Gloomy But Fun Day
Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 4:42PM 
Still very sick. Crawling back on the couch after I type here. Was hoping I was better today and I think I was then I started grooming and oh well I need the couch. Here is today's gallery.
Pictured above is Nathan trying obedience out on Barney. Every now and then he tests this dog or that just to treat and have fun with them. Barney departs tonight. I just finished his bath and clean up.
Nathan says he is still sick but he is leagues better than me. I have to start boosting my immune system or reducing my workload. Otherwise I have to tolerate these zingers.
Can I make it to class tomorrow.... unless a miracle happens... it is debatable. But I so hope he brings me home Noodles if I don't go. Good sign - I am hungry.
Winston was here as well for grooming, trim etc. He had a blast.
If I am not making sense, forgive me.
Will tell you something interesting. As I am sick, the dogs all surround my body at night from head to toe sleeping extra close to me. They started doing this when I got sick. It's mighty uncomfie but trying to figure out why they are doing it. Are they trying to keep me warm? I am so warm I have a fan on. hmmm
Leti starts at my neck with her rump saddled up to me then the next dog shoulder or so down and on and on till they end up back at my head again. It's awful when you have to make that 4am bathroom break but it must be love so I say okay....
Reader Comments (26)
Darlah it is love for sure. They seem to have an innate feeling. I was arguing with my son (sorry but it does happen) and after the argument Rusty cuddled right into me. I guess he knew I was right.(haha). They are the most caring and loving creatures and we so appreciate Talemakers and worry about you Darlah. Also be careful with what you use to boost your immune system. Take care.
Ronnie I agree with you. Darlah you should not push yourself so hard.
Take some down time. your health requires it. The dogs are all keenly aware
of your stress. They wish to comfort you. That is my belief.
Try and take care of yourself Darlah. Maybe a hot toddy is in order? Too bad the dogs can't look after you till you are better! :)
After the discussion about treats that cause loose stools just wondering which type of treat agree with our dogs? I think Katie misses chewing...
It's always a good sign to feel hungry, it means we are starting to heal. Barney looks quite focused on Nathan...I want that treat he says ! Great photos. Nothing beats a dog or many dogs surrounding your body. I love that feeling when the Coop comes up against my hip and snuggles during the night. It always brings a smile to my face.
Biopaws has some great chewing treats - from kangaroo to chicken strips etc - all natural. If you mention me she will give you 10% off your order.
Anne:
This experience is like a cocoon. I am used to snuggling but this is on a whole new level. Not sure why.
Thnx Ronnie!
Murphy had a bad bout of diarrhea several times (IV, antibiotics, etc) and I now only give her Crumps chicken and beef lung treats. She apparently had an overgrowth of bacteria in her gut. For chewing she gets tendons and the Himalayan cheese chews and no problems at all as long as I limit her to about 20 minutes with a chew.
Darlah, for sure it is love, love and more love, the best medicine in the whole world. Apropos, to improve my immune system I am taking every day for over 3 years now, fish oil ( best is the krill oil ). And I did not have a flu or cold since. It looks like Barney is very well behaved. Aren't they the cutest beings when they rapidly sit for a treat? Thank you for the beautiful pictures.
Darlah, stress does a real number on your immune system. IMHO I really believe you do far too much on a daily basis seven days a week, and do not get sufficient sleep. As we get older our bodies rebel when we consistently push ourselves beyond reasonable limits. Of course, it is your life but I truly believe you need to take time to really relax your body and soul.
Biopaws are great, especially the Kangaroo tendons which Cooper loves. What a treat for our dog and no "side effects " on the poop. Bonus!
I always get wonderful tips from all of you. I am going to try Biopaws. Do you get them at Global?
Darlah, try coldfx. My brother takes it as soon as he feels like he's getting sick. It seems to shorten his cold/flu and makes him less ill when he does get it. I have had many people recommend this to me. It's suppose to boost your immune system.
Ronnie, we get Biopaws Products online. They are very quick to ship. Not sure where Darlah gets hers but we can't buy them in a pet store, at least not where we live.
Ronnie, Biopaw is the name of an online natural pet food store. It is a home based store run by Karin Bull. I have bought from Karin for years and years and can highly recommend her and everything she stocks like Darlah does. Karin will help you pick out any products you are not sure of if you want, she is very knowledgeable and very willing to help. You order online and you can either pick up your order, she is in Pickering, or she will ship to you. Karin is very careful to make sure she stocks only wholesome foods, treats, etc. The online website is https://biopaw.com
Thank you very much Angela and Ann. I am going online right away. I am so excited. I also need a new comb for Rusty without tiny balls at the end (Darlah says). I can't find that in any stores and I have misplaced mine. I will show up but as Darlah says a brush just doesn't do it.
Thanks.
Reading the blogs brought a couple of questions to mind.I was wondering your thoughts about antlers to chew. When I read the package they sound good, but someone told me their dog chipped a tooth on one.
I also wondered if there are many calories in a kangaroo tendon? Should they be a special treat (weekly) or can they be given more frequently?
I hope you are feeling better with each day Darlah.
Hi Karen,
I know you didn't ask me but I know Darlah is ill so I thought I would share my experience. My Patches has a dead incisor in her front teeth and my vet told me it was from the antlers I gave her to chew. Mind you, it was a whole antler, not a split one. But now I stay away from them totally as the vet told me he sees lots of dogs with broken teeth even from split antlers.
Kangaroo tendons are quite expensive, around $13 for 10 so, if and when I get them, I only give them one a week. I do buy Buffalo tendons from Biopaw. They are $11 for 15 and my 2 seem to tolerate them well.
It depends on what kind of a chewer your dog is but any hard chew can break teeth. A wire crate can break teeth too if a dog is trying to chew out.
I actually have an antler here at the moment and it is excellent for puppies when they are getting their 2nd teeth. They do not have jaws strong enough to break or chip a tooth. So I find them useful at this age. When they are older, not necessary.
I do not see treats as a daily experience. To me treats are special. Otherwise they interfere with their required diet. They are used for training, for a good job - a reward. I do brush out daily usually so they do get a treat when I do that.
I also find the dried chicken breasts as a good alternative to liver treats. You can cut them up and add them to their food if they are not eating too.
The key is moderation. You can really upset their tummies by being over indulgent.
Ronnie: You can get a brush from Rens. They do carry brushes without the balls on them.
Mary: I have used cold fx over the years and unfortunately it has never helped me - honest. Not sure how you can figure it shortens the cycle or not. But I think it does have a placebo effect and if it works, I say use it.
See this article on cold fx..
Thank you Angela & Darlah for the great advice.
Darlah, I agree that any hard chew can break teeth. Our vet always says if you tap your knee with a hard chew and it hurts, then it's too hard for the dog. I agree that special treats are meant to be for special occasion....for us, it's the weekend. We like our glass of wine on the weekend, so we figure why not give Coop a "special" treat also LOL. Life is short.
Hi all, great info re treats etc. Thanks Darlah for the sage advice. What do all of you use to clean their teeth? Does everyone brush or what? That is part of the reason I give Buffalo tendons??
Angela, we brush Cooper's teeth daily...and bring his tooth brush and paste when he is at Camp Talemaker. Been doing this for years, only takes a few minutes a day. He's been conditioned to it and it's a daily ritual, which he loves....because he gets to lick the tooth paste first 😋 We use CET enzymatic toothpaste, any flavour will do. Available at the vets only.
Thank you Anne!