Kelly_Louise

Just checking in to see how lovely old Kiah is doing? Hope she is feeling better and we have some hopeful news soon

Sorry no helpful info, but I also just wanted to wish you all the best that things are not as serious as it seems and that Kiah is feeling much better soon. Your post broke my heart, you seem so upset... so hoping things improve greatly. Keep us posted - we don't want it to be the 'c' word. Give Kiah a big healing hug from me and my girl Chloe... PS. Kiah looks like a big sweetheart

Hey Corine, Thanks for that info, I might also look into Nutrience range. I might have to stay away from the Duck varieties though as they may contain a bit higher fat content (and with Chloe's ongoing battles we skimp wherever we can, even if it's only 1%)!!! Poor bugger. I think perhaps she is at her normal weight even though she might be slightly heavier than a normal cattle dog. She does have a very big frame and seems to have plateaued with her weight loss. In pics from the side she looks like a fatty but it's just loose skin hanging from her belly, not actually solid fatty tissue. From the top she has a bit of a waist. I don't know, I guess with her leg problems I want her to carry the least amount of weight as possible so I can see that she will forever be on Doggy Weight Watchers But you know all about those dramas... especially having a boy with IBD and arthritic, double the trouble :D

Thanks Corine... yeah she's fairly tolerant of the silly things I make her do most of the time!!! The lazy thing loves nothing more than lazing on her back... but most of the time I'm sure she does it just to make me laugh, she loves to play the fool!!! Now come on, I'm SURE you have some Christmas photos hidden somewhere if the birthday party was any indication!!! Did Mel and Dunc get spoilt rotten?

I have started Chloe (8.5 years) on EP Holistic (Chicken) and she LOOOOOOVES it (hard to tell the effect as she is also still on Prescription R/D kibble also). My fiancee's GSD (approx 4 years) has also started on normal EP (original) and she looks fantastic!!! Certainly want to continue her on it. I will be swapping Chloe over to the Sardine fishy EP Holistic as it has lower fat content (and the less the better for Chloe), and will also try their lite range. I feel happy feeding Chloe this food, and like she is getting the very best. However, I also want to try the Royal Canin mobility kibble, but it's prescription through vets... Hope it helps!!! ETA: The rep at the Pet Expo told me their ingredients (not sure which ones ie vegies/meat products etc) come from the Armish (sp?) community... is this true?

Lastly me with my cherub... gotta love my little bionic girl!!!

Cont'd

Okay i've finally figured out how to get pics off my phone... so here are the Xmas pics!!! First one is the anticipation of Christmas... look at that excited widdle face!! Second one, destroying the christmas bells by eating them off her legs... Spoilt sport!!! Third one is ripping open the gifts... Yaay it's present time!!! I've never seen a dog who loves pressies so much!!! And after intense playing with new toys she is pooped.... Lastly is her beautiful new collar!! Hope these work properly I am not so good with multiple pics!!!

I was just about to say the same thing Haven. They are so resilient that you just don't know. Chloe also did not show many signs, and most of the time none at all. Looking back I also used to hear a clicking sound (among other random and fleeting symptoms), and thought nothing of it as she appeared fine, although we always had it checked on. If she ever limped for a short period we put it down to too much exercise or jarring or arthritis. Even the initial vet did not diagnose cruciate problems when we started taking her regularly as we were suspicious that some of the symptoms were right. And if it had been picked up sooner Chloe would not have been put through what she has so far, and her injuries would have been FAR less sever. When her cruciates were operated on we were also told she had suffered from elbow dysplasia (very mild) probably from pup age and we had never had ANY indication at all... and still don't. It may be nothing, but if it is the start of some leg problems better to have it checked out sooner rather than later... even a few weeks can mean quick arthritic change and painful consequences. Hoping it's nothing serious though!!!

Yes certainly have it looked at as soon as you can... clicking knee may also indicate cruciate ligament rupture... By the way, love your OES... I had one as my first dog and she was such a sweetheart!!!

Lovely to hear from you Antoinette! Yes I think Chloe really did scare herself, although the determined bugger kept on going!!! Sorry for making you tear up, but I had to mention it cause it really shocked me yesterday. She just looked old, much older than usual. Sometimes we forget they are getting older... Most of the time, like Mallee, she looks and acts so boisterous like a dog that hasn't been through what she has... and there are others when she is quiet when I realise just how old she is getting and how her injuries, ops and recovery have taken a slight toll on her. But she is happy and healthy and getting around better than ever, so I can't complain. It just makes me sad sometimes... I have never had such an intense connection to a dog, although they have all been special. Not a day goes by when she doesn't bring me a whole load of absolute joy... I'm so glad that you guys, and Mallee, had such a great time!!! She really is living the good life now isn't she? Holidays at lovely places and getting to experience so many different experiences... She sure is lucky!!! I must start taking Chloe to some nice places, it's just a worry getting her in and out of the car... she is too heavy for me to lift and I would be too scared to have her jump in and out, although she'd be up for it for sure!!! She is still scared stiff of the doggy ramp... For a dog that didn't have much hope, Mallee is doing very well. Some people think that ops are not the way to go, but Mallee is a living example that sometimes it IS worth the effort and $$$. Her life could have been very different otherwise (and not so enjoyable and active). Can't wait to see more pics... hopefully some action shots of her swimming and being a normal doggy!!! Nice to have you back buddy!!

Ahhhhh yes, the pride of a bionic dog Mum.... don't we all understand that??? Well don't feel bad about bragging Bilby, you have every right!! Plus we love to hear it!!! Bouf has been a real star, congrats!! I had to have a giggle about the whole back legs lining up with the front... no matter how many ops they have, they just can't shake that slouch!!! Tell tale sign of a CL bionic dog... just makes 'em special I think!!! Good on Bouf, his CL family are proud!!! Pity Chloe wasn't as obedient... she zoomed out the front today and bailed up a young boy who was talking to mum... lucky he is a family friend!!! Come on Antoinette, tell us how your hols went and how Mallee Moo is doing!!! I tried to put on pics of Chloe from my phone but failed miserably due to not being able to install software (stinky home computer). Will have to bring it in here and do it from work... will get there one day!!!

Well it happened... over the weekend we had a big scare with Chloe... She was waiting inside for me to come home from work and danced around wildly when I got home... all was okay until she heard my dad flick the lock on the front door, and she thought someone was coming in, so she took off like a shot to the front door. It would have been okay if she had kept running through the carpeted lounge room, but for some reason she changed directions and sped off through the laundry to get to the front door... Poor buggers front legs went one way, and back legs the other... She almost held it together, and i could see her poor old back legs scrabbling to keep her up and keep going before they just collapsed under her. I think at that point I almost fainted whilst diving for her to try and keep her up. She got up and kept going towards the front door, but was skipping on it and holding it up. I panicked and assumed the worst, but I felt it thoroughly and it all felt normal. I was so relieved, even though she did keep it up for a while afterwards... but looking back now it was probably just jarring. It has been a bit tender, but she seems okay and I can't feel any abnormalities in it, apart from the bumpy arthritis!!! And believe me, I check her legs so constantly that I'd know the first sign of anything 'not quite right'!!! Hehehhehe. Oh boy it was a huge scare... probably the first serious one we've had since her ops... but thankfully all is well now. It was the leg that she has never been as confident on and doesn't use as much as her other and it always was her worst leg, but geez it makes you worry doesn't it??? I guess we've just resigned ourselves that our bionic dogs will always be 'special' in a worrisome sort of way!!! Gotta love them... I went to give her a cuddle after dinner and she was lying in the breeze watching me hopefully (in case I brought table scraps!!), and I realised just how old my girl is getting. Her face just seemed a bit greyer, or could have just been the light... quite sad really... I wouldn't know what to do without her... Big 9 years this year. Well that's the latest on my old girl... how is everyone else doing? Lotsa love, Kel and the ever resilient ChloBo

Hey Bilby!!! Yeah I can't wait to see the pics either... I'm just terribly lazy and a bit of a pic phone spaz.... :D Wow it's such great news that Bouf has made such a great recovery, seems like such a short time but I'm sure for you it's been a loooooooong time! Congrats on the successful recovery, and hoping Bouf has many more trouble free and fun doggy years ahead!!! More pics are a must!!! Good on ya Bouf!!!

Hey all!!! Hope Chrissy was great for everyone and Santa Dog spoilt the furry ones rotten!!! Hoping that everyone has a spectacular and safe New Years, and a fantastic 2007!!! I think we are heading into the City tonight (big groan)... fireworks are good but i can do without the crowds and idiotic people... Have a great one all, be safe and talk to you in 07!!! Lotsa love from, Kel and the Red girl PS. hopefully some pics of ChloBo opening her Christmas pressies will be coming soon...

Hi Antoinette, you beat me to it!!! Hehehehe!!! Nice to hear from you, I've been flat out Christmas shopping... feels like it never ends???? I too hope that you have a wonderful Christmas along with Brock and Mallee Moo!! Hope Santa Dog is kind to Mallee and brings her special pressies as her first 'well' Christmas!! There are two big pressies under the tree for Chloe she is very spoilt this year.... a custom made collar and matching lead with her name in diamontes (what a princess ), and some very special fluffy squeaky toys that she will love!! Oh there could have been more but I restrained myself... Hmmmm I wonder what Santa Dog is bringing the other lucky pooches on this thread????? Hope they have been as good as Chloe!!! Below are some lovely pics my sister found of Chloe as a baby girl.... if these don't give you a warm fuzzy feeling for Christmas I don't know what will!!! I too hope everyone has a really lovely Christmas, and all the best wishes for a fantastic 2007... This time last year we were sick with worry, stress and any other negative feeling you could imagine... and now... doggies are well, and our wishes came true!!! Have a great one all... Lotsa love, Kel and her Chlo-Bo

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, NEVER.....

Thanks Corine!!! Poor Duncan, you were very lucky.... the worry just never ends does it? I still panic when Chloe bolts up the steps 2 or 3 at a time!!! Poor Mallee, hopefully she will start to pick up during today... I remember Chloe being very active and us constantly trying to slow her down... however it was a long time ago so the memory is a bit vague. I would assume that it's fairly natural for her to be a bit worse for wear. You should see an improvement today and everyday. When she's feeling better she will start eating again, don't worry. She is a lucky girl to have doting daddy at home with her all day!!! Don't feel guilty, desexing had to be done and it's nothing compared to what she's been through before... Give a big kiss and cuddle to the patient from Aunty Kel and Cousin Chlo-Bo and tell her she's a brave girl. And try to stop worrying!!!! (easier said than done I know!!). Let us know how she's doing tomorrow and hopefully it will be better news... Lotsa love, Kel and Chloe

Thank goodness, the hard part is over... and the recovery should be fairly minimal (nothing like before!!). I'm so glad that she's come through okay (and that the permission to resuscitate wasn't necessary)... Yeah i'm sure she does know the drill by now poor bugger... the worst thing is she is probably thinking to herself "not again".... she will be in for a lovely surprise when it's not the cage for months on end this time!!! Best of luck with her tonight, and definately let us know how she's doing... LAST OP MALLEE... WHAT A BRAVE GIRL, SHE'S FINALLY MADE IT!!!!

Soooooooo, Antoinette..... how did Mallee Moo go???? We are anxiously awaiting some good news..... poor little girl..... Chloe has sympathy sooks today for her....

Great pics Antoinette, thanks so much for sharing them!!! It looks absolutely divine there, and Mallee looked in her element!! A real outback bush doggy!!! She looks really good, after all her dramas. Very well indeed. Don't worry too much about her desexing.... after all she's been through much worse and she will breeze through this!!! You're right though, she is quite a bit accident prone.... yikes the wasp stings sound VERY nasty, poor little mite. She reacted very badly didn't she? If there was ever a dog that needed to be literally wrapped in cotton wool.... IT'S MALLEE MOO!!! She is so like one of those bumbling doggies that constantly make you giggle.... and worry for her safety!!! She is SO not a dope, she's just taking a bit longer to grow up and mature cause of her slow start in life!!! Well it sounded like a good excuse anyway!!! Hehehhee, but her condition is really good, love those lovely long and strong legs!!! So the op is tomorrow right? I haven't been on this site for a while due to being very busy at work, but I think that's right? Anyhow, I will be thinking of her (and you!) and sending all the best healing vibes her way!!! But this is just a minor hiccup compared to the gross things she's undergone in puppyhood!!! Let us know how precious girl goes tomorrow and how she pulls through... fingers crossed she doesn't get into any trouble for a bit until she's healed up!!! Lotsa love, Kel and Chlo-Bo (who sympathises with Mallee)

Thanks Kim and Bilby, I really appreciate it!!! Wow 24 years Bilby, that's pretty big... It's funny how people who think they will be together forever sometimes don't work out, and yet some who are thrown together under different circumstances can last the distance... I guess it's all down to luck and how hard you work at it??? Who knows the real secret, but I hope I discover it along the way!!! Yes Kim, leaving Chloe will be hard (even though it's not going to happen straight away), however I will always be around to visit.... I certainly wouldn't just leave her. She just loves being with my mum and dad, and seeing that someone is always home there and usually she is following a step behind them 24/7, it's best for her. Too hard to take her out of her loved environment now.... She will always be my heart dog, no matter what... and I won't be going too far away cause i work very close to home. Chloe is shedding very badly too - although we are almost finally done I think, it just keeps coming no matter how many handfuls come out. So I feel your grief!!! My FIANCE's (YAAY!!) german shepherd is also shedding and looks like a garbage tip dog.... it's coming out in great chunks. Although she was a big weird cause her winter coat did not come on till half way through winter... Thanks again guys, yes it's been a great year and I feel really good that finally things have gone right (after a run of pretty bad years)!!! Great to hear you guys are all well and happy too!!! Lots of love, Kel and Chlo-Bo

Thanks again Antoinette.... it was a long time coming, but worth it. Btw, the heart shaped diamond was my idea.... he wanted a round one at first cause he thought they would be bigger, but once he saw my designs he agreed that the heart was better, we all know women are always right anyway.... and you know the saying... happy wife, happy life!!! Hehehehehe!!! Lucky he has a jeweller friend though, otherwise I would not have been so lucky!!! Chloe is happy, but she is not best friends with Michael (I think cause he is a bit of a stranger at our house cause he doesn't spend much time there), but she is happy I am happy!!! Sometimes she is good with him, sometimes just way too possessive!!!

Oh sure!!! Man we do have such similar lives!!! Thanks mate... I too thought it would never happen!!! However, the biggest tip I can give is to make them feel guilty with subtle hints without actually coming out and saying what you want from them!!! Hehhehehe, and also keep something from them that they want (in my case moving out - he wanted to but OF COURSE I couldn't until I was sure he was really committed)!!! Nah seriously, it is a wonderful time and I feel really great. I am a bit old fashioned and Michael knew that, so I guess he thought if we were to ever move on with our lives he had to do his part!!! We have had rough times over the last 8 years, and sometimes you think you know someone else so well. He really did surprise me with the thought and effort he went to, and it was really great. The only thing is... if I move out, Chloe has to stay with Mum and Dad... which would kill me but I know that she is happiest with them and I will always be visiting. But that won't happen for a while now anyway... Okay... Here is the pic...

Hehehehehe, what a boootiful boy that Bouf is. The image of him in a cowboy costume is a little disturbing though.... Those mus-kles are really building up now, he looks fantastic. I think you can always tell when these guys are healing... they just really come into their own and become comfortable again. And he does look that indeed. Well done bilby, you've done a great job in getting him back to health (with so many adversities along the way!!). Well, you guys ready for MY big news? It's been a rocky year for me, with many triumphs along the way with Chloe returning to health etc. So to top of my big year, my lovely man proposed to me on Saturday night!!! Finally after 8 years together, I am a fiancee, not just the girlfriend!!! I'm really excited, and he gave me an absolutely gorgeous ring. I will post pics when I can download them!!! So I am one very happy girl.... Thanks for the update Bilby, I just love it when another of our mob come up trumps!!! Love to all, Kel and Chloe PS. Chloe is doing very well. Weight is dropping off her, she is looking svelte. We even had a game of (mild) running, jumping and chasing...