The Canine Cancer Epidemic

It's been a long time since I posted a blog, but I have not stopped studying and researching.  My most recent interest is in canine cancer.  I am currently taking a certification course in canine cancer in the hope of helping pet parents who are facing a cancer diagnosis with their dog.  

I recently had a "forever foster" from a local rescue.  Ethel (a miniature poodle mix), came into the rescue un-spayed and with mammary tumors.  Due to her health situation, a spay and removal of the tumors was not a doable solution. This began my journey (and many rabbit holes) into studying and researching this epidemic disease.

I find it sad that most veterinarians and pet parents do not realize the prevalence of cancer in dogs.  When I read that 65% of dogs will develop cancer in their life, I thought to myself "that's too many!" I knew I had to learn everything I could to help.  I've long said that nutrition is your first line of defense...and that is even more so for a dog with cancer.

I will be doing in depth research on dry dog food (kibble) and wet dog food to determine which are best for dogs and for which kinds of cancer, as I'm sure each one is probably unique in how to design a nutritional plan. For example, red meat is not good for a dog with mammary tumors. I will zero in on the nutritional analysis of many brands of dog food and blog here regarding those, so you can make informed decisions about what to feed your dog.

Let me stress this...kibble is a "no-no" for a dog with cancer! It's my personal opinion, but I have also read it elsewhere in my research.  I know there are formulas out there that would lead you to believe otherwise, but even the best (and most expensive) are too high in carbohydrates. (many 50% plus)

I realize kibble and packaged wet foods are a convenience.  People don't have time to home cook for their dogs, or feed special diets.  The dog food industry has long brainwashed people into believing, I have a dog....this is dog food...and it will meet my dog's nutritional needs. The process in preparing dry food is one of over cooking and overprocessing at very high temperatures, thus destroying any original nutrients the ingredients may have had.  Vitamins and minerals listed on the ingredient list are added back in AFTER the cooking process, and are in my opinion, second best, if that. (not the way your dog should be getting supplementation)

This article is to serve as a springboard to what I will be blogging about in the coming new year.  The following 12 common canine cancers will be the ones I will really zero in on: lymphoma, mast cell tumors, mammary cancer, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, transitional cell carcinoma, oral cancers, malignant melanoma, nasal tumors, soft tissue sarcoma, brain tumors and gland tumors.

I realize this is an extensive list, maybe even somewhat overwhelming, but I take my studies and research seriously.  Considering 2017 statistic numbers of 89.7 million dogs in the United States, that 65% I mentioned earlier that will get cancer (and by the way, I recently read, 1 out of 3 by the age of 10, and 2 out of 3 after the age of 10 will develop cancer) gives me cause to believe it's an area I should focus on.  

I hope you will follow these blogs, share them with family, friends, co-workers...whoever may need this information, so that going forward perhaps we can find the proper means to deal with a disease that truly needs a cure...one that I believe will come through education, nutrition and herbal avenues.

Apple Cranberry Delight

 

Welcome to another Chaplin Doggie Diner original! This yummy dessert is not only for your canine friend, but for humans as well! A great treat for the fall and winter season.  Cranberries are great support for the urinary tract, and apples add fiber.  Raw honey helps to build the immune system, so it’s a win/win all the way around!

 

 

1 organic medium sized apple (I used Gala)

½ cup organic cranberries

3 Tablespoons raw honey

1/8 teaspoon organic cinnamon

1/8 cup filtered water

 

Wash, peel, core and grate the apple. Set aside.

Cut cranberries in half.  In a small skillet, cook (low to medium heat) in 1/8 cup filtered water until soft, then smash with a fork (no need to drain).

Add grated apple, honey and cinnamon. 

Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Allow to cool.  Serve warm or cold.

Finished product will have an applesauce consistency.

Nurturing Your Dog Throughout The Years

 

I’ve been a pet parent for 25-plus years.  In that time I have fostered over a dozen dogs, and at one time had twelve of my own in my care.  I’ve learned a tremendous amount since those early days when it was all new to me.  It’s inevitable that during the span of our dog’s lives, there will be times they will not feel well…maybe just having an off day (like people do), or succumb to a number of maladies that can affect their quality and length of life. Realize that some are avoidable with attentive care, and others happen regardless.

There are some basics.  Some may seem just ‘common sense’, and others bear repeating.  Nothing wrong with simple reminders, many that can make an overall difference over time.  It is unfortunate our ‘best friend’ has a short lifespan.  Small dogs, depending on breed can live as long as 20 years.  Larger dogs, maybe 15.  Those are guidelines, as each dog is unique, and there are many factors that enter in, other than type and size of dog.  Nutrition, environment, vetting, exercise and affection all play an important role.

I believe one of the best things you can do as a dog mom/dad is to educate yourself, and be mindful of your dog’s behavior.  Learn what ‘normal’ looks like, so when something goes awry, you will realize something is off. This will be different with each dog.  It might be subtle, and it may be very obvious. I’ve experienced both and many in between indicators.  There are various issues you can deal with at home, if you are comfortable and knowledgeable in regards to the matter. I have learned so much in two and a half decades. I am blessed that I have a long-time vet who knows me and my dogs, and I can place a call and he will call me back…has saved many a trip to the vet.  However, don’t hesitate to take your dog if there is an urgent need.

With all of this said, let’s review some quick ‘Basics 101’ regarding doing all you can to keep on top of your dog’s health and well-being.  Always provide clean water for your dog.  I give mine filtered water (from a PUR filter), and they drink from stainless steel bowls, which I believe to be best. Clean the bowls daily.  Be mindful of food and treats.  Many times ‘people treats’ can have an ill effect on a dog’s digestive tract.  I have found over the years as my dog’s age, they become intolerant of certain foods, specifically red meat (probably because it’s rich).  A simple diet may be necessary, such as chicken or grain free products.

Dental health is very important, as it has a direct link to heart health.  Tartar build-up is bad for a dog, just like it is for people.  I don’t over-vaccinate.  This is a personal choice, one I came to after probably a decade of yearly vaccinations.  I have done much research regarding this, and I am big on natural/herbal care. Most shots are good for a very long period (definitely more than a year), if not a lifetime. You can have a titer test done from your vet to determine immunity.  Heartworm is a concern, and I have used the ‘western’ version of protection, but also use an herbal product with one of my dogs.

Aging dogs also have joint issues and many develop cataracts.  I have found it is not uncommon for dogs to develop a form of dementia.  There are many very good supplements for joint issues that contain chondroitin, Glucosamine and MSM.  I have used them with success for several of my dogs. I have dealt with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, collapsing trachea, anal gland issues, corneal ulcers, vestibular disease, and numerous other ailments. There are dogs that develop cancer, diabetes and many other issues that people have.

Exercise is a necessary component to a healthy dog.  Take into consideration the age and health of the dog to determine what type of exercise, intensity and length is appropriate.  For a smaller dog, a romp in a fenced yard may be all that is needed. For a young dog, a long walk or even a run would be best to release all that pent-up energy. Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your dog as well. Be mindful of loud noises, from music, to fireworks, to storms, small children, and even people talking loudly. If you find this to be problematic, talk to your veterinarian to find a workable option.  I’m an ‘older’ dog mom, so my dogs are blessed to have a quiet, smoke-free, child-free home.

Last, but certainly not least…LOVE! Every person wants to be loved by someone.  Every dog wants that too! A massage, talking sweet, cuddling.  Don’t ignore your dog.  As I mentioned earlier, they aren’t around a long time. My Maltese died when she was almost 18.  I had her from 8 weeks and 3 days old. The years went so fast! Do things together…they are a furry ‘child’, and require nurturing. Remember, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment…all they have is YOU! I just recently adopted a new rescue dog (after losing two this year), and I made the statement on social media there are three things I want for her (and I’ve always provided this for all my dogs)…I want her to feel loved, to feel safe and to be spoiled! You can’t go wrong with that!

Indy Dog Fostering Network

My “mission” has always been about the well-being of dogs, especially in the area of nutrition. I have been a pet parent for 30+ years, 25+ as a small dog mom. I began fostering in May 2008, (mainly Chihuahuas) and from there my interest in these little dogs began to grow. In 2012, I started a senior dog rescue, “Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary”. Taegan and Tobey were the first…then came Otis (he was 19 years old!)…and eventually two others I had taken in, Little Scrap and Maebelle became residents as well.

With my extensive background in human nutrition, it wasn’t long before I determined I should expand that to canines. In April 2013, I obtained certification in “Advanced Canine Nutrition”. It has served me well, and has enabled me to gain insight into the nutrient needs that go well beyond a bag of dry kibble or canned dog food. I have turned around issues using proper diet and herbal supplements. There are so many ailments that can plague our pets, it’s overwhelming and it saddens me. Even with the best of care, the progression of age and disease, it’s not possible to continue moving forward sometimes and you have to let go. I’ve experienced that eight times now with my own just since 2013. It is disheartening. I wish they could live forever, but it’s not possible. We just have to do the best we can for them…enjoy them while they are here and honor their memory by rescuing another in need.

With the years passing quickly, and the realization of me turning 60 next year (2022), I have to consider what I want to do going forward, because my own aging can change my ability to care for a pet. The two I have now, Mya…she will be 19 this October (she’s been with me almost 13 years), and Little Scrap will be 17 in August (he’s been with me almost 11 years). Realistically, I could be pet-less by the end of the year…a thought that doesn’t set well because it’s hard for me to remember my life “B.C.” (before canines). I am currently fostering a large (to me) dog…a bully mix (55#’s)…she will be the last one I foster, as I have decided to go a new direction from rescue and fostering to assisting other fosters and connecting them to rescues, so more dogs can be saved. 

I just recently (April 15th) lost “Sanctuary” resident Taegan to doggie dementia (an issue I really need to blog about). I am working on a Facebook page that will allow me to connect fosters with rescues…”Indy Dog Fostering Network”. (See link in “Fostering, Rescue and Dog Resources” section) I am in Indianapolis, but plan to cover the whole state of Indiana. Although local shelters provide basic needs and safety from the elements, shelter life is stressful, especially to the small dogs. My goal thru my network, is a shorter shelter stay. Much can be learned from providing a home environment vs. being in a noisy shelter, which many times causes a dog to shut down. I learned so much valuable information from the ones I took in. It also made me a better person, because caring for a dog that isn’t yours truly brings a sense of satisfaction, knowing you’ve helped make their life better. If you have considered fostering a dog, or you foster dogs, please contact me if you’d like to help. I have connections with local (Indiana) rescues, and can get you connected to them, so you can do what is necessary to foster for them. If you know of someone, please have them contact me, through my FB page or my email: TalkToThePawInIndy@aol.com 

I know it will take a while to build this network, but eventually it will get there. Also consider, there are other areas you can assist besides fostering…sponsor a dog (many rescues have this available), be a transport person…get a dog where he/she needs to go. Donate…this is a big one! Rescues are typically all volunteer…and there’s no such thing as a “free” dog. This helps to pay expenses for the dogs…vetting, food, medication, beds, toys, treats. And certainly, when you see a dog posted needing a home, SHARE the post. It only takes a few seconds. You never know when doing that will find the dog a home. Everyone can play a role in helping. Please “like” my FB page, and share it with family and friends so a network can be built to help as many dogs as possible. My goal is to save them all and see them placed in a loving, “fur”-ever home! Please join me in this journey, won’t you?

A Canine Dental Alternative - Dexdomitor

Having a veterinarian you can trust speaks volumes regardless of whether you are getting routine vaccinations, a dental or major surgery; confidence in your vet matters. It is very important to be able to ask questions, and not be given rushed answers.  Granted, an emergency situation is different, but in preparing for the routine stuff, and even that which is unexpected, your questions and concerns need to be handled respectfully.

 

As a pet parent, there are the obvious responsibilities…and many times above and beyond attention is essential.  Don’t rely on your vet to do it all…do some homework yourself, as much as possible so going in you can prepare a list of questions and concerns.  Being previously educated on the issue allows you to make informed decisions regarding your dog’s health when discussing options with your vet. To me, I am always wanting more than one option…at least three is great!  If you are new to pet care, seek out recommendations from friends, family, or co-workers to guide you in the right direction to a reliable veterinarian, hopefully one you can go to for the life of your pet, which could be 10-15 years, or possibly more. 

 

One of the most important procedures (other than vaccinations), is that of getting your dog’s teeth cleaned (aka: a dental).  This can be an apprehensive time, as majority of this work is performed under a ‘general’ anesthesia, and most of us realize there is always risk involved when going under.  That can cause anxiety to us.  Years ago I had a large amount of dental work to be done, and I asked my dentist if he could just put me under and do it all, and he responded, ‘No! I don’t put anyone under anesthesia for dental work, that is very dangerous! No tooth is worth losing your life!’  He said between nitrous oxide and valium, he’d get me through it, and he did!

 

Any dog can need a good teeth cleaning during his or her lifetime.  Small breeds, especially Chihuahua’s are notorious for bad teeth, don’t know why really, they just are!  There are several things a pet owner can do to reduce the amount of tartar build up, like feeding quality raw meaty bones (RMB’s). (Note: never feed your dog cooked bones, they can splinter and be a choking hazard.  That said, always monitor your dog when providing chew treats, as choking on small pieces can be a possibility).

 

Were you aware gum disease has a connection to heart disease in canines? (Actually, in humans too!)  That makes dental care even more important, a not to be overlooked necessity in your dog’s health maintenance.  I have blogged before regarding the use of chlorophyll in your dog’s drinking water.  (See blog dated May 23, 2012)  If you feed your dog a soft diet, i.e., canned dog food or even home-cooked meals, he/she is more susceptible to plaque formation.  This builds up and becomes hard (tartar), then irritates the gums.  Left untreated, the gums pull away from the tooth, causing small pockets to open up between tooth and gum, enabling more bacteria to form.  And I’m sure many of us have encountered the dreaded ‘dog breath’! Ick! You can brush your dog’s teeth to help avoid this, but you would need to be consistent (like every day your dog eats, which can be challenging if you have multiple dogs).  There are some great natural recipes on the internet for canine toothpaste, or you can buy special toothpaste at your local pet store. (Note: never use toothpaste for humans on your dog’s teeth). 

 

So now that you’ve had a bit of an intro to canine dental health…let’s move on to more information about the procedure for getting Fido’s pearly whites…well…white again! As I previously mentioned above, this is typically performed under general anesthesia, a long-standing practice.  As with anything regarding surgeries (when teeth need to be removed), there are benefits and risks.  Just as when people go in for surgery, you sign a waiver that you nor your family will hold your doctor responsible if you die while under. It happens, more than you know.  You will have a similar agreement for your dog for his/her dental.  Statistics say 1 in 2,000 healthy dogs die under anesthesia each year.  Seems like a low number unless your dog is that ‘one’. Also, in considering that statistic, of the 89+ million dogs living in the U.S. what the total of that ‘1’ in 2,000 is….that’s a LOT of dogs dying under anesthesia!  How many other dogs however, that aren’t really healthy, unbeknown to owner and/or vet, face this procedure and are at greater risk of dying because of unrevealed health issues?  If your dog is over the age of 7, as this is a good mid-life number, you might want to consider a CBC (a complete blood count blood test) a couple weeks before the dental.  It could provide important information and give needed insight going forward.

 

I’ve had numerous dogs, between fostering and the multiple ones I have adopted and others I have taken into my senior rescue, I am well-versed on dental procedures.  Out of all the ones I’ve had done, only two went under general anesthesia, and I did it more as a convenience, because I was taking another dog in for a neuter/dental.  I absolutely did not like the way my dog was ‘foggy-minded’ and walked like she was drunk for several hours afterwards, and she was only about 8 years old.  My first experience with the light sedative procedure (dexdomitor) was with my 13-year old Maltese.  Wow, big difference in recovery…she was alert and eating that same evening, back to her normal self. Just no comparison to how much quicker and easier it was! And so it has been in each time after with all the other dogs.

 

So let me talk about this dexdomitor.  The vet I go to uses this and has for a long, long time.  He told me once he couldn’t even tell me when the last time was they lost a dog under it, because it is so safe.  Many times when I’ve had this procedure done for one of my pups, I have been invited to go back and watch, which I did.  Very interesting to see, and I learned a lot as my vet explained to me and showed me different things as he was doing it.

 

So, what is dexdomitor? It is a sedative with analgesic (pain relieving) properties.  It is administered intramuscular or intravenously.  It is used in minor dental procedures or as a pre-anesthetic to general anesthesia.  (If used in this way, it reduces the need of the general by as much as 30-60%!) Dexdomitor is not to be used in dogs with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, liver or kidney diseases, conditions of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue.  Basically, it is for use in ‘clinically healthy’ dogs.  However, I’m sure some of mine weren’t the picture of health going in, and they have all done just fine.  Frequent monitoring for heart function and body temperature during sedation are of utmost importance.

 

Sedation is reversed using atipamezole (brand name Antisedan).  Recovery in a warm (usually a thermal blanket), quiet, mostly dark environment are recommended for about a half hour to 45 minutes afterward for a return to a normal state of being.  As with a procedure of this type, fasting for about 12 hours is recommended beforehand (no food or water).  I have however had a dog I brought in that required an emergency dental, and had eaten shortly previous to this, and with the dexdomitor had zero issues (and this dog was 19 years old!) Does dexdomitor have side effects? Yes.  It is, after all ‘Western medicine’.  However, they are few and far between.  Occasional vomiting, and rarely brief states of excitement or apprehensiveness, potential hyper salivation, diarrhea, tremors.  I will say, I have never encountered this with any of mine using the dexdomitor. But it is always wise to monitor your dog for at least 24 hours after a dental to watch for any adverse signs.  Also, feed a light diet, like boiled chicken breast and rice.  Allow access to clean water.

 

This is certainly worth a discussion with your vet for your dog’s next cleaning.  I was unable to find a list on the Internet of veterinarians who use dexdomitor for dentals, so if yours does not, ask for a referral.  If your vet doesn’t know one, make some calls around.  You should always want what is best for your dog.  This is considered safe, efficient, reliable pet sedation that creates a calm, cooperative environment.  It simplifies and shortens procedures, reduces discomfort and pain and lowers risk to the patient (your dog!)  If you are aware ahead of time there might be infection, get an antibiotic a few days before from your vet. 

 

Here are some after helps to keep those pearly whites whiter between cleanings:

·         Chlorophyll in water dish (Sunny Green brand is exceptional!)

·         Raw Meaty Bones (RMB’s)

·         Raw diet (use reputable pet food provider like ‘My Pet Carnivore’ (www.mypetcarnivore.com)

·         Brushing teeth (if not daily, several times a week)

·         Oral dental sprays (PetzLife is one of the best!)

 

My hope in providing this information is to make many people aware there is something besides general anesthesia for a canine dental.  I know for me it gives me peace of mind going in, and that is a big plus! Keeping on top of your dog’s teeth can ensure many years of health and happiness, for them and for you!

Pup Loaf - Exclusive Chaplin Doggie Diner Recipe

I love to be creative in how I feed my pups.  The same ol', same ol', can even get boring for them...so it's nice to know that by adding a few ingredients to just plain meat, it can transform it into a different meal. Just four ingredients in this one...so it's easy and fast...sure to please!

Pup Loaf Recipe

 

1 lb. ground turkey

Organic quick cooking oats (about 1/2 cup - 2/3 cup)

1 large organic egg

1 Tablespoon organic dried parsley

 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl...I didn't measure the amount of oatmeal I added, just enough to make the meat stick together good.  You don't want it to be too dry.  Shape mixture into a loaf shape and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes, making sure it is cooked thoroughly.  Allow to cool.  Serve with a side of some organic canned green beans, and you have a great meal for your furbabies!

 

Note: Do not add onion or tomatoes, or sage to this recipe...these are not good for dogs to consume.

Taegan's Adventure

Photo credit: Loui Art

This blog is different than my typical post...I had a most unfortunate and stressful situation unfold the other day.  There are seven dogs here in the Chaplin household...all rescues.  We just recently moved back to Indianapolis from Arizona.  The house we are in is fenced in the front and in the back.  The back is privacy fence with a chain link gate.  I've checked the area and plugged holes in places because my dogs are 4-11 pounds in size.  I have been letting them out back and leaving the door open, and staying close around to keep an eye on them.  Monday was no different.  It was a beautiful day, so after a later than usual dinner, about 6:30, I let them out afterwords.  I thought they had all come back inside, but for whatever reason, I didn't do the usual 'head count'.  I was pretty sure Taegan had come in, but in retrospect, I believe she must have gone back outside before I got the door closed.  I went about doing chores, and was finally ready to sit down and do some further research on another dog blog I intend to write.  Three of the pups like to sit with me...Scrap, Maebelle and Taegan.  So I'm looking around...no Taegan.  Then I think, 'oh no...is she still outside'? (by this time probably close to an hour had passed)  I called for her inside expecting her to pop her head out from a hiding spot.  Nothing.  I opened the back door thinking she'd be standing on the step waiting to get in.  No Taegan.  A frantic search of the back yard proved nil.  I ran back in the house yelling her name.  She is always so good when I call for her to come to me.  The no show had me very concerned.  It only took about ten more minutes of this useless searching to realize she was gone!

 

Panic set in.  It's now a little after 8 p.m. and it's dark.  She weighs about 5 pounds and is pretty much black in color.  A little white in places and gray in face, she will be 13 later this month.  I quickly called my friend Bob, asking if he could help, that Taegan was no where to be found.  He came over...we walked the neighborhood calling out her name.  I actually literally ran looking for her, hoping the more ground I could cover, the quicker I could find her. I was beside myself.  It was a horrible feeling...a sick feeling.  I have cared for dogs since 1995.  I've had at least a couple dozen in my home over the years because of fostering for rescue.  I've never had a dog go missing.  This was something new, and very unwelcome! Next we got in my van and drove around, increasing the parameter of the search.  Nothing.  Back home, then my friend went back to his house.  I really didn't know what to do.  I felt so helpless.  Where is she? Which direction did she go? She could be anywhere.  Like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Just overwhelming!

 

I couldn't sleep, I couldn't rest.  I sat on the porch, hoping and praying she would some how find her way back, and I wanted to be there to let her in the front gate.  I went back and forth, walking the neighborhood, sitting on the porch, driving around.  Minutes and hours passed...no Taegan.  All manner of thoughts went through my head.  What if somebody took her and they are being mean to her? Has she been hit by a car, and is laying in the street hurt? I burst out crying...it was just too much.  I cannot believe this has happened! Finally daylight broke, then came the rain! Oh no! Taegan doesn't like the rain and she's out in this!  Someone suggested calling the local animal pound.  They didn't open until 10, so I found out you had to come in person to physically see if your dog was there.  It was a stressful drive.  It was raining and so dreary out, and my little girl was missing.  After I got there I had to sign in and they took certain information.  Then I had to wait for someone to come up front to take me back to the small dog room to look.  It was such a sad area...all these other little doggies waiting to be claimed, but no Taegan.  I was really hoping she was there so we could just go home and get rest.  I was so wore out, by this time having gone some 28 hours plus without any sleep.

 

So I drove back home, disappointed and even more worried than ever.  The minutes seemed to drag on and on. About 12:30 I got a call from a woman who had seen my post on a social media lost pet page.  She asked me if I had found my dog yet, and I said, 'no'.  She told me she had see Taegan that morning, running in the street, and that she almost got hit...that people tried to catch her and she ran away. That really concerned me...it was hours later now.  What would the chance be that she would still be in that area?  Well, I thought it was a long shot, but worth a try.  I drove over there, walked around for some time, calling out to Taegan....nothing.  Drove around....nothing.  Came back home. Feelings of guilt overwhelmed me.  This was my fault.  It I had only made sure she had come in, done my usual head count, all this would not have happened.  Oh, how I longed to go back in time and change it.  I posted to my Facebook page that Taegan had been spotted and asked if anyone was available to help look for her.  I had a friend, Amy respond that she could come with her son Ethan and help me look mid-afternoon.

 

It was good that the rain finally stopped.  We went back to the neighborhood where the lady said she had been that morning.  Even though I hadn't seen Taegan when I went after that, it was the only lead I had.  Amy drove and we went zig-zagging through the streets.  Lots of people were out...walking, sitting on their porch.  We were asking everybody we could, 'hey, have you seen a small black Chihuahua?'  Finally two different people on two separate streets said they had indeed seen her.  In fact, one person said they almost hit her as she crossed the street!  We continued to drive around calling out to Taegan.  Certainly we had to be getting close.  There were lots of cats around...everywhere it seemed...and a couple times we got kind of excited thinking it was Taegan.

 

We came to the end of the street...back to the busy intersection.  While sitting at the stop sign, we looked ahead, and there she was! It was Taegan...close to the curb, but standing in the street.  I flew out of the passenger side door of my friend's car and sprinted across the street, I really don't recall much about that moment.  I called to Taegan, and about the time I put my hand down to grab her, she ran! At least it was back into the neighborhood and not along the busier street.  I started chasing her.  I finally sat down and called to her, hoping she would turn around, see me sitting down and come to me, but she didn't.  She kept running. I realized I had no choice but to run after her.  Good thing I'm a runner...it came in handy.  She momentarily stopped by a parked car.  I think she intended to hide under it.  She was so stressed, I believe she didn't even realize who I was.  By her doing this, it gave me the opportunity to grab her, which I did...and I held her tight.  About that time my friend and her son pulled up in their car, got out, and we all hugged and cried! Finally Taegan was SAFE! We got in the car, and I posted we had her.  There were so many of my friends that had been following my posts and were very concerned, so I had to let them know.  Taegan was so hungry....I had brought a bag of treats, and she was gobbling them down like there was no tomorrow!

 

It was so good to get her back in our pack. Other than being wet and hungry, she hadn't gotten hurt...quite amazing really! Her 22 hour adventure certainly could have ended otherwise.  There are pets who get out and never come back...that was another thought that passed through my mind while I was sitting on the porch in the wee hours of the morning.  I wasn't trying to be negative in thinking that, I was being realistic that it could be a possibility.  It has been a reflective last 24 hours for me.  I know she didn't realize what she was doing when she got away from the back yard (I believe she squeezed thru the side of the gate, which I have now blocked), she couldn't know she was jeopardizing her safety.  I wonder what went through her mind while she was out.  What did she do during all that time? What did she encounter? She must have not been able to get out of the rain since she was wet.  Maybe she drank from some puddles to try and quench her thirst, a far cry from the filtered water at home.  Most likely hadn't eaten.  Did she wonder where I was, and how to get back home? I think she must have realized something wasn't right.  I've done very little reading on dog behavior...I focus on the nutrition end, so anything I think is pure speculation on my part.  I wouldn't wish this ordeal on anybody.  It about put me over the edge...thoughts I posted on my page spoke loudly in that manner.

 

So the Chaplin household is getting back to normal now, and I've learned from this ordeal...I will certainly be more careful, although I'm so careful anyway, or so I thought.  This was just one of those moments that I can't explain.  I don't think I could have forgiven myself if something bad had happened to her.  I am her protector, and I had failed her.  The burden was extremely heavy and hard to deal with. I'm glad it's over.  By the time I got to bed, I had been 38 hours without sleep, that in itself is stressful, but Taegan was worth every bit of my energy, and I would do anything, go any length to save her or any of my pups. I am thankful God watched over her, even though I struggled being angry at Him for allowing this to happen, as this is a worst case nightmare for me.  I wonder if she remembers any of it, or if it's far from her memory now that she is home. There is a lot to being a pet parent...it's a huge responsibility.  These little ones are  always reliant on our help...to go potty, to eat and drink...to be cared for medically, and certainly to watch out for their safety, the small ones being especially vulnerable.  It is truly a privilege to have them share our lives.  What a blessing they are.  If yours are safe at home tonight, give them an extra hug and kiss, not all are so fortunate.