UPDATE FOR DAY-Z CANCER TREATMENT

Day-Z saw her doctor/student duo at Colorado State University last month. The doctor suggested we do a CT Scan and take a biopsy in a few different areas in the lump in her face. We spent a few days in Fort Collins, then traveled home to wait for the test results.

We have heard from the CSU staff and found out that the lump is a sarcoma, but a different kind. At first, we were told it was an STS (soft tissue) sarcoma, but we found out it is a different kind that starts in the bone and can possibly be removed with surgery instead of radiation treatments.

I was thrilled to find this out because I thought surgery costs less than radiation treatment. I am wrong. Apparently, any procedure to remove this tumor is VERY expensive. But I guess we will do what we have to do. So...Day-Z and I will be traveling back to Colorado next week for surgery.

If you or anyone you know would like to help out with any of the costs of vet bills, surgery, travel/lodging, then please click on this link.

https://www.gofundme.com/cancer-surgery-for-dayz

Thank you for all of your kind words, prayers, and love.

DOG CANCER

Oh, hello there. I know I haven't written here quite some time, and I apologize for that. But here I am now. So...what's new? Probably lots and I'll get to that later. Moving on to the most important thing going on in my life right now:

If you know me, then you know I LOVE my dog. She is my best friend. We have been through a lot together and I appreciate her for being such a loyal companion.

 In May, I took Day-Z to a nearby vet because she was shaking her head a lot and I knew that meant something was bothering her. I thought it could possibly be a foxtail. She had one get caught in her ear last year around this time and the same vet removed it for us. There was nothing her ear. I had recently noticed a bump on the side of her face so I asked if that could be what was bothering her. We went back to this bet a couple times and they offered to take a sample and send it to a lab for a biopsy to see exactly what the bump on her face happens to be.

 I wasn't very happy with the speed of service from the veterinarian office, but they finally got back to me two weeks later and the vet said it wasn't a big deal and I should let it be. He told me sometimes dogs just get bumps that are benign and this was one.

It has been 4 months since that visit and the bump is bigger. I scheduled an appointment for Dayz's eye checkup. I mentioned the bump and the doctor immediately looked concerned and asked if she could ask the oncologist in the building to take a look. The doctor also contacted the previous vet and asked them to send their biopsy results over. It took a few minutes, but the first vet emailed the results. The eye doctor told me that just looking at those results it said soft tissue sarcoma (STS) which means it is cancerous. The oncologist from offered to see Day-Z that afternoon and took some x-rays.

Turns out the first vet lied and the bump is cancerous. It has grown so much that it has busted a little bit of the bone in her face (seen on the right side). It has possibly spread so much that surgery to remove it might not be an option without seriously disfiguring her face. The next option? Radiation treatment with specialized machines at Colorado State University. What does this mean? It means a 7 hour road trip with my dog, pet friendly hotel stay, a rather expensive radiation treatment, and lots of prayers that this helps stop the cancer from spreading. 

Do I love my dog and wouldn't think twice about doing something to help her? You bet! She really is my best friend. I am not very good at letting others in my super personal life or asking for help, but we sure could use it right now. So if you know anyone who might want to help out...maybe has hotel/car rental points that are going to expire that they can donate or something to help ease the monetary sting of our next phase in treatment. Thank you. Whether you can help out, offer a kind word, send love to Day-Z, or just took the time to read this whole post....I want to say thank you and I appreciate you. So much love.

2017 MAZDA CX3

Guess who got a new car.

This girl (me).

I have been searching for products that will help keep my new automobile looking cool and in great condition. I mean, cars are expensive and I hate being embarrassed to drive someone in my car because it is dirty or messy.

My dog often goes with me on trips. She sheds like a maniac. I have a new rule that she can only ride in the back in my new car. This INNX quilted hammock dog seat cover is perfect for us. It is easy to set up (and take down if needed).  It is waterproof. Most importantly, it protects my interior from loose fur and claw marks and keeps Day-Z from thinking she needs to ride shotgun. #innxproducts

My new ride has leather seats, it gets super hot on my legs on sunny days. The Hippo front windshield sunshade is made of polyamide nylon and blocks the sun from the front windshield to keep the inside temperature down when the vehicle is parked in the sun (since I don't get a garage parking space). It also helps keep your interior looking good by protecting your vehicle from UV damage. It fits all cars with windshields no bigger than 57.7 inchesx29.2 inches. #sunhade

I was given the opportunity to purchase these items at a discounted price in exchange for my honest opinion.

MINION DOGS

This is the third year Day-Z has participated in the Petco Halloween costume contest. We didn't place the last two years, but I could tell this round was gonna be our win.

 My genius costume idea: dog minions. Hershey was an evil purple minion and Dayz was a regular minion. Grab some overalls and pet spray paint...

 and we won that 1st place orange ribbon!!

Happy Halloween.

HUNGRY DOG BOWLS

Day-Z pooch is a little picky when it comes to which bowls she will eat/drink from most days.

I tried out these 32 oz. stainless steel bowls from Zitriom. These bowls have a rubber bottom so they won't slip around on the floor while she is eating. You get two bowls for the price of one if you order them on Amazon. We filled one with water and the other with food. They are made of quality materials, wash easily, look nice, and most importantly my dog likes them. They can be used for other pets as well, in case you don't have a dog.

Enjoy your meal.

We were given these bowls free of charge for our honest opinion. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE

I don't understand much about love these days it seems, but I do know this:

My sunshine doesn't come from the skies...

it comes from the LOVE in my dog's eye(s).

EASTER DOG

Day-Z the Easter dog is a master egg hunter.

Happy Easter, Passover, and LDS conference weekend to all our peeps.

SHENANAGINS

I hope everyone remembered to wear green

and kiss an Irish person...or just someone you heart.

ROAD TRIP

I took my Day-Z dog on her first road trip that was longer than the 30 minute ride to our local dog park.

She was a little nervous in the car, but nothing her bed and a blanket couldn't calm.

I don't know if seeing the sights is Dayz's idea of fun
(bored dog face)

I guess her next road trip will have to include more off-leash activities.
PS this is Utah's first state capitol in Fillmore...later changed to Salt Lake City.

BIRTHDAY DOG

 Words that get her tail wagging are: go, walk, treat, outside, park, and gift card. I'm not sure why she loves the last one, but here is a birthday "gift card" made of raw hide for the coolest dog who stole my heart 2 years ago.

ZUKE'S DOG TREATS #Giveaway

If we buy the best food for ourselves, shouldn't we buy the best for our pets too?

Day-Z now eats Zuke's treats. Zuke's treats are healthy, natural, and nutritious snacks made in the USA and available for both cats and dogs.

 I ordered the Zuke's Z-Bones dental chews for Day-Z to try. 

 Why are these so great? They are potato and pea based which means they are highly digestible. Alfalfa, parsley, rosemary, and fennel are used to freshen dog breath naturally. The texture is great to help polish teeth and keep gums healthy. The z-bones come in 4 different sizes according to your dog's weight.

 She loved them.

Want to win some Zuke's treats for your furry friend? Enter below:

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CENTRAL PARK PET RETREAT

It's only fair that while I was off having fun excursions during my cruise, that my dog was being taken care of and having fun as well. She spent a few days at Central Park Pet Retreat. I made a post on my blog about this place before we left and now I want to report back on how awesome it is for you and your pets.

 Day-Z and I visited this day care center and took a tour a few months ago and found this to be the nicest pet boarding option around. She loved the running in the backyard area so much I thought she wouldn't want to leave to go back home. We met with the staff and I explained all of my dog's needs and they took notes. There was no doubt in my mind that Day-Z would be well taken care of during her stay.

 They provide dog play time both inside and outside which is great for Dayz and her big amounts of energy. Day-Z isn't a crate dog so the fact that they had a private suite (room) for her to sleep in is great.

Central Park is conveniently located in Salt Lake City not too far from the airport--which is great if you need to drop your dog off before you catch a flight.

 Big dogs and smaller dogs are kept in separate areas. Day-Z stayed with the smaller dogs and even sat behind the desk with the staff when she needed a little bit more attention. The staff made sure her usual feeding time was kept and that her eye drops were given each day. I was given a full report on how Day-Z behaved after I returned home--that shows me they actually paid attention and took good care of my sweet pooch.

Staff at Central Park are very easy to work with and want to make sure your dog's stay is the best possible.

They love your dogs and your dogs will love this place!

So next time you are headed out of town or just need to socialize your dog for the day, try out Central Park Pet Retreat. You will not be disappointed! *No dog, no matter their temperament, will be turned away. And don't forget they have an area for cats too!

Check them out for special deals and to make a reservation via:
Website
  Facebook
Google+
Yelp

ELIMAY PET PAIN CARE #GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have a friend with a dog who is suffering from cancer. Since I have become such a dog lover lately, it breaks my heart to see this dog in pain. I offered them a box of Elimay Pain Care. It is an all natural supplement that is helpful for dogs with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, and cancers. It contains proven anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric and boswellia, good for chronic joint and muscle pain. It is easy to administer to your pet. Elimay Supplements use BITS Technology®, which makes it easy to chew and swallow, or to simply twist into your dog's food--so you know the supplements get swallowed and absorbed.

My friend has been giving 1 softgel to their dog after they go on a walk and they have noticed he has been walking with less pain. I am SO happy to hear that that pooch is feeling better. If you have a dog who is suffering from chronic pain, then give this a try. It is made with all natural ingredients, so it is non-addictive and non-toxic.

ENTER TO WIN A BOX FOR A PET AT YOUR OR A FRIEND?FAMILY MEMBER'S HOUSE with the giveaway form below:

RAFFLECOPTER IS ACTING UP AND I AM ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN. UNTIL I RETURN TO FIX IT, Linda S IS THE WINNER. Thanks for entering!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

FIDOBIOTICS #GIVEAWAY

I have a nervous/anxious dog. She sometimes bites the fur on her knees if she is home alone (I have been leaving lights and the tv on for her to make her feel like there are people there). She also throws her fur like a maniac when she is in the car (but she acts like she LOVES car rides). I've tried several options to try to help calm her, but nothing has seemed to work. Then I tried Fidobiotics. They currently have 3 products: Good Guts (dog gas remedy), Puppy Breath Crusher (dog breath remedy), and Relaxin' Rover (dog anxiety treatment).

It is made of a blend of probiotics and natural calming ingredients that help promote digestion and immune function. 

The sachet can be fed daily or on occasions of anxiety or stress and to promote healthy digestion. It is simple to use-add to your dog's food or water. 

Does your dog dread fireworks (it's that time of year again), can she clear a room with stinky toots, is she trying her hardest to run away when it's time to go to the vet, or does he have morning breath all day and night? Then these might be the products for you and your pooch. 

Use code Blogfido at checkout for a 25% discount and enter to win your own box of Fidobiotics below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WW - THE DOG AND THE SEWER

My dog has a love/hate relationship with all sewer grates we walk past. She is so intrigued by them, but there is not way she will walk across one on her own. In fact, she makes sure she has her feet planted to keep as far away as she can. It's like she knows there is a creepy, killer clown living down there.