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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 36. Go back in thread:
Posted by iris2 on September 17, 2004, at 13:35:00
In reply to Lab results back. Fairly good news., posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 12:02:36
Very happy for you and the dogs. Been hugging mine all afternoon. Give yours a hug from me.
Irene
Posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 16:18:31
In reply to Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 10:01:25
Dinah, I know you don't know me well, if at all, but your post caught my eye. I have three, yes three, kids in college now. My wife and I love each other but the house had become a little quiet. She's allergic to dogs so that seemed out of the question. Then I Googled "hypoallergenic dogs" and discovered that a dog was a possibility. To make a long story short, Gus, a Portuguese Water Dog, entered our life 2 years ago and the house has never been the same since. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, I'd do anything for them - I just have never experienced the companionship and unfailing love that a dog has for its owner. As this is my first dog, I can't imagine what you are facing. I hope the best for you.
Posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 17:44:20
In reply to Re: Lab results back. Fairly good news. » Dinah, posted by Poet on September 17, 2004, at 12:07:47
Posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 17:51:32
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 16:18:31
What a darling!!! I used to be involved with dogs years ago, and I think I remember Portuguese Water Dogs. They're lively and intelligent, right?
I've had dogs all my life, and used to be involved in it as a hobby. That's why I am ending up with a number of dogs, all but one over 12. It won't be long until I only have one dog. It'll be the first time in over thirty years, and I'm not sure what I'll do.
Harry will be the biggest loss though. He's been my little friend for fourteen years now. I know I should be happy I was granted this extra time. I've had him many months longer than they expected. And he's in increasing pain and only seems content on my lap.
And you aren't a stranger, Toph. While I don't post often on the Faith board (as it seems well nigh impossible to post without violating something), I do read it and have long admired your posts. Glad to meet you more directly.
Posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 18:26:40
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell » Toph, posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 17:51:32
I got in trouble of the Faith board myself. I don't get my hand slapped anymore and sometimes I wonder if Bob has molded me into a civil citizen or if I haven't run into a posting that has bugged me lately.
Anyway, lucky for you, Harry and the other dogs that you have each other. We are thinking of another Water Dog as a companion for Gus. Water Dogs are bright and energetic, as you mentioned, so two could be a hand full. I argue that its twice the joy.
Babble is a new thing for me. My illness is thankfully under control and only a minor part of my persona now. Its been interesting here to share a space with others that are struggling with similar challenges that I have faced and that I will always have to be careful about treating.
Posted by zeugma on September 17, 2004, at 19:47:05
In reply to Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 10:01:25
> Harry of course. And I found out this week that two others quite probably have fatal conditions, perhaps not immediately fatal. Further tests are necessary. And my youngest started bleeding in her urine and stool last night for no apparent reason. The vet says we might not know why if it clears up.
>
> I am flattened by the news and have fled to hypomania to escape the implications. I'm terrified that at some point I'm going to be forced to make unspeakable choices because all of this is happening at once, and I haven't the reserves to maintain three seriously ill dogs at once.Hi Dinah, I am terribly sorry for you. Last year my dog died and it devastated me. he was the closest companion during the long period of my illness and was the only member of my family who didn't hold it against me. I can only imagine how you feel right now.
-z
Posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 21:38:53
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell » Dinah, posted by zeugma on September 17, 2004, at 19:47:05
Thank you. And I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard to invest yourself in a being whose natural life expectancy is less than a quarter of ours.
One day soon, I'm going to have to try to remember what was going on im my life when Harry was born and I fell in love. Which is what happened. When my last special love was born, she fell in love with me as soon as her eyes were open, and I fell captive to the intensity of her devotion. I've never been loved like that in my life. But with Harry, he loved everyone till I fell in love with his energy, his outgoing nature, and most of all his inordinate confidence. And he couldn't resist having a slavish admirer, so he fell in love back. :)
Posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 21:41:25
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 18:26:40
Well, clearly I fall into the twice the joy beliver category. :) Or perhaps joy squared. And most love to have company. Our first little dog was the rare exception. She found the next dog and all that followed to be unwelcome interlopers.
Posted by just plain jane on September 17, 2004, at 23:30:57
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 18:26:40
Toph,
YES!!! I agree on two (or more) pups at a time.
I've worked with, raised and trained dogs all my life and find it sooo much better with two, they bounce off each other, console, and understand one another.
Posted by iris2 on September 18, 2004, at 8:43:44
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 16:18:31
Toph,
I am also a dog lover. I have two "boys" George and Tiggie.
Your site was beautiful. I enjoyed looking at your pup and the joy you get from it.
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 18, 2004, at 8:59:25
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell, posted by Toph on September 17, 2004, at 18:26:40
> Anyway, lucky for you, Harry and the other dogs that you have each other. We are thinking of another Water Dog as a companion for Gus. Water Dogs are bright and energetic, as you mentioned, so two could be a hand full. I argue that its twice the joy.
> Babble is a new thing for me. My illness is thankfully under control and only a minor part of my persona now. Its been interesting here to share a space with others that are struggling with similar challenges that I have faced and that I will always have to be careful about treating.
My experience with my oldest "boy" George who is 12. When I was in a psychiatric ward of a hospital and called my pcp(a family freind) to help me he said that I had better find a good reason to live ( I was there because of a suicide attempt). I dreamt of a dog named George. I got out the next day bought a paper and read the dogs for sale on my way home in a taxi. When I got home I called one of the kennels close to my home. She had two pups left and I fell in love with both. At the time I was only allowed to have one pet where I lived. It took over an hour for me to pick George out. He was so tiny he fit into the palm of my hand. He saved my life. He really did and more than just that day. The unconditional love of and for a dog is very healing. Studies have shown that people with dogs live longer happier lives. I have not read your posts on the faith board. I will check them out. As you have had some illnesss and have a love for your dog and a great web page perhaps you should post some here about the healing power of having a dog. It has done wonders for me. Still very depressed and sometimes suicidal. It has prevented attempts a few times. I feel less lonely and even if I do not want to get out of bed I have to to take the "boy" out. Sometimes even when I am feeling terrible I can get myself to pretend to be "happy" laugh and jump around a little to play with the dogs or sometimes just to make them feel better.Irene
Posted by Toph on September 18, 2004, at 17:20:39
In reply to Re: Most of my dogs are unwell » Toph, posted by iris2 on September 18, 2004, at 8:59:25
Iris,
Thanks for sharing your story. George, no doubt, knows how important he is to you and how much you love him. If only we could be so devoted to our loved ones as our dogs are to us. I am bipolar in a major way, needing hospitalization when manic and suicide prevention when depressed. I resisted Lithium as a young adult, unable to accept that I had a chemical imperfection. This arrogance caused me to squander 10 years of my life as I repeatedly fell flat on my face every time I seemed to be getting my act together. With the birth of a son, Matthew, I somehow realized that I had to try whatever would keep me on my feet. I haven't seen those padded restraints in 23 years now thanks to Lithium.The last three years, coincidently (or not so coincidentally) since Matthew went off to Boulder to attend the University of Colorado, I have suffered terrible burnout in my job as a geriatric social worker. I have felt terribly ashamed that, while my interactions with clients are productive, my energy to complete the requisite paperwork is almost non-existent. I'm pretty sure this dysthymia has been helped considerably with my PWD buddy Gus. I will be trying Lamictal soon to see if I can float closer to the surface. Gus (not to slight Matthew, my two girls and my lovely wife) deserves a happier dad.
Posted by Toph on September 18, 2004, at 17:28:28
In reply to dogs » Toph, posted by just plain jane on September 17, 2004, at 23:30:57
> Toph,
>
> YES!!! I agree on two (or more) pups at a time.
>
> I've worked with, raised and trained dogs all my life and find it sooo much better with two, they bounce off each other, console, and understand one another.
>
Hi Jane,
As a matter of fact, the breeder of another Water Dog visited Gus today. Her dog Sydney will mate with Gus when Syd comes into season soon. Gus just finished his AKC championship (I didn't want to mention it because it sounds so snobby). Anyway we are not ready just yet for another dog cause Gus is only 2 1/2. But I don't know how we will resist one of his puppies!
Posted by Dinah on September 18, 2004, at 19:17:23
In reply to Re: dogs, posted by Toph on September 18, 2004, at 17:28:28
Not snobby!! If you have a purebred, and breed, it's very important to measure yourself against the breed standard, which is ideally what dog shows do.
All my little guys are champions. Not my bigger ones. Did you show him yourself or use a handler?
I was the absolutely worst handler in the world and couldn't have gotten a championship on a Westminster best in show winner. Presentation is not my strong suit, and my own gait is very poor which detracted from the dog's. My hind legs are set too close together, and I'm cowhocked. :(
Posted by iris2 on September 18, 2004, at 20:06:06
In reply to Re: Dogs, posted by Toph on September 18, 2004, at 17:20:39
Toph,
I hope you feel better soon. You are doing the most important part for your clients maybe not for the "job" itself though.
I have been so depressed for the last couple of years that I rarely walk my dogs. They only get to go out for about three minutes three times a day. I have a terible guilt, especially about George. The first couple years of his life I worked all day every day and a 10-12 year old neighbor used to come by and get him and spend hours with him in a field and at his friends playing. After he stopped I started taking him to the park several times a week and on the weekends there was a dog club so he would meet up with all his friends. Then five years ago I moved and there is no park. I have become too depressed to walk him much anymore. I know he misses it. Every once in a while I get up a little energy and take him out for ten or fifteen minutes.I feel terrible about it. Just like you I feel that George deserves a happier Mom. If he were a lot younger I would try to find someone else to care for him. I would miss him terribly but I think he would be happier. Not now though he is 11 and he loves me so I don't think he would be happier somewhere else even if he was more active.
You sound like you spend quality time with your dog. Things are not as bad as they seem.
irene
Posted by Toph on September 19, 2004, at 4:28:25
In reply to Re: Dogs » Toph, posted by iris2 on September 18, 2004, at 20:06:06
Yes, Irene, I think George would like a walk, but then he loves to do anything with you, even just hanging out at home. When you're down you know that you have to make yourself do stuff you don't feel like doing. If George could take your pain and make it his, you know he would. Try a walk with him today for him and see if the exercise doesn't help you both a little. (If you don't mind me suggesting).
Posted by iris2 on September 19, 2004, at 9:58:01
In reply to Re: Dogs iris2, posted by Toph on September 19, 2004, at 4:28:25
> Yes, Irene, I think George would like a walk, but then he loves to do anything with you, even just hanging out at home. When you're down you know that you have to make yourself do stuff you don't feel like doing. If George could take your pain and make it his, you know he would. Try a walk with him today for him and see if the exercise doesn't help you both a little. (If you don't mind me suggesting).
My family suggets all the time but for some reason coming from a "stranger" I seem to be taking it better.
I did not sleep most of the might and so I did not feel too good to get up and go to church. I went last week for the first time in about four years. I feel guilty. Not because of where it was just because I always feel guilty if I make plans and then don't follow through. So maybe I can kill two birds with one stone if I walk George and make myself feel less guilty if I do something, especially if it is for George, today. We appreciate that you cared enough to make the suggestion.
irene
Posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 11:14:42
In reply to Re: Dogs iris2 » Toph, posted by iris2 on September 19, 2004, at 9:58:01
I have felt really guilty about not walking my dogs. I know they love it, and the stimulation is so good for them.
I have done a couple of things that have made it easier to walk them.
1. Whatever shoes I'm wearing, and whatever clothes I'm wearing are fine for walking the dogs. I don't have to change my clothes to take them for a walk.
2. It is the act of getting out the door that is important, not how far we go. In the beginning, walking down to the end of the (not very long) driveway and getting the mail with them was enough. I found that I often decided I couldn't take them because I didn't have 30 or 45 or 60 minutes to walk with them. But they really were happier to go out for 5 minutes than to stay in the house.
3. My doctor said to get some exercise even if it hurt (check with your own doctor about your own particular situation).
4. I keep a box of ziplock bags handy, and put 3 in my pocket when I go out. They are smaller than the grocery bags, and contain the odor MUCH better. These are in a drawer right next to the drawer where I keep their leashes (the kind that retract are so wonderful!). Very few things in my house have really set places (particularly in drawers) - but if I had to hunt for the leashes we would never get out.
5. I keep a rubber band handy so I can put up my hair, and have learned when I need a coat and when I don't (I tend to get very hot).
Start slowly, and make the walks longer and/or more frequent as you are *comfortable* with it. The enthusiasm that my dogs have as they sniff their way down the street is a good motivator for me. Plus Fall is a wonderful season - I'll probably not do quite as well in the winter...
Posted by iris2 on September 19, 2004, at 13:59:22
In reply to Re: Walking the Dogs » iris2, posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 11:14:42
> I have felt really guilty about not walking my dogs. I know they love it, and the stimulation is so good for them.
>
> I have done a couple of things that have made it easier to walk them.
>
> 1. Whatever shoes I'm wearing, and whatever clothes I'm wearing are fine for walking the dogs. I don't have to change my clothes to take them for a walk.
>
> 2. It is the act of getting out the door that is important, not how far we go. In the beginning, walking down to the end of the (not very long) driveway and getting the mail with them was enough. I found that I often decided I couldn't take them because I didn't have 30 or 45 or 60 minutes to walk with them. But they really were happier to go out for 5 minutes than to stay in the house.
>
> 3. My doctor said to get some exercise even if it hurt (check with your own doctor about your own particular situation).
>
> 4. I keep a box of ziplock bags handy, and put 3 in my pocket when I go out. They are smaller than the grocery bags, and contain the odor MUCH better. These are in a drawer right next to the drawer where I keep their leashes (the kind that retract are so wonderful!). Very few things in my house have really set places (particularly in drawers) - but if I had to hunt for the leashes we would never get out.
>
> 5. I keep a rubber band handy so I can put up my hair, and have learned when I need a coat and when I don't (I tend to get very hot).
>
> Start slowly, and make the walks longer and/or more frequent as you are *comfortable* with it. The enthusiasm that my dogs have as they sniff their way down the street is a good motivator for me. Plus Fall is a wonderful season - I'll probably not do quite as well in the winter...
Thank you so much for the tips. I always have to feel like I went far enough and I know what you said about going even just a little and not worrying about whether I have my tennis shoes on is better than not going at all.I do keep their leashes and grocery bags and mud shoes for me on the way out the door. If I did not do this I also would have a hard time first getting everything together.
My old therapist used to assign me to go to the gym. All I had to do was get ready and drive there and walk in. I did not have to participate. I always ended up doing something once I got there. Getting to the task is the biggest hurdle.
I'll have to get those kind of bags. I always take grocery bags and they are not so great.
I have a tip perhaps for you.
When I used to walk the dogs for longer periods I went and bought a very cheap nylon fanny pack. I used to put the bags in it while I was walking them so that if they both went I would not have to try and carry two bags with two dogs and also I would not be carrying any bag while on a long walk and it made it more enjoyable.
Thanks again,
irene
p.s. I am going to print your suggestions out and put them on my fridge. They really are great
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on September 20, 2004, at 0:16:26
In reply to Re: Walking the Dogs » fallsfall, posted by iris2 on September 19, 2004, at 13:59:22
I just got a dog. She is a large dog too. I believe she is part pit bull and part lab. Anyway, my question is in regards to the walking. She eliminates a large amount. So, what do you use for pick up? Should I carry around a poop a scoop and the bags with me. When I walk her, I cross my fingers that she has gone in our backyard. I use a metal two part shovel and scoop thing to deposit her feces in the garden. Nasty subject, but I do need to know what to do on the walk. I don't want neighbors to get ticked at me.
Posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 7:50:49
In reply to Re: Walking the Dogs, posted by Shadowplayers721 on September 20, 2004, at 0:16:26
This is the scooping technique I learned from the lady who did the obedience class I went to (and I brought the dogs to the class, but the class was really for me):
Use Ziplock bags because you can close them securely and then they don't smell as you continue your walk. Choose the size that you need. I can use sandwich size (but just barely) for my 20 - 30 pound dogs. You probably will need to use the bigger ones. I have found a big difference in quality between different store generic brands, so it might be worth trying a different store if the first ones you try don't seem to work well (it would get really expensive to use brand name...).
Take the bag and turn in inside out over your hand. Essentially you use the bag like a glove so you can pick up the poops. Then (carefully) pull the neck of the bag over your hand (and the poop) to turn the bag right side out with the poop inside. Think about the way your doctor takes his gloves off, and you'll get the idea. Then you can seal the bag.
Problems I have had:
Gooey - gets stuck in the grass - ugh. The best technique I have found so far it to be very gentle picking it up, so you don't mash it into the grass. Sometimes I can use my fingers and thumb (protected by the bag!) to scoop *under* it. The other technique is to encourage them to use a sandy area near the street instead of taller grass.
Soggy shoes - I wear sandals most of the year even though I live in a not-always-warm climate. Walking through a neighbor's tall grass to retrieve my dog's "present" gets my feet/sandals pretty wet in the morning when there is dew on the grass. I try to wear shoes that are more plastic than leather so the moisture doesn't bother them so much. If I'm wearing shoes that don't want to traipse through the wet grass, I don't give my dogs enough leash when they start acting "ready" for them to go very far into the wet grass. (This, coupled with prefering to pick it up from a sandy area create a good reason to keep them near the street at the critical time)
The worst - The bags I use are sometimes a little bit on the small side, because if it is a large poop, or a particularly gooey one I sometimes have trouble turning the bag right side out without getting the top of the bag gooey. I am skilled enough now to almost always be able to turn it right side out without getting any on *me* - I guess if you are squeemish about this so that you couldn't finish your walk after a minor mishap, carrying a wet-wipe might help (my mishaps are very tiny, but I can't say that they *never* happen). OK, so now you have this ziplock bag with goo in the channels that "zip" it closed, or inside or outside the top of the bag. Ugh. This is one of the reasons why I always bring *3* bags with me. Occasionally one of my dogs will go twice, but this also gives me an extra bag if one gets gooey. I put the gooey bag inside the extra bag and then I have a clean-outside bag to carry.
The 2 dog technique - When I pick up after the second dog I decide which bag has a cleaner top. I put the messier bag inside the cleaner bag so I only have one bag to carry. I do this also when both bags are clean - which really is most of the time.
How to carry it. This is my favorite technique - I hope it can help someone else. With two dogs I have two retractable leashes, so I am using both hands. The dogs cross the leashes frequently, so I have to switch hands to get them straightened out. If I hold the corner of the bag (which, even if the bag isn't perfectly clean is always the cleanest part) between my baby finger and ring finger, then I can switch hands for the leashes without the bag getting in the way. I think that if I were starting out now, that I would bring a grocery bag with me until I felt comfortable with my picking-up technique, so it would be easier to carry. But I hated having the grocery bag swinging around... so I prefer the smaller bags.
Now you know more about the intimate activities of my dogs than you ever wanted to know...
I've been thinking about how I would teach my favorite 8 year old to walk the dogs. She will probably make quite a mess for quite a while. I think I would get a box of doctor's gloves and have her put one on and then use a bigger bag for the pickup. As she figured out how to do it more neatly, she could graduate to smaller bags (which are cheaper, and easier to carry) and not need the glove. I would also definately bring a grocery bag along in the beginning. Alternatively, it might work to use a grocery bag to do the pickup part (more coverage for the hand), but once it is turned right side out, put the grocery bag in a ziplock bag (a big one) for the cleanliness and odor benefits.
Throw the bag in the trash can as you walk past it in the garage when you get home.
P.S. the best scoop I've found for the yard is http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=4566318248&dept_id=%2D2
Posted by Toph on September 20, 2004, at 8:59:31
In reply to Re: Dogs iris2 » Toph, posted by iris2 on September 19, 2004, at 9:58:01
I didn't mean to invoke guilt, I hate that feeling as a motivator. I merely suggested from experience that you can't give in to depression, you have to fight it no matter how dark the veil. While your pdoc helps with the chemistry, you have to keep taking little steps and patting yourself on the back for every painful stride towards recovery. I think you are lucky to have George to accompany you.
Posted by iris2 on September 20, 2004, at 13:04:38
In reply to Re: Dogs iris2 » iris2, posted by Toph on September 20, 2004, at 8:59:31
> I didn't mean to invoke guilt, I hate that feeling as a motivator. I merely suggested from experience that you can't give in to depression, you have to fight it no matter how dark the veil. While your pdoc helps with the chemistry, you have to keep taking little steps and patting yourself on the back for every painful stride towards recovery. I think you are lucky to have George to accompany you.
YOU did NOT invoke guilt. I was merely stating what is my routine feeling. I am grateful for your advice. If I continue to feel guilty it is only because that is something I need to work on. Perhaps that is a good reason to find a therapist. I have not seen a therapist in six years. I think it might be a good time to start working on some of these issues.
I have just begun to feel a little better so I am able to think and sometimes act on things like walking the dogs. Feeling better is absolutely not a constant so I need to make that push when I can but recognise that I am not always able to do it yet and not beat myself up about it when I cannot make myself walk the dogs. If I just do once in a while it is a 100% improvement!
Thanks and keep on walkin,
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 20, 2004, at 13:21:32
In reply to Re: Walking the Dogs, posted by Shadowplayers721 on September 20, 2004, at 0:16:26
> I just got a dog. She is a large dog too. I believe she is part pit bull and part lab. Anyway, my question is in regards to the walking. She eliminates a large amount. So, what do you use for pick up? Should I carry around a poop a scoop and the bags with me. When I walk her, I cross my fingers that she has gone in our backyard. I use a metal two part shovel and scoop thing to deposit her feces in the garden. Nasty subject, but I do need to know what to do on the walk. I don't want neighbors to get ticked at me.
Everything fallsfall said and:1) One suggestion I read in a training book was that you take your dog out to where you want it to go first every time until they get used to going in that particular place. You said you wanted your dog to go in your backyard. So take it to the backyard until it goes. Then after the dog eliminates take it for the walk. It could be at the same time or at another time. As long as the dog learns that he/she is supposed to go in your yard and that the walk is not to eliminate but for fun and exorcise.
2) If you are walking and have to carry the bag, say it goes in your backyard and you decide to continue the walk after that: I bought a cheap nylon fanny pack and put the bag in that so that I do not have to carry the poo bag the whole time I am walking the dog. And it can be thrown right in the washer if or when it gets too dirty.
3) I also have a small trash can with a lid in my garage that I use only for this purpose. That way I can close the lid and bag it all up in the bag in the can on trash day and it does not smell so much.
Have fun with your big "guy",
irene
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on September 20, 2004, at 17:56:04
In reply to Re: Walking the Dogs » Shadowplayers721, posted by iris2 on September 20, 2004, at 13:21:32
This is the end of the thread.
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