Happy Tails BT Book!

So a book series is being created to raise awareness about dog rescue and all the amazing happy ending stories. We found out about it through NEBTRescue when Kyla was looking for stories about rescue dogs. We shared Tinker's story and her story is one of the many in the BT book! Check this book out and support a great cause. A proceed of each book is given to BT rescue! If you preorder the book, you can either get a discount or double the proceeds will go towards rescue!

Get Your Happy Tails Books and Bumper Stickers, and Help Dog Rescue Groups!

Pre-order your copies of "Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspirational Stories of Adopted Boston Terriers" today and we'll support Boston Terrier rescue with a DOUBLE DONATION! Boston Terrier inspired books and stickers are available for pre-sale through July at the happytailsbooks.com website! Please order yours today... during this commemorative period we will either give you $2.00 off every book or DONATE DOUBLE to rescue! Buy now to make even more of a difference in a rescue dog's life!

NEW bumper Stickers! THANK YOU to everyone who contributed! The number of stories we received for this book was profound, so much so that we were not able to include every story. If you submitted but haven't heard from us, we apologize, but we were not able to include your dog in this edition. However, we'll keep your story on file, as it looks like we might need to do a second edition! We hope that you will still support this effort by picking up a book - the stories are heartfelt and thought provoking! ------------------------------------------ The following rescue groups were responsible for making this book a success. Thank you! Arizona Boston Terrier Rescue Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina Bostons by the Bay Friends of Homeless Animals Mid America Boston Terrier Rescue Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue Rescue of Western Washington Southern Boston Terrier Rescue SUPPORT THESE GROUPS TODAY BY VISITING HAPPYTAILSBOOKS.COM! PARTICIPATE IN OUR NEXT BOOK: "Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspirational Stories of Adopted GOLDEN RETRIEVERS!" Do you know anyone with a great story about their adopted Golden Retriever? Please let them know we want to hear it! The deadline for submissions is July 30th, 2009. Further information and submission guidelines can be found at HappyTailsBooks.com.

Parker, Obedience Week #2

So we survived our second obedience session tonight. The weather held out and we were able to walk over and back and stay dry! He was quiet as a church mouse with the other dogs this week. A few chicken noises and whining when a big dog came near or when the group congregated together for the first time. A marked difference and noticed by all who were there.

I shared our experience with Parker and Don this past weekend and fortunately we had 2 men with dog experience and facial hair around to help work with Parker. Bob works with prison dogs and/or big Rotties and walked us through a few different experiences. Parker was ok with him initially but when Bob leaned over towards him and invaded "his" space, Parker began to bark and show agitation, to the point that when Bob turned around to walk away, he would have gone after him if i let him. We practiced with Parker sitting and snacking on a treat in my hand while people came up to greet us and shake hands. Parker did very well with both Bob and Ron during this experience.

Bob seemed very knowledgeable and was very patient working with us. He seemed to agree that he thinks Parker was hit or abused in the past judging by his ducking and body language when Bob entered into his space. He is fearful but once a person turns around he perceives the fear as gone and acts all tough which one possible reason why he then goes after the back of someone's legs like he has done with a few select people. I say and think, once he learns to trust and learns that all his basic needs are met with love and care, the fear, through work and diligence, will slowly decrease. I've already seen marked improvement here in the house. And while Tink is a very different dog, once she knew she could trust, life changed for her and she blossomed.

Parker is currently sacked out on "his" chair. He really is such a good boy. It's hard work fostering and not falling head over heels for these guys!

Chicken Leg Tinker....

So apparently Tinker was too tired to make it all the way onto her bed....

Ready to run or something?

Mommy, I hear you taking pictures...stop it!

Isn't she so stinkin' cute?!?!

Parking and his blankies....

So I've noticed that Parker enjoys sucking on blankets, my sweatshirts, his bed...i've read and hear about other BT's doing this, but never seen or had one that's done it personally. It is soo cute but hard to catch on camera!

Sucking on a yummy blanket

No, I wasn't, stop looking over here!

mmm, fabricy goodness!

I'm gonna just stay here for a bit...

Tinker & Parker misc....

So Tink continues to feel better and act better and have more energy. It really is an amazing thing! The 4 of us have been talking nice walks both in the morning and evening together this weekend and it's been lovely. Overall, Parker is very patient with her particularly with letting her bump into him on the walks to keep her on the path. Don't get me wrong though, she can take the lead and enjoys being lead dog too some nights : )

Tink's just about back on her normal diet with her usual kibble ration plus all her extra yummies. I think she is sad that she isn't getting as much chicken any more. She used to scarf it down. Now she eats but there's a slight initial hesitation...."mom, are you sure I'm well enough for this food...?"

I'm thinking of switching both the dogs to Taste of the Wild with the next bag of food. Both of them have been pooping up a storm with the Holistic Eagle pack. The Taste of the Wild is grain free and another high quality food. I would love to see if that will help minimize the poop factor. Now my concern is switching Tink over slowly enough so as not to mess up her system again. I have a few weeks before we'll make the switch though....

Tink and I just had a delightful Sunday afternoon snuggle nap, but now it's time for dinner and a relaxing walk for the gang. More to come for sure : )

Paker Update, Week #5

So Parker has been with us for 5 weeks now. It seems kinda crazy to think about. Here are some of last weeks highlights

• He learned to climb the gate in the kitchen. The third time he climbed it was Wednesday night and he earned himself the priviledge of sleeping in his crate instead of the kitchen as a result. He doesn't seem to mind the crate so much which is good because he goes in there whenever we leave now.
• Both and and Tink seem to be in cahoots about the morning hours. He consistently barks between 5 and 5:30 and if he happens to sleep in a bit, Tink wakes me up and wants to get rolling around 6, 6:30. Blah. All I want is to sleep until 7am! My darling husband took care of Parker the Barker on saturday and Tink let me sleep until 7:45am : ) For those of you who know how much I am NOT a morning person, I'm doing ok with all of this considering the lack of morning sleep I've been getting.
• I've been consistently brushing out his coat. For people who think BT's are a short-haired dog we need to think again! This dog practically has an undercoat!!! I brush and comb and comb and brush and it keeps coming out! I learned yesterday why people bath their dogs at a dog wash.... He clogged my drain with all his hair. So gross. But his coat is looking so much better! The bath yesterday helped soften his hair even more. His skin is good and when all the crap coat leaves, he's going to look even more stunning
• My in-laws came for dinner on Friday night and overall Parker did pretty well. He appeared to have a slight issue with Don and possibly with hands....Parker was watching me with the food in the kitchen and Don came in to throw something away. When Parker turned around and saw him I think it partly scared him and he let Don know it. So after a time out and later in the evening. We repeated the scene in a controlled fashion so it would have a positive outcome. Parker's sit and look is very strong so we used that to "let" Don come into the kitchen, treating Parker for listening and looking at me rather than going after Don. Then Don gave him a treat too and Parker did ok. He's such a quick learner and I am certainly not afraid of him. I am confident that in time he will get over his fears and trust the people in his family more than he fears strangers in his own home.
• Parker doesn't like thunderstorms. I think it was Tuesday night we had one go through. Now previously I had been working furiously to keep Parker off the furniture to help him not get too comfy here. The storm hit and Parker sought high ground. Our bed was the highest he could find and when I found him I of course pulled him off the bed but I realized he was nervous. He tried getting up on the shoe rack in the living room and then the couch. And he settled. So I let him lay there. So as a compromise, we have a blanket on the chair that he gets to sit and lay on. And generally he doesn't even try getting on the couch any more : )
• We've been noticing more stiffness in his gimpy leg. Valley Animal hospital said to give 3/4 of an adult aspirin (264mg) to help the pain. But for a 21 lb dog it seems like so much. Dr. Haver, Tink's vet, said 1/4 of a baby aspirin (20mg) for her and she is 15 lbs.... So i've been giving him 1 or 2 baby aspirins with food at night when I notice he looks particularly uncomfortable (maybe once or twice in the past week and 1/2).
  

Overall, he's doing very well and he is a pleasure to have around. He's a lot of work, but he's a lot of fun too. He would love a fenced in yard when he can go and lay and roll around. So often we take him outside after a meal or for a walk and he literally body slams himself onto the ground for a good roll! It cracks us up!

Parker Starts Obedience School

So Parker and I started obedience with GEARS at the Etown fairgrounds last night. True to form, he was a nut case with the other dogs initially. I thought the walk to the grounds and around the grounds might help, but not as much as I was hoping. Fortunately he's a quick learner. It didn't take more than 3 sprays of the bitter apple and he was quiet as a church mouse for the most part : ) He settled down as the rest of the class (9 others) settled too. (There are some cute puppies there too!) He likes his order and routine, and 9 other chaotic dogs did not help his need for a sense of order.

His sit, sit-look, down, and even spin are coming along. He really wants to please, and now he is learning what he can and should do in order to please his people. I'm not sure if he thought it wasn't ok to look humans in the eyes but last night when he was given permission, he sure got good at it quickly! This crazy boy is going to make someone a good companion some day soon!

Here are some more pictures from a few evenings ago. I can't wait to see how he improves over the next few weeks and some consistent practicing!

Pretty down

I love his wild eyes : )

Look at that face!

Notice Tink in the background...?

Belly rub please!!!

Tink & Parker Photos

So Nick turned around a few nights ago and saw the following shots! The 2 of them have been getting along very well. Parker has been very patient with Tink even when she bumps into him. He might look at her funny but, he doesn't snap or get upset with her. Now if only we could get some apps for him.... : )

pictures? awwwe : )

turn to the left

Are you done yet?

Stoic looks from both of them!

Look at how shiny Parker's coat is getting!

Lot's to catch up on....

So in case you're wondering if Tink is feeling better....take a look at these pictures!!!! These were taken 2 days ago!!!

mmm, Parker got the stinkiness back in it...let me have a taste

mmm, this is really good!

Gotta try all of it

good to the last lick

Musta got some on my paw...

So yes, Miss Tink is feeling better... we've begun SLOWLY adding kibble back to her chicken, rice and potato mixture. Her weight is back up, her poop is normal again, she's happy, has energy, and is getting along beautifully with Parker. She's been waking up at 6:30am though for almost a week....If we could only get her to sleep until 7, 7:30 we'd be set!

Parker Update 6/2/09

Seriously, Parker is a different dog since we came back from vacation. Somebody has been covering us in prayer for sure. One night quiet, could be a fluke, 2 nights in a row like it's been, less likely to be a fluke. He isn't as loud or barky here either. He gave himself 2 nice hotspots while he was on vacation, but has stopped chewing on them for the most part since he came back and they're just starting to look a little better (tea tree oil does wonders for skin!)

He's earning more privileges around the house too. I decided he's spent long enough in the kitchen and I need to know what he's like with the family and how he interacts and all that jazz. So far, so good. And when I need him contained, I put him in the kitchen and he is fine. I still wait until he's quiet before he gets out of the kitchen and he does fine with that.

Nick jogged with him this morning and I guess he did pretty well. I think he might be his jogging buddy a few mornings a week : )

He is such a friendly boy. I find him rolling over for a belly rub, looking to have his ears scratched and just to be around people. Whatever room I'm in, he's in. He is a nice boy. I hope the right family comes along for him soon!

Vet Call 6/2/09

So Dr. Haver called right on schedule like he always does. I explained what was happening and he sat on the phone for quite a while silent. I explained that I knew it wasn't serious yet, I just didn't want it to be 6 days before she poops again. He understood and agreed and after talking it through, he said, "well try some canned pumpkin. We're going for the fiber here... 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. And you keep me posted on how she's doing." Ok, can do! Nick and I were both relieved that he didn't think this was overly serious : )

I went and got some pumpkin and more chicken this evening (along with some icecream and other "brain" food for us!) When we went on our little walk, she pooped! I'll spare all the gory details but I was pleased with the results of the evening : )

Vet Report

Went to the vet yesterday morning with Miss Tink... Dr. Haver looked her over, listened to my long and involved story starting with Parker and the kennel cough and ending with the diarrhea. He explained that he thought she had colitis as a complication of the kennel cough. She probably had some pancreatitis as well with it as it's common in BT's and older dogs...

We're to keep her on a bland diet like we've been and I have an amoxicillan to give to her twice daily to kill the bad (and the good too i guess at this point) in her gut. If we can get that stuff out and start over then maybe we'll be ok?

So after we went to the vet, now we've gone full circle and she is consistipated...she's tried to go several times and then doesn't. So obviously, another phone call in to Dr. Haver. I left a message and he left one of my phone saying that he wants to talk with my about what's going on with Tink, today. Sigh, he had a more serious tone of voice than I was hoping to hear.

On the up side, she is acting fine, happy when i get home, ready to eat ALL the time, snuggly....she slept through the night (and so did Parker!) and here we are at 4:30 in the afternoon.... The vet tech said when I called back that Dr Haver would probably call after 5:30 since he's booked all afternoon...we'll see what he says.

And we'll keep you posted.

Stay strong Little One, stay strong....

I hate this rollercoaster ride

So Tink restarted this explosive diarrhea thing yesterday and it continued through the night....10:30, 12:30, 4am. At 12:30 we were sleeping and Nick found her making a break for it down the hallway. Poor girl. We have a vet appt this morning so we'll see what Dr. Haver says. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers....

Home Again, Home Again....

So we made the 8+ hr ride home without too many incidences.... We hit some traffic and did what we could to make miss Tink as comfy as possible.

But when we walked into the apartment she made it clear that SHE WAS SO HAPPY TO BE HOME!!!! Initially she was stunned and then she danced and pranced and nested on every bed she owned! And the she would get up and dance a little more! She fell asleep and clearly expressed that not only was she happy to be home, but now she could get along on all the sleep that vacation clearly kept her from! It was absolutely adorable!


Now Jodi, bless her soul, kept Parker for us an extra night and we picked him up today after church.....what a different dog! He has been very quiet and easy going! He went right up to the apartment door and went right into the kitchen area. We went for lots of walks, sat out on the balcony and because he was doing so well, we gave both the dogs a bath. He did well. I used the new lead and Nick helped hold him, but he did just fine : ) Bathing him before dinner with lots of treats was a good idea (too bad it wasn't totally on purpose!)

Jodi shared that he likes to sleep in small spaces (like a cupboard she keeps clothes in in her dressing room area.) So Nick came up with the brilliant idea of putting the travel crate in the kitchen with some blankets rather than a bed. And sure enough he goes in there and chills out...

I wonder if Jodi drugged him or gave us a different dog or something! Whatever the difference, he still remembers the routine and is doing amazingly well so far. He actually licked Tink when I brought her over to greet him again! We'll see how tonight goes as Tink's been waking up between 5 and 6:30 to go out and potty. Being sick has knocked her off her system somewhat.... Anyhoo, we have 2 very tired, quiet and happy dogs right now and that makes me VERY happy!

Here's back to reality....

Beach Photos Cont.

Nick took some pics of Tink and me while we were on the beach. It was so nice that she was feeling better and she appeared up to a nice evening walk along the beach : )

She never seems to look real thrilled...

seriously Mom?

you're cramping my style mom!

As we were leaving the beach, Tink thought the pathway was VERY interesting and kept sniffing and sniffing and of course got sand not only up her nose but in her mouth.....

How do we get it out mom?