Well, our pack may be smaller these days, but we are still a pack. Like all good packs, we travel together. Here are some photos as we left Illinois.

Grandury loves a trip. He is such an amazing traveler. His smile speaks volumes.

A hearty welcome to Indiana.

Links to Chew On:

• Fun Indiana Facts

Eastern Box Turtle The Official State Reptile of North Carolina

We are heading out to North Carolina next week. Our trip will be a short one, but we plan on making it memorable and fun for both you and us. We are going to plot our route along an interactive map, and include photos and videos along the way so you can come along with us.

Now, Grandbury is a very seasoned traveler, but Winni, this is her first “big” trip. Hopefully he can teach her a few tricks along the way.

First things first, we are making a list and checking it twice. This is our first trip in a long time, and the needs of our gang have changed since our last journey. Do you make a list when you travel? We’ve got lots of lists going. One for our needs, one for the cat and dog, one for reminders of things that need to be done before we leave, one for things to do one our trip, and another for things to do when we return. We are lists makers. Now, if we can keep track of them all, we’ll be set.

Hope you’ll join us this week as we head out to North Carolina. Please share any tips or spots you think we need to hit.

Click on the turtle to go to some great coloring pages offered from the State of North Carolina, Office of the Governor

Links to Chew On:

• Fido Factor Helps Your Know Where You and Your Dog Are Welcome

We said goodbye to our beloved Tristan today. Renal failure, the one battle he just couldn’t win. We were so blessed to experience your life and love for fifteen years, but fifteen years wasn’t long enough. Call us greedy, but we’d take more. Tristan, our beautiful boy, we love you.

Links to Chew On:

• Pet Loss Resources

6/12/2010

While cutting veggies for a soup, I gave Grandbury a few slices of carrot. He devoured them and went on his merry way. Later, while brushing his teeth, I noticed he had bit the inside of his left cheek. His gumline was irritated from the carrots, which is normal these days since he no longer receives hard chews.

However, I noticed he didn’t want the gum above his 4th premolar (Carnassial tooth) area touched. He was fine with me touching the actual tooth. He didn’t react when I pushed upward on the tooth. His sensitive reaction was limited to one tiny spot on the gum.

Later, I noticed his face had swollen a little more and I once again checked out his mouth. Nothing had changed. It almost appeared that he had been stung by something, so I gave him 1cc of Children’s (no alcohol) liquid Benadryl. The Benadryl had no effect on the swelling.

6/13/2010

Grandbury’s face was still swollen. He ate and drank regularly. Appears fine except he doesn’t want the gum above the carnassial tooth touched.

When I brushed his teeth that evening I felt a lump, hard and circular at the meeting of the cheek and the gum line. This appears to be where the pain is radiating from.  Still eating and drinking regularly.

6/14/2010

Checked spot upon waking in the morning. Larger. Still swollen. By mid-afternoon/early evening redness has expanded on lip area and gum.

He is drinking a lot of water. The “lump” has now become more of an ulcer, extending over the gum, the gum above tooth now has a soft, very tender and swollen area. He is obviously experiencing pressure and pain buildup.

8:00 pm Grandbury is heavily panting and pacing.

10:30 gave him a second dose of his daily Tramadol (50mg)

12:45 am finally resting comfortably.

6/15/2010

2:12 am resting, took photo to document very red and swollen areas.

To us it looks like a tooth abscess, but for Grandbury’s sake, we certainly hope it isn’t.

As Grandbury wakes up and we prepare to take him in to the vet, I snap this photo to show the increased swelling of his face.Visible outward signs of what lies beneath.

Grandbury definitely wondered why he was up and out with no food. Anticipating there might be surgery, we didn’t allow him any food, only water.

We provided the photos and notes we’d taken to the vet. It has been our experience, that the more information you can provide, the better off you and your pet will be. The rapid change in his status was visible. Even if you don’t take photos, try to get in the habit of making notes. You’ll be surprised what you forget when you are standing in the vet’s office, as you attempt to keep your pet calm and run down a list of symptoms while answering questions about when you first noticed this or that.

The vet believed it was an abscess. The plan was to x-ray his teeth, and since he has to have anesthesia for that, if the x-ray proved positive for an abscess, move him into surgery. No point in getting anesthesia twice. We were already up half the night worrying about the potential risk to him for anesthesia, any required surgery, and healing. Sixteen years old is not an age to start taking risks.

We lost one of our girls, a precious ferret, during a surgical procedure. Losing a beloved companion due to a surgical error never leaves you. Our guys have had many surgeries over the years. We’ve weighed every conceivable risk and benefit before giving the green light to the procedure. It is a decision that we never enter into lightly. No matter how many surgeries we have under our collars, each presents its own problems and fears from the surgical procedure to the post operative care.

While he had blood work done just one month prior, a new panel had to be done to make certain that he was okay for surgery. We needed to know that he would be able to metabolize the anesthesia and that no other surprises were lurking.

Blood work came back great. Pretty amazingly in fact, for a 16 year old with a 7″ round tumor on his side (we’ll get to that in another post). So, operation “remove the abscess” had begun.

The whole procedure, from the time he was given a pre-anesthesia, to the time his tooth was pulled and he was in recovery, was approximately 90 minutes. He was monitored as he woke up from the surgery. Total time at vet’s office: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm. A long day for him and us.

Here is the nasty tooth that caused so much ($734.63) trouble.

He came home and slept and slept. He also had a good deal of drainage, but the underpads save the day again! They made clean up a snap, and saved a lot of washing of beds and coverlets. Once you have these things, you’ll find 101 uses for them.

Grandbury pulled through the surgery and the post-op care like a champ. At first he was very reluctant to eat even his favorite soft treat: canned pumpkin. A lot of coaxing and some syringe feedings were required for the first three days of his healing. It was very important for him to have some food on his stomach due to the pain medications he was on.

We are relieved that he is still with us, and came through the surgery like a champ. It was a scary idea for us, and thankfully, this time it worked out in his favor.

While waiting to be seen, the male office cat, Butter, came out to love on Grandbury. Here is a cute video we snapped of the two exchanging a very loving “hello.”

Links to Chew On:

• Read up about canine teeth abscesses
• A great explanation about IV Catheters
• Amazing Free Music for Your Videos

Winni has something to say about “Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.” Take it away Winni…

Put your newspaper away. Recycle it. Use it to line a smaller creature’s cage. Compost it. But don’t use it to look for a cat to purchase.

The month of June is about much more than prime bird and bunny watching. Yes, those are great diversions to keep a cat busy, but June is also about drawing attention to the millions of cats who are waiting to be discovered in shelters across the country.

Even if you aren’t able to adopt a cat, why not stop by your local shelter and lend a lap to a kitty in need of some TLC? Why not drop off some much needed cat supplies like litter, toys, hammocks, nail clippers, food, and cat scratchers. Check with the shelter to see what they need.

Why, you could even dip your toe into the world of feline companionship by volunteering to foster a cat. Most shelters cover any medical expenses, and sometimes food, in exchange for you providing a loving home to help the animal prepare for their forever family.

I know, you’ve got stuff to do and vacations to plan… but somewhere in the middle of all that, could you find some time to help a shelter cat in need?

Okay, I’m stepping off my soapbox… or paper pile… and waiting to hear how you’ve helped a shelter cat.

Seriously? Why are you still here? Go...Do...Bring me back a treat.

Links to Chew On:

• Purebred Cat Breed Rescue

Birthdays are a big deal here at 24Paws. How can we not feel blessed when we look at the faces of our beloveds as they celebrate their 16th and 15th birthdays? We are so happy to see their smiling little faces as they continue to expand our lives and hearts with their love and lessons.

Our birthday brag book:

A woman  recently stopped to ask how old our dogs are. She had a hard time believing our guys were so elderly. Their glossy coats and alertness threw her for a loop. She went on to say that all of her dogs have died when they reached 10 or eleven.

She asked us, “What do you do to keep them living so long?”

Stunned, we were not sure how to respond, we’d never been asked that before.

We went on to explain that we’ve had the boys on reduced vaccination schedules, have always fed them food fortified with the healthy stuff they need, have done everything in our power to eliminate needless injuries, have provided them room to run and play, have given them a quiet place to heal and sleep when they need it, and have loved them.

Disappointed that we didn’t offer a magical salve or potion, the woman went on her way, leaving us in remembrance over how blessed we are.

We hope you celebrate the milestones your companion animals reach, and we’d love to hear about them!

Winni only had one thing to say, "It's a Dog's Life!"

Grandbury and Winni curl up together for a much needed nap.

Grandbury is an equal opportunity snuggler

Our beautiful boys, exhausted and sweet

Balloon photo credit: Ale_Paiva

Links to Chew On:

• Send an Evite for your pet’s birthday bash
• Pet Party Ideas
• Check out the 2009 Birthday celebration

We love to tell you about the products that have kept our pack healthy and happy through the years, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight the complete awesomeness of the HyperDog Play Pack.

Our boy Frosty, a couture assumed mix of Labrador, Greyhound, and Pit Bull, loved running and toys. When we found the HyperDog Play Pack, he instantly fell in love, and we no longer feared another rotator cuff injury.

Frosty finally met his match with the HyperDog Launcher. As he would run to retrieve a launched ball, I had another ready to roll when he returned. When he saw us pull the HyperDog Launcher from the cabinet he would run, sit, and wait in anticipation, knowing that a ball was soon to be launched for him to fetch.

Tristan loved the smaller size and shape of the tennis balls and soon started chasing them down. Not bad for a dog who deemed most toys “unworthy” of a good chase.

Grandbury loves Frisbee, but fearing he would injure a tooth, we never felt comfortable throwing one his way. The HyperDisc allowed him to catch some air again. As for replacing the band/pouch on the launcher, we didn’t find it necessary for over a year. Your use will vary, but we’ve found the HyperDogs products are long lasting and quality made.

Get your complete play pack while we’ve got’em in stock! Remember: a tired dog is a good dog. This pack is great for multiple dog households and portable for trips to the park and lake.

Check out this video from the manufacturer of Hyper Products.

Purchase a complete HyperDog Play Pack that includes:

The HyperDog 2 Ball Launcher can shoot the tennis balls 220 ft., has hands free pick-up, is collapsible for easy transport and storage, and is made from a rust resistant steel. The Launcher gives you arm and hand support that will keep you in the game until your dog has had his/her fill of the fun.

HyperDog Replacement Band Pouch (the sling) *color may be different from photo

The 4-pack replacement ball set is compatible with all Hyper products except the Mini Hyper Dog

The HyperDisc is a fun flying disc for your dog. Soft sided and covered with a paw print repeating pattern, you’ll always be able to locate your disc at the park. The HyperDisc is soft for safety and your dog’s mouth (no hard plastic to injure your dog’s teeth), it floats, has a gently arched shape for easy pick up, catches some great air and height, and is durable. The HyperDisc is a great tool for training.

Photos of the 24Paws Pack enjoying their HyperDog Ball Launcher

Frosty and Tristan race to get the ball.

Almost… Grandbury shoots past the ball, almost capturing it mid-air.

Tristan proudly displays his catch.

Frosty returns the ball to have it launched again!

Links to Chew On:

• Buy a HyperDog Play Pack
• Replacement HyperDog Tennis Balls

Puppy Palooza informational flier courtesy of University Of Louisville Brandeis School of Law Student Animal Legal Defense Fund

Your dog is tired of winter and ready to hop in the car for a ride and some fun in the sun. If the free admission doesn’t get you out the door, what about the fenced-in area reserved for some off-leash play? Okay, maybe you need a few door prizes and giveaways thrown in?

Well, if that doesn’t get you and your pup off to a great day of fun at the park, we hope you’ll at least go to lend support to the University of Louisville Brandeis Student Animal Legal Defense Fund. These students and future lawyers are on a mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.

Mark your calendar for April 11th from 1:00 – 5:00 pm to attend Puppy Palooza @ Patterson Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

In support of the event, 24Paws has happily donated some of our Ugly Kitty Eco-Tossers and Cozy to Go! cup wraps! These items can be viewed online @ 24Paws.com

Don’t forget water for your pup (and you), a leash, collar (with all the proper tags), some pooper scooper bags, and a few treats to help keep you both happy.

For more information:

Facebook members: U of L Brandeis School of Law

For more information on the  Animal Legal Defense Fund

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund

Disclaimer: 24Paws supports the efforts of organizations and individuals who work to end animal cruelty, ignorance, and abuse through education, legislation, and rescue. We support those groups and individuals whose mission and actions pass our selective criteria. Always be aware of where and how your support and donations are used.

Links to Chew On:

• Get Social with the ALDF
• Animal Bill of Rights

Just in time for spring, some new fancy t-shirts for your favorite pooch.

For anyone who has ever wanted to warn those who might rush to embrace your dog after he has had surgery:

Healing from Surgery…Be Gentle by 24Paws

For all the dogs who are judged by their looks, size, breed, and owner:

I’m a Lover Not a Biter by 24Pawsalso available as:

I’m a Lover Not a Fighter by 24Paws

For all the tail chasers:

i chase tail by 24Paws

For those who love a good shoe:

I Won’t Chew Shoes by 24Paws

I am more than my breed by 24Paws

Links to Chew On:

• Join our Fan Club

For the past two years we’ve been a house well stocked with baby wipes and incontinence pads. Not exactly items you’d expect in a home dedicated to fur-kids, but they are daily essentials for our pack.

We started using baby wipes a few years ago to help clean the folds around Tristan’s mouth as he is prone to develop an allergic reaction to any dirt, dust, or stray food particles that might linger on him. He requires a very gentle product that doesn’t contain alcohol (because it stings and burns any open wounds or scratches and acts as an irritant to his skin), no fragrances, and no dyes.

Other uses for these wipes:

• cleaning ears – very gentle, large, and two-sided
• cleaning around the eyes – very gentle
• cleaning up any mistakes that may occur while on the road
• wiping down the saddle portion of Tristan’s cart to maintain a clean seat

Speaking of other uses for “human” products:

If you’re pet is experiencing recovery from surgery, incontinence, sickness, or just potty training, you quickly become acquainted with the products on the market that will help make the best out of your situation.

Most pet parents are familiar with the disposable absorbent pads that can be used for any of the above situations. We really like these for traveling (even small trips become long trips with an incontinent dog), and for use when an animal is violently ill. These pads really saved the day for all of us when Frosty was in his last weeks and controlling his diarrhea became our own Olympic trial.

There are manufacturers who produce biodegradable versions of these pads, and we really like those, because if you must use these pads very often they do create a lot of waste.

However, you may find that you are better served by a washable, waterproof, and absorbent fabric underpad. These would especially be good for a pet who has undergone surgery, as they often have a spot that leaks, drains, or even bleeds.

Tristan has moments of incontinence when he is asleep, as well as when he first awakens and gets to a standing position. We had been using an old twin mattress pad cover that had a cotton top with a plastic bottom. It was waterproof, and it did work well, but after about six washings, just fell apart.

I happened to stumble upon exactly what we needed quite by accident one day. I found myself in the incontinence/bladder control section of the store and saw the following box:

Waterproof Sheet Protector Absorbent Underpad by Inspire

These pads are large (30″ x 34″), washable and reusable, have a non-slip bottom layer that keeps Tristan standing instead of sliding, a waterproof barrier, a soaker core, and a dry-touch top layer that wicks moisture into the pad. They make a larger size (36″ x 72″), but I haven’t seen it available locally.

Here is the top (white side) and underside (green) of the pad:

We’ve been using them now for a little over a month, and after many washings, they are still performing like new. All this for just shy of $10.00. You can find them at a variety of stores that may be in your neighborhood, or check the online retail list.

There are comparable products marketed specifically for pets, but you’ll pay a great deal more for them.

24Paws Rating: 5 Paws (5/5)

The Product: Waterproof Sheet Protector Absorbent Underpad

Company & Site: K2 Health Products, Inspire Brand

Retail Price: $9.00 – $11.00

How’d we get our paws on it: Purchased at a local store

Why we love it: Economical, large, portable, non-staining, doesn’t leak, washable, reusable, and safe for the elderly or young pup who can’t get their footing very easily. Machine washable and dryable.

Room for improvement: We wonder if an antimicrobial agent applied to the material would be a beneficial feature to the product or cause a price increase that would be unjustified. There doesn’t seem to be much of an odor-blocking element to the pads. Not that there is an overwhelming odor, as the moisture is quickly drawn into the core of the pad, and they launder beautifully and dry quickly.

Remember: Let your pets inspire you – poke your nose around different sections of your favorite stores…you never know what you’ll find. Dare to explore!

Got a favorite incontinence product you’d like to share? How about a product that is marketed for use by humans but is a great item for pets?

Check out our full Review/Rating Process Guidelines

Links to Chew On:

• Biodegradable Pet Training Pads