Schnauzer's Blog – October 2008 Archive (4)

Pepper is only 7 years old and is wasting away. There are only two possibilities: a pancreatic deficiency OR cancer. He may be the fastest dog that comes to the dog park (second only to a Greyhound), and he may carry 4-6 pounds on his back for 1.5 hours and still have energy to burn, but he's sick. He lost 1.4 pounds of muscle in 2 months. In a year he has lost 4 inches around his neck of pure muscle. He can now fit in his puppy collar. He went from 15 inches around the neck to about 11. You… Continue

Southern Toads and toads in general are not considered social animals, but rather solitary. I have kept Southern Toads (and one Woodhouse) since I was 9 years old. I am am never without at least one toad for more than a few weeks and have found quite the contrary to be true. Every toad I have had has done better with at least one other toad. When by themselves, especially after the death of all other tank-mates, they stop eating. My male toad was in… Continue

A little over a day ago at the dog park, a white dog wanted to play with Pepper by a startling jump-like motion. (I don't know how to describe it.) Pepper mimicked this behavior and they did this back and forth a few times. Today a female brindle Boxer showed up at the park. She had energy and was running around. To my disbelief, Pepper playfully chased her at top speed for nearly an hour! This is just another step for Pepper's socialization. I was beginning to wonder if he would ever learn to… Continue

Rusty was Pepper's younger brother. He was 6 years old and mistreated. When my grandmother passed away, my mum asked my uncle if I could have him and he agreed. Mum didn't bring him back from her last trip because my uncle wouldn't… Continue