PuppyGal Welcomes You To...
Events & Happenings At Dogwood Pond
If you CLICK HERE and have the sound turned up on your computer, you can hear "Old Time Rock 'N' Roll".
It's the theme song of Dogwood Pond where the Bullies and I do the Bully Butt Wiggle every time we hear it on the radio!!
Dancing is good for the soul and keeps us doing our "range of motion" exercises.
Sunday - 02/16/02 - 3:11 PM
We have taken down part of the website, until we can audit it to insure there isn't enough
information for The Stalker to be able to contact the owner's of Bullies we've bred, we
don't want her evil harrassment spreading.
Some links for 'karmalight,' which appears to be some sort of New Age thing:
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&safe=off&q=karma+light&btnG=
Google+Search. There are some references to Satan and witches, etc.
I'll say this much
for her, she is definitely "throwing down a curse" on herself, meaning she is spreading
seeds that are sure to produce bad things for her to reap. I'm a firm believer in "you
reap what you sow". Why would a person choose to be a witch when they could do good work.
Enough of her silly evil stuff!! I gave her an official warning that further contact would
result in legal action. This is the AOL profile for KarmaLight:
I'm probably going to take in a 7 year old rescue from SC, like I need another dog! He's
mega grouchy, snapping at other dogs and children. He has pain in his hindquarter when he
walks at times so I'm going to get him x-rayed and then try Champ's treatment to see if it
helps. If we can help his physical problem it will probably help his attitude but if not
there is a vitamin/mineral treatment that I've seen on the Internet somewhere for
"grouchy" that I might try... I can relate to grouchy lately. Once I get him evaluated by
our vet, on Champ's regiment and over being grouchy, I will place him with someone, who will
continue the regiment and keep us advised on his progress. 7 is old for a Bully since the average life expectancy is 9, but we have older
Bullies that are in very good health.
11:00AM
The Stalker is back on line using, karmalight5@aol.com, because AOL didn't sent me a notice saying "undeliverable"
with I sent an e-mail saying "Good Morning". I bet there is a group of these people using
the "karmalight" then their number, plus "@aol.com". IF so could they be considered a
terrorist group? I feel they have targeted many people and sent similar e-mails and trust
me when I say when you first read an e-mail like that it does strike terror. I immediately
combed my website to see if accidently there was "incorrect information" and to find what
on earth they were talking about in reference to my Bullies. Then I got mad and when I realized
this person was just being "nasty", I got madder. There are poor people out there who I'm sure
have been deeply wounded by these people and were afraid to strike back.
Saturday - 02/15/03 -12:30 PM
Never mind, I kept asking for their name, address and phone number,
so they deleted their e-mail address. I told them "I really WANT your information
so my lawyer can start proceedings. It's called "stalking" when a person sends nasty
e-mails but will not identify themselves".
Finally, she did admit "I am a concerned citizen who is appauled
by the number of animals killed each year in shelters." Too bad she spends her time
stalking instead of doing something useful, like helping to raise money to finance free
neutering and spaying services.
11:00 PM
I'm so upset
From: "Judy Cooksey-Cowling" puppygal@earthlink.net
To: karmalight5@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 10:59 PM
Subject: Re: Form Email
When is the last time you got your hands bloody saving another person's pet
that had been hit by a car!!!! When is the last time you held the hand of a
person who's Bully was dying because some "show person" bred dogs not fit to
enter this world and sold them!!! When is the last time you hugged a
person and told them you cared, when their dog died!!
I personally challenge you to show your face!!!
Judy
8:30 PM
Subject: Harassment & Threats
I got the following e-mail, if you would like to respond feel free!!!!
PS I can pass muster with both AKC & IRS I wonder if this person can!!
From: karmalight5@aol.com
To: puppygal@puppygal.com
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 7:08 PM
Subject: Form Email
> Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by
> Becky (karmalight5@aol.com) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 17:08:46
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> kind: Comment!!
>
> visit: First Time
>
> comments: As an experienced bulldogger, I find your site deplorable and without
conscience. You have so much incorrect information, it's difficult to know where to start.
How are you improving the breed? You should be ashamed of yourself. Some of these dogs
look absolutely pathetic and unhealthy. Do the breed a favor and if you cannot curb your
insatiable need to make money from them, sell on limited registrations so they cannot be
bred in the future. AKC should shut you down. And if not them, the IRS should be notified
of this site and the amount of puppies being advertised.
Saturday - 02/15/03 - 5:30 PM
It's 62 degrees so we have the back door open and animals are running in and out. The
Champ is about to get his behind whipped, one way or the other!!!!! First he peed in the
kitchen floor, so I took a swat at him with a dish towel and scolded him. He "ran" to Bob,
sat down and looked at me like I had lost my mind. Then he goes out on the back porch and
attempts to "mount" Fluffy, our Miniature American Eskimo Spitz - white fluffy, prissy
thing with her tail flipped over her back, who has been spayed. I heard her growling and
told her she better not hurt "the baby", so she takes it out on Boomer and Dumpy by chasing
them all around the porches, growling and snapping in really rough play. Later, Boomer and Dumpy,
both neutered males, start growling when The Champ gets fresh with them. The source of his trouble is
a female Bully in heat, but he better wise up in a hurry or one of the other dogs is going to
whip his behind. They have put up with him getting special treatment and treats because he's
cripple but they are drawing the line
at him being "fresh".
The Daniels family called this afternoon to let us know that Thatcher pass away. We are so sad for them.
Friday - 02/14/03 -11:15 AM
The below picture is of The Champ with Sleepy's Perdy, his half-sister
The champ isn't "standing on all fours" all of the time but those pictures are
the ones we're most proud to show you.
10:30 AM
Favorite PuppyGal Male Bully Survey Results
Total Number of Responses: 1622
Pepper Jack 821 51%
Mr. Big Stuff 400 25%
Elvis 202 12%
Mini E 117 7%
Buster 82 5%
We were very surprised at the results!!!
7:00 AM
Happy Saint Valentine's Day!!!
A Prayer Request, for The Daniel's Family who have a 3 year old Bully, named Thacher (not gotten from PuppyGal). She has multiple spine related issues. We spoke with them on the telphone last night and have sent them a document outlining The Champ's treatment. Their Vet said if she does not make progress within 2 weeks, he will advise "putting her down".
Update: I am getting an average of 800 unique e-mail addresses visiting our website everyday. I'm receiving an average of 42 e-mails per day from all over the world, some just to say "Hello", some asking questions and one or two being nasty!!
Thursday - 02/13/03 - 9:00 AM
Mari is the lady with the pup who's symptoms are much like what the Champs when we first got him back. When she went to look at a litter of Bullies the breeder told her about the crippled pup, but it was not for sale and when asked he said he would probably "put it down". She couldn't stand the thought so brought it home with her. He told her it was a "swimmer" but after much research she decided that was not the problem. Searching for help, Mari contacted a breeder in NC who happened to be, Tiny, a friend of mine. Tiny referred her to me. I gave her a document outlining The Champ's treatment and told her Bob was not only wonderful, but patient and he would be glad to answer any questions she had or to help in any way.
8:30 AM
We have people coming to pick up Sleepy's puppies Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Goodness Gracious, I'm going to be busy today catching up on all the washing, dusting, sweeping and moping I haven't done in a while........
Wednesday - 02/12/03 -8:00 PM
Situations we trying to help with tonight: (not gotten from PuppyGal)
There is a 7 year old male English Bully in Beckley, WV, who probably has hip dysplasia that needs a home.
There is a lady in Princeton, ?, who has a puppy in the same condition as The Champ when we got him back from his former owners. The vets are advising her to "put it down", I'm begging her not to do it!!
There is a first time breeder in IL who's Bully is due to go into labor at any time. Her vet is in the hospital and her experience today with another Vet has left her almost traumatized. I offered her our home and experience to help her through this crisis, even though I don't know her form Adam's House Cat.
And finally there is a puppy, sold too early, that the owner needs advice on how to console.
1:00 PM
Historically, Meter Readers and dogs have had unusual relationships, mostly negative. "Our Gang" doesn't seem to be much interested one way or the other....except for The Champ. Today, he following the Meter Reader 40 feet up the driveway, which is an incline, without falling or slipping!!! Finally, he got tired of trying to catch up to the fast walking man so he just sat down. Way to go Champ!!!
What excellent therapy, I wonder how we could get him to read the meter, 3 times a day. We believe because the Meter Reader ignored him, The Champ was determined to get his attention, he's not use to being ignored.
8:00 AM
When I was in bed recuperating, the Dingo disappeared for over a week. Bob said as soon as I was up and going he would come back, cause he liked chicken. He did return on the frigid night before Angel died, to keep her warm. He was the one who caused Bob to go find her, he kept going to Bob, then running to where she was hiding, then back again. With his friend "gone" he left and we wondered if we would ever see him again.
20 lbs of chicken legs and quarters for the dogs have been cooking over night in the crock pots. Bob was right, the Dingo must have smelled it when he cruised by in the middle of the night, since he was waiting at the door when we got up this morning. Yes, if I have too I'll bribe the illusive, lone wolf Blue Heeler, to stay close by, even if it is the woods that surround the house, mixed with the underbrush, barely detectable.
Tuesday - 02/11/03 - 8:00 PM
I woke up this morning feeling great but went to the doctor anyway. I started off by telling him, he was going to think I was crazy.
1) Cracked rib almost well - important not to re-injure
2) Pulled muscle - trying to protect the rib
3) Lungs are clear - Thank The Lord
4) Sounds I thought were air escaping - unknown
I have muscle relaxers and pain medication that he believes I will be able to take.
Bob just wanted to know when I'll be able to start doing some work!! I suppose I should have brought a note from the Dr. for my boss.(This is just my attempt at humor) Actually, he was very concerned about my lung and is extremely relieved.
Monday - 02/10/03 - 8:00 PM
Go Champ, do the Bully Butt Wiggle!!! He has already started with his tail, he knows the rhythm and is apt to get it going this week, strut his stuff sure 'nuff.
You absolutely have to view this movie clip if you are interested in "The Champ". Remember: one vet advised putting him down, another said without $700+ for additional tests he was sure to die...but now he's determined to do the Bully Butt Wiggle just to prove them wrong!!!
Click here for a 17 second movie clip of Champ walking.
Monday - 02/10/03 - 5:00 PM
Lord Have Mercy!!! On the souls of some people in this world. The Champs former owner spent Mega $ having tests run by a neurologist in NY. I sent this doctor a letter on 1/23 advising I would have additional information by 2/23 regarding The Champ's condition. I got a response to that letter in the mail today saying his evaluation fee was $120, to be paid in advance. Now don't you think a doctor would just want to take a look to assure himself that his prognosis was correct, which in this case, I firmly believe, it was NOT.
As Grandmother use to say, "Don't worry, when folks start acting too big for their britches... those britches are bound ta rip!!! If anyone sees a neurologist in NY with his "be-hind" showing you'll know it's him.
Monday - 02/10/03 - 9:00 AM
Last week when we took the movie of the Champ, Bob and I discussed how wonderful it was that he had progressed this far and was now able to function independent of us. Well that little Scamp is just determined to go all the way!! He is making progress every single day, we are hopeful that it won't be long before he can kick up his heels with the best of them!!! We'll try to post a movie later today.
(Personal Message:
Kim Holley your mailbox is full, messages are being returned. Lane, Lisa and I want pictures of your new litter.)
Medical Tip For The Day
Experience and $433 in vet bills taught me that a sudden change in water (chemicals such as chlorine or minerals as iron etc.) can stress a Bullies digestive system causing severe diarrhea, of course the same is true of food.
New Bullies need to be kept on the same food they were being feed by the former owner and given only bottled water for a minimum of 10 days, then slowly begin to introduced your tap water while monitoring the stool to insure you are not rushing the process. If it's food needs to be changed because it has been feed one of inferior quality make the same slow switch.
Please do not consider Purina Puppy Chow an inferior food. We will discuss this product later at length. We use a lot of it for very sound, tested by us, reasons.
Sunday - 02/09/03 - 11:00 AM
My news is both good and bad - We recently started doing our own fertility smears which has resulted in a dramatic increased in our conception rate. We have 5 litters due 2/20 to 3/10. I'm not sure how we will cope but we'll make it.
Miss B/Mr. Big Stuff
Amber/Mini-E
Happy/Magnum
Gabby/Elvis
CKC Litter: Reba/Mr. Big Stuff
I talked to Bob about giving up raising Bullies because there is always something wrong with me (broken foot, crushed ankle, allergic reactions to insect bites, Nile Virus), but he said NO, we would figure out another way for the work to be done and keep on raising them because we enjoy it plus neither of us couldn't bear to place any of our grown dogs, not even the strays. He thinks everything has just been a little too much for me lately. Isn't he a sweetheart!!
1:30 PM
Goodness Gracious,is the snow falling!!! Big fluffy flakes!! If it keeps this up we'll get too good of an amount!
Saturday - 02/08/03 - 6:00 AM
The Champ is still making remarkable progress. Yesterday, no humans were in the kitchen, a full sack of dog food fell over. Not knowing what was causing the Bullies to bark, I hurried downstairs. The first thing I saw was The Champ in his crate, standing on all four feet, straight as could be barking in the direction of the disturbance. Way to go Champ!!!
8:30 AM
One of Smart Cookies puppies has a severe cold and may not live. I'm fighting hard this morning to keep it alive.
Angel our wonderful "stray that came to stay" is down this morning and may not live. The other strays came and got Bob to go see about her. He loaded her up and is rushing to the vet's
And a man took his female to our vets to board until she was ready to be bred, but didn't tell me until last night. So Bob loaded up Mr. Big Stuff and took him in to be the stud. Meanwhile our vet called to say she's ready!!
We retired and started on our dream: building a house with our own two hands, taking in strays/rescues while raising our Bullies full-time to make the money to pay the vet bills...well it's turned into a 24/7, jump and run due to an emergency kind of life....much more hectic than anything we had ever imagined, but once you start you can't say "no more strays and this one will die cause I'm not gonna try".
9:45 AM
I'm bawling like a baby!!! Angel was "put to sleep" because her kidneys failed. She was someone's throw away who became my protector.
We lost Smart Cookie's little boy!! I wanted to go ahead and post this tonight so we could be through with death and dying. We have some good news, but despair is preventing us enjoying it.
Friday - 02/07/03 - 9:00 AM
Bob has added a new feature to our website: "Spotlighting"
We have asked a few people to kick off this new feature with an article about their "baby". We specifically asked for the good and the bad -- problems they have encountered and the resolution. We think this is a great way for people who want one of our Bullies to know the essence of what life is like with a Bully from PuppyGal. Other owners may be encountering some of the same problems that you have had and we want to hear all about how you to resolved them!!
If you have one of our "babies", we invite you to send us pictures and an article so we can post it to this new section. Remember: we need the good, the bad and the ugly! Go ahead, make my day.
Judy
PS 10:40 AM I'm down to 56 unanswered e-mails!!! Pretty good since I started off with 106 this morning!!
Thursday - 02/06/03 - 1:30 PM
The Champ is doing great!!! Especially when you consider he was pulling himself around by his front legs with the remainder of his body flat on the floor when we got him back. The prognosis of the former owner's vets was that he was going to die, therefore they advised "putting him to sleep".
He was returned at the worse possible time for we were already laboring under a heavy load. This has been a huge undertaking and added an almost unbearable amount of stress to our already stressed out lives, but he is worth every moment!!
We wanted to share with you his remarkable progress. View the 01/24/03 clip first then the one taken yesterday, it will show you how far he progressed in just 1 1/2 weeks. I would call it a miracle brought about by Bob's unselfish love and dedication. Plus our wonderful friends who give physical therapy advice, moral support and offers of physical assistance if everything became too much for Bob. But above everything was The Champ's will to walk again !!!
Warning when you view the movie clips, watch out for falling tears!
01/24/03 Click here to view movie clip of Jeb "barely walking".
Download time 20 minutes.
02/05/03 Click here to view movie clip of Jeb "walking 12 or 13 steps!".
Download time 10 minutes.
Thursday - 02/06/03 - 6:30 AM
We can't go to the Vet's today for Sleepy's puppies to get their Well Puppy Check-UP....We're Walking In A Winter Wonderland!!!!It snowed last night. How much I don't know yet!! Under the snow is slush, I surely hope the temperature doesn't drop and freeze, then we'll just have a thick layer of ice.
The Champ, disabled for those of you who don't know, waits about 5 feet out in the yard for the females to be turned out to potty, one or two at a time, then he greets them with kisses and other interaction. This morning we wouldn't let him stay outside with his behind in all that slush and BOY is he pouting now! Just like a little kid!!
I've been cleaning up after and feeding Sleepy's babies, they gave me lots of kisses!!! They were trying to make up for being so impatient to be fed.
Judy
Wednesday - 02/05/03 - 7:30 PM
Today, I had no choice but to go to town to take care of business, so now I have 105 e-mails to answer. I'm sorry if you are waiting on me.... maybe tomorrow.
I have a large amount of used "baby stuff" left over from a truckload I bought; actually it was suppose to be a vanload but there was so much when we got there, we had to rent a u-haul (I know it's another one of those Lucy Things!). At any rate, I went by the dumpsters to see if I could find a Dumpster Diver, a person who gets inside a dumpster looking for things, to ask them just come up here and get it, but didn't have any luck. Where's a "DD" when you need one.
Once, I was off loading trash and didn't notice a very short lady inside one. After I dumped trash on her, I started apologizing immediately. When she turned around, I be dang, if she didn't look exactly like one of the witches in Disney's Cinderella. I always avoid that dumpster, now!!
I was telling this story to my sister and she said, "Now let me get this straight. You threw trash in a dumpster where it belongs, she was in that dumpster where she doesn't belong but you apologized to her?" My response was "Well, she w a s there first!!"
Later...
Wednesday - 02/05/03 - 6:30 AM
Up and working!!!
Tuesday - 02/04/03 - 10:30 AM
Whew......tired of being sick, I'm reclaiming control of my life, too much to do, too much I should have done.
Later
Judy
Monday - 02/03/03 - 10:00 AM
How funny!!! Wild "Mama Cat" who appeared 2 years ago and still won't let anyone touch her, came looking for me. She climbed up on the porch roof and looked in the bedroom window. I didn't let her see me because I didn't want her scratching the window screen, but I did get dressed and go downstairs, where I found everything in disarray, to put it mildly.
When Bob came into the house, I told him why I was downstairs and his reply was "OH". He had left the back door open for the Champ then shut it being unaware that Mama Cat came inside. It was at this point that things got wild. She went into a panic, alarming the Bullies and he couldn't control any of them. I wondered why he turned on the attic fan, evidently so I couldn't hear what was happening. I said Sweetheart when is the last time you checked to see that the outside crew had plenty of food. With a bewildered look, he said he was so tired he couldn't remember...
Time for me to get up and get busy, regardless of pain, he has totally exhausted himself.
Monday - 02/03/03 - 8:00 AM
This is one of those FINE days; it's 58 degrees, which has lifted the spirits of all. The Bullies are demanding attention and doing the Bully Butt Wiggle while the "strays that have come to stay" are out hunting. From the upstairs bedroom window, I can see Boomer, Angel and Dumpy stalking something at the edge of the woods. Dingo hasn't been around for a week which concerns me but maybe it's because he found a home he likes better. Bob says he'll be back when I'm able to go downstairs, then he'll know he's going to be fed chicken.
The Champ is still making steady progress, Baby is back to her old demanding self, Kate is perky now but gave us a real scare over the weekend with possible "milk fever", all the puppies are doing great, my rib is getting better and poor Bob is "one in a million" for taking care of all of us.
Have a wonderful day!!
Judy
Friday - 01/31/03 - 2:00 PM
Our advisor in Physical Thearpy wanted me to make sure everyone understands that The Champ's attitude is certainly a very positive and necessary ingredient, but his full recovery will not be overnight, hopefully we will just continue to see daily steady improvement.
It has only been 2 1/2 weeks and his progress has been remarkable but it may be like it is with a diet, weight is dropped quickly at first then you have to struggle to achieve your goal.
We are to go without Physical Thearpy for a few days then gradually work it back into his schedule.
Friday - 01/31/03 - 12:00 AM
A couple of people have expressed interest in seeing a new video of The Champ. He "walks" a little better each day so there wouldn't be too much of a noticeable different on a video clip. Today's great improvement, however, is his independent attitude - he now realizes total recovery is coming and he doesn't have to be dependent any more. We'll be sure to post a new video in a few days. Poor Bob has too much to do right now with taking care of all "our gang", plus me.
Friday - 01/31/03 - 10:30 AM
Have you ever heard a young child say "I can do it myself"? If so, you know The Champ's attitude this morning. He went out to potty by himself and back in.
He didn't want Bob to even act like he needed help or supervision!!! Plus, he's decided he's through with Physical Therapy. What an arrogant scamp!!! Don't you just love it!!!
I had to laugh, poor Bob, I can remember acting the exact same way when I was learning to walk again and he loved me anyway!
Baby is back home and doing fine with her big eyes asking to go to bed with me, but she's too big to be carried up the steps. She wanted to give me lots of kisses and was doing the Bully Butt Wiggle. I told her to kiss her Daddy for now, I'll be able to get down in the floor with her soon.
It's going to be a GREAT day!!!
Judy
Thursday - 01/30/03 - 1:30 PM
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!! I just witness The Champ going out to potty on his own without having to be picked up, carried out and placed in the grass! AND it was his idea!!!
He following Smart Cookie out the door, across the porch and out into the yard, immediately stopping to "do his business". He went down the 3 inch step down but Bob was cautious and helped him on his return to step up. Just think, 2 1/2 weeks ago he was pulling himself around by his front arms with the rest of his body flat on the floor. He has come so far that it is truly a miracle!!
We are cautiously optimistic that he will fully regain his ability to walk, maybe like me he won't be able to do the fancy steps BUT lots of people/dogs never felt the joy of being able to do them in the first place.
Bob has gone to pickup Baby. Dr Frank wouldn't release her yesterday. By comparison we bring home all our Bullies immediately after normal operations - spading, neutering, c-section and other misc operations. I was afraid to call today, fearing she might have died. Poor Baby has had it rough!
A Request For Prayers From A Lady who's husband has been called to active Military Duty Click Here For Her E-mail - Warning It Will Make You Cry
Thursday - 01/30/03 - 10:30 AM
Bob woke me up with a breakfast tray. I find it difficult to eat in bed so I'm at my desk. What wonderful e-mails I have received.
Thank You!!!
Always Use A Harness with A Bully Click Here
Wednesday - 01/29/03 - 1:30 PM
Judy is laid up in bed -- she has lifted, twisted, danced, cooked, cleaned, swept, washed, dried, ... too much! Her ribs are really hurting but she won't stay still long enough to mend! If everyone reading this would send a short email with a subject "Judy - stay in bed!" maybe, just maybe, she will mind.
And now, for news of The Champ! (who loves his mama!) This morning (6:30) when we went out to potty, he surprised me by nearly walking! He did even better at 10 so I took a clip of him when we went out at noon. It shows him taking 3 or 4 real steps, bunny hopping for 3 more, walking some more and then sitting just for a second and then picking up the lead (rope) and bringing it to me! What a Champ!
Click here to download a 16 second movie clip of The Champ "walking" photographed January 29, 2003!
Wednesday - 01/29/03 - Noon
In the need of some Southern Comfort, I put on a big pot of dried pinto beans with ham hock, later I'll cook country ham and corn bread. Right now I need the aroma of Southern Country Cooking.
I called Dr Frank's office to get an update on Baby. Betty told me, Dr Frank will call later, but she is fine for now. He called back to say she was given a little food which she ate. Then "he" gave her too much water so everything came back up. Before they can take her off the IV she has to be eating and drinking on her own. He wants me to check back with him this afternoon. I believe Dr Frank said "he" but he wasn't the one who gave her too much water. I can just see Terry wanting to please and excited because Baby wanted more water. Bob and I have done the absolute same thing!! Baby will just look at you with those big eyes of hers and make you want to please her.
As if he knew we needed our spirits uplifted, The Champ came through, he took even more steps in a an upright position, then sat down to rest and realign his body for a second and did it again. Bob had taken him out to potty and came back in full of joy.
Unfortunately, I picked up the The Champ when he had to go out to potty yesterday when Bob was at the vets and undid 2 weeks of healing on my rib. It's back to bed for me!!! I will report more when I'm up and about.
Bob's idea of a back brace is a Bustier, so I don't dare send him out for one.!!!!!!
Judy
Tuesday - 01/28/03 - 3:30 PM
Bob came in but didn't have Baby, scared me bad. When I asked if she had died, he answered by saying Dr Frank was suppose to call and let us know how it went. I called Betty, their secretary and right-hand. She said Baby had made it through the operation and was on another IV. I asked if she would see if we could bring her home tonight. She said Bob wanted to leave her there. I said OK and ended the conversation. When I asked him why, he said he told them seeing her tonight would just be too much for me. When I said "What", just like a sheepish little boy he admitted, the last two days had just been rough and it would be too much for him, but he had laid if off on me!!!! I didn't ask him to explain further, I just kissed him on the check. He's a caring, sensitive man.
I feel so guilty. If I hadn't been directing so much of my time to The Champ maybe I would have noticed earlier that something was wrong with Baby. I know that isn't logical but... Speaking of The Champ, yesterday, I told Dr Frank I didn't feel it was necessary to take him to MS State University unless he started to regress, Dr Frank agreed.
Tuesday - 01/28/03 - 1:21 PM
X-rays showed toxification, no puppies. You don't want me to explain!! They have Baby Snooks on an IV and she will be going into surgery within minutes for an emergency spading. If there happens to be a pup or two missed on the x-ray they aren't alive. Without the operation she will die for sure but the surgery is high risk. I am holding my breath waiting to hear from Bob after the surgery.
I'm going to go get some puppy kisses to make me feel better!!!
Tuesday - 01/28/03 - Noon
I've tried everything to get the pregnant female to eat, Bil-Jac, Purina Puppy Chow, Eukanuba, caned puppy food, steak, hot dogs, ham, buttermilk, tuna, cottage cheese and American cheese. Bob has gone to the Vet's to have an x-ray done and have her put on an IV. It will take several hours, so I've stayed here to take care of "babies". I packed up c-section supplies just in case, but I surely hope they won't have to do that, the puppies will be premature and probably not live.
Tuesday - 01/28/03 - 9:00 AM
Bob & I, in a laugh or cry mood after the events of yesterday, decided the Events Page is beginning to sound like a Soap Opera - should we rename it As The Bullies Snore or All Our Bullies?
We took The Champ to Dr Frank for x-rays of his pelvis area. After combing the medical records, our wonderful friend and Physical Therapy advisor asked about them and finding none I decided to go ahead just to be positive on their condition. To be honest, I was hopeful that we might find a slight shift or something of that nature which might be corrected by a physical adjustment from an Osteopath or Chiropractor. His pelvic area checked out to be fine, so that rules out a "quick fix". Dr Frank said when he read the medical records and examined Champ, after he was returned to us, he was doubtful. Now he certainly is impressed at how much progress Champ has made. He remarked, "What a happy little fella!!!!
For those who do not know, The Champ is a 6 month old crippled Bully. Please keep him in your hearts and prayers!
One of our females has severe digestive system problem with bleeding, you don't want to hear the details. Dr Frank checked her throughly but could not find the cause. I thought we were going to lose her last night but we pulled her through. She's better this morning but still not eating which is critical since she is due to deliver 1/31 - 2/5. She was bred to Mr. Big. I'm beginning to think she must have gotten one of the "hooves", we gave our 7 month old future breeders, and swallowed a large piece. I certainly hope not, the pregnancy complicates any surgery that might be required. If I can't get her to eat anything this morning we're taking her back to Dr Frank this afternoon.
On a happy note, Boomer's throat is healing nicely. We think he stuck his head in the wrong fox hole and something tried to kill him.
Needless to say, we're going from one crisis to another right now and I've run out of pork chops!!! (see below for " Judy's cure for the blues!!!").
Judy
PS An average of 700 different people visiting our website per DAY, about 400 of those per month are from foreign countries. We're going to put a counter on the Events Page, it has a fan club obviously from all the e-mails I've gotten recently wishing us success with Champ.
We recently got wonderful e-mails from two people who own one of our Bullies. They had been going through some very challenging times in their personal and professional lives. I'm so proud that their situations have turned around.
In one case, the lady got fired from her job because she has a major illness and had to miss work for transfusions. Can you imagine being that ill with a disease for which there is no cure and then you get fired when you are stable enough to go back to work. She went straight to an attorney and the company is settling out of court for enough money to pay off her house, send her kids to college and provide a nice little nest egg. Plus, she just started to work for another company making a higher salary and in a much better environment!! Don't you just love it!!!
I now have 93 e-mails which I have not answered, I did answer many yesterday, but new ones popped up in their place. I'll get to them when life slows down a bit, I promise!!!
Monday - 01/27/03 - 10:00 AM
We're moving slow this morning, although we've been up since 6 AM, I couldn't sleep last night for the "grease" and pain from falling, I don't know which was worse (an attempt at humor, it was the fall!!). Bob is taking a nap before we go to Dr Frank's. Don't tell him I said this, but he has lost so much sleep that he's really getting grouchy!!
People are wanting to know why I fall so much...I have a bad leg and foot. I am unable to recover my footing when I get off balance which is easy to do. This time I was watching what I was washing instead of where I was stepping, on the water hose. BUT originally the doctors told me I would never be able to walk without a severe limp, etc. I asked if they were trying to tell me I would not longer be the "Bebop Queen" to which they replied, maybe you'll be able to slow dance. I CAN DANCE, maybe not all the great steps and whirls formerly, but I can dance!!!
The Champ and I have the same determination, plus both of us have Bob to help us along, so I know The Champ will walk again on his own. He seems to make a tiny bit of improvement on a daily basis. He no longer "wets" while struggling to "walk". I'm convinced the "wetting" was the result of having to strain so hard pulling himself around with his front legs when he couldn't raise up off the floor. We have been warned that it will take a very long time to teach him to walk again, just like a baby.
We're planning on adding a new feature to our website entitled "Spotlighting". We're going to focus on one of our Bullies, or one of yours, for the week with pictures, an article listing daily activity, etc. I'm going to start by asking a few people (Kathy, David & Stephanie)if they would be willing to prepare the information on their Bullies for me to upload.
I won't be able to play a major role in updating the website until after 2/23/03, the deadline I set for collecting information which will enable me to make an impartial decision in regard to the former owners request for a refund of The Champ's purchase price or a replacement puppy. I refused to consider returning him to them in response to a message of "We miss him greatly and struggle with the decision to bring him back daily." When they made the decision to return him they told me that they did not want him back, I am holding them to that decision.
Got to run, puppies calling...
Sunday - 01/26/03 - 6:00 PM
(Reverting to a kinda Southern Small Town dialect) Judy's cure for the blues!!!
I'm sorry to inform you that we didn't take pictures today. I was outside working, tripped over a water hose, jarred my poor damaged rib, landed on my bottom, and just started bawling. Too much stress will do that to a person. Now if I had lived in any other part of this USA, I'm sure I would have gone to bed with a big bowl of ice cream like all those movies on TV want you to think, but we're 'tuff' out here in the country. I just pulled me a package of pork chops out of the freezer, thawed those babies and commenced to start cooking. Dipped them in flour with lots of salt & pepper, popped them in a skillet full of hot grease and while they were cooking I sliced up a big batch of potatoes. When the chops were ready I tossed in the potatoes, fixed a pitcher of ice tea, took up the taters, piled it all on a big tray and asked Bob if he wanted to join me, I was going to sit in the bed, watch TV and eat this greasy food with my fingers, til I felt better!!!
My attitude is better, but my stomach doesn't know what to think, it's been a long time since I drowned my sorrows in grease!!!
Sunday - 01/26/03 - 8:00 AM
Today is PICTURE Day, if it moves we're gonna take it's picture!! We will start working on uploading them to the website tonight, after the nightly walking and feedings
Morning chores started with me being jolted out of a deep sleep, instantly I was jumping up and running, a puppy was screaming like it had been plugged into an electrical outlet. It was Astro who I'm sure had been asleep in his favorite position, spread eagle. Evidently Lassie woken up before the others and was having fun, pulling legs, biting tails, ears and "other things" to wake them up.
There is never time for a leisurely cup of coffee, we take sips between taking The Champ out to potty and grown Bullies out for their morning walk and potty time. Fortunately, in this cold weather they take care of their "business" quickly and almost drag us back inside. You could almost hear them grumble, "Dang Puppies, I was sleepin' good". Of course Bob and I are thinking the same, it's only 5:15 AM.
The Champ is maintaining his improvement adding a bunny hop and step this morning. I went out with Bob when he took him to potty and observed The Champ as he started out in a grassy area on one side of the drive then decided to cross over to the other side, where all the ladies stopped to "tinkle". I told Bob no wonder he's getting around better, what an incentive, that gravel drive would ready hurt his "private area" if he had drug his body across it like he was doing when he first got back home. Then I asked Bob if he had put The Champ over there on purpose...we both got a laugh out of that. Having a sense of humor gets us through some tough times.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Judy
PS We are taking The Champ in for additional x-rays on Monday. Please pray we find what we are looking for in these x-rays.
Saturday - 01/25/03 - 10:00 AM
Major Bully Butt Wiggle!!!!!!
While out to potty, The Champ took three totally normal steps!!!
Judy
Saturday - 01/25/03 - 9:30 AM
Bob got The champ out of his crate to take him out to potty, but before they went out he put down a bowl of water for him, on a throw rug.
The Champ rose up on his right leg/hip all the way (like a normal dog)to drink the water. There is no positive change in his left leg. The right leg has been the stronger one since his return.
We're trying not to get too excited, he could regress
Judy
Friday - 01/24/03 - 9:00 PM
Bob took this earlier in the day for the Specialist In Physical Therapy. We thought you might like to see it, but watch out for falling tears!!
This file takes about 20 minutes to download.
Click here to download a 17 second movie clip of The Champ "walking" photographed January 24, 2003!
Friday - 01/24/03 - 5:00 PM
Response from our specialist in physical therapy to whom we sent an e-mail asking for immediate guidance:
Don't encourage him, he runs the risk of re-injury, just take it real slow and continue his present treatment.
My concern is that the pup is all heart...I think he'd do anything to please, including pushing himself beyond safety. However, this is wonderful. There is hope that he's coming back Judy! How blessed you are to have a dog with that kind of guts and acceptance.
Friday - 01/24/03 - 2:30 PM
Bully Butt Wiggle, Bully Butt Wiggle! ! ! !!
The Champ has marked improvement, we are holding our breath and praying it will last!!! I've sent our specialist in physical therapy an e-mail asking for immediate guidance!!!
He has started to bunny hop with his back legs when he gets excited, i.e. Fluffy caught a mole, she showed it to him then ran away, he wanted it bad, so he bunny hopped several times, probably 6 before Bob diverted his attention, not knowing if we should allow this or not.
Bob called to me to come out into the yard to see the Champ in action using a liver treat as a tease. Tears of joy came immediately!!!
Judy
Events & Happenings Prior to 12/02/02 - Click Here
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