I can feel Spring!

Bella had her annual check up today...and we went to the park for a bit after. I try to associate vet trips also with something positive....so the park it was. The sunshine felt amazing and I feel spring right around the corner!

howl

I'm working on training Bella to use a radar invisible fence system. It's perfect for apartment living because it sends out a radio signal in a circle around the device instead of having to bury a wire in the ground. So, tonight was the first night I let Bella off the leash and risked her getting shocked. Unfortunately, when I did this, the two dogs that live next door were out and Bella ran after them and learned the hard way. She slowly but surely understood that she had to come to me for safety. I hope I never had to watch her get shocked again because it was horrible. BUT I'd rather see that then see her get hit by a car which could easily happen where we live if she accidentally gets out. Also, I don't want to have to chain her up all the time. So, hopefully she'll remember and quickly be trained to stay within 40 feet of the house!

She was put to the test tonight when a coyote came into the back yard. Bella stayed by the back door and then when he got closer, she ran a few feet and chased him off. Then I was able to get her to come inside. It was a stressful minute or two because I really didn't know what was going to happen. I did know the last thing I wanted to see was her to run after the thing and start to get shocked and appear weak to the coyote. Thank God she didn't go too far and was safe. She only seemed interested in chasing the coyote away, hopefully it stays that way. I think the dog training needs to happen before dusk from now on...the coyotes usually don't come around until it's dark...at least I don't think they do. I'm not a fan of the coyotes. They are known to eat little puppies and kittens and lure the bigger dogs away to join their pack. I don't want to even think about that happening! She'll be going on the chain if she goes out again tonight!

Sleepy head <3

pop art with Bella!

puppy love.

Tick Trauma 101

Alright.

Bella had a tick.  

She's never had one before, so naturally, it freaked me the eff out.  I was petting her, felt a weird bump, moved her hair, and freaked out.  Keep in mind my version of "freaking out" is minimal.  I am a fairly calm person, and so I got up, took Bella by the collar and dragged her into the kitchen where I could see better.  My mom kept asking what was wrong and I couldn't even answer her (hence - me freaking out).

I then put gloves on, Googled "how to remove tick from dog" and began the traumatizing experience.  (Traumatizing for me, not Bella).  I read that I need to use tweezers and apply rubbing alcohol to smoother the tick.  I tried to remove the tick with tweezers, but that wasn't working.  So, when there is no rubbing alcohol to be found, Clean and Clear astringent would have to suffice.  I applied some to the tick and it seems to have done the trick.  I was getting discouraged, so my mom took over with the tweezer removal part, and after the astringent was applied, she was able to remove the whole thing.  Phew.

We flushed the tick, I applied more Clean and Clear to the spot (at least Bella won't have acne)!  Bella wasn't phased by this for a minute.  She just stood still through the whole process, what a good dog :)

I immediately searched for any more ticks on her, luckily I didn't find any.  I ran to the store and bought tick/flea shampoo and topical treatment.  Came home, gave her a bath, and as soon as she is completely dry I'll apply the topical treatment.  

I felt so bad, this is something that definitely can be prevented.  Bella loves to go in the woods though, so I am hoping the topical prevention treatment and weekly tick baths will do the trick from now on!

Anyway, this is a gross blog, but I have to believe I am not the first dog owner who has had to remove a tick ;).  I wanted to make sure to share the astringent tip...it really seemed to loosen the tick's grip on the skin and allowed it to be removed easier!  So, remember that!