Friday, December 9, 2011

Iris waits at the Rainbow Bridge...did Trifexis kill her?

My family is grieving. Iris left us suddenly this week after a sudden and brief illness. This is her story as told by our Mom. Nothing will bring Iris back, but please give a second thought before you switch to Trifexis, a new heart-worm preventative that just came on the market this year.

from Pam Monahan: Iris suddenly became very ill last week with intestinal issues. She was treated twice at our regular vet; once for diarrhea and then for vomiting, lethargy, not eating. Her lab results came back normal except for her thyroid, which was very low. She started medication for low thyroid, but then starting vomiting. She had been at the emergency vet for two days of tests. She had many tests performed there, including 2 ultra sounds and a barium swallow. They could find nothing wrong; no blockage, no foreign object, nothing. She lost 6 pounds in a week. She worsened overnight and when we visited with her this morning we made the decision to let her go and were with her when she passed. We had given Iris and Ivy a dose of Trifexis, a heart-worm preventative/flea control medication on November 29 and Iris became ill the next day. That is when we took her to our vet. So, a week and a day later, a dog that was fine and loving life, is gone. The ER Vet initially was skeptical of my concern about this heart-worm preventative medication, but did immediately perform a necropsy, at our request. She saw no evidence of advanced cancer, but did send off tissue samples for analysis. And, she herself contacted the manufacturer of Trifexis and Iris has a case number. It certainly would have been easier if she had been eaten up with cancer or even swallowed something. So, now we are involved with a pharmaceutical company, Elanco (Eli Lilly). Just want to ensure that this does not happen to other dogs.
We are broken hearted.

Monday, July 4, 2011

4th of July

We are having a lazy day on the 4th. In fact, we have lazy days almost every day during the summer because it is so doggone HOT!
Mom took Iris for a walk and since Dad was playing golf, I did not go. It was really ok as I do poorly in the heat and I know I will get a treat when they get back.  Mom always has a bunch of them in her pocket in case Iris misbehaves, which she usually does. Mom also dragged us out in the yard for a photo shoot (see below) with our brand spanking new patriotic bandanas. She has not done this for a while because she has been busy taking pictures of the wild critters for Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge and for the Virginia Beach SPCA Wildlife Program.  I never know what she is going to come home smelling like! It's wild though.
Tonight we will stay in with the music turned up cuz fireworks upset us......sounds like THUNDER!
From Iris: Whaddya mean I usually misbehave? I jest git excited is all. What  are fireworks?


Monday, May 30, 2011

My TV Commercial Debut for the Virginia Beach SPCA

Here is my long awaited commercial for the Virginia Beach SPCA as posted on their website.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Things are a changin' a bit

Lots a stuff goin' on this past month. Sorry I (we) haven't written. Here goes.
Easter was good. We sent that wabbit hoppin' down the bunny trail.
The Mom had a milestone birthday party and we were not invited.  I guess they did not want us doing too much butt sniffing. She did have a kick ass cake....we were on it! Check out the picture. We are the dogs, not those raccoons that Mom has been cheatin' with. The good news was that Joey and Drew were here so we both gots loads of attention and treats. Note Mom's wine glass and flip flops also. Thanks, Deb and Cake Couture.

Then the Mom ate something bad and stayed in the bed and the bathroom for about 3 days. I can't imagine eating anything bad. So, Dad walked us both, not at the same time though. I enjoyed it, Iris probably not so much. She spent a lot of time with Mom.
Then the Dad goes back to work. Well, I thought that would kinda suck as far as the walkies go, but he is managing admirably. And, bringing home some bacon. WE WANT BACON!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Happy Gotcha Day to Iris


Iris has been with me, and the Mom and the Dad for one full year! WOOF! She is a goofball, but a loveable goofball!
Her training is still a work in progress, but she sure has come a long way. She is a lucky dog.  Mom has all the patience in the world.
She still plays with her food and doesn't WOLF it down like normal Labbies. But, I have learned to steer clear of her food bowl. She may not want to eat, but she doesn't even want you to so much as even LOOK at her bowl. Just ask Sasha!
Iris is not exactly an Olympic swimmer either, but she can play with the hose for hours on end! Did I say she was a goofball?
From Iris: I am lucky and I know it. You should try the hose, labradork!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Vacation is over

The Florida vacation is over and we are back in Virginia Beach. It is cold here. Yes REALLY! Florida was quite warm but I'm talking 39 degrees here. It is making us old doggies a bit frisky. We were in the car about eight hours today, mostly sleeping, mind you. Iris was surprisingly good on this, her second Florida trip with the family. Her car manners are improving. She still has an annoyingly LOUD BARK as soon as we enter a rest area.....I guess she KNOWS there will be other dogs there. But, she is better in her travel harness and we only had to stop twice to untangle the goofball.
From Iris: I just love my car rides, the longer the better!!

Friday, March 18, 2011

I guess it's official........

......I am off the knee!
Mom was just sitting on the lanai having a glass of wine and there goes Iris....right up on the love seat to keep her company. And the next thing I see....she is giving Mom a great big wet smooch! Now, it is pretty well known that I am a sniffer and a pretty good one at that. But, Iris is the LICKER! UGH!
From Iris.......I prefer white wine and it was a very nice New Zealand SB.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Joey's Alternative Spring Break Project - continued

The cheatin' continues. But now it's Joey. He came across this hunk o'chocolate at the shelter and decided that we needed to see how well behaved he is cuz of volunteers like the students from USF. And, his name is NOLE!!

BREAKING NEWS!! NOLE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Joey's Alternative Spring Break Project

While we are lazing around by the pool in Tampa this week, Joey is doing something very, very cool. He gave up his Spring Break to be the faculty advisor for several University of South Florida students on a service project in North Carolina. They are volunteering at the Animal Control facility in Louisburg, NC. This seems to be a "high kill" shelter, meaning that they euthanize when the shelter reaches capacity :(
They have already euthanized several animals since the group has been there! This made Joey and his group upset, angry, and so sad.  But, they went back this morning and apparently Joey has found a new friend (sorry about the pic quality....must be using his Iphone). This is pet 11-0390 / 6-3-0061 and available for adoption now at this shelter. Please give them a call 919-496-3032 and let's get this dude a furever home!
Ivy's Pet Project is proudly supporting Petfinder's Adopt the Internet Day!
Petfinder Adopt-the-Internet Day

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sunshine on my shoulder.......

Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy! And a little yappy! Iris and I have been enjoying the freedom of our own doggy door at our house in Tampa. She actually remembered how to use it right away and did not run straight through the screen like last time. We are not much for swimming in the pool but Iris thinks laying beside it is the best!! If I had a wish that I could wish for you, I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Your cheatin' heart

I KNOW the parents are cheatin' on us! Two days in a row they go out and come back smelling to high heaven of....PUPPIES! We cannot mistake that smell. And then, they put us in the car and those pups (at least one) have been in our CAR!! SUP with THAT?
From the Mom:  ok, settle down Miss Ivy. We just went out for a few hours to volunteer with the SPCA and try to get those pups a forever home. You have to admit..they are just so doggone cute! Sorry about one being in the car.....he was a good boy and his life will be forever changed  when one of those folk who saw him adopts him tomorrow!




Monday, January 31, 2011

My TV Commercial Debut for the Virginia Beach SPCA

I must say that my TV commercial debut for the Listening Ears Program at the VBSPCA went very well. My wonderful dad took me and I could tell it was going to be fun because he put my personalized LL Bean tote bag in the car. It smelled of several different treats and a couple of my favorite toys were in there too. When we arrived at the "studio" I saw my dad hand some of my treats to an awesome little boy who was there also. The little boy then sat in a chair at a table and read aloud from a book.  Dad told me to "down" and then "stay." Then I could hear a video camera rolling but I knew not to move.  If I could just be patient,  I would get those treats from that boy. So I did! It was an Oscar winning performance!

About the Listening Ears Program which was developed by the VBSPCA:
The Listening Ears program is designed to help both new and reluctant readers develop their reading skills. The premise of the program is that reading to an animal can create a more relaxing and less threatening atmosphere for children who find reading challenging. In addition, reading to a furry friend creates a non-judgmental and fun atmosphere for most children, and helps send the message that reading can be an enjoyable and worthwhile activity.
Reading aloud can be a challenge for children who lack confidence in their ability to read. Often, children are capable of reading, but self-consciousness and concern for adult or peer approval can cause stress, making it difficult for some to read. However, studies show that when children read to an animal, they relax, forget about external influences, and begin to enjoy reading. Often, animals are seen by children as trust-worthy and compassionate, allowing for a positive and open interaction. 

This award winning program is offered in many schools in our area and is staffed mainly by our awesome volunteers.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

I might be a star!!


I have been asked to be the dog in a commercial for the Virginia Beach SPCA. I am pretty good at acting like a dog, so I guess that is why I was asked. Plus, I am no stranger to the camera and I have heard that I still have that puppy cuteness. There will be a human child reading a book to me. Actually, the human child will be giving me treats......and we all know that I work for food! I am quite excited; a car ride, some alone time with Dad, and of course, the treats! I just hope they bring enough treats....you know REAL TREATS and not CARROTS!
From Iris: I never get to do anything. "Puppy cuteness?" What have you been smoking?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

It was a so so day today. Dad had a "procedure" yesterday. Both the humans were gone all day and Pete came over to let us out a few times so we knew we were prolly gonna be alone for a long time. We heard the garage go up about 4:30pm and WOOF WOOF they were home! Just in time to dish out the CHOW!
From Iris: the Mom is my hero! She walked me today, IN THE RAIN! Then she walked Ivy. She tried to get my special walking collar on Ivy but it was too small. Guess Ivy's diet is not working too well. Can you say "tubby?"

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Friday, January 21, 2011

Have a heart, be a lifesaver

 Mom was volunteering at the shelter this week and there were a bunch of puppies there waiting for their new best friend to show up and take them home. Please take a minute, or maybe a minute and a half to watch. Your best friend is waiting. Please change the world for one animal and adopt a shelter pet.



Saturday, January 15, 2011

Another way our humans are helping other animals

Our humans volunteer with the Virginia Beach SPCA. They do a bunch of different stuff there, but they recently took on a new volunteer gig for them. The VBSPCA and Senior Services of Southeast Virginia have started an outreach program together. Every month SSSEVA gives the VBSPCA a list of pet food that they need for a Meals on Wheels type of program. The recipients of this food are generally home bound senior citizens who cannot get to the store for pet food for their pets. The SPCA wants these folks to keep their pets with them and not end up in the shelter, as does SSSEVA.  So they use donated food from the VBSPCA to help the Senior citizens out. My humans do the pick up and delivery. It may not sound like much, but they are making an impact. Pets are staying with their owners and everyone is happy and well fed. They are quietly being a change for animals (and people too).