Sam. What's wrong?

Are you seasick again?  - Buddy Love

I told you not to eat before we left.

Manny Pacquiao and why he ran away.

Manny is a world famous boxer and fighting this Saturday night against Floyd Mayweather.  I always wonder what fighters feel- what drives them to fight like they do. While not sure of the answer- I know I am now rooting for Manny.

First, shout out to Philippines. What a wonderful, warm, friendly culture. My god daughter Karla Mae lives there.  It is a beautiful country.  But sadly, it is a very poor country- especially in the small towns and islands around the mainland.

Manny ran away at 12 years of age and came from a very poor family.  He ran away because they had no money and barely any food so his dad made the decision to kill and eat the family dog. Manny couldn't take it and ran away from the pain.  I can't imagine how hard his childhood must have been there.

At 14 he was living on the streets and reselling donuts on the street to make a nickel off each one to survive and he found boxing- his way out. Now he is making over $100 million for this one fight, is a Congressman in Philippines, and the populace there want him to run for President.

Well, I would solute Manny Pacquiao as President of the Philippines and hope he furthers the education of his people and understanding the importance of family pets (all kinds of animals).  There are alternatives for food, and how horrible to lose your dog this way.

Do good things Manny.  Do good things.

Karla

I LOVE this middle seat in the new truck.

I can see so much better.  Watch up ahead. - Buddy Love

He sleeps. I guard.

Why should it be any different?  He has been lazy since the day we got him.  - Sam I am

I love this new truck...

But can we leave Shanti home next time? - Buddy Love

 She always calls "shotgun".

I wonder if this is the same kind of bee that stung me last week in the face and sent me to the vet...

- Buddy Love

The pollen count is high.

And so are you. Achoo baby.  - Shanti 

Run along side the golf cart.

"It will be fun" they said. - Samson

Well, "they" lied. That's why their asses are still in the cart.

What? You lied.

Auto Bell is not the same thing as Taco Bell?- Buddy Love

Lamby pie is not feeling well.

Thus I am also not feeling well - Sam I am

Uh? Ok. Freak.  -Shanti

You won't be sitting here with me, will you?

There are other places to sit - Shanti Baby

Now that the sun is coming up...

 I guess I can stop barking and let mom go back to sleep- Shanti Baby

Boy am I tired.

Because I ran and ran. And barked and growled. And jumped and howled.

All in my dreams - Sam I am

Anything on your side Shanti?

Nope. Whatcha got over there little Buddy?

(If we keep watching, something is bound to happen. If not, we can just bark like crazy anyway. Mom likes that)

I feel naked without my collar.

And I LIKE it - Samson

Shhhh. Don't break my concentration.

I am trying to poop - Buddy Love

Someone is standing on mom's hot tub cover again, dang it.

I can hear mom yelling about it- Buddy Love

(I will help her find the culprit with my keen eyesight and intellect)

Shiba Inu has it made. And lady helps other dogs not so lucky in Japan. Go visit! :)

 MSN: Canine shopkeeper in Japan becomes international sensation http://a.msn.com/09/en-us/AAayLLu

Yes I had onions.

Kiss me anyway - Mylo to Zia

(Both rescued dogs now in their permanent home getting lots of love and care. And from each other!)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT- LEPTO in our area.

 (Note:  I am not promoting a drug co or their drug per se; I believe in inoculations for people and animals as it saves many more lives and prevents outbreaks than the few complications/deaths that occur in comparison)

My vet today (shout out to Dr. Redden as she is AWESOME like so many vets) told me about a new deadly bacteria in our area.  She said a small INDOOR dog she treats tested positive recently. My dogs are getting the shots asap.  Here are some facts:

Indoor or outdoor dogs can get it. Can be deadly. Watch for the signs listed below.
Common to warmer and wetter climates. New to North Carolina.
Get from contact with wild animal urine, including squirrels and mice.
Can get from dogs drinking standing water. What dog doesn't drink that?
Please Google Lepto to see if prevalent in your area if not from NC or warm/wet climate.
Cost for me was $12 for first shot, booster needed in month.  Annual shot.

More Facts from American Vet Medical Association (AMVA):

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease. In the United States, most cases of human leptospirosis result from recreational activities involving water. Infection resulting from contact with an infected pet is much less common, but it is possible.

Leptospirosis is more common in areas with warm climates and high annual rainfall but it can occur anywhere.

Risk factors for leptospirosis

Dogs are most commonly affected. Leptospirosis in cats is rare and appears to be mild although very little is known about the disease in this species. Common risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs residing in the United States include exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes or streams; roaming on rural properties (because of exposure to potentially infected wildlife, farm animals, or water sources); exposure to wild animal or farm animal species, even if in the backyard; and contact with rodents or other dogs.

Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if their mucous membranes (or skin with any wound, such as a cut or scrape) come into contact with infected urine, urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding; through a bite from an infected animal; by eating infected tissues or carcasses; and rarely, through breeding. It can also be passed through the placenta from the mother dog to the puppies.

Signs of leptospirosis

The signs of leptospirosis in dogs vary. Some infected dogs do not show any signs of illness, some have a mild and transient illness and recover spontaneously, while others develop severe illness and death.

Signs of leptospirosis may include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in the frequency or amount of urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), or painful inflammation within the eyes. The disease can cause kidney failure with or without liver failure. Dogs may occasionally develop severe lung disease and have difficulty breathing. Leptospirosis can cause bleeding disorders, which can lead to blood-tinged vomit, urine, stool or saliva; nosebleeds; and pinpoint red spots (which may be visible on the gums and other mucous membranes or on light-colored skin). Affected dogs can also develop swollen legs (from fluid accumulation) or accumulate excess fluid in their chest or abdomen.

Leptospirosis may be suspected based on the exposure history and signs shown by the dog, but many of these signs can also be seen with other diseases. In addition to a physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend a number of other tests such as blood tests, urine tests, radiographs (x-rays), and an ultrasound examination.

Treatment and prevention

Leptospirosis is generally treated with antibiotics and supportive care. When treated early and aggressively, the chances for recovery are good but there is still a risk of permanent residual kidney or liver damage.

Currently available vaccines effectively prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 12 months. Annual vaccination is recommended for at-risk dogs. Reducing your dog’s exposure to possible sources of the Leptospira bacteria can reduce its chances of infection.

Although an infected pet dog presents a low risk of infection for you and your family, there is still some risk. If your dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, take the following precautions to protect yourself:

• Administer antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian;
• Avoid contact with your dog’s urine;
• If your dog urinates in your home, quickly clean the area with a household disinfectant and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with the urine;
• Encourage your dog to urinate away from standing water or areas where people or other animals will have access;
• Wash your hands after handling your pet.

If you are ill or if you have questions about leptospirosis in people, consult your physician. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised (due to medications, cancer treatment, HIV or other conditions), consult your physician for advice.