Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Collie day!
20 October 2013
We had a lovely time meeting some collie friends at the dog park yesterday. It was great collie weather at about 45 degrees and they had a fabulous romp together.
After about 1 1/2 hours of cavorting we were able to gather them for a group photo.
After the group photo....
We had a lovely time meeting some collie friends at the dog park yesterday. It was great collie weather at about 45 degrees and they had a fabulous romp together.
After about 1 1/2 hours of cavorting we were able to gather them for a group photo.
After the group photo....
Hello?
20 October 2013
I'm both relieved and delighted to report that Milo's hearing has returned! I had prepared myself for the worst, but realized that because Milo takes so many cues from the other dogs and he is rarely away from me or the other dogs losing his hearing wouldn't be as catastrophic as it might be with other dogs.
So.... great news!
I'm both relieved and delighted to report that Milo's hearing has returned! I had prepared myself for the worst, but realized that because Milo takes so many cues from the other dogs and he is rarely away from me or the other dogs losing his hearing wouldn't be as catastrophic as it might be with other dogs.
So.... great news!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Freshly groomed in the golden hour
19 October 2013
Milo was groomed this week along with the other dogs. The light was so pretty I had to take some photos.
Milo was groomed this week along with the other dogs. The light was so pretty I had to take some photos.
Milo needs some work on his down-stay!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Tommy can you hear me?
5 October 2013
Milo's hearing is still impaired.
However, there are several things I've realized with this new experience. They are:
1. I have trained my dogs to respond to a recall, but I have also incorporated a hand signal - patting my leg so they will approach me without bending over them. This is a two-fold goal. One is that I am not putting body pressure on them by leaning over them. And another is that it is important in herding that the dog be placed exactly where I need them, like on a gate to hold sheep off of me for safety reasons. Nothing like being crushed by hungry sheep desperate to get to their food. Lots of human knees get taken out if a dog can't hold off the sheep while a gate is being opened. Placing the dog where you need them to be is of utmost importance.
This hand signal has greatly helped Milo during this time of deafness at least when he is facing me. I can summon him by patting my leg.
2. He takes so many cues from the other dogs that it is difficult to say if he is hearing or just paying closer attention to how Sabrina and Leo are reacting to noises and distractions. He is very reliant upon them - and has been since he arrived here - I just didn't realize how much and how important those bonds have been.
3. He is very tuned into me. If we are outside in the yard he is rarely more than a few feet away from me and almost never out of sight of me. Milo has been like this all along.
I saw Dr. Choi today (the Integrative Medicine Vet from the University of Minnesota). She provides Oriental Medicine services to humans when she is not working on animals. I told her about Milo's hearing issues and she gave me some herbs to help the dampness in his ears. Milo just finished the custom herbs this week for his blood irregularities so it is safe to have him on a new herb.
We are hoping for the best.
Milo's hearing is still impaired.
However, there are several things I've realized with this new experience. They are:
1. I have trained my dogs to respond to a recall, but I have also incorporated a hand signal - patting my leg so they will approach me without bending over them. This is a two-fold goal. One is that I am not putting body pressure on them by leaning over them. And another is that it is important in herding that the dog be placed exactly where I need them, like on a gate to hold sheep off of me for safety reasons. Nothing like being crushed by hungry sheep desperate to get to their food. Lots of human knees get taken out if a dog can't hold off the sheep while a gate is being opened. Placing the dog where you need them to be is of utmost importance.
This hand signal has greatly helped Milo during this time of deafness at least when he is facing me. I can summon him by patting my leg.
2. He takes so many cues from the other dogs that it is difficult to say if he is hearing or just paying closer attention to how Sabrina and Leo are reacting to noises and distractions. He is very reliant upon them - and has been since he arrived here - I just didn't realize how much and how important those bonds have been.
3. He is very tuned into me. If we are outside in the yard he is rarely more than a few feet away from me and almost never out of sight of me. Milo has been like this all along.
I saw Dr. Choi today (the Integrative Medicine Vet from the University of Minnesota). She provides Oriental Medicine services to humans when she is not working on animals. I told her about Milo's hearing issues and she gave me some herbs to help the dampness in his ears. Milo just finished the custom herbs this week for his blood irregularities so it is safe to have him on a new herb.
We are hoping for the best.
Soggy doggie!
5 October 2013
Milo was at the Harvest Howl for the Wildlife Science Center today. He met many new friends and gently encouraged undivided attention and treats from all who passed by the booth for Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue. It was a misty rain day so he was a bit damp and soggy, but loved every minute of it!
Several ladies gave him hugs and kisses so tonight he smells faintly of perfume. Here he is with several of the charmed ladies.
Milo was at the Harvest Howl for the Wildlife Science Center today. He met many new friends and gently encouraged undivided attention and treats from all who passed by the booth for Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue. It was a misty rain day so he was a bit damp and soggy, but loved every minute of it!
Several ladies gave him hugs and kisses so tonight he smells faintly of perfume. Here he is with several of the charmed ladies.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Evening at the park
1 October 2013
Caught Milo in a ray of sunshine coming through a gap in the trees as the evening light began to fade.
Hate it that it is getting dark so early! Need to think about getting out the blinky collar lights.
Caught Milo in a ray of sunshine coming through a gap in the trees as the evening light began to fade.
Hate it that it is getting dark so early! Need to think about getting out the blinky collar lights.
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