Itchies Update

Well Mom was so worried about my red splotchies, that her and Dad shlepped me to the vet man yesterday, eventhough it was Yom Kippur. Mom reckoned God would understand. Interestingly, the vet who owns the clinic is Jewish and he was working too! Maybe people who help animals are holy enough already?

So he examined me and told me I had hives. He said he recalls being in vet school in 1978 and being told that absolutely anything could cause hives. Luckily by the time I got to the vet, the worst of the hives were gone. I got a cortisone shot in my bum as the vet assured Mom and Dad I needed it and it was safe. So I'm keeping paws crossed. So far I am still itchy but no hives. I have had a shot before a year ago, but none of us can remember how long it took to "kick in".

Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes. And thanks to Ricky Pepper for offering me a health sabbatical in their home.

AGC

Could I be allergic to HOME?

While I was staying with Ricky Pepper, my allergies did not flare up and I was fine. No itchies! Now that I am back home, they are back with a vengeance and worse than ever. Mom is so upset - we can't figure out what is making me sick like this!

Today Mom was horrified to notice red welts all over my chest and legs. My whole body is red and blotchy and my eyes are very red. I am so uncomfortable. Look at my skin!!



Mom hasn't used a new shampoo or laundry detergent. She doesn't shampoo the carpets, only vaccuums. I am eating the same food. So what could make me suffer from allergies here but not at Ricky Pepper's place? Am I allergic to the city?

Despite it being Yom Kippur, Mom went to the store at 10PM after synagogue to buy me Benedryl as suggested by a wirey friend. I took one but no improvement yet. Mom also changed all the bedding and turned on the aircon to cool me down because my body feels hot. Mom thinks I may have to go to the vet again tomorrow...today I took my last Temaril P pill...

Please pray for me and ask the Rainbow Bridge Gods to take away my horrid red blotchies and itchies. I'm a good boy, I don't deserve to suffer so.

AGC

I'm BACK!

Hi everyone!
I am back from my vacation with Ricky, Lucy, Chloe and Sophie! I had a very good time as you saw on Ricky's blog and their humans treated me so well! If I can't be home with Mom and Dad, then being with them is the best place I could ever have wished to be. So a very big THANK YOU to them all for two weeks of hospitality and kindness!

Just when I'd given up all hope of ever seeing Mom and Dad again or of going home - I saw my temp Mom packing up my things. I got so nervous I couldn't eat. And then we were all upstairs on Monday evening and I hear the doorbell ring. I started to bark at the top of the stairs but then I heard someone yell, "Hey Axie Pax!," and well I thought my heart and head would burst with joy. I recognized that voice. It was my Dad!! I went tearing down the stairs and threw myself against the screen door. And there were Mom and Dad! They opened the door and we all fell about doing a joyous reunion jig! Oh my friends, it was too wonderful to do justice in words!

Here we are courtesy of Ricki's blog at the moment of reuniting (Mom says to please excuse how hideous she looks - she'd been awake for 30 hours straight!):

We then said our goodbyes and thank you's and off we went, back to our little house on the edge of the big park. Oh happiness it was to run up my familiar front steps. To jump on my couch. To sniff the errant mouse who cannot be caught. To luxuriate in the love of my mom and dad who evidently missed me very very much. I cannot stop smiling. I am just so happy to be home.

Yesterday Mom and Dad did not go to work. Dad took me on a mega 3-hour walk and swim in the morning and Mom took me out later and then to the park to play with my pals who had missed me too. Mom and Dad worked hard the rest of the time unpacking, doing laundry etc - they've hardly had time to download their photos and videos - but here are a few to enjoy:

Mom and Dad at the Pilansberg Nature Reserve - they stayed with Mom's parents at the Bakubung Lodge and saw animals that included a leopard (rare!), elephant, giraffe, zebra, hippo, rhino, buck, warthog, wildebeest, baboons, monkeys etc...

I got a bit jealous when I spotted this picture of Mom hugging a miniature shnauzer named Arial that belongs to her friend's brother. But then I knew that the only reason Mom was looking so happy and hugging her so tight was because she was thinking of ME all the time!


So it's good to be back online, it's good to be home. Life is GRAND!

AGC

Farewell for a While

Dear Friends,

I will not be blogging here for a while. I am going to spend a few weeks with my pals Ricky Pepper, Lucy and Chloe (pictured below in their lovely yard), their four kitty siblings, fishy siblings and hoomans, Cee and Tee. They have very kindly offered to look after me while Mom and Dad are in Africa.

BUT DON'T DESPAIR!!

You can still keep in touch with me via Ricky Pepper, Lucy and Chloe's blog at http://chloerickylucy.blogspot.com/

UPDATE: Ricky Pepper's url has changed because his Mom and Dad just brought a new Doxie named Sophie into their family! New URL is:

http://chloerickylucysophie.blogspot.com/

I will be back online towards the middle of September. To all my Jewish pals out there, Shana Tova - wishing you a happy and healthy new year.
To my mom and dad - safe travels, I will miss you!

AGC

My Middle "Name" and a Cunning Plan

I was tagged by too many wirey friends to mention by name to tell you what my second name is!
I guess as my full name is Axel G Chocholoza Meersand-Slon - I kinda have two middle names. The "G" was bestowed upon me in honor of Mom's very first WFT called Georgie. Mom adored Georgie - she often tells me stories of how Georgie would chase lizards, eat bees, fight the neighbor's dogs through holes in the wall, and most of all, spend lots of time in Mom's family's swimming pool. Mom grew up in South Africa where pools are common - I sure envy Georgie, I have never even swum in a real pool, and I'm two already! Here is a photo of Georgie doing what she loved best:

My other middle name is quite a mouthful to pronounce - Cho-cho-loza is how you say it. Dad can't even say it properly. Mom laughs at him. Mom only uses my full name when she is angry with me! Chocholoza means "sweet little thing" in the South African native black language known as Tswana, spoken by the Batswana people. Mom was very fortunate to be raised by a nanny named Tina, and Tina called Mom her Chocho and often sung to her, a song by the very same name. Mom sings it to me now, but she can't remember all the words...

So there you have it...but sorry, I'm not going to spell out what each letter stands for...it's just too long! I haven't got all day, you know!

But boy, a maltese poodle named Trouble sure does have all day to do anything! And I mean anything. The lucky pooch just netted $12 million left to her in a will by her owner Leona Helmsley! How many Wellness Wellbars and Dingoes could I buy with $12 million? Anyone want to figure that out for me or is it too depressing? I have a cunning plan. Yo, Asta in NYC - try to seek out Trouble and be her friend, then we can divvy up $12 million worth of snacks!! What do you think???

This is going to be my penultimate blog entry for quite a while. I go to my temporary family on Friday night. I am quite nervous, I've been sniffing in Mom and Dad's suitcases and staying close to them both. I know I will be very happy with Ricky Pepper's family, but like anything new, it's a little scary at first...the good news is that you can keep up with my antics by visiting their blog! Mom is very happy about that!

AGC

AGC

My Movie Premiere

Mom and Dad finally bought a videocamera, so now you will be able to see me on film! In my debut movie, you can see me lust after Daddy's ice-cream cone. The ice-cream truck comes past our house every night - I bark my head off at him in an effort to alert Dad that he needs to rush out and buy one! This is mom's directorial debut - so be encouraging. It took them forever to work out how to get it from the camera onto Youtube. Who knew it took HOURS to upload?



AGC

Oh no, Bath time?

The vet gave Mom and Dad special anti-itching shampoo, so they decided to test it out on me today, their helpless guineapig! The minute I heard the bath running in mid afternoon, I just knew what it meant, so I stayed downstairs. But then Dad started making all these eating noises and repeating my favorite words, "snack" and "treat" and gourmand that I am, I fell for it, and went up to investigate.

Once they had me in the bathroom, I still thought I could prevent them from catching me. So I crawled between the tub and the inner wall...

But my luck ran out! Dad managed to drag me out, and the rest is history. Bath. Shampoo. Not much fun, even for me, a dog who usually LOVES water. But as I tried to explain when I was hunkered down behind the tub, bathing and swimming are two different things!!!

When it was all over, I was hoisted out looking like a wet (thinner) rat. Oh I am ashamed to show you this photo. I look like a candidate for the Ugly Dog Contest!



After shaking in the shower, running about and rolling on towels, I jumped on the bed and relaxed while Mom blow dryed me. Ah, I do like that warm machine.



I heard Mom tell Dad that I was in for another bath on Thursday, the night before I go on vacation to Ricky Pepper's house!! I'm sure Ricky Pepper wouldn't care one way or the other if I smelt like roses or poopie! Grrr, parents...I'm looking forward to 2.5 weeks of peace away from them!!! heh heh.

AGC

The Reformed Escape Artist

We wires are known for being escape artists. Open a door, leave a gate open, and the legend is, that we are gone with the wind...off to seek adventures, meet new friends and kill little fury pests.

When I was a wee chap - this described me to a T. If Mom or Dad opened the front door (our only entry point) - I would rush outside, and it would take all sorts of tricks to recapture me (Says Mom: "That is too true Axel. We would have to bring the car around and pretend to take you for a ride or we would have to plow you with treats!").

But I have matured now. I like to stand at the door, gaze out, bark if anyone approaches who I don't like the look of and observe the goings on. Especially if it is hot or wet outside. Don't believe me? I believe the photo on the right is proof enough! I did not bolt after this photo was taken.

God my arse looks big in that photo!

AGC

Itchies Progress Report

I have some good news tonite. I think we are winning the war on itchies! The war is being waged on many fronts, and today for the first time I have not been feeling itchy, have not been scratching. Only occasionally, I will lick my paw, but just for a short time. So thankfully, no more socks!

First, I guess the pills the vet gave me have finally kicked in. I am on Temaril P which contains antihistamines and cortesone; and an anti-biotic 'cos some of the self infliced bites were infected. I also take Skin Formula 3V capsules:



Mom has also made changes to my food. I used to eat regular Natural Balance kibble for adult dogs - Mom now switched me to the Duck and Sweet Potato flavor which is the so-called Allergy recipe. She also dropped from one cup at night to 1/2 - so it's official, I am on diet! God help me!

Mom also took our esteemed pals, Mackie and Finn's advice, and switched to a healthier, grain free vegetarian snack called Wellness Wellbar. Let me tell you, I usually hate these organic sort of treats - they usually taste like shit (excuse me, but it's true. Well partly, I do like some shit - duck for eg. - and trust me, it doesn't taste as good as THAT!). But I digress. So Mom gave me a wellbar, and I must admit, they are delish! I can taste that crunchy granola, apples, yoghurt, bananas. It's yummy. Mom found it at Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck). The 20lb box was $5.99.



Unfortunately, the less healthy treats have been relegated to the closet until further notice. Mom is threatening to just trash them...but I convinced her that a spell on death row was only fair pending total elimination.



As I explained, I haven't been biting my paws too much - but Mom was in Petco today to get my Natural Balance food, when she spotted something on sale. She stood a while pondering whether to purchase the item or not. She knew I would bite her if she ever tried to use this item on me...but she still bought it! She tried to explain that she would have got a more manly color had there been any alternative and that she was just thinking of my best interests should my paws flair up again, especially while they were in Africa...



Can you believe this? Pink booties!!! If ever there was an incentive NOT to bite my paws, this is IT! I would rather smooch with Blanche the Cat then don those things!

So all in all, if we ignore the booties, I am feeling better. The only negatives really are that my meds make me ravenous and tired. And it doesn't help that Mom has cut down on my meals, deprived me of table scraps and decreased my treat intake. When I am feeling especially desperate, I stand over my empty food bowl and cry. This is usually after midnight when Dad is up and Mom is not. Dad is usually sympathetic and gives me some kibble. When I stare at Mom for more food, she offers me green beans from a can or carrots!! The woman has lost her head!

Here I am snoozing on the couch...it's very hot, the meds make me tired...so I have been sleeping a lot more than usual...Now that the folks are tapering down on the Temaril, hopefully I'll get my energy back.



AGC

Fox in Sox (Part II)

So Saturday I went to the vet. I like going to the vet - I run in there! A nice lady vet looked at my pink skin and scabs caused by my biting myself. She was very sympathetic. She walked Mom and Dad through all the options and settled on giving me anti-biotics and a drug called Temaril P which contains predisone and antihistimines. They also checked my poopie, and horrors, found tape worm in the very early stages. Seems the flea who bit me, gave it to me. I could have done without such generosity. And I got two vaccines. I was such a good boy, didn't cry at all. The vet thought I was a marvel. She also weighed me...but I'm not revealing my poundage..suffice to say I am back on diet.

Despite the pills, I am still itchy. Dad took me back to the vet today in the hopes of getting me a cortisone shot (they worked last year but we hoped to avoid it this time 'cos they aren't the healthiest in the long term). But vet said no, it was too dangerous to mix with the Temaril P. So I have shampoo and creams and we are praying the Temaril P kicks in like NOW!

In the meantime, I have been biting my paws so badly tonite, that Mom and Dad decided to revisit the socks. This time Mom cut an old pair of Dad's socks and taped the socks around my paws. I look silly!



At first, I just sat on the couch and wouldn't budge. Then Mom went upstairs and she cannot go unescorted, socks or no socks, so I ran up with her, and then ran up and down the passage like a wild man (in socks). This sucks! I hope they don't expect me to go out on my morning walk sporting these ridiculous apparitions! Anyone know how I can get these off!!! My life will not be worth living if Blanche sees me in these things!! Email me!

On a lighter note - my astute pals Big Foot Fletch and Maxie sent me this link to the most astounding short video. It tells the somewhat bizarre story of a family in South Africa who have a HIPPO named Jessica as a pet!! After you watch this video, Mom says we look rather banal in comparison! I am not quite sure I would like to share my house with a hippo, but the bull terriers in the video, seem happy enough (except the one who gets stepped on. Ouch!)

AGC

The "Other" Nemesis Next Door

For those of you who are avid readers of my blog, you will all recall how last year the horrid neighbor to our right called Animal Control and then the Cops on me for allegedly barking in an incessant fashion. I don't want to dwell on it, but suffice to say that relations are now "cordial" - the parents greet him and vice versa (sometimes). I still scowl at him. I do not forgive him easily for the stress he put us through calling the authorities...

To make matters worse for me - said horrid neighbor has an equally HORRID cat. Now I would like to know why female dogs are called bitches, female humans are called bitches, but there are no such names for female cats? If ever there was a cat who earned the title BITCH, it is Blanche the Cat, spawn of horrid neighbor to our right.

From my earliest days here, Blanche has been nasty to me. She was the first cat I encountered. She would pretend to be friendly, drop to the ground near my feet, roll over in an overt expression of "come and play with me". Then the minute I got near, WHAM, she would jump up and swipe me with her fierce clawed feet and emit this horrible hissing sound! The first time it happened I was a wee pup and I nearly died of fright. Since then, I cross the street to avoid her on my walks and keep my distance. Isn't it funny how horrible neighbor would have horrible cat...
(Luckily Gracie's feline siblings and Pepper-Ricky's feline siblings, were kind and nice, so I don't have this horrid impression of all cats, just Blanche!)

So yesterday, the parents are I were hanging out outside. I had my leash on but I wasn't tethered to the railing as Mom and Dad were right next to me and I never run away anyway...I have matured. I was just minding my business on the sidewalk, when Blanche pounced on the end of my leash and commenced taking it in her paw like she was going to take me for a walk!! I shuddered at the thought!


I didn't know what to do! I looked pleadingly to the parents for help, but they were laughing! Loudly! So I faked bravado, and jumped towards her and (after checking for traffic) ran after her into the road!
And still she persisted in trying to grab my leash. Well, by this time, I was so mad, I growled at her and ran away! I will never understand that freaky feline - was she trying to be friendly or was she trying to ambush me, grab my leash and take me somewhere like the railway tracks down the road. I could totally see her tying me to the tracks. Maybe horrid neighbor has programmed her to commit nefarious deeds upon my "person".

What do you think? I'd especially like to hear from dogs who live with cats!

AGC

Solutions to Itchies: the Good and the Silly

So I'm still itching despite trying to wash my paws in that Nizoral shampoo (it did seem to help for a while) and giving me Benedryl. Mom and Dad are at their wits end. I'm keeping them up at night with my noisy scratching or biting.

So the parents came up with DRASTIC SOLUTION #1 (suggsted by my wiry pal Gussie - gee thanks pal!):
Socks on a fox? I think not. Gus's Mom did recommend baby socks, but none were available and they were desperate. So they used Dad's long socks. Dad figured that if they were over my "elbows", I'd be less able to take them off.

Well, I think you'll agree that that was a really stupid idea. I sat still for about 15 minutes too afraid to walk or move. Then I jumped off my couch and got them off in under 10 seconds. I figured if I stood on the end and walked forward, they would fall off. I was right!!

As DRASTIC SOLUTION #1 was a dismal failure, the parents came up with DRASTIC SOLUTION #2: Give the dog a bone!

Now friends I'm sure it will come as no surprise when you hear that this was pretty successful for about TWO whole hours. I forgot my itchies and tucked in to this yummy marrow bone.

I think the parents are intending to shampoo my paws again tonite as they are both red and swollen...that's ok with me as long as they don't put me back in socks!!!

AGC

Just when you think you've had the worst haircut in the world...

Thanks to my pals Bobby and Emmy from St. Paul, MN for sending me this photo of a poor wiry girl named Maggie with a WORSE haircut than mine!

Friends - look at that tail!!! What was the groomer thinking? Maybe he wasn't thinking due to the absence of a BRAIN. Or maybe her previous owner thought she bought a poodle and not a wire?

Bobby and Emmy found Maggie on Petfinder. She is only 4 years old and in need of a loving forever home. She is located in Ohio. If you can offer Maggie love (and better grooming) - please click to her Petfinder profile.

AGC

I'm so ITCHY I could scream!!

Those unbearable itchies are BACK and I can't stand it. All day long I'm forced to scratch, scratch, scratch or bite my paws. Mom and Dad are very sympathetic...they are giving me Benedryl disguised in all sorts of yummy stuff like cream cheese and peanut butter...but I think the pills make me feel goofy, tired like.

Today at a friend's suggestion Mom bought a shampoo called Nizoral - it's an anti-dandruff shampoo for humans, but this friend swears it helped her dogs' itchy paws. So I hear my humans are going to bathe my paws in it tomorrow. I'm so uncomfy and my paws are red - so I'm willing to go along with it. They may also double my Benedryl dosage...great, I'll be a stoner all day instead of just half the day!

But it would go down better if it too would be accompanied by cream cheese or peanut butter. Hint hint!

AGC

Of Dogs, Cats, Fishes and the Nicest People Ever!

What a fun weekend! I got to play with many friends. Have I told you about my friend Basil, a little hairy Cairn terrier? He is a crazy fella - full of energy and spunk. I can barely keep up with him. My dogwalker P was watching him for the weekend so she brought him over to play. We raced up the stairs and started wrestling on Mom and Dad's bed. Mom was rather nervous as Basil is a Pee-head - he is forever peeing everywhere...but we forgive him in the main, 'cos he is so cute. But Mom would not have appreciated pee on the bed...so our stint there was brief:

Today, Mom and Dad took me to visit my cousin Pepper, now known as Ricky Pepper - it was so nice to see him again and to meet his sisters Lucy and Chloe and many kitty siblings and fishies! Boy, his parents sure are animal lovers, and they have a great house and back yard to play in. I was mad at Dad for refusing to drive me to Massachewsits to visit Gracie when the parents go to South Africa soon - and frankly, I got really nervous when we went to check out a kennels two weeks ago. I can't imagine staying there for 20 days separated from humans and dogs alike. So I am VERY happy to report, that Ricky Pepper's wonderful parents have offered to take me into their home and look after me while my parents are away. I think I will be very happy to stay with them and to have such great friends to play with. Mom and Dad are ever so happy and relieved -- we all agree we couldn't hope to find nicer people to watch over me!

Here I am with Ricky Pepper - see how he's grown! We were both smiling at Cee, Ricky Pepper's Mommy and hoping she had a snack up her sleeve..



Here the two doxies - Ricky Pepper and Lucy (8 months) check out my private parts - it was mighty weird being the tallest guy in the house!




And here you can see Chloe the Beagle - she's more or less my age, bit older and she likes to bark!

And finally, here I am checking out one of three cats that share the house. I like kitties and look forward to making their acquaintance in the future...

After meeting these wonderful people and creatures, I came home, jumped up onto my favorite spot, and went to sleep while the Food Network played in the background (I prefer it to Animal Planet anytime! Scrumptuous!).

AGC

The Best of Times!

The folks and I returned today from 5 glorious days vacation. I'd like to tell you all about it!

On Saturday, after packing up the car, Mom put a new contraption on me and fastened me practically to the back seat. I am partial to riding next to Dad in the front, so I started whimpering and letting my malcontent feelings known. Dad told Mom to ignore me. But dear old Mom couldn't take me being so unhappy, so she clambered into the back and released me from my bonds. I spent the rest of the journey with Mom on her lap while Dad assumed Taxi driver status.

After lots of traffic and stopping at Arby's on the way, we pulled up to a curious looking cabin in a little town called Townbank in Cape May County.



I hopped inside and took a look around. By the time I got to the couch, Mom had already covered it with a sheet to protect the dear couch from ME. I still liked it though, I had a good view from the top of the couch and from the front door.



I also checked out the big outside yard, it was awesome! I especially liked the patio furniture:



But the thing I liked BEST about this vacation was the BEACH! It was just two short blocks from our home - Dad told Mom it was the Delaware Bay. I had never seen so much water in all my days. Look how beautiful! And did I mention that they WELCOME dogs on this beach? Any time of day and night as long as we are leashed (but so few people were about, and I am so well behaved, that I was frequently allowed to run free!) . Mom loved that there were few people on the beach - it was far from the maddening vacation hordes!



On our first day we headed to the beach with all the necessary paraphenalia - umbrella, chairs, towels and lots of snacks! Mom wasn't sure if I'd behave myself - she thought I might want to gad about and be a pest. Oh ye of little faith Mother! I really showed her...I was such a good boy. I was allotted my own blue towel in between Mom and Dad's chairs and I sat there and just took in the scene...

And of course, I SWAM and I SWAM in the big enormous ocean, uh, bay! At first I was a little scared as the water ran towards and away from me. Here you can chart my progress from tentative at first to sea hound. Mom thinks I look like a spazzy otter at the end - I didn't care, I was having a blast in the deep water - I couldn't even stand half the time.



When we got home from spending hours at the beach...I collapsed on my spot and went to sleep!


On another day, Mom and I just hung out in the big backyard. I like to be with either Mom or Dad at ALL times. I need to keep them out of mischief. So when Mom took her chair and read in the sun, I insisted on having my own chair alongside her:



And as this was MY vacation - why else would they have chosen to holiday at a dog-friendly beach - I expected to be served an afternoon tea of crumpets and strawberry jam.



Ok, that's just a little fantasy of mine - that's what happens when you leave me at home all day and I have to watch too many GEIKO commercials!

After 5 amazing days, it was time to come home to Philly. There had been no bathtub at the cabin (see, very dog friendly too!) so despite all the sand and surf, I never endured more than a bit of a shower (it was easy to run away). So not an hour were we home and BOOM, into the bathtub! I watched the remnants of my holiday go down the drain...and had a moment of deep longing to be back on the beach. I guess it's just tiny fountains for me now, Gosh, how depressing after that godly ocean mass.

Friends, I must impress upon you to keep Townbank a secret! SHHH! We don't want every four-legged creature flocking there with their humans in tow...let's keep this dog-friendly town to ourselves, Fox Terrier Town, USA (and a few of our non-foxie friends).

AGC
Avowed Beach Bum
Future Mayor, Townbank NJ

PS When we got home there was a message from Petsmart! It seems Mom's letter to Corporate did help some. They came back to us with an offer of a $100 Petsmart giftcard. Mom and Dad decided to accept it and call it a day. I"m going to be in snacks for a very long time!!!