Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: More Christmas Fun

Happy New Year's Eve... any bets on how many pictures of Chinese food will show up in your Instagram feed tonight?  Let's get wordless! 

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Red Velvet cookies made last night... #baking #cookies #foodstagram #yumo #RedVelvet

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Cookies for the pups too! Just filled our #cookiejar with @caseyjonesbones Wheat Free Cranberry Mint #dogtreats #dogstagram #ilovemydogs

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French Vanilla cookies just out of the oven! #cookies #yumo #baking #foodstagram

I think Lola is still beat from yesterday... #sleepy #dobermanmix #dogstagram #instadog #adoptdontshop #ilovemyseniordog #ilovebigmutts #seniordog

Driving thru the Gift Of Lights at @nhmotorspeedway #GiftOfLights #Christmas #NHMS

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Healing Vibes Needed for Lola

I had planned a review for Tasty Tuesday today, but I think I need to tell you all about Lola's current situation instead (some of you may have read a little about it on Instagram last week).  Hope our friends at Chewy.com don't mind... we'll get our December post up very soon!

We noticed Lola had developed a limp on the morning of December 11, and were hoping that maybe she just slept on it funny, or awkwardly jumped off the bed.  She wasn't any better when I got home, and was favoring her right front leg.  Hopeful it was just a sprain, I called our vet to see if we should start Lola on tramadol, which we did - 1.5 tablets, twice a day.  

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Lola continued to limp around, so off we went to see Dr. C on December 22.  She determined the issue was with Lola's right shoulder, which she was favoring, not extending fully and clearly uncomfortable with during the exam.  An x-ray showed a little something going on, but "nothing too exciting," as Dr. C likes to say.  My best explanation is that it looked like a couple little "nodules" on the sides on the shoulder joint. 

Dr. C explained that Lola's breed make-up is prone to bone tumors (and some of the horrible things that go along with them), and while she didn't think that's what we were looking at, she couldn't rule it out completely at this time.  If it were a bone tumor, she'd expect to see "a mess" of bone and fragments on the x-ray - but we did not.  So, she was hopeful that what we're seeing is arthritis and opted to treat it as such for now. We increased her tramadol to 2 tablets, three times a day and if things weren't getting better in a couple of days, she armed us with a prescription for an additional medication to add in (forgive me, but the name is escaping me at the moment). 

The next couple of days were quite awful, with Lola in obvious pain, which I'm hoping was in part due to her shoulder being manipulated in so many ways during the exam.  We've had ups and downs since, and opted to start the second medication this past Friday.  

If it's not one dog, it's another. 11 days later and still limping... At the vet for shoulder xrays. #dobermanmix #seniordog #dobiemix #ilovemydogs #ilovemyseniordog #adoptdontshop

Dr. C touched based through one of her techs on Saturday to see how Lola was doing.  When I indicated she was still limping, not getting around too well and in some obvious pain, she spoke to Dr. C and got back to me a short time later.  Because we had just added in the second medication the day before, she wanted us to wait it out a few days to see if it begins to kick in and help.  In the meantime, she suggested we might add in a cold press a few times a day, for 5 minutes at a time.  We don't have a lot of room to move on pain meds without pulling Lola off of her low-dose prednisone, and then waiting a couple of weeks to get it out of her system... and praying her auto-immune disease doesn't flare back up (she's now down to a "next to nothing" dose of 1/2 tablet every 3 days, but we're not brave enough to stop it completely, as we know if we had to start things over at a high dose of pred, she would not do well at all - it nearly killed her the first time). 

My baby girl resting... She could use some good healing vibes. Her right shoulder has had her limping since Dec 11 and she's got obvious pain going on. Xrays showed what we hope is just arthritis... Added a second medication yesterday and hoping it makes

So, we continue to watch, and hope, for improvement.  Lola is normally the dog who will jump at the chance to go outside at any time... yet right now we nearly have to force her to go out to do her business (with a great deal of assistance from a harness and towel sling).  It absolutely kills me to hear her cry in pain, and see her so miserable.  I just hope things take a turn for the better this week.  If she does continue to limp and have issues, we will recheck the x-rays in another week or two.  If things still look like arthritis, we'll then talk about starting physical therapy and take things from there.

Please, send some good healing vibes Lola's way... she could really use them right now.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Christmas Fun... It's Exhausting!

Did everyone have a wonderful Christmas break?  I know some of you (including one of the humans in the Lapdog household -- hint: it's not the one typing this post) are fortunate enough to be off of work until after the New Year.  Lucky ba$&^*#$

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Christmas Eve was busier than usual this year.  I ended up working part of the day (we had a wonderful work luncheon), then headed home to take care of last minute details before the humans ran off to Connecticut for the evening (usual in-law Christmas Eve gathering).  After a late night, it was nice to wake up Christmas morning and not have to drive anywhere, as we hosted my parents at our house this year.  The Lapdogs were more than thrilled to have their Grammy & Grampy over for the day.

I sort of forget to take a lot of pictures of the humans (in my deference, there are some on my real camera that haven't been downloaded yet), but here's a look at the Lapdogs' Christmas day...

Santa didn't stuff the stockings this year, but they didn't seem to mind...

Santa was slightly lazy this year... Didn't wrap the dogs' toys, but they didn't seem to mind! #dogstagram #instadog #dogtoy #Christmas #GoDog #happydog #ilovemydogs

Sophie made a new friend...

Sophie, meet Chewie. #happydog #instadog #dogstagram #rescued #houndmix #SantaPawsNeverForgetsTheDog #Christmas #dogtoy #StarWars

Zeus was smitten with the pretty Reindeer Lady...

Zeus and his pretty reindeer lady... #dogstagram #instadog #happydog #christmas #reindeer #dogtoy #ilovemydogs #seniordog #ilovemyseniordog #smiling

Lola and Mr. Furballz....

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The Lapdogs were so excited about Grammy and Grampy being around that they didn't get in their usual afternoon snooze... This is what happened as soon as they left.

Grammy & Grampy just left... Can you tell? It was a wonderful day! #christmas #dogstagram #instadog #dobiemix #houndmix #rescued #adoptdontshop #dogtoy

While running a few errands the day after Christmas, I managed to not only pick up some gift bags and boxes at half-price, but also a couple of antler replacements.  I simply couldn't resist these elf ears.  May I present, Teutul the Christmas Elf...

We shopped for some antler replacements today... and present to you, Teutul the Christmas Elf! #dogstagram #instadog #rescued #coonhoundmix #ilovemydogs #Christmas #antlers #seniordog #ilovemyseniordog

I couldn't seem to find a normal set of antlers (okay, so what is normal when it comes to doggy antlers?), but in addition to the too-cute elf ears, I found these blingy ones.  They seem to suit the Princess just fine...

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For those of you suffering working a partial week like me, here's to it flying by!  And, just in case Santa didn't bring everything you wished for, make sure you enter to win the $50 Amazon Gift Card we're giving away in partnership with DogFenceDIY!

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas

From the Lapdog Household to Yours...
Merry Christmas!
 
Christmas Card 2014


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve... let's get wordless!

Zeus wants everyone to know how much he appreciates the @merrickpetcare Senior Medley food that has arrived! Thank you to his super nice friend Katrina, his loving Grampa & Gramma, and the awesome folks at @chewy -- we 💜 you all! #dogstagram

A grey #snowcowl for Christmas. Great pattern, makes a cute, warm #cowl #knitstagram #knitting #getyourkniton #instaknit #GiftKnitting

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Because everyone NEEDS a chocolate #caramel #apple #penguin for the holidays! #candyapple #TisTheSeason they had snowmen too...

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Rest in Peace Red Antlers (yes, you must click if you missed our Monday post)... you served us well! (photos from last Christmas)

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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The Advantages and Disadvantages of an Electric Dog Fence + AMAZON CARD GIVEAWAY!

(sponsored post)

One of our biggest priorities as dog owners is keeping our pets safe from harm. Our dogs rely on us to protect them from the dangerous they can’t see or don’t know about, such as cars in the roadway, animal predators, and illnesses. We also keep them healthy by encouraging exercise and feeding them a healthy diet. Exercise is essential for their physical and mental health, and dog owners with yards are fortunate enough to allow their dogs to move and explore until their heart’s content. That is, as long as that yard is safe and enclosed.
PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence Overview

An electric dog fence is one way to enclose your yard and keep your dog inside its boundaries, but why do people choose them instead of traditional fences? There are several advantages (and disadvantages) to wired dog fences that many people don’t consider. Here’s a look at some of the things you can think about when choosing a fence for your yard.

Advantages

Versatile
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of an electric dog fence is how versatile it is compared to a traditional fence. Because most electric dog fences are wired underground, they can be used just about anywhere. Before a traditional fence is installed, the ground must be leveled out and cleared off. A wired fence, however, does not require the same preparation. It can be placed over all types of terrain. 

On large properties like ranches and farms, electric dog fences can also be better choices. It is much easier to enclose several acres at a time with wire as opposed to so many sections of fence. If you want to change your dog’s boundaries at any time, it’s easier to move the wire than it is to pick up and move an entire wood, PVC, or chain link fence.  

In addition, an underground dog fence is a great option when you don’t want to drastically change the look of your property. Traditional fences can block scenic views or make it more difficult to move from one area of your property to another. They can also detract from the landscaping and architecture of your home. Wired dog fences, on the other hand, do not impact or take away from the way your property is designed.  

Reliable
Electric fences are usually more reliable than traditional fences, too. Traditional fences have gates that people can forget to close, giving your dog the opportunity to escape. Electric fences with backup power will always work to keep your dog inside the bounds.

If you have a dog that likes to dig, such as a terrier; a dog that’s traditionally bred as a hunting dog; or a particularly aggressive dog, traditional fences may not be enough to keep them inside. In these cases, an invisible fence is more reliable because your dog cannot dig under, jump over, or break through to the other side. Electric dog fences keep dogs completely away from the edge of your property line with no way to outsmart their e-collars.

Low Cost
Most traditional fences cost thousands of dollars to purchase and install. If you don’t have a high budget or simply want to save as much money as possible, an electric dog fence has the edge. You can save even more money by opting to install your own wired dog fence. You can put a DIY electric fence in your yard in just one weekend’s time. With a few hours and a little effort, you can have your yard enclosed and made safe for your dog with as little as $300 total. The cost difference is especially pronounced for large properties. Once you’ve purchased the electric fence system, additional wire to increase the boundaries is inexpensive. However, traditional fence sections do not get any cheaper as you purchase more.  

Low Maintenance
After you install a wired dog fence, you’re done. These fences require very little maintenance because they are not exposed to the elements. Traditional fences can be damaged by storms, falling trees, your dog’s scratching, other animals, and more. Underground dog fences won’t be affected by any of those outside forces, so they require comparatively less maintenance over their lifetime. If you installed your own electric fence, you’ll even know how to fix it yourself if necessary, saving even more money in the long run on maintenance costs.

Disadvantages

Training
The most important thing involved with installing an electronic dog fence is training your dog on it. Proper, thorough training is essential, and it takes about 15 minutes twice per day for two weeks before your dog is fully trained with the fence and e-collar. If you don’t want to invest the time in training your dog to understand the system, then an electric dog fence isn’t for you. Dogs don’t need to be taught on traditional fences. It’s also very important that you take care to follow the electric fence training directions to the letter, so dedication and commitment are required.

One-Way
Another disadvantage of an electric dog fence is that it only works one-way to enclose your yard. If you’re worried about other people or animals coming into your yard, then you might need a traditional fence to ensure they’re kept out. An electric dog fence is excellent for keeping your dog inside, but it only works for them because they’re wearing the e-collar. If you don’t live in an area where animal or human trespassers are a concern, then an electric dog fence is fine.

Perception
Finally, there’s an unfortunate stigma attached to electric dog fences. If you get one, you may have to deal with people’s perceptions that it’s a cruel or inhumane tool. Most of the time, a little explanation can help people understand what wired dog fences really are. E-collars emit a mild static shock to correct your dog, and it’s not painful, just annoying. They’re also not repeatedly shocked, because once they’ve learned their boundaries, they remain within them.

Before you choose a containment system for your yard, carefully consider all the advantages and disadvantages to electric dog fences and traditional fences alike. No matter what, the most important thing will always be that your dog is kept safe and sound inside your yard.



This sponsored post has been published in partnership with www.dogfencediy.com We encourage you to share your experiences with a variety of dog containment systems in the comments section. Commenters* and those who share the post via social media** qualify for a drawing of a $50 Amazon gift card!*

*To be entered to win the $50 Amazon gift card, leave a comment on this post regarding your experiences with any type of dog fences.  You must be a USA resident to win. 
**Receive additional entries for sharing this post via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest.  Leave a comment below with a link to your share(s).
***Receive an additional entry for liking the Lapdog Creations Facebook page.  Leave a comment below indicating you did so. 

One winner will be chosen by random number generator on January 8, 2015.  www.dogfencediy.com will issue the $50 Amazon gift card to the winner.
 

Monday, December 22, 2014

Monday Mischief: Antler Mishap

Happy I've-Got-Way-Too-Much-To-Do-And-Only-2-Days-Left-To-Do-It Monday.......

So, I thought I'd try to get in the holiday spirit by snapping a quick pic of Tut sporting our antlers and posting it on Instagram this morning before I rushed out the door to work.  I had a great shot lined up, when something distracted Tut and off the antlers came.  They landed on the floor, Lola placed a paw on them, then as I hurried to grab them... :::snap:::

We've had these antlers for as long as I can remember... they've been passed around and used on all four Lapdogs for many shots and each year I think, "Maybe I should grab a few more pairs."  I even had a couple in my hands just last week.

Our antlers now resemble a lop-sided version of Max's from The Grinch.... oops.

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So much for a quick, jolly picture.... Tut seems to be pulling off the Grinch look well though.

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And, for those of you not on Instagram, this was our morning masterpiece...

We had a little mishap with the antlers this morning... #dogstagram #instadog #antlers #houndmix #rescued #adoptdontshop #Christmas #TisTheSeason #ilovemydogs #seniordog #ilovemyseniordog

Merry almost Christmas.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Black & White Sunday: Make a Wish

'Tis the season... Who wants to take a guess at what Sophie is wishing for this Christmas?

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: Pups, Pats & That

It is seriously hard to believe that we are just one week away from Christmas Eve.... I truly have no words for this wordless Wednesday!

"My Mommy & Daddy went to the @patriots game yesterday and all they brought me was this stupid hat." #dogstagram #rescued #houndmix #instadog #patriots #gopats #adoptdontshop #ilovemydogs

Let's go Pats! #patsVsdolphins #patriots #gillette #areyoureadyforsomefootball @patriots

Lola lending moral support to Zeus while he sits after breakfast. #megaesophagus #seniordog #ilovemyseniordog #ilovemydogs #love #dobermanmix #labmix #ilovebigmutts #adoptdontshop

It was a great day to be at Gillette! #patsVsdolphins #patriots #gillette #AFCEastChampions

Tut was one of the @blogpaws October photo contest winners!! #dogstagram #coonhoundmix #rescued #adoptdontshop #houndmix #seniordog #ilovebigmutts #ilovemydogs #mybaby
Tut's leafy photo was one of the 3 winners
in Blog Paws' October photo contest!
 
Merry & Bright... #christmas #Poinsettia #toocute #planter

At the vet for a check up / recheck of xrays. He's beyond happy to see his favorite girls. I snapped this pic as he was all confused with the VERY vocal beagle who just came in. #dogstagram #instadog #ilovemyseniordog #seniordog #ilovebigmutts #megaesopha
 
Of course I'm behind on Christmas gift #knitting , aren't you? Thankful for bulky yarn and quick knit winter accessories! #knitterproblems #knitstagram #instaknit #getyourkniton

What I did at work today... Local businesses donate table top trees for a raffle which benefits Toys For Tots.   #ilovemyjob #toysfortots #christmas #tree

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

REVIEW: goDog Toys

goDog Toys

Where to Find: goDog


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While you're busy checking your list (and checking it twice), don't forget all of the nice pups longing for toys this holiday season.  We recently received two from goDog that we'd like to tell you about...
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The Green & White Peppermint



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The Purple Clam
from the Shellfish Collection






Both toys feature the awesome Chew Guard Technology that goDog is known for.  In case you've been living under a rock, or uh-hum, a clam shell perhaps, Chew Guard Technology is a special manufacturing process that adds a super tough, durable liner to soft plush toys, making them strong enough to stand up to even the toughest play.  (The technology is also being used in their new line of dog beds)

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These are not the first goDog toys to enter the Lapdog household, so we can truly attest to the durability of the Chew Guard Technology.  Other plush toys have come and gone (some quicker than I can blurt out "Nooooo... don't unstuff it!"), but goDog toys stand the test of time, and four large Lapdogs... including a couple who enjoy the unstuffing process a little too much.  Serious kudos to whomever came up with this amazing technology... it works! 

Sure, no toy is completely indestructible, but the bottom line is goDog toys are tough and they last much longer than most other toys.  They even offer a guarantee, via a one-time replacement if your goDog toy does not outlast a standard plush. 

2014-12-16_09-15-39Both the Peppermint and Clam are being well-loved in our house, and that makes me smile.  My pack has two overflowing baskets full of toys, and as they age they're not quite as playful as they once were... but Mr. Clam and Minty (ok, so I'm not very original... pffst) are being played with or carried around on a daily basis.  That speaks volumes to me, and as a result Santa has purchased a couple of other goDog toys this year.

The squeaker in the Peppermint has bit the dust, but other than that, it's held up just fine.  Sophie is extra tough on squeakers and seems to have "killed" this one, but amazingly without putting any holes or tears in the toy itself.  Normally when she "kills" the squeaker, it's dissected from the toy at the same time.  I'll call this battle a tie - Sophie .5 / goDog .5 - and honestly, what's the problem with one less squeaker in the house?

2014-11-24_08-49-13The clam is still squeaking and holding strong.  As a native to a small fishing town in Massachusetts, I smile a little bit more about my pack playing with a clam.  The fact that it's purple, well that's even more reason to smile. 

The Lapdogs give goDog toys their official 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval - and the humans toss in a couple of thumbs for good measure.  Forgo the $1 toy bin this year and get your dog a goDog plush toy for the holidays... neither of you will be disappointed!


Disclaimer: Quaker Pet Group sent the 2 dog toys shown above to Lapdog Creations for review purposes.  I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Black & White Sunday: Go Pats!

Happy Sunday!  Zeus is ready for some football... let's go Pats!

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Friday, December 12, 2014

REVIEW: goDog BedZzz

goDog BedZzz

Where To Find: goDog


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When we were asked if we'd like to review the new line of goDog BedZzz, I jumped at the chance!  I don't know about your household, but our 4-doggy household has beds in both the living room and bedroom (and, no, that doesn't mean dogs don't find their way onto the couches and human bed), and finding ones that hold up to large dogs has always been a challenge.

goDog BedZzz are designed to fit most standard size crates/kennels, which made them all the more intriguing to me (but of course, that doesn't mean you have to use them in a crate). Teutul is the only Lapdog who still spends time in a crate - mostly when we're at work, and only because, despite his age, he's still a bundle of energy and it's the easiest way for me to ensure Zeus has a peaceful day while I'm not home.  Plus, Tut doesn't seem to mind and goes right for his crate when he knows I'm leaving in the morning.

Stay tuned for our #review on the blog! #GoDog #dogstagram #dogbed #paw #instadog

Anyway, back to Tut's crate bedding.  In the past he's chewed holes in the beds and pillows to "de-stuff" them, so I had switched to blankets.  When I found out the goDog BedZzz were made to stand up to "tough love," I knew we had to try one!

goDog BedZzz are made with the same awesome Chew Guard Technology used in their toys (which I already know holds up to the Lapdogs).  This proprietary process adds a tear-resistant mesh lining that is guaranteed to stand up to even the toughest chewers!  It's super squishy too... and addictive.  They attach a sample to the tag and I find myself "squishing" it from time to time... like a stress ball, only better).
"goDog BedZzz are GUARANTEED to last longer than standard soft plush beds or we will give you a free one-time replacement! Guarantee valid for 30 days from purchase date. Shipping and handling fees apply."
goDog BedZzz are available in 6 sizes, XS (18" x 13") thru XXL (49" x 30"), and several color options.  I opted for the XL size, which is 43" x 28" and intended for 42" crates.  When the box arrived, I was a little skeptical as it seemed to be pretty small.  In fact, I had thought they forgot the bed (we also received some wonderful goDog toys for review  - stay tuned to hear about those next week)!  Much to my surprise, this really big, super squishy bed popped out when we opened the box!

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Oh my... I know many folks wish for scratch 'n sniff internet, but I wish we had touch 'n fluff internet.  I can't even begin to tell you how soft and squishy this bed is!  Not only were all 4 of the Lapdogs immediately interested in it, but I was too!  I *might* have even pushed a dog to the side and claimed it as my own for a minute... or five! 

I think Tut was a little confused at first.  He gave it a chomp and realized it had the squishy chew-guard stuff inside, then started trying to carry it around the house like a giant stuffed bear.  We had a little talk and I explained this was not a squeaky toy, but the most comfortable bed he will ever have... and he seemed to get the hang of it.

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We used our goDog BedZzz during the last bits of deck-lounging weather this fall, then moved it into the living room.  I wanted to ensure that Tut truly realized it was a bed and not a toy before moving it into his crate.  That will happen this weekend...

goDog BedZzz do not have a removable outer shell, however the whole bed is machine washable (air dry flat, then re-fluff). 

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If there's a special little - or big - doggy on your holiday shopping list this year, do consider a goDog BedZzz!  They will love you for it (after you get off of it and give it back to them, of course).

Disclaimer: Quaker Pet Group sent one Bedzzz XL dog bed to Lapdog Creations for review purposes.  I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.
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