I have a physically healthy terrier mutt mix. However, after his first 4th of July here in town (I live near the junior college), he is now very sensitive to loud noises and street commotions. Even though we kept him indoors, the assault on his ears from the vibrations of the fireworks at the stadium and from neighbors with very loud explosive devices, he shivered and hid in the back bedroom to try and escape the sound and fury. Daylight today finds him pretty normal, but he still is very nervous at night. Benedryl  at 25 milligrams works to calm him down. The generic is diphenhydramine. Do not use any antihistamine with added chemical compounds, because some of the additives can cause serious damage to your pooch. Your best bet with your overweight buddy is to try and work a slightly longer walk every time you go out for exercise. His weight appears to be having a major effect on his ability to get up, but he could be having joint issues caused by obesity, or even a touch of arthritis if he is getting up in age. Your vet would know. Good luck and let's make Bakersfield fireworks free in our lifetime.

We have 3 dogs – all mutts, all rescues.  Dog 1 is Jazzmine, age 16, Queensland/Aussie Dingo mix.  No health problems but is afraid of her own shadow. When a “new” noise presents itself or new people, she heads out the back door (we have a doggie door) and goes to her “hidey hole” – it is at the back of the house in the bushes and she feels comfortable and ‘safe’ there. We got her when she was 2 yrs old from the SPCA, she had been abused.  We baby her J

 

Dog 2 is, Sydney, age 6, Aussie Shepard/Rottie mix. Got her when she was 8 wks old from the SPCA – she had been abandoned.  The only health problem she has had is knee surgery last June.  She blitzed out the back door and slipped on the wet patio and blew out her knee.  Over the last six months we have discovered she is allergic to the stitches that are put inside that are supposed to melt – in her they just lump up and cause more problems. Her immune system sucks!  She keeps getting infections.  This past Tuesday the vet had to completely re-do the knee surgery so we are back to square one!  Not the vets fault at all, just our weird dog!  Our vet feels so bad she didn’t even charge us!

 

Dog 3 is, Charlie, age 6 months, Queensland/Shepherd/Lab mix.  Got him Nov 11, 2007 after he followed our neighbor home from the local park and he decided our yard was A-OK!  We put a found add in the paper but nobody responded – so we kept him! He is a hoot! He is self-entertaining!!  Loves water, we have an in ground water dish and he doesn’t just stand at the edge to drink – he gets in it!!!

 

All our kids are spayed/neutered.  All stay in their own yard.  All have current up to date shots. All travel with us in the RV where ever we go!  They love it!

 

Two poodles - a toy and a miniature. Both sturdy little dogs, contrary to popular belief about poodles. The toy is 10 years old and the mini is 15. We call the mini "lead butt" because he can't jump up on couches or beds like he used to. Yet he refuses to use the steps we provided him. Pride, I guess. The toy is a quivering mess when babies or young children are around - don't know why, because he's never had bad experiences with them. Both dogs are a joy.

I just wanted Bo's pic (look left) seen again :)

He's 8 and healthy...for a 56 year old man!

I have three dogs and I can say I have one healthy one. A few months ago, I found out one of my dogs has cancer and about a week ago, I found out that another one of them has cancer, too. I have spent alot to get rid of it but it is the kind that could show up at any moment again. My vet said that they must be related and it is just a coincidence that they have it at the same time, which I still can't believe. I adopted both at the same time but had no idea if they were related or not. I recently told my vet that I must be keeping her in business. I have been there, at least 8 times in two or three months. As long as I take care of the tumors when I find them, then my dogs don't really suffer except for the surgery part. My vet said with this type of cancer, which is the same for both, that most people run out of money to treat it because it can re-occur at anytime. I can't imagine putting my dogs to sleep because I can't afford it so I will do whatever I need to to make it work.