A Dog Boarding Nightmare

"My Gidgie Girl"

For the third time in 12 years, my husband and I were off to vacation with the kids. This year it was a week at Lake Raystown, a place we go often for extended weekends. We love it there...the girls (our dogs, Lily, a boxer, and Gidget, a mix from the SPCA) were headed to a kennel that came as a highly recommended spot by a friend that boarded their dog there. They stayed there once for a weekend and it seemed like all was well. This was their second trip...which included a very unhappy ending.

On Wednesday (more than halfway through our trip), the kennel called to say that Gidget had a swollen paw. We had Gidget to the vet about two months prior for the same issue and the vet could find nothing wrong. So we told the kennel since it was only two more days we'd take her to the vet on Friday as soon as we got back but to please keep an eye on it. They asked if we wanted her to see a vet, but given the past blip we declined because the swelling we'd seen in her paw previously was minor. We called Thursday to check on her, but there was no answer.

Thursday night, I packed as much as I could...and Friday morning, Robert got up early and finished the packing to head home. On our ride home, the kennel called. They said that her foot had split to a fifty-cent piece size opening. Since we were already on our way, we told them we would be picking her up and taking to the vet anyway. They said that was fine, and that they had separated the girls because Lily was licking Gidgets wound, which supposedly appeared that morning. I honestly didn't expect anything major but a minor scrape...when I arrived the woman asked where I parked, to which I replied the parking lot. Then said she thought I should drive all the way around to the back of the kennel to get Gidget (which was not where customers normally pick up dogs).

I became increasingly concerned as the woman told me Gidget had not been eating so she gave her a bunch of dog bones and how Gidget had a "black" line on her paw yesterday. We finally walked in to get Gidget...and as I entered the kennel she didn't do anything but look at me. She didn't move at all. I felt like her face said, why did you leave me here? My heart sank as I'm used to what you'd expect from a 9-month old puppy...her usual springs of happiness to see her pseudo-Mommy, and what I saw was a puppy that could barely get up.

When I walked into the kennel and knelt down to look at her, I saw this...

this...

And this...

In the moment...I was so upset I could only think of getting her and Lily out of there and getting Gidget to the vet. I left without so much as a receipt...and went straight to the vet almost 2 hours before our appointment because clearly she needed medical treatment right away.

When I arrived at the vet, I was all but in tears of relief to be there with her finally. I told the receptionists she needed to be seen right away, and they saw her pretty much immediately. The vet tech shared some words of wisdom with me during this time where I wasn't thinking clearly. She and the vet both said that this wound was definitely there for a few days...about 3...because the wound had started granulating. The vet also said the wound was due to trauma...not split open because of swelling. Furthermore, Gidget lost 4 pounds in less than a week of being there (she weighed 44lbs when we had her at the vet 2 days prior to the kennel!!). I will never take my girls back to Locust Run Kennels and will share this experience with whoever will listen because maybe it will help you avoid this issue. Until these last two trips, I've always boarded my dogs with the vet or had a trusted friend care for them while we're away...and I'll always regret leaving them at the kennel.

I'd like to say all is well, but we won't know a 100% for sure until this is healed. The vet said this kind of wound could cost her that leg...she has to be confined to the crate until Monday's follow-up vet visit...when she'll be rebandaged, stitches will be checked, etc. Lily (our boxer) was also traumatized and an emotional wreck because she had no idea what was going on and where her sister was. We are fighting the kennel for the cost of the vet visit on principle that this injury happened on their watch, and they NEGLECTED to inform us of the real injury or seek proper care for her. I asked the guy if he would want his dog to be neglected treatment with that kind of wound...cost of the vet visit: $659 for xrays, sedatives, pain killers, antibiotics, etc...the cost of my baby home safe is invaluable.

Be sure to Google kennels and do your research...nothing can replace a trusted friend or a caring vet...OR a very precious non-human member of the family, like Gidget.

Central PA Parents

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Pizza Box Races and a Gracious Brother

After being away all week, I was REALLY looking forward to Robbie's basketball game. I heard the one he had while I was away rocked the Bobcat spot! The game was just as awesome as the last from what I hear...and he played like a little basketball star that he is (with his heart in the game having fun!). When he was done, we hopped in the car and I beamed with pride as we debated what to do for dinner. Two seconds later, Tyler was recommending Cici's Pizza, which has only been around for about 4 months. So we headed over.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Mitch (aka the Owner) who immediately commented on Robbie's basketball outfit. I beamed more about my little basketball star by gushing about his stardom. Mitch responded with dinner on the house for Robbie. Robbie was completely thrilled, and humble about the entire experience.

Throughout dinner, Mitch came by to check on us, and at the end of dinner, he arrived at our table with boxes for a pizza box making contest for the boys. Robbie made two to get the process down while Tyler was in the bathroom washing his hands. Tyler came out and the game ensued. As Robbie began making his box, Tyler stopped to make a big deal about looking over to "see" how Robbie was doing it so he would "know" how to make the box. Robbie was so proud to have his 13-year old brother looking to him for lessons on pizza box making. Tyler graciously lost to Robbie, who had the perfect night; all in all, it was a perfect night for all of us.

What more could you ask for...a great game, time together, the boys getting along, a decent dinner, a fabulously fun host (Mitch at Cici's), and two sons bonding over a pizza box race. If you haven't been to Cici's you should check it out and have their cinnamon buns.

How Google and Social Media Saved My Dogs Life

My blogging has been almost non-existent since November...shame on me. Well tonight I am hot to trot about some topics...here goes topic 1~!

My day from hell ended on a very important call about a very high profile client...during which my kids (who have been puking their guts up all week) were screaming for me repeatedly. I rushed downstairs to see what was the matter and of course our new puppy had helped herself to an ornament snack. See the munching monster above, left unattended by the kids, who you cannot completely blame for not watching her. (Even though part of me wants to be unfair and do it.)

I call the vet who wants me to come in...won't tell me how much it will cost...what they'll be doing...etc. The must have some idea. Gidget can't be the only puppy to ever eat an ornament. I would cave...Robert wouldn't. I gave my baby lots of bread to hopefully coat her stomach and provide a sticky substance for the glass. (Info provided by a friend earlier this week who encountered a similar scenario - coincidence - I think not.) Then I turned to the ever faithfull knowledge repository of links...Google...which serves up the following link - the second remedy I immediately took action on. So in case you have similar issues...here you go...

http://rat-terrier.com/Home/tabid/37/forumid/4/postid/188298/view/topic/Default.aspx

Here's to hoping for a less eventful evening.

Today I will...

My five-minute blog of the day...

Life will never be perfect. And just because the country is falling apart doesn't mean I have to be (at least not yet anyhow). Lately, there's been a slight cultural shift/awakening in my organization of which I'm proud to be a part of. While I didn't officially start the fire, my mantra has received some recognition, and I've found that it means something to others besides me. I've been honored to have friends stop at my desk to copy it and keep for themselves or send to others. So hopefully sharing it with the world doesn't lessen its value, but rather increases it, because let's face it - we all need a gentle reminder of a healthy perspective once in a while.

Here's my daily verse (a combination of some of my core fundamental values)...

Today - I will:

1.) Remember all the things I should be thankful for
2.) Put things in perspective and remember the Four Agreements (these and the ones from the book the Four Agreements)
3.) Positively visualize the things I want to happen
4.) Be patient and kind in all the things I do and say

Of course I could make it more robust, but that's enough to get me back in a healthy state of mind when I'm off track. (Along with my other expert rationalizer phrases of - no one is dying on the operating table, it won't matter a year from now, it's only one hour out of my life, etc.

Feel free to use it, abuse it, or ignore it if you so choose. If you try it and don't buy it, you can always go back to what you were doing before, because there is little value in something you don't believe in. All I know is it works for me and the friends that use it.

So here's me...signing off....wishing any and all of you the good things in life that aren't even things. :)

My OCD works for me...

There is a continuous debate in my home over who is OCD, what are they OCD about, who in the house is the least dysfunctional. This war has waged for years! And I am comfortably happy that it will continue to do so until the day I become a part of the Earth.

When I think about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), I think of...the inconveniences that come with it, the bickering, the anxiety over doing or not doing something in particular. Suffice it to say, the unpleasantries have typically reigned as the sole focus. Recently, I've realized that my OCD has an upside. A major one in fact. One that makes an inconvenience not feel inconvenient at all. What could be good about OCD, you ask?

Let's put this into perspective of tonight's events when my realization came to be. I was at the store picking up my much needed things when I arrived at the checkout. I then realized that I had forgotten my fabric bags (my damn memory and ADD). What do I do with all this stuff they want to shove into plastic bags. It's not rocket science of course. I say, no plastic bags, thank you. I elected to put everything in the cart just like it was when I approached the counter. Was it convenient? Not really, but I don't want to use plastic bags anymore. I also insist on recycling, even if I have to (gulp) dig my hands into the nasty garbage to do so, even if I'm doing it at work after others. I will always consider myself and my family a work in progress - knowing there is always more that can or should be done - it's just yet to be discovered. The bottom line is that I've become obsessive, and finally my OCD is worth something.

It's so important to realize these things are things we HAVE to do, even if no one is watching. As always share links below if you want.

Is that really me?

I recently discovered that I have officially become...my mom (to the right) or dad (in certain ways). I sometimes hear myself and think, wow, is that really me? Am I really saying that? Omg, what happened to me?

I don't know when it happened...but one day the words just flew out of my mouth...and before I knew it, I couldn't stop. It went something like this:

"Tyler, please pull your pants up."

"Tyler, can you turn your iPod down? It's too loud, and that's not good for your ears."

"No. I don't want you watching my Beavis and Butthead DVD's, The 40-year-old Virgin, Wedding Crashers or anything else like that. What made you think I'd say yes?"

"You're not staying up that late, even if it is the weekend."

"What kind of music are you listening to??"

"No. You are not getting a tongue ring."

And oh how the list goes on. I used to pride of myself as a parent that could keep a decent balance between my coolness and my Mom-hood. I knew how to pick and choose my battles...yes to longer hair, no video games all day long.

In my defense, saggy pants are one thing...and showing the fully booty of boxers is another. I don't want to be a nag, but I've realized that my recurring requests are the necessary evil of surviving these teen years for both our sakes. Mind you I am tremendously thankful for the fact that drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol are not a problem (I pray this continues.), but it doesn't eliminate all the other things that have to be curbed and all the guidance that is yet to be given (desired or not). I imagine me continuing to say no to many other things...in addition to this recent tongue ring request that apparently Tyler's girlfriend's parents were cool with. I suppose I am conservative in ways I hadn't realized. I guess I'm looking out for my 30 year-old son (17 years from now) who wished he never got the tongue ring.

I often wish I had more friends that had children my son's age so we could share stories or swap ideas. It'd be nice to talk about how I'm being eaten out of house and home, how he's struggling with dependence and independence, and as you know the list goes on. Maybe it's time to join Mom's Cafe. The joy of community...reaching out and connecting with others when you lack the connections you need in your immediate surroundings. Until then, I suppose I'll continue to consult with my elders on their teenage rearing wisdom.

Here's to hoping that his long locks are enough for now!

I suppose for now, I will continue to enjoy the other side of puberty...just like my parents probably did.