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Well, Mr. Attitude Man has done it again. At the last minute, he has asked me to bail him out by writing a blog post. I guess he has a fairly good excuse. He had foot surgery last week and has to keep his foot propped up so he has spent the last 9 days lying on the chaise, watching Criminal Minds re-runs and letting Ms. Techno Lady wait on him. Come to think of it, that behavior is not any different from his normal behavior. I do think Ms. Techno Lady is about to alter his behavior…she caught him limping on the wrong foot! But I digress!
Don't forget to keep your pets safe when boating! Try doing this with a cat!
I never pass up the opportunity to speak up for dogs everywhere. We are not only “man’s best friend,” we sacrifice our bodies and let the humans in our lives scratch us…it makes them feel better! For nine days, I have been at my post on the chaise next to Mr. Attitude Man, barely tolerating the continuous belly scratching, ear rubbing, and head patting. Not to mention the never ending “baby talk” (during the commercials) as he proclaims over and over that I am his “Lillie girl!”
I don’t want to sound ungrateful. I appreciate how they take care of me because, as much as I hate to admit it, I’m getting on up in years. Research shows that cats are considered “seniors” at 11 years of age and dogs become “seniors” at 7 to 10 years. Here again, dogs get the short end of the stick. We would live as long as cats if we adopted the same attitude of, “We’ll do what we want and we’ll do it when we want!” But no, we have to go to “obedience” school and learn how to “heel” and do things on command. Who knows…maybe someday you will see the Miss Lillie Obedience School for Cats. But again, I digress!
Just be aware as your pets get older, they start suffering from the same symptoms as aging humans. And research shows that we are very good at hiding signs of illness. For example, if I had foot surgery, I don’t think you would find me “milking” it for nine days like someone we all know. Here is a list of age-related problems to watch for in your pets…yeah, even cats!
| Arthritis | Stiffness, limping, or trouble getting up, laying down, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping |
| Kidney Disease | Weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, frequent drinking and urinating, tiredness |
| Diabetes | Weight loss, vomiting, frequent drinking and urinating, urinary “accidents”, tiredness |
| Dental Problems | Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, plaque on teeth, eating slowly |
| Behavioral Problems | Uncharacteristic aggression, vocalization, disorientation |
Exercise is important in your dog's health! Again, try doing this with a cat!
Recognize any of the symptoms? If you had them, I bet you would go see a doctor. Your pets can’t tell you where they hurt but veterinarians can figure it out. Take your aging pets to your vet for a check-up. Thank goodness, Mr. Attitude Man and Ms. Techno Lady didn’t waste any time having me checked out when I started losing weight and drinking a lot of water. It has been nearly two years since I was diagnosed with diabetes.
Yeah, I don’t always get to eat the foods I want and I have to get two insulin shots each day but my future is bright. I feel better and look better than I did when I was in my single digits. No, it’s not cheap and Mr. Attitude Man grumbles occasionally about there is no such thing as a “free puppy!” But I also heard him say that nothing is too expensive for his “Lillie Girl!” I think he does love me!
Here’s wishing you and your pets (yeah, even cats) a healthy and prosperous 2011!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Miss Lily: You continue to impress! The depth of your intellect, your ability to express yourself and your keen observations of life actually are more palatable than Mr. Attitude Man’s!
His hobbling around reminds me of my late friend, George Dolan, whose wedding was conducted by a one-legged justice of the peace. Said it had to get off on the right foot, ’cause it was the only one he had!
Keep swinging, keep humoring the “Mr.,” and, if she’d like one, hide an extra treat for Mrs. Techno Lady!
Cheers and best,
Dr. Don, thanks for the kind words. I consider you a very wise and knowledgeable man and I have one question for you – is it normal for Mr. Attitude Man to get grumpier, the older he gets? Any advice would be appreciated!
Miss Lillied
ms lillie,
thanks for the good words. sounds like mr a. is doing what he does best. As for this vet deal, my bi-pod saw that my old buddy and mentor mickey was in very bad shape. He was taken to the vet. As he left I just knew he would be back as his old self very soon. He didn’t come home. I don’t know what happened,but bi-pod has been very nice to me ever since. Take care ms lillie and keep an eye on mr. A.
Pico
Pico, sorry to hear about Mickey. He was a mentor to me as well – he taught me how to drag skunk carcasses back to the house. Don’t be too hard on your bi-pod for taking Mickey to the vet and then not bringing him home. Someday, Mark and Chad will take him to the vet and he won’t come back home either.
Tell your bi-pod to get you a new playmate!
Miss Lillie