No Words: Dr. Sophia Yin

Last night I learned the very sad news that the well loved animal behavior expert and veterinarian Dr. Sophia Yin had passed away.  She was truly a hero to me and all animals.  There are no words. 

None. 

Lump Watch - Part 2

Very nervous time around here...

My lump grew to five times it size and my tail somehow became wider. Went back to see the vet and they did a cytology test on the area.  After 2.5 days I finally received results that (thank God!) it was not cancerous. We learned the cells showed a lot of inflammation and I was given a topical spray. I also was told to put cool towels in the area in hopes that the swelling will go down. 

One thing I want to mention - VERY IMPORTANT: The doctors placed a bandage around my entire tail to contain the blood, etc. Unfortunately, the very adhesive portion of the bandage was taped by the bare portion of my tail underneath.  That's right, next to my behind.  So, when Momma and Daddy tried to remove it, I yelped quite loudly. Sadly, that was two++ inches of tape in the area and -- not to mention -- my entire tail.  Quite painful. 

Daddy spent a lot of time cutting around the tape and several portions were stuck... two types of tape were used - the non stick bandage and actual bandage tape on the tip and near my hind area.  Oooh the agony!  After cutting around and me being stressed over it for 1/2 hour whilst they tried to remove it - Momma had a revelation -- Baby Oil!  

That's right!  She bathed my ENTIRE tail in Johnson's Baby Oil (I'm so thankful!) and within seconds, the bandage tape just slid right off my skin and the rest of my tail. I was a little red and sore from before, but now happy! So...now we know!  Good tip if this happens to you or perhaps if a band aid is used on your own skin. 

Now if only my tail would go back to normal... still waiting... stay tuned!

WW: Tinley Park's 1st Annual Pet Parade

Getting ready at spot #17

Almost ready to march -- right by the marching band - lucky us!

Tail Waggin' Tutors - Reading Program in October

The Paws to Read program has sadly finished for the year.  It was such great fun and I met so many people - so sad to see it end!  As you may recall from a post a few months ago on the therapy dog visits:   Therapy Dog Visits

Making a new friend at New Lenox Public Library earlier this summer.
This photo was featured in the New Lenox Patriot newspaper!

We were able to visit several new libraries and now we're hoping the libraries will consider more therapy dog visits throughout the year.  Just this past week I met Matthew (Hi Matthew - woof! woof!) at Acorn Public Library in Oak Forest.  We had great fun napping listening while children read to us some wonderful books.  A lot of them were about dogs!  Next month will be a very exciting month because we get to wear Halloween costumes!  My friend Pita the Princess Chihuahua will be joining me and Birdie Girl to read with kids.  Pita recently earned her reading with kids certification from Sit Stay Read - it will be great fun having her join us. Call the libraries to schedule a time to read!

Saturday, October 11, 2014 New Lenox Library

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Crestwood Library 

Thursday, October 30, 2014 Acorn Public Library

WW: My New Yellow Bow Tie!

 Got this new bow tie and collar from Sophisticated Pup in my favorite color - yellow!

Does this bow make me look tough?

Vet Visit & Lump Watch

Last week I had the great misfortune that my Momma found a dry, flaky, yellow substance on my back.   Then she continued to examine my body for more.  And lo and behold, she found a suspicious lump on top of my tail.    This of course, put me in a pickle  -  because now she thought every horrible thing possible.  Lucky for me, it was too late in the evening to go to the doctor right then.  However, Momma clearly stated that she was taking me to  Midwest Animal Hospital during lunchtime the next day and getting my scootin' behind done as well (lucky me, not!). Ugh.   Let's just say I was none too happy during the visit - can you tell?... (clearly refusing to look at Momma or her pesky camera)...

In the waiting room... someone appears to have left an old receipt on the seat... 
pick up after yourselves, people!

First thing they do around here is check one's weight... hmph!

It appears (they claim) I have gone from 8.7 to 9.5lbs - I demand a recheck! Who's in charge around here?

Hangin' on tight.  Not looking forward to this.  Momma makes me look at the house parrot.

House Parrot keeps saying 'Hello'  or I think he really means, "Hell No!" 

Dr. Geisler carefully inspects the area where Momma found the yellow flaky substance.. 

Dr. Geisler was very gentle  with me, I barely felt a thing (though I was still a little nervous). 

Close-up of  lump location, top of tail...

See that table? Those are my paw prints from being all nervous.  
(I was taken away for a moment to clear up the scootin' itch.)

Dr. Geisler explains that the flaky areas may be due to my allergies (dermatitis) and advises us to take a specified chihuahua sized dose of Benadryl.  Follow that with a gentle oatmeal bath to help clear things up.  She also indicated the lump on the tail maybe due to an irritation.  At this time we can take an antibiotic she's prescribing to help clear it up.  In the meantime, we will keep an eye on the lump to ensure it does not grow.  But she thinks it will not, and the small swell will go away.   Thanks for being so kind and gentle with me Dr. Geisler!