You may recall that Tad's Demodex Mange has returned. Slowly and surely, he's getting more and more bald spots. We've started him on Mitaban baths for treatment. He had his first one on Tuesday.
The Amitraz in the Mitaban made him extremely sleepy and mellow for about two days, and that has finally worn off. Last night he started to act like himself again.
However, you may also recall (if you follow him on Facebook) that he developed a strange rash in various places, likely caused by the reaction to the dying mites. I bought him so aloe spray to help soothe those areas, which did wonders for him.
While the rash has been gone for a bit now, Tad is still very itchy. We're not sure if this is still reaction to the dying mites, reaction to the pre-dip shampoo, or the Mitaban itself.
Poor fella...I can only hope that starting the treatment as early as we did, that he won't lose too much hair...but, demodex always gets worse before it gets better.
8/26/11
8/25/11
Vimeo Videos!
If you don't follow Tad on Facebook (www.facebook.com/theabandoneddog), you've no doubt missed a ton of videos.
I stopped using YouTube after serious frustrations regarding my 'music choices'...so, I moved over to Vimeo.
I've recently changed the URL for easier finding and sharing. I will, with time, move ALL of Tad's video's over to this Vimeo account.
For those interested: www.vimeo.com/theabandoneddog
I stopped using YouTube after serious frustrations regarding my 'music choices'...so, I moved over to Vimeo.
I've recently changed the URL for easier finding and sharing. I will, with time, move ALL of Tad's video's over to this Vimeo account.
For those interested: www.vimeo.com/theabandoneddog
Letter From Tad
Sometimes I find myself wondering, as big as Tad has become, if his original owners have seen him lately.
Tad is not the type of dog to 'run away' or 'escape a fence'. I'd like to think that if that were the case, I'd have seen something signaling that in the last 6ish months.
That being said, Tad's condition didn't happen over night...he was on his own for some time, and he must've suffered for some time.
I often wonder if they are a 'fan' of Tad on Facebook (www.facebook.com/theabandoneddog). Do they 'like' his pictures? Do they comment on my status updates? Not to make us all paranoid, but these are just the things that cross my mind...
It crosses my mind so often that I imagined what it would be like for Tad to write them a letter...what might he say? Would he be angry? I don't think so...in a weird way, I think he might be grateful. He would not be who he is today without being dumped, you know.
Please, get your tissues, paper towels, corks, and whatever else you need to plug your tear ducts, because after this video...you'll need them. Also, please share this video far and wide. May it inspire someone else who passes by a 'Tad'...and may they remember to 'be the change they wish to see in the world'
Tad is not the type of dog to 'run away' or 'escape a fence'. I'd like to think that if that were the case, I'd have seen something signaling that in the last 6ish months.
That being said, Tad's condition didn't happen over night...he was on his own for some time, and he must've suffered for some time.
I often wonder if they are a 'fan' of Tad on Facebook (www.facebook.com/theabandoneddog). Do they 'like' his pictures? Do they comment on my status updates? Not to make us all paranoid, but these are just the things that cross my mind...
It crosses my mind so often that I imagined what it would be like for Tad to write them a letter...what might he say? Would he be angry? I don't think so...in a weird way, I think he might be grateful. He would not be who he is today without being dumped, you know.
Please, get your tissues, paper towels, corks, and whatever else you need to plug your tear ducts, because after this video...you'll need them. Also, please share this video far and wide. May it inspire someone else who passes by a 'Tad'...and may they remember to 'be the change they wish to see in the world'
Finally!
I am pretty excited. I have had the hardest time getting a hold of trainers to work with Tad, and it's been beyond frustrating.
One of Tad's friends, Holly Kelch, who is friends with Robyn Arouty, suggested I try out Michael's Dogs. I'll be the first to tell you that I really don't know what I should be looking for as far as a trainer goes, other than someone who's nice. So, the personal recommendation was nice. Thanks, girls. :)
I just got off the phone with him, and because I'm only off on Thursday's, we have to wait two weeks for our first meeting. It'll be September 8th, as of right now. He's going to see if someone else would like to sit in, and if she'd allow us to use her space (since we're having to meet in the middle due to distance). Hopefully she does, because I'm excited to start working on this with Tad.
He advised me to also read a book called The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson (sp?). He did say it's a bit technical, but it would perhaps prepare me a bit...instead of going in blindly, as I've never really worked on an issue like this before.
So, wish us luck...and hopefully, Tad doesn't try to eat him like he does some men! ;)
One of Tad's friends, Holly Kelch, who is friends with Robyn Arouty, suggested I try out Michael's Dogs. I'll be the first to tell you that I really don't know what I should be looking for as far as a trainer goes, other than someone who's nice. So, the personal recommendation was nice. Thanks, girls. :)
I just got off the phone with him, and because I'm only off on Thursday's, we have to wait two weeks for our first meeting. It'll be September 8th, as of right now. He's going to see if someone else would like to sit in, and if she'd allow us to use her space (since we're having to meet in the middle due to distance). Hopefully she does, because I'm excited to start working on this with Tad.
He advised me to also read a book called The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson (sp?). He did say it's a bit technical, but it would perhaps prepare me a bit...instead of going in blindly, as I've never really worked on an issue like this before.
So, wish us luck...and hopefully, Tad doesn't try to eat him like he does some men! ;)
8/15/11
It's baaaaack...
Some of you may remember that Tad had two types of mange, which is rare. He had both Sarcoptic (highly contagious) and Demodectic (not contagious) Mange. He was cleared of Sarcoptic Mange, but because of his weak immune system, if took a bit longer to clear him of the Demodex.
To give a little lesson, Demodex is carried on ALL dogs...and humans, too. Whenever the dog's immune system becomes compromised, the mites start to thrive and you start noticing symptoms.
Keep in mind that Tad has a LOT of scarring, and he is fairly neked on his underside. However, while I was walking him out to piddle before we left the clinic for the day, I noticed a new neked spot on his tail. When I got inside, Dr. Holliday and I decided to scrape him again. His last scraping was about 3 months ago, which you may remember had those weird spores that were of no concern.
Dr. Holliday read the scraping, and sure enough, Tad is having another Demodex outbreak. Bummer...
But, the real problem is what to treat him with... We used Promeris on him before, it's a topical flea and tick prevention that can also be used to treat Demodex Mange. Well, Promeris was recently pulled of the shelves for causing an autoimmune disorder of the skin.
Our next option is ivermectin...without knowing Tad's heartworm status, that's not a good idea. It could kill him. Let me explain the heartworm status: Tad's first heartworm test was negative, however...in order for the test to show positive, he must have adult female worms. He was checked for microfilaria, which are baby heartworms...and he didn't have those either. However, it takes 6 months for the worms to grow into adults...so, if at the time of his test (4 months ago) he had 'teenage' heartworms, neither test will pick them up. So, it'll be two more months before we can retest him to ensure he's completely negative. If we're going to be using Ivermectin, we will not use it before we ensure he is as negative as he can possibly get.
So, our last option is a dip. Bah! I hate those...but, you gotta do what you gotta do. We don't carry it, but we're going to look into ordering it tomorrow for him. I think it's a dip every two weeks...or a dip twice a week...? I can't honestly remember, it's been years since we've done one.
Either way, I almost forgot to share this tidbit with you guys as I've been so wrapped up with 'other' things today... :/
To give a little lesson, Demodex is carried on ALL dogs...and humans, too. Whenever the dog's immune system becomes compromised, the mites start to thrive and you start noticing symptoms.
Keep in mind that Tad has a LOT of scarring, and he is fairly neked on his underside. However, while I was walking him out to piddle before we left the clinic for the day, I noticed a new neked spot on his tail. When I got inside, Dr. Holliday and I decided to scrape him again. His last scraping was about 3 months ago, which you may remember had those weird spores that were of no concern.
Dr. Holliday read the scraping, and sure enough, Tad is having another Demodex outbreak. Bummer...
But, the real problem is what to treat him with... We used Promeris on him before, it's a topical flea and tick prevention that can also be used to treat Demodex Mange. Well, Promeris was recently pulled of the shelves for causing an autoimmune disorder of the skin.
Our next option is ivermectin...without knowing Tad's heartworm status, that's not a good idea. It could kill him. Let me explain the heartworm status: Tad's first heartworm test was negative, however...in order for the test to show positive, he must have adult female worms. He was checked for microfilaria, which are baby heartworms...and he didn't have those either. However, it takes 6 months for the worms to grow into adults...so, if at the time of his test (4 months ago) he had 'teenage' heartworms, neither test will pick them up. So, it'll be two more months before we can retest him to ensure he's completely negative. If we're going to be using Ivermectin, we will not use it before we ensure he is as negative as he can possibly get.
So, our last option is a dip. Bah! I hate those...but, you gotta do what you gotta do. We don't carry it, but we're going to look into ordering it tomorrow for him. I think it's a dip every two weeks...or a dip twice a week...? I can't honestly remember, it's been years since we've done one.
Either way, I almost forgot to share this tidbit with you guys as I've been so wrapped up with 'other' things today... :/
Regarding Donations
I am not one to ask for money; if you've been on Tad's page for any length of time...you have probably already realized that. So, don't think I am 'asking' or 'begging' here.
Many of Tad's friends have asked me how to donate money to help cover a behaviorist/trainer for him. Tad has quite a credit on his account at the clinic, so his medical expenses are STILL covered. I want to make this clear; if you're choosing to donate right now...you are helping me to get the very best positive reinforcement trainer or behaviorist (depending on mine and Tad's needs) for him.
I would like to accept most donations through PayPal, which is accredited or verified. I'm not sure the word they use. Please send your donation, if you wish, to: tiffanydieringer@yahoo.com
Many of Tad's friends have asked me how to donate money to help cover a behaviorist/trainer for him. Tad has quite a credit on his account at the clinic, so his medical expenses are STILL covered. I want to make this clear; if you're choosing to donate right now...you are helping me to get the very best positive reinforcement trainer or behaviorist (depending on mine and Tad's needs) for him.
I would like to accept most donations through PayPal, which is accredited or verified. I'm not sure the word they use. Please send your donation, if you wish, to: tiffanydieringer@yahoo.com
Explainations
I think I need to make a few things clear. Well, maybe not 'need'...some of you will say that I don't 'need' to do anything. But, I do...I try my very best to keep everyone informed as far as Tad goes regardless of the backlashing that I sometimes get. This is a public place, more or less, and I'm a fairly understanding and reasonable person. So, I accept everyone's opinions of this entire situation. I also try very, very hard to read everything posted (comments, FB posts, emails, letters, etc).
A comment I received on Tad's last blog sort of...inspired me to explain a couple, or a lot, of things to you guys. Since Tad's incident this morning, I've gotten all sorts of opinions...and most of them were positive, some were constructive criticism, and some...to me...I don't know that the person has read anything about Tad. :/
However, for what it's worth...these are Tad's rules...before today. I've been accused of being 'too mean' and also 'too nice'...so if you must judge, I'd at least like you to know some simple facts.
~ When I walk Tad around our loop, he is required to walk at my side on a leash. Not in front of, and not behind. If he pulls, we stop, and he is told to sit, which he does. Then, we continue. The neighbors probably think I'm nuts.
~ Before leaving the house through any door, Tad is told to sit and stay until the door is open. He then gets an 'okay' and he can go out. He does this with perfect obedience.
~ Before he gets his dinner, he must sit and wait to eat it until I say 'okay'. He has the sitting down pat, but we are working on the 'okay'. So, he does this with nearly perfect obedience.
~ Before he is allowed to jump out of my Tahoe, he is told to stay until I have his leash. He does so with perfect obedience.
~ Before putting ANY leash on him, he is told to sit and stay. He does this with perfect obedience.
~ At the clinic, he is told to go to the 'back' (which means the other side of the puppy gate). He does this with nearly perfect obedience.
~ He can sit, lay down, high five, and stay on command. He is 95% accurate, if I were to have to guess.
~ When Tad is being unruly, he is required to sit. Sometimes this means, bending his back knees to get him into a sitting position. He is then held in place by his shoulders/chest, NOT his collar, until he calms down. Then, he is told 'okay', and he's free to go.
~ When outside, he does not require a leash. He comes when he's called, and he stays within a leashes distance from me. He does this with nearly perfect obedience.
That being said, before you judge that I am too soft, I want you to understand that my dogs ALL have rules. Tad is no exception. Tad does NOT walk all over me, and he knows and understands that what I say is what is to be done...EXCEPT when he goes into protective mode and his focus goes to protecting, and nothing else.
Yes, I do need training...but so does he. We will do training together, but I can promise you...he is not the sweet angel puppy that most everyone believes. He came with a fair share of behavioral problems, but don't for one second think I allow him to walk all over me. I can promise you, that is not allowed.
In most situations, the owner AND dog require training, and I'm not here to say that I'm a dog trainer or behaviorist...I'm here to say that before you pass your judgement, you should at least know some basic facts.
Now, let's get back to happy Tad times, and I will most certainly keep everyone updated on the trainer/behaviorist route. :)
A comment I received on Tad's last blog sort of...inspired me to explain a couple, or a lot, of things to you guys. Since Tad's incident this morning, I've gotten all sorts of opinions...and most of them were positive, some were constructive criticism, and some...to me...I don't know that the person has read anything about Tad. :/
However, for what it's worth...these are Tad's rules...before today. I've been accused of being 'too mean' and also 'too nice'...so if you must judge, I'd at least like you to know some simple facts.
~ When I walk Tad around our loop, he is required to walk at my side on a leash. Not in front of, and not behind. If he pulls, we stop, and he is told to sit, which he does. Then, we continue. The neighbors probably think I'm nuts.
~ Before leaving the house through any door, Tad is told to sit and stay until the door is open. He then gets an 'okay' and he can go out. He does this with perfect obedience.
~ Before he gets his dinner, he must sit and wait to eat it until I say 'okay'. He has the sitting down pat, but we are working on the 'okay'. So, he does this with nearly perfect obedience.
~ Before he is allowed to jump out of my Tahoe, he is told to stay until I have his leash. He does so with perfect obedience.
~ Before putting ANY leash on him, he is told to sit and stay. He does this with perfect obedience.
~ At the clinic, he is told to go to the 'back' (which means the other side of the puppy gate). He does this with nearly perfect obedience.
~ He can sit, lay down, high five, and stay on command. He is 95% accurate, if I were to have to guess.
~ When Tad is being unruly, he is required to sit. Sometimes this means, bending his back knees to get him into a sitting position. He is then held in place by his shoulders/chest, NOT his collar, until he calms down. Then, he is told 'okay', and he's free to go.
~ When outside, he does not require a leash. He comes when he's called, and he stays within a leashes distance from me. He does this with nearly perfect obedience.
That being said, before you judge that I am too soft, I want you to understand that my dogs ALL have rules. Tad is no exception. Tad does NOT walk all over me, and he knows and understands that what I say is what is to be done...EXCEPT when he goes into protective mode and his focus goes to protecting, and nothing else.
Yes, I do need training...but so does he. We will do training together, but I can promise you...he is not the sweet angel puppy that most everyone believes. He came with a fair share of behavioral problems, but don't for one second think I allow him to walk all over me. I can promise you, that is not allowed.
In most situations, the owner AND dog require training, and I'm not here to say that I'm a dog trainer or behaviorist...I'm here to say that before you pass your judgement, you should at least know some basic facts.
Now, let's get back to happy Tad times, and I will most certainly keep everyone updated on the trainer/behaviorist route. :)
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