8 Week Adventure

The boys are 8 weeks old today so I scheduled a visit with Doc for their vaccines and health certificates.  With an 8 hour drive already under their belt, the just under 2 hour drive was a breeze! They did awesome both during the drive AND during the exam! And since they both still weigh under 2 pounds, it looks like they will be with us a bit longer.  I am sure they will be in their new forever homes soon enough though!

Both were given a perfect bill of health and were cute as ever! So much so that I had to stop to snap a photo of their adorable cuteness during the drive home. They became much more accustom to being out of a crate in the car after our trip to The Keys, so we brought a doggy bed for them to lay in for this ride. The crashed about halfway home in this precious position. Toooo stinkin' cute!

This Was a Doozer!

At first glance this morning, Baby's eye was definitely bringing her pain and with Doc's first glance he thought it was a scratch. Once he got a better look, he was able to see that there was actually something still IN her eye! Poor Baby!!!

She had to be a bit sedated to be able get the piece out. If you look real close at the end of the swab you will see the tiny speck that was stuck in her eye. Doc says within the next few days and some antibiotics, her eye should heal nicely and she will be able to keep her eye open again. I miss her sweet eyes!! And I cant wait for her to feel her happy go lucky self again.

On a side note, Chicatoo came along for the ride for her vaccines. She was such a good girl! Not a whimper or whine and she totally licked and loved on everyone. That's our girl!

I Love My Vet!!!

We headed out to see Dr. Mario today to get the puppies' vaccines and Health Certificates and to complete my Health Testings (patellas and hearts). They all - pups and adults - were given a perfect bill of health! We also brought CC to see if Doc could help me find the perfect home for her. With the many clients he has, I knew he might have a few in mind to suggest.

It only took a minute for the name to come to his mind and 30 minutes for her to drive up to his office. Mrs. Garcia lost her sweet Chelsea last week. She was an older Chihuahua that passed away due to heart failure. Mrs. Garcia was looking for a sweet lap-lover that would bark when a visitor was at the door, sleep and cuddle with her at night and lay with her on her couch during the day. CC was the PERFECT fit! She nuzzled up to her almost instantly after Doc placed her in her arms. The smile on her face was it all - We now have TWO very happy girls!

What a Long and Eventful Day

As with all trips out to see Dr. Mario, it's an all day event. This time was unique because we were meeting Largo and Lady's new forever families since it was a half way point for them. It all started with our hour and a half drive out to The Villages. The girls did fantastic on the ride and rocked it at their appointment. Dr. Mario gave them their second set of vaccines and gave them all a perfect bill of health.

We had a few hours of time to kill before our next "appointment" so we took a potty break and then came back into the office to catch up with the staff there. Our visits are less than I would like. While the peeps chatted it up, the resident cat, Hugo, discovered our carrier and that there was potential playmates inside. It didn't take long for the girls to venture out and see what the heck was going on.  I never have had a chance to cross over "meeting a cat" in my socialization checklist so this was a treat.

The rest of the evening was spent waiting for our forever families to arrive. We chilled watching DVD's in the car to kill time. The pups napped and chilled while we waited. The first was Staci and Dan, picking up Lady. Her new name is going to be Lady Bug. Cute aye??? She cuddled up with Dan for the ride home. Looks like he just may have a new lapbuddy!!

Sommer met up with us later to pick up Largo. Her new name is going to be Rane. LOVE IT!!!! I am so proud to have one of our pups in Sommer's program. Rane is hands down - the most perfect puppy from the litter and will surly make stunning puppies one day!

Well Wouldn't Ya Know It

Flea season hit us this year with avengeon! Battling fleas can be a true double-edged sword. We do our part by treating our yard and applying treatments but the chemicals in those topical treatments don't always do the job. (I have my own personal thoughts on those treatments and have been on the search for a more natural alternative. Now that I have something to work with, I will be sure to share the results of my little tests soon!)

The sword's double sides makes itself apparent when it comes to socializing your Chihuahua. Socialization is a must for a happy and healthy Chi. Taking them to places outside the four corners of your treated and maintained property leaves them susceptible to things that are truly out of your control. Dog parks, pet stores, or in our case, obedience classes, open the door to even the smallest of pests and contractible parasites and viruses. This is why it is not wise to take puppies to public places until they have received all of their vaccines. Since Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that walk close to the ground, they are the first to bring home the pests.

About two weeks ago, Ace and Colada started the scratching. Upon examination, they each had about four fleas on their back ends. Obviously the topicals were no barrier so flea baths and sprays were the next step to keep the fleas from spreading to the other dogs. Problem is, once you see the adults, you already have a problem because there are a gazillion eggs and larva before them!

We were able to keep the fleas from infesting the other dogs but the puppies were not so lucky. They are too young for any topicals or shampoos and too small for the incredible CapStar. So until they reach the 2lb mark, they have been getting baths to remove any potential fleas that might land on them. We have found a few here and there but luckily the problem has been fairly easy to manage. That was, until today...

Off to Doc's we went for the puppies' vaccines. We brought Ace and Colada along with too so they could get updated fecals for their training records. To my unpleasant surprise,  Colada's results came back positive for coccidia - contracted from the FLEAS!!!

She is just shy of 6 months of age and hasn't built up the immunity to the bacteria.  Since it is easily spread, we have started treatments on ALL dogs and will be keeping the entire litter here for a bit longer to make sure we can keep the problem from possibly following them to their new homes. The stress of transitioning to their new homes can also bring on coccidia so the treatment will help them next week too! It's a win-win based on the circumstances but a bummer for our new puppy families. We will continue to work on their socialization while they are here and see about working on some leash training too!

CC Went Home Yesterday

Today was the day! CC went home with Karen to join her pack of loveable ChiChis. I am SO honored to have one of my pups in her program - and SO excited to have the chance - first hand - to watch her grow. Getting updates on our pups is honestly priceless and the emails - especially with photos -  make my day! But I will get to really watch her grow.

She made her way into Karen's pack with ease. She is such a confident little girl. Not dominant - confident! She dove right into play mode with her new brother Tuc and finally subdued to Boy's incisive need to clean Chi ears.

While CC bonded with her new peeps and pups we headed out to Dr. Mario's to get annuals for Dewey, rabies for Capri and 8 week boosters for Alex. They all did fabulous and were given a perfect bill of health!

Where's The Beef?

We have tried feeding him extra helpings but man, his genetics keeps him so thin! He is simply one of those dogs that has a very high metabolism! To those that are not familiar with "thin" dogs, I am sure they think I starve him. Especially when they see him alone and none of our other beefy dogs are around. When I told Doc my freakish concern, he blurted out "Well give him some bacon fat!" Dahhhhh - why didn't I think of that?

So we tried the bacon fat drizzled over his kibble today and he just gobbled it up. Only bad think - he got the major toots from the new diet! Ekkk! That wasn't something I was anticipating! If it bulks him up I will just have to pinch my nose.

Poor Buddy!!!!

We have had a lot of visitors in the house lately. People coming to check out Ace, play dates for the kids and other visitors. Buddy will shy away from new people - usually finding a corner to hide in our couch to hide under. It's just the way he rolls! When in his domain - he does NOT like to be held by those he doesn't know. He will come to you on his own terms.

Unfortunately, our youngest picked Buddy up to bring him up to bed and tried handing him to her friend - he wiggled and squirmed in detest - This usual occurs when he is trying to tell you he is not too happy. I didn't think much of it when it happened since it is rather common. But this morning - it all changed.

Buddy was clearly in pain. All hunched over like an old man and walking slowly. I could touch his back and all four legs without a flinch or sound but clearly there was something wrong.

Thank GOD for Doc. I rushed him to the clinic and it looks like he either has a pinched nerve (the mildest of the prognosis's) or a slipped disk - a MAJOR problem. Doc gave him a shot of cortisone and now he is on strict bed rest - a requirement he is not fighting.

Tonight is has finally gotten up and walked around a bit without issue. We are all praying for our little guy. Doc says the next 24 hours will be what determines everything. Let's hope we start to see more improvements!!!!

Vaccines, Heat and Dads

We have been battling the heat along with everyone else here in Central Florida. The dogs have truly been missing there afternoon backyard romps and have tons of pent up energy!

We took them all up to Doc's vaccine clinic for their annual Rabies vaccines this morning and had to synchronize getting the dogs into the building. It is SO hot, we kept the car running and brought two in at a time.

With it being too hot to run off all their new nervous energy, as a family, we played toss with the dogs in the living room. They loved all of the attention and spoils.

It was a lazy day of hot, hot summer as we lounged with the dogs, played games and celebrated ALL of the dads in the house. Human AND dog!!!

It's That Time Of Year Again...

...and with Dr. Mario's new Discount Pet Vaccine clinic open and so close to us, we took all 9 of the dogs up to get their annual vaccines. Doc gave them all a perfect bill of health and we will be heading back again next weekend for their annual rabies vaccines (you really should have them administered separately - MUCH easier on their little systems)

He has only been open a month and is rockin. I love the fact that you have a chance to get those vaccines out of the way on the weekend. That's when I have extra sets of hands to help me cart them around. Weekdays are so difficult.

For anyone living in the Central Florida area, I totally recommend bringing your pets up to see him for their vaccines. He is such a compassionate man that takes time out for you and all of your questions. And since his clinic is a permanent location - not one of those temporary mobile set-ups - you get to build a relationship with him even if it is only an annual visit!

The dogs came home an RAN for the food and water bowl. Getting poked and prodded all while it is storming outside can reek havoc on such small dogs. Maybe I will pop in a movie and have a napfest on the couch after they all potty.

Such Awesome News!!!

Dr. Mario has been working on this for a while but now that it is official, I am SO geeked to announce that he has opened a Discount Pet Vaccine clinic here in Altamonte Springs. It's located on SR 436 between 17-92 and Ronald Regan - perfect spot! And the clinic will only be open on weekends - how perfect is THAT? So convenient - no need to take off work - and they sell heartworm and flea & tick meds too!

I will surly send all our new puppy families there - 50.00 each for their remaining booster shots is a fantastic value - plus Doc has a history with our pups. Win-Win-Win!

The grand opening is Mother's Day weekend - Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. Be sure to check him out.

Resting From The Exciting Day

We drove out to see Dr Mario today for the pups to get their 8 week shots and check up. Doc says they are doing GREAT! They are both still very small - only at a pound and a half - so they are going to be very small. Since Jen has the experience and perfect home for such a small pup I will be letting Opal go to her new forever home on Sunday, but I will be holding onto Capi for a while - I like my pups to be at least 2 lbs before they go home.

I was SO proud that they made the full hour and a half drive with out a single accident and then again on the ride back. I put them back into their pen and they both walked right to the pee-pad and empties their bladders.

6 Week Check Up

We headed out to see Dr. Arteaga today for the pups to have their 6 weeks check up. Normally this is when they would get their first set of booster shots but doc said that they are still a bit too small. Capi - being the runt - is a little behind in his development. He is not as advanced as his sister with his walking. I will be giving him some extra vitamins this week to help him catch up. Their tiny size aside, they got a perfect bill of health!

I brought our new little female friend along for a check up too and Doc says she appears to be around a year old. Also, she just recently was in heat - raising some concerns that perhaps she might be pregnant. I doubt it since she was found during the final week of the cycle, but it could be confirmed in a couple weeks.

A Holiday Adventure

We have headed out to Lake Griffin State Park for a holiday camping trip. What a beautiful park to celebrate Christmas. And it is so close to both Lisa and Doctor Mario! Since we are so close, I decided to head up to the veterinary hospital to send my holiday wishes and get a few dog check ups off my to-do list.

Dewey needed his final set of puppy shots. I really do wish I was able to get a photo of the results as a perfect reference but everything happened so quickly. I know that Nino and
Absolut had reactions to their shots and now Dewey followed suit. It was within 5 minutes of his injection that huge welts appeared on his face and head. Doc gave him a shot of Cortisone and Benadryl and it cleared up very quickly and was perfectly fine minutes later. Now it's just narrowing down if this reaction was passed down from mommy or from daddy.

Baby got her dewclaw caught about a week ago and it has been bothering her ever since. It wasn't bleeding but it was dangling and apparently detached from the bone. With a quick pull, Doc removed the claw and she is one happy girl.

I brought her babies along for the ride too - you know - show them off ;) Doc did a check over and said they are doing perfectly. One thing he did point out was that how shockingly well-endowed Capi is. At 4 1/2 weeks old, both of his testicles have dropped and yes - are BIG!!!! teehee !!

He Says TWO!

We drove out to Lady Lake today for Baby's x-rays. Doc says there are two pups in there! Same as last time but let's hope NOT the same outcome. We are truly on pins and needles when it comes to this whelping. It looks like both pups are in position - head first - and ready to pop any time. I have never seen such developed ribs in pregnancy x-rays so it just may be tonight!

We also took Ginny's remaining pup for his next set of shots. We are all so torn as to if we should keep him. He is our last remaining piece of our sweet Mo. He has a perfect blend of his parent's personalities. He is not as attached to humans as Mo was but is as friendly and playful and is as affectionate and loving as his mommy. Now we are fighting over a name. Brad wants to keep the puppy name of Dewey (Dew Rum Run) but I like Coffee Coolata and would call him Cool. We shall see.....

Any Day Now

Starting today, Baby could go into labor. Man has this pregnancy flown by. And she really isn't that big either. While napping next to me today I know I felt one pup on her left right side for sure. In talking with Dr. Arteaga, we have decided that she will go in tomorrow for her x-rays (of course that is unless her whelping begins sometime in the next 12 hours). If she has complications like she did last time, we will do a c-section and spay her while he is in there. We are all hoping for a perfect whelping this go-around and there is no reason for her not to be able to deliver naturally - even after a c-section. So this means the next 5 days will be filled with pins, needles and sleepless nights. All fingers and toes are crossed and every eye in upon our little sweetie. Our oldest is even more anxious. Since she is his favorite dog it has been agreed that he will keep one of her pups so I am sure he too as the butterflies in his belly - Come on Baby - Do us proud!!!!

Puppy Shots and HCs

The puppies will be 8 weeks old on Thursday so we headed out to Lady Lake for their second set of shots and to get their Health Certificates. I so love the drive out there. The chance to see Dr. Arteaga is always awesome. He truly is the best vet - well worth the hour and a half drive. I would recommended him to ANYONE and everyone! He takes such amazing care of all of our dogs and of course, each of our pups.

The second joy of these trips is they .30 to .40 difference in gas out that way. I always run the tank down before we head out ;)

The pups did awesome on the trip. Not a single accident in the crate. All spoiled by Doc and given a perfect bill of health.

They Earned This Meal!

The pups had a huge adventure today! Out to Lady Lake we went this morning for their first set of puppy shots. We are just two days from the 6 week mark but I wanted to make sure they did well before our weekend getaway. Puppies need to be watched for any reactions after shots ;) Doc said they are all perfect and healthy and did a quick exam of Baby - we will be bringing her back once she is further along in her pregnancy.

They didn't have any accidents on the ride out and just a small one on the way back. The crate training is working wonders! So with all of the bladder holding they ran and devoured their puppy food. Look at Cool up on the top!!! I told you he figured out how to get what he needs!

Road Trip!

Ginny and the pups had their first adventure today! We drove out to Lady Lake for their first vet check and to have their dewclaws removed. Doc says they are perfect pups - and didn't wince or whine at all during the procedure. Not many breeders have their puppies' dewclaws removed. Since they haven't grown in to the bone yet - this is a quick and easy fix to potential problems in their futures. Declaws have no proposes - they just get caught on carpets and blankets and often times require an emergency visit to the vet. It's well worth the jaunt to the vet as far as I am concerned ;)

We Counted FIVE ....

... and Martini is on the Mend. We drove out to Lady Lake as a family and spent the day just outside the final bands of TS Fay.

We started by having Martini taken back and prepped for her surgery. She did so AWESOME! We all have our fingers crossed that spaying her will get her hormones back into check. I am convinced she is hormonally imbalanced. She was still weaning her last litter of pups when the other girls in the house went into heat. Teener has been on a hormonal high ever since. Luckily we have an hour and a half drive home - she came out of surgery very loopy - just looking up at me saying "MOMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY" with her eyes. My sweet baby girl. She has been resting on the couch all afternoon. For the first time in over a month I am happy she is alone and away from the pack.

They warmed up the X-ray machine and got ready to snap shots - We took a look at Mo's chest. His infection has cleared up but there is a distinct whistle in there. Monday will be the day! We have him on some antibiotics to get him through the weekend.

Next came Ginny - the much anticipated baby shot! The bets were placed. My palipations have always be dead on - so I stuck with three - even though my guts said there were more. The remaining bets ranged from 3 to 6. When they called me in to take a peek - the number given was 4. But I saw another spine in there. Doc took a second look and he confirmed it! Ginny has 5 pups!!!!


Bitter sweet day - Martini - who is such a fantastic mommy - will live the rest of her life in a happy yet babyless state while Ginny proved she will be our newest mommy - and of course Mo - we all pray for a fantastic outcome on Monday.