Foster Failure - Sweetie Pie

Fostering is rewarding. I think I've said that like a million times before. 

Still it's true. 

Until you fail. Then it's even better. 😉

Meet Sweetie-Pie. 

She was found as a stray somewhere in Florida. She was very pregnant. If a shelter is full sometimes they just have no room. If no one can step up and rescue the pup, pregnant or not, sometimes the dog is just put down. Its a sad ugly truth of our world. 

Very good mama

The rescue I work with got a call about a very sweet but very pregnant mixed breed pup. We said yes, let's arrange a transport. Then the night before she was supposed to make the long trip to our rescue, Sweetie Pie gave birth to 6 puppies. The transport drove up to check on her. Yes, the shelter thought she was done having pups. They put her on the transport and then.... two more puppies popped out on the ride. 

 Sweetie Pie was emaciated. Every rib and hip bone clearly outlined over skin stretched thin. Her hair was thinning and she had several white marks on he black coat. We had no idea where they came from but didn't think she was treated too well before she was picked up as a stray.😭

Sweetie Pie and her 8 puppies were given a nice pen, a soft bed and good nutritious food three times a day. As the puppies grew they seemed to drain poor Sweetie of all nutrients as she just didn't put any weight on. Still thin as sticks. 

Off to the vet! The vet found a bacterial infection so at 5 weeks the vet didn't want her nursing any more. She had to go on medication. We supplemented the pups with puppy milk mixed in with soft puppy mush and kibble. These pups grew fat and healthy. Sweetie finally started putting on some much needed weight. 

As the pups reached 8 weeks and started to go to their furever homes, Sweetie would need to go to foster care. 

Unsure of this car ride

Guess who volunteered to be foster? 

So that's how Sweetie Pie became my foster. As she got more and more comfortable here, her real personality started to come out. Although her paperwork guessed her age at almost 4, she acts like a baby herself. 

We went to an adoption day. She did really good. Loved everyone and everyone loved her sweet personality. No one stepped up to adopt. 

The next event was planned as a big one. Hundreds of people would be there. I looked at Sweetie and knew if she met that many people she'd be adopted. 

I got a text asking if she would be at the event. I didn't answer. I could step up to adopt her myself. Should I? Am I ready for another dog? (I lost my LoveBug two years ago. My heart was broken)  But was I ready? The words went round and round in my head. 

The next day I decided to adopt. It was a tough decision. All the questions like; Am I ready? Should I? Is she too young for me? What should I do? Universe send me a sign! 💙💚💛💜💖

Please meet my Foster Failure; 

Maggie Mittens!  

(yes, we renamed her) 

Applying For a Rescue Dog - 5 Reasons Why You Didn't Hear Back

 

So, you made the decision. You want to adopt a rescue dog. You found the perfect pup and filled out the rescue's online application. And then....

Radio silence. You never hear back. 

Why? 

Here are 5 of the reasons your application might have failed. 

1.  Your application was incomplete. Did you fill out the whole thing with the correct information? Making a mistake on your phone or email might have made it impossible for them to reach you. Check your entries before hitting submit. 
2. You skipped sections. Other pets? Vet information? Who else lives in the house? 
3. You didn't read the animal's about me section. If the information on the pet says must have a fenced in yard and you don't well everything stops there. Or not good with cats and you have a cat? Rescuers are looking to make a perfect match so the animal gets a perfect furever home. 
4. You don't read the questions. Did it ask for 3 references and you only gave one? Really? If you can't supply at least 3 people who can vouch for your ability to own a pet then why should they trust you? 
5. The pets in your house are not up to date on vaccinations. A good rescue will call your vet to make sure you're taking good care of the pets in your care. Either now or ones you owned in the past. If you didn't keep on on basic pet care, your application will be passed over. 

You ask why they don't call or email and let you know why? 

One single dog or cat can have over 30 applications in a week or even a day.  Processing all these applications takes time and a lot of phone calls to vets and references. This doesn't take into account the time dealing with amount of dogs coming into rescue who need medical care or the fundraising needed to take care of them all.  

If the rescue stopped and answered every ap there would be no time left to process the other applications and find that perfect home for the pets in their care or provide proper attention to the new pets coming in. And there are always more dogs and cats needing to be rescued. Isn't that the goal? Finding a great furever home for every single dog or cat. 

Woof! Good dog!

I Adopted Out a Dog Today

 I foster dogs. 

No, it's not easy. 

I adopted out a dog today. His name was Carl and he was the sweetest little boy. Carl was joy in every sense of the word. He loved snuggling on the couch, following me around no matter what room I went into (we did have a discussion on the bathroom but he didn't seem to understand my point of view) and chasing squirrels. 

I adopted out a dog today. He took a piece of my heart with him and now I can't seem to find my smile. 

I adopted out a dog today. My couch is empty and there's no reason to open the back door 20 times a day to play let dog in, let dog, out. 

I adopted out a dog today. There are tears in my eyes and a sadness around my shoulders. I miss his little face, his wagging tail and happy eyes. 

I adopted out a dog today. He's going to another home where he'll be loved and have another dog to play with. I'm happy  his furever home is a good one where they'll keep up on his vet visits, shower him with toys and feed him well. 

I adopted out a dog today. And now my home is open to save another life. Because that's what rescue is all about. Saving one more little life. 

Have a good life little one. 

Adopting out the Foster Pup.

 Today I let Petey go to his new home. 

No more little fuzzball running around, bringing me his little ball to throw or cuddling up beside me on the couch.  Petey has a new Mama now. 

This woman is a lot like the mama he had before. She's home all the time, likes to take walks and needs a cuddle buddy. 

It's a good match. 

Sweetie Petey deserves a mama who will love him and be home with him all the time. 

I'm going to miss the little fellow a lot. 

Problems with Dogs

 Hey! He's a good dog but.... 

Yeah, I hear that all the time.  Mostly because people don't know the basics of dog training or where to turn to for help.  

So you adopted that adorable dog. Cool. Now let's help him unpack. 

    He came with a past. Before this pup got to you he was somewhere else. Either with his mom and siblings or abandoned or maybe with a different adopter or a rescue. When he was there he learned their ways (not your way) and knew what was expected of him there. Now he comes to your house and doesn't even know where the bathroom is or if he'll be fed today.

   So what do you do? First thing on your list should be patience. He may not pick up on your clues the first time, or the second or even the tenth. But he'll get there if you give him time and patience. Be consistent. Use the same command every time. If you say "Go out!" a couple of time then "Go potty!" it could be confusing. Make sure the whole family knows the commands and what they mean. 

   Dogs are usually treat driven. BUT be smart about this. The dog gets the treat for good behavior. Make sure its a healthy treat and don't give too much. 

One of the first things you should teach your pup is to sit on command. That way they should sit when getting a treat. They'll soon know sit gets rewards.  Don't force their butt down but encourage the sit by repeating the command and slowly moving the treat backward over their head so they sit. Once that butt is down give lots of "GOOD BOYS!" and the treat. Repeat, repeat, repeat. 

Off topic I once had a Golden Retriever who went after the mailman. She raced out the door before I could grab her and raced toward him. Terrified the poor mailman jumped up onto the hood of the mail truck. I yelled the one command I knew she understood well, "DUSTY, SIT!" The dog dropped in her tracks, sat down and looked back at me.  This is a good example of how knowing the right command at the right time can help. :) 

    

Now about all that unpacking. Your dog might come with some quirks like they're jumpy when you move your feet or cower when you pull out the broom. This could be a sign that they were abused with that before they got to you. Solution? Go slow with them. Trust is earned and not automatic especially in dogs that have seen rougher times. 

   If your dog jumps every time you get up from the couch and move your feet then give them a warning. Say, "It's okay, good boy." as you get up. This alert them you're going to move and they won't be so startled. 

   If your dog panics at the broom or other item? Take them out of the room so they don't see it. Direct them to their bed or other safe place like the couch. My dog sits on the couch and watches me vacuum. It's all good. 

   Rescue dogs are the best but they just need time to learn what you want from them, where the bathroom is, what time they eat and what to expect from the household. 

Time and patience are the key to a happy dog and a happy family. 

   

Week 2 Rescue Dog - Love Bug

So, we brought home Love Bug about two weeks ago. Seven year old Bassett mix. She fit into our home just fine. Totally house trained, doesn't chew the furniture (knock wood!) and loves car rides.  Even when walking around the neighborhood, if someone gets out of their car she wants to jump right in!


My daughter sent her a Bark Box as a welcome home gift! Yum!

Sunday we took her to the blessings of the pets. She was a little nervous with all the bigger dogs, but stood on the little table and let the minister say a prayer over her for health & to not be afraid of big dogs.

Although she can look bigger in pictures, Love Bug weighs on at about 34 lbs and is small in statue. Little bitty legs!
One issue? She's a chip monster! She loves Tostitos and don't let her hear the bag crinkle or she comes running.

Overall, Love Bug is fitting in just fine. She has her place on the couch and sits in the window waiting for us to come home.

Rescue an older dog. They're full of love.

Choosing a Dog Rescue

Dog rescue is just like everything else in life. There are places you fit and places maybe not so much.
I came from a rescue up in New Jersey that had the most amazingly giving and sacrificing people I've ever had the good fortune to get to know. They jumped up and ran to each dog in need. They gave up time, money and their hearts to these dogs and always went the extra mile. I loved each and every one of them for the goodness in their hearts and the kindness in their souls.
Then I moved 900 miles away.

So here I am in Florida and getting settled in to new digs. We have boxes of stuff everywhere and really can't find things because they're somewhere... here. 
I'm unpacking and all I can think about is fostering a dog again. Or maybe two.

I think about the shelters that are over crowded. About the dogs who sit in shelters confused and scared. I think about that space on my couch that could give them comfort and security even if its just a bridge to their furever life.

So now I'm on the search for a rescue like my rescue in New Jersey. That mystical group of people who give more then they take and then give some more.

So my rescue friends, where is that special rescue of love and sacrifice?

Not Fostering Now

I've fostered dogs for about 10 years now. Its been a crazy, wild ride and I wouldn't change one minute of it. Not the sad, sick pups I had to nurse back to health, not the wild, untrained dogs who gnawed on my table legs and not those who made me a foster failure.          ---->


Those days were full of fun and laughter and also some heartbreak. There were dogs I was happy to see move to their forever home and those that took a piece of my heart with them when they left.

Now I'm beginning a new life adventure and can't foster where I'm staying because of these two rambunctious beauties.

They are big, they are young, and they would probably squash any little dog that happened by. Not because they're mean, but big dogs play rough. They can push the couch 5 feet when they rock into it.
I'd hate to see them trample a little guy and due to an old shoulder injury I usually only do small dogs.

I miss fostering so much! I miss those sad little eyes looking up at me when they enter my house for the first time and I miss watching them transform into the happy-go-lucky pups they always should have been.

As soon as our house situation is settled I'm back into fostering. There are too many dogs out there who need me, you, us.

How to Change a Dog's Name

What's in a name? A rose by any other name is still as sweet.
However...
When you adopt a dog sometimes they come with the name. Either the shelter gave it to them or the rescue or foster mom. And those people have usually named a lot of dogs! Sooner or later the names they give might be too playful, goofy or just down right ridicules.

I had a chihuahua who came into my house as a foster. Somewhere along the line she picked up the name Corona, like the beer. This sweet little girl who came in from a hoarding situation and scared to death of everyone and everything was named after a beer.

Eh.

Somehow it just didn't fit, but I let it go by. After all I was just her foster mom and she would pass onto a permanent home in a few weeks. If they wanted, they could change it.

That's not what happened. This scared little chihuahua wasn't going anywhere. She was a barking, high strung mess at adoption days. She was 9 years old when she was rescued and there weren't many people who would step up for a little dog with a big mouth and who had no idea about affection or cuddling. She set up on one corner of the couch in a little pile of blankets and there she stayed.

Permanently.

When I sat my husband down and give him the news; It's a Chihuahua! He nodded and said, "I figured."

Now it was time to change her name. This much sweetness couldn't be labeled like a beer. Although she was a challenged to everyone from barking at company to running from them, I wanted everyone to know she really was sweet. I named her Cupcake.

To change her name I started calling her Corona-Cupcake. After a week or two of that when I knew she was answering to it I switched it up. Cupcake-Corona. It took only a day for her to answer to it. (Chihuahuas are smart!) Then after another week or so I just called her Cupcake and she answered to it without hesitation.

Success! Name changed.

Remember some dogs pick this up quicker to be patient. Keep using the names together until they get it. Then just drop the old name and go with the new!

Cupcake crossed the rainbow bridge last year but she stays forever in my heart.

Beds are Yummy!

Doxie-Chiweenie? Feist? Foster Dog!

Lexie, my foster pup has been here about two weeks and she's a sweet little ball of energy!  She's running circles around my 12 year old Shih Tzu, Gracie, who just wants to lay on the couch.


There are some quiet times...



She makes friends easily...






And just today I got an application I really like. Now the work begins to ensure that this family is a perfect fit because this little girl deserves a family that will have patience for an energetic puppy, time to give her the exercise she'll need and enough love to give her that furever home.

Fostering Addiction

Once you’ve fostered a few dogs, the addiction sets in. Instead of the, “I’m not sure I could give it up,” monolog running through your brain, you hear, “I can save one more.”

Thinking about the dog that just left your home sometimes hurts. I miss them. In the short time they lived here, they crawled into my heart. When they leave all the quirky little things they did, like running into the kitchen every time they heard the cheese being unwrapped, or cuddling next to me as I watched TV, or greeting me when I came through the door after work, suddenly seemed like big things. Big things that weren’t here anymore. And I think about them a lot! Are they okay? Does the family love them as much as I do? Will they remember me? Most importantly; Do they understand why I gave them away?

I think that last one bothers me most of all. I loved them, I fed them, bathed them, took them to the vet, tucked them into their little bed at night and made sure they were safe. Can they understand that I was just the bridge to their forever life? I hope so.

I haven’t fostered for a few years because my last foster was unadoptable. A hoarder dog, Cupcake was an incessant barker, resource guarder, and did not want to be touched. In fact, in her first 9 years on this planet, Cupcake had never experienced human affection. She’d been kept in a yard, over bred for cash, and never touched by human hands except when they were taking her puppies. She came into my home thin and scared. It soon became clear I couldn’t take her to adoption days because of her fear. No applications came for this 9 year old Chihuahua over the internet.

Cupcake just settled in here. Found a spot on the couch with her blanket and began to appreciate living in a house. Eventually, she learned to take treats from my hand and accept a pet on the head. Then she’d let me rub her back. I could pick her up if I moved really slow, but she’d be stiff as a board, as if waiting for something. I can only wonder what she went through before she arrived. I made it a practice to pick her up once a day; very slowly up, pets and ear rubs, then very slowly down. With lots of praise.

One day, after she’d been in my home for about a year, we sat at opposite sides of the couch. I reached over (slowly) and picked her up and placed her on my lap. She stood stiff as a statue while I rubbed her back and behind her ears. When I stopped she ran back to her corner of the couch and stared at me. For two weeks I repeated this once every night. One night I sat on the couch after dinner and she jumped into my lap, ready for the rub down.

Of course, this unadoptable dog had found her forever home right here in my arms. Because she still had a lot of fear and other issues, I stopped fostering. A few years passed and she developed an enlarged heart and went into heart failure multiple times. I would run her to the vet to sit in an oxygen tank, adjust her meds and hear the vet say it might be time to make that heart breaking decision. Working with my vet, we brought her back every time. The last time after oxygen and more meds, she never really came all the way back. Her breathing stayed labored and we couldn’t get the water off her heart. It was time to say goodbye. I held her in my arms as she passed and took a little piece of my heart with her. She was a good dog. Maybe she came into my home not knowing how, but she wanted to be good. All dogs want to be good. Some just need to learn to trust.

When you foster and end up keeping the pup, they are affectionately known as foster failures. Or maybe I’m the foster failure? My little foster failure taught me patience and the gift of time. Some don’t need that much time, some need extra time. Cupcake didn’t sit on my lap for the first year she lived here. By the time we said goodbye she would leap into my lap every night. I miss that. I miss her joy and affection and yes, even her little quirks.

Sometimes fostering gives you such a gift. Sometimes you foster and give that gift to someone else. Now, with Cupcake gone to the Rainbow Bridge, I’m ready to foster again. The rescue group I work with sent me this picture.

I stared at it for hours. This Feist/Chi mix is 8 months old and found in a shelter in North Carolina. I have a 12 year old Shih Tzu. I need a dog who will get along with her. Puppies usually love everyone so I’m hoping they’ll cuddle and play. One thing about puppies, they usually don’t spend that much time in the foster home. People love to adopt young pups.

Then the fostering addiction kicks in again. Once her health is cleared by a vet, this little pup will be placed on a transport and welcomed into my home.

Updates to follow…

Do Something

Maybe you can't foster a dog because of work or family dynamics, but there's always something you can do. 

Big or small, every effort helps.

• Organize a Fundraiser. Set up a box where you work and collect food, blankets, towels, or Toys for dogs. Call up a local rescue and see what they need. A sign and a box and you're ready to go. 
• Find your local rescue and start a Facebook Share-a-thon! Go to their Adopt-a-Pet or Pet-Finder site and share the dogs that need a home. Encourage your Facebook and Twitter friends to do the same. Share those pups right into a new home!
• Volunteer to help out at adoption days. Join your local rescue and let them know how much time you have to spare and take part in events and fundraisers.
• Show up at an animal shelter and offer to take a dog for a walk. An exercised pup is a happy pup and you just might find yourself a new best friend.
• Got a few extra $bucks$? Donate a grooming for a dog in need. Some dogs come into rescue in deplorable condition. They need baths, nail clips and sometimes to be completely shaved down. 
• Set up a recurring donation. Tag a small amount from your weekly paycheck to go to a rescue or animals shelter. Even small amounts add up if enough people do it. 

Step up! Your small effort can make a big difference in the life of  a homeless pup. 

I rescue with Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue

Boxer Mix for Adoption

Dog Adoption & Fostering

Whenever someone decides to try fostering a dog there's going to be a family member, coworker, or friend who will think they're crazy.
My advice? Go with your heart.

Fostering is work. You have an animal to take care of and that includes feeding, bathing, cleaning up after, and taking to adoption days or the vet. (Some rescues will do the vet visits for you.) Most rescue volunteers will pitch in and help each other with adoption days and if you have a dog that requires professional grooming, the rescue should pay for it.

Choose the right organization to work with for fostering. 

This can be your local shelter. Most accept fosters due to the over crowding. Check out their website, visit, or make a phone call and find out what they're looking for in a foster family.
Check out your local rescue. Look them up online. They should be a verifiable non-profit. Go to your state's website and there should be a place to look them up to see their non-profit status. In New Jersey that would be at the Directory of  Registered Charities   Making sure the rescue you choose is a non-profit helps to ensure all funds and donations will go to the care of the animals.

Once you find your rescue ask about their policies for fostering. Who pays for what? A good rescue will supply all the supplies (food, leashes, medical needs, flea prevention, etc.) and host adoption days in your community. Ask about what happens if you can no longer foster? This sometimes comes up if the dog you're foster doesn't get along with another pet in your home or if you have a family emergency and can no longer keep the dog. There should be policy in place for emergencies.

A good rescue usually gives a first time foster an easy dog. By that I mean one that is calm or maybe a puppy. Most puppies have no issues and just want to play. Good choice if you have kids. Some in the rescue I belong to only foster puppies and others only want to do the older dogs. I've done both. Puppies can be fun and older dogs are usually already house trained. There are good points to any age dog. Puppies are usually adopted faster than older dogs.

If you can't foster there are always other volunteer options.
Most good rescues run fundraisers and the more hands to help the better.
Processing paperwork for adoptions.
Calling references.
Doing home visits.
Transporting dogs.
Collecting donations.

Check out your local shelter or rescues. Their website should have a list of volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer and save a life. 

Hurricane Safety list for Dogs

With hurricane season upon us and a storm surging up the east coast, don't forget your 4-legged furbabies! Here's some quick storm tips for keeping your pups safe and calm when the weather gets wild.

1. Make sure your dog is tagged and chipped in case you get separated. It can help you find Fido after the storm. 
2. Find out in advance where the pet-friendly shelters are or ask a friend or relative who lives in a safer area if they'd board your dog for the storm. Make sure it's someone you know and trust. 
3. Make Fido a Go-bag. Just like that emergency bag you may need in case you have to evacuate, have one for your dog;  any medication they might need, a copy of vaccinations, water, dishes, food, and a favorite blanket. Don't forget a toy or two! Keep the leash handy and put their harness on in case you have to get out fast. 
4. If you're riding out the storm at home; Keep them indoors! Aside from going crazy with fear of the wind, rain, and possible lightening, flying debris can injure your dog. If you won't send your child out into the storm, don't send your dog. 
5. A box of Wee-wee pads can be your best friend's best friend. Place them by the back door so they know it's okay not to have to brave the elements. If you have a bigger dog and they stress about getting out to eliminate. Stay by the door and get them right back inside. (Only if there are no flying objects-branches, lawn chairs, trash, etc.) 
6. Get Cash. Take some cash out of the bank in case the little card machines go down and stores only take cash. You never know what you'll need, so be ready. 
7. Stock up on dog food! One thing New Jersey learned from Superstorm Sandy was stores might not open for days. There was one store around here that got generators in and their stock went fast. Everything flew off the shelves in record time. Get in two weeks worth of dog food and treats so your dog can maintain a normal diet during this stressful time. 
8. If the noise and pressure changes are freakin' your dog out, try putting a t-shirt or thunder coat on your dog. Play calming music and pet them often to reassure them. 
9. Put a photo of your pet in your wallet. If you have to search for them after the storm you'll need a picture to show shelters. 
10. If you must evacuate take your pets with you. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your dogs. 

Training a Dog at 5 a.m.

This is Gracie. She's my 5 a.m. alarm clock. This is the time my husband gets up for work. Gracie hears that alarm and she's on her feet pacing around the bed.
We have maybe 10-15 minutes till the barking starts.

If the power ever goes out, we're set. Our furry little alarm clock always goes off at 5 a.m no matter what. Even if the regular alarm is quiet, you know, Saturday, Sunday, holidays, this little fuzz-ball still goes off right on time.

I've tried to explain the difference between weekdays and workdays, but she's not getting it. She refuses to relent until we're out of bed. Gracie would make a good Drill Sargent.

What happens once we're up and moving? Gracie goes back to sleep....

How to Give a Cranky Dog a Pill

Dogs are so smart. They can take a piece of cheese or meat and gobble it up while spitting out the pill. It's almost like magic. No matter how well you wrap, squish, or sandwich that pill inside the treat, the dog deftly spits it back out. So, what's the best way to give a dog a pill?

Double time them! Aim for their predatory instinct.

This is Cupcake. She had a huge blood blister on her ear. Read that about that miss-adventure here. Now she takes meds every morning and night. She's an older pup and very savvy on how to get her own way so I had to outsmart her. Here's how I did it.

First, wrap the pill in something irresistible. I use roast beef. It's a special treat she only got when we were first training her and if she needs a pill.

Prepare the roast beef wrapped pill and then take another piece of meat that's a bit longer so you can dangle it.

Hold pill roast beef between your fingers, but palm the second piece.

Offer the first and once its taken from your fingers quickly slip the second piece out and dangle it in front of the dog's nose. Watch their eyes pop as they get the scent. Every dog I'd ever had would gobble the first quickly in order to get that second piece. Meat gone, pill gone! Works every time.

I've found the meat works better than those pill popper things. I believe it's because meat is a more natural choice and not as stickly/chewy as the poppers.

Good luck with your pill popping pups! Let me know how this method works for you.

Fun at the Veterinarian

Cupcake (nee Corona) went to the vet today.
It wasn't pretty....

Saturday afternoon I noticed one of Cupcake's ears was flopping over. Normally her ears are straight up so this was a surprise.  On the top of her pointy ears was a big soft bump. Did she get bitten by a bug? Stung by a bee? I put some Neosporin on it and figured I'd wait and see.

Sunday
Still swollen. Doesn't seem to bother her.

Monday
Still there. Call the vet. She's not in any pain. Make appointment for Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday

Take the trembling little Chihuahua to the vet. She starts shaking as soon as she realizes Gracie's isn't coming with us. Cupcake never goes for a walk without Gracie. She tried to get back into the house. I tug her along and put her in the car.

We arrive at vet and she's starting to run in circles. I pick her up before she trips me.

To truly understand how upset Cupcake is you have to know her history. For the first 9 years of her life Cupcake lived in a hoarding situation where she had no medical care, was repeated bred, and was rarely handled. There was no love and affection in this little dog's life before rescue. She came into my house full of fear. After two years she's found her place on our couch and in our hearts. However, that doesn't mean she trusts anyone else.

Cupcake is muzzled because she will bite anyone who tries to touch her. (except me, of course) The vet wants to drain the ear bubble so I hold her body and the assistant holds her legs. Just as the vet moves to drain the ear, Cupcake freaks and starts fighting. POP! The blister on her ear erupts and BloOd goes everywhere. It flew all over me and the table.

We calm her down and get the ear wrapped. As I hold her I say, "I think I smell something."

The vet finishes wrapping the ear. I release Cupcake and she tries to leap off the table. I pull her back and she takes a dump all over me and the table. Then she scrambles her little legs around on the slippery mess to make sure her little gift is spread everywhere. Thank you, Cupcake!

I pay the vet, make an appointment to come in for a recheck next Wednesday, and head home to shower. (Cupcake got a bath in the vet's sink.)

Has your dog ever had one of those fun days at the Veterinarian?

Happy Hump Day!