So it's been months now since I lost my first rescue, devastating me. Here it is Good Friday, before Easter and I happen to be off from work. I decide to take a random ride over to Plainfield Humane Society just to see. Little did I know I was about to meet the next special rescue to come into my life, making me laugh and smile again.
I went in with open intensions, no breed or age mattered, I just wanted to see if I could give the next one a home. I walked up and down those aisles of the shelter, painfully looking at all the dogs I couldn't help, as I couldn't take them all. The only "requirement" if you call it that was I needed a dog that could co-exist with other dogs, someone that was used to dogs. This way if I went somewhere I could take them and have them be comfortable in the situation. Most of the dogs unfortunately couldn't co-exist. As I was about to turn around and walk out, one of the volunteers said "what about thunder" I said "who's thunder?"
Thunder is this high energetic pit bull mix around 1 1/2 -2. So I went out back and there he was! Jumping up and down in the kennel so excited to see people. I instantly fell in love with him and wanted to know more. The volunteer let him out and thunder just jumped all over me giving kisses and hugs. I knew in that moment he was going to be my next special one I take him, Mason my first rescue had sent me another earth angel, while he watches over me.
It's been 5 months today and he's just everything from adorable, loyal, hilarious, silly and so much more! You never know when it is the right time to rescue again after loosing a family member, but I am sure glad I walked into that shelter on GOOD FRIDAY, as what a Good Friday it was.
*Side note- Thunder's name was changed to Meiko (meaning brave and strong) I wanted him to have a new name to go along with his new happy life.
xoxo,
DOGOBSESSED
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
The one that took him
It was January 13th and all was well on a Sunday morning, or so it seemed. As the morning passed Mason started to pant heavily, become very weak and collapsing over. Fast forward 10 minutes, he was gone. Just like that over the rainbow bridge. As I fell to the ground crying hysterically, screaming calling his name I just wasn't quite sure what just happened. My 13 year old that had remarkable blood work, was healthy in person and on paper just suddenly passed away with no warning. The one that had energy, was eating and drinking and acting normal. Thank god, I was home, we were together. He had special people with him, holding him. As he was wrapped in a blanket and driven down to a well known vet, I'm frozen, I'm destroyed, wondering why, what and how come. I don't get it. He was 13, healthy and I thought we would have some more years together.
Leaving me unexpectedly, I wanted answers and needed closure. Enter- veterinarian services of cremation and necropy's. A necropy is basically a autopsy for an animal. So this is how I proceeded, as I crumbled and listened to the process of my next point in my life. It took about a week or so to get the results and about two weeks to get his ashes and bring him back home where he belonged.
A week later, here is where I learn about Hemangiosarcoma. A cancerous mass on the spleen undetected by blood work, with no known Symptoms, causes or warnings. This whole time, for apparently a month he had it, if not 2-3 months. My happy, healthy boy. Unfortunately, if you are not aware or know much about it, it comes on suddenly and the prognosis is grave. We don't have many options and the options we do have doesn't stop it or change the final outcome. My heart was stunted, feeling shocked, lost, but at peace a tiny bit knowing now what happened to my best fur friend, Mason.
As the weeks past by life at home is very different. Walking through the door, not having that family member greeting you and everything else around you change. For anyone that has lost a pet you know, or has a pet, I encourage you to spend as much time with them as I did. Give them your all, as one day expected or unexpected just like that, that bark, that tail wag is no longer and it is heartbreaking.
We know that all dogs go to heaven, they don't live forever and I imagine the expected is just as difficult as the unexpected but the unexpected just takes your breath away, knocks you off your feet and crushes you.
To end this post on a more upbeat tone as Mason would want, I imagine him now smiling, rolling around in lush grass and playing all day long up over the rainbow bridge.
Forever and not forgotten Mason.
XOXO
DOGOBSESSED
Leaving me unexpectedly, I wanted answers and needed closure. Enter- veterinarian services of cremation and necropy's. A necropy is basically a autopsy for an animal. So this is how I proceeded, as I crumbled and listened to the process of my next point in my life. It took about a week or so to get the results and about two weeks to get his ashes and bring him back home where he belonged.
A week later, here is where I learn about Hemangiosarcoma. A cancerous mass on the spleen undetected by blood work, with no known Symptoms, causes or warnings. This whole time, for apparently a month he had it, if not 2-3 months. My happy, healthy boy. Unfortunately, if you are not aware or know much about it, it comes on suddenly and the prognosis is grave. We don't have many options and the options we do have doesn't stop it or change the final outcome. My heart was stunted, feeling shocked, lost, but at peace a tiny bit knowing now what happened to my best fur friend, Mason.
As the weeks past by life at home is very different. Walking through the door, not having that family member greeting you and everything else around you change. For anyone that has lost a pet you know, or has a pet, I encourage you to spend as much time with them as I did. Give them your all, as one day expected or unexpected just like that, that bark, that tail wag is no longer and it is heartbreaking.
We know that all dogs go to heaven, they don't live forever and I imagine the expected is just as difficult as the unexpected but the unexpected just takes your breath away, knocks you off your feet and crushes you.
To end this post on a more upbeat tone as Mason would want, I imagine him now smiling, rolling around in lush grass and playing all day long up over the rainbow bridge.
Forever and not forgotten Mason.
XOXO
DOGOBSESSED
Thursday, October 25, 2018
13 and Strong!!
So It's October and recently Mason turned 13!! I cannot believe it, I rescued him at 9 months and now he is 13. I'm so grateful everyday for this strong, happy, healthy dog (that is like human) its unreal. Looking back over the years we have had some challenges and he made it through every single one of them. I try not to take that for granted though, as some family/friends have lost younger dogs through the years and it's been difficult. It makes you reflect on the time you have and might only have left with those best fur friends that seem to just about understand it all, at least that is how it seems.
From separation anxiety, chewing, torn ACL's, moving a few times and other life changes Mason did it, he conquered it all. Well. I guess I did too.. Considering some people just return animals to shelters instead of being there for the animal and making it through. If they are not a true danger to you or others, than it just takes patience and time and most of all LOVE. I think Mason knows by now, I love him, especially after he has chewed through so many materialistic items, ha ha! It is just that though, materialistic items that can be replaced, in most cases. A defenseless, selfless loving animal is so much more important.
So on his 13th birthday Mason rec'd toys, snacks, a special breakfast (eggs!) and why of course a steak for dinner! A bit much?? Some people might think so, but a true dog lover knows it is well deserved. From the day you take him/her home you don't know just how long you will have. You have to embrace it, cherish it and not take it for granted! Sometimes Mason drives me a little nutty but I think well one day you won't be here anymore and that nuttiness, that bark I will miss and it will break my heart, so I embrace it, laugh and cherish it. It is a two way street, we put up with some behavior sometimes, but they put up with us going to work, going out for fun and basically our schedules!
With Mason being a mutt, I can only hope I have many more years left with this dog that makes me laugh, think about how they see life so simply and the small things that entertain him. Like that small stuffed $1 animal from the store! Do you celebrate your Dog's birthday? Maybe with a cake, a fun outing?? If not, you should try it. I bet you would find humor in it and they of course would enjoy it.
I have had dogs all my life and in most cases have been very lucky to see them live through 15+. Remember, do your part to keep them healthy as well. Yearly shots, check for things like ticks, moles, bump etc. Spend the time that they deserve. Most people that meet Mason don't even realize he is 13, except for that grey distinguished gentleman beard LOL. His level of energy is outstanding and I hope it continues.
XOXO,
DOGOBSESSED
From separation anxiety, chewing, torn ACL's, moving a few times and other life changes Mason did it, he conquered it all. Well. I guess I did too.. Considering some people just return animals to shelters instead of being there for the animal and making it through. If they are not a true danger to you or others, than it just takes patience and time and most of all LOVE. I think Mason knows by now, I love him, especially after he has chewed through so many materialistic items, ha ha! It is just that though, materialistic items that can be replaced, in most cases. A defenseless, selfless loving animal is so much more important.
So on his 13th birthday Mason rec'd toys, snacks, a special breakfast (eggs!) and why of course a steak for dinner! A bit much?? Some people might think so, but a true dog lover knows it is well deserved. From the day you take him/her home you don't know just how long you will have. You have to embrace it, cherish it and not take it for granted! Sometimes Mason drives me a little nutty but I think well one day you won't be here anymore and that nuttiness, that bark I will miss and it will break my heart, so I embrace it, laugh and cherish it. It is a two way street, we put up with some behavior sometimes, but they put up with us going to work, going out for fun and basically our schedules!
With Mason being a mutt, I can only hope I have many more years left with this dog that makes me laugh, think about how they see life so simply and the small things that entertain him. Like that small stuffed $1 animal from the store! Do you celebrate your Dog's birthday? Maybe with a cake, a fun outing?? If not, you should try it. I bet you would find humor in it and they of course would enjoy it.
I have had dogs all my life and in most cases have been very lucky to see them live through 15+. Remember, do your part to keep them healthy as well. Yearly shots, check for things like ticks, moles, bump etc. Spend the time that they deserve. Most people that meet Mason don't even realize he is 13, except for that grey distinguished gentleman beard LOL. His level of energy is outstanding and I hope it continues.
XOXO,
DOGOBSESSED
Friday, August 10, 2018
Road Tripping with your Pet
Ever take a road trip with your best fur friend? It's the greatest! Haven't done it? I highly suggest it. I recently took a road trip from NJ to OBX and brought along Mason. I was a bit nervous for him to be in the car for that long, but that's what bathroom breaks are for, right?! So off we go, AT 5AM. I'm not sure about your dog, but Mason, well he is a BARKER, a loud one! At some point in time he tired himself out and calmed down a bit.
So here we are driving down 95 and Mason has his head out the window and the sun is shining now! Knowing how excited he gets for car rides, there is something to be said about this fun loving dog, hanging out the window, catching the breeze! The look on his face and the tail wagging completely had me question myself of "Why didn't I do this sooner?" At least a longer true road trip. The furthest he has ever been is just an hour or so from his home. It was a long drive, but with dogs not telling time, before you know it to Mason we were at our vacation spot!
It's unfortunate that dogs do not live that long as humans that is and a simple car ride, walk or playtime can make them feel like they have the best life in the world. So here I am driving, watching him and just giving me peace and happiness at this joyful dog out the window! What if life was that simple? We took a car ride, stuck our head out the window and just enjoyed the breeze?! Hmm, maybe we should try it sometime, these dogs seem to have it down pat! I see articles online where people create bucket lists for your pets and it includes a car ride to somewhere, this is pretty brilliant. The bucket list that is. However, I am lucky that at this time I am not there right now, so more car rides to come just for the heck of it.
Sometimes I think "Why is it that Mason is so willing and so happy to get in that car with me?" Well, my logic is that one- he's with me, we are together and two they might not have the slightest clue where they are going but they are out and about, out of the house! Mason is currently 12 and will be 13 in October, so I do not know how much time I have left with him, but I will tell you this I will own up to it that he is spoiled with lots of love, and whatever toys or snacks! Life is to short.
It's important I have noticed on these road trips. to have lots of water accessible, maybe a blanket to snuggle on and well you need SNACKS! So next time you are traveling and if you are going to a safe place, think about if your pet can go with you. They will LOVE it. As long as they don't get car sick that is, LOL. However, I bet even with getting car sick, that little face hanging out the window, catching the breeze he/she will quickly get over that upset stomach!
xoxo,
DOGOBSESSED
It's important I have noticed on these road trips. to have lots of water accessible, maybe a blanket to snuggle on and well you need SNACKS! So next time you are traveling and if you are going to a safe place, think about if your pet can go with you. They will LOVE it. As long as they don't get car sick that is, LOL. However, I bet even with getting car sick, that little face hanging out the window, catching the breeze he/she will quickly get over that upset stomach!
xoxo,
DOGOBSESSED
Friday, January 20, 2017
Getting fit this new year? Let your four legged friend be part of it!
New Year means New Goals for a lot of us, but what about your four legged best friend? As we get older it gets harder to stay in shape and metabolism changes, well so does a dogs! They are just like people. I recently read an article on Little Things " 10 Healthiest People Foods you should be feeding your dogs" and I wanted to share them! First of all before I start I credit Little Things by Laura Caseley, posted December 2016.
1. Lean Meat = Energy
Meat for dogs provide the bulk of there energy through protein. Lean meats such as chicken, pork and beef are great sources of vitamin B and amino acids. They also boost energy and metabolism! Which is what I was just talking about above. If you buy a piece of meat with fatty ends, simply trim this off before giving the meat to them as that portion is no good for them. You will want to avoid ground meat since it contains high fat and fat is hard to burn off the older we get. With chicken beware of the bones, make sure to take these out before handing over that scrumptious meal to them!
2. Salmon & Tuna= Shiny Coat and Healthy Immune systems
These foods are high in Omega 3 fatty acid content which is good for dogs both inside and out. These foods will help maintain a shiny coat (which is great for dogs like Mason who have that short tight pit bull fur!) You will want to serve these cooked, rather than raw. If you don't have this around you can also give them fish oil to there already regular foods. Sometimes I use fish oil pills in Mason's food to help with his joints as well!
3. Liver= Vitamins A, B and K
Now this one I personally do not agree with...read on to see why.
Liver provides lots of vitamins as well as iron. However, do not give to much of this as to much Vitamin A can be hazardous to them.
4. Oatmeal=Digestion (P.S. so does pumpkin!)
Oatmeal provides fiber which will help digestion to be smooth and comfortable! It is considered a whole grain and healthier than a refrained grain. You would want to serve this cooked as you would with yourself and cool it down before handing it over to those big smiling, drooling pups!
5. Parsley= Fresh Breath
This one was no shocker to me as I personally use this ingredient in my homemade dog treats! After this check out www.masonsbarkyardtreats.com
Here you will want to chop up a few tablespoons and add it to the dog's food. In addition this will
provide potassium (think banana's which Mason LOVES) and calcium.
6. Peas= Potassium
Again so do Banana's! Potassium is crucial for the overall health in dogs. They need it just like we need it! They also provide vitamin B, so just add them to the dogs bowl and go!
7. Carrots= Healthy Teeth (P.S bright eyes too, Mason has shown this)
Mason is 11 and has been eating carrots since he was a puppy! He loves them, in fact Mason loves all this healthy stuff. With that, this 11 year old still has VERY bright eyes blue in some lights and brown and others. My vet even had asked me "what does he eat, his eyes are so bright for an older dog?"My answer "CARROTS!" Since carrots are hard they are a great snack to scrape plaque off and other stuff off the teeth in your dogs mouth that can lead to infections. If you have a small dog you will want to use baby carrots. So really this healthy treat has various good uses, healthy teeth, bright eyes and is loaded with good vitamins!
8. Seaweed Nori= Metabolism
Now this one is a new one to me, I have not tried this one. Nori is a dry seaweed. This is often wrapped around sushi or found in Japanese food. It's rich in fiber and vitamins C and E. This will help regulate metabolism and help keep them in shape!
9. Yogurt or Cottage Cheese= Calcium
Yogurt Mason has had, cottage cheese, well I don't eat it so he hasn't had it. However, doesn't mean he can't try it. Products like these are good sources of calcium promoting bone and tooth health. For someone like Mason who has torn both ACL's this might be a good item for me to start trying. These probiotics will help any digestive problems. With these you will want to stick to plain, no added sugars or fruits as those could have to much sugar which is not a good thing. If your dog is lactose intolerant you will want to skip this treat, if you are not sure be sure to test in only small amounts at first.
10. Coconut Oil= Protein, Immunity and skin Health
This is a no brainer. We all know that coconut oil for the human is good for the hair, skin, nails and more. You can also give them coconut flakes adding these to the food. The oil will help nourish the skin and fur. This is another high source of protein.
So a few things that was not on this list that I have learned over the years are anything ending in BERRY! Berries are a great source of antioxidants for the dog. Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries. So, next time you are snacking don't forget to share with your four legged friend if it's on this list or has similar benefits!
If you have gotten to the end, thanks for reading and pass it along!
XO,
DOGOBSESSED
1. Lean Meat = Energy
Meat for dogs provide the bulk of there energy through protein. Lean meats such as chicken, pork and beef are great sources of vitamin B and amino acids. They also boost energy and metabolism! Which is what I was just talking about above. If you buy a piece of meat with fatty ends, simply trim this off before giving the meat to them as that portion is no good for them. You will want to avoid ground meat since it contains high fat and fat is hard to burn off the older we get. With chicken beware of the bones, make sure to take these out before handing over that scrumptious meal to them!
2. Salmon & Tuna= Shiny Coat and Healthy Immune systems
These foods are high in Omega 3 fatty acid content which is good for dogs both inside and out. These foods will help maintain a shiny coat (which is great for dogs like Mason who have that short tight pit bull fur!) You will want to serve these cooked, rather than raw. If you don't have this around you can also give them fish oil to there already regular foods. Sometimes I use fish oil pills in Mason's food to help with his joints as well!
3. Liver= Vitamins A, B and K
Now this one I personally do not agree with...read on to see why.
Liver provides lots of vitamins as well as iron. However, do not give to much of this as to much Vitamin A can be hazardous to them.
4. Oatmeal=Digestion (P.S. so does pumpkin!)
Oatmeal provides fiber which will help digestion to be smooth and comfortable! It is considered a whole grain and healthier than a refrained grain. You would want to serve this cooked as you would with yourself and cool it down before handing it over to those big smiling, drooling pups!
5. Parsley= Fresh Breath
This one was no shocker to me as I personally use this ingredient in my homemade dog treats! After this check out www.masonsbarkyardtreats.com
Here you will want to chop up a few tablespoons and add it to the dog's food. In addition this will
provide potassium (think banana's which Mason LOVES) and calcium.
6. Peas= Potassium
Again so do Banana's! Potassium is crucial for the overall health in dogs. They need it just like we need it! They also provide vitamin B, so just add them to the dogs bowl and go!
7. Carrots= Healthy Teeth (P.S bright eyes too, Mason has shown this)
Mason is 11 and has been eating carrots since he was a puppy! He loves them, in fact Mason loves all this healthy stuff. With that, this 11 year old still has VERY bright eyes blue in some lights and brown and others. My vet even had asked me "what does he eat, his eyes are so bright for an older dog?"My answer "CARROTS!" Since carrots are hard they are a great snack to scrape plaque off and other stuff off the teeth in your dogs mouth that can lead to infections. If you have a small dog you will want to use baby carrots. So really this healthy treat has various good uses, healthy teeth, bright eyes and is loaded with good vitamins!
8. Seaweed Nori= Metabolism
Now this one is a new one to me, I have not tried this one. Nori is a dry seaweed. This is often wrapped around sushi or found in Japanese food. It's rich in fiber and vitamins C and E. This will help regulate metabolism and help keep them in shape!
9. Yogurt or Cottage Cheese= Calcium
Yogurt Mason has had, cottage cheese, well I don't eat it so he hasn't had it. However, doesn't mean he can't try it. Products like these are good sources of calcium promoting bone and tooth health. For someone like Mason who has torn both ACL's this might be a good item for me to start trying. These probiotics will help any digestive problems. With these you will want to stick to plain, no added sugars or fruits as those could have to much sugar which is not a good thing. If your dog is lactose intolerant you will want to skip this treat, if you are not sure be sure to test in only small amounts at first.
10. Coconut Oil= Protein, Immunity and skin Health
This is a no brainer. We all know that coconut oil for the human is good for the hair, skin, nails and more. You can also give them coconut flakes adding these to the food. The oil will help nourish the skin and fur. This is another high source of protein.
So a few things that was not on this list that I have learned over the years are anything ending in BERRY! Berries are a great source of antioxidants for the dog. Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries. So, next time you are snacking don't forget to share with your four legged friend if it's on this list or has similar benefits!
If you have gotten to the end, thanks for reading and pass it along!
XO,
DOGOBSESSED
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