Chewie Watanabe, DOTW for 12/26-12/30!

Chewie Watanabe is the DOTW for the week of 12/26 - 12/30! Chewie is a 6 year old pug who's been coming to Dog Days since 2007. Chewie is a good-sized boy who's very nimble on his feet. He loves loves loves to play ball and tug o' war. He's a very active fellow, but also loves some good snuggling time. Chewie's best friends are Brutus (his tug o' war buddy), Sammy W., Stoli, and Dare (his face chewing buddies). We always enjoy having Chewie visit with us and are so happy when he comes to stay for a bit. Yea for Chewie!

With one of his favorite toys

Playing tug with Brutus

His handsome profile

Riley Bonz is DOTW for 12/19 - 12/23!

Riley Bonz is the DOTW for the week of 12/19 - 12/23! Riley is a one-year old Shepherd mix of some sort who's been coming to Dog Days since March 2011. To differentiate her from the other Riley who visits with us, we always call her Riley Puppy. So even though she's not really a puppy anymore, that's her name, and we're sticking with it. It's been fun for us to watch Riley Puppy grow up with us. She is usually willing to play with just about anybody, but her best friend at Dog Days is Woody (big German Shepherd boy). She also plays with Ivan B., Chloe W., Gracie C., and Luna B. alot. Riley is more of a body-slamming and face-chewing kind of player, as opposed to a ball kind of player, so she's a very physical girl. She's very sweet when she finally gets tired. We enjoy having Riley come to visit with us so often. Congrats, Riley Puppy! You go, girl!

Riley chewing on Gracie (on her back)

Maxwell Rustin, DOTW for 12/12-12/16!

Maxwell Rustin is the DOTW for the week of 12/12 - 12/16! Maxwell is a 15 year old (yes, you read that right) Bichon Frises. He's probably the world's smallest Bichon, and weighs all of about 7 lbs. Maxwell has been through a lot in his life (he recently had back surgery, for example), but he just keeps going, and going and going. He seems to really like Abigail J., but otherwise, spends most of his time in the small dog area wandering about, smelling everyone, and sleeping. He honestly couldn't be any cuter. We think Maxwell has 9 lives, like a cat, and are hoping he'll be around for a lot longer. We're just happy we get to enjoy him. :) We love you, Maxwell!

Maxwell, you are so cute!

Flirting with Abigail

Hanging out with the other small dogs

Emma's Story

Now that some time has passed since I lost my beloved Emma, I thought I would share the last few weeks of her life. I know some of my clients are wondering what happened - she was doing so well, and suddenly, she was gone. I still feel the emptiness and still cry almost every day (or at least get teary-eyed). It's still difficult to talk about, but I'm hoping that the more I talk about it, the more I will heal.

In early November, we celebrated Emma's 1 year anniversary of her unilateral tieback surgery. As most of you know, Emma had laryngeal paralysis, and the UTB surgery made it easier for her to breath again. This past year, we had concentrated on keeping her rear end strong, so we were doing rehab, which included underwater treadmill, exercises, acupuncture and laser therapy. This was working really well, and she was feeling good for a little old lady.

However, in early November, she started limping suddenly one afternoon after getting up from a nap. She was limping on her right front leg/shoulder. She had pulled a bicep before, and I kind of assumed that's what it was. The next visit to the rehab vet, I mentioned that she was sore on that leg, and they took it easy on her. Dr. Chau, the rehab vet, thought it was tendonitis in her shoulder. So for the next couple of weeks, we took it easy. We stopped taking walks except for potty breaks, and we only did laser and acupuncture for the pain. I started giving Emma Metacam (an anti-inflammatory that she's taken as needed in the past) but it didn't seem to help. And after 3 straight days of Metacam, Emma developed diarrhea from it (she'd had a horrible reaction to another anti-inflammatory a few years ago). Dr. Luce (Emma's regular vet at Aldie Vet Hospital) suggested we stop all anti-inflammatories, because she was obviously having a bad reaction to it. So all I gave her for the pain was Tramadol.

After two weeks, nothing really seemed to be helping - she still limped just as much as she had at the beginning. I took her in for laser treatmet on November 17th, and Dr. Chau came in to feel around. After some poking and prodding, she realized that it wasn't tendonitis or a muscle pull. She thought the pain was in the bone, and told me I needed to get an x-ray, because she thought it might be cancer. She also prescribed gabapentin, which is a pain medication for nerve pain, since the tramadol wasn't really helping at all. I called Aldie and scheduled the x-ray for the following Monday, November 21st. Then I went home and started crying.

On Monday, Dr. Pattie at Aldie did the x-rays, and called me to come get Emma. Dr. Pattie didn't find cancer in Emma's bones, but she found a large mass deep in her chest. Her best guess was that the mass had fingers into her brachial plexus, which is the large bundle of nerves that control the front leg and shoulder (and neck). It was probably causing nerve pain in her leg, which is why she was limping. This mass was actually on x-rays we'd done in May, when Emma had aspiration pneumonia. But no one had been looking for it - they were concentrating on the lungs instead. Because of where it was in her chest, it was inoperable - even doing a biopsy would've been dangerous, because one tiny nick of the wrong thing could make her unable to walk or breathe. So we didn't even know if it was malignant or benign. Really the only option was to try prednisone. Prednisone sometimes shrinks tumors, so it was worth trying to see if we could at least ease the nerve pain a bit. I upped Emma's gabapentin and started her on the prednisone Monday evening. Apparently, prednisone is supposed to act quite quickly, so Dr. Pattie had told me that within about 48 hours, I should notice a difference if it was going to help.

By Tuesday night, Emma couldn't really stand or walk anymore. I'm still not sure what happened with her back end, but she literally couldn't hold her body weight up. We had to take her outside with a Help Em Up harness, which has a handle at the shoulders and a handle at the hips. But even that was really difficult - she was a dead weight, 70 lbs. We also had to hold the harness while she was squatting. I couldn't feed her in a standing position for obvious reasons. So I would move her over to her bed, and feed her while she was laying down. It broke my heart - Emma had always loved to walk, almost as much as she loved to eat. And her life now was spent almost 100% lying down. She was still eating really well. Wednesday was the same. On Wednesday, I started thinking about the inevitable. I would lie on the floor next to her dog bed, and stroke her, and hold her head, and cry and apologize because I couldn't fix this one for her.

On Thanksgiving, she seemed to be in greater pain, despite the medication. She was panting alot, even though it was quite cool outside. On Thanksgiving, I realized that I really couldn't safely get her outside by myself (without my husband Scott's help). I just wasn't strong enough. We did take her outside and put down a blanket on the grass, and we all hung out in the warm sunshine. We took some nice pictures of her. I knew by that morning that, if there was no change on Friday, it was time.

On Friday, I had to open at the daycare, meaning I had to get up at 5AM. I had to wake Scott up at 5:30 to help me take her outside to potty. Then I went to work. I called Aldie and scheduled the appointment with Dr. Pattie for 1:00PM. I came home at lunch, and Scott and I shared our lunch with her one last time. I rode in the back of the 4Runner with her on the way to the vet.

I won't go into the details at the vet, except to say that everyone at Aldie was terribly upset too, and they all came in to say goodbye to her. It took a while to settle her down, and then, she was gone. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, and the worst day of my life. She was my heart dog, and meant everything to me. She always managed to beat her illnesses with grace and stubbornness. She fought the good fight, but in the end, there wasn't anything we could do. I know I did the right thing, and at the right time, but I didn't want to let her go. I think she was ready, but I wasn't. The hole that she left behind can't be filled I don't think, not by anyone.

Murphy and Leeloo (my other 2 dogs) were upset - especially Murphy. He was very attached to Emma, and I know he was sad. He was very clingy - for those of you who know him, he's already a mama's boy (and clingy with me). But he was laying on my lap all the time the first week or two. Leeloo is very sensitive to everyone's moods - other dogs, people, etc. So she spent a lot of time cleaning my face and worrying over me. They both seem okay now and are settling in to the new schedule and our new life.

In the end, there was nothing I could do (or would have done) for Emma except to let her go. If love could have kept her alive, she would have lived forever. I have 12 years of memories and lots of pictures, and I hope that someday, that will be enough. I miss stroking her soft coat, and holding her head against my chest, and giving her kisses on her soft Lab lips. I miss her stinky kisses, and the constant pawing for attention. I miss the silent barking when she was begging for food. I miss the pig rolls and the occasional tug o' war with a fish toy. I miss worrying over her. I miss you Emma Bean, rest in peace.

Sparky Yonkers, DOTW for 12/5 - 12/9!

Sparky Yonkers is the DOTW for the week of 12/5 - 12/9! Sparky is a 7 1/2 year old mix of possibly Corgi or Beagle or something....he's low and long. Sparky (or Sparkles, as we sometimes call him) has been coming here for a very long time, since mid-2005. He's always brought a smile with him when he visits. He often has several boyfriends when he's here; most recently, he's fallen in love with Bogey W. But there's always someone. He's still pretty active as well, and we often laugh at his antics in the play area. No matter how playful though, Sparky is always ready for some hugs and belly rubs too. Congratulations, Sparky!

Being silly on the playset

Barking at me

What a nice smile!

Honey Guida, DOTW for 11/28-12/2!

Honey Guida is the DOTW for the week of 11/28 - 12/2! Honey is an 11 or 12 year old mix of something golden and fluffy. She has been playing in our small dog area for years, since 2006. Honey loves her people alot, but also is quite a flirt with both Stoli and Henry. She's pretty playful for an older lady, and we're always admonishing her to act her age. She's recently gotten a little brother, Webster, who looks to her for guidance. We use Honey often for interviewing small dogs, because she's one of those stable, older females who tends to calm other dogs. We love having Honey come visit with us. Congratulations, Honey!



Honey (right) with her little brother Webster



Honey surrounded by her boyfriends Henry (left) and Stoli (behind her)

Fenway Batbouta, DOTW for 11/14-11/18!

Fenway Batbouta is the DOTW for the week of 11/14 - 11/18! Fenway (or Fenny, as we sometimes call her) is a 1.5 year old Lab girl who's been coming since she was about 6 months old. Fenway has an unusual way of wagging her tail - it goes in circles, not side to side or up and down. We tease her about it incessantly, but she's a good sport about it. :) There are two versions of Fenway, crazy just-got-here Fenway, and what we refer to as 7:00 Fenway. Crazy Fenway will play in typical young Lab fashion with almost anyone, but especially Chloe W., Riley B. and Leeloo. 7:00 Fenway is snuggly and cuddly, and prefers her people. We love them both. Fenway is a happy happy girl, and we're always happy when she comes to spend time with us! Woo woo Fenway! Congrats, girl!

With Chloe W.

Bailey Hubbard, DOTW for 11/7-11/11!

Bailey Hubbard is the DOTW for the week of 11/7 - 11/11! Bailey is an almost 7 year old Miniature Schnauzer who's been coming to Dog Days for 5 years. Bailey is one of the happiest dogs in our small dog area. He loves playing ball with...well...anyone really, but always seems to gravitate toward Brutus. Like most schnauzers, Bailey has a lot of attitude and personality. He's very bouncy and sometimes has a lot to say. We love our Bailey and are happy he comes to visit with us. Congratulations, Bailey!

Before his groom...

Brutus and Bailey

Throw the ball already!

Chloe Westergaard, DOTW for 10/31-11/4!

Chloe Westergaard is the DOTW for the week of 10/31 - 11/4! Chloe is a two year old mix of Lab with some Beagle and Staffordshire Bull Terrier thrown in for good measure (at least that's what the DNA test says!). Chloe is one of the most popular girls here at Dog Days. Since she started playing regularly here (in early 2010), she's become best friends with many of the large dogs - Charlie, Fenway B. and Riley B. to name a few. But we think her heart belongs to Ivan. Chloe is very energetic and tears around the play area for a good portion of the day, until she gets tired in the afternoon and falls asleep somewhere. She definitely keeps us on our toes! Congrats, Chloe!

Chloe with Charlie

Chloe nuzzling Ivan's foot

Indi Meyers, DOTW for 10/24-10/28!

Indi Meyers is the DOTW for the week of 10/24 - 10/28! Indi is an almost 5 year old pug, and she's been coming to Dog Days since early 2007. We've watched her grow from a tiny little thing to a regal (for a pug anyway) lady. Indi, like alot of our pugs, has tons of energy. One of her best friends is Bunny H., although she has a soft spot for Bowzer and Brutus. She also loves, loves, loves to sit on the playset and view her kingdom. And she's all about the snuggling too, so she gets plenty of human attention when she's here. We love our little Indi and are always happy to have her join us for some fun in the small dog area. Woo woo Indi, you go girl!

What a face!

In her favorite spot

Playing kissy face with Bowzer

Ivan Blanscett, DOTW for 10/17-10/21!

Ivan Blanscett is the DOTW for the week of 10/17 - 10/21! Ivan is a two and a half year old Vizsla who's been attending daycare regularly at Dog Days since early 2010. Ivan started off a little timid, but quickly blossomed into a happy, rambunctious dog. Ivan has lots of friends, and will play with almost anyone, but really loves his girls Chloe W. and Riley B. Ivan has some interesting quirks, like hugging the wall until he gets in the play area and gently poking you from behind for attention. We love our Ivan, despite and for, his quirks, and are happy to make him the dog of the week this week. Congrats, Ivan!

This is his serious look

With best girlfriend Chloe W.

Chewing on Chloe's....head...or neck...or something

Happy Kud, DOTW for 10/10-10/14!

Happy Kud is the DOTW for the week of 10/10 - 10/14! Happy is an almost 6 year old cocker spaniel who's been coming to Dog Days since early 2010. Happy is aptly named, because she's always a happy girl - she does a wiggle, her little stump of a cocker tail shakes, and she forms her body into a semi-circle when she sees you. She gets along with all of the small dogs, although she does like Brutus quite a bit. But she's a people dog mostly, and loves to ask for (and usually gets!) attention from whoever is in the small dog area. Happy brings a smile to our faces when she's here, and we always enjoy having her. Congratulations, Happy!

Smile, Happy!

What a pretty girl!

Loki Farley, DOTW for 10/3-10/7!

Loki Farley is the DOTW for the week of 10/3 - 10/7! Loki is a five year old Shepherd mix who's been coming to Dog Days since early 2007. Loki is one of the premier ball players in our big dog area, and has a vertical leap second to none. He is a pretty vocal fellow, and occasionally has shouting matches with Murphy - it's hard to tell who wins. Loki is also pretty acrobatic, and can climb over almost any fence you put him behind. Loki's best friends are the ball, and Leeloo, and sometimes Chloe W. We love Loki, because although he tries to pretend he's a tough guy, we've all seen his sweet side (and boy is it sweet), and we know what kind of a dog he really is. :) We love you Loki, and it's about time!

What a face!

Throw the ball already!

In a rare quiet moment

Bert "Meatwad" Trago, DOTW for 9/26 - 9/30!

Bert Trago is the DOTW for the week of 9/26 - 9/30! Bert "Meatwad" is a 3 year old Boston Terrier who has been coming to Dog Days since 2009. Bert is a leggy liver and white boy who LOVES LOVES LOVES to play ball, with anybody. He's always up for a good game of tug o' war too - he's a pretty typical Boston that way. He is a huge Redskins fan and always arrives with his Redskins blanket. His best friends in the play area are Brutus, Bowzer and Waya - because they like to play ball too. He rarely lays down in the play area, because there is just way too much to do. He keeps us on our toes. Congratulations Bert! We love ya!

Bert with his favorite thing in the world

Bert and Bowzer

Maddi Chapman, DOTW for 9/19-9/23!

Maddi Chapman is the DOTW for the week of 9/19 - 9/23! Maddi is a 7 year old shepherd mix who's been coming to Dog Days for over 5 years. Maddi has matured into a playful but regal lady; but we remember when she was pretty crazy too. She was Murphy's first girlfriend, and still flirts outrageously with him, and allows him to kiss her and butt bump her. She also tends to play alot with some of the more rambunctious boys, like Charlie and Ammo. She's very active for a dog of her age, and really enjoys visiting with us. We love our Maddi, and are happy to give her the title this week! Congratulations Maddi!

Cooper Barr, DOTW for 9/12 - 9/16!

Cooper Barr is the DOTW for the week of 9/12 - 9/16! Cooper is a 5 year old Labradoodle (a small one) who has grown up here at Dog Days. He's been playing with us since February 2007, when he was about 7 months old. Cooper was pretty timid and fearful when he first started visiting with us, but quickly blossomed into a sweet, energetic dog once he gained some confidence. He loves playing ball and has lots of friends, in both the small and the large dog play areas (he's one of those dogs whose size and energy level allows him to move back and forth). He always has kisses for Emma (although I'm not sure she appreciates them!) and loves playing with his sister, Bailey. We all have a special place in our heart for Cooper, and give him lots of special attention when he's here. We love you, Cooper!

Cooper, at about a year of age

Cooper, with Tommy (on the left), pretending they weren't doing anything

Will you throw the ball already?!

Chudley Wagoner is DOTW for 9/5 - 9/8!

Chudley Wagoner is the DOTW for the week of 9/5 - 9/8! Chudley is a 6 year old hound mix who's been a fixture at Dog Days since 2006. Chudley (or Chuddles as we sometimes call him) has two speeds: 100% racing in big loopy circles around the play area, or 0% asleep in a corner or on a lap. He has lots of friends, although most of them are girls (like Emma Y.). He also loves his people alot. He's always happy to do what you ask him to, and he's a pretty good temperament tester, because he's a middle of the road kind of dog. We always enjoy having our Chudley visit with us. Woo woo Chudley, congratulations!

On the playset

Waiting for the ball...

Chudley, with Luna

Charcoal Morris, DOTW for 8/25 - 9/2!

Charcoal Morris is the DOTW for the week of 8/25 - 9/2! Charcoal is a 6 year old mix (maybe shepherd?) who's been coming to Dog Days since 2007. Charcoal is one of the sweetest small dogs we have - she's such a gentle soul, and there's not a mean bone in her body. She loves her people the best, but we discovered she's pretty fond of Maxwell R. too. :) She usually has quite a smile on her face when she's visiting with us. We love spoiling our Charcoal, and are so happy her parents bring her to us when they go on vacation. Congratulations, Charcoal!

Charcoal, what a pretty smile!

After her haircut

Will someone play ball with me?