Category Archives: Fear Factor & Trust Issues

Shih Tzu Face, Feet and Fanny Trim

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I took a dog grooming class some time ago from Lia at the Gentle Groomer because taking four shih tzus in for grooming is a little expensive! John is the one who usually does the grooming, though, because he is much better. We can never quite seem to get ahead, especially when it comes to pulling hair out of the ears and getting the hair out from between their paws.

Clear Creek Animal Hospital receptionist

I thought about making an appointment with Lia, but since the shih tzus are a little bit used to going to the Clear Creek Animal Hospital, and since Flower was kicked out of grooming school because of her behavior, I thought I would call and talk to them about partial grooming.

Dr. Lindsey answered the phone and said they do offer that service. I also told her that we had run into Delores from BFF Rescue at the park and that she had mentioned that a few of Candy’s nipples were a little discolored and oddly shaped and I might want to get them checked. Dr. Lindsey said she would take a look when we were there.

I felt very guilty this morning when I loaded the shih tzus into the car. Dottie, Flower and Nigel were so excited (Candy is always more reserved) and I knew they thought they were going to have fun at the park. When I got them out of the car at Clear Creek, they balked at going in, but I finally got them inside (Flower did briefly escape back out out the door but couldn’t get too far since she was on a leash).

Flower, Dottie, Candy and Nigel waiting in cage

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was a big black dog behind the desk, with his paws on it. I immediately took a picture with my phone of the “receptionist.” I talked to the actual receptionist about what I needed done and she said that the service that I probably wanted was called “face, feet and fanny.”

Of course, the female shih tzus all panicked when they had to get in the cage and wait for the groomer, Melissa Kowing. I felt like a bad mother leaving them in that mode, and I wanted to ask if I could stay, but I knew that they would never get used to any type of grooming from someone else if I was around. I ran some errands and then came back to pick them up.

Melissa had no problem with the other shih tzus, but Flower refused to play nice. She got her way, because she didn’t get groomed. I guess I am lucky that she lets John and me groom her, although she doesn’t let us pull the hair out of her ears. We are going to have to figure that out.

The shih tzus leaving Clear Creek Animal Hospital

Dr. Lindsey told me she had looked at Candy and that she didn’t see a problem, although she had signs of allergies on her tummy. She had told me she suspected allergies before at her exam, because Candy has “elephant” ears — thick, wrinkled skin on the underside of her ear. I hadn’t noticed it, but she said Nigel has it too.

I talked to her for awhile about allergies. She said the only way to really find out is to be very strict about what I give them and see if the symptoms go away, and that it could be chicken, grains, beef, or something in the house. Since I feed them mostly grain-free food, my guess would be chicken, since they eat so much of it, or beef from the rawhide. She did note that they have great teeth, though, and that must be from the rawhide, since that’s their only toothbrush.

The sad news is that now that I know I can take them in for partial grooming, Melissa won’t be grooming there any longer. She does grooming in her home, though. My biggest problem next time will be deciding which groomer to go to, since Clear Creek recommends both Melissa and Lia.

Shih Tzu Week 36: March 1 (Day 247) — March 7 (Day 252)

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Shih Tzu Day 246: March 1 (Thursday)

Stop cleaning!

Flower lounging in a dog bed. I have been busy cleaning house. I’m not sure where I got the energy. I cleaned the living room, kitchen, and bathroom today. The female shih tzus don’t like it when I clean, for a few reasons. One, if I am cleaning, I am not sitting in my place on the couch, with my laptop before me. They really don’t seem to like change. Plus, when I am moving around and not sitting, they seem nervous. Sometimes Flower follows me around, but usually, they stay inside Shih Tzu Central and watch me. Then, when I do sit down, Nigel, Dottie, and Flower are immediately there. Nigel climbs up his stairs, Flower jumps up, and Dottie waits for me to help her up.

Shih Tzu Day 247: March 2 (Friday)

China Awareness

In the past, I wanted to praise some of the dog food and dog treat companies who produce our shih tzus’ favorite products. However, I have to back up and say it appears I have been wrong in praising some of the companies. One of my wonderful readers wrote and mentioned that she thought some of the treats I feed the dogs are on the list of treats from China to be wary of, since, according to the Food and Drug Administration, they are treats that may have caused kidney failure, liver disease or Fanconi syndrome, in dogs in the U.S. and Canada. Ironic for us, since the shih tzu originated in China!

From what I have read, including at Vitals.MSNBC.com, it is mainly chicken jerky pet treats — my dogs’ favorite treat — that appear to be causing illnesses in canines. Sorry to say, out of more than 600 complaints by pet owners and veterinarians, several point to brands  I have fed my shih tzus for months: Milo’s Kitchen (produced by Del Monte), Canyon Creek Ranch and Waggin’ Train (both produced by Nestle Purina PetCare). That is a huge disappointment, and I am embarrassed that I didn’t look into this earlier after a mention from another reader about some Costco products that come from China. Thank God, though, my shih tzus don’t seem to have fallen victim to what other dogs have.  I guess now I know why so many coupons are readily available for Milo’s Kitchen and Waggin’ Train!

FDA regulators do say that repeated tests have not shown an absolute tie to any brand or manufacturer. As a result, the FDA hasn’t recalled any specific products, so they remain on store shelves. FDA regulators have asked consumers to report problems, and supply jerky treat samples and medical records of dogs that may have become sick or died after eating these products.

So, what does someone do when their dogs just love those treats? I guess you look for products made in the U.S. Believe me, I have checked shelves at local big box stores, grocery stores, and pet supply stores, and that is almost impossible. So, I am on a search for treats I know are safe. If you have any suggestions, please let us know, and we’ll start reporting what we find.

Shih Tzu Day 248: March 3 (Saturday)

My stepson Gabe, his girlfriend Crystal and her daughter Avi stopped by. Nigel ran to greet them, and, as usual, the females went to Shih Tzu Central and waited for company to leave.

I started my search for U.S. chicken jerky treats. Well, it was not named by the FDA as a concern, but the Dogswell Breathies Chicken Breast with Mint & Parsley I just bought is made in China, as are the Cadet duck treats, but I haven’t seen anything about duck being an issue? Also, the dogs love the Canyon Creek Ranch Yam Good product, which is duck fillet wrapped yams, so I need to figure out if that is OK? Help, if anyone knows.

Shih Tzu Day 249: March 4 (Sunday)

Shih Tzu Bath Time

Nigel stands guard at the back door. My organization continues. I organized the kitchen drawers and refrigerator. Then, we tackled the challenge of giving half of the shih tzus baths. We chose Nigel and Flower. Flower had a little too much hair in her ears, so she had a hard time, but she was very brave. As usual, our little boy didn’t want his bath, so we had to fight him every step of the way.

Shih Tzu Day 250: March 5 (Mon.)

Dottie got her bath this morning. John and I started working out downstairs this morning to prepare for spring biking. Flower ran down like she normally does when I am down there, and then stopped and ran back upstairs when she saw that the Man was down there too. However, she couldn’t resist, and she was back five minutes later, sniffing around.

I spent a few hours trying to organize my pictures of the shih tzus. I have way too many files, since I was organizing them by day. Now, I have put them into weeks. I must have bored the dogs, because they all fell asleep.

Shih Tzu Day 251: March 6 (Tuesday)

Comfy Shih Tzus

John came downstairs this morning after getting ready for work, and Nigel and Flower calmly looked at him — from HIS place on the couch. Nigel went on chewing on his bone and Flower went on doing nothing. John finally sat down on the other couch after telling them they sure looked comfortable.

After John left, Candy came over wagging her head at me, and then the others gathered around. For some reason, the shih tzus think that John leaving the house means they get a treat. I usually accommodate them, but now I am trying to break them of the habit of coming up to me when he leaves, expectantly. Instead, I have been waiting until 11:30, and then I feed them small pieces of turkey.

So, instead of offering food, I petted Candy for a while this morning. A little later, Nigel mysteriously came up with a chew stick. He sat on the floor chewing away, while Candy sat next to him, just watching him. Flower, sitting on the non-Dottie side of the couch, leaned over and watched him too, as if his chewing was the most interesting thing in the world. I am not sure why his chewing was so fascinating to them.

When he was done, he climbed up his stairs and plopped down next to me, ready for his nap. He is such a baby boy. He couldn’t possibly get any closer to Mom. I remember when we first got him, and his behavior was sometimes very annoying. I admit, he does get a little too overbearing with the girls sometimes, but he is such a little lover and such a cutie.

Dry training pads

The female shih tzus stare at a broom as it nears them.I have been forgetting to say that I have only been throwing out the training pad once every day or so. For no apparent reason, however, Flower did pee on John’s side of the couch the other day. I think she was nervous, since I had been up and down cleaning a lot.

I did see some improvement in that area. John swept out Shih Tzu Central while they sat it it, and although they huddled together, the shih tzus didn’t look too freaked out about the broom coming so close to them.

Shih Tzu Day 252: March 7 (Wednes.)

Shih Tzu Pee Rug

In recent months, we kept a “pee” rug under the training pad, because of mis-positioning of shih tzu butts, resulting in wet hardwood flooring. It was washable, so I threw it in the washing machine every week or so. However, the unpleasant smell of urine always wafted up from the basement, and when I threw it in the dryer, that smell mixed with that of the rubber backing. I finally had a bright idea.

We have an anti-fatigue mat that doubles as a kitchen mat and a mat for dog grooming, because it cleans easily with a wipe of a wet rag. I bought one to put under the training pad, and threw away the tainted pee rug. It seems to be working good. Plus, one edge is straight, so I fold an edge of the pad under it, near the wall, and it keeps it in place a little better.

We still have some misses, so I just take a paper towel and wipe up the mess and the floor around it. It’s been working great, and no more pee smell, once I toss the used training pad.

Celery for shih tzus

I accidentally discovered that Nigel and Flower like celery. I dropped a piece of celery on the couch, and when I turned around, Nigel had it between his paws and was chomping away. Dottie and Candy, my particular shih tzus, wouldn’t try it, but Flower did. John was concerned, because he thought celery might be dangerous for dogs. I researched it and according to many cites, including Barf World, found that, indeed, dogs can eat celery! Good, since I need to find them healthy treats to replace Chinese chicken jerky treats!

Go away!

Candy's second home is under her trailer. Tish and the kids were ove for awhile. Evita and Dulcea cornered Candy and petted her, but I asked them to stop, since she didn’t look like she was having much fun. Dottie took a treat from Junior, and of course, Nigel would eat anything from anyone.

The dogs still don’t like when people come over, but they now get back to normal ten minutes after the door closes. In fact, shortly after they left, Flower and Nigel were play fighting next to me, and when I looked over, Flower was sitting on him. Such a cute little family.

Daddy’s home

When Dad comes home, Candy wags her butt, instead of just her tail. When he picks her up, she smells his face. I think she is starting to love Daddy.

Shih Tzu Day 210

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I brought Candy up to sleep with us last night. She curled up on the bed and didn’t peep all through the night. However, at 6 o’clock, we heard her retching. She vomited bile on the bed and on the floor. I haven’t noticed the dogs doing that lately, since I read they sometimes do that if they go to bed on an empty stomach and have been trying to give them a little food before bedtime. She seemed okay throughout the day, though.

Flower follows me down to the basement whenever I go to put anything in the wash. She sniffs around the exercise room and the spare room. I haven’t caught her peeing on the carpet again, but I do try to keep an eye on her when she wanders into a different room. I am glad that she is becoming more comfortable with the different areas of the house and doesn’t seem as fearful as she did a few months ago.

Crazy shih tzus

The dogs have seemed a little lackluster lately, but today, all four of them were jumping each other. Flower was being a little too aggressive with Candy. She acted like she was mad at her. Candy was standing up to her, but I finally said Flower’s name firmly and when she looked up, told her “No!” She came up to me shaking her head from side to side, and I shook my finger at her. She came up further and put it in her mouth, backed away and then came back and put her mouth on my finger again. It was more like gumming than biting. They are way too cute.

Nigel decided it was her turn to be picked on, and tore after her, so she went running. They are getting a little crazy these days. They ran too close to the TV tray stand holding my water and knocked the water on the floor. Thankfully, it was a plastic Starbucks glass with a tight lid.

Later, Flower jumped up on the couch, pawed at me, and then cocked her head back towards the dining room, as if to say, “This way. We need a treat!”

I got my laptop back after being without it for three weeks! Now that I won’t be using a loaner laptop, I need to transfer pictures to it and start putting them up with my posts again. I know they have been very bare without any.

Shih Tzu Day 80: Dottie’s Birthday Celebration

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shih tzu in a fur-lined tiara

A shih tzu Party with McDonald’s!

shih tzu in pink dress in car seatHello, everyone! Mom usually writes this blog, but she lets us blog when we want to. I want to today, because today is my birthday!

shih tzu wearing birthday hat, eating McDonalds burger and friesI didn’t really know it was my birthday today. The morning was just our typical morning. I sat outside Mom’s door until she finally opened it. We were really excited. We all jumped around, dancing, and I grabbed her hand with my mouth. We went down the stairs with her, and I went in the kitchen with her and waited while she got our breakfast together.

shih tzu wearing birthday hat and pink dressAfter breakfast, Mom and the Treat Man left for a few hours. When they came back, Mom made us put on dresses! I didn’t know why, because she only ever made us wear dresses one time before. Why would a shih tzu want to wear a dress! Anyway, then, Mom picked me up and took me into the garage. I started getting scared. Yep. I was right. She put me in the car in the front seat.

shih tzu wearing birthday hat and pink dressI couldn’t help it. I started shaking. I am one shih tzu that does not like car rides! Car rides usually mean bad things, like going to the vet or going to the groomer, or before in my life, going to a strange home. Mom kept talking to me, trying to reassure me that we weren’t going anywhere that would hurt me. That’s when she told me it was my birthday and I was 6 today. She said we were going to McDonald’s to get food for my birthday party.

shih tzu wearing green dress with hamburger bun in her mouthI still shook, though. She drove up to this window, and they handed her a bag that smelled good, but I didn’t pay much attention, because I was still afraid. Mom kept talking to me, and before I knew it, we were back home.

shih tzu in yellow dress with french fry in her mouthMom had all of us go outside, and then she put this funny thing on my head. She said I was a shih tzu princess and it was my tiara. She took some pictures of me and then she said she’d give it back to me later, but she wanted us to wear these silly hats. I stood still while she put it on me, but Candy and Flower ran away. She finally got a hat on Flower’s head, but not on Candy’s. She didn’t look very happy. I don’t know why, though. What shih tzu wants to wear a silly hats when she is eating?

three shih tzus in dresses and birthday hatsI could smell the food, and I was getting hungry! Finally, she cut a hamburger into pieces for me, Flower and Candy. Then, she put the hamburgers and fries down on the porch. We finally got to eat! Yum. It was really good.

When we came back inside, Mom said she wanted to take more pictures. Sigh. Candy had run upstairs to hide, but Mom caught her and brought her back to Shih Tzu Central, which is what Mom calls the corner where our dog beds are. Then, she put the hats back on all of our heads. She also gave me a bag of my very own treats. They were cold. There was a cute doggie on the front (I don’t think it’s a shih tzu!) and it said Dog Joy. Mom said she wasn’t going to open the bag, but the Treat Man wanted us to try one, so Mom opened it and split a treat between the three of us. It was good, but I think I like my apple and chicken treats better!

Mom said she didn’t buy me a toy, because I never play with toys. She did give me lots of hugs and kisses, though. I don’t mind kisses, but I hate when she tries to kiss my nose! I’d much rather she would just pet me!

All in all, I had a good birthday!

Shih Tzu Day 75: The Lion Dog Queen

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Who Do You Think You Are? The Queen of Sheba?

I have started calling Dottie the “Queen of Sheba.” I do think she has signalled to her half sisters, through growling or just dirty looks, that the couch, and for that matter, Mom, is hers.

two shih tzusI love that she always wants to be by me, especially when I sit on the couch, but I would like the other girls to come up and join us. I don’t know why Flower comes up several times during the day, puts her paws up on the couch, stretches, stares at me and then goes back to the rug or Shih Tzu Central. But I do think Dottie has something to do with it.

Dottie usually leaves several inches between us, but today, she was very close to me, wiggling and squirming on her back, and even putting her head on my leg for a few minutes. She probably was just scratching herself on the blanket, but it was cute.

shih tzu on red blanket.Later, Candy spent a lot of time near my feet, playing with her Oinkies. Dottie remained by me. For some reason, instead of sleeping, like she sometimes does, she just kept staring at me. I started singing “Charmer,” the Kings of Leon song to her: “She’s such a charmer … She’s always looking at me.” We actually sing that to the girls quite often. Flower casually hung over the edge of her couch, making sure she didn’t miss anything.

Stranger at the Door

Tonight when John got home, none of them — even Candy — acted like they knew him. It probably was because he took the Jeep to work and came in through the garage door instead of the front door. I guess they really are creatures of habit.

Dottie wouldn’t take treats from him outside, although Flower and Candy had no problem with that. Once inside, though, Candy sat near his feet on the rug, watching him. Later, he opened the door and she and Flower went outside. When John went outside, Candy was very playful, running back and forth on the porch, being cute and doing her circular paw thing, which John calls her “wax on wax off” move.