Dog Food Recall - Liver Failure!

See the Diamond Pet Foods web site http://www.diamondpetfoods.com and CNN report http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12 22/dog.deaths/index.html?section=cnn_mostpopular for additional information.

Media Statement Diamond Pet Food


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2005

Media Contact:
Mark Brinkman, Diamond Pet Food
573/229-4203

Diamond Pet Food has discovered aflatoxin in a product manufactured at our facility in Gaston, South Carolina. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus
flavus, on corn and other crops.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have notified our distributors and recommended they hold the sale of all Diamond Pet Food products formulated with corn that were produced out of our Gaston facility (see complete list below). Please note that products manufactured at our facilities in Meta, Missouri and Lathrop, California are not affected. The Gaston facility date codes are unique from other Diamond facility codes in that either the eleventh or twelfth character in the date code will be a capital "G" (in reference to Gaston). The range of date codes being reviewed are "Best By 01-March-07" through Best By "11 June-07". Diamond's quantitative analysis records substantiate that Diamond's corn shipments were definitively clear of aflatoxin after December 10. As such, "Best By 11-June-07" date codes or later are not affected by this notice.

States serviced by our Gaston facility include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (eastern), Main, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia.

We are rapidly analyzing retained samples of all products produced in Gaston so we can isolate specific lot numbers impacted and provide this information to our distributors, retailers and customers as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, if your pet is showing any symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea, please consult your veterinarian immediately.

Product quality and customer satisfaction are important to us. We pledg to keep you updated as new developments occur.

Gaston Facility Products Removed From Sale
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog
Country Value High Energy Dog
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Senior Dog Food
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Adult Dog Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food

Goodbye, SSD Bond

SSD Bond went into formal training tonight.



He was ready, I, on the other hand, was not.

After crying for a few minutes, Winston and I decided to get some napkins. Mid retrieve, the UPS man showed up. Winston, likes to act as if the UPS man is his #1 enemy. Charging him, with napkins in his mouth, was by far, the most threatening move he could make. The UPS man takes a step back, only to look up and notice me, just recovering from sobbing, and now laughing. The poor man comes in with the most derranged look on his face, trying so hard to understand my verbal directions that are being confused with sniffles that are in desperate need of the tissues in Winston's mouth. Alas, the package is in the doorway, my napkins were distroyed and we just finished getting new.

Life will be rough without SSD Bond.

Holiday Related Safety!

Dog Safety Tips For Christmas And The Holidays Brought to you by *Pup Life*

Dog Safety Tips For Christmas And The Holidays

Be sure to make this holiday season safe and enjoyable for everyone in your family by observing the following dog safety tips:

Dogs and Christmas Trees
If you have a live Christmas tree, keep the water stand covered. Pine sap mixed with water makes a poisonous drink for your pet. The smell of a live or artificial tree may cause your pet to urine-mark it. It may help to bring the tree into an isolated indoor room for a day or two, so that it smells more like "home."

Secure Christmas trees to a wall or ceiling hook with sturdy fishing line. This will help prevent the tree from toppling over should your dog jump on it or accidentally knock it over.

Dogs and Christmas Ornaments
Pick up any ornament hooks, tinsel, or ribbon that fall on the floor. Your pet
could experience serious internal injuries if any of these items are ingested. If you have a dog or cat that is tempted to play with the ornaments on your tree, decorate the bottom third of the tree with non-breakable, plastic, or wooden ornaments, or decorate only the top two-thirds of your tree. Make sure that your dog has plenty of dog toys available, so they do not become bored.

Dogs and Holiday Treats: Be Extra Careful
Keep holiday treats and candies out of your dog's reach. Additionally, remember to move out of reach any wrapped gifts under your tree that may contain food items. People food, especially in excess, can make your dog sick. Chocolate, onions, raisins, and alcohol can be fatal to dogs! Only feed your dog healthy dog treats.

Dogs and Holiday Lights
If you have indoor holiday lights, be sure they don't hang so low that your dog could become entangled in them. Remember to unplug the lights when you're not home to supervise your dog.

Pets and Candles: Safety First
If you have a bird, make sure it is safely in its cage if you're lighting any
candles. Additionally, lit candles should be kept out of any dog's reach.

Dogs and Holiday Flowers and Plants
Poinsettias, mistletoe berries, and other popular holiday flowers can cause serious stomach upset for pets. Check with your veterinarian or local poison control center to find out what holiday plants and flowers you need to keep out of your dog's reach.

The information in this article is courtesy of the Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, in celebration of Thanksgiving I thought i'd post Winston's holiday photo for 2005! There are a lot more, but the rest will have to wait until closer to Christmas!



Winston's favorite Leader Dog, Willow had a wonderful idea of posting what she was thankful for this Thanksgiving. I'm pretty sure that Winnie would be thankful for a lot more than I can think of, but here is my best attempt. :)

*His foster mom, Laura!
*His original trainers (Betsy, Roseanne and Julie)
*His job
*Not being stuck in the house all winter like last year while I recovered from surgery.
*Clicker Games
*His favorite Aunt, Megan.
*The Hilbert-Hess family (including Delta Therapy Dog Molly!)
*His well trained best friends in the entire world!! CPL Ivy, SSD Ross and SSD Sequoia!
*His little brother, Liberty
*Food!!!
*Zeth and Dierdre and the entire Phila Pet's gang!!!

And so much more, i'm sure.

Oh, and I almost forgot. Winston and I started a new task this week! Something i've wanted to do for years, teach Winston to throw things into the trash for me! I'm free shaping the entire behavior, and it's been too much fun. He has definitely not gotten it yet, but he will. :) I'll try to post a more in depth entry about the training if anyone wants me to.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

It seems as though Winston either has full days of working, or days full of lounging! Last Wednesday we did our first children's demo since, g's, probably a few weeks before my surgery!! It was a low key demo for a friend of the family's sons, show and tell!



We went straight from there out to lunch, and then stopped by Tammy's to let Winston play w/ her dog, Kody.





It was a good thing we did that because I didn't have another chance to let him relax until 10pm! I had an hours worth of copies/faxes to make at Staples and then went home to get my mom for the Keystone Human Services 33rd Anual Dinner. I wish I would have taken some pictures there, but I was too preoccupied meeting people to take pictures! It was definitely one of the most classyy places Winston has ever been to, and I am proud to say he behaved very gentlemen like.

After we got home, the first thing Winston did was hop up on the couch. He was out in no time!



We had a pretty laid back thursday and friday, but we spent two and a half hours in the car on the way to the airport yesterday to pick up Laurel. We spent the rest of the day at King Of Prussia shopping.

Anyway, that's enough for now! Hope everyone is having a great week! Oh, and I can't wait to post pictures of our chirstmas cards this year, they are amazinggg!

Somewhat Follow Up to Pegging Leash To Wheelchair!

Shortly after teaching Winston to peg himself, I got a new wheelchair. Before I had time to reteach him, I had surgery, and well, then I spent the next seven months in bed. Haha. Although, we have not began working on that again yet (too much else going on!) I did see some need to do a new set of photos for the blog! Here are the photos of the new and improved peg. Hopefully this one is pyscho proof! (a few months ago, Liberty pulled so hard on my peg that the ENTIRE thing ripped off of my wheelchair! He went running w/ all of my hardware attached to his collar. Hahaha)

Photo 1:



Black, 18ft, LEASH Flexi (Not Cord!!) Attached w/ two Hose Clamps. The Flexi is left in the unlocked position. A metal rod is bent to the appropriate shape (length, height, ect) and attached by a third Hose Clamp. Mine, is bent in five 90 degree angles! The first is going INTO a hole drilled into the base of my wheelchair. This is the ONLY modifying done to my actual wheelchair.

In the next side view, you can see that a ring is tied to the leash.



This ring, when hooked onto the peg, keeps the dog at a desired length of space.

Here are two front views, one is unpegged and the other is pegged.





This method for me has been incredibly helpful. The extra space, when safe, allow Winston to go further when pottying, and deliver an object to someone that is further away without ever being taken off of his leash.

The final two photographs show him on his leash pegged, and unpegged!





Please email me with any questions or suggestions!

i'm pretentious

I was at a function today with a few hundred disabled people, and about four other people had service dogs (some were SDITs). This made me aware of something. I'm incredibly pretentious! The working dogs were over weight, the one in training (I think it was) barked, and worst of all, I think two of them were there illegally. The ONE I really wanted to see, I didn't even get a glimpse of. There was a freaking therapy dog there! I hope they got permission to bring her. She was very well behaved, kudos to them, but hi, therapy dog's don't have public access. The other had just been diagnosed w/ a neuro muscular disease and in the same breath as telling me it is too much for her to be in public, they tell me they are leaving to go get her!!! I don't know. I just, must have really high standards. The one guy was yanking his lab around, and it really upset me...but they were not from my organization, so I blew it off. Later on I saw someone who was in our program, doing leash corrections and of course the dog didn't respond, because she had no clue what tugging and dragging her by the leash meant! I know Winston isn't perfect, he sniffs the air a ton ton ton. And I am by far not a perfect handler, but come on people these are basic things!! Okay, sorry, just had to get that off of my chest...

Please Help Out

http://helplinzey.chaosworkshop.com

Scratching Board & Summer Photos

It has been entirely too long since I have updated!! Things have been busy around here with some legal issues. Who wants to hear about that though!! On to more important things!

After ordering a dremmel I realized I will still need a LOT of assistance using it and therefore, it isn't really making life any easier! Over lunch one afternoon at SSD everyone was discussing using a Scratching Board to wear down the out of control dogs nails. This sounded very appealing to me, and even after grilling them for info, I was intriged. The idea was put on the back burner for a few weeks because of the legal issues, and I continued to work with Winston on the dremmel. Well, the night of my birthday, our Puppy Raiser Coordinator presented me with a hand crafted Scratching Board!! IT IS SO GORGEOUS!!! Well, back to the point at hand, free shaping a paw target is going GREAT! He just started scraping his paws, which is the EXACT motion he needs to do in order to file his nails! It was a great training experience, that he and I both enjoyed. Other than that, training has been really average lately!



To wrap up the summer I thought I post some great shots that i've gotten of him! <3 Enjoy!





Winston loves when we do basic obediance outside, he gets goofy!



Smiling for a "down/stay"



I went inside, made some phone calls, and cought a great shot of him waiting in his "stay" on my way back to release him!



We had our end of the summer bath on such a beautiful afternoon! Before and after my mom bathes him, I like to brush him really good. There are some of my favorite photos of him! He just looks so cute up on the table!





Alright, that's all! Happy Fall to everyone!

Update On Cyst 4 (and more)

Well, we saw the vet again yesterday. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be. The black color that it is healing to could be one of two things. The worst of the two is a sign of Melinoma (sp). The black coloring could also simply be the reaction of the trama to the area. Apparently it happens the most to Poodles and Bichons. Winston's antibiotic's were prescribed for another week, when we will re-evaluate the situation. He seems much happier and eager to work lately, so Doctor Barren and I both feel that it is healing nicely.

On a brighter note, I asked a friend of the family if she would like to have Winston at her house for the day while I worked on Tuesday. With Winston's separation anxiety becoming nearly extinct I wanted to see how he would do spending time away from me, and the house. Cammy and her son Austin have a 10yr old Wire Haired Jack Russel, who did not enjoy the stay and (apparently for Winston's safety haha) had to stay crated for the duration of the visit. I came home to a very happy Labrador showing no signs of anxiety and a wonderful email I thought i'd share with everyone!

Hello,
Just wanted to let you know that Winnie was a good puppy today. Can I trade you Gabby for Winnie plus $100 , that I would have to borrow from you because I am broke???? He was a perfect gentleman, my dog barked the WWHHHole time. See ya tomorrow morning @ 8
Cammy

Winston's friend SSD Ichabod was over for the night yesterday. Spending time with the two of them makes Winston seem SO OLD. Poor Icky wanted to play and Winston was just not in the mood. Something interesting to make note of though happened. Ichabod was on his partner's lap while they rough housed. Winston instantly intervened and got between the two. I'm pretty sure he associated it with when my mom's pet Great Dane is on me, which is not good. Winston wasn't aggressive in breaking the play up, but he certainly acted as the mediator.

I canceled my doctors appointment in Philadelphia for today because of gas prices and took the afternoon to work more on Winston pushing my arm onto my armrest. He is getting great at it, but not quite good enough to put a command to it yet. I'm thinking about using "bump" for the command. I also got some really great photographs this afternoon that I will post soon!

<3

A New Friend

Winston is now being idolized by a new puppy in the family!! His name is Lewis and he is an 11 week old French Bulldog.

He is owned by my primary nurse and good friend Amy. This little guy will be accompanying her to work (shhh) and has been doing WONDERFUL! He truly loves Winston (who isn't too thrilled with him). Winston is very apprehensive about hurting him because he is so tiny. I started basic c/t with Lewis and Winston barked the ENTIRE time. Jealous much? Thank God he doesn't do that at the kennel while i'm working!

Update on Cyst 3

Well, Winston has been on the two strongest possible antibiotics for his cyst, as well as the pain medication combined for six days. It went from nasty, to TERRIBLE, to healing!!! For those of you that have been wondering and can stomach it, here are the photo's.

First Day
Today

I am finally relaxing and confident that this cyst will clear up and surgery will not be necessary!

You know Winston's sick when he's snuggling with Oliver!

Update on Cyst 2

Went to the vet again today because it looked significantly worse.

The vet put him on the strongest antibiotic, and said to watch it over the weekend.

Winston's temperment continues to consistantly be positive.

He works with moderate enthusiasm.

Time to go give him his last dose of meds and call it a night.

Thanks to all for such support.

Update on Cyst

Just got back from the vet, things are no better.

He was switched to a stronger antibiotic and put on a strong anti-inflamitory medication.

Still no cone though, because his licking is controlled and it will stress him out more.

Discussed things further about removing the cyst. Surgically vs Laser.

I'll update as I know.

Thanks for everyone's support. It is greatly appreciated.

Passed TDI - Cyst On Paw

Good or bad news first?

How about chronological order?

First off. I don't remember if I updated on Winston's eye. It was a cyst, and it cleared up on it's own, perfectly within the next week.

Last saturday (August 6th) Winston passed his Therapy Dog International test and also his AKC Canine Good Citizenship Award. We traveled to Lewisburg with one of my good friends and passed SSD trainers, Betsy. She was testing Scarlette, a 12 month old relative of Winston. (whom I fell head over heals in love with!) Winston did amazing, and I am so proud of my baby!

The week went by fast, Winston barked a lot in the crate and kennel while I worked, but that's okay.

I went to bed wednesday night after my nightly goodnight routine with Winston (petting him and playing a tiny bit). When I woke up thursday morning he had a quarter sized, red, irratated, almost oozing/open, lump on the inside of his right paw. I freaked out, called the vet and got an appointment for 3pm. I took out some frozen Busy Buddies and gave them to him before running the errands I had scheduled to run. There was no way he could work with that on his paw. Made in home just in time to pick him up and make it to the vet. At this point I knew it wasn't a tumor but it really looked like one. Doctor Barren my vet came right out and saw us in the waiting room. He is very concerned. He did a topical swab biopsy and it is not a tumor of any sort. It is another cyst, but much more serious. Winston is on an antibiotic and if it is not any better by monday morning we will be referred to a specialist. Doctor Barren said that he has seen them on Labs, in that specific area, get so bad, that they require amputation.

I can't think about it, I have to take this one day at a time. He has had two doses of his antibiotic and I think it seems less red and irratated, although the size is the same. I'm on my way to PetSmart to get dog food and more toys to keep him occupied. My dad kept saying things like "Well, you can't have a three legged service dog, so i'll take him." It took everything in me not to cry. Winston responds well to Antibiotics, so lets just hope for the best.

Please keep him in your prayers!

Therepy Dog?

WOW! Have we been busy? Where to start? Well, the last post had the photograph of Winston in regards to this random hair loss and odd patch around his eye. I've kept a close eye on it and asked all of the trainers at SSD about it. No one seemed too concerned so I scheduled an appointment at his vet for my next day off (tomorrow). Yes, i've been working full time with SSD. AND IT'S BEEN AMAZING. Winston has done WONDERFUL when he comes along. He settles quickly after meeting dogs, and did not attempt to play with ANY of them (while on duty). I am incredibly proud of him. It's just amazing to watch him work in such high stress situations! Yesterday was by far the toughest day he has had in a VERY long time. We started at 5am. He did some alerts to my nurse/mom so they know i'm awake or ready for more help. Then around 6:30am he got breakfast and had some time to go out back to potty. By 6:45 he is inside on my bed in a down stay while my moms daycare has drop off time. This in and of itself is always a challenge for him. He loves greeting people with loud barks and a wagging tail, but now he has to stay quietly on my bed, for about 25 minutes. Then he got dressed and as always, watches me do my makeup (retrieving things every two seconds haha). By 7:45 we are in the car to make it to transfer* by 9:30am. It was our first day with the new SSD Clients in public! Although it was easier for him in that environment, it was much more challenging for our new partners! The dogs were doing really well all morning. I was so impressed with Winston's behavior while I taught. We worked on the elevators with Erica and SSD Sequoia about four times in a row (that’s eight times passing through it) and he did great every time. He and Sequoia (I can never spell his name right haha) work very nicely side by side! He did a great under for lunch, and then we were headed for the rough afternoon. It was SWELDERING outside! I hated to even walk him across the parking lot. The heat index was 105 degrees! So off we go to our office at KCFS, for what I thought was going to be a simple taping for a promotional video of us demoing what the dogs can do. Boy was I wrong. Winston hadn't been into these office's since last summer (the last puppy class I saw discharged SSD Hopi at, and SSD Voltaire's first puppy class) so he was very sniffy and distracted. Once I got into the room that I once thought was large and now realize is too small for seven service dogs, their partners, five trainers and one nurse, Nancy asks me if I think Winston will lay beside "her" for the 15 minute video. Hesitantly, I said yes. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. After introducing myself to this women and answering her questions about Service Dogs, I start to realize how chaotic this shoot was going to be due to lack of preparation on Keystone's part. Okay, so now they are ready for "the dog". I bring Winston over to the seat where the reader was, and ask where they want him to lay down. After changing their minds a few times they decide that they want him to be sitting because they want a closer shot. Well, if any of you have dogs, you know keeping them in a Sit for 15 minutes is a difficult task, especially from across the room. Alas, we decided to have him curl up in a comfy chair. I do regret not taking any pictures. I am so mad that I didn't!! He was so funny! He kept giving me that "I CANT BELIEVE YOU ARE DOING THIS TO ME" look. After the camera's started rolling, and the lines began to be read, something kept sounding wrong. Finally, I looked at Karen and we both realized THEY WERE CALLING WINSTON A THERAPY DOG. Okay, so I know most people don't understand the difference - but we have to set the standard! If we don't, who will? Luckily our PR trainer was there and Karen quickly found her. I think she "kindly" argued with them for 15 minutes before we had to settle on the line reading "Winston, a service dog who is also a therapy dog...". Two seconds after the video was finished Betsy leaned into me and said "He needs to get his TDI" when I laughed she smiled and said "no...i'm serious. Soon." Haha! After all of that Winston was pretty shot. I tought for a few more hours and then we headed home. He was such an angel!

Eye problem?

I talked to SSD about this, and the director seems to think it is not a problem what so ever. But it is alarming me, and i'm keeping a close eye on it.

1. Notice above his right eye the light colored patch. It is bald and pink. Somewhat raised.

2. Recap: Back when I was @ CHOP Winston was seen for two bald spots on top of his head. Perfectly cemetrical. The dermetologist tested for a few things (Ring Worm, Mange, ect) and it came up negative. They used a fungal spray and antibiotic and it cleared up. SO! Now, under both eyes, he has two small patches beginning to bald!



Comments welcome!

Vet Check Up

Winston had a check up today for his unknown balding (mouth eaten haha) spots (which are gone). It was perfect timing because his gums were bleeding yesterday when I went to brush his teeth! The vet did an entire physical and is confident he is 100% healthy. I kept imagining Deirdre and Christina (from Phila Pets while the vet looked him over. Sigh. It actually made me teary eyed! Sigh.
Tomorrow is PT @ Chop and then Fathers Day at my Dads.
Saturday is an appt at my Salon, and then Winston and I are doing an all day SSD promotion at Cabela's!
Sunday is CAMP! Three SD's in one cabin! Expect TONS of great pictures!
Thanks to everyone for wishing Winnie a happy bday!

Happy Birthday Winnie!!!

Today is Winston's sixth birthday! For breakfast he got his usual plus a canned of Nutro because lord knows he loves canned dog food! And we practiced "Nurse" from outside for awhile because for whatever reason it is his favorite command lately. We planned on going to PetsMart to pick out a birthday toy, and then to the dog park but it is storming heavily so that is a no go.

Happy Birthday SSD Winston
he truly is the love of my life

Winston's litter


Winnie at 8 weeks

(sniff!)

Winston and I in our transfer four years ago




Winston after our first service dog demo in an elementary school - spring 2002!


Winston and his role model, CPL Louie (rip)




Winston, my best friend and I at prom!
















SSD Ross and SSD Winston










<3 i'm going to go play with the birthday boy, now!

Stay at the Radisson - Birthday BBQ

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been insanely busy lately! My friends Tiffany and Erika are here for the weekend, and sleeping still so I figure while I have a little time I would post!

Last week Winston and I stayed at TheRadisson's Warwick Plaza which is in Rittenhouse Square, Philly. I had four doctors appointments three days in a row at CHOP so my dad agreed to help pay for the room for my nurse and I. The Radisson is no more than one block from The Rittenhouse Square Park which is more than convienent when you have a service dog! Each morning (because we were crunched for timex10) I would drop off the valet parking ticket and then walk Winston myself while my nurse finished getting ready. By the time Winston was finished with his business the van would be ready and waiting! He was in his glory the entire week, as he really seems to love hotels lately! The minute his vest is off he tears around the room, on the beds (and people) grabbing cell phones, remotes, or anything else he thinks I might want!

He accompanied me to two incredibly resaurants across from the park. At Bleu we sat outside on the sidewalk. He was an absolute angel both nights, backing under chairs and ignoring the city noise. The one photo I have doesn't show as well as I wanted it to how great of an under he was in!



He had to back under the chair, and situate himself between the wall, a trash can, and my wheels. He laid their for two hours without moving except to look at me!

Before I for another appointment last week, I came in to see Oliver my cat curled up on my bed beside Winston who was in a down stay.

I just can't get over the freaking picture.



Winston doesn't generally enjoy the cats being close to him, at all. Classic!

Well, we're going to Outback so I better wrap this up!

Missing Link Plus

I have really procrastinated starting Winston on a suppliment that all adult dogs should be taking. After receiving a letter from SSD to all partners about their dogs health (weight primarily) I got my act together. I bought a bag of Missing Link Plus and he started it this morning. Here is what they say about it...

The Missing Link Plus line of products feature a unique blend of Glucosamine, Omega-3 & -6 Essential Fatty Acids, and trace food components to provide the ultimate in joint support.


The Missing Link Plus formula combines the benefits of GLUCOSAMINE with all natural, human-gradewhole foods, carefully chosen for their nutrient profile and synergistic effects. The product is in the form of a granular powder that is easily sprinkled on the animal's regular food on a daily basis according to weight.


The Missing Link Plus Formula includes:

Glucosamine to stimulate the production of collagen, the protein that helps support healthy joints.
Omega-3 & -6 Essential Fatty Acids to reduce inflammation and promote joint mobility, a healthy skin & coat and balanced energy.
Enzymes and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to maintain normal digestion.
Fiber for bowel health.
Phytonutrients and traces of various vitamins and minerals important for overall health and well being.


Ingredients:
Flax Seed, Glucosamine, Blackstrap Molasses, Freeze Dried Liver, Rice Bran, Primary Dried Yeast, Sunflower Seed, Dehydrated Alfalfa, Dried Carrot, Freeze Dried Bone, Dried Fish Meal, Freeze Dried Oyster, Sprouted Green Barley, Dried Kelp, Lecithin, Garlic and Yucca Schidigera Extract.

-

At PetsMart yesterday we started working on his concentration in the check out line. I made the mistake months ago allowing the cashier to give him a bone and ever since then he would be a bone head in the isle while paying to the point of someone else having to pay for me. It took about 10 minutes to pay and have him carry the package to my friend. Two more visits and he'll have it down again. Otherwise he was a DREAM come true. He saw two puppies and looked at me, smelled a huge gross rawhide and looked at me! That's all really.

Oh, that letter also mentioned the amount of real hard play time and i've decided for Winstons sake to move to philly so I can have Phila Pets play with Winnie every day :)

Period.

Home Again

After nineteen days in the hospital Winston and I are just about settled in back home again. I didn't realize how serious he was while we were there. Once inside, but before his vest was even off he pranced across the room and grabbed a toy from his basket! He has been rolling around, sleeping on his back, and barking up a storm! I plan on making some entries about multiple topics from our stay at the Seashore house.

Yesterday was our first time shopping since November and he was sooo great! His eye contact and attentiveness has really improved. He did have a "meltdown" though. I really expected it because of how stressful it is on them to be reintroduced into new situations but okay so someone dropped a cappicuno RIGHT where my lift lowered and Winston hates walking through water let alone that. Anyway in order for him to get into the van he has to do a "Footplate" (Up onto my...) so that I can reach his leash...well that just wasn't happening! He just could not focus on anything other than "Leaving It" and jumping into the van. I walked him away from the situation and even tried pottying him again...but after five minutes FREEZING my butt off I cheated and had my mom unhook him.

Tonight in KFC he was such an angel while I continually dropped food he just laid there watching me!

My sister and mom went to SSD's anual grad dinner and with the exception of a very select few dogs they were apalled by their behavior!! Augh! More later...sleep now!



We miss Phila Pets :(

2nd Rehab Update

Again I only have a few minutes to update but these three pictures are worth a million and five words!!

the secret garden that only zeth and those whom he deems worthy may encounter...



on the bridge leading to the dog park they've been taking him too!



and last but not least...



his glamor shot!!

gotta run!

first update from rehab (very short)

wow, have things ever been a crazy whirl wind these past two days!
the mjaority of everything has been spectacular!!
I CANT BELIEVE HOW FREAKING AWESOME THE PHILA PETS DOT COME CREW HAS BEEN. more on that later though!! ee!
winnie has been very well behaved minus his random "i should bark at that person" times. okay- to the guts of the entry!

okay so my nurse put me on the bed pan and was instructed to come back in one minute to take me off.
well, she forgot.
when i reached for the call button she had left it on the desk!
normally i would have had win get it but she also left the rails up and he cant get to me with them.
i thought about it and i called winston over to see if he could just pick it up and mouth it enough to get it to push...well the rails are solid plastic so kids dont get stuck under them? so winston couldnt even do a direct retrieve because he oculdnt see my hands or what i was pointing too.
at that point my leg started to really hurt and he definitely sensed it because he on his own got his favorite toys are started bringing them to me by jumpnig all the way onto my bed
when that didntt help and i said to him 'winnie wheres the nurse?" (oh the door is VERY not sd friendly)
he jumped off RAN to the door - pawed at it and then started barking
two nurses came vey quickly.

i doubt they'll do that again.

moral of the story

barking labrador retrievers remind the nurses they're being idiots.

ill write more tomorrow!

oh and zeth got a GREAT shot of winston on the bridge!!

Off to CHOP!

Winston's dressed and ready! We'll try to update from the hospital!

Wish us luck!

The Implications of Service Animals in Healthcare Facilities

In prep for rehab I did a little new research as to the laws regarding SD's in health care facilities. Man, I hit gold! The Implications of Service Animals in Healthcare Facilities written by The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. can be downloaded in full by going here.

It contains the following catagories-

*THE DEFINITION OF SERVICE ANIMALS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

*APPLICATIONS OF SERVICE ANIMALS FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES

*HOW SERVICE ANIMALS DIFFER FROM THERAPY ANIMALS

*SERVICE ANIMAL TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLY

*HOW HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ARE AFFECTED BY LAWS THAT APPLY TO SERVICE ANIMALS

*IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SERVICE ANIMALS: CERTIFICATION AND OTHER MYTHS

*IMPLICATIONS OF SERVICE ANIMALS FOR INFECTION CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

*HANDWASHING FOR EMPLOYEES, CLIENTS, HANDLERS, AND VISITORS

*HANDLER AND CLIENT EDUCATION

*STAFF EDUCATION

*SERVICE ANIMALS IN SPECIFIC CLINICAL AREAS

*HIGH-RISK CLIENT POPULATIONS

*ZOONOTIC RISKS

*SERVICE ANIMAL HEALTH

*AREA CLEANUP

*ALLERGIES

*ROOMMATE ISSUES

*STEWARDSHIP OF THE SERVICE ANIMAL: ITS CARE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE FACILITY

*INCIDENTS INVOLVING SERVICE ANIMALS AND FIRST AID

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This is from the first time Winston and I went to NYC. He had never been there and his reaction when we checked into the hotel was proof that the experience wore him out! I thought the picture was the cutest thing ever so I thought i'd share!