Kelly_Louise

Beautiful girl...

Scratch my belly!!!

Well Antoinette... you asked for it... so without further ado... here is the Chloe portraits of May/June 06!!! The one with her standing and drinking is just to show you another of her weird traits... yes she will only drink out of the watering can. Only if it is empty or she can't reach the water level will she reduce herself to drink from a bowl... Gotta love her!!! Sorry about the quality of the scanned pics... This first one is just waking up... snug as a bug in a rug and breakfast on the mind!!!

Hi mygirlruby, I can sympathise with your feelings about whether you are doing the right thing or not for your girl. After having 2 knee operations on my girl Chloe, there have been MANY a time when I have wondered if I've made the right decisions, especially at 8 years old. However, when I see her now getting about like a puppy again, I know I've done the right thing and it so gladens my heart to see her happy again... even through the suffering and restriction she has been on. I think that if you are guided by your vet and make the best decision for your girl from your heart, you really can't go wrong, no matter what the outcome, cause you have tried your best and given her the opportunity to recover. I am hoping your girl recovers from her first op well and goes from strength to strength. It is sad to see them going through all this, but it will be hard on you and your family too don't forget... It's a long tough road, but my experience has been worth it... even the extreme highs and very low lows. Best wishes to you and your baby girl.

Yes it is great to hear from you Koza!!! Not so glad to hear that Stella is still limping, but if she's getting around she can't be too bad!!! Have you, or are you required to see the vet again? I think I remember last time you saying that the vet said she could resume normal life again? Did they say she will always have the limp? Anyway, it is nice to touch base with you and see that everything is (cross fingers) going well. Big cuddles to Stella!!!

Well the verdict is in.... The surgeon is happy with the way Chloe is healing, however, like the other leg it is a little slow (most likely due to age). But she has made alot of progress and has another date in 6 - 8 weeks and he seems to think she will make a full recovery soon. So that's good news, but the 6 to 8 weeks of further confinement won't impress her!!!! I feel better that the news is fairly good, just need to shift a bit more weight off her and I will be happier!!! There was another cruciate survivor in the surgery this morning. She was an ex-severely abused dog, and was the biggest sweetheart ever. It's amazing how things can change. She was a rotty x malamute (?) and gave me a big kiss and was so sooky and smoochy. Chloe was jealous but I was in luuuuuuurve!!! But no one is lovelier than my girl!!! Thanks for the support guys!!! Love, Kel and the almost healed Chlo Bo

Hi guys, hope all is well!!! Chloe is off for her first xrays today. I'm not feeling really confident... not that it will be bad news, but I don't think the news will be as good as what I'd like. She has been an absolute uncontrollable maniac lately. And sometimes the more you try to discipline her the worse she gets... she is getting very cheeky. SHE thinks she's well, but doesn't realise that she probably isn't as well as she believes... *sigh*, I'll be glad when it's all over... Anyways, hopefully I will be able to at least give some positive news later today!!! Love, Kel and the Maniac red girl

Pauline, I'm so sorry to hear of Cooper's passing, even I have a few tears. But he is in a happy place now free of any pain and discomfort forever. I am sure that he held on to say his goodbyes to his loved ones who have loved and cared for him over the long years. He is now at peace. Be happy little Cooper.

Well at least you have some answers now!!! That's good. Did the vet say what caused it, or is it just a growth defect? And did they say if it would get worse or cause the onset of early degenerative joint disease? That's what I would be most worried about. Yep definitely get her on another joint supplement. I use Sasha's Blend and find it good, but I have heard good things about Cosequin and Joint Guard too. And if she gets too stiff you could enquire about whether Cartrophen injections would help her. They are cheap and are great for Chloe especially in cooler weather when she is more stiffer than normal. Best of luck and hoping your girl is feeling better soon.

Yes we had a similar prob with neighbours throwing stuff over the fence. Couldn't understand whilst on a strict diet Chloe kept putting on weight, but we found she was scoffing bread that the neighbours were throwing over. It certainly is not cool... and these neighbours are the kind that if you asked them to stop, they would do it all the more. Luckily it has stopped or we can get to it first now... Glad the pup is okay, and hope the other will be fine as well...

Awwwwwwwwww, poor you and poor lounge. Hope the naughty girl hasn't done too much damage. I can't believe how lucky you were that she wasn't hurt with the window incident. I can imagine you guys were near heart failure. It is very difficult when people do not understand the deal. Every time I have to lay down the rules it turns into an argument and being told I am anal... hahahaha... well I am an Analyst so I guess it's close!!! It sounds like it was a close call though and you were lucky it was just the window that was damaged. I'm sure poor Mallee has been stitched up enough in her short life to last her a lifetime. Gee I hope Duncan does not have arthritis after such a short time. I know that they will develop OA a bit earlier than normal, but to think that it would be enough to see a change so early on is scary. Hopefully it is only the cooler weather that's slowing him up a bit. Next time I have a dog (fingers crossed it's not for a loooooooong time) but I will start them on joint supplements straight away. I know they are not proven to make a huge difference, I guess it's the thought that they could that makes us use them. My little girl was so sooky this morning. Singing to see me and everytime I stopped patting her. She is just too cute. I wish I could bring her to work. If I didn't have to walk up a storey to my office I certainly would (the boss would prefer that to me taking time off!!! :rolleyes: ). Better run too... Lotsa love, Kel and Chloe

Well I for one was anxiously awaiting some news!!! But still you're in the dark ... I hope that the appt your hubby has with the vet will shed at least some light on where to go from here and how to get your little one better, or at least give you a clue to what other conditions may be causing the limp. Perhaps they can even recommend someone who may be able to find the problem? I had the some of the same issues with Chloe. We were given some inaccurate info which only led to Chloe degenerating further until her situation was getting a little desperate. So my advice is to be persistent with the vet, and if you feel like you are not getting the answers and your instincts still tell you something is wrong, ask to be referred to a specialist or take her to another vet for a second opinion. I will keep checking in to see if there have been any developments. I will be keeping fingers crossed that you find the culprit and your girl can be comfortable again. Keep us updated!!!

Oh okay, I just couldn't imagine that it could pass through.... maybe I just didn't want to imagine it!!! Hopefully it will pass through relatively easily then. Will have fingers crossed!!! I would still probably see a vet sooner rather than later just to be on the safe side though...

Would it even be able to pass safely through the intestines/digestive system on it's way out? It would be quite big piece of material, wouldn't it cause a blockage that would end up costing alot more to correct? Poor little thing.

Oh happy belated 2nd birthday to the little man Duncan!!! He is probably a little stiff because of the colder weather. I have just bought Chloe a heating pad blanket that stays warm for 12 hours or so, so hopefully this will help her old bones a bit. Have you tried Cartrophen injections with him? It might be helpful for him just in the cooler months to help relieve any stiffness? Well it's great that all the news so far is good... No I don't think Chloe strained herself the other day, but still, I have warned everyone that there can not be even the risk of a repeat performance!!! My little girl was curled up in bed when i left this morning, I could have crawled in with her and cuddled up!!! Love, Kel and Chlo-Bo

Wow Antoinette that's just the most fantastic news. I can tell from the tone of your post how happy and proud you guys are. And you have every right to be. She's come a long way and it's time you guys got to reap the rewards of your efforts. Seems like she is becoming very much a lady... who would have thought!!! (apart from the scavenging you mentioned of course!!! hahahahaha). I'm really ecstatic for you and Brock Antoinette. It's wonderful news!!! I know it took you guys alot of courage to bite that bullet, but now you can rest easy and relax a little, especially seeing that she coped so well and didn't pull up sore or uncomfortable. Yup Chloe is doing well. Now I'm back at work I don't get to spend as much time with her of course, but Dad is on the constant vigil. She is becoming a little naughty, and I have had to remind everyone of the rules every now and then. They think cause she is not limping then she must be fine. It really angers me sometimes, but I just have to keep going and reminding everyone. She actually ran about 10 or so metres on the weekend and I went berserk. Not Chloe's fault at all, she should have been on a lead, especially when I get home as she comes and says hello, and then without fail has always taken off like a rocket down the back to wait at the door for me to catch up. She doesn't know any better, so I got very angry and reminded everyone that she is still in a crucial stage of her recovery and I do not want her off lead in the yard. But otherwise, she is barely limping at all now, and is getting very restless. Her op was done on 9th of May so it is 4 weeks today. She will go back in another 2 weeks for her first xrays. Oh Antoinette I can also not wait until the day she can be like a normal dog again just like Mallee. So yes, not really much news on the Chloe front... still plodding along with a ways to go yet... but we're getting there and I am indeed very proud of my little one. I'm so happy that we've been through all this, it has really been worth it... even through the worry and pain etc. Must run too, thanks for the update Antoinette, it's made my day!!! Lovely to hear from you!!! Lotsa love, Kel and Chloe (PS. I bet Chloe is very proud of sister Mallee too, and sends her a big lick)

Hi Pauline, I'm really sorry to hear this news. It must be heart breaking. I don't think there is anything that makes it easier. However, when you look at your little one and know that there is only suffering and unhappiness left, it forces you to make a decision. I guess knowing that you are doing the right thing for your little one makes it easier to make the decision. I know that I will be devastated when that time comes for my girl, however I also know that we have given her a very good life, and I would want it to end when it held no pleasure for her anymore. Although, I doubt it would make the action any more bearable. I guess that the key is to know that Cooper has had a great life with you. He has been happy and loved, more than many other dogs get to experience. When the time comes, he will not be sad, he will be happy that he's had such a great life with you and will be thankful to be released from any illness he is suffering. Think of all the good things he has had in his life and try not to concentrate on 'the end'. He will always live in your heart (at the risk of sounding like a cliche), but it's true. I also agree with you that at his age, as long as certain foods do not put his health in dire jeopardy... feed him what he likes to eat. Allow him this treat to encourage him to eat and to also make life more pleasant. As you love Cooper so much, I have no doubt that you will know when the time is right. To me, it's in their eyes. But it's different for all people I guess. But you will know when it's time, even though you won't want it to be. I hope I have helped in some way. Like I said before, I don't think there is any way to take away the pain of such a situation... but we all must go through it. Our friends can't live forever, so I guess it's just up to us to do the right thing for them, no matter how hard it is for us. Best wishes to you.

Well I'm glad my post has helped in some way!!! Honestly though, we adore our girl as well, and the delayed diagnosis was not because we were bad or uncaring... we just didn't know any better and believed the vet (after all they should know best shouldnt' they?)!!! But it's something I will never take lightly again... but we all live and learn don't we? I also feel bad though, and hate to think that she had been suffering more than we knew, but she is getting the very best care now and is on her way to a recovery and a happy life again... so at least now I feel redeemed!!! Oh if only they could talk... You should feel great that you are now going to have it sorted, and even if it's nothing, then you will have peace of mind also. Chloe and I will have everything crossed that the xrays go well and it's only a minor issue. If not, well at least you will know what is needed to give your girl a happy and comfortable life. If your girl wants to walk (as Chloe did on her good days), perhaps you could take her for a shorter walk? Nothing too strenuous and not too far, just enough to give her a little bit of exercise without wearing her legs out. On Chloe's good days if she wanted to go for a walk, that's what we did. But it was just a quick one to get her out and about in a different atmosphere. If you find she is uncomfortable afterwards, then shorten the walks further. Best wishes!!!

I thought so... I just asked as Duncan is such a beautiful boy and I thought I could recall you mentioning another puppy. Have you posted pics of Mel before or do you have any you could post? I'd love to see her. Well, Chloe is going well. No news is good news. She's starting to become a bit more active, but we are doing our best... and so is she. Barely limping at all now and is taking on much more weight. So it's all good, and hopefully she will be recovered in no time!!! Can't wait, it's so exciting!!! I know how you must have felt now Antoinette to be soooo close!!! Love, Kel and Chlo-BO

Hi Melo... Please don't feel like a bad mum, we've all been there!!! Fortunately in hindsight, I can only stress how important getting a limp checked out and xrayed is. However, like yourself, when my girl started limping we took her to the vet and they also did not seem overly concerned, especially at first. It was cartrophen injections, Sasha's Blend and Previcox. It wasn't until we had to keep continually take her back that she was diagnosed with blown cruciates, which at the time we knew nothing about and although we were extremely worried about her limp we only thought it was arthritis also. Well she has just had her second operation for her cruciate ligament, and it's been a tough ride. I also feel bad that she wasn't diagnosed sooner and we didn't perhaps go for a second opinion, however, like I said, we just didn't know about this type of thing. But we've learnt a harsh lesson, and next time will be insisting that things like this get checked out fully. So please, don't feel bad... you sound like you love your girl very much and want the best for her. Don't panic, as the results of the xrays may find something minor, or it may just be manageable arthritis or something. Don't fear the worst, as we did with our girl also and thought we might lose her, but she is now getting better than ever. It has taken 2 operations, lots of cash and hard work, but we still have our girl and she is well and that makes it all worth it. The wait is always hard, but do try to be positive. I'm sure your girl will be fine, especially with a caring mum like yourself. My best advice is if your intuition is telling you that you feel there is something wrong that the vet is not picking up on, just be persistent until you feel comfortable that it has been fully investigated. Also, ask your vet to try Previcox meds on your girl if meds are needed and others do not apppear to be working. I have not tried Metacam or the like, but my girl has been on Previcox before and after her ops and found it to really help her comfort levels. Anyway, best of luck and hopefully you will stick around and let us know how you go?

Oh I see... Duncan seems to be as weird as my Chloe!!! You just reminded me, Chloe also has issues with the laundry basket trolley wheels. She will just attack them all the time, even when it is not moving. Also wheelie bin wheels... when she hears that wheelie bin moving she's there and biting at the wheels. No problems with wheels on anything else though. She also absolutely DETESTS anyone talking through the hole in a paper roll or toilet roll. She will play with them, but if you talk through it, she's off or woo wooing. Hehehe, she's really disturbed!!! Well I hope that the course was helpful for you and Duncan. Considering Chloe's age, I think she will just always be a little eccentric... too late to train it out of her now... and it's kind of cute in a way!!! I had to stop giving Chloe her pain killers today because she is just too hard to keep quiet. She thinks she's much better than she really is. She still has a slight limp but is bearing more weight on it now and using it really well. The only worry I have now is that her poor front legs (lower down from the elbow) is still making a cracking noise when she gets up and down and it's becoming more prevalent. It sounds like when you stretch and your joints have a bit of a crack - not a serious crack though, just a click. It doesn't seem to bother her, but you know, it's just something else for me to worry about. I did tell the vet but he said that if it's not coming from her back legs to not worry... Does anyone think it's a sign of something going wrong there? Or maybe just pressure from overusing them due to her back leg not taking the weight? Anyway, hope Duncan the man, and the other little girl Mallee is doing well. I wonder how Stella is doing as well? Koza, please update... although I'm guessing no news is good news right? ;) Love, Kel and Chloey PS. Corine do you have more than one dog? For some reason I have the impression that you do... and I just wanted to ask if you show them? Just curious!!!!

Oh Antoinette, we absolutely knew what you meant!!! Just want you to know though that apart from having a coronary every time she gets the zoomies, there isn't much you can do to protect her from herself!!! I'm sure she thinks she is fully recovered!!! Well Chloe's odd habits... She has a 'thing' about open doors and gates. If she sees one open, or does not hear a door click shut properly, she's off and hiding as far as possible from said door/gate. Usually you can find her crammed in a corner somewhere. She will not come out until you go and explain to her "The door is SHUT, Chloe", and she will hesitantly follow you back. We really don't know why. Another is wind. She is fine with the wind blowing, but is scared witless of anything that BLOWS in the wind. If a board moves, a tarp flutters, paper flaps, anything that makes noise in the wind... again she is off and hiding. We have a Cattle Dog calendar out where her bed used to be, and every time the wind blew it had to come down 'just in case' it flapped in the wind and she would rather sit out in the freezing cold or rain than go anywhere near that calendar. We also have to ensure everything possible is tied/taped/weighed/stuck down before we go to bed if there is any sign of wind. She also hates people sliding their feet anywhere near her... you can drag, but she hates sliders. Can't figure that one out. And if you even so much as make a flicking action with your fingers, she will show you her pearly whites in a snarly kind of way (I think we can thank my mum for that??). Anything that you claim aloud as 'mine', to her means it's 'hers' and will move heaven and earth to take it away from you. She has many other oddities that I can't even think of right now... but it really never ends with her weirdo ways. Just took her for a poo, and yes, after scattering it in 3 different locations (bugger), she ran, yes RAN a few steps back to her pen. And of course had to kick both legs high in the air to cover her efforts (little did she know that the poo was in a totally different direction). I could kick her little red bum sometimes. I can swear she is having a laugh at my expense sometimes!!! Well better be off. Love, Kel and Chloe

Ohhhhh, poor Duncan getting kicked out of class !!!! Hehehe, I can understand how they can become a bit out of control. It must be so different to have a such a big change in their lives and be able to be FREE!!! I doubt I'd want discipline too!!! I'm lucky that Chloe is older, I don't know how you guys coped going through all this with puppies!!! Corine you mentioned Duncan has 'issues' (who doesn't!!!), what do they include? Just curious as I've always thought Chloe had some very odd habits.... Love, Kel and Chlo-Bo

Hi Quills!!! I would still go ahead with the xrays regardless. When Chloe was diagnosed with a blown cruciate ligament, the anti inflams covered all the symptoms completely, but did nothing for the underlying cause which was progressively getting worse. The surgeon also suggested that she may have had a mild case of elbow dysplasia as a youngster, but you know what, she never showed a single sign for us to be suspicious, but now of course she does have some arthritis. Some dogs cope with pain better than others and all dogs can present different symptoms. I will surely be hoping that it is just a muscle sprain or similar though, but you can never be too careful with the joints. Malika is such a damn cutie so we'll have fingers crossed for a good result!!!

:D Mallee's antics would almost make you cry if you weren't just so damn glad that she is able to do all those fun doggy things hey? Gee I really think making up for lost time is an understatement!!! And she's no tiny pooch either, she'd be a bit like a missile!!! Obedience lessons would probably be good for her to give some sort of control and of course help her to socialise. I think we only home trained Chloe (memory is drawing up blanks here!!!), and of course it's hasn't done her any harm except for the fact that she has selective hearing and probably could have been better socialised, although she is never really around other dogs anyway, but she is a big blubbering spaz with people she likes, or rigid with people she doesn't. And of course the sly bugger knows what she can get away with without too much drama, and what she knows she will be in big trouble for. We haven't had too many problems this time keeping her quiet, she seems to know the drill, but of course is getting a bit jack of it all now. But she does have this terrible habit of after going to do wee's she cleans herself (very thoroughly) which ends in a tail chasing incident 95% of the time. She knows she is not allowed, so tries to be sneaky. She will try and hide around the corner, or hide in her bed and try to do it. I'm starting to think maybe she has a urinary infection of some sort or is just plain OCD about it. But overall she is being as good as one can expect. The good thing is that she does listen to me - even though I'm the demanding unfun person who makes her lie quietly. A bit more selective with Dad, and fully selective with Mum... hence why I get the dirty job!!! But she still gets excited to see me if I've been gone longer than 15 or so minutes and greets me with a big tail wag and woo woo's, so she must know I'm only doing it for her own benefit!!! The thing is Antoinette, you can take Mallee to every obedience class possible, but I doubt it will get that puppiness out of her!!! Zoomies are zoomies, and from what I've gathered, are just not possible to stop once they've started!!! So is the shoe chewing, digging and destruction of everything at doggy level!!! I think it's something you have to roll your eyes and accept for a while (except for zoomies that last forever, Chloe can confirm that!!). I do remember how frustrating it was, but just remember how bad the situation was once before and be glad that you have a healthy puppy that CAN destroy your house... (the new lounge was a bit game!! ). And at her age, you could probably walk 100 kms and she'd still have energy to burn. Well as you can tell, I've had limited contact with the outside world and only my puppy to talk to all day... and she's a great listener but doesn't contribute much to the conversation!!! I'm thrilled to hear that Mallee is doing so well (not so thrilled to hear of her impressive list of destruction, but what can you do?). What's 6 pair of shoes when you look into those big brown eyes (and want to throttle her!!)??? Better go and check on my baby girl!!! Love, Kel and the almost 4 good legged Chloe