Observation Journal for new remedies

Day 1 Saturday June 27th:
Visit with our fabulous new vet. An hour consultation ending with 20 minutes acupuncture.
For dinner, started with new herbs mixed in his food.
Michael did not eat his dinner.

Day 2 Sunday June 28th:
Start the day with fresh application of Front Line.
Added some real chicken and flax seed oil and re-mixed his dinner from last night.
Breakfast devoured.
Added some Dr. Ackerman's spray to his hind quarters in afternoon.

Day 3 Monday June 29th:
Am: breakfast: kibble with herbs, flax seed oil and some chicken diced in. Michael ate all but a few bites.
pm: Michael ate his dinner, loves the added real chicken and carrotts and that helps to get the herbs down him that is being mixed in.

Day 4 Tuesday June 30: Doing well on food, herbs

Day5 Wednesday July 1st: eating all food with herbs, still scratching.

On the constant check with him for fleas. Have found a few here and there....

Day 6 Thursday July 2nd: Woke several times during the night michael itching scratching like crazy! found fleas each time I checked him. Upon waking michael's tummy area was BRIGHT red, pink and obviously he'd been scratching all night long....Since waking I have found EIGHT fleas on him, and I am in panic state right now. Part of this problem relates to having two inside cats that get taken out every day to "play" then brought back in. My room mate is from Colorado, where apparently they don't have fleas (how was I to know that?) and she knew not what the flea issue would be like. However, I did tell her weeks ago to get the Frontline, etc, going and had she done that at that time, we might not have quite this problem right now. So, I'm not terribly unhappy having just spent a whole bunch of money I don't really have to help him and he's being totally bombarded with fleas now.

am food: ate up everything with herbs. HOW ARE HERBS SUPPOSED TO WORK WHEN I CAN'T GET RID OF THE FLEAS?!?!?!?!?

Day 7 Friday July 3rd: Same as usual.

Day 8 Saturday July 4th: The issue of fleas and Michael's scratching is becoming constant. he is eating his herbs in his meals. loves having the wet food mixed in with the dry. Not doing too much, I don't want him to gain a bunch of weight.

Day 9 Sunday July 5th: Michael's belly is red, raw, and horrifying. I am applying aloe very (100% natural, no additives) to soothe the raw belly areas....He is eating his food with herbs morning and night. He is liking a little kibble mid day now....asking for it.....

Day 10 Monday July 6th: am: had dry food with some wet food added with herbs.
Added dose of Frontline as flea situation is too much. he can't possibly make progress under these circumstances. I'm disgusted, let down and beside myself over this situation. it's keeping me from getting my work done at the computer because I have to sit by Michael's side all day to keep him from scratching himself any more raw than he already is. It's very upsetting. Will call to Dr. tomorrow morning as soon as the clinic opens.

Things get hellacious for a couple of days where I am frequently in tears over it all......

Day 12 Tuesday July 8th: The holistic vet prescibes a natural hydrocortizone and I run down there and pick it up. Also Dr. says to give him some benedryl.

12:00 Noon: Administer Hydrocortizone and Benedryl a little while later. Later in the day Michael has totally chilled out on the scratching!

Day 13 Wednesday July 9th: Breakfast: Herbs, both pills @ 7am

Scratching like mad from about 5am - 7am I get up two or three times to search for the )_@)@(#*$()%)()( culprit, but cannot get my eyes open enough to find the bugger......

Day 14 Thursday July 10th: Belly looks "normal" no pink at all!!! No scratching!!

Day 15 Friday July 11th: Breakfast Herbs, natural hydrocort. pill

Mid Day: gave Benedryl as Michael was starting to scratch

Day 16 Saturday July 12th: Scratching and licking in the early morning hours....

Breakfast: herbs & both pills
midday at show: Michael doing good, having great day visiting with everyone at the show. ate light snack in afternoon.
Dinner at 7p
Doing good, hardly any scratching!

Day 17 Sunday July 13: Doing good at the show. Starting to scratch a little bit.
am Breakfast: Last of the herbs. 1 natural hydrocort. pill. No benedryl
pm Home very late after show. Michael scarfed down his dinner innova kibble & real chicken off the bone.

Day 18 Monday July 14th: Starting to scratch. Checking for fleas. Pulled off FOUR fleas!
Breakfast: Hydrocort pill. No benedryl

Michael had a really messed up tummy day! Super loose had to go several times. poor baby. yucky tummy.

PM dinner: dry kibble only

Day 19 Tuesday July 15th: Breakfast with a tiny bit of innova wet just to get down hydrocort pill.
Bowels loose
Called vet took sample to them by 6pm. Should hear back tomorrow morning.

Day 20 Weds July 16th: very light breakfast, no pills, no tummy movement.
very light dinner. finally late in day bowel movement, appears mostly normal.
No call from vets regarding stool results.

Day 21 Thursday July 17th:
Michael scratching all night. Got up at 1:30 am to give him a benedryl.
7am light dry kibble with a sprinkle of brewers. Gave hydrocort pill
Bowels loose again. No word from vet as of 8:45am
Called vet in afternoon. Negative result in stool test. He should be fine. Dr. thinks my stress level is affecting Michaelangelo. (My stress level has been higher than I can ever remember it being. I feel sick in my stomach a lot of the time.) Dr. suggests Sweet Potato or Yams blended and added to his food. MMMMMmmm. I love sweet potato.
Went to the beach for afternoon meditation near sunset. We took lots of happy pictures cuddling on the beach.
PM Dinner: Dry Innova kibble.
9:30pm Benedryl. Tummy pink. Checkin' for fleas.

Day 22 Friday July 18: Still having tummy problems. Itchy! Red Tummy! NOT HAPPY!
Dry kibble & brewers yeast
am hydrocort pill


Day 23 Saturday July 19th:
benedryl & hydrocort pills
dry kibble drizzled with flax seed oil
NORMAL POOPS!!

pm dry kibble with baked organic sweet potato slices from Trader Joes
normal poops!!
10:30pm red itchy gave benedryl

Day 24 Sunday July 20th:
am: hydro cort pill
dry kibble with warmed sweet potato LOVES LOVES LOVES sweet potato!
pm: dry kibble with sweet potato!

Day 25 Monday July 21st:
am: hyrdo pill, dry kibble & sweet potato. very itchy, scratching....
pm:

Getting What We Need for Summer Allergies....

Over the 4th of July holiday, we'll be celebrating Michaelangelo's birthday! I don't know when he was really born, but that is the time that he came into my life. This is the beginning of our 4rd year together - he was found wandering alone on July 4th, 2005.

As much as we love summer, we don't love the seasonal allergy issues it brings Michael. He has what has been called a flea bite dermatitis. So, just one flea bite, and he'll turn pink and scratch himself a raw spot...It's painful for me to know he is so uncomfortable. I have been wanting to find a way to deal with this issue without the use of the prescribed steroids...Anyone who knows me or has read this blog in the past knows how I feel about putting chemicals on my babycakes! And after a very unproductive visit with our vet last year, I vowed I would find someone who would listen to me and take my thoughts seriously about the health and longevity of my dog, and help me find a way to help him without spraying chemicals that are known to cause other very serious problems with long-term use. And since I have known him long enough to know that the minute the heat sets in and the fleas come out of hibernation, there is going to be an issue. He does get however, Frontline once per month, and I supplement combating fleas with Dr. Ackerman's Natural Botanical remedy which has nothing but herbs in it.

And FINALLY ! after much research I have found our new vet clinic!!
Michael just about jumped into his new doctor's arms, we thought she might have treats in her pocket, but she did not! He knows good people when he smells them, and even though she eventually was sticking some acupuncture needles in him, he left happy and wagging....

Yes, you read me right! Michaelangelo had ACUPUNCTURE! I had never thought that would be something we would do for his doggie allergies! But, they have a REAL holistic approach and also promote raw diet for dogs, which I'll be looking into further. Right now, Michael is eating and loving Innova for dogs. We'll see about the raw diet later this summer. For now, I'm focusing on getting his allergic issue under control. In addition to having had acupuncture, he is on some herbal stuff as well, which I will mix into his food. So! Thus begins my observation journal for Michael again, and we'll talk with the vet in two weeks and see what is happening! I hope this is going to help! I'm definitely hopeful!

Here is some info that might also be helpful in regards to combating fleas this summer!!
Let me know if any of you have had similar experiences and also what your results are!

HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!!!!

No Day is Complete without Friends.......

Look at this cutie!!!!
Sylvia found her new baby at the Animal Shelter in Troutdale....
She and this little Schnauzer really connected and he is going home today!!! Michaelangelo is super excited about his new buddy he'll be hiking and having adventures with this summer!!!!
Yaaaaaay! What's his name, Sylvie????

Chico LOVES Michael! and Michael LOVES Chico, too!!

Beautiful Ruby Loves Micheal too. I wonder if she is going to be a vet someday...

Oh my....

Doggie Porn!!!

Loving this Summer Weather!!

Of course we are out on adventures every day, and even more so now that summer is starting to make its way to the NW....

This morning on our walk, we came across a little white rabbit hanging out in the yard of a little apartment complex and of course, Michaelangelo was ON and very interested.....

Cute little bunny, bunny......

We bump into our neighbors at the park in the mornings.....
Rick loves to meet up with his girlfriend Blondie...

Michael & Alysha after a long day of play......

Michael and Blue

Needed Some Giggles....

This is where I started my day and I'm glad I did. We really need to know about these mind games dogs play with humans..I really have been needing some giggles, and I got them at Jan's Poodle and Dog Blog!! Have fun and a giggle with your morning coffee!

Oh and for the other Jack Russell fanatics, here is a story about a Jack in York, England! He takes the bus to the pub!!! I bet Michaelangelo would like hanging out with Ratty!!

Michael in Super - Stealth Hunting Mode

Michael and his love for the squirrel...It's always a fun little adventure going to the park!!

Getting Out and About.....

We had some absolutely wonderful summer weather for just a few days last week and we quickly took advantage of that wonderful weather by having a yard sale whilest my house-mate Amanda and I are on a clean out purge process of our individual belongings.....

Michael had a fun day being the Official Yard Sale Mascot and Greeter....everyone was happy to see Michael and got a smile from visiting.....


Where ever we go, Michael's day is not complete until he gets to make some new friends. Here Michael makes friends with some "Parisian Jacks".
Michael loves people watching. He's happy to sit and just watch the world go by. No hurry, no worry....Just Zen Michael..........
Michael loves the downtown life too, here he gets to hang out at his Aunty Sylvie's place with mom and Rick.

Sometimes looks can be deceiving. As we were walking by these people outside of this pub, this little JRT lookin doggie looked really nice like he was going to say hello, when suddenly he lunged angrily like a wild dog, and I let out a scream pulling Michael up into my arms with one fell swoop! Wow, my heart was beating in my throat for about a quarter hour after that.....yikes! watch out! It's a Mini -CUJO!

Keeping Pretty Busy as Spring Finally Arrives!!!

HI Everybody!!! Now that spring seems to have more properly arrived to the great northwest, we are out on the hunt earlier and earlier every day, and staying out longer and longer! Mom is pretty worn out after our morning walks! I always know when she's done with my being on the hunt because she says she can't go any further - and that she needs a cup of coffee.....

When I'm not out on the squirrel hunt, I'm hanging out with my local pals, who all seem to be coming out after a long time hibernating indoors!

This is Angel, my girlfriend....(one of them, anyway!)
She is always so happy to see me!!

Sometimes mom takes her on a walk with us because Angel's dad walks real, real slow.....

A long day of out and about.....Finally, some quiet time and cluddling.....

What's the Story?!?

I can't tell you how many times people have come up to me and told me how much Michaelangelo makes them think of Wishbone! Me and my son watched Wishbone all the time, and he really wanted a Jack at the time, but it just never worked out that we got a dog when he was small....

Just strolling down memory lane, I found this Wishbone intro on youtube.....
Don't you just love youtube?!?!? We sure do!

That is One Happy Dog!!!

Michael Getting Know the River.....

Rx for the Wintertime Blues

Michael peered excitedly out the front door for about 15 minutes on Sunday....I wondered what was going on outside to attract such attention from him....I went to peer out, and it was the sun, I was ecstatic to see the sun peeking past several dark clouds and several days of rain.... fluttering lightly on the ground through the trees!!! My eyes got so big, they almost popped out of my head!!! I ran to ready and we were out and about in no time, ready for adventure......

Please click on pix for an excellent view!!!

Here, Michael is being very tentative, but very excited, as he checks out the river water for the first time.......
This is Michael's FIRST TIME to play at the beach!!! Can you just SEE how happy he is? He is really one fun-lovin, happy dog! We love to travel around hiking and exploring! I could tell from his (nearly) non-stop excitement that he really loves this new place!!



Michael took his time tentatively exploring all of the different tactile experiences!! He LOVES the feel of sand under his feet and reacted and behaved much like when the snow fell in January 2006 - he went bananas running around and around really fast in circles!! It was pretty funny...


After a bunch of wild running around and general adventure-type stuff, meeting lots of other dogs, Michael stood in the same spot for the longest time just smelling the air that gently breezed all around us.....He seemed so at home, so happy, so serene.....it was so....nice for both of us!!!


We decided to go down to the beach!!! A friend of mine was going down to the river to try to get some air and go flying with his big kite!!! Sadly, he didn't have enough to get off of the ground, but we had fun watching him ready and he took Michaelangelo on one of his wild running sprees!





Michaelangelo went CRAZY for the beach! He was totally flippin out ! He LOVES the beach! I can't believe we haven't been going there before!! Well, now it's our new hang out. We both slept so well too........ It was a wonderful break for us, because lately it's been rain, rain, rain and MORE rain, for which Michael does not care!!! But this was a fabulous afternoon....Wow, we can't wait to go back!!! Next time, I'm bringin' the frisbee! Did you have some fun adventures this weekend??

Getting Ready for Some Travels & Adventure!!!

Michael has a new little "Travel Hut" as it's so been named, a little place for him to chill and be quiet and sleep or play with his toys while we're traveling. It's a really neat little "Pet House" which was made for Bed, Bath & Beyond, so you could check there if you wanted a zip up or fold down type of travel kennel for a great price!!

Today we set it up so he could spend some time in it with his toys and bones. He seems quite ok with it, and I did zip it up with him inside it, and once he got the treat out of the bone, he wanted out! He just wants to chase down treats!! I tell ya one thing - this god, I mean dog LOVES to travel!!! More soon!!!

We Need to Know the Truth......

I apologize in advance because this is pretty depressing information, however it is information YOU need to know. Please follow this link and read....

The following is fellow writer/blogger/dog maniac Jan's (of Poodle & dog blog) reply to my comment in regards to her story:

"Hi Michelle, I know so well the feeling. They raise $30 million, and get a lot of support from pet owners and celebrities who love their little doggies but don't realize that PETA is against pet ownership, even guide dogs and service dogs, because they think it is demeaning to dogs. Whatever that means. My dogs live better than I do.

Whenever I do a post on PETA, I get a lot of people who didn't know what they are about because the media shows them as animal experts or harmless kooks, but what they do to pets is evil. For example they will release show dogs from their cages so that they can run free--and get hit in traffic. They release animals from sanctuaries and laboratories so they can get killed in the wild. That sort of thing.

Just keep getting the word out and urge your readers not to support PETA or the Humane Society of the United States, but to support their local shelter or their local humane society and to do what they can to make it a no kill shelter.This book, Redemption, has really opened my eyes about what can be done for homeless pets. They don't have to be killed in shelters if the shelter is run right."

Dogs That Changed The World....

I caught part of a fantastic program on Public Broadcasting about dogs!! Public Broadcasting usually repeats their programming throughout the month, so do check your local listings (which can be done from the Public Broadcasting site http://www.pbs.org/). Do try to catch one or more of the program, it's fascintating! Nature puts on some great programming!!

"NATURE's two-part special DOGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD tells the epic story of the wolf's evolution, how "man's best friend" changed human society and how we in turn have radically transformed dogs. Part one, "The Rise of the Dog," airs Sunday, January 13 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS. Part two, "Dogs by Design," airs Sunday, January 20 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings for both broadcasts)."

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/dog/

Always Looking For Adventure!!!

Even in our usually dreary Northwest winter, we get treated to the odd - day of sunshine! How overjoyed we are when this happens!! We load up and head out to our favorite park on a mountain and hike for at least an hour! We meet as many new friends as we can and just make it a great workout for the day!!! Many paths to explore - and they are exciting each time, no matter how many times we hiked them before!!


After some long hiking and adventures, I'm ready for a cuddly little nap.....I love to burrow in the blankets! And of course, mom likes to snuggle me up even more as though I'm in a cacoon!!!


My mom is a great way to cozy up and snooze. Here we are ending our day cuddling on the couch while momma reads her Jack Russel Book!!!

Hope you had a day of sun and adventure too!!!
xoxox
Michaelangelo & Mom

Dreaming of Summer Days...

AAaaahhhh, we love and miss summer sooooo much around this time of the year....We live in the good old northwest, where the winters are long, cold and rainy! It's just not as much fun when you get all filthy dirty and soaking wet and practically have to have a bath each time you go for a walk!! Some days I just don't want to go out in the nasty weather!!!

Then some days we go all out and I get to run around in the mud like a crazy dog!!! Yeah, my maw let me do that today, and I had a bunch of fun and had a reaaaalllyyy nice hot bath when we got home, I got my hair dried with the hair dryer and I am now all happy and cuddly clean and fresh....I'm gonna take a nap and dream about summer....

MMMmmmmmmmm. Momma and I llllooovvveeeee those lazy summer days....Nappin in the sun........
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz