Journal Entries
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Latest news from the Disgruntled Dog’s Den
Posted Aug 26, 2005
My 
, Vanyel, as many of you know, is quite the alpha male. He is also, as of a year ago, epileptic. He started having full blown a Grand Mal seizure one afternoon, and I rushed him to the
Veterinarian. She thought it might be the result of the flea and tick preventative I had used, and not to worry, yet. As long as he didn’t start to have them very often, we would wait about a month and see how he did.
Okay, fine. He was doing better, having one seizure a week or so. I thought, “that must have been it, won’t use that stuff again.” Then one night, wham, he had four seizures between 10:00pm and 5:00am. Every time he would go to sleep, the little guy would go into another one. I was a wreck
, Mom was not very good
, the other , Luke, couldn’t figure out what was going on
. Poor little Van was confused, scared to go back to sleep, he just paced the floor constantly, and wouldn’t let me out of his sight.
I called the Vet’s office as soon as they opened and told them what was going on, they gave me an appointment. We started him on medication that day. The seizures stopped, but we had to make sure the medication level wasn’t too low or too high. It’s been a constant series of lab tests, and medication adjustments, then he would start to have them again, another medication increase.
The one side effect to all this, is weight gain. My once skinny hyperactive dog, is now a fat, lay about. He weighed barely 10 pounds (4.5kg). Now he weighs more than 15 pounds (6.75kg). I’ve had him on every diet dog food the Vet has suggested, but he is always hungry. He chews on the rugs, the furniture, Luke, and tries to eat grass 
when he is outside. He begs 
for food when we are eating. (No, I don’t feed my dogs from the table.) Her latest suggestion 
was this, cut back on his food and supplement it with plain rice cakes, green beans, or cooked carrots (low sodium of course).
The way the little guy is panting
I’m willing to try just about anything. It’s too hot right now to increase his physical activity anyway. (Besides, I hate to walk too. I know, I know, I should, I could get rid of these last 25 pounds I haven’t lost yet.) Anyway, I buy the rice cakes, plain round rice cakes.
Mom loves them. To me they look and taste like Styrofoam. Apparently Van thinks so too, he carried a piece around the house and looked at me like I was nuts’. Luke thought it was a treat. He can’t get enough of them.
On to plan B,
I made a gravy using beef bouillon and corn starch. After breaking up one half of the rice cake I would stir in about one teaspoonful of the gravy. I guess this gave the rice cake a little flavor, because Van ate it up along with his food. He gets this twice a day. I have been gradually cutting back on the amount of gravy I put on the rice cakes, and the other day I pulled out a can of green beans and a can of carrots. 
He loves green beans and carrots.
Today, when I was eating lunch, he was acting like he was hungry. He was licking the floor, and nosing around his food dish. Okay, so I’m a push over. 
I dug out a rice cake. (Hey, 35 calories, I’m trying. Okay?) I broke up half of it into his dish, and set it on the floor to see if he would go for it without the gravy. Then handed the rest of the piece to Luke. Van stands up on his hind legs, gently takes the piece that is sticking out of Luke’s mouth and goes 
away with the half that I had given to Luke. He took it into the other room and proceeded to eat it as if it were a feast. Luke looked up at me, and sighed. I got him another one. I don’t think I need the gravy any longer.
I can’t tell yet if he has lost any weight or not, but I do know that Luke has gained some gray hair around his muzzle.
Discuss this Journal entry [5]
Latest reply: Aug 26, 2005
Lost my cool!!!
Posted Aug 4, 2005
I admit, I'm a techno turkey when it comes to computers. I expect the thing to work, 
it. When it doesn't I get upset.
When I get upset, I don't always think clearly, and I say things I shouldn't. Yesterday, I fired up the old modem, and could not get my internet connection to, well, connect. I got an error message that told me there was a problem with a certain OS program.
I called my cable company, (they are my internet provider), hoping they could at least point me in the right direction for help. After talking to three different people, I was informed that I would need to talk to the wonderful people at M****S**t. Great! "Do you have a telephone number?" I asked. The young man gave me one.
I called the NON-tolfree number, (after getting my credit card, I KNEW this was going to cost me money) and I get a recording: "As of 2002, we no longer offer technical support by on our products. If you need further assistance please call..." The recording went on to give you the name of another company their telephone number, all spoken very fast, then click, you were disconnected.
Fan-frelling-tastic, 
now I have to call telephone information.
"What city please?"
"I have no earthly idea," was my flat, angry reply.
"Ma'am, what is the listing?"
I told her.
"I'll try toll free," there was a pause, "Ma'am, I have several listings, do you have any idea what department? Billing, Customer service, tech support?"
I said, "Give me tech support and customer service both if you can, I'm having trouble with my computer and it's a software problem. I'll end up talking to billing to at some point, they don't offer FREE tech support."
"You're kidding."
"Nope."
"Alright ma'am, here are the numbers..."
So, I called the first number, I got the obligatory menu, then finally a recording that told me that the credit card associated with this account had expired. Did I want to enter a new date or a new card?
I took the "new card" option. I was then informed that I need the old credit card number in order to verify the account. It was a vertual card number generated so there would be no record of it in order to prevent idenity theft. I don't have a copy of it. GREAT. Can't they verify my account in some other way. Like by my secret question, or password, or address, or something?
When I finally get a real live person, I'm pretty pissed. I was yelling, in fact. She wanted to know if she could address me by my first name, I told her she could, but by the time I got through with her she wouldn't want, too. I first explained the problem about my account, (my not having the original credit card number) WOULD they even help me at all?
She assured me they would, I explained that I couldn't get internet access, and the nature of the error message. She said she was in billing, (see, I new I would be talking to them), and she would transfer me to tech support, and that they WOULD help me.
FINALLY tech support, I explain that I cannot sign onto the internet. I read the error message to her. Yes, I'm running XP, yes, I think I've gotten all the updates. I read her the serial number of the OS.
She tells me that because the OS was installed by the maker of my computer, she can't help me, UNLESS I am willing to pay them $35.00, OR I can call my computer manufacturer, OR I CAN LOG ONTO THE INTERNET AND GO TO THIER WEBSITE AND GET HELP THERE! 
That's when I lost it. Absolutly lost it.
"I can't get on the internet!"
I really didn't want to make any more phone calls.
"At this point I don't really have a choice, just charge me the ing $35.00."
She hung up on me.
I remembered I had the extended warrenty on the computer, so I looked up the phone number for that. I called the repair number. 
I'm in tears by the time Dennis answered the call. "Lady, calm down, count to ten, I'm here to help." I told him the problem. "Okay, take a deep breath." I told him what had happened with the other phone call, "yeah, as if you could go to thier website, you can't get on the internet. That was stupid."
He gave me the number for my computer company's tech support, and suggested I do a backup on my files. He thought I would have to reload my OS. I started the backup and called the manufactures tech support.
They didn't have my regestration. (I know I sent it in.) The young man gave me some suggestions and a case number. After the backup was complete, I tried what I had been told to do. Didn't work, so I called them back. We tried a few more things. Didn't work, but Jason did show me a new way to access the internet. 
NOW, to get everything working again, I have to use my restore disk. I hope it doesn't wipe everything. If it does, I'm going to be re-installing programs for days!
Discuss this Journal entry [11]
Latest reply: Aug 4, 2005
It Fits..... again!!!!
Posted May 25, 2005
I needed a jacket the other day. I was getting ready to walk out the door to leave for the Highland Games and the wind was just a bit cool here in the valley, so I knew I might need one in the mountains that night. I looked in the closet and everything I saw was too big. I've lost weight over the couple of years, and during the winter I was wearing bulky sweaters and a heavy coat.
I didn't realize I didn't have a light jacket to wear with my jeans.
Then I saw it. It had been hanging in the back of the closet for years. It wasn't even dusty, (how I don't know) the "Empire Strikes Back" and "Revenge of the Jedi" patches looking just as bright as the day I sewed them on. My "Luke Skywalker" jacket. The one I bought in 1983 from the Lucas Film Fan Club. Did I dare try it on? It would never fit, I hadn't lost that much wieght. Had I?
I slipped one arm carefully in, then the other. IT FIT!
Not quite as well as it did 22 years ago, but almost. I can't snap it up yet, but who the h**k cares! The weekend the new "Star Wars" movie opened and I discovered I can wear my old fan jacket... again.
Life is good.
Discuss this Journal entry [7]
Latest reply: May 25, 2005
Scottish Highland Games in the USofA
Posted May 25, 2005
I got back Sunday evening from a Scottish Festival and Games here in the United States.
Yes, we have them over here. No, I don’t know if they are different form the ones in Scotland. I’ve never been to one in Scotland, so I can’t compare the two. In fact, I’ve only been to the Games held near my hometown, so I only really know about the activities there. I do know I have a great time, and it usually takes me about a week to recover. I don’t even do all that much, but I just get so wound up,it takes me that long to recharge again.
Yes, the men wear Kilts.
No, I haven't looked to see what's underneath! 
I do know the athelets aren't regimental! The way those guys are moving around it's difficult NOT to see what they are wearing.
The various Scottish Associations, Clans, and Societies gather together along under tents around the field and watch the athletes compete in the heavy weight events and turn the caber. The Pipe Bands march and there is a sheep herding demonstration or two. Dancers dance the Highland Fling and Sword Dance in competition and the Pipe Bands compete.
There is a vendor’s area where you can buy all kinds of books and Tartans, Clan badges, jewelry, music, clothes, even plants! The food vendors are over there too. The entertainment tent is on that end of the field.
If you wonder around a little more to the north and across the little stream that divides the park into two fields you will find the Auto Show. The Jaguars are here! Oooh, nice cars!
And that was just Saturday.
Saturday evening there was Ceilidh (concert) under the stars. I didn’t go to that. My friends and I went to dinner, and then back to the hotel to rest.
Sunday morning it was back to the field for more of the same. First thing was the worship service and the Kirking of the Tartans. I did the honors in that, back to the tent, then shopping. A quick bite to eat, then back on the field, it’s time for the parade of Tartans! Marching again! Why do I have to carry the banner with the short pole this time? The field is full of holes now after all those heavy weights have been thrown around in the mud. I hope this banner stays out of my face, if I step in one of them I know I’ll break my ankle. I hope D doesn’t step in one of them; he could really hurt somebody with that claymore of his.
Made it, and nobody injured 
well I would if I weren’t ready to drop.
Oh, the band is here! Where is that CD, wonder if I can get that autograph now? Drat they got away. Guess I’ll have to go in search of entertainers. Autograph hunting, chatting with musicians, repacking all our stuff, and another Games is over.
Did I mention I was in costume the entire weekend?
Discuss this Journal entry [4]
Latest reply: May 25, 2005
Van: of P.U.D.D.I.N.G's Disgruntled Dogs' Den
Posted Mar 8, 2005
Van, or more properly, Vanyel, is quite a unique little canine. He is a Powder-Poo. “What is that?” Well, my friend, it is 13 pounds of pure attitude. No, really, he is a mix breed, a cross between a powder puff Chinese crested, and a toy poodle.
“Chinese crested just what is that? Powder puff, I never heard that term used when talking about a dog. I need more details Wildcat58,” you say. You may have seen these little dogs in movies, television commercials, or at dog shows. They are usually hairless, except for a little tuft of hair on top of their heads, around their feet, and at the tip of their tails. In dog shows they are usually shown in the toy group. I say that usually they are hairless, as I understand it, in every litter, there is one or sometimes two puppies born WITH hair. These are called powder puffs.
Van’s mother was a powder puff crested and his father the toy poodle. He looks like a poodle with a long tail that curls up over his back, most of the time. Unless, he doesn’t feel well, or he has done something he shouldn’t and has been scolded then his tail drops down between his legs. He is black with white markings on his chest and feet and a few other spots.
I have to get him trimmed, just like a poodle. Not a fancy clip, just a simple, close trim in the warm months. I let his hair grow out longer when it’s cold; he gets chilled very easily.
I have another dog, Luke, a Labrador retriever mix who is four years older than Van. Luke wasn’t at all sure about this new intruder in his house when I first brought Van home four years ago. Van let it be known the minute I walked in the door with him that he was going to be the top dog around here. He was just starting to cut his teeth and only weighed one pound and eight ounces. He actually fit in my hand, from fingertips to wrist with room to spare! Sixty pound Luke ran into the other room, (great guard dog ).
It took Luke a few days to decide what to do with this new thing that had taken over his house. I think Luke started feeling sorry for Van. You see Van had an ear infection, and we (my Mother and I) had to put drops in his ears twice a day. (I think, it might have been more often, hey it’s been four years.)
It took both of us to do it. I would measure out the drops into a syringe (no needle), Mother would hold Van, and I would hold his head with one hand and quickly put the syringe to his ear and push the plunger with the other. (The whole time praying that Mother didn’t drop him.) He scratched, he bit, he would wiggle and twist, I swear, I think his little head would spin completely around and he grew an extra head when he saw that medicine bottle! It’s a good thing I had two syringes, if I had had to take the time to measure out the medicine between each dose, he would have gotten away and we never would have gotten both ears done every time!
Luke had decided that if the little guy was staying, then he had to get used to him. So he put up with Van chewing on his tail, and his face, and his leg, and his collar. He even started grooming Van, he would lick Van’s little face until he was dripping wet, but he flat out drew the line on sleeping on the same rug. No way, no how, if Van would lay down where Luke was, Luke would get up and move. All Van had to do was walk over and stand in the same area where Luke was laying down, and if the little fellow even started to lie down, Luke was out of there.
Luke likes to stay outside when the weather is nice. Our backyard is fenced, so that is not a problem. I just put a bowl of water out there and as long as I’m at home he can stay out as long as he wants. This drives Van crazy, he wants to be with Luke, but he also wants to be with me. He goes outside, and then wants right back in. He ends up sitting at the door whining until Luke comes back inside, IF I stay in the room that has the outside door. If I’m in another room of the house, he nearly runs himself ragged between the room I’m in and the back room. And if Mother is in a third location of the house, that just makes life that much harder for our little Alpha male. He then has three locations to try to keep an eye on.
He’s house broken, but a little over a year ago let us know that he preferred to use the bathroom rug. So now we keep papers down in the bathrooms for him. He will go outside, IF it’s not raining, or too cold, and I must go outside and witness whatever miracle he is going to produce, and I cannot close the door to the house until he is well off the deck and into the yard. If I try to close the door before he gets off of the deck, he will dart back into the house, and I will never get him back outside.
He wants to sleep on my bed, but doesn’t want me to pick him up until after I have lain down. My bed is really high (32 inches, 82 cm) he can’t quite make the jump. (No wonder my shoulder is giving me trouble.) He growls at my Mother when she walks into my bedroom, and barks at her if she gets near my bed when I’m in it.
It didn’t take me long to figure out why Van was the only one left out of the litter when I called after seeing the advertisement in the newspaper. I don’t think anyone else would take him.
He’s yappy, fussy, demanding, hard to train, stubborn, growls when you touch him, cute, silly, and mine.
No, my dog isn’t spoiled, neither one of them, they just have me well trained.
Discuss this Journal entry [6]
Latest reply: Mar 8, 2005
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wildcat58
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