Friday Things
1. Einstein went to the vet last Friday for some vaccines, and one of the things I wanted to talk to the vet about was the fact that he’s started to refuse to go on walks. He puts on the brakes and you literally cannot get him to move, which is a new thing for him. Well, turns out, he has gained 6 pounds (!!) since the spring, so the vet was suspicious that there might be a thyroid issue causing rapid weight gain and fatigue. They sent blood work out and it should be back either today or Monday. Fingers crossed that all he needs is some diet dog food!
2. Duke is having some issues when encountering other dogs and people while walking at the park, and both he and Einstein go absolutely berserk when people come into the house. With a baby on the way, we want to nip some questionable behavior in the bud, so we signed up for our first training class, which is on Wednesday morning. (Clarification due to some comments – we actually have a private appointment with a behaviorist, not a basic obedience class.) Hopefully it goes well!
3. Have you seen all of the new songs/videos that Weird Al put out last week? Total disclosure: I was never a big Weird Al fan, but I thought the “Word Crimes” video was hysterical:
4. I took the plunge and finally got a pair of Tieks! As soon as I put them on, I could totally see why everyone raves about them – so totally comfortable. I’m excited to have at least one really good pair of flats to take me through the fall and winter since I won’t be wearing anything but the lowest of heels this year. (Some folks have asked, and the color that I got is Wild Copper.)
5. When I open the back door in the morning to let the dogs outside, the smell of morning summer air always seems to remind me of vacation bible school when I was a kid. Such a distinct memory!
6. The Buzzfeed list of 61 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About “Friends” is a must-read for anyone who watched the show religiously. That show took me from freshman year of high school all the way through to a couple of years post-college. I’m half-tempted to start watching it again from the very beginning.
7. Have you watched anything good on TV or any movies lately? We started watching Tyrant on FX last week and got through the first two episodes. First, we thought it was really good, then we thought it really wasn’t very good at all, and now we’re back to thinking maybe it’s going to be good. Summer TV is definitely slim pickings!
8. Speaking of movies, I had an intense urge to watch Elf this week. I guess Christmas in July? Truthfully, I wouldn’t mind if it were the holiday season year-round. I can’t ever get enough!
9. I know that so many of you have asked for pregnancy updates, so I thought a nice little monthly roundup every four weeks would be fun, instead of just sprinkling things here and there (and whoever is not interested can just skip over it entirely!). I’ll post the updates every fourth Wednesday, so if you’re interested, keep an eye out this coming Wednesday for a Week 16 update :)
10. TGIF! It’s near impossible to get a good picture of Duke these days; he’s always on the move!
I just had the same thing happen on Monday. My boy Blue is a Lab/Golden Retriever mix and he’s 11. I put his collar on and had to beg him to come outside when he finally did he then refused to get off the porch so I gave up. Today I got him up the block then he turned back around and started heading back home. He is however game to go bye bye in the car :) When I say those words he’s up and at the door in a minute! I hope Einstein is doing better. I love seeing pictures of the dogs :)
So It’s been a few months and I wanted to know how your tieks are holding up. I keep wanting to buy them but if I’m going to drop that much money on flats they better last forever. Since you’re the only person I “know” who has them, tell me for reals, are they worth it?
Hi Elena, I *LOVE* my Tieks! They have actually increased in comfort the more I wear them. They’re my default flat now since they match just about anything I put on and I haven’t been wearing heels at all. I would definitely recommend them; I would suggest getting them in a neutral color/style so you can get the most use out of them!
Like to read your post here…it’s so lively.
Einstein is a beautiful baby. I hope he is doing ok and getting well. Take good care. ^^
Einstein is beautiful. I love reading your blog, and may have to get a pair of Tieks :)
Hi – did you post your monthly pregnancy round up post somewhere else? I didn’t see any post on BEB yesterday. When I didn’t get the usual email, I just figured it was due to this “special” post not being shared via email, but I went to blog to see if you had posted it there, nothing?
I have watched “Friends” so many times! I have probably seen every episode at least four or five times. It’s ridiculous but I still laugh every time. I even knew some of those facts, but not many! Thank God they didn’t cast Kathy Griffin, though–I can’t stand her and probably wouldn’t have made it through a single episode of what it is one of my favorite all-time shows. My parents even have watched a bunch of them with me–ironic, considering that when I was younger it was on the list of shows I wasn’t allowed to watch!
Our Goldie Ripley is now 12 and has been on thyroid meds for about 6 yrs now. She
got to where she would just stop and lay down in the middle of a walk. Also drank quite a lot of water which she still does. Our younger Goldie is like Duke when walking and people come in the house. I think I will try the GL with Luna, it sounds awesome.
Sweet Einstein – hope he’s back to normal soon!
I forgot one thing! I loved the Weird Al parody! He is clever as well as funny. I have been called a grammar nazi on occasion
I would love some Tieks. They look so cute! When my kids were babies we always had dogs and cats. The animals did have training not to jump up when someone was holding the babies. We also made sure we let them smell and lay nearby the babies (watching them of course). The dogs used to lay with their paws just touching the blanket edge watching when we put babies on the floor. Good luck with Einstein and Duke as they adjust to the new human for them to take care of.
I wasn’t a huge Friends fan but that story was really interesting. I can watch Elf anytime, and I just saw it was on Starz the other day.
So loved Word Crimes! I am particular about grammar, spelling and punctuation but I know even I make mistakes…oh to be perfect in this way!
I hope the doggies get sorted out in a very good way, they are so gorgeous.
Love those shoes but they are way too flat and unstructured for my feet which are small and cute (in the opinion of a friend) and,cat 61, I have no bunions or corns or any of those things (lucky me). What I do have is one leg .5 cm longer than the other so I need orthotics which rule out so many cute shoes…boohoo!
Best wishes to you in your pregnancy. As a paediatric nurse, I like to say there is nothing like a freshly cooked (ie born) baby…they are so soft, cute and adorable and they smell so good
Hah, just realised I meant to say freshly hatched babies, I knew cooked sounded wrong…wasn’t awake yet!
If you want a good book to read get “Stones for Bread” by Christa Parrish. It’s about a lady who opens a bakery. I recommend it for anyone who likes to bake – some good recipes are included.
I just had a baby in November and I have a 14 year old Great Dane who snarls when people startle him, so I also consulted a behaviorist before I brought my daughter home from the hospital, and it helped so so much in managing his behavior. One of the best tips he offered was to take a blanket she had been wrapped in home and let him smell it so when she arrived he would be ready and would recognize her. It worked and not only is his snarling in check, but my baby is now HIS baby, too; he is great with her.
I wish you such luck in the weeks ahead, just be well and enjoy this time! I’m so excited for you!
I hope things go well with the pups!!
I really want a pair of Tieks. I just may have to cave and buy some.
I have a 7 yr. young schnauzer and feed her Dick van Patten’s L.I.D. (limited ingredient diet) dog food from Petco. I highly recommend this because it keeps her weight down, improves joint health and stamina AND her (ahem, south-end) deposits are not as much.
Otherwise, my sincerest prayers for Einstein’s good health Michelle!
;)
I’ve got a series for you to watch – it’s on Season Two right now – RECTIFY. It’s a Sundance Channel series and it’s awesome. The premise of it is that a 17 year old boy is sentenced to death row for the murder of his girlfriend – but he swears he didn’t do it. His family stands behind him – and 16 years later, he is released pending the possibility of a new trial. So he goes to his hometown where everyone thinks he did it and tries to make a life. Really good show.
I’m saying a little prayer for Einstein! And I hope that the behaviorist helps both him and Duke.
I’m old enough to remember the FIRST Weird Al parody – and we just love him. He really has a very nice voice – do yourself a favor and find “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” on YouTube or somewhere. You’ll get a laugh, and you’ll get to see how great his voice really is!
I totally gave up on Tyrant. I’ll have to just see what you think as it goes along!
Have a great weekend! Looking forward to baby updates!
2 out of 3 of my dog have had thyroid issues so I think it is really common. just requires a daily pill that normalizes it so not bad in the grander scheme of things :)
Michelle, our older lab mix started acting strangely this spring. He will absolutely not go out at night, choosing instead to hold it until the next day, and refusing to go out until late morning when he can no longer stand it. He stands on the porch smelling and looking before he can be coaxed to the yard, where we literally have to stay right with him to get him to the yard. We believe this is fear in his case. We have had a family of deer move into the woods directly behind our house, and we regularly see them grazing under the apple trees in the back. In addition to the deer, we have rabbits, groundhogs, and cats passing through. Perhaps he’s getting senile, but thought I might mention that perhaps there is something in the neighborhood your dog is afraid of?
Btw, I meant my dog is getting senile.
In addition to the sights of a baby, the dogs need the sounds. Get a recording of crying baby and play it. they need to be desenitized(sp) to all aspects of your new bundle of joy. Never to early the start. I am certain the behavourist will be able to assist you with this as well.
*too
I grew up with a golden retriever for my best friend. One summer he got fat and stopped moving. Literally. We had to drag/carry him from the house to the yard to do his bit, and then back in. Turns out it was a thyroid problem. The vet put him on medication, and he was back to his hyper self in days. It was like a rebirth.
I have been watching Blue Bloods with a friend. We are catching up on the seasons on Hulu. I think it’s in season 4 on CBS. It’s about a family on cops. The father is the police commissioner in NYC, and two of the sons are cops. The daughter is an Assistant District Attorney. I like it because it follows the family’s story, but each episode has a new case the brothers are working on.
I hope Einstein feels better. Poor baby. I love seeing all of your dog updates and photos.
I really like Blue Bloods too. I think I like the whole “family” vibe the most.The character interactions seem real and all of the actors are really good.
Don’t mean to be a pest, but when I said in previous comment – “not forgetting that your husband . . .” – I was saying that I was not forgetting, not saying to you that you shouldn’t forget. Just wanted to clarify so you would not think I was being bossy.
Really good advice from small animal vet, Amanda. The safety of the baby has to be primary.
I hope Einstein is OK! Your Tieks are beautiful! I’ve heard awesome things about them, too, so hearing you confirm they’re super comfy is positive :)
Word Crimes is amazing.
Not sure what you are feeding Duke and Einstein but there are a bunch of great foods out there. I have two goldens and am adding a 3rd (puppy) next week (apparently they are like potato chips). I feed holistic foods only – they eat better than I do. Both my furkids eat Fromm’s Whitefish and Potato dry food. It’s lower in fat but isn’t a true diet food, and they both have done extremely well on maintenance. Kai will be 8 in September and Lily will be 4 next month. Once you get Einstein’s test results back you’ll have a better handle on it – and one more suggestion…once you find foods you are really happy feeding them, check with Chewy.com for their prices. I get my food on an autodelivery basis as it’s not very easy to find here without a special order (60 lbs at a time on my front porch…LOL). The gentle leader is a good approach to try as well. A good approach to try outside the house is to put him in a sit and stay for 30 seconds at a time and have other people or dogs walk around him…just conditioning. If you haven’t done any formal training with him and know of a trainer that you like, you might want to consider a class just for the basic socialization aspects and working around people and other dogs…but not a necessity. If you have friends with children or dogs you can stage your own situations…kind of like walking in circles around people and making him stay focused only on you with gentle corrections when he doesn’t pay attention. Best of luck – they are lovely furkids and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Re: summer television- not much on, but if you’re looking for good shows streaming, I highly recommend Sherlock, The Newsroom, Veep (have you watched any of them? Can’t remember!) And ‘Hannibal’ is one of the best shows out there right now, but it is quite gory and some call it ‘horror’ tv. I’m not usually a horror fan, but it’s brilliant :) I hope Einstein is ok!
Hi! Welcoming a baby into your life, so amazing! Congratulations! I’m a small animal veterinarian and just some quick advice…purchase a baby doll to carry around to get them used to something in your arms and not jumping, sit on couch/rocking chair with doll, and train them to sit on floor next to you rather than on couch…if you plan on blocking them from entering nursery start that now…, take out stroller and push it around house so they get used to seeing it and it moving (same with any other big objects that they may be curious about)…love the gentle leader (check out you tube videos and website)…if having difficulty seek advice of a veterinary behaviorist (a veterinarian further trained and board certified in behavior, they are amazing). When you come home, have someone hold the pups by a leash, as you come in and greet them, someone else follows behind with baby. Until you really know that pups and baby doing well together, never be alone in a room with the dogs while you hold the baby. of course never leave baby in room with pups even if in crib.
Hi Amanda, Thanks so much for the tip. Someone else had mentioned a baby doll, I think we are definitely going to do that. Wouldn’t have thought to get out the equipment so they’re used to it. We don’t have anything yet, but it’s an awesome idea – Einstein isn’t really fazed by anything, but Duke, HATES anything new or different. The first time we took out suitcases for a trip, he barked and barked at them, etc.
Depending on Einstein’s age, a six pound weight gain could be causing arthritis problems especially if the out temp. Is hot and humid. Hard on an older dog to have to be put training and very often does not work, regardless of what the one selling this idea to you says. Dogs are extremely perceptive and both have perhaps picked up on your pregnancy. When guests come they could just think they need to protect you. With Einstein I would certainly work with his vet, otherwise I would not jump these beautiful boys into some physical training with harsh commands and other that comes with this. They have kind, gentle faces and I would be concerned about breaking their spirits. Dog psychiatrists can work wonders in these situations provided E. Is not ill. They have been your babies, and now a REAL baby is coming! and as already said I bet they already know this. Best of everything to you and them.
Hi Shelby, No one is trying to sell us on training, we are actually seeing a behaviorist, and mostly for Duke, not as much for Einstein. Duke has begun barking and lunging at other dogs and people when we walk him, a behavior that has actually escalated, so we definitely want to address that. He’s a dominant dog, and has been around a baby once and was not gentle, to say the least. So we want to get a handle on his behavior early. Einstein is super easy to train, and will do anything for a treat, so having him sit when people come into the house is probably only a matter of a handful of little exercises with him. I’ve seen first-hand what a good behaviorist can do – my mom’s rescue dog was absolutely transformed after just a few sessions.
That all sounds great – the behaviorist. I have not had this particular dog but know those who have and they were always great family dogs. But, you are right to start working towards a solution early. Hope you have a good, easy,and healthy remainder of your journey towards motherhood, not forgetting your husband is part of the journey also. My best to you both and lovely Duke and Einstein.
I’ve got a pup that was recently diagnosed with a thyroid problem. While I’m not happy with him being sick (obviously) I was relieved it wasn’t more serious. He just takes two little pills a day and the difference has been amazing! He acts and looks years younger.
Hey BEB – I love your blog!
I work with animals (as well as being an artist) and more than obedience training, you may want to see a behaviorist. I have dealt with what you are going through and I also found this link to be very helpful: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/desensitization-and-counterconditioning
I have a reactive girl that I have been doing some conditioning with for the last 4 months or so and it has worked wonders.
Thanks! and thanks for standing by your dog babies too!
Hi Dorothy, Thanks for the recommendation, I will check out that link! I should clarify – we do actually have a private appointment with a behaviorist, so it’s not simply obedience training. My mom rescued a dog 14 years ago that had a lot of issues, and she saw a behaviorist and she was able to make a complete transformation – it was incredible!
Oh good I was also going to recommend a behaviorist. We rescued a mix that would also bark/lunge to dogs & people. He’s now amazing on walks, still gets a little excited when he sees other dogs but it’s so much better. Victoria Stilwell’s website also has a ton of helpful information. http://positively.com/ The forum is also great if you have any questions.
We saw a behaviorist/clicker trainer for our dog that had some issues. NIGHT AND DAY! Good luck with Einstein and good luck with training Duke!
I do hope all is well with Einstein. He is such a handsome guy but I imagine a 6lb weight gain in a dog would be comprable to a considerable human gain so it is cause for concern.
I find summer TV slim pickins for sure. I have found a really good home show an HGTV called “Fixer Upper”. It centers around a husband/wife who own a construction/design company…Magnolia…in Waco TX. Each episode takes the viewer through a rennovation of a home chosen to fit the specific needs of a client. There is none of the manufactured drama found in other such shows and the personalities of Chip and Joanna Gaines are very engaging. Joanna’s design style is gorgeous and the shows are very informative. It has been airing on Thursday evenings at 8 & 9pm. I think there have been 12 episodes total.
LOVE that show also!!!!!!!
I was faced with some major problems when I adopted an abused pup. Things were much like what you have described.
After many rounds of training that failed to produce results, I started watching Dog House on Ion TV. The difference is night and day. Many specific issues have been addressed. Each episode is enlightening. I highly recommend it.
I haven’t heard of that show, I’ll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Have Einstein checked for a splenic tumor. He may need an ultrasound to know for sure.
I want a pair of Tieks so bad. I have so many flats. I know these would trump them all.
We have two weiner dogs and the one is a big barker. When we brought our first, Emma back from the hospital they would guard the pack n play when she was in it. It was amazing they actually were trying to protect her. As for the barking well the kid’s have learned to sleep through anything!
They’re both loud when they play together – snarling and barking. I just said the other day that this child is already going to be used to hearing barking and will be able to sleep through anything!
I read that Friends list too and I loved it! I own the series on DVD and have watched beginning to end several times over the last 7ish years that I’ve had it. And I also watch it everyday on TBS, usually while I’m baking or blogging! My husband always teases me because we have every episode at our disposal, but I said it’s more fun for it to be a surprise which episode I’ll get to watch, haha.
love reading posts like this.. your dog is so gorgeous! what a great name for him too!
I am not sure if you have ever tried it, but the Gentle Leader worked wonders with both of my dogs in getting them to walk, especially when they didn’t feel like it. I also putting it on them when we had guests over around the time we adopted our newborn. I would just put it on them and step on their leash, and it kept them from jumping up on me and the baby, or guests.
Hi Diane, We actually just bought a Gentle Leader for Duke, but haven’t tried it yet. The issue is less with Einstein not wanting to walk (when he actually goes, he’s practically perfect), but Duke does a tremendous amount of pulling, and he’s starting to bark and lunge at other dogs and people at the park. Obviously, behavior we want to nip in the bud! Thanks for the suggestion for using it at home!
Hi Michelle~ I just want to second the Gentle Leader. My 2 year old Golden is the king of pulling when on a leash . . . so hard to walk with him. Got a Gentle Leader and it works wonders – in fact, it works a little too well ;) Sometimes he won’t even budge. I have to take him by the collar and get him started :) It works so well on curbing the jumping too. I took him to my husband’s softball game and of course didn’t want him jumping on people . . . he gets SO excited to see everyone and this for some reason happens to be his rather rude manner of greeting. Happy to report that he did not jump once. My regret is that I didn’t use the GL earlier, so would encourage you to start today. I used it on my Golden in our house first and walked him around to get used to it . . . but then again I couldn’t encourage him out the door even with a treat :)) Good Luck to you; I’m sure the GL will be a big help for you with Duke.
Gentle Leader does work wonders! At first they try to get it off and throw a tantrum but after they get used to it it’s like magic! One of my dogs has had thyroid problems since she was 7 (she’s now almost 13) and it’s controlled with medication but the only way I managed to get her to lose weight was feeding her Hill’s r/d. It smells fantastic and she loves it. Thanks to this diet she went from 27kg to 19.7kg in less than a year!