Hello. My name is...

So, we're still working with Flash's shyness & timid tinkling issues. He's got moments of brilliance then he takes 10 steps backwards for what appears to be no apparent reason. Well, Flash has a reason but he hasn't opted to share it with us at this point. [And thank you Jennifer for sending us your DAP spray. We put it on the blankets in our crates...]

Several books, including a book on shy dogs and clicker training [illustrated no less] were ordered. Along with a book on managing a multi-dog household in a positive manner. Now, I've had a multi-dog household and I thought I was managing it as best I could. I think I can do better. I WANT to do better. I want to be better for Evie and Flash...and Gracie!




Meet Gracie [Pat C Dark Moon]. I actually wanted to pay homage to her southern roots and call her Pie, a la Dark Moon Pie but I was vetoed. I had originally posted about her back-story but decided to remove it for a wide variety of reasons.

We really know nothing about her except she's not cat safe. She was a decent runner so we hope she'll be fun & help out Flash too. She's catching a ride us just in time for Christmas! What a full household all of a sudden - hence my goal to work on positive training. Not to say I wasn't positive before, sometimes I think things dissolved into chaos though. This will be better and help me keep my sanity!

Still...

An upset tummy. Back at the vet. Still a LOT of bacteria in the gut. More antibiotics for 2 weeks this time. Then we'll try more hard-core gut tests to see if it's something like IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] - tests run out of Baylor vet school. Keep on the salmon & sweet potato grain free with probiotics. At the vet...I hear you coming for me Dr. Wilson...



On a fun note, I took Evie to a Petapalooza festival here in town back in September right before we went to get Flash. They were making clay paw prints. Evie had one made & we went to pick it up today.

Upset Tummy

So, we figured part of Flash's problems & nerves were because he was sick. Partially true. Vet + stool sample = bacterial infection in his tummy = metronidazole for 2 weeks and some prebiotics. Meds are done. Still continuing on the prebiotics for his tummy [OptaGest brand].

STILL having pudding coming out of his butt :( Bad. I've mixed in canned pumpking, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt. Kibble was originally Kirkland lamb & rice - which I've fed for YEARS to all my dogs & never had a problem. Recently switched/added in the new Kirkland food - the salmon & sweet potato grain free. Evie is absolutely SOLID. Perfect. I've mixed in dehydrated raw - always have - including Addiction & Honest Kitchen, Evangers & Merrick canned food, and just plain ol' ground beef or chicken.

Neither dog is a picky eater. Cautious - as Evie will sniff everything carefully before digesting as my guess is she's trying to ensure it's not poisoned - but they'll both eat and polish the bowls clean.

I'd really hate to switch from the Kirkland food. I've been happy with it. But, maybe it's time for a change as Flash's tummy can't handle it. I really DREAD having to do food experimentation now :( but I'm realizing it's unavoidable to get him feeling better.

Suggestions welcome!