Puppy Gal Welcomes You To
Judy's December 2008 Journal....
I started this feature for friends and family to answer their "What's going on?" emails, therefore, I probably tell too much, but you are welcome to laugh, cry and sigh with us.If you have been gifted with the ability to love, you are a fortunate person indeed.
Hardeman Co. Animal Control
English Bulldog Puppy Pictures
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"Have A Happy And Prosperous New Year ! !"
"Happy New Year" Wednesday - Dec 31, 2008 3:30 PM
All the critters are making positive strides, except now Holly has stopped eating. She's standing up to potty and taking a few steps which is GREAT but now I've got to figure out what's going on with her not eating. I think it was because Bob moved her into a crate instead of being in the middle of the kitchen in a puppy pool where she got tidbits from Mama Judy. I think she's pouting. lol lol
Ruckus' eye is better but I'm thinking he will need to have it removed. When he has "to go" he'll bark and one of us will pick him up and take him outside .... oops as of this morning he's too big for me to carry. After taking him out my poor little arms and hands were aching. I made a trip to the "junk store" this morning to see if they had another used washer and dryer, which they did. I bought him a silky sheet which he's going to love, once I've washed it. These Bullies are so silly!!
Drummer Boy isn't crying except to eat or if he gets too cool, so that's good. Strawberry's puppies are going strong and I so need to take a video. They are beautiful!!
I'm looking forward to celebrating the New Year by going to bed early so I'll post again in 2009. - Judy
"Brain Dead" Monday - Dec 29, 2008 4:30 PM
Today has been too eventful for us. Drummer Boy, Amber's male puppy, cried for 4 hours or so off and on this morning. I did everything I know to do but he persisted in dozing off to sleep then waking himself up whining, not loud sharp crying just whining like he had a tummy ache, which was possibly the problem. I warmed blankies, washed his little behind with olive oil, put him with his mother to nurse, held him in the bend of my arm while I tried to get a few chores done, etc., etc. Finally around 2 PM Bob came in from working outside and I asked him to put him with Amber to nurse. I put one of Strawberry's puppies with him so there would be competition for the food causing him to nurse longer and stronger ... I'm holding my breath but I think it worked.
Ruckus injured his bad eye yesterday while outside to potty. He can't see out of it so he doesn't know when he's too close to a bush, stick , etc. We've doctored it and if there is no improvement, we'll take him in to see if the eye should be removed.
Before all this happened Bob came walking into the house carrying Holly, she can't or won't walk. Oh Lordy, she may be with pups so we don't want to have her x-rayed. I gave her an aspirin hopeful if he leg was inflamed that it would fix the problem. Now let me explain about Holly, she's a super sensitive little lady so there may not be too much at all wrong with her, but again ... Meanwhile she's happy laying in a pool in the middle of the kitchen having her Mama Judy toss her tidbits of good stuff to eat.
Having critters is like having kids, it's a skinned knee, pulled muscle, insect sting or I got to go, all the time. I try the home remedies first and if they don't work into the vet's they go. BUT today has be so eventful that it has stressed us both out. We came upstairs to rest for an hour and are on our way back down to walk and feed the critters. Speaking of, we all ate broccoli earlier. Bob had broccoli florets with dip, I prefer the stalks so I peeled them for myself, the parrot, cockateils, Ruckus, Rosie, and Sammie. We didn't let the others know what we were eating because there wasn't enough to go around. lol lol I cooked Bob BBQ Pork Ribs. They are easy and tasty, just toss them into a Reynolds Browning bag, sprinkle with enough drying seasonings (I make my own) to flavor them and bake for at 350F until done, the time depends upon how many you are cooking at one time. I cooked 8 pounds for 2 hours, but they were a tad overcooked since I couldn't cut them into rib size portions without the meat falling off the bone. I know you are wondering if Bob gave the bones to the Bullies and I'll have to answer yes. They were small and soft with a good bit of gristle so they shouldn't cause a problem. - Judy
PS Melanie was extra gentle today taking treats from my hand and each time she looked up at me timidly as if to say, "Was that gentle enough?" Then I leaned down for kisses which she was proud to give, pretty near washed my whole face. lol lol
"Busy" Sunday - Dec 28, 2008 1:00 PM
We're busy, busy, busy with cleaning and washing. We're not finished by a long shot but I want to go do something exciting. Bob thinks it would be exciting just to be able to go take a nap. He's really sleep deficient!!!
Catch you later, we hope you are having a peaceful weekend. - Judy
PS It was 72F yesterday, isn't that unbelievable.
"Saturday Catch-Up" Saturday - Dec 27, 2008 7:30 PM
Well I like to have worked myself to death trying to catch-up on all the dirty clothes and dog beds. Having a litter of puppies without a working washing machine and being as picky as I am makes for piles of dirty laundry. I make their bed in the pool with two sheets which equals 8 layers of cloth, queen size sheets folded in fourths. then when one of them soils the sheets, I lay a thick t-shirt over it. This goes on until around Noon then the complete pool is changed out. The pool is cleaned again around 6 PM and then around 10 PM so we have 8 queen size sheets and about 10 or so t-shirts just for one litter of puppies. Amber's pup, Drummer Boy, has his on set of bedding but very little compared to theirs, mostly sweatshirts. Ruckus, larger pup with Drummer Boy in the above picture, has his bedding although he is good about going out to do his business if our hands are free to take him. Right now we have a muddy yard because it's rained so much. That means the dog beds are changed at least twice a day and I have multiple sheets spread out on the porch at the back door to catch some of the mud and leaves, but even at that I have swept the kitchen floor twice today. I should get caught up with at least the washing by tomorrow .... I hope.
Melanie sweetheart that she is, got so excited about the treats I was feeding her but couldn't stand herself thinking she would loose sight of Bob. She snatched the treat and in the process came down hard on my hand. The second time she got me, my natural reactions took over ... I gave her nose a light smack and told her "no" in my most stern voice, to remind her she was suppose to pay attention to what she was chomping down on. She's never done that before and I surely don't want it to become a habit. The only time I get physical is when one bites or offers to bite. Then it's done immediately so they will understand that the behavior is way over the line and will not be tolerated. Good advice given to me by my vet when I was in my 20's he told me one day if I was going to rescue animals then he better teach me a few things. He was wonderful, May He Rest In Peace.
We've been doing the Bully Butt Wiggle, I've been talking for the critters and Bob's been laughing. He doesn't butt wiggle or talk for the critters, but enjoys the good cheer. I hope you are having a good time this weekend cause life is short and we don't know what tomorrow will bring. - Judy
"A Judy Christmas" Friday - Dec 26, 2008 8:00 PM
I'm not one for going shopping or having the latest fashion, I figure the dogs don't care and as long as I wear a smile, Bob's happy. But today turned out to be a shop for Judy day and of course everything was on sale. I found a rack full of cute knit pants to wear this summer so I got one of every color they weren't marked down that much. Next we went to "Big K" where they had winter hats at 50% off .... I've decided to be a obsessive Mad Hatter so I bought lots. They are still in the car or I would give you a count. lol lol Next we went to Belks where I got frustrated because the clothes were not made for women with a chest size over a AA but I did get more pants. I didn't see any hats however there were so many people there I might have missed them altogether.
While driving home all of a sudden I saw a butcher shop so I turned around and went back. I came away with a brown grocery bag full of bones and scrap meat. I've got them in the oven cooking now so the critters will love me in the morning. Speaking of ... Fluffy, she who must reign as Queen, has been too rough on the male strays that came to stay, Dumpy & Boomer. She won't let them eat out of the dish pan of food so they are having to sneak around and eat when she's not there. Today I told her in no uncertain terms that her mistreating them had to stop. She just looked at me, flipped that fluffy tail of hers higher in the air and went to stand guard over the dish pan of food and the extra bowl I had set out for the boys. Lot of good my talking to her did.
We've been doing a lot of laughing and doing fun stuff. This has been one of the best Holiday Seasons we experienced in a long time. I Thank The Good Lord I was well enough to enjoy it so very much. - Judy
"Snuggled Asleep In My Bed!!" Thursday - Dec 25, 2008 2:50 PM
Bob is exhausted and is at the point of not knowing which end is up .... that's the best excuse I can offer. When we went to the local Whirlpool dealer to get parts, I was talking to the partsman. He said the main reason washing machines are out of balance is the floor ... Bob comes through his "pink and yellow haze" to say yes the floor. Seems I had asked him many times to level the washer, but he only pushed it around then tried to run it again. You guessed it, he adjusted the legs and now the washer appears to be running just fine. Grumble, grumble, grumble on my part what time I've wasted researching the internet, etc. since I thought he had done it right the first time, but hey it's Christmas, he's tired so forgive and forget. Well maybe I'll be able to forgive and forget once all the washing is done. Right now I'm too busy working on the piles of dog beds to hold it against him.
While we were out I took him to his favorite Mexican Restaurant for lunch to remind him of our first Christmas together touring Mexico in a VW Bug with mechanical problems. It would stop and then wouldn't start again. We met some wonderful people who helped to push it while I popped the clutch to engage the motor. We got lost in a rain forest and when we finally found a Federal outpost I jumped out of the car, pointed to Bob said "crazy gringo, lost all day" I don't know what they thought I said or what Bob said to them in return but they laughed, clapped him on the back and showed him the way back to the motel on a map. Needless to say it was exciting but also romantic.
"Snuggled Asleep In My Bed!!" Thursday - Dec 25, 2008 8:30 AM
as dreams of sugar plums danced through my head.
When from far below I heard Bob yell "NO!"
I knew the critters had done him in so...
Hastily I dressed to see what was the matter.
In the kitchen I found the cause of the clatter.
There was Bob with his pants about to fall.
(His belt hanging snugly upstairs in the hall!)
With one hand, he was holding the new bully mother
and a hungry, squirmy puppy with the other.
I laughed in spite of myself (wouldn't y'all?)
So I gave him a kiss, "Merry Christmas to All!"
(ho ... ho ... ho!!!)
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!!" Wednesday - Dec 24, 2008 9:30 PM
Bob was up early but let me sleep in until 7 AM. We dressed in identical fashion, bluejeans with red fleece tops and felt so with the Season. That is until we got about half mile down the road and it dawned on us that we were HOT. I had signed onto Weather Underground to check out the rain but didn't notice it was 60F. Dang from 12F earlier in the week up to 60F at 7 AM today.
Our purpose for being out was to take Hope & Peanut into the vet's for a final breeding, which went well. Now it's time to take the washing machine apart to see if my guess on the problem is correct. I think taking one of these things apart is a "big deal" and takes considerable time, however it has to be done this morning because it will put a real hardship on me trying to take care of puppies without the ability to wash their bedding. I'm behind on washing period and I hate to have dirty clothes and dog bedding piling up.
Don't forget to take some time out for yourself today and tomorrow. Please don't forget to say a prayer for those who are less fortunate as well as our felllow Americans in uniform. - Judy
"Washing Machine On The Blink!!" Tuesday - Dec 23, 2008 6:00 PM
Whirlpool Duet front loading washing machines are a back saver for people who have arthritis but I've come to the conclusion they don't last long enough and are too expensive to repair. I worked with it and researched teh internet for hours this afternoon. I came to the conclusion that the load balancing parts and or the bearings are out in the tub which will cost a fortune for a repairman to replace, so it's a DIY or toss the dang thing, it's 5 years old, still looks great and all that stuff but it will walk across the floor when in spin mode. This is exactly the same thing that happened to the last one. I'm going to try to determine what part is needed and see if a local dealer has it in stock tomorrow.
Holly was bred to Peanut this afternoon. She's only had one litter of one little girl, Hope who we bred the end of November. They are both so cute and such sweet girls.
Today I cooked Bob a deep dish pie which even I like. It is a mixture of mincemeat, fried apples and dried cherries with a splash of sugar. In my opinion Mincemeat is too strong so the can of fried apples tone it down while the dried cherries and sugar smooth it out. I also cooked Tequila Lime Beef Tenderloin. As most of you know I don't care for meat period much less with hard liquor in the marinade but it was good. No I didn't eat a serving but I did taste it. Bob thought it was the best Christmas present ever. While I was at it I threw chicken thighs covered in BBQ dry spice in the oven to bake. They were good. I was in the middle of eating one, left the kitchen and when I went back Bob had eaten it. There were 6 more in the pan but he had to have mine. He said he figured I had eaten all I wanted. Sure, that was it. lol lol
The Christmas Spirit has a hold one me unlike any I've experienced for years. I want everyone to feel this way. - Judy
"Crazy Dog Lady" Tuesday - Dec 23, 2008 10:00 AM
Everyone thought I had lost my mind years ago when I rescued 10 dogs at one time but this lady out did me. She surely deserves the "Lucy Award".
"Interesting Items" Monday - Dec 22, 2008 11:30 AM
Oh Lordy the critters are going crazy ... it was 12F when we woke up this morning and now it's only 17F, with a high forecasted to be 29F. None of us are use to these temperatures ... it was in the 60F's on Friday and Saturday and it's going back up to these temps at the end of the week. Hang on critters, we'll get some relief.
I forgot to mention the 20 lbs of raw Peanuts .. no I don't like them boiled, but maybe they are like turnips, I just haven't tasted them done right yet. I said "yuck" to turnips many years ago to which my Aunt replied, you've just never had any cooked right and sure enough after a bowl of hers, I was converted.
Powerful song and singer!!!
"Junior's Juke Joint"
A cultural experience!! lol lol
"Christmas Music Videos" Sunday - Dec 21, 2008 8:30 PM
My favorite Gardening Program is Felder Rushing on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. He played the second song on his program on Saturday, too funny but typical of the type of music played in some of the Honky Tonks here in the South.
Santa Clause Is Coming In A Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train
Bob forgot to tell me we were way low on dog food until this morning. There was enough for today but if something happened and we couldn't get out on Monday we would definitely be in a bind since there are only a couple of turkeys in the freezer and I don't think they would like Blackberry Pie. After writing that I thought, they probably would, at least Li'l Cookie she'll eat most anything.
Off to Tupelo MS I went, 3 hour round trip, because I have the house cluttered with STUFF I promised only to go to Pet Smart. After I bought the food and showed affection to all the dogs waiting to have their pictures taken with Santa, I left. Ooops do you think my promise would go against me if I stopped at Home Depot, it's in the same strip of stores?? We needed light bulbs so I thought I would run in just for those. By now you know I had to look around ... although I saw a sign saying Christmas decoration up to 50% off, I surely couldn't find any marked off that much, they must have been hiding amongst all the beautiful ornaments and such they were selling. A true 50 or 75% off sale on those would be well worth the trip back, but one never knows when things will be marked down that low.
Back at home I've worked hard to make up for the lost time and now I'm GROUCHY!! Bob sure was glad I finally said I was going upstairs to sit for a minute. lol lol It's suppose to go down to 13F tonight so that makes for some good snuggling since the upstairs bedroom is cooler than the rest of the house.
I've had a wonderful weekend full of shopping for bargains and being silly. A precious moment was when Bob told me one of the reasons he loved me was because I looked for a silver lining in every cloud and managed to find humor missed by others in many of life's situations. - Judy
"Christmas Shopping" Saturday - Dec 20, 2008 6:30 PM
I (Lucy) had to stop shopping because I couldn't get anything else into the van. lol lol lol People were laughing and saying "you can't get no more in there", to which I responded "If I can't I have to go home and I'm having too much fun". Many people were stressed and grumpy but I was humming a song ... I was out shopping for bargains like $.79 lb turkey for the critters and $1 fleece pullovers and vests for their beds. I will admit I picked up a few of these for people, I thought might need something to keep them warm or just might appreciate the thought. The man selling the fleece gave me lots of scraps for dog beds and some hats .... I'm going try to get a couple of the Bullies to stand still long enough to let me take their picture wearing them. I hope they will be good enough make all of us smile.
I ran into a bargain on candy, Branch's Bridge Mix and Chocolate Covered Almonds $10 for 7 lbs also white chocolate dipped pretzels 7 lbs for $6. lol lol you do not want to know how much I bought. Let's see there's a load of cracked black walnuts and another of cracked Pecans. Lowe's marked their Christmas poinsettias down to $1 a pot and other Christmas plants were marked way off. I got our Christmas Tree, a Norfolk Pine about 4 feet tall, for $3 the same as are selling at Home Depot for $16.99. Someone had knocked it over and out of it's pot, but I'll fix that tomorrow. That's about all I got. I spent lots of time just looking and pointing other people to the bargains I found. I think that might have been what's called "glad tidings". My shopping experience was like a big party and I was the host, talking to everyone and wishing them well.
On the way home I like to have met "My Maker" cause there was a terrible storm which flooded the 4 lane highway, but fortunately my Guardian Angels were working overtime. - Judy
"Christmas Presents" Friday - Dec 19, 2008 11:51 AM
A simple "I Love You" often means much more than the most costly present, so don't worry if you don't have money for expensive presents, give people small inexpensive presents complete with a big hug and an "I Love You". - Judy
(When I was in my 20's I went to visit a elderly relative on Christmas day, taking along cookies I'd spent hours making because I was inexperienced at cooking. Since she loved dogs, I took my Bostom Bulldog. Once there Chopper acted a fool licking her hands and arms. I apologized and told her I couldn't understand his behavior. That's when she told me she had extremely dry skin and had run out of lotion. While cooking breakfast she decided to douse herself in bacon grease to see if it would help. lol lol The moral to this story is bacon grease contains lots of salt which will sting your raw skin plus you will attract all the dogs in the neighborhood.)
"Amber's Newly Born Baby Boy" Friday - Dec 19, 2008 11:30 AM
These pictures were taken Wednesday after we got back from the vet's. Please don't judge Bob by how he looks in them, he hadn't had sleep to amount to anything the prior 48 hours. To say his behind was dragging is putting it mildly.
Ruckus with Amber's newly born puppy.
"Amber Said That's It" Friday - Dec 19, 2008 10:30 AM
This morning Amber let her little boy nurse until he fell asleep, then she got up, walked over to the Strawberry puppy pool, stepped inside, laid down and cuddled up next to them so they could nurse. They had been crying and next on the schedule was to put Strawberry with them, but Amber evidently doesn't think Strawberry is taking good enough care of them so she will. Doesn't that warm your heart!!
The above leads in nicely to this story ... Sassy T had a litter of puppies and so did 2 other mothers. Sassy started stealing the puppies which were crying and the other mothers could care less, which is so unusual. One of the other mothers was her sister so I could understand her not getting mad but the 2nd one was a cousin whom Sassy had never been around. After the 2nd mother had her c-section the person who owned her said it was "just too much" and gave the mother and pups to me, PepperJack as the sire of the litter and I knew the woman well. Sassy stole the 2nd mother's complete litter and one of her sisters, then she was happy. She snuggled with the 9 puppies all day long and insisted that I hand feed her. She would look at the bowl of food I had put in the pool, look at the puppies and then look back up at me as if to say, They don't want me to move. She was Mama Judy's spoiled, sassy, wonderful brat. RIP 2006
I'm going to hit the B-Complex again and see if I can't get lots of work done today. - Judy
"Amber" Thursday - Dec 18, 2008 9:00 PM
So much has happened around here the last two days that I'm not sure I can remember half of it. Amber made an after hours call at the vet's office for a c-section last night. She had the cutest little baby boy. We're either going to name him Drummer Boy or St Nick since he's our Christmas baby. Amber is a wonderful mother and offered to let Strawberry's babies nurse if Strawberry didn't quit getting up early and caring more for sitting in our laps than she does for her babies. Ruckus wanted to "wick" the baby boy last night because he was crying, so very cute. Miss Kitty evidently went to sleep last night and woke up this morning in a different world ... she who will not as a general rule let us touch her, was rubbing herself all over my legs and purring up a storm. Maybe she's being nice to ensure Santa comes visit her. lol lol The strays are trying to tell me there is a "big something" that is eating their food after the lights go out, but since we've been closing them up in their dens to keep them warm, they can't run it off. The crows are watching carefully and when I throw something tasty onto the compost pile they call all their friends. They sure are noisy critters.
Sadness overcame me this morning so early afternoon I went to the "big city" to purchase things I had on the shopping list. Somewhere along the way I perked up and decided I must remember to "get out" the next time the Blues hits me, but upon further reflecting I decided it was the sublingual B-Complex I had taken cause I was so tired. I was beginning to wonder if Bob was a vampire. (silly, silly woman).
I'll say goodnight now and hopefully post pictures in the morning of Ruckus giving kisses to the new baby boy. - Judy
"Strawberry" Tuesday - Dec 16, 2008 6:00 PM
That silly goose Strawberry Pie has decided she must end the nursing session with her puppies by crawling up on my lap and licking my face and neck ... wait a minute girl you just did the same thing to your babies butts, yuck, you aren't licking me!!! lol lol
I hate to even tell you all that Amber is due to go into labor any moment. I hate to tell you in case something goes wrong. We've been wondering if the vet will make a house call and do a c-section on the kitchen table if we can't get to his office, seems he has a 4 wheel drive and although we don't, I think most farmers have a 4 wheeler if it came to that (just making light of a stressful situation). She ate very well tonight, doesn't have milk yet and is not nesting so hopefully she won't go into labor until tomorrow or the next day. Oops there she goes barking .. she could either want to go potty, drink water or eat more turkey. Ever since the turkey came out of the oven, she'll bark for me and when I get there she'll lick her lips to let me know she wants some. Of course there is no giving her turkey without giving a bite to the other critters. Any time now, I'm expecting the parrot to tell me he wants a bite. lol lol
Have a good night. -Judy
"Early Turkey Cooking" Tuesday - Dec 16, 2008 2:30 PM
It's finally stopped raining and sleeting. The trees were covered in a thin layer of ice and they were beautiful.... Ooops Strawberry is raising the roof wanting something. Later - Judy
"Mini-E Passed Away" Monday - Dec 15, 2008 9:30 PM
A couple of hours ago Mini-E, father of Peanut, had a stroke and died while I was holding his head. He was fine one minute and had a stroke the next. Bob and I are very sad, he was a wonderful Bully.- Judy
"More Peanut Pictures With Santa" Monday - Dec 15, 2008 9:30 AM
"Ice Pellets" Monday - Dec 15, 2008 9:30 AM
Dog Gone!!! The forecast is for Ice Pellets to begin to fall today after 10 AM and tomorrow is going to be more of the same but the temperature is suppose to get above freezing. If it does the ice won't stay around for long.
My heart goes out to the people in the Northeast who are experiencing such horrible weather and are without electricity. We experienced the same type of weather about 15 years ago and it was tough!!!
Cooped up out here in the country with just the critters and Bob for company, I have to get out of the house at least for a few hours a week. On Saturday we went to a thrift store. I was "lookin" when all of a sudden I realized I was about to run into the woman in front of me. First I noticed a blonde wig, then the fact that she was wearing a coat made out of material such as used for some bathrobes, short napped fleece and Lordy was this woman big, looked like a football player. Later I came across the wig and bathrobe in a pile of clothes for sale ... I snatched the robe cause it would make a wonderful bed for one of the critters but just couldn't see Jeb or Peanut wearing the wig, although it would be funny. Bob moved up to my side and whispered, you best put that robe back .. when I asked why he said she was bigger than he was. We laughed at our evaporating woman all the way home.
I wish you lots of love and Bully kisses!! - Judy
"Christmas Present For Your Local Rescue Group" Sunday - Dec 14, 2008 7:00 PM
It's that time of year when critters need tender loving care, please call your local Rescue Group and ask if they need bedding, toys or newspapers for their rescues. Rescued critters don't care if the sheets have stains, a small hole or the elastic has stretched out of the "fitted" type, old blankets or bedspreads are good as well as garments with lots of thick material which can be cut into bedding, i.e. outgrown fleece jackets. Old soft mismatched towels and wash cloths are always appreciated and I'm sure they use tons of old newspapers to line the crates, especially with small pets. Old t-shirts and sweatshirts are a welcome sight for most rescuers. Small pets and puppies love to snuggle with stuffed animal toys. If they have parts which can be pulled off be sure to remove them (usually eyes and noses) and put a stitch or two to close the hole. This is a great way to teach your children the spirit of Christmas and get your closets cleaned at the same time. Maybe the rescue group will allow you to have a Christmas party for the critters. If so make plenty of homemade doggie treats. I don't know about kitty treats, mine get a heaping table spoon of tuna as a treat. Tie knots in old socks which are missing a mate or have a hole, maybe add a little cat nip (better ask the rescuers about this one). Last but not least, drop some change in the donation bucket.
Our weather was "spring like" today and the critters all wanted to kick up their heels and run through the leaves which have fallen from the big oak trees. Wore me out trying to second guess them!!
We're off to grab a nap before the puppies start telling us, it's time to eat again. - Judy
"English Bulldog Head Shaking Tremors" Saturday - Dec 13, 2008 9:15 AM
I think I have discovered why some English Bulldogs have head tremors .... deficient calcium.
Strawberry's head started to shake, looking exactly like a couple of Bully owners had described, except I knew the source of her problem, nursing puppies. About 5 minutes after they started to nurse her head would start to shake. This can be a life threatening situation therefore must be resolved immediately. We talked to our vet and he gave us a calcium paste to administer to her. when this starts. It worked very fast. I suggest anyone who has a Bully who has experienced head tremors get a tube of the calcium paste to keep on hand. I feel her problem was the result of me having feed her "large" puppy chow instead of the regular Purina Puppy Chow which we normally feed. I used the calcium paste plus went back to regular Purina Puppy Chow, now all is well and the paste is no longer needed.
I would venture to guess Bullies need a source of calcium which is easily digestible, not all calcium added to dog food is.
I'm off to finish my morning chores, just wanted to update you on my experience before I forgot to do so. Have a good weekend and don't let preparations for Christmas get you down!!! - Judy
"English Puppy Videos" Friday - Dec 12, 2008 10:00 AM
Bob has uploaded the videos to YouTube.com. All you have to do is click the above video icon to see them.
I had to take off late yesterday afternoon and go to bed, I was exhausted. It was probably stress as a result of Sugar's waterbaby and it being the only puppy. She's such a good mother. We were trying to decide if it was time for her c-section when she indicated she wanted to go out. I slipped a British training lead over her head and opened the door. She absolutely pulled me to the van's back loading door, wanting to get in. I came back into the house and told Bob Sugar had made the decision, she needed to go to the vet. She's just like her mama, a smart Cookie.
The snow storm which hit Houston, dumped on New Orleans and then turned northward covering the state of Mississippi with fluffy flakes and leaving behind frozen slick bridges, only touched us as it swept by, WHEW!! But it was extremely cold and windy here, it made our everything ache to be out in it. Today is much better although the temperature is only 32F.
Jeb was disappointed because he wanted to hear sleigh bells, Ruckus wanted to know what "sleigh bells" were while Rosie and Sammie had dreams of running and playing in the "white stuff" Jeb was telling the about. (Li'l Cookie set a speed record for going out to potty. lol lol )
Life is only as good as your attitude!! - Judy
"Sugar Cookie" Wednesday - Dec 10, 2008 9:00 PM
I might as well tell you all about this and get it over with. We took Sugar to the vet for a c-section this afternoon but there was only one puppy and it was a waterbaby which I did not attempt to revive. It's sad, she wants babies and I'm tempted to give her one of Strawberry's but .... We of course are saddened for the puppy, Sugar and ourselves, but we'll just have to shake it off like a dog does water after a bath and go forward. It doesn't mean we will forget it just means we won't let it weigh us down. - Judy
"Strawberry Pie's Litter Pictures" Tuesday - Dec 9, 2008 6:00 PM
The videos of Strawberry's puppies and Ruckus which are part of the pictures below should be uploaded soon. Bob needs some sleep first
"Sugar Cookie" Tuesday - Dec 9, 2008 4:00 PM
Mercy I had a long entry typed out when suddenly the electricity went off and dumped my "unsaved" work.
I've taken a couple of videos lately but Bob just hasn't had the time to upload them to YouTube. He's been walking the floor over Sugar Cookie and getting up every 3 hours or so to put Strawberry's puppies with her so they can nurse, therefore you can imagine how tired he is
The gestation period for dogs is 63 days, but that is just an average. We've had English Bulldogs go into labor at 60 days or as late as 69 days. We're fond of saying Bullies didn't read the book on Reproduction because they certainly don't abide by the rules. lol lol Sugar's 60th day was Saturday from the first time she was bred so that makes it 63 days today. BUT she was bred 3 times, every 2 days, so her latest date would be 12/13. We're holding our breath that all works out well and she has a healthy happy litter. I'm guessing there will be 5 puppies but Bob says only 3, we'll see.
It's been raining here most of the day and the critters are driving us up the wall, wanting out then changing their mind when they verifiy that it really is raining. Most Bullies DO NOT like rain and many are scared of the thunder and lightening. Our biggest chickie in regard to the later is Melanie. If she's outside I hurriedly get to the back door because I'm afraid she will come through it, she's a big girl.
Peanut was acting sad so Bob was asking him why. Peanut is very proper, plus shy so it took a few minutes. He finally told Bob all the other Bullies were making fun of him. With more proding he said Li'l Cookie was making mischief and told them he was the one who smelled bad but really it was Reckus. Not understandng Bob ask what he meant to which Peanut replied, when you can't help but make noise. Not connecting the dots, Bob asked him to explain one more time. Peanut looked sheepish and said when your bottom makes noise. Trying not to laugh, Bob said, the old "bottom burp". Well we'll fix that by cutting back on the amount of formula we are feeding Reckus. Meanwhile he told the Bullies that it wasn't Peanut who had "bottom burps". Now Peanut is happy again. ..... This is one of Bob's stories but I thought I would write it down for you all before it was forgotten. Evidently we aren't getting enough sleep because we laughed and laughed as Bob started making it up. The trigger to the story's creation was Ruckus, boy is he loud when he passes gas.
Have a good night. - Judy
"Friends Of Hardeman County Animal Control - Rescue Group"
Monday - Dec 8, 2008 4:00 PM
Finally I resized the pictures I took on Thanksgiving at the Friends Rescue Group Turkey Fund Raiser. As you will be able to tell it was a great success. I've eaten many a turkey in my 62 years and these turkeys were surely the very best.
"A Lucy Kinda Thing - Fuzzy Beds" Monday - Dec 8, 2008 4:00 PM
Points to consider ... the apparel manufacturer in Rienzi, MS has closed down and Mr
Juette is selling out his leftover stock, so after they are gone, never again will I have
the opportunity to buy Fuzzy jackets, vests and pullovers to use as Fuzzy Beds for the
critters only $1 each. I got too tired to do any more shopping yesterday but he's going to
be open on 12/20 so I'll probably be there. The items I'm using for dog beds were seconds.
They had 1st class merchandise for $5 to $10 but I spent all my time piling up dog beds,
some of which Bob and I will wear to keep warm while walking the critters. If you live in
the area and want warm clothes to wear, consider going to Rienzi, MS at 11 AM on 12/20.
Just go to Rienzi and ask anyone to point you in the direction of the fleece sale.
How many did I end up getting??? Well this was my second trip and spent about $40 here is a picture of what all I got ... this time!! Now tell me that's not a "Lucy Kinda Thing To Do". lol lol - Judy
"Fuzzy Mothers and Chasing Bones" Sunday - Dec 7, 2008 9:30 AM
Bob, Jeb and I were suppose to be in a Christmas Parade in Bolivar, TN yesterday, but it was so very cold. Jealously guarding my health I decided not to attend, instead later in the day I went chasing bones for the critters and got material for what I call Fuzzy Mothers, which is a fuzzy material covering for a drink bottle filled with hot water. Also I got a load of 2nd quality fleece vests and jackets for critter beds. Mr. Jon K Juette, owner of the apparel manufacturing establishment which closed gave me a BIG arm full of material to make beds for some of the rescues at Friends of Hardeman County Animal Control. It appeared to be all orange in color therefore would make great fancy collars for them to wear next year at during the October and November Adoption days, anything to attract attention. Speaking of beds, a couple of weeks ago the junk store had a silk sheet and I told Bob we had to get it for Peanut. Sure enough he rubbed his face on it rolled in it and just acted like a fool over his silky pink sheet.
I couldn't find any place with bones to give away or sell. Normally I stock up on pork liver during the butchering season but that was only one of many things I didn't do after the first cold spell. One place told me to come back Thursday or Friday for beef bones and another said they had given all they had away earlier in the day. I'm now going to turn toward deer processors to ask questions about deer bones being brittle, etc. Hunters field dress the deer, leaving the heart, liver and other innards for the wild critters to eat so I've heard so I won't be getting any of those but maybe some BIG bones, we'll see.
I hope you are having a peaceful weekend. - Judy
PS This Saturday trip was my way of handling Brooks passing. My nature is to out-run sadness.
Picture of his blind eye side
"R.I.P Brooks" Saturday - Dec 6, 2008 8:30 AM
Poor Brooks died in her sleep last night. She was 10 years old and it was not expected since her mother and grandmother were 12 & 13 respectively when they passed away. She was showing her age, morning stiffness, etc. May she have one of the biggest bones in heaven. - Judy
"Eatin' Out" Friday - Dec 5, 2008 8:00 PM
It's been one active day, all my days are active. Just think if I had good sense we would be down in Progresso, Mexico sitting on the beach with our feet tucked in the sand, drinking their wonderful coffee, watching the boat lights in the distance and talking to all the people around us. Instead we're working hard!!!
My Birthday present, new computer chair with a massager, arrived yesterday, well actually just the slip of paper from UPS saying they tried to deliver Wednesday and Thursday but missed us, I guess the "No Trespassing" rope was stretched across the drive and the driver didn't have a phone number to call for one of us to give permission to enter. We opted for driving to Selmer, Tennessee to pick up the box and while there split a big country breakfast at a neat local restaurant. The owner is an Elvis Presley impersonator who's on the road preforming most of the time. Gracious everyone one tells me everything, but I had one up on the lady who was doing all the Elvis talkin' this morning ... Linda Johnson Elvis' last girlfriend is a cousin of mine. Jerry Lee Lewis was another cousin's Uncle and T.G. Sheppard is a cousin on down the line, probably 3rd or so, not that I know him personal or anything but it's nice to throw these piece of information out when someone is putting on the dog, like she was. lol lol There are a few others but the waitress got my attention refilling my coffee cup and when I turned back to the woman she was already heading to the next table to tell the people about all the Elvis pictures she had cut out of magazines years ago. lol lol
There is a small waiting area inside the door marked "restrooms". The ladies room was occupied and about the time I decided to heck with the "Mens" sign on the other door, gender shouldn't count when you "got to go" the ladies room door opened. At the same a another lady entered the waiting room. I told the newly appeared woman to go on into the ladies room and I'd take the men's. She said the same idea had come to her and she was closer so in she went. Meanwhile the lady who had occupied the ladies room, gave us her blessing and we all had a good laugh.
Say Goodnight Gracie!!! - Judy
"Walking English Bulldogs" Friday - Dec 5, 2008 7:00 AM
We all slept in this morning, now it's time to walk the critters ... it's 25 F. Boy Doggie that's cold!!! - Judy
"Breeding English Bulldogs" Thursday - Dec 4, 2008 6:30 AM
Yesterday we worked harder than normal if that is possible. We had a day worker here to lend Bob a hand with some heavy projects like moving outside exercise kennels to an area in the yard which is more accessible to me and my giant plants to an outside storage building so they won't freeze or be in my way in the kitchen, I'm so tired of ducking under plants. The day worker left at 3:30 and we loaded up the van with Bessie Smith and Peanut to take them to the vet's to be bred. This is her third breeding so hopefully she will become pregnant.
After going to the vet's, we stopped at Walmart for dog food, came home, walked and fed the inside critters, caught the "strays that came to stay" to lock them in their dens because it will be real cold tonight, plus fed the cats and meanwhile Bob put the puppies (4 males and 1 female) with Strawberry Pie to nurse. They are so cute. Ruckus is starting to miss not getting as much attention so I'll have to make sure to give him more, he is such a good puppy. It was 8 PM before we sat down for the night and then Bob got up every 3 hours to put the pups with Strawberry to nurse.
We've just now pulled ourselves out of bed. We'll try to get the English Bulldogs and Melanie out to potty before the day worker comes this morning. I certainly hope he comes because I have several more projects I would like completed which I believe will help facilitate me being able to take care of the potential upcoming litters. Then I've drawn up plans for a covered outside exercise area for the Bullies and that is why we decided to have puppies to cover the expense.
Got to run the Bullies "have to go" out. - Judy
"Training English Bulldogs" Wednesday - Dec 3, 2008 6:30 AM
Great News!!! Dear Friends, after being sick for 3 years I'm almost well ... just need for the shin to finish healing. It feels so good to be able to work hard again. lol lol This is the first year I've NOT gotten bronchitis during October, I've kicked the fever habit, etc., etc., ... there were times during the last 3 years when I wished the Good Lord would just take me away, I was so sick and tired of being down. (Sorry if I sound like a drama queen.)
I said all that to say those of you who visited before I got sick I'm sure will remember how well trained the Bullies were. All I had to do was make sounds like I was clearing my throat or snap my fingers and they came to attention. If they were barking, immediately they were quiet. Blowing my tin whistle long and loud meant they were in BIG trouble, one medium toot meant pay attention and little toots meant come to mama. A long, loud whistle that was shrill at the end meant to follow the sound back home, just in case they wandered too far from the house. WELL, Papa Bob has spoiled these critters something pitiful and has not used my commands or for that matter any commands. I'm going to have to retrain them, what a chore it's going to be, but oh so necessary. I'm just proud I'm able to do it as soon as my shin gets well!!
Raising Bullies makes me laugh, smile, feel warm inside and at times makes me cry. - Judy
PS Researching sperm motility, because Guitarman's is low, has got me all confused. Two things I have decided upon, no tight briefs or alchol for the Guitarman. (lol lol) Now wasn't that silly. The Vet looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language when I said those words to him.
"Demanding English Bulldogs" Tuesday - Dec 2, 2008 8:30 AM
Jeb, I'll admit that you were trying your best, but you would never be able to catch a deer running on those short fat legs of yours. And I have a question, what would you do with it if you caught it ... lick it???
The above reminded me of a story .... a few weeks ago Jeb was out taking care of his business when all of a sudden the 3 "strays" charged toward him, split up just feet away and went around. Poor Jeb was so confused because he didn't see the deer run about five feet south of his backside. The look on the poor fella's face almost spoke aloud ... can't I get any privacy!!
"Demanding English Bulldogs" Tuesday - Dec 2, 2008 7:00 AM
If ever you can't get your dog to take a pill, bake it a meatloaf then bury the pill in a hunk. Worked like a charm. The only problem is Bob wanted the meatloaf for himself. If it isn't a spoiled critter, it's a spoiled Bob!!! - Judy
"Came Close To Being Parents Of a 3 yr old today!!" Monday - Dec 1, 2008 4:30 PM
In Walmart after taking care of our business at the Vet's I was looking at hats and gloves. There was a lady there with a child in her shopping cart. When she looked at the gloves like I had on, I told her although I loved how they were made, the weave was too loose therefore they didn't keep my hands warm. Later checking out I was behind the same woman. We're talking the most precious 3 year old ever was facing me and her mother was in the front of the shopping cart. Cutie Pie looked at me then looked at the corn chips I was buying. I asked if she wanted some and she nodded her head yes. I asked her mother if she could have some then told the little girl as soon as the cashier scanned then I would give her some. She didn't understand any of the conversation but she sure knew how to cut her beautiful eyes toward the chips then look at me. Never did her facial expression change. Her mother and I chatted as I poured chips into the smallest Walmart bag they had etc. I exclaimed what an Angel the little girl was to which her mother joked saying she could be just as bad as she was sweet and that she ran her house. I laughed and told her I would be glad to babysit and she responded with I could just have her. The woman patted her stomach and said the baby inside would be number 6. In the van Bob asked if the woman was serious about allowing us to have her and I told him I thought it might have been the first step in that direction and if I hadn't been afraid all these critters would scare the child to death I would have seriously considered pursuing the idea with the lady ... now I can't get the little girl off my mind. DogGone have I lost my mind!!! - Judy
"Snowing At PuppyGal's Place!!" Monday - Dec 1, 2008 8:30 PM
It's snowing to beat the band, big fluffy flakes which appear to be localized. Bob was scheduled to be at the vet's office at 8 AM but was afraid he wouldn't be able to get back home due to snow accumulation on the roads, 2 lane paved country roads with twists and turns galore. It would have been a good day to sleep in but the Bullies had to go potty.
We put in a 14 hour whirling dervish work day yesterday so we're both tired today. Along with everything else I did, I turned a lot of ground beef into chili, taco filling, meatloaf and soup. The critters went crazy smelling all that meat cooking. I had barking Bullies in the house, cats rubbing their bodies on the back door facing and "stray dogs that came to stay" prancing back and forth in front of the back door. Even Ruckus got in on the barking act. Crazy critters.
Luckily we have a double oven so I was able to cook the meatloaf in the smaller one. I'm having a hard time cleaning all the burned on grease off the regular oven. Yesterday I soaked and scrubbed in-between cooking, washing and sweeping .... dang wet leaves are being tracked into the house by Bob and the critters. I can't teach any of them to wipe their feet before entering. lol lol
I sincerely hope you have a good week. - Judy
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