BIG Post - the results

Sorry this is a a BIG post but I have such a lot to share. First of all we headed off and 6.30 am towards Memphis which is about an hour and a half away. It was VERY misty and rained just about the whole way there and back (actually it was worse coming back). Here we are on the bridge that crosses the Tennessee River between Arkansas and Tennessee. Can you see Memphis up ahead? No, that was how misty it was, you couldn't even see the big tall buildings, heck you couldn't even see the river! Here I am in the back seat secure and safe wearing my awesome lambswool harness (which it turns out was a BAD idea - more about that later)










We were a bit worried about the rush hour traffic, but as it turned out it was quite light and Mom and Dad even had time to go to Starbucks (Mom's love to splurge occasionally of a Vanilla Steamer which is just hot milk and vanilla all whipped up so it is frothy) Mom got me a nice cup of cool water too. I must say I REALLY like this vet's office and the VET - ohhhhh she was sooo sweet to me! Look, they have these pawesome big windows we can look out of while we were waiting. You can see me smiling as I am waiting with my Dad. They also has these pawsome photographs on the wall taken by a local photographer. Doesn't that look like a certain black Labradork (errrrr I mean Labradude) on the wall? One of the hardest things to photograph is a black dog - did you know that? It is because their coloring doesn't show their expressions as easily - but this guy was amazing!

Anyway in came Dr B - and she was just as cute as a button! She also has 2 shelties herself, a border collie an 2 mix breed dogs - all which she adopted. She couldn't believe how beautiful and placid I was and she kept rubbing my ears - how did she know I LOVE that.....I thought only my Mom knew that !

Dr B. carefully explained everything they would be doing and what they would be testing for and how they would do it. She said Mom and Dad could leave me and come back in an hour to get the results. I was more then happy to follow Dr B. and trotted happily down the hall with her. Mom and Dad went to have breakfast at a nearby I-Hop. Mom treated herself to a pancake with butter-pecan syrup. She LOVES I-Hop's butter-pecan syrup!

When they got back I came racing in to see them wagging my tail like crazy. Dr B came in and showed us the area they tested and explained the results. They tested 68 different allergens on me - 68! Do you see the size of that shaved spot! Heck - I am naked and now everyone can see how spotted I am under my coat. You can also see all the irritated areas !

Okay - the results. The rating is '0' for normal and '4' for severe.

I tested 4 on histamine levels, Ragweed (Dr B said I could of been a 6 on that it was so bad) Cocklebur and Goldrod and Black Ants and Cockroaches. Mom was befuddled by the cockroaches as she has never seen in the house or the garden. I am also allergic the Red Cedar and Juniper, sheep wool (hence the problem with my harness which has a sheep wool lining) human dander and dust mites. I am also allergic to Rye Grass and Couch as well as a few other plants. They didn't test for food allergies as we have already have that done and we know I am allergic to grains and any kind of poultry.

So there we have it....We left the Dr B's office over a $1000 lighter in the pocket and with some special serum that is made just for me and my allergies. Dr B. says it will take at least two months to start having any noticeable affect and could be up to a year before we get full results. I also have some special antibiotic shampoo and a spritz spray to use on my fur every day. She found when she shaved me that I have a bad skin infection and she thinks this is why my fur has been falling out. So I have antibiotics I have to take too. She also did a thyroid test and a blood panel as Shelties are prone to thyroid issues and that can also make fur fall out but mine came back normal and my blood panel was fine too except for the inflammation level - which is the allergies at work.

Can you believe Mom insisted I have my harness on for the ride back home even though it was made of sheep's wool. Hey, I just thought of something - how silly is it ...that a sheepdog is allergic to sheep !!!!!! I insisted sitting silly on the seat after she put it on as I wasn't happy about wearing it - but Mom said the road conditions were horrendous and she wasn't taking any chances.

Now luckily Mom is used to injections as she has to give herself one every morning - so this morning we started our new schedule where she gave me my injection first (that is the box at the bottom), and she filled out my record book and then she gave herself her injection. See..... Mom and I share so much in common! Mom says I also the biggest bravest boy - I didn't even wake up when she gave me my injection this morning. It goes between my shoulders and luckily I have quite a bit of 'padding' there so I didn't even feel it.








Of coarse there are lots of other things Mom has to do now to lessen my allergies.....as soon as we got home she went online to identify what this ragweed and other weeds look like - and YES we have heaps in our backyard! So tomorrow she will be going crazy with the hoe to remove as much as she can. She also has a big air purifier going near where I like to sleep and Dad is going to give me a bath this weekend. That is really something I could without is a weekly bath!

Now while Mom was out checking the garden this morning, she noticed all the fences were steaming - yes steaming. We thought it looked so weird we had to take a picture of it to share with you. You can see any of the photos bigger just by clicking on them.

So that was my adventure in Memphis. We didn't really get to see much of it because of the rain but I like spending time with my Mom and Dad - just the three of us. And paws crossed this treatment will help - we will certainly let everyone knows how it goes.

Hynotic gaze

I came up with this pawsome plan to Hypnotize the Mommy and make her take me to Memphis with her. I tried telling her Weilly needs me there to hold his paw but she said I was being silly. So this is how it went.

Look into my eyes Mommy....look closely in my eyes.

Mommy - you will take me to Memphis.....you will take me to Memphis.

Your eyes are getting tired and your mind is now open to my suggestive thoughts....you WILL take Denny to Memphis with you and buy him lots of treats and toys.

Take Denny to Memphis....take Denny to Memphis.

Then the Mommy started talking to me.

Denny - you are getting sleepy, very sleepy

And Denny NO ! You are NOT going to Memphis.

You have to stay home with Jackie and his Mom.

You are getting sleepy Denny, you are relaxed and you will not miss Mommy at all....you are happy NOT to go Memphis.

[The Mom] guess that worked!!!!!

The one and ONLY cowspotdog !

Yes, it is me, a little lighter in the coat then normal but here non the less - and look - I am smiling!!! I haven't really shared a lot about my itchy scratchy allergies so I thought I would give an update. Dad says they started in Nebraska (Mom doesn't remember that because she was in hospital) but they really went crazy when we all moved to Arkansas. Dr W. has had me on prednesone, different allergy medications, monthly allergy shots and the latest was a drug called Atopica (Cyclosporine). Mom has had this drug herself for the treatment of her Lupus - it is an immune suppressant and Mom was REALLY worried about me being on it as she remembered how REALLY sick it made her. After a lot of discussion between Mom, Dad and Dr W. it was decided to give it try as I was scratching so much I was getting sores and skin infections. Sadly, it didn't help at all (Mom does think it is related to my rapid hair loss though) and it was stopped. So now I will be putting on 'my blue suede shoes' and be 'walking in Memphis' later this week to see a specialist vet. Mom says it is a lady vet and I like lady vets - they are always so gentle with me. I am really hoping she can help me as I am not liking all the extra baths I have been getting lately. Did you know that long fur like mine can act like an air filter, allergens can get trapped in it thus making us more itchy then normal and that the only way to lessen this is regular baths! I told Mom I AM NOT a walking air filter...but she wouldn't listen and as much as I hate to admit, it does feel better to have regular bath at the moment. I will give an update when we have some news - until then I just have to keep the dweebs from hogging MY blog.

Ello - it's me Denny !

Shhhh come closer - I have something to share but I don't want the Big Dog to hear. There is a reason you haven't seen much of him on his bloggie lately - see the Big Dog is a bit embarrassed. As some of you know he has been having some major problems with his allergies and this week Mom and Dad are taking him to see a specialist dermatologist vet in Memphis. In the meantime though the big dog has been shedding his coat - like excessively and he's a bit embarrassed about how thin it has got. I keep telling him he is still the most handsome biggest brother but he just grumbles about me being a "Wuzster". Mom and Dad tried everything they and local vet could think of to help him but nothing has worked. They have searched the internet and read everything they could on the matter. Sadly the specialist may have to shave his side so they can do some patch testing - he is not happy about that but Mom keeps telling him if it helps find out what is causing his allergies and we can treat it - then his beautiful fur will grow back and he won't be so itchy scratchy. Keep your paws crossed that the vet can do something for the Big Dog as he really isn't a happy or comfortable Big Dog at the moment.

Caught !

Here I was thinking about devious ways to get back at the blog-hogging "IT" when he did it for me. This morning we suddenly heard "IT" barking and whining loudly outside and then the "Wuzster" also joined in. It sounded REALLY odd to the Mom so off she went outside to check what all the noise was about. Imagine her surprise when she saw "IT" had got into the veggie patch to do some digging - and gawoof gawoof "IT" couldn't get back out again! Personally I think Mom should have left the little blog-hogger there but nnnnnooooooooo she had to go and get him out. Luckily there are not any veggies growing in there - just some parsley that refuses to give in to the winter cold and some old tomato vines that Dad hasn't pulled out yet. You need to click on the second picture to see it big as the look on "IT's" face is priceless! Ahhh revenge is so sweet :) Hey Mom - instead of planting veggies again in spring why can't we just keep it as an "IT" pen?

The art of 'sunpuddling'

Can you believe it - that Mr Big Dog (otherwise known as Reilly) has been woofing about renaming his blog to Cowspotdog And The Dweebs! The nerve of him especial as I am NOT a dweeb - I am a DORKY! (Dauchshund x Yorkie). 'Other Mommy' chuckles every time I say I am a Dorky - but I am not sure why - do you know why??????

Anyway, in response to such a blatant meanie attitude from Mr Big Dog...... I am dognapping his blog and making it all about ME - at least until he finds out and then I am going to run and hide under the deck where he can't reach me!

So here we go. Today I am going to teach you all step by step the finer art of sun-puddling. (did you know that sun-puddling spelled with a hyphen is actually in the dictionary!)

Step 1 - you must find the perfect sun-puddle first and for those that aren't sure, the perfect sun-puddle is warm and makes the floor all bright.
Step 2 - you have to really enjoy a good sun-puddle so this means rolling around in delight in it.












Step 3 - When you have finished having a a good roll then you need to rest a little. You don't want to overdo your sun-puddling.
Step 4 - Now this one is extremely important so focus here every pup. Next you have to look TOTALLY adorable so your Mommy or "Other Mommy" will say ohhhhhh how cute and adorable you are ..............and GIVE you a TREAT.












Step 5 - Of coarse you want them to think you are enjoying your sun-puddle sooooooo much that you are not REALLY interested in any old treat. (Even if it is my favorite Duck Jerky!)
Step 6 - You give a shrug and nonchalantly pick a piece up just to try it and then gobble it down FAST before the "Other Mommy" realizes she have given you 3.... yes {THREE} pieces. We were supposed to get a piece each gawoof gawoof!












And there you have it my fellow furbees. I am throwing out a challenge to each and every one of you - CLAIM THE SUN-PUDDLE - make it you own and show us all a picture of you enjoying it on your blogs. Well what are you waiting for? Oh woof - I think I hear Mr Big Dog coming!!!!

Arhhh arhhh arhhhh CHOOOOO

{Arhhh arhhh arhhhh CHOOOOO}. Oh dogness, there seems to be something tickling my {arrrrrrccchhhoooo} nose and I just can't stop sneezing. I wonder what it could be and where it could of {arrrrrccchhhooooo} come from? "Other Mommy" says I am a very healthy doggie because I have a nice {arrrrrccchhhooooo} wet shiny nose - but what she didn't know {arrrrrrrrchooooo} was I stuck it in the water bowl to try and {arrrrccchhhoooooo} wash off the itchy thing. What do you think - does that look like long {arrrrccchhhoooooo} white hair....and where could that of come from I {arrrrccchhhoooooo} wonder?

For those having trouble finding some celestial blue for Thursday's color challenge (peeking over in Dawns direction) I have posted some photos of the items I found over on the True Colors Blog that may help :)

True Colors Thursday Blog

Sorry for the confusion over the missing True Colors Blog. I had been informed by numerous people that original "True Colors" was no longer being updated and there were no challenges. Seems this wasn't quite correct and that Blue is still doing 'true colors' but on her own blog. I wanted to check with her whether she wanted to continue it and she said it would be okay to have both....so we are back and looking for more people to join in.

The first weeks challenge is already posted so head on over to the True Colors Thursday Blog and check it out. We have also created this button that you can add to your own blog and please let your buddies know the blog is up and running. Have fun looking for things to take photo's of and remember there is no rigid rules and everything is from your own perspective. http://truecolorthursday.blogspot.com/

Jackies Sunpuddles

Shhh don't tell the big dog Reilly I am on his bloggie today. I have been doing some catching up on the all the bloggies and one of the things I love is Phantoms (from the Woos) use of the term sunpuddle. I LOVE LOVE LOVE sunpuddles and when those other two silly furballs are outside enjoying the cold I am inside (like any sane doggie would be) enjoying my warm little spots in the sun. It didn't take me long to remember where all the best ones are. Other Mommy - Reilly and Denny's Mommy - she opens all the blind just for me so there is lots of sunpuddles! Ah...sometimes it is the simplest things that make life so wonderful.

Phew - that was scary!

Yesterday when we were doing our rounds of visiting all your blogs and leaving comments, the log on screen suddenly appeared and when we went to log on it said our account had been deactivated! What the woof !!!!! We tried through out the day to get back on and sent email after email to google.....Mom and I were in near panic state! Finally this morning we got an email to say there had been in error and our blog was restored. It really scared us and the first thing Mom did was download her template and blog (this is a good hint for everyone - make a copy of your template and blog because you never know what will happen)

If you need to do this click on the 'design' tab, then the 'edit template' tab and then you see at the top of the page in orange a line that says 'download a copy of your template'. Then go to to the 'settings' tab and click on the link that says 'export blog' This will download your entire blog for you and NO - it doesn't export it somewhere else or delete it. These instruction are only for blogger.

We sure are glad to be back and you know Mom always says "everything happens for a reason" and I guess the reason for this was to remind us to download our template and blog more often.

The proof is in the bedding!

Some of you may remember that Mom bought the 'Wuzster' a new bed for Christmas but that he was too scared to get on it or even go near it. In fact he spent the first couple of days barking at it and finally just ignored it hoping that the 'evil' bed would go away. Well last night for the first time EVER the 'Wuzster' actually decided to have a snooze on it. Mom thinks it is because 'IT' has been snoozing on it and it now smells like him. This of coarse meant that 'IT' had no where to snooze so he just dragged one of the couch cushions to the middle of the couch, stomped it around a little to make it just right and then went to sleep on it. Mom was chuckling and thought of Mr Pip's Occupy the couch campaign. 'IT' made himself very comfortable right in the middle of the big couch declaring 'this is my spot'. As for me, I was by my FAVORITE spot by the front door acting a draft stopper - that cool air sneaking in is soooooo nice. Okay...I am off now to have serious barkings with those two young whipper snappers about HOGGING my blog!

Sssshhhh It's me Denny

I thought I would sneak on Weilly's bloggy while he is taking a nap and share some exciting news. You probably all know that Weilly calls me the "Wuzster" because I get scared of so many things but since Jackie came back to live with 'ME" - things have been changing. I don't always shy away when someone tries to pat me now (Daddy likes this A LOT). New things don't scare as me as much. Normally if Mommy and Daddy move some furniture I get all worried and upset - well they changed 3 rooms around last weekend and I didn't care at all! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of me and they are happy to see me relaxing and just enjoying myself instead of being scared of everything. I love love love having MY Jackie home again.

What a day !

Here I was enjoying a nice bit of sunshine when I was 'bribed' yes bribed to come inside and what was waiting me - or I should I say ALL of us....the dreaded B.A.T.H. Now they are forecasting rain for the next 3 days so I was REALLY enjoying my sun bathing and the LAST thing I wanted was a real 'bathing' with heaven forbid - W.A.T.E.R.

Mom asked "IT's" Mom if she would do the dreaded deed as Mom can not do it anymore. And why did I need a bath you ask - all because I kept Mom up half the night with my scratching. (Dad of coarse slept right through it - don't know why Mom can't) Was this a little Mom revenge I ponder? Sadly the new medicine the vet has been trying for my scratchies doesn't seem to be helping and we are just at a loss as to what can be causing it. I am also on antibiotics now as I have scratched myself so much in some places it has caused some skin abrasions. Mom is threatening to make me wear booties if I don't stop scratching - BOOTIES!!!! are you crazy woman!! Of coarse the dweebs just took it all without complaining - such young dweebs don't realize how bad B.A.T.H.S really are.

Denny - Jackie and the battered rabbit

We haven't been doing much around the old homestead except for playing, playing and more playing. I am sooooo glad MY Jackie is home. Today we thought we would share some our cuteness and show us playing with the poor battered rabbit and having a game of bitey face as well.

Do I really have to.......

Reilly - "Awwww Mom - Do I really have to sit here with them - they are such dweebs!"

Mom - "yes Reilly YOU do!

Reilly - "Well all you are going to get is 'my not happy about this' look - so there"

Mom - "You are like one of those guys from Grumpy Old Men, Reilly"

Reilly - "Well who wouldn't be grumpy having to sit next the It and Wuzster - the pair of dweebs!"

It's just not fair !

Look at me - here I am in my nice big yard.....and do you see Wielly - NO, do you see Jackie - NO. Where are they you may well be asking?

Well Weilly has an excuse for not playing - see Mommy took him to the vets yesterday about his limping, he has something called arty-rife-tuss in his front right leg and also in his back left leg. The vet thinks his front leg was caused from doing agility - and that because he has been limping on it for quite some time on and off over the years he has put extra pressure on his back leg to compensate and now that one is hurting him too. Mommy was very sad as she was always so careful about his agility and never did a lot with him so she is surprised this has happened. But Wielly is much bigger then a normal sheltie and being white could also have something to do with it. Mommy says the Vet pulled Wielly's legs this way and that - and said Weilly is a very stoic doggy as he didn't make a sound the whole time. In fact the only way he knew Weilly felt any thing was when Wielly held his breath instead of panting. He also said Weilly wasn't allowed to go walkies for two whole weeks! Poor Weilly! He has some medicines to take every day now and hopefully that will help him feel better.

Now as for Jackie - his Mommy is being so mean - they don't get up until nearly 9.00am even though I wake up at 6.00 and want to play and then she keeps him in her room with him ALL afternoon even though I cry and cry at the door for him to come out. And she gets upset at me because I won't go to her and let her pat me - why would I????? She might grab me and lock me up in the room too !!! Jackie is MY buddy and I want him to be able to play with me all day long. It's just not fair!

It's me - Jackieeeeeee

Guess who - it's me and I am home again. Sigh! I have a yard to run in, buddies to play with and LOTS of people to cuddle me - is this doggie heaven? The little puppy Denny has grown SOOOO much since I left, he is way bigger then me now but he is still lots of fun to play with and we have some great games of bitey face and chase around the house. Aunty Bree wasn't to sure how he would cope seeing me again but there was no problems at all - it was like I never left!

Mr Reilly - well he still the big dog that basically tries to ignore me - and he is THE BOSS - I guess some things never change.

I do remember his lessons on avoiding the 'flashy beast' though - as you can see from the photos. Aunty Bree tried so hard - she must of took at least 50 pictures and did she get one good one - NO. As we doggies know, it's not really us avoiding the 'flashy beast' - it is just the person behind it that isn't very good. Oh and best of all Aunty Bree had just cooked up some beef ribs and I got a whole one to myself and it was almost as big as me! I love being home again.