Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Now This is More Like it..........

Finally...time to sun worship..





Friday, May 24, 2013

I was feeling a bit under the weather......




Thursday, May 23, 2013

Drum Roll Please...........


Definately worth the wait.....here's the before...






And after.......






People have asked what work was done on the set...the chairs were professionally painted a colour called
Bavarian Cream. The table top & legs were stripped, then stained a dark mahogany with several coats of the strongest
sealer available & the table base was painted the same as the chairs.

Mama & our Dad reupholstered the chairs using the old fabric as a template. Thank you for the great comments & emails...greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I Don't Know Folks......



I'm thinkin' our new 92" long sofa...has me
feelin' a bit cramped for space...




I'm just sayin'.......

Monday, May 20, 2013

May Is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Are there things that you can do to prevent your companion pet from being diagnosed with cancer?

Important Pet Cancer Facts:

Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year.
Cancer is the #1 natural cause of death in older pets.
Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans.
One in four dogs dies of cancer.
Over 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will die of cancer.
Just like humans, cancer can occur in virtually any part of your dog’s body.
Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develop a tumour of some kind during his lifetime.
The cause of cancer in pets, just like people, is largely unknown.
Common risks of obesity in pets includes many forms of cancer.

Possible Warning Signs of Pet Cancer:

Your pet has a lump or sore that won’t go away.
Your pet is eating but losing weight.
It is hard for your pet to chew or swallow.
There is a discharge or bleeding from any body opening.
There is a bad smell emanating from your pet.
Your pet tires easily and doesn’t want to exercise.
Your pet has quit eating for more than a day or two.

Cancer is common in older pets, but there are several steps that you can take while your pet is young to help minimize the chance of them developing cancer.

Have your pet spayed or neutered

Many unspayed female dogs and cats may develop mammary tumors (breast cancer) as they get older. Spaying a female pet before her first heat is recommended. Neutering a male dog while he is young or as soon as he is retired from breeding prevents many problems.

Feed your pet a high-quality diet

Your pet’s diet should be rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. These chemicals help protect cells from age related deterioration, thus reducing the risk of cancer arising from damaged cells. Pets who are fed premium diets tend to be healthier and live longer. Nutrition is key and a proper pH balance will improve your pet’s quality of life. Global Pet Foods carries a line of Dog and Cat food called Canine Caviar that is currently the only alkaline-based pet food sold in North America. It is specifically designed to reduce the risk of cancer. Visit your Pet Foods store for more information about Canine Caviar.

Don’t Smoke

Cancer is more likely to occur in cats in a household with a person who smokes. Smoke is heavier than air and therefore, our companion pets, who spend most of the time lower to the ground, are more at risk and end up taking a lot of second hand smoke into their lungs. Further, cats not only inhale the smoke, but when they are grooming themselves they lick and swallow ash and particles that settle into their fur. Most respiratory diseases occur in pets with household smokers. Smoking is not only dangerous to you, but to your pets as well.

Keep your pet at a healthy weight

Regular exercise also prevents obesity in dogs. A lean dog is healthier and is better prepared to fight infections and other diseases like cancer than an overweight dog. Those pets who are kept at a healthy weight tend to live longer. Overweight pets, like overweight people, suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and increased risk for various cancers.

Check for lumps and bumps

Report any lump you find beneath the skin to your veterinarian. Advise your veterinarian if you notice blood in the stool or urine, a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or chewing. NOTE: Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once each year.

Limit sun exposure

Pink-skinned dogs and cats should have limited sun exposure. White cats are especially prone to getting skin cancer on their ears or nose because of over exposure to sun.

Decrease your pet’s exposure to toxins

There is increasing evidence pointing toward the array of environmental toxins as causes of some cancers. Avoid getting pesticides on your pet if possible. Avoid using toxic lawn care products and try to clean your house with non-toxic cleaners. As a society, we are exposed to more cancer-causing products than we are even aware of.

Reduce stress

Last, but not least, the emotional well being of your pet is important – try to provide an environment for your pet that is as stress-free as possible.

Holistic nutrition and daily exercise should be a part of your pet’s Healthy lifestyle. It is exactly what your companion pet needs to resist disease and other major health disorders. Are you concerned about your whether your pet is at his or her optimum health?

Post from: Global Pet Foods......Canada’s Healthy Choice for pets!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

RIP Buddy



We were very saddened to learn one of our neighbourhood doggy pals, passed away. Buddy, a cutie patootie Shiz Tzu, as he grew older.. lost his hearing. But he still loved to "greet" us whenever we met up on our walks.
Then, as spring came...we no longer ran into Buddy and we didn't see or hear him when we walked by his house. We were so sorry to hear that Buddy had gone to the Bridge...his Mama noticed a lump on his neck. Upon further investigation, it was determined Buddy had cancer & 7 short days later he passed away.

We miss you little guy & we understand how sad & lonely your Mama is now that you have moved on.
Dogspeed & run free little Buddy!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Spring Fever Musta Hit!!!

Cause our house has been topsy-turvy and we're stuck right in the middle!!
Ok, first off....we have no dining set to sit & bum at....that's right folks...we are bumless!
Let us explain....see Mama saw this set & told Dad that she has always wanted one like this to "re-do",
We know....news to us too!!



So, here they are, loaded in "Oskar's truck" to take to a place where the table top & legs will be stained...& the
chairs painted.



Dad & Mama re-upholstered the cushions.....Dad can operate a stapler with ease!



Mama assures us in about two weeks we will be back in our rightful bumming positions! So, we "allowed" her to post her love of
decorating on "our" blog....hmmm...thinking maybe she should have a blog of her own!! Til next time, we are doing some heavy sun worshipping!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Let's Talk Atopica.....


So, the resident pie-bald (aka Head of Security or Oskar) appears to be responding to treatment with Atopica. He has been treated for a week or so & we are seeing positive results (said with breath held).

Atopica is given to treat atopic dermotitis. (which happens when Osk became too sensitive to his list of allergens for which he tested positive for. Now, the food allergen is pretty easy to control (he eats a Limited Ingredient Diet). The other allergens, such as house dust mites (ewww....but we all got 'em) & pollens & grasses outside).

To lower the spreading of dust mites, all dog beds & blankies get thoroughly washed & dried (in the dryer...as placing outside can cause pollen to collect on them while they dry) on a weekly basis. (I know, fun, eh?). And much to Oskar's delight every second Wednesday is "bath" day...I haven't advised him what today is..I find it much better to sneak up "surprise" him. He actually does enjoy his medicated baths...just not the water so much. After he is blown dry, Deermoscent is applied between his shoulder blades. If you aren't familiar with Dermoscent, http://www.drugs.com/vet/dermoscent-essential-6-spot-on-can.html is a good read.

We also vacuum lots...although we have ceramic & hardwood floors ....no carpets for us, to keep the dust mite population at bay.
Also, it's that "time of year again" here on our fail Isle....spring...and that means flea medication for prevention of flea infestation (which started today...snuck in Sentinel tablet into their breakfast).


We have read that certain breeds may be prone to atopic dermotitis...it seems that Oskar has had skin issues of some sort or another, his whole life. He was treated for a skin infection just before we adopted him, all those years ago.

Atopic dermotitis is likened to humans suffering with poison ivy...can you imagine how awful it is to be so itchy? And with Osk it is a cycle...he licks & scratches because he is itchy, the moisture from licking causes a bacterial infection...and the infection causes the need for antibiotics. I am pleased Dr. Condon has prescribed Atpica....as we are seeing positive results in just a little over a week. Our bloggie friend, Lily, http://www.twofrenchbulldogs.com has written, that she is using Atopica too.

So, there you have it....a little insight into our world of Atopic Dermotitis!! Off to bath a piebald......