Doodle Diary: Our first bout with Giardia

[Nancy Sunderland]

Giardia: Well, Sable's poop was still soft, I was afraid she had worms, so I brought a poo sample with me to her last vet visit. We found out the next day that Sable had contracted Giardia, which one usually gets from drinking from stream, ponds, or any standing water, (even a puddle!) Well, I think our hiking extravaganza last weekend is the most likely culprit, oh well, I guess we'll hold off on our next hike until her stomach is a little more, how shall I say, durable? The Vet (Dr. Becky, super nice BTW), said that they like to treat all dogs in the house, regardless if the other ones aren't showing symptoms, sure, why not I said! I'm just glad it wasn't one of the diseases that Sable isn't "fully" vaccinated yet for (she still has one set of shots to go in 3 weeks). I have become terrified of parvo after reading so many puppy-mill horror stories. Here is a picture of her at the vets:

Tethering: Also of interest, today I tried "tethering" Sable to me, or to my belt loop actually. I have been using a 2ft. lead and martingale collar from cozy critters. The combination of the two of them put her perfectly at my left side (with plenty of wiggle room). She did fine on our walk, but at soccer, there were way too many distractions, so she went and sat down with Abigail, my five year old. I had been given some advice that for those who plan to have their pups be trained to be service/therapy dogs, that it's a good idea to tether them to your body early on, and to take them EVERYWHERE you go, to get them socialized and accustomed to many different people, places and settings. I think it sounds like a great idea, I pretty much take her with he everywhere now, but the tethering her in the house bit,. I haven't done that yet, but I can already see the benefits--no more Sable sneaking off in a corner to chew off Barbi's foot, or crouching in the corner to pee on the floor, hmmm... I'll keep you posted on how tethering goes, and if I even continue.

Red Doodle: Well folks, I am still looking for a red doodle. I found a mini-goldendoodle breeder that does all the health testing I want, and offers a good price. After shipping it will still be about 2Gs, but that is still cheaper than anything I've found... Here is a picture of my potential new red goldendoodle puppy, enjoy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sable looks so sad in her picture at the vet. Back in one of Guinness's first trips to the vet, she gave him some sort of Giardia prevention medication (can't remember if it was a shot or oral). I believe she said it was good for a year. Maybe that's something that would be good for Sable going forward???Can't believe you're ready for your next puppy...and that you've convinced your DH. I'd say you really do have O.D.D. (LOL). I think it's great.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Cute pic of Sable at the Vets...can't imagine 2 small doodles/2 other family dogs...4 kids...cows..farm..hubby...LOL are you Insane or just into crazy punishment...lol?

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

You so have O.D.D.! Too funny.