Health Scare for Kanji - ALL THINGS FOR A REASON

Last December I was at the store with Kanji and I noticed that he started to develop a swelling in his groin - he has a tendency towards Paraphimosis - ( the inability to retract an extruded penis back into the preputial sheath, which is the skin that covers it) - His "lipstick" had been sticking out for over a day, so at first I thought the swelling might be a result of this condition (how to treat this condition will be a topic of another blog!). But the swelling occurred so rapidly it was scary and my mind went to the show Pit Bulls and Paroles ( a great show on TLC that shows Pits as the wonderful dogs that can be if treated right). One of their dogs, Chong, developed a rapid swelling in his groin and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. I then assumed this was what was happening to Kanji.

 I rushed him to Angell Memorial - an awesome Veterinary hospital near by, since it was a Sunday afternoon and my regular vet was closed. The Doctor examined Kanji and was definitely concerned about the swelling. She attempted to withdraw some fluid from it with great difficulty, since it was thick and "waxy". She sent it to be examined, which showed inflammatory cells and bacteria - basically an infection. She said I could go home with antibiotics and treat it with hot compresses. Still concerned she strongly suggested I actually come back in the morning to have the area excised and drained/cleaned out, since it appeared to be quite aggressive. I agreed to return in the morning - still very nervous about the whole situation.

Dropped him off in the morning  and waited nervously to hear what was going on - then the call came - she said since Kanji was a "senior" dog they needed to take a chest x-ray to ensure that his lungs were clear since they would be sedating him to do the surgery. The problem was the x-ray showed a mass in his chest. They wanted to do an abdominal ultrasound and sample the mass, which I agreed to do. the results were not good - a confirmation of cancer.

They said I could pick him up and suggested I make an appointment with the oncologist. They never did the surgery for the infection and I left with antibiotics and told to do the hot compresses. They could not tell me if the groin issue was a result of the cancer or not. Needless to say I was devastated.
Took a few days to see the Oncologist and in the meantime the groin situation seemed to be resolving.

The meeting with the Doctor was not a pleasant one. She could not tell if the mass was In or On the lungs and suggested we do a Catscan - (Angell had recently gotten a new 3D Catscan machine) . She went through the litany of all the possible cancers it might or might not be - potential treatments and outcomes based on the type of cancer -  none of which sounded good of course and I was overwhelmed. I had brought a friend with me to be another set of eyes and ears since I knew I would be too emotionally involved in the situation to actually be hearing clearly. Seems that Primary Lung Cancer would be the best diagnosis - but very rare in dogs, but highly treatable with surgery. So we began to pray for Lung Cancer - can you imagine that. Wore my underwear inside out hoping to reverse our luck. Went looking for Sage to burn, to ward off bad luck and evil and tried to keep positive - the whole time assuming the worse. And of course I hugged Kanji every chance I could get.

 I agreed to the test and scheduled it as quickly as I could. It was getting close to Christmas/New Years and I wanted to get it done - I needed to know even though I didn't want to. They told me that they would have preliminary results after a few hours from which they may be able to make a diagnosis and if not it would take another 24 for them to do the 3D Modeling. Well the phone call came early AND the news was what we were hoping for PRIMARY LUNG CANCER with no other cancer seen in his body. Even the oncologist was surprised. We scheduled surgery as soon as we could after the first of the year. They removed about 1/8th of his lung through his rib cage, removed a node for additional testing and closed him up with 14 staples. Spent 3 days in the hospital and  took him home for 14 days of bed rest and painkillers. He looked pitiful and a little like Frankendog - a patchwork of shaved areas, raw skin and staples - quite the sight - but the pathology came back and said the margins were good and the node was clear and that he was good to go with no further treatment. Because it was found early (by accident) and he was not symptomatic that his recovery would be uneventful and the surgery considered a success. He is doing great!

When I saw the emergency room doctor I hugged her and thanked her for convincing me the infection was serious enough to take a further look - although we never did that surgery and we treated him simply with drugs and compresses, because of her I found something we were not looking for - if I hadn't done that we would have lost Kanji in 6 month according to the oncologist - by the time you have symptoms it's too late.

I can not say enough good things about Angell (although I can complain about the cost - Kanji is worth every penny!) He's happy and so am I to share the rest of his life with me. Also I want to thank Tia and Pit Bulls and Paroles for bringing my attention to possible causes of his swelling - was not the case for Kanji - BUT ALL THINGS FOR A REASON!

Is it Spring Yet?

You may not believe it but it is Spring - although rumor has it there is more snow in our future but at least we know it won't last. It's been quite some time since I have written a new blog post so I am taking this opportunity - Spring - a new beginning - to start writing again.

I don't know about you but it has been a one tough Winter - not just the weather - but business in general (and health issues - not me but Kanji.)

First Business:

Weather effects business - I don't know about you but I sure don't want to go out when the weather is obnoxious - and neither do the dogs. Kanji loves the Snow but rain is a sure no go. Too much snow is also an issue - I don't want to walk farther then I have too - and Kanji get's a little freaked out when the snow get's over his head - and he can actually smell the chemicals and the salt and won't walk if he senses them - I go out  only for necessities - Kanji has necessities too - so he needs to walk .  - Enter PAWZ boots - These have been a life saver for the dogs - little rubber booties - that stay on! Kanji knows when he has his special booties on he can walk anywhere! I have been in business for 8 Winters and for the last 6 this is the only boot I will sell. They workkkkk - they protect the pads of the pups from chemicals, salt, ice, sand........ AND you may not know this but they are good All Year Round - Including Spring.

Consider the following:

• Sand irritation

• Dog Run bacteria

• Allergies

• Lawn chemicals

• Pesticides

• Hot pavement

• Protection from foxtails and burrs

• Post-grooming soil

• Wound protection

• Swimming pools

 and Traction Control - Pawz protects from all of these issues.

 

Wear them, Rinse them off, let them Dry and Sprinkle with Baby Powder or Corn Starch (to avoid sticking) and they will last quite awhile - they may be called semi disposable but you can reuse them again and again. So if you bought them this Winter consider continuing to use them. If you didn't - consider using them now. We carry them all year round.

 

They were originally  made in the Far East but they have moved their manufacturing back to the USA.

 

Back to Business - Things have been slow this Winter - Yes it's the weather but what else? Economy? Competition?, Internet Sales, ...... All of the above.  But I have great loyal customers that help to keep this Mom and Pup store a float. But I can (and need) new customers - so if you can help by referring us to your friends and family - Kanji and Decia would appreciate that. Shopping Local helps maintain your community - Shop the Sticker and support locally owned Independent stores - Maintain the character of your neighborhood.

 

 

 Shop Brookline Local First

Don't Forget About our Monthly Yappy Hour(s) - The 4th Thursday of the Month - starting at 6 PM Treats for Pet's and Their People and lot's of other surprises. Check out previous Yappy Hours Pix

 

 

Howl-O-ween Pet Safety

Halloween is a huge holiday for people and now also for pets. Cause to Paws is having our 8th annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty on Sunday, Oct 28th starting at 5 PM with judging at 6 PM. We have various categories of costumes for the pets - Best Homemade, Best Overall, Best Pet and Person Duo or Group, Best Pet and Pet Duo or Group, and of course Best Trick.  We're (the dogs) also bobbing for discounts and dunking for hot dogs.

When considering dressing your pet in a costume there are a number of things you need to keep in mind. If you have dressed them before in sweaters or coats this should not be an issue but if this their first experience with clothing your pet may not be all that receptive to the idea. Be considerate - you might be stressing them, so just be aware of their reactions. Masks are a definite no no and things on their heads may also be an issue (make sure their eyes/nose are not covered.)

If you are having your own Halloween party or will be answering the door all night, you might want to consider putting your pets in a separate room. Large dogs with big wagging tails can be especially problematic - especially when they get excited  - things can go flying - burning candles, jack-o-lanterns bowls of candy......... Curious cats need to be looked after, too. Keep them behind closed doors, provide food, water and toys/chew things to keep them occupied. You might also want to put on the TV or radio as an added distraction.

Halloween candy, especially chocolate can be deadly - there is a chemical that interferes with their nervous system. Wrappers, especially foil ones can get stuck in their intestines which can cause sickness and possible death if not immediately addressed.

For A Good Cause - Cancer Effects us All

CAUSE TO PAWS is always approached to participate in various charitable activities and asked to provide donations to various causes - both locally and nation wide. For the most part we primarily limit our  CAUSES to PET RELATED ones - that is our focus and part of our MISSION STATEMENT. We also support our local community, Brookline and surrounding towns, whenever possible - especially Schools and Children.

But last month we  made a concerted effort to try and help raise money for CANCER RESEARCH through the PAN MASS CHALLENGE - a Bike Ride to the CAPE. (The PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund).

My friends Jim & Mary Ellen, lost their niece recently to a rare cancer - leaving behind 2,  three year old boys. She fought the hard fight but sadly lost the battle. They reached out to Cause to Paws, offering to SPONSOR one of YAPPY HOURs to try and spread the word (and raise money for Jim's ride). They provided the refreshments (and their company will match all donations). We provided a Gift Basket/Gift Certificate to Raffle off. 

Sally Wattles,  from Vincent Van Dogh did Dog Caricatures - donating a percentage of the cost to Jim's ride.  The response was great and we have asked Sally to come to our next Yappy Hour - Thursday, July 26th,  to do it again. We have extended our Raffle till then and will draw the winner that night (We sell one chance for $2 and $5 for 3 chances - you don't have to be present to win - although that would be nice and you have a choice between the Basket (approx $100 value) or a $50 Gift Certificate).

WHY CANCER RESEARCH?  Cancer not only effects the individual, but also families, including the dog or cat (our children in fur coats). Finding a cure for this group of diseases is not an isolated event. Treatments for people can extend to treatments for animal cancers as well. Why not HELP the CAUSE, and have some fun as well at our next YAPPY HOUR.

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies. Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. Meeting your neighbors and supporting a local store/event makes the community just that much stronger. AND the dogs can't get enough of Terry's Pupcakes - a peanut butter/carrot taste sensation. Don't worry, we have treats for the people as well! Hope to see you there - @ 1386A Beacon Street, Brookline starting at 6 PM.

Can't make it? You can still stop in and donate - win something for a GOOD CAUSE.

It's Hot Out There - Be Aware Be Safe

Been outside lately? If so you know how hot it is - I can only make it a few blocks before I need to dart inside somewhere and cool down. The Town of Brookline has annouced a Heat Emergency and opened up Cooling Centers. If you're hot imagine how your dog might feel. If possible, I suggest you leave your dog home. NEVER NEVER NEVER leave them in a car - even for a few minutes - the car is like a glass hot house, with temps much higher then the actually outside temp - cracking a window is NOT ENOUGH. Walk your dog early in the morning before the heat starts to build and later in the day when it begins to dissipate,  minimize any exercise, provide lots of water.

Hot sidewalks/asphalt can actually burn dogs paws. You can put on a salve on the paws, like Mushers Secret, to protect their pads. Some people, especially if you live or hang out at the beach ofter use PAWZ rubber boots to protect the pads - for short periods of time - to protect the paws from the heat and grit - REMEMBER - dogs sweat through their paws (and by panting) - so you don't want to keep them covered for long.

Little dogs can be lifted up and put into carriers - like a sling - especially if they get tired - and you want to walk faster. AND HYDRATE< HYDRATE< HYDRATE - not just the dog but you, too.

BE Smart, BE Aware, BE Safe - Your dog will appreciate it.

Immortalizing My Dog

I have to admit - I just don't LOVE my dog I am IN LOVE with my dog- or maybe I am just obsessed with him. My life is basically my dog and everyone elses, too- I own a dog (and cat) store so what do you expect.

Lately I have unleashed my creative side - creating Kanji in various media. The Brookline Art Center had a fund raiser - different people were asked to "decorate" paint palettes that were then put up for auction. I was lucky to be asked and immortalized Kanji - using shells my sister collected when she lived in Florida and rhinestones from her jewelry days. I must say it came out pretty good - I copied a photograph of him. My mother decided she wanted it and "won" the bidding. He is her "grandson" you know.

Then last Sunday I went to a place in Newton called the Paintbar - where you "copy" the picture of the day by painting along with the instructor. I went because they were doing dogs (backs of). You can choose to modify the picture and of course I had to put Kanji, Decia (my sisters Lhasa) and Woody (their best friend- a chocolate lab). I had a blast - Not sure what I plan on doing with the painting - maybe frame it and hang it in the store. I may even try it again - maybe cats this time?

All I can tell you is that Kanji will live forever in my works of art.

I have already had another (real) artist paint him on a rock. 

 I put him on a tee shirt as a party favor for my 50th birthday - we were in a kayak together.

I've put him on cakes (from Party favors) - but those were only temporary - having eaten him because their cakes are delicious!





I have to decide what  I can create next - any suggestions?

Dog Shows - Like to watch but....................

I have to admit that I did watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show but .......................

I like to watch this show to see all of the different breeds but then I realize that this whole event is contrary to what I believe in. There are so many dogs out there that need homes that are combos of all sorts of breeds - I call them "love children" - (I have one - Kanji - a combo of Shitzu and Cockapoo,  who is a wonderful "accident" between neighbor dogs, not  designer breed (see Kanji's puppy picture).

Dog Shows support the concept that pure bred dogs are the way to go and that the more exotic the better. Although I am sure that these dogs come from loving homes and are treated like family,  they perpetuate a culture of "perfect" dogs - with qualities not necessarily healthy or good for the animal.  Also people fall in love with some of the breeds that are not necessarily  meant to be house pets - those that need lots of exercise and activity - those meant to be "working" dogs - not house pets. When this happens you end up with not only an unhappy family but an unhappy dog.

So watch the show and be happy for those dogs but when thinking of getting a dog - go the rescue route - you'll be happy you did.

That's my vent for the day.