What a Good Friday it was

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

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

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

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

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

Romper hour or romper house?! Rumpus hour, GO!

It's a normal work day...I wake up, get ready, feed the dogs and head off to work! The minute I walk out the door "it's go time" says one dog to the other! No matter how long the day is I assume it's peaceful and relaxing! Nope, it's go time, it's rumpus time, it's crazy time in the dogs eyes! My work day is finished and I head home. Hmm, now that's funny I know I made those beds this morning and I know I had things nicely put away. Beds are un made, in some cases beds are moved, clothes are on floor and toys are everywhere!!! What do these crazies do all day, apparently not nap! I don't currently have a "nanny" cam but may invest in one for pure entertainment purposes. What does your dog(s) do all day, literally take a few minutes and think about this. Do you come home to pillows on the floor, shoes on your bed, maybe you even have a smaller dog that at least burries him or herself in your covers.

There is a 10 soon to be 11 year old pit lab and a 6 year old Shepard collie in the house which makes them about 35 and 65 year olds in our world! Who acts like that, they aren't elementary school children there dogs or are they?!  As I sit here and laugh my head of daily by these nuts I can't help wonder what it's like to be a dog and be left alone. Could it be scary, lonely or boring doesn't sound like it ha ha! Maybe I should return as a dog with an excellent owner in my next life. Rolling around in the bed, lounging on the couch having a joyous time while there owners do all the hard work, sounds like it. Although I think there dogs think they work, security detail for the house. Last time I checked I didn't see a puppy-check coming in Lol.

It is said to have been documented and studied that dogs don't have any time concept. They don't understand it or get it. You can leave for 5 minutes or 5 hours and the reaction is just about always the same. They may be a little bit more sleepy but that tail still wags when you walk in and the dog smile I call still shows! Dogs are resilliant to time. Unlike humans who know it and understand it. It is also said that just 5 consistent minutes of constant attention to the dog makes them feel wanted and loved. Ha, well in my household they get hours!! I may work, I may travel but these pups are everything and still come first. They get plenty of love. Next time you go out take notice to what your house looks like when you leave and what it looks like when you come back. I bet at least something is moved unless you kennel your dog then it is hard to relate.

Mason used to be on his own (only dog in the house) and now has a companion for the past year or so, it really does make a difference. Having that second dog I feel like he isn't as bored when I need to go out, he has someone to hang out with and apparently play romper room with!

Well folks while I sit on this beach and write this and those dogs are home protecting, playing romper room have fun and laugh next time your dog moves stuff around and think about this post!

Xoxo
DOGOBSESSED

Feeling Blessed!

August 19, 2013 by M101805

     As I sit here on my couch, and Mason naps next to me in his bed I look at him and think….I’m so blessed!

The long hours I work or commute, the times I have to go out somewhere or want to go out somewhere, he doesn’t care. At the end of the night he still loves me unconditionally. Seven and a half years ago, I walked into a shelter with no breed in mind and fell in love with him. Over the years I have watched Mason grow up into a dog who loves people of all ages, dogs and just life. His high energy level like he is a puppy still reminds me every day when we first adopted him, so excited to be with people even know he was a wee bit nervous of his new home. Adopting a pet, is an AMAZING feeling, knowing I’m giving him a better life then wherever he came from or was. I am able to re write the first 9 months of his life with happiness, memories, an over abundance of love and care, Purchasing a pet from a breeder or store is not much different, unfortunately due to the stores and how they treat animals, you are essentially getting the same feeling and doing the same thing as adopting, and buying from a breeder well that just gives you the opportunity to do it from the start, love & care, memories & happiness!

The people that know and love Mason, know his worst trait if any at all is his uncontrolled barking in a car, LOL. However, if that’s the worst that’s not so bad.  They say the more you communicate to an animal the more personality he or she develops, well ask my husband isn’t that the truth! For example and for a great laugh, this morning  I was eating my breakfast and just like every time Mason sat next to me, looking up at me like “mommy can I have please”, my words “M, this is my breakfast go eat yours its ok eat your breakfast” and there he goes running across the kitchen feel….few seconds later I hear crunch crunch crunch and I am amazed all over again. My husband stands shocked, impressed and laughing. Well there you go the connection and bond I have developed with Mason over the years is due to me allowing him to develop a personality, talking to him and most importantly paying attention to him! I just read in Dog Fancy magazine from a 2012 issue that all a pet needs is exactly 5 minutes a day of uninterruptable attention (ie; petting, brushing, snuggling etc) to feel that they are loved.

So Mason, everyday I feel blessed to have you in my life, our lives. Funny thing is he is I’m sure even more blessed finding a home with true family, humans he can trust, unconditionally love and memories. Some people think a dog doesn’t have much memory, but some things I believe are imprinted in them(a bad experience, a certain place they love to go etc) Everyone should or feels blessed at some point in there life for what they have, because even when you think you have it bad, someone has it worse. At the end of a day no matter how tough it was I feel blessed, but having Mason knowing what I can provide for him and the dog he has grown in to makes me even more blessed. I have read quotes on facebook or other places, “The road to my heart is paved with paw prints” this is true . I know he feels blessed, but WE feel blessed everyday to have you in our lives. The dog that willingly takes bathes, the dog that is so good with kids, the dog that was house broken in 3 days and still to this day, the dog that is everything to me, for so many reasons that it would take years to write.

When you read this, if you have that special pet in your life, look over at him you know what your thinking Your feeling blessed too                        

If you are not a pet owner, go get one, like NOW LOL…Cats, Dogs, whatever your fancy is. This is just not because I don’t have kids, I know plenty of people that have children and a pet and would agree. They are family.

XOXO
DOGOBSESSED

Houdini, he AMAZES me

Its been almost a month since the last blog…life has been pretty crazy. So, I thought I’d write something simple, something comical just for fun. Makes me laugh!

Since the small age of 10 months, we have called Mason Houdini and everyday since than he has continued to amaze me. When we first got mason, we attempted to crate him for training purposes after he went on a chewing frenzy due to separation anxiety. Many times we would come home and Mason would be waiting by the front door, we looked at each other, scratched our heads and made phone calls to see if family members came by and let Mason out..the answer was no! So, question remains how in the world was he getting out of the crate, with the door still hitched closed. This went on for about a month, everyday he was getting out but don’t worry the door was still locked, LOL

We started to call him Houdini. Shortly we realized, sadly he had bad separation anxiety and was pushing against the gate door so hard that he was squeezing between the door as it snapped back locked to get out. Actually bent the metal door, strong little puppy!

To this day Mason has continued to surprise us…as I drive in the car a short distance of only 10 minutes, we get to our location usually my mom’s and his leash is off! I tend to watch Mason in the rear view mirror as I am driving to make sure he is OK and I do not see him ever take his leash off. It’s not chewed through, the latch isn’t broken I am still unsure how he gets it off, I crack up every time.

Then their is the collar, we come home from work the collar is off, mason plays outside and comes in collarless(just a few times on this one) but I am still convinced he is Houdini. It makes for a good laugh and I don’t know if I will ever figure it out. 7 years later and he continues to amaze me, he is my little Houdini!

I wonder if anyone else has these experiences, I would be interested to know.

The check!

       

Ok, I know what your thinking what is this about..kind of an odd title! The check… My fairly new weekly routine with Mason.

Late last year while laying with Mason my hand ran over his chest to pet him and there it was a bump..eek! What was this? How long has it been there? My mind now racing. Knowing my friends experiences to many times with her little baby I decided to watch it for a week. Over the week this bump went from under to skin to above the skin and back under. From small to smaller to enlarged changing sizes daily.

The following week we decided to get it checked out. To my worst fear it was a mast cell tumor, cancer! My vet booked him for an immediate surgery to remove. Now it’s the waiting game.. Tick tock.. Something I hate the most. Five days and results..as they talk and I try to calmly listen I hear stage 2. Stage 1 being the non worry nothing else to do stage and stage 3 being the worst and needing further treatment. Hmm so what did stage 2 mean?!

Stage 2- to watch him closely for the rest of his doggie life for re growth in the same area or more bumps that could possibly develop. However, his margins were so clean and the tumor so small they were confident they got it all, it had not spread and he wouldn’t need further treatment. Phew!

So it begins…the check. A reminder on my calendar to spend 10 minutes or as long or little as it takes weekly combing through masons fur checking for new bumps or re growth where they removed the first one. We all have busy schedules and we all rather not think of doing it but to take this time to potentially find something early may save his life!

Lesson.. Check check check your puppy or cat for changes and/or anything that seems off, it could save their life and give you more time with your loved one!

To this day, Mason is checked weekly and hasn’t shown or developed anymore mast cell tumors(knock on wood)
He did really well with his surgery and recovery. If I didn’t take him or find this he would have never told me as animals don’t show pain, not like this at least. Be your animals physician and take them for yearly check ups as well as be alert attentive and observant to changes!

Xoxo,
Forever playing doctor and ok with it!

August 19, 2013              

Home Remedies, save a buck!

Having a backyard is a big advantage..Mason gets to run and play whenever he wants all hours of the day! With those hours might come injuries, which it did last week.

As Mason runs out the door he likes to make a running POUNCE into the dirt. This pounce becomes a little hole over time we keep fixing. Well..this time he ran and “fell” into his “hole” that he kept pouncing into to. Don’t worry he was fine..with a small limp

As the day went on I thought about the vet..hmm
WAIT, I got it, the heating pad! When my bones or muscles hurt from previous injuries I use the heating pad and it tends to help. So, why not, let’s try it! I get the heating pad plug it in and turn it on, on low of course.
It’s warm now..”Mason lets go lay down”

We lay down together, I wrap the heating pad around his front paw or his “arm” as I call it and wait! Crazy I know, but this might just work. Tick tock tick tock…ok it’s been almost an hour lets see. “Mason up” I call. He gets up and starts to walk OMG he is barely limping. Lets try it again. Another half hour goes by, lets try again. “Mason up” he gets up OMG WOW it worked no more limping! I did it. I helped my baby, saved time, a doctors visit and money!
So next time your furry best friend gets hurt, stop and think Is it simple enough and not serious enough that a home remedy could work WITHOUT putting them in danger. I wanted to share this with hopes it will be passed along and can help someone out!
Xoxo
DOGOBSESSED

Speak for me please!!

August 19, 2013              

    

Every day, every minute, every second I look at Mason and just think how can someone hurt an animal or a child for that being. Example currently being this Sammy case. I cringe trying not to read the stories but allow myself to read so I can follow Sammy’s case. Poor defenseless animal.

At 31 years of age I still do not understand that we allow a person to drop off an animal or child even to any shelter, hospital or vet without question and still to this day people continue to abuse and harm. We made this law for a reason. It’s sick and twisted. Mason can’t speak no animal can. They cannot scream for help, they cannot even attack because at that point they are vulnerable, helpless and defenseless. Please I beg of you be their voice.

These people cannot possibly have a physical heart beating inside them to even have that thought run through them to do something like this and every other case out there. It is heartbreaking and disheartening how disturbed people are and others, animals have to pay for it.
If only our law would allow us to reciprocate the act to those that have done to others. Sounds brutal but if these animals could say something they may just agree and stand up for themselves.
So I quote ASPCA when I say “we are their voice” that couldn’t be further from the truth. Protect them. Love them. Spread the word, report the abuse or suspicious act. Lastly bring your cat, dog or whatever living breathing loved one to someone who can love them the way they deserve and need to be. If they piss you off, do something to anger you, look in the mirror your not perfect either but they will unconditionally love you forever.

Knowledge is Power

                                                                       

So I will start this off with a little background story and close it with today’s position! About 7 months ago or so Mason randomly started throwing up. I’m talking projectile vomit on a whim LIKE A 4-YEAR-OLD, ha ha! It wasn’t after every meal or drink, nor was it consistent with days. I started with the vet who did blood work just to be safe. I rather spend dollars to save a life and even get peace of mind then to just assume and not take action. It came back and I quote “He’s the healthiest 10-year-old I know” Gee, thanks glad I am doing that part right! I was advised from there to get a slow feeder bowl to slow down his intake and switch his food as well. For anyone that personally knows Mason he eats like it’s the last supper, LOL.

 

**Spoiler Alert**This has a very happy ending and Mason is just fine ;)

 There we are about 3 weeks later on this path and it’s back to randomly throwing up. This time the same type- projectile, random and always his food undigested. I now moved him to prescription duck and potato food, which seemed to do the job! However once again about a month in, my poor fur baby was throwing up again. SOLUTIONS, SOLUTIONS I just wanted….so back to the vet we go! My next step was having the vet do an x-ray of the stomach and areas around to make sure he didn’t have a blockage. *Note to self- a dog can have a blockage and still be able to go to the bathroom! This I did not know. Again, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. The x-ray showed something in the stomach area, however no guarantees or promises if it was anything or something. Ok, a cat scan or scope was the next step… I want answers!! The next few days Mason was scheduled for a cat scan. You may be thinking at this point, how is everything else- eating habits, personality, temperament, activity level and such. Let’s just say you would never know anything was wrong! Nothing changed, he was still the 10-year-old I knew with the energy of a puppy and an appetite of a dog that’s acted like he never ate. Do keep in mind though, dogs don’t’ or rarely show pain.  So, I wait…days later Mason has the cat scan- results…. The healthiest 10-year-old they know! Electrolytes in balance, no masses, density, cancers or problems for that matter. Amazing news right? Well of course, but I still didn’t know why else he was still getting sick. I attempted in the meantime switching him to people food but (grilled pork, chicken, vegetables and rice) it wasn’t enough nourishment. The “density” that appeared on the x-ray was no longer on the cat scan and was determined as a ball of gas (LOL in the vet’s office).

 Back to the drawing board and brainstorming…. what about splitting his food into 4 small meals instead of 2 large meals, sure we will give it a whirl, can’t hurt! A few people suggested it and we will go with it. Well, it’s been a few weeks now and oh my puppy, I think we’ve got it! It seems to be working but we will keep our paws crossed! Mason is a VERY excitable, energetic, high strung dog not one like I have ever met before and I wouldn’t trade him for the world!! However, after months of experiments this very well may have been the problem. Too much food at once combined with a crazy nutty let’s jump around and do circles right after I eat kind of dog. I am happy that it is finally working and hope to continue on this path. Why after 9 years this has changed? That I am not sure of, but what I am sure of is I seem to have a solution, Mason is happier and healthier so that is all that matters. Dog’s bodies can change over time just like a human. With that said, I leave you with this- Always ask questions, don’t be afraid to take it to the next step, a second opinion and be open to changes. Knowing is better than staying silent and just assuming its’ fine it will work itself out.

 

xoxo,

DOGOBSESSED