raisin toxicity.
Josie
Posted: November 11, 2007 Filed under: FFT Lhasa Apsos Leave a comment
Julie sent a note wondering where, on the website, she could see Josie doing agility. I realized I hadn’t yet integrated Josie individual page into the website! Sometimes, ‘working behind the scene’, I lose track of what the rest of you can see. I’ve just done the integration work. You can now reach her page with the above link. You can reach her Postcard by clicking on the image above, which will take you to the Gallery of Rising Stars.
A reminder on how the Galleries navigate… At the top of each main page is the same navigation bar and, of course, the Galleries link takes you to the main Gallery. From there, you can chose which Gallery you wish to enter. Within each Gallery is a Postcard containing two links. Click on the dog’s name to see the pedigree, which also contains an art photo. Click on the dog’s face to see that dog’s composite page.
My intention is to eventually hang a Postcard in the appropriate Gallery for every dog. As my Photoshop skills continue to develop, time efficiency improves, which really helps me bring to fruition design plans. The blog has also helped with time management, providing the ability to stay in contact with all of you. The icing on the cake is some of you are getting to know one another. Thanks everyone!
Kunza at FleetFire Timbers 
