DL dog people, come forth, Pt 2: The Further Adventures of Nori (and her bff, Squidge!)

Link to Pt. 1:

Even though we’ve never met I love Nori. She’s a good girl.

Did you teach her any tricks yet, OP?

Yay thread #2! Nori is looking gorgeous OP.

Did you figure out the detergent situation OP?

I didn’t comment on the first thread, but Nori is adorable. Funny how pets can enrich our lives and worm their way into our cold, dark hearts.

I did, R5, thanks for asking! But my snobbishness delayed my decision, and by then Squidge, Pip, and Minka were itching and scratching from their throw blankets; only one who escaped was Wyki, whose fur is thick, thick, thick.

I chose Arm & Hammer w/OxiClean, and have been mightily impressed. Nori's hair is already 85-90% fully restored, and the kitties are not scratching anything other than their scratcher settees.

I re-laundered all the linens and my sleep things, remade the bed, and that night for the first time in two weeks slept without feeling like I was on a slow fire.

I'd already thrown out the All Free and Clear, and after I realized the Arm & Hammer w/OxiClean worked so well, I tossed my $30 bag of Defunkify detergent, as well.

Nori still has some hot spots on her lower tummy and between her hind legs that I'm treating with Vetericyn and Oti-Clens, but I suspect like me, she's not a heat-tolerant variety, and once the temps trend downward she'll be 100%.

Nori is awesome, R2, and so are you!

She just now finished herding my old Dad from the car/driveway all the way to the house, then escorted him from the front door to his den. My sister, Dad and I had our flu shot appointments earlier today, and when I'd gone out to pull the car to the front so Dad wouldn't have to navigate around the overgrown celosia, Nori assumed she was going, and tried to hop in. Baby was crestfallen when she realized we three were leaving her behind.

All better now.

OPee, if those hot spots don't go away with the falling temperatures, she may have allergies. Keep an eye on her ears, if they regularly get extra gunky it's allergies. If she has them, season changes may make new symptoms pop up,like a tipping point.

IF you suspect allergies at any point, go zero chicken, that's usually the culprit (unless you're my pretty pitty princess, then you're allergic to life)

Chicken is the devil. My poor baby gets the runs from it.

agreed r10 EL!

Any Nori and Squidge photos? Has Nori become too active for Squidge? Love this story.

Oh, my, rescue-chick @R9, I hope not; my middle sister had to give her Schnoodle allergy shots every other week; Bentley was such a good little Mama's boy, and never complained or drew away from her. Nori is NOT that pliant!

Several years ago, I had two cats (both gone now) who kept getting sick, and they weren't handle-able enough to crate and take to vet. My sister had an "AHA!" moment, and recommended I start dosing them with Bixbi's Immune Support, because when she started Bent on it, she was able to discontinue his allergy shots. I've had it on Subscribe and Save since then, and it is amazing. In early Spring, Squidge had a very serious injury+ infection to his front left paw, and was in danger of needing amputation. I started him on the Bixbi, and within three weeks he was running with no sign of the terrible limp we'd feared was permanent. Minka is prone to upper respiratory infections (has one right now, in fact), and every month or two I put her on a course of Bixbi. Wyki has periodontal disease, and when he has flares, Bixbi puts them into remission within 10 days.

But I was so used to just using it on the cats, it hadn't occurred to me I should have had Nori on it months ago when she developed her first hot spot. Sis called me up and asked if I had her on Bixbi, and I said "No...." And she lit into me. Totally justified.

I wish they made a human version; I'd be mainlining that stuff.

r13, I am going to order that for my Miss Molly in case it can be another tool in our allergies toolbox!

O! it's MUSHROOMS! my gut instinct of putting molly on reishi for allergies was a good call lol

[bold]HAHAHAHAHAHA,[/bold] rescue-chick!

Nori will even lick it off of food she hates. Cats won't do that; I have to REALLY mix it into the wet food varieties they like, and since each cat likes a different brand/consistency/flavor--and will randomly decide one day they HATE it (usually right after I've just spent $48 on one flat of their now-discarded fave), I stay broke....

Please do let me know how it works for your little ones.

Noria must be six months old now and getting quite leggy and big!

For the children's book, may I suggest:

The Pit Bull Mix That Ripped My Throat Out

by OP

and the ASPCA low-cost spay/neuter program

Or The Psycopathic Chick Who Belongs to Another Website Whose Purpose is to Drive People to Suicide

Can anyone else see R19? I don’t have anyone blocked and set to asbestos eyeballs, but am unable.

Yes, I can-it's a crude cruel remark trying to be witty about the title of OP's book.

One of my cats had pillow paw when he was a kitten, and I used a different mix of mushrooms for him. I started using it on my other guy (who is a rescue Bengal, but I'm not the Boston guy), who has bad feline herpes runny eyes/nose, and it's helped both of them immensely. I got this one too, because I'm a sucker.

Wow R21 you were lucky to find a Bengal in rescue.

Well it was a pretty poor situation- it was a backyard breeder who had 18 cats- someone called in on him and he told the rescue organization that he had 12. Then he had a house fire, and the other 6 escaped and lived on the streets. I got one from the first batch (sadly gone too soon), and one from the escapees- he had a clipped ear., both around 1 year old. Theo was very fearful, and didn't know how to purr- it took him a year, but he's 14 now, and asks for pets and booty spanks, always sleeps with me, unless it's really hot.

There are more rescue Bengals than you think- Theo makes the 4th one that I've had.

Earlier today she was watching to see if Dad might drop a random piece of frittata or fishstick on the trip from his spoon to his mouth that she could scarf.

Sorry, here she is, the sneaky little clown:

R17, she's soooooooo long and leggy.

Last week, after having been off a week, Dad's caregiver let herself in the front door; as she came down the front hallway I heard her laughing as Nori wiggled and "Root-ROOOOOOOOOed" her, then she said "I have an old saddle from my riding days; I'm gonna bring it here and put it on you, young filly!"

She's turning into a gorgeous lady. I would love to hear her Root-roos!

Yawn.

Get a DogBlog already, would ya?

Eh, Miss Peanut, D.E.S.T., be nice. Don't make me Room 22 you.

There's always room for one more, Honey!

Thanks, R27! I'll try to record her "Root-Roooooooo;" Big Sis is flying out tonight to check on my brother in FL, returning late Sunday. When Sis returns, that'll be the best time to get Nori on tape--100% guaranteed Root-Rooooooos.

OP - I remember you mentioned big sister wasn't that big a dog person (unlike your other sister). It sounds like she and Nori have become more than nicely bonded.

Nori is not a pitbull. Look at that long nose.

They have become very close, R31; Big Sis, like Middle Sis, is a VERY early riser, so she takes Nori out just before/at sunrise so she can run and zoom for 90 minutes or so before Sis gets dressed for work.

Only thing she HATES is, for some reason since Day 1 Nori is obsessed with Big Sis's legs, and will follow her around, licking them. Its hilarious; Sis looks just like Lucy when Snoopy licks her face.

She might have some greyhound DNA! Gorgeous.

Nori looks like she's part Shepherd. Back in the day, it seemed like every other mutt was part German Shepherd. Nowadays it seems to be pit bull.

Anyway, Nori's adorable!

R34, you should see her running flat-out; she looks EXACTLY like a greyhound, or a whippet. Gorgeous long lines, like a gleaming black flash.

I love your posts, OP! Ignore these joyless monsters.

I'm so sorry I haven't kept you all up on Nori's story, but we're in a good bit of transition right now. My old Dad seems to be entering a new stage of his dementia, and the immediate issue at present is... Alastair is dying.

He'd been declining for a while, and late last week the vet told us Alastair's creatinine number is more than 9, and it shouldn't be more than 2.5. He also had stomatitis and an abcess around a bad tooth. They anesthetized him, did labs, pulled the tooth, gave him long-acting antibiotic and cortisone shots, and kept him overnight. The vet called me with a status update, that Alastair is terminal.

I asked the vet if Alastair was in pain from the kidney failure, and she had a question of her own: "Have you ever known someone who had kidney disease?" I have--my old Dad's baby brother, who went through hell; his kidney failure was service-connected, so he was in and out of VA hospitals almost 20 years, until he gave out. In his final two years, it was pretty damn bad.

Alastair is at Stage IV. He's stopped eating, and only drinks a lot of water. Today he's developed that distinctive odor I can only describe as "kidney failure smell;" when I was a child one of my Baptist Training Union teachers was in kidney failure, and had that smell. In the early Oughts my big beautiful grey tabby, Smoot, accidentally ingested antifreeze after my kind but idiotic neighbor changed the coolant in his car right in front of his house, spilling a good bit on the ground. That night I found Smoot in a vacant lot across the street, and he was in agony. In the car on the way to the emergency vet, I smelled that sad, awful odor and knew it meant Smoot's end.

And now, Alastair. I think tomorrow will be the day I take him in and have him eased gently into his next phase. The last two days I've just been showering him with love, pulling him into my lap for cuddles, stroking him and telling him how much I love him.

This is the downside of Love. You give your heart, and one day that heart will be broken.

I'm so sorry OP, did we talk about Alastair before? He is a kitty? Not the kitty that Nori plays with I hope.

That is the downside of having a wee gentled beastie in your home- their lives seem so brief, yet they give us so much joy. I get why people don't why get another pet, but I love to give a little lost soul an anchor with love, food, and all the pets they want.

Hugs to you and a gentle chin scratch for Alastair.

Thank you, R39; your reply means so much to me.

Yes, I mentioned Alastair several times in the original Nori thread; he's my veddy proper English gentleman--shiny black tuxedo body, with ruffled white ascot, white feet, whiskers, and eyebrows. HUGE luminous green eyes that glow brightly in the dark. Quite elegant, he.

I alson posted that he and Nori never liked each other, and how Nori would do bratty baby sister things to Alastair, who always gave as good as he got.

Obviously Nori can smell/sense something serious is going on with her rival, because she's approached Alastair several times today, but instead of barking and stamping her feet like usual, she only sniffs the cat from nose to tail tip, looks at him intently, then leaves.

Never in my 25+ years on Datalounge do I recall anyone creating and expanding upon a series of threads dedicated to him/herself. Your doing so is outrageous, OP, and surely a breach to website decorum.

In reference to your post at R29, threats to pets, real or imagined, are intolerable. You, being a pet owner, should have better sensitivity towards their treatment.

Miss Peanut is a beloved DL character mascot, and you should be ashamed in your far-off head of suggesting you intend to do her harm. May your dog fare better here.

OP, I feel so sad for you. My baby boy has had kidney disease for 5 years. He's been on blood pressure medication that whole time. He wakes me up several times a night to drink water from the bathroom tap. He won't drink from a fountain. This used to annoy me but now I'm grateful he's still alive and feel relief when I hear his loud meowing at night. Having baby Nori won't take away the pain of losing Alister, but she gives you something to look forward to.

The universe knew your dad and you NEEDED Nori right now in your lives.

OP is Alistair eating anything?

When my mom’s cat was in terminal kidney failure the vet recommended fantasy cat foods like black olives to coax her to eat something and give the little sweetheart some positive end of life experiences.

EL/R44, the last several weeks he would eat only chicken. I'd take a leg quarter out of the freezer, boil/bake/shred it, and give it to him; he would devour it. Last Sunday morning he wouldn't take the chicken, and I was at a loss. Then in the deep freezer I found some smoked brisket and ribs left over from July 4th. I defrosted a slice for him and he tore it up. But by Wednesday night/Thursday morning he stopped eating that, as well. Sat-Mon he'd take a tiny bit of Friskies salmon pate or Fancy Feast Savory Centers, with a few Temptations or Royal Canin Indoor cat kibble.

He hasn't eaten anything since Tuesday night, but he's drinking almost his weight in water.

My heart goes out to you and your canine, feline and human family OP.

[quote]The universe knew your dad and you NEEDED Nori right now in your lives.

You're so right, R43/rescue-chick. Normally I'd be my OCD basket case self, wondering what I'd done wrong. And I'm incredibly sad about Alastair, my major thought is Don't let him go down the way Nomi did because I just couldn't let him go.

And having this big, silly puppy girl around is giving us life, and maybe makes it easier to let Alastair go.

Thank you so much, EL/R46. Alastair was outside roaming his entire life (we think he's about 12), and just in the last three years had confined himself to the vacancy house next door; when my beloved yard cat K2 died a year ago in August, Alastair took his place in our yard. When we had several weeks of hard freezes/sleet/snow in January, he decided he'd had quite enough of outside, and decamped to our warm, dry, safe house. Acted like he'd been an inside cat his entire life.

EL, your R44 post reminds me of one of my all-time favorite cats, Miss Murgatroyd. In her last 3-4 years she developed hyperthyroidism (my late Mother began calling her "Barbara Bush" because they both had the bulging "pop eyes", the cardinal sign. Then Murgie started with the kidney issues. She HAAAAAATED the KD formula Prescription Diet.

When she was 19, my old vet told her to let her eat whatever she wants, so she'd be happy in her remaining time. So she ate my mom's famous macaroni and cheese casserole, sliced tomatoes and butterbeans, steamed broccoli, and her fave, fresh shrimp (Mother would buy two pounds for the family, and 3/4 pounds just for Murgie).

One night I caught her with her ENTIRE body inside a giant bag of Ruffles potato chips (she was a tiny cat).

She was 22-23 when she died. Murgie was a straight trip.

Okay, I've finally found a sound that frightens Nori: the garbage and recycling trucks, both of which just came rumbling by. But it's interesting, she has no problem with the manned trucks; it's the automated scoop ones, the ones with the big clattering arm, that send her cowering.

Nori had her second series of shots this morning.

Didn't start off auspiciously. I should have made her walk in front of me through the vet's front door, but she was resisting me, the collar, and the leash. So I walked in front of her, gently pulling her behind me. Then all of a sudden EVERYONE in the clinic heard a blood-curdling, sustained [bold]S-C-R-E-A-M.[/bold] Nori's tail was caught in the door. And I hadn't realized it. And 80% of the clinic, including cat and dog parents, ran over to help the dog, while I stood there, frozen, feeling like THE biggest parental failure. Ever.

After the vet finished with the shots (I had no idea both canine heartworm and flea/tick prevention are available in a once-a-year shot--wish there were a feline version!), he asked the tech to trim Nori's nails, and when that boy brought in another guy and they started in on the nails, Nori lost it. Oh, the wailing, whimpering, and barking she did--one of the techs had to get her in a headlock. She was so scared she couldn't see/hear me talking to her, soothing her.

But she recovered, as you can see.

Alastair died mid-morning last Sunday.

The night before, he entered the living room, sat beside me, and we watched college football all evening. Every hour or so he would clamber down slowly, and go over to Nori's water bowl and drink, drink, drink. After about the 4th or 5th trip to the water bowl, instead of returning to my side he just curled up on the soft memory foam rug where Nori's water and kibble bowls are.

Sunday morning he was still on the rug; I feared he'd passed away during the wee hours, but when I called his name he opened his eyes briefly. I left the room to get Dad up, ablutioned and dressed. After making Dad's Sunday breakfast of oatmeal and fruit cocktail, I went back up front to check on Alastair.

He was gone. But still warm-ish. I left to get a pillowcase, a roll of paper towels for his winding sheet, plastic garbage bags, and a cardboard box.

When I returned Alastair was not on the mat--he was in front of the coffee table. I gasped... then saw Nori standing there, and I lost it--I screamed at the dog for dragging poor Alastair's corpse soooooo disrespectfully. Then I came to myself, realizing the puppy was just being an inquisitive puppy. I petted Nori and apologized, then she sat quietly and watched me prepare Alastair for transport to vet for cremation.

Dropped him off at the vet's first thing Monday morning. RIP, my handsome boy. From feral to lap cat in three months.

[QUOTE]one of the techs had to get her in a [italic]headlock[/italic] She was so scared she couldn't see/hear me talking to her, soothing her.

I'm very perturbed about a terrified dog being put in a "headlock." What does headlock mean exactly? Was the tech trained at Angola State Prison?

I know you had a really good experience with Nori's first visit to his vet, but your description scares me about the tech's training or aptitude.

Oh, my god OP, our posts crossed in the ether. I'm so, so sorry.

I've lost two kitties, one at 17 who I had from kittenhood and the other adopted as a senior at ~ 15 who made 19 1/2. It hurt so much when they departed.

^ *her* vet!

OP, so sorry for your loss of Alister. Nori is such a big girl now.

Awww OP so so sorry about Alistair- is it possible that Nori was sensing something amiss and trying to revive Alistair in her little puppy brain? Alistair was s very handsome gentleman and was lucky to have you take him in so he can live out his years with comfort, care, and love.

Ugh, R53, it really hurts, doesn't it? I've never even been able to post about my beloved K2's unexpected death last year in August. I don't know which is worse--watching a dearly loved pet die slowly (but you have a chance to really love on them, tell them how much you love them and how grateful you are to have had their love in return), or have them die suddenly, quickly, and you never get that one last chance with them--but Death didn't make them linger. .

And I am so very sorry for your losses, R53.

Sorry for the loss of your beloved. May happy memories help to heal your broken heart.

R53, I should have been clearer; I know a fault of mine is wordiness, so I do *try* to be less so.

And I should not have given the impression the two young vet techs treated Nori with anything other than kindness and gentleness. I really think between my accidentally closing the front door on her tail, the aural assault from the other dogs there, and her never being around anyone other than my family, Dad's caregiver, his home health team, and me. Total sensory overload.

One tech held Nori, while the other wielded the nail clippers. Nori jerked her foot and the tech accidentally nipped the quick; then the styptic ointment stung. Then the tech turned on the Dremel, and Nori went into orbit, thrashing, whinnying, so the other tech HAD to be former with her so she wouldn't hurt herself kicking and rolling. Then she started gnashing her teeth, so the tech had to get control so HE wouldn't get bitten.

But the ENTIRE time both techs spoke softly and sweetly to Nori, reassuring her. "Only two paws left, Girl!" "It's ok, Nori; I know you're scared. We're not trying to hurt you." "Just one claw to go, Sweetie; you're ok."

Nori's got you totally wrapped around her little paw OP. How is she doing with Squidge since Nori is such a big girl now?

And R41/R58/donalds-worst-nightmare, I apologize for my post at R29. I never meant to bruise anyone's feelings. I'm a huge fan of Miss Peanut, and always smile when she pops up here.

I only meant to say I hope there's always "room for one more, Honey" regarding pet animal threads. I actually still miss Grumpy's/Umpy's posts about Tammy, his sweet cat. And always chuckle at Jaclyn Smith's Miss Sissy Boodles.

Again, I'm sorry about my leaden attempt at flippancy.

To lighten the mood a bit, here's a pic I saw in the vet's exam room when I was there with Alastair last week; I actually did a double-take. Look familiar to anyone?

R61, I'm looking into obedience classes for Nori; she does not understand the size/strength differential between she and Squidge. Her favorite thing to do is grab Squidge by the cheeks and drag her across the floor/grass. She does the same with Pippin, but Pip don't luuuuuuuv Nori like Squidge does. She don't even THINK to try that shit with Minka, which tells me she has discernment--she just is ignoring my commands on purpose.

Unfortunately all the classes I've looked into so far don't even begin until 7:30p, and between my recent night driving issues and my Dad, that won't work. I may have to find a Lyft ride that accepts pets.

I would be destroyed if Squidge or Pip--or any other smaller animal--were hurt by Nori.

One of my now deceased cats reminds me of Allistair. His name was Fredrick aka Freddy. A wonderful, handsome, little tuxedo cat. A true love.

He pranced around like a happy little guy. Never angry, never upset, but he knew when we were and was very affectionate. It was a huge loss when he died. Kidney disease. We tried everything.

He died on the bed cuddling. Nice little cats are never forgotten. I dream about him, walking away from me and giving me one last happy look, before he disappears.

Ahhh, R64, that makes me teary, remembering all the little ones I've loved and lost. Your post is so beautiful.

I have albums on Google Photos and Amazon Photos titled "In Memoriam," where I add photos of my late pets, my sister's dogs, my bff's cats, and all the campus cats I cared for during the 20 years I was there.

Now I have to add my handsome Alastair to the collection.

R64, my Munchie died in August 2017, and Nomi, my giant Maine Coon, in June 2019. Beautiful Swyrlena, her Tess, Myrlie, and Twista in 2023.

They appear in my dreams, too, and it makes me sad when I wake up and realize they're not here.

Freddy was so sweet. Very low and depressed when we picked him up from the animal shelter. I expected the usual few days to a week of adjustment. So quiet. No pmaintive mewings in the car.

But I played with him right away. On the stairs as he explored. Two hours later he was a happy little guy watching tv with me.

OP maybe you can get one private lesson before Nori accidentally seriously hurts his pals. PetSmart near me has daytime obedience classes during the day on the weekend.

If you really want your laundry free from irritants, put it through a second full cycle without detergent.

What a beautiful doggie. She almost looks like a Whipador.

How old was Freddy when you adopted him, R64/R67?

I remember adopting my then-bff's grey tabby, Bosco, when he moved out of state for grad school. Year 2000. She knew me well, because I was always in and out of that house. But she had never been in a car before, and of course had never been to my home. When we got to my house I let her out in my bedroom, and IMMEDIATELY she ran into the closet and wouldn't come out.

I expected she would either take refuge under the bed or in the closet and had set up food and water bowls and two litter boxes in both areas. I didn't see Bosco for six days, but I spent all of my down time in the bedroom, just reading to her from my medieval history texts; every few sentences I would say her name gently, just so she'd know I knew she was there and she could come out in her own time. While getting dressed/undressed, I held conversations with her, always calling her name. I'd come home and see the empty food/water bowls and full litterboxes.

One night while I was in bed reading to her, I heard a rustle in my closet, then in a flash Bosco was in my bed, at my feet.

We were never apart for the next 10 years.

R68, the classes at my two area Petsmarts get pretty bad reviews, but I'm going to have to chance it, because my nerves and Squidge's and Pip's faces can't take much more.

This story is similar to Nori's. Tossed from a pickup into a better life.

Oh, how horrific, R73! The sweet little tyke thrown away like garbage. I'm so glad he survived his ordeal and already has people wanting to adopt him.

Back in 2021, right about 9/11, my then-neighbor brought home a tiny black kitten I eventually would adopt after he won my heart. Neighbor is an electrician and told me he'd just finished a job in a nice neighborhood that abuts a terrible neighborhood. As he drove through the iffy 'hood he saw two boys who should've been in school; they were huddled around something that got his spidey senses tingling. He slowed his truck, and realized the "something" they were huddled around was a tiny black kitten. He got out of the truck just as one of the boys raised his foot to STOMP on the kitten. Neighbor shoved the kid away, cursed him out, and scooped up the kitten.

I named him Lexie (even my vet thought he was a girl at first; his little testes were very late developing), and the rascal won my complete heart. We often danced together around the living room, the sweet boy and I.

Makes you sad to think of all the animals out in a cold cruel world that considers them living trash to be tortured, neglected, or killed.

^^2001, not 2021.^^

Freddy was around three.

Have you had Nori spayed? She'll be gentler with the cats once she's had the op. It's usually done around six months.

Vet said to wait six weeks more before the spaying, since I wasn't sure exactly how old Nori is; he said new research is recommending not to spay dogs before 6-7 months. I was shocked because for cats the research has been the exact opposite.

R76, I'll bet if he could speak Freddy could tell some stories. You always wonder what their life was before they met you, at least I do.

Ok, DL canine experts, riddle me this: Is it usual or unusual for your 37.5 lb puppy to randomly wake up from a nap, see you sitting quietly reading your Kindle book, then decide to walk over, and DRAPE herself across your lap, head lying on sofa arm, the rest of her full weight digging into your right thigh? Then have the nerve to fall back asleep immediately, snoring while 1/2 of your right leg starts going numb, while the rest (including your right buttock) is throbbing in pain?

Or nah?

It sounds adorable, OP, but I guess the reality of it has its drawbacks.

Yes. Wouldn't a cat do the same thing? I imagine Nori learned through observation and decides she owns you, as well, and wants to make sure she's just as loved amongst the others. She's only been part of your household ~ 4 months or so... Yeah, the weight is different!

And, despite her "issues" with Alastair, she probably notices the absence and it's confusing for her, so she looks to her pack leader - you for comfort. I've only had one dog in my life for only six years now, so here I am being all "expert." But it's just my experience. I want to hear from rescue-chick.

[QUOTE]he said new research is recommending not to spay dogs before 6-7 months. I was shocked because for cats the research has been the exact opposite.

Cats go into heat much sooner than dogs and aren't as prone to broken bones during activity.

Not so much for large, active dogs. My 87% Border Collie/13% Rhodesian Ridgeback came "of age" during the pandemic. He had puppy classes before lockdown at ~ 4/5 months and he was a wriggley nutball compared to the others. I felt like an embarrassed parent, so I thought maybe he'd benefit from an intervention.

My vet recommended one year before the snip so that his testosterone could fully support bone and other growth (and same for females' growth estrogen is important for development).

Maybe a cautionary example: I took Paco in for a regular puppy check, and there was another BC, a small brown female, in the waiting room with a cast on her forearm (between elbow and paw). We chatted. The couple were so proud she could ring a bell to go outside, while I felt totally inadequate because that was the most difficult part of Paco's training. Incredibly smart, but excitable at 4-5 months with related toilet issues. (All soon fixed). That pup was spayed at 5 months. I asked my vet when I brought Paco in about it. She said that if the dog isn't acting up, one year is preferable for best development and growth. That's for a boy, though.

Paco's a sweet, submissive fella and not aggressive. I would have done it at one year, but I didn't want to pay higher vet pricing, so (due to pandemic waiting lists) I waited until 1- 1/2 y.o. for him and he was neutered at SPCA at a fraction of the price

God, that was long! But for your gal, sooner may be a better option. It really depends on the individual puppy and how much parents want to deal with her heat, diapers, etc.

This is him. The only dog I've ever had. A Border Collie introduced to into my life at 55 years of age. I love him so.

OP, she snuggles in your lap because she loves you. We all should be so lucky to have that kind of adoration.

This is Paco's little sister, Blanca.

R82, it really was adorable, to be honest. And, yes, cats have done the same my entire life, but to be fair there's a bit of a differential between an 8-12 lb, 18"-24" from nose to tail cat and a 40+ inch doggy.

But there are millions of people walking around this minute who don't have this kind of love and deep-in-heart contentment, and might give a lot to have it.

This afternoon my visiting sister put on Nori a halter she'd bought for Bentley, her Schoodle, just before he died suddenly. Once it was on, I could tell it affected her emotionally in a way she hadn't expected. It was very sweet of her.

Here's my late nephew, Bent:

I adore border collies!

My German Shepherd dog used to drape himself over me and yes, he was heavy and it hurt ... but I just lifted him off and said no? You don't just sit there enduring it. Same with people who whinge because their cat is always in their favourite spot on the sofa. Move them! You're in charge.

Oh yeah. Our big 60 lb lab/shepherd/mutt/mix still thinks he's that little puppy with huge paws.

I'm retired but Husband still works and sometimes has to travel for a few days. Toobee goes nuts when he returns after a few days away and has to jump up, awkwardly, onto his lap and attempt to lick him to death.

Not a problem for either of us and he gets excited but is more restrained when one of the cats returns from a vet visit.

But mother-in-law and her sweet little pug mix(rip) lived with us during the pandemic when he was still a puppy. She's a dainty little 90 year old who loves cats and dogs. When she comes for a visit he goes nuts at reconnecting with an old friend and we have to discourage his attempts to park himself on her lap.

But he does a really cute "snoopy dance" whenever he sees her or any other old friend.

R84, love her name. It reminds me of the entirely black cat in Key West that was named Snowball.

Paco and friends sound like total dolls

[quote]Cats go into heat much sooner than dogs and [bold]aren't as prone to broken bones during activity.[/bold]

Wait, whaaaaaatt?

R82, I'm there 100% with R90; Paco y Blanca sound so sweet and clever.

Speaking of Paco, that reminds me of my HS Spanish teacher. In Spanish 1, she went through the most common names in Spanish, and their English counterparts. Jaime=James, Juan=John, Pedro=Peter, etc. Made total sense.

Then she said "And Paco=Frank."

Huh?

OP - It’s what I've always heard about cats v dogs and their bones, though I could be incorrect and it's an old wives' tale. I never thought confirm with the vet.

This may be an old tale, too, but what I've always heard about "Paco" is that it derived from Saint Francis, Papa Francisco. He was named after a friend's dog I knew many years ago. That Paco was a big black shepherd who could drop and lift one ear on command. It delighted everybody. He was a hit at parties. As it turned out, the rancher whose BC is Paco's mom is named Francisco. (And I went to St. Francis elementary and high schools).

The kids get along really well. I've managed to get them to eat out of the same dish. The only time they kinda don't is when she wants to snuggle in his bed. He groans, she retreats, waits until he's asleep and hops in.

No, R93, I didn’t meant to impugn your comment @R82; I was just surprised I had not heard/read about the easily broken bones thing. Reading up on it today!

Switching gears: About two hours ago I was making Dad's bed, when all of a sudden I heard "WHOOSH!"

In a flash Nori had high-hurdled onto Dad's bed, which is quite high. I was so shocked, all I could do was cackle and ask "Just how long have you been able to do this, Missy? You'd better not let Auntie G catch you doing that--she'll put you out!"

Then I made sure I smoothed all the paw prints out of the velour comforter before we left the bedroom (Auntie G has an eagle eye when it comes to these things).

Did everyone else get put in 48 hour timeout? I got put in the kennel just about the time of OP/R94's post.

I was

I was, as well, R95 and R96, but it was more like a hiccup, like maybe some guy and its sockpuppets were careening around the site randomly F&Fing posters. It lasted a day, or a bit less.

I've been *trying* to not post anything out of pocket, but a couple of times I just had to push back hard because the foolery is real on this site, and I'm tired. It PTSDs me back to my last boss who was so unreasonable and easily huffed, I *literally* (yes, LITERALLY) wrote, edited, re-edited, re-edited, re-edited, re-edited, then rewrote every gotdamn communication with her, from emails to memos to policy documents to onboarding guides to training manuals. For THIRTEEN fricking years. Just so I could avoid her unnecessary drama. I'm a very good writer, and words and wordsmithing give me life; so working "up under" (her words) an insanely concrete thinker took all the starch from my linens.

After this most recent kenneling I decided I'm not going to do it anymore. Not gonna play from Jimmy Fallon's playbook; if I go in the doghouse, that'll just give me more time for Nori play, Squidge antics, Pip stroking and gazing (his fur is sooooo soft and lush, I adore running my hands through it, plus his face is just so sweet), and de-cluttering. Plus overnight the fields of wild rudbeckia I harvest from every year, have just started to bloom, and when they're in bloom cycle my entire inner being glows. I love playing amateur florist, and EVERYBODY gets regular arrangements from me.

Today I did two vases of yellow rudbeckia and purple ironwood. Nori had a field day running through the trimmed-off leaves, buds and stems as I played Edward Scissorhands.

^^ironweed, not ironwood^^

If my dear readers will recall from Thread the First, I mentioned Nori's fear of the horn section of the university marching band that drills a few blocks from my house.

Well, Missy has been doing some inner work because early this afternoon she suddenly started barking, barking, barking nonstop. After a couple of minutes I walked to the front door where she was baying, begging to go out. I assumed she wanted to release some waste, so out we went. Nori RACED to the very edge of the property, pushed her skinny muzzle through the fence... and started [bold]BARKING[/bold] at the band. Took me a sec to realize what she was doing, and once I did, I collapsed in laughter. Her entire body was pointing in the general direction of campus, stiff as a statue, giving that horn section what for.

I was like, "Yes! Take your power BACK, Gurleen!"

*SHOUTING* HEY, rescue-chick/R9, etc!

Big, BIG thanks to you for suggesting chicken may be a contributor to Nori's allergic hot spots. I was iffy on the prospect at first (I mean, who's allergic to [italic]chicken?[/italic]).

But I stepped out on faith and trust in your supreme wisdom. 86'd the Freshpet Puppy Chicken loaf, homemade shredded chicken, and chicken treats; subbed in Freshpet All Stages Turkey loaf. Upped his Bixbi Immunity to every day rather than every 2 days, and in less than three weeks her hot spots are almost gone--just a small patch between her hind legs remains.

And she's no longer scratching her skin raw; in fact, she's not scratching at all.

Sooooooo, THANK YOU!!!

I thought only cats had airplane ears.

That waggly tail is adorable.

Nori's ears remind me of Sr Bertrille from The Flying Nun.

Her tail is so long and it looks like a percussion instrument*. She seems to be developing a little bit of Boxer muzzle. (known for athletic build, expressive face, and playful, protective temperament. Hmm).

*She and her encounters with the marching band could be an excellent book in the Nori children's/young adult book series. From fear upon discovery and contempt through the fence to meeting and making new friends with the band, and finally becoming an honorary member when she receives her special drum so she can keep time for the band with her tail. And sing backup vocals with her "Aroos," of course. Overcoming fear of others is a theme for our times.

^ While keeping in mind dogs' special sensitivities to different pitches and sounds.

This thread is too precious for words.

That GiIF is adorable. I'm not getting Boxer, but Dane from that image. Also, I've had cats that were allergic to chicken.

Chicken is the devil. When in doubt, cut it out.

Nori's "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis!" face.

There's something of Natalie Wood in her eyes.

It is, R102, but you'd better keep an eye out for it, because that thing will slap you hard like a high velocity leather belt.

Look at those floppy lips!

R101, despite having had cats since before I could walk, I have never heard of "airplane ears," but after consulting Professor Google, D.V.M., you're right-99% of the content references cats, not dogs.

Do you think it's some sort of anxiety response I have not been aware of?

r109 She channels Gary Coleman too well. 🥰🐕

Oh, wow, R104, it is so weird you mentioned the Dog-Meets-Band idea, because that university just last week announced they had just acquired a trained, certified therapy pooch for students, recognizing the need of young people to interact with a 100% love bug to de-stress and fill their hearts with love.

Their marching band has several times been disciplined/sanctioned for hazing; maybe they need a Nori to cancel that attutude.

OP, EVERYONE needs Nori!

Here, R116--HAVE SOME!!! *tosses NoriPic like it's Halloween candy*

She looks good in profile, doesn't she? (though I can't be sure she's not giving me subtle side eye)

Noble

Like a monarch

I wonder if her sire or dam was brown, because the brown ring around her eyes she's had from our Day 1 appears to be permanent.

That is so good to know, EL @R108. So do you think the chicken issues are of relatively recent vintage, with all the horrid farm practices, or has it always been the case?

FWIW my old boss at my first job out of grad school grew up on a small chicken farm in South Carolina in the late '40s-early '60s, and until the day he died REFUSED to eat chicken. "R," he would say, "You're kind of a germ freak like your Dad" (his family and mine were friends); "if you had been raised around chickens like I was, you would never even touch them, let alone eat them; they are DISGUSTING."

I don’t know. But it seems bizarrely common.

Opea r100, I am SO GLAD her itchies are clearing up! I recommend a salmon and sweet potato food if you do kibble.

We're looking at going 'vegan' with my gal if she has a reaction to venison. She has revolving allergies. like, she's always allergic to chicken, turkey, eggs, wheat and corn. I believe she's also always allergic to grass and trees. She can have small small amounts of beef and pork. I thought she was fine on fish but her allergies are creeping back up, she's having reactions to the fish.

I fear that I am going to have to substitute krill and algae oil for meat/ fish oils and remove animal and fish altogether for a few months and then a few months with fish. The food I make her is nutritionally complete without meat or fish and she's perfectly happy with it but, fucking vegan? eek

Rescue chick- no rabbit, venison or duck?

no duck. I am going to try venison as hunting season goes. the exotic meats are out of my price range per pound especially not knowing if she can tolerate them. if she wildly improves on vegan I will, begrudgingly and hesitantly look into insect protein and hydrolized protein. If she doesn't, I am going to have to remove legumes and see if that's it. She's allergic to everything so it's a matter of seeing which combination produces the least 'Sarah McLaughlin commercial nominee'

rescue-chick @R122, Nori loves sweet 'taters, but she's no frau, as she HATES pumpkin anything, unless it's mixed well with sweet potato. Lately she's been obsessed with water buffalo hock filled with sweet potato. Tomorrow I plan to bake a couple of sweet potatoes, skin rubbed with virgin coconut oil, just like my late Mother liked them, to see if Nori will go for them.

If she winds up liking the sweet potatos, make French fries for treats. you can either dehydrate or cook and freeze.

ironically, I have yet to find ANYTHING my gal won't eat and love. food is her favorite thing, her biggest joy. pickles? yup. mustard? why not? fruit or mint flavored antacids? YES PLEASE! radishes, frozen broccoli, grass. If you plant a vegetable or herbs garden she'll strip it worse than a deer. Bird seed, acorns, green olives.

Yes, she was a long long time stray that wound up pregnant with TWELVE !12! puppies before she was caught, why do you ask? lol

She's the easiest dog to feed and she's allergic to fucking everything.

Many cats love eating fish but can't digest it.

I know a human who can't eat chicken, or eggs. But she can eat eggs from her neighbor's chickens. Natural feel maybe?

Don't suggest eating those hens who layed them. They are pets who just happen to produce eggs. And they are all lovely, friendly girls. Groomers who peck at my hair.

No I do not have lice.

rescue-chick @R122, does your baby tolerate lamb? I've found Nori loves lamb kibble and lamb kebab from my favorite Greek/Lebanese spot, but not lamb loaf/lamb wet food.

On another note, I have questions for you reasonably-priced experts: as we near holiday season, and since I'm the family cook, what are some do's and don't about holiday meals, desserts, and decorations? We always have scads of real poinsettia, fresh boughs and wreaths made of cuttings from our Alaskan cedar trees, autumn cattail, fresh cranberry and horsetail arrangements, that sort of thing. Mini multicolor pumpkins and other gourds as decoration. I know mistletoe is 100% out.

What about roasted root vegetables? Greens (collard, mustard, turnip)? Seafood gumbo ingredients (shrimp, blue crab, okra, etc.)? Pecans, cashews and other nuts? She loves parched peanuts but they give her the foulest gas that could clear a room.

I'm sorry if all this seems ticky-tack, but I fret.

[quote]If she winds up liking the sweet potatos, make French fries for treats.

Oooooh, rescue-chick! Oooooooooh! You've just given me a reason to drive out to my storage facility and pick up my food dehydrator I bought in 2022, but haven't even unboxed.

no lilies. or, poinsettas. NO GRAPES (raisins, wine, grapeseed oil etc). nuts are fine. no onions, chocolate or garlic (don't sweat small amounts ie, they're just an ingredient).

shoot, I hit enter before I mentioned Xylitol. it's an artificial sweetener used in candy, gum, some peanut butter brands etc. it'll kill her painfully but almost certainly.

Awwww, R127, you remind me of my late Mother, who grew up on a farm in rural South Carolina in the late '20s-late 40s. Her Dad gave her a little yellow peep chick to raise. Chick followed her everywhere (I forget what she'd named it). Eventually it laid eggs like a beast.

One day she came home from school, looked for her now-hen, only to be told it was in a roasting pan. She went into orbit, crying and holding a huge grudge against her Dad (she was a Daddy's girl, so that hurt his feelings) for a few months.

She made up her mind there and then she would neither marry a farmer nor live on a farm. And she didn't.

What a horrible thing to do r132.

It happened to Jasmine on Coronation Street. Her abusive husband killed her pet hen and only told her after she'd eaten some of it.

I remember it happening to my Italian friends with chickens, lambs, goats, rabbits. The kids were given enough time to get attached and bond. And then were forced to eat their friends.

Very different from a farm experience where kids were discouraged from getting too close.

You're right, R133, Mother was right, and, after a fashion my grandfather was right.

It was a working farm, during the depths of the Great Depression, with resources in short supply. Times were just so different, but still I cannot imagine getting attached to a living being, then having it slaughtered for Sunday dinner.

Might explain what happened years later, after she finished college, began grad school, met my Dad, married him and moved to his state. Long before I was born (I'm the youngest of four), when she and Dad were young marrieds in their newly built house, she adopted a puppy--an all-black puppy. She named it Pretty Girl, and they were closer than close. Back when she grew up animals weren't allowed in the house, so she really felt she'd shaken off the farm attitude when she brought Pretty Girl into the house--HER house. Dad often worked nights, so Pretty Girl was great company and great protection.

When Pretty Girl died, Mother never got another dog. I used to ask her why, but she'd always get a faraway look in her eyes, and never answer me. My brother is the only sibling who remembers PG (BigBro was born in 1955, two years into Ma-Pa's marriage), and though he was only a little boy then, he's never forgotten how close Mother and Pretty Girl were, and how devastated she was at the loss.

I like to think wherever kind beings go when they pass out of this world, they are reunited and happy as larks. No more dementia, no more loss, no more separation.

Nutmeg is very toxic to dogs also and in a lot of fall foods.

Wow, ElderLez @R135, I hadn't considered ground-up/grated "sweet" spices like nutmeg, allspice, cloves, mace, cinnamon, cardamom, juniper berry, coriander, anise, all of which I use heavily in cooking and baking.

That's so good to know, so no eggnog with nutmeg This Christmas (apologies to Saint Donny Hathaway, but I couldn't resist). In addition to baked goods I also use nutmeg in some of my bisques like shrimp, corn, and artichoke; and winter squash soups.

My middle sister has told me repeatedly how dogs are much more baby/childlike dogs are compared to cats. That I have to be on guard constantly to make sure Nori doesn't ingest the wrong things as long as she's in her oral stage. Frankly, it's EXHAUSTING. I'm already OCD with hypervigilance, so having a puppy on top of that is... yeah.

But is she worth it? I think DL knows the answer.