Mama Pajama

Buster's Surgery Update

   We just heard from the Vet Surgeon that Buster's bladder stone was successfully removed. He had told us this morning that he might end up needing a more complicated surgery due to the location of the stone(s) but he ended up not needing that.  I never thought we'd be spending this much money on a dog...but he's part of the family.  At least this was a problem with a clear solution. We are going to pick him up tomorrow morning - coming off of pain meds, I'm sure. That should be interesting!  Poor B.

Buster's Surgery

Well, tomorrow Buster is having his bladder stone surgery. Today he went for an ultrasound (they couldn't see the stones on the vet's x-ray) and we were able to see the actual stones.  Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.  Cameron is so attached to Buster now. I really think he'll be fine. He's a tough little dog.

Air Buster

"Live from the Astrodome....in Houston Texas....it's Buckin' Bronco Buster....." - that's Buster's cue to find that toy and play this game. He's been doing this for the past six years.  I have pictures of him doing this when he was a tiny little puppy.  Too bad they aren't digital, or I'd post them.  Chris plays this really rough game with Buster at least once a week, and Cameron never gets tired of watching it.  But, it is too hard on the arms for me to do it with him!

Not Again!

Our Westie, Buster (right) might have bladder stones again. We noticed that it is taking him a long time to urinate. Also, today we saw a little blood that dripped on the floor.  We are bringing him to the vet tomorrow morning.  The vet saw bladder stones several months ago and he was put on a special food to help dissolve them.  It seemed to work, but now he's showing signs of this problem again.  We'll obviously know more tomorrow.  He's such a good dog - I hope he's OK!

Cutest Pet Contest!

BringYourPet.com is hosting a Cutest Pet Contest.  All you have to do is complete the registration form and then email a photo of your pet by April 30, 2008.  Their staff will narrow down the choices, and then visitors to the site will choose the winner!  If your pet wins, you'll receive $200 and the photo will be shown on their site.  What a fun contest! I can't wait to send in a photo of Buster...but which one?

Buster Update

Buster was diagnosed with having bladder stones a couple of weeks ago. Since then, he's been a on a special food that might be able to dissolve them, along with an antibiotic.  But you'd never know there's anything wrong by looking at him!  He's still chasing the mockingbirds out of our backyard and enjoying the cool but sunny weather.  The only thing bothering him right now is that when I open the door to let him back in the house, the smoke alarms keep going off because of all the wind outside.  I guess it changes the pressure in the house or something.  He goes back for another x-ray in about a week and we'll know if they are dissolving or not.  If not, he'll probably require surgery.  Let's hope they go away on there own.  Has anyone ever had a dog with bladder stones???

Poor "B"

Well, we took Buster to the vet today to get his teeth cleaned for the first time. But unfortunately (or fortunately) the vet noticed that there was a small amount of blood in his urine.  After doing x-rays, he discovered that he has kidney stones.  He put him on a new type of food and hopefully they will go away.  I'm glad he caught it early, but he still may need surgery in the future. 

Almost Our New Baby

  We were about an inch away from picking up this beautiful little Yorkie Boy.  The owner is a college student that doesn't have enough time to spend with her two young puppies. (She also has a female that is the same age - 9 months old).  I spoke with her on the phone (for once it was not a scam!) and she sounded just as sweet as she could be. She really wants to make sure that the people that buy her puppies plan to keep them forever.

We were all set to meet her at a Petsmart and introduce the male puppy to our dog, Buster.  The only problem we have is that Yorkie Boy is not really potty trained. He uses those puppy pads and he still needs to go out overnight.  As much as that wouldn't have bothered us before, with Cameron crawling all over the house now, it would just be too much.  We already get up in the middle of the night to give Cameron an extra bottle, and the thought of cleaning up after a dog at that time just seems like a lot.  The reason that we want a little bit older dog is so that we can hopefully find one that is potty trained.  I think we're finally ready to stop looking for now. I think we should focus on being grateful that Buster is such a good boy now!

Weekend Snapshot: Buster the Cat

Buster just got groomed about a week ago, so he's always a little bit cold.  This weekend I found him buried under the sham pillows. It's not a bad place to hide, since Cameron can't climb up onto the bed yet.  Sneaky dog.

Another Pet Scam!

OK. We're officially done with looking for a pet online.  Even the "adoptable pet" from someone's home (through Petfinder.com) ended up being a scam.  The dog was supposedly in Dallas, but when we practically agreed to come and get her, she told us she was actually in Wisconsin and would "ship" the dog after we paid about $300.  Sure, I'll do that as soon as Britney Spears gets the Mother of the Year Award.  After watching the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet yesterday,  we remembered how fun Westie puppies are. So, we might just wait and get another Westie later on.  They are very high energy, very fun, but very challenging.  If you get the alpha male(Buster), you'll really have your work cut out for you. :) For now, the puppy search is on hold. 

Not a Good Fit

Well, I submitted our on-line application for the Westie Rescue Shelter in our area.  We thought we had found the perfect pooch for us, a three year old, named Molly.  She looks almost exactly like Buster, and it said she loves to play ball, etc.  The only problem is that we have a young child in our home. They will only give this dog to a family without small children.  You see, she bit a toddler in her home, and that is why the owner gave her up.  I was so thankful that those running the rescue were willing to divulge this type of information.  I was impressed and appreciative. Hopefully we will eventually be able to find a perfect match for us.

Puppy Scammers

Last week I mentioned that we were thinking about getting another dog.  So, I've been checking out local animal rescues and the classifieds on-line.  So far, my first two inquiries have been obvious scam operations.  How stupid do they think people are?  One Yorkie,  that was originally supposed to be in the Houston area, was actually in Africa.  All we have to do is send the money and they'll ship the poor little dog all the way over here.  Right.  The other one wanted money shipped first, and then the "perfect dog" will magically arrive on our doorstep the next morning.  Both of these claim to be very young puppies, but they are housetrained, wonderful with kids, in perfect health, etc.  Sometimes if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Petfinder seems very legit, so we are hoping to find a Yorkie, Maltese, or Westie that someone wants to place up for adoption.  Has anyone ever adopted a pet through using Petfinder?

Another Dog

We have recently started entertaining the notion of getting another dog.  Buster is a Westie, and he was possibly the worst dog to train ever, in the history of the world. So, the thought of potty training another one is what's holding me back. We really  like the Bichon Frise (right). Now there are so many mixed breeds with the Bichon, so that might be what we eventually get.  But, I've read that Bichons are very hard to train.  (AAAHH!)  I like the Cavashon (Cavalier King Charles mixed with Bichon - (left).  Our neighbor down the street has one, and she also has two little boys.  She has told me that he's great with the kids.  I also like the Havanese breed.  They are just so cute and cuddly.  Any suggestions on small, non-shedding dogs that love kids?                                                                                                                                   

Bringing Your Pet?

Whenever we go out of town, we're pretty spoiled. My parents usually take care of our dog, Buster.  We've only boarded him a couple of times in six years.  But, my in-laws always bring their miniature American Eskimo with them whenever they take a trip.  It's important for them to know about the best Pet Friendly Hotels.  Luckily, there's a great site for locating these hotels.  At www.officialpethotels.com, you can find the perfect spot for the "entire" family, including your pets.  All you have to do is enter in the city where you'll be staying, along with the number of nights that you'll be needing the room. It's all very simple and so helpful! 

Baby Buster

Recently I found this picture of "B" while I was searching through a drawer.  This was the day we went to "just visit" the puppies.  But, of course, once you see a puppy, it's virtually impossible not to want to bring him home.  He was such a cutie. That's how they lure you in. But, oh was he bad. Male Terriers are not easy to train... just in case you were wondering. But he was and is still a very loving and loyal dog. 

Televets

Buster is our West Highland White Terrier. It's hard to believe that he's already almost six years old. I remember when he was just a little four pound puff of white hair. He can be a handful, but we love him so much.  It's been really neat to watch Cameron interact with "B".  We are good about bring Buster to the vet for his yearly shots, and when he gets ear infections.  He is very prone to them whenever we bathe him.  But, sometimes, I have simple, non-emergency questions that I wish I could have answered without paying for a vet visit. Recently I was wondering about his itchy skin. At www.televets.com I can submit my question, and I know I'll get a reply back within twenty four hours.  I only have to pay a $6.00 one time fee, but I can keep corresponding back and forth with the pet advisor  until I am satisfied. The pet advisors consist of vets and veterinary nurses that have years of experience in dealing with pet issues.  Or, I can just check to see if someone else has already typed in the same question before, and if so, I can read it for just $1.00.  I love our regular vet, but his prices aren't cheap!

Weekend Snapshot #7: Buster's Bliss (Fall is HERE!)

Buster is in love with the fantastic weather we've been experiencing. During the day, the temperatures have dropped from the usual 90 degrees to around 65 degrees. Cameron and I have been enjoying our morning walks as well. If only this weather would last year round!

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Do You Pamper Your Pet?

Since our son was born, we've cut down on what we spend on our West Highland White Terrier, Buster. We used to buy him everything that was ever made for dogs.  He's had to learn to share the love, much like an older brother or sister when a new baby is born.  No, he's not happy about it.  But, he's coming to terms with the fact that Cameron is here to stay.

TheGildedPaw.com is the place to find everything you need to spoil your pet. It is a classy pet boutique offering luxury items that will be sure to make your dog or cat feel extra special. They have everything from dog beds to airline approved cat carriers. They also have things like clothes, lap mats, and toys.  Christmas is coming, so don't forget your four legged friends!

Weekend Snapshot #3: Puppy Love

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Heads or Tails #6: Pets

  This week, the theme is pet(s) or pet peeves.  Well, I just did a post about Buster, our Westie.  And this gives me an excuse to write another one! Don't you just hate people that go on and on about their pets like they are people (hahaha - a pet peeve).  Don't worry, that's the last joke of the day for me.

To read more about Buster and his latest adventure with BFTC, click here.  I wish I had noticed the topic for this week or I would have waited to share that story. Now someone might actually read it (haha). 

Head on over to Skittles' Place to participate in the Heads or Tails Meme and join in the fun.  You can even join the blogroll!  Weekly topics are listed on her site.

   

Weekend Snapshot #2: I Know I'm Cool

                                          

   

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

The Holidays are Almost Here!

I can't believe that October is almost here!  I can't wait for Halloween. Cameron's going to be a pirate this year.  But, that also means that Christmas will be here before we know it. Chris and I have already started buying each other really practical gifts for Christmas. The days of buying each other jewelry or cool electronics are long gone.  But, since I am staying home now, we have to be a lot more practical about money.  Thank goodness for couponchief.com.  This is a one stop coupon and discount resource for lots of the most popular stores.

If I could buy anything I wanted this Christmas, here's what I would buy each member of my family:

I would use Home Depot coupons to get my husband a new gas hot water heater.  Ours is getting old, and he's always talking about getting a new one. While I'm there, I could also get myself the GE Profile™ Energy Star® 25.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator with Externa (yes, I know exactly which one).

For Cameron, I'd like to get him the Learn and Groove Musical Table by Leap Frog.  I just found the KB Toys coupon codes. Cameron loves his Baby Tad, and I love the quality of Leap Frog products. 

The last time we took our dog, Buster, in to be groomed, I saw some really great Pet Smart deals. I would buy him a Corduroy and Sherpa Bolster Dog Bed. Buster isn't happy unless he's sleeping in a recliner or on the couch, so it would be great if he had his own super comfortable spot (where he wouldn't be bothered by a two year old).

Buster: Scared of Cats?

Buster is our five year old West Highland White Terrier.   He was our first baby and our first love.  Terriers are known for their feistiness.  They are stubborn and loyal by nature.  Buster is no exception.

He spends his days lounging around the house, taking several long naps throughout the day.  But, Buster waits all day for his evening walk.  When he sees me looking for my shoes, or when he gets that first whiff of mosquito repellant, he loses it.  He barks and runs around just as fast as he did when he was a puppy. In fact, he gets so excited that it's almost impossible to get the harness around his neck.  Finally, we're off.

Buster likes certain "poles" to mark his territory. Like most male dogs, Buster has quite an ego.  He likes to "go" on corners of fences where dogs reside.  He prefers gas lights to fire hydrants, and light poles to mail boxes.  He lives for this twenty minutes of dog heaven.

On our walks, there are several cats that make their presence known. Some peek above fences, while others brazenly sit in the middle of "his" sidewalk.  Buster hates cats.  He goes crazy if he hears one in our front bushes.  He can run at the speed of light to chase one out of our backyard.  But, that was before he met "the big, fat, tan cat."

According to my husband's report last night, Buster came face to face with BFTC.  She was parked at the end of her own driveway.  Buster could not resist walking right up to her.  Upon approaching her, she stood up, hissed, and actually growled at Buster.  What did our strong, tough, stubborn Westie do? He just meekly walked past her, giving her the respect she had finally just earned.

What a puss.

Our First Love

Five years ago, my husband and I decided it would be fun to get a dog.  We weren't sure which breed would be best suited for us, so we did a little research online.  My first instinct was to get a Bichon Frise, or some other small, nonshedding, cute breed.  I grew up with poodles, so I wanted a dog that would not only sit in my lap, but would also love to play.  We looked in the newspaper and online, and eventually decided that a West Highland White Terrier would be a great fit for us.  Fiesty, fun, cute, barely sheds...perfect.  We also thought a girl would be sweeter and easier to train.  Well, we went to visit the puppies, and found out that the only girl had already been chosen.  We picked our favorite male puppy, and marked his little fur with fingernail polish.  When my last day of teaching for the year was over, we rushed over to pick up our sweet little puppy.  We still aren't sure if he's the one we picked (the polish had mysteriously vanished), but we certainly loved him right away.  He became the center of our universe.  He may have been the worst behaved puppy ever, but five years and hundreds of bottles of Incredible Carpet Cleaner later, he is the companion we always wanted.  And, our little boy loves him just as much as we do.