Zorro's heart problem

Zorro was sleeping more than usual so Furmom called his Dr.
Furmom knows that since he will be 13 soon that older dogs do sleep alot!
His Vet wanted to examine him, and his heart problem is getting worse. He has always had a slight murmur, but he is more congested and his heart is getting weaker.
He went back for his recheck and the good news is that thanks to his extra dose of heart medicines he's back to his usual feisty self! He's playing more , jumping on Cassie's head , tugging on her ears and whiskers and stealing toys! He's lucky his best buddy is so patient and a gentle giant. Cassie will just gently nudge him with her nose to play, sometimes she will bark and jump at him too. Zorro of course gets right in her face and roars like a little lion! It's nice to see him back to normal!

Cassie and the chipmunk!

Furmom is starting to feel like Dr. Doolittle or like Wild Kingdom has invaded the house!
Cassie was napping all comfy in her favorite spot on her special mat one lazy Sunday afternoon when we heard a loud chirping sound! Furmom was watching tv and thought it came from the tv but no!
Running across the diningroom floor was a chipmunk! Cassie chased it into the bathroom where luckily one door was cxlosed , so Furmom quickly closed the other door! Furmom put Cassie outside and set out to trap the little guy and take him back where he belonged... outside!!!
Not an easy task! The little guy could really jump! Onto the counters, the towelrack and everywhere else!
Thank goodness he finally jumped in the clothes hamper and burrowed under the clothes because he was so scared. So, Furmom brought the clothes hamper outside and turned it over where he quickly ran and made his exit! He was just as happy as Furmom to be out!
Furmom has no idea how all of these critters are managing to get inside the house but hopes they will stay outside! That's what happens when you have wild animals all around and a woods too.

Cassie , Zorro and the Red squirrel!

Cassie and Zorro's Furmom came home one morning after running errands to find a Red squirrel in the middle of the living room! It was scampering all around and Cassie was chasing it around the room!
Some pictures were knocked down but nothing was  broken. He must have gotten in through the window that the portable air conditioner hose is hooked up to.
Cassie really wanted to get that little squirrel, too bad she couldn't chase him out the door!
Furmom put Cassie outside, and opened all of the doors to the house to try to coax the little guy out of the house. He ran across the back of the stove in the kitchen before getting away. Early the next morning we could hear him in the basement so Furmom made a trail of dog food to lure him out of the basement door. The trail of food was left uneaten but he must have run out of the door because there have been no more noises in the house since then! Zorro was safely tucked away in his kennel during most of the excitement but was out some of the time.
What a fun doggie day they had that day, so much excitement!

A word on the weather from Cassie and Zorro

If you are in one of the states with the really hot weather right now, please keep your furkids in a nice cool house going out like we do only for short potty breaks. Make sure they have enough fresh water too.
Please don't leave your furkids in a hot car. Cars heat up very quickly when the temperature and humidity are so high. Thanks for taking care of your furkids like our "furmom" takes care of us.
Puppy kisses Cassie and Zorro. p.s. our furmom says thanks too!

Cassie and the company!

Cassie and Zorro had an exciting weekend last weekend!
My Brother , Niece and Nephew and Sister came to visit.
Cassie was so excited and nuzzled her head into everyone and wrapped her paws around my brother Mark to make sure he couldn't move! This has been something she has done for security reasons since she came here. It's funny to watch how affectionate she gets! She was very well behaved, actually the best she has ever behaved when company comes over. She didn't spin around the room and only jumped up once!
Zorro on the other hand, being an independent Peke, who behaves very much like a cat visited for awhile but only came when he wanted to visit. He was whining for out of his kennel when he heard new people were here. Cassie always curious did try to table surf looking for crumbs, but didn't get away with anything.

Cassie and Zorro's checkups

Cassie and Zorro had an exciting week this last week!
They went to see their Vet for their checkups.
Poor Cassie is still so afraid of going into the exam rooms that even her "Furmom" had a hard time coaxing her. Zorro was ok with going in until he noticed Cassie stopped so then he wasn't so sure either. Cassie was so afraid that she huddled herself into a corner, poor baby. Her Dr. had to carry her from the exam room to get her nails clipped and her shots. He carried all 55 pounds of her!
They both had great checkups and are very healthy!The Dr. said Cassie has a "Hollywood Smile"!Her teeth were cleaned over two years ago but are pearly White since her "Furmom" brushes them every day and Zorro's too. Both of them enjoyed meeting new friends in the waiting room. Zorro toddled up to a big Black Lab and wanted to play. His owner was surprised that Zorro wasn't even a little afraid and was ready to play!
Cassie and Zorro both love car rides so even though Cassie was afraid she enjoyed the biscuits the girls gave her and the ride.

Zorro's trip to the groomer

Zorro had an exciting day last Saturday!
He went to the groomer. He was all excited and loved the lady that groomed him, feeling pretty comfy in her arms. He watched from inside a wicker kennel as we left , he was waiting for his turn.
He looks so handsome now and he knows it! He has a new do for Summer, a nice short "puppy cut"
He was excited to see us when we picked him up and strutted all around to show off a little!
When he got home, Cassie smelled him over more than once and ruffled her nose through his fur.
She kept checking to make sure this was "her Zorro" since he had a perfume like smell to him from the shampoo. She looked up as if to ask" What have you done with my Zorro?! This isn't the same dog that left here!" After being home a couple of more hours and some reassurance that this was HER Zorro she accepted him back into the pack once again. If pictures of Zorro's cool do for Summer turn out I will post them.

Cassie and the bumble bee

The weather has been nice and warm lately so Cassie and Zorro have been spending lots of time outside.
When I was taking Zorro out I noticed a bumble bee on the front steps that was flopping around.
Cassie likes snapping at flies and other bugs so I think she snapped at and "caught " the bumble bee.
I killed it since she was trying to get at it still, silly girl! Bees are something not to snap at!
I gave her a Benadryl pill in case she had an allergic reaction but thank goodness she didn't.
I also called the Vet office to ask about any other signs to watch for that she was allergic.
Sometimes Cassie's curiousity gets the best of her!

Zorro and his cone collar

Poor little Zorro!
He still has to wear his cone collar because he itches and chews on the area. 
I talked to his Vet and told him I think he's allergic to his special food for his kindey disease.
He is back on his old food for one month to see if the itching and chewing stop. Furmom does take the "cone of shame" (I think that was from the movie UP! wasn't it?) off so he can eat and drink. If it's left off too long though he starts itching and chewing right away. Cassie poked her head in the cone to check on him but got scared and backed away! Silly girl! Hopefully soon the cone can come off for good!

Cassie and Zorro visit the Vet

Zorro kept licking on his right leg all day Sunday and Sunday night.
He also kept scratching because it itched. He managed to get it infected so Cassie and Zorro visited the Vet on Monday morning.  Zorro is being a little trooper about having to wear a "cone collar" for the next two weeks so he won't itch the area and make it worse.His  "Furmom" is giving him his antibiotics and putting antibiotic ointment on his sore. He gets to have the cone off for awhile for eating and drinking, just when you think you can trust him he goes right back to itching the area!
Cassie was so scared at the Vet office.She wouldn't even walk across the floor to get weighed. She met a new friend, a nice lady that let her up on her lap and gave her snuggles. Cassie didn't think her "Furmom" was helping her to escape seeing the Dr. for her blood test!
She lost her safety zone when the lady went to get her dog. It took the Vet and two helpers to draw the blood for Cassie's heartworm test! Even getting lots of treats didn't comfort her! Zorro got lots of treats too and they both got their heartworm pills.  Theyt hought they  were another treat since they are Beef flavored.
They also liked riding in the car on such a nice day! Cassie liked looking out the window but was really glad to finally be home again!

Fun in the sun!

Since the weather has been so warm the last two days Cassie and Zorro have been spending more time outside having fun in the sun!
Cassie loves to dig holes in the front yard and picks up all kinds of good doggie smells. She tries to chase squirrels, deer and wild Turkeys. I have been taking Zorro out and he finds a nice sunny spot to lay and soak up the sun. He has fun kicking the dirt all around and toddling  around the yard. He has been talkative while we have been outside barking and snorting away. Cassie likes to bark at people riding bikes and walking by.
Looks like they have Spring Fever and will have alot of fun in the sun this Spring and Summer!

The fight over the Blue bone

Cassie is always very gentle with her best buddy Zorro because of the size difference.
She is good about sharing her toys too, except for one that she thinks of as hers and hers alone, her Blue bone. It's her favorite toy, a rubber Blue bone that I fill with treats to keep her busy.
Since the weather was nice today, Cassie spent alot of the day outside. Since there are alot of large birds of prey and other large animals that could hurt Zorro he can't be outside alone like Cassie can. He spent the day inside happily following his furmom around the house, until he found the Blue bone! I thought it was empty until I heard his little nort nort sounds that he makes, he was trying to get his little nose in the hole to get to the Milkbones inside! When Cassie came in I heard Zorro snarl and bark at her, he had the Blue bone by him and wasn't going to let it go. Cassie growled back at him, picked it up and ran through the house with it in her mouth like she won a trophy!
Since there was a fight "furmom" had to step in and take the Blue bone away for awhile. I will give it back to Cassie later on, she's laying down beside me pouting right now. I know she will be happy to get it back, Zorro will have to watch it! I tried giving him a rubber Kong but he won't touch it. Maybe because he always likes big dog toys and this Kong is his own size.

Cassie's time out

Sometimes big dogs need time outs when they are naughty just like little girls and boys.
Cassie has been a naughty girl this last week and "furmom" had to put the baby gate up for her time out!
I think Cassie must have Spring fever, just like we do, after having to spend too much time inside during the Winter.
When Cassie wanted to go outside she played a naughty game of chase.  She would pretend she was ready to come inside but then would run away when her "furmom" told her it was time to come inside!
I think she just wanted to spend more time in the fresh air and sunshine. She also snuck into the kitchen and ate Zorro's food , after she had her own so she had 2 breakfasts and a very full tummy!
Cassie didn't like her time out and whined behind the gate. I hope this week she will listen and behave, she will get outside time more because the weather is supposed to be warm this week.

Cassie is like Tigger!

Sometimes Cassie is just like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh!
It's like she has a spring in her tail as she bounces all around! One night this week she was especially bouncy and jumped up fast on the bed to snuggle! Zorro was already on the bed with "furmom" and Cassie was a little too fast and excited for him. He got in her face and barked and growled at her! Sometimes Cassie doesn't know her own strength and was putting her paw near Zorro. She tried to make it up to him by giving him puppy kisses but he just snuggled up closer with "furmom".
Zorro hurt his eye, and we don't know if it was from when Cassie got a little too carried away or if it was when he was being tucked into his kennel for the night and bumped the side of his face on his kennel. Since he's almost 13 which is old even for a little dog he has trouble seeing at night.
He will have to have special eye drops 2 times a week for 2 weeks, and if his eye isn't better he will have to go back to his Vet. Thankfully his eye is just bruised.

Sneaky Cassie!

Cassie has always been a curious dog, especially when she was a puppy, she stole the cordless phone then and ran through the house with it in her mouth!
But lately  some of her "puppy" curiousity has returned even though she is now 5!
When I was in the shower she stole the deodorant with the cap still on ,and found an oven mitt and took that too! This last week her "FurMom" forgot to close the door to the computer room when there was a banana nut muffin on the desk. This was just too tempting for the sneaky puppy in her, and Cassie was down the hallway eating the muffin wrapper and all! I wanted to let her out to go potty and wondered why I couldn't find her! I had to open her mouth to take it out since I didn't want her eating the paper warpper!
This wasn't easy, Cassie clamped down hard with her teeth to hold onto her "prize". She's very gentle and finally did let me take what was left of the muffin and the wrapper but I noticed this time she wasn't willing to give it up  as easily. She didn't bite me, and never would but she did nibble my fingers a little!
I think she enjoys being sneaky and I know she enjoyed her special snack!

Zorros trip to the emergency Dr.

Last night (Friday) started out pretty uneventful.
Zorro snuggled up with his "FruMom" while they watched a movie, he loves to snuggle and watch movies or tv. Zorro was half awake and half asleep, and rolled off of the bed onto the wood floor about 3.5 to 4 '!
I made sure right away that he wasn't hurt badly but since there are alot of things you just can't see and sometimes don't know about, I called the emergency Dr. and told them I was bringing him in.
He was running around the house before we left and didn't seem to be in any pain, but since a fall like that can cause alot of problems I wanted to make sure he was fine.
We got there pretty early 9:45 or so. There were about 7 other dogs that were considered more critical than he was so they had their turn first.
Zorro snorted with his little nort, nort nort noises in the room and looked out the door a couple of times.
They came in to apologize for the long wait. Zorro finally had his turn at around 12:30 or so!
The Dr. examined him and said he would be fine, and complimented me on how healthy he is since he's a "senior" dog. (Just don't tell Zorro that since races around like a puppy most of the time!)
The Dr. took him in the back room to watch him walk and to trim his nails. When it was time for him to go home, one of the nice gals that works at the emergency room came out with a jar of baby food as a special treat for Zorro! She used a wooden stick and put some baby food on each end. Zorro tried to get the whole jar of baby food and thought this was yummy stuff! He also licked some off of her fingers. He sat up with his chubby tummy sticking out and begged for more! He also started to show off by playing a little.
I knew after that he was just fine for sure!
It was a long night, we got home at 1:30 or so and Cassie was waiting for us. So, I made sure she could look him over too and see he was ok. I tucked Zorro into his kennel and he was so happy to be home!
Cassie wakes up early almost every morning and woke us up before 7, so the two of us didn't get alot of sleep. Zorro is fine , thank goodness and is taking a nice nap right now.

New friends at the Vet office

Cassie and Zorro go to the Vet for their checkups every year, sometimes more than once a year if they are sick. Zorro LOVES the Vet office since he lived there for a little while before coming to his "furever" home.
He got spoiled almost as much there as his "furMom" spoils him now!
Cassie has always been afraid of the Vet office, so when it's time for checkups Zorro always has to come with her and walk in the room first so she knows it's ok. They are both very friendly and like to make new friends with other dogs and people. The gals at the Vet office always have biscuits for them, and send some home for the short car ride.
One day there were alot of dogs on the dog side. Zorro likes to play, especially with bigger dogs since Cassie is so gentle with him. He saw a Cocker Spaniel, a dog alot taller and bigger than he was! He decided he would like to make friends and play! At first it seemed like the other dog liked him, but then it started to growl and show his teeth at Zorro. Zorro was doing what he always does, jumping up at the other dog and putting his paws up. Cassie didn't like it that this dog was growling at Zorro, so she got up and growled back . Cassie is usually very shy and quiet with other dogs. The gals came and put us in a room after that. I told the Vet what happened , he said she was telling the other dog leave my Zorro alone!
After their check ups there was an even bigger dog who weighed over 100 pounds close to where we were.
Brave little Zorro decided to make another new friend, even though his "furMom" was telling him no! I don't think that dog wants to be friends. This dog was named Bruiser and he did want to play with little Zorro!
Zorro jumped right up on him and gently swatted him on the nose! His owner said he was used to little dogs.
Lucky for Zorro! Cassie and Zorro make friends almost everywhere they go!

Cassie and the gum!

Cassie was a VERY curious puppy and had a knack more than any other dog I have ever had for getting into mischief.
I was leaving to pick up some extra leashes someone was giving away for free. I had some Orbit gum but it was up high where I was sure Cassie couldn't get into it! I was wrong!Cassie was a tall puppy and she's very smart so she found a way to get into the gum!
I had the baby gate up and Cassie met me there when I got home. She gave me some kisses and I noticed her breath smelled minty! Oh oh! As I went up the steps I found what was left of two packs of Orbit Spearmint gum, there really wasn't much  left except for a few wrappers! She ate the gum and the packaging.
The bad thing about this was that Orbit has an ingredient called Xylitol in it that is poisonous to dogs.
I called the animal emergency clinic since this was on a Sunday night. I asked if I could watch  her at  home but they said no, I should bring her there right away.
So, they took her in as soon as we got there. They gave her some charcoal so she would get sick and the gum would be out of her tummy. She also had her paw shaved for an IV and had to spend the night there.
Those two packs of gum were expensive, $700 or $800! Then the next day I picked her up early in the morning and took her to her regular Vet. She was fine, thank goodness but she still has a sweet tooth! She has  also managed to find: a small amount of mini Butterfinger candy bars. Since she's a big girl she was ok because she didn't eat enough chocolate to hurt her. She has also gotten into grapes but not alot and not enough to hurt her. Grapes are also poisonous for dogs. Even though she's not a puppy anymore, she still sometimes finds things to get herself into trouble with her "furmom" but she has better doggie manners now.

Zorro gets away

Late one night Zorro had to go out.
I tied his leash to a tree. He somehow managed to loosen the leash, probably from moving around and got away! I was crying and so sad that he was gone, and worried too that I would never see him again.
That was when I really knew just how much I loved the little guy!
I took a flashlight and looked around and looked at the neighbors, no Zorro!
I decided to get in my car and call his name driving up and down the nearby streets. I was crying harder by then because still no sign of him. Not until I came home and was in the driveway, guess who was standing in a mud puddle and jumped up at the car as soon as he saw me?! I opened the car door and with his muddy little paws he jumped in with a boost from me. The car had alot of little muddy pawprints in it.
That was fine with me, I was so happy to find him safe and sound! He hasn't tried to go on an adventure alone since then thank goodness!

Zorro meets Cassie

I knew I wanted to adopt a larger dog too.
I was searching for awhile visiting Humane Societies and rescues.
I found the description of Cassie and went to see her right before the adoptions were ending for the day!

Cassie came home two weeks after Zorro. She had been in about six different places including a Humane Society before coming to her "furever home" with us. Zorro couldn't meet Cassie right away, since he was still sick, I had to keep him away from her.
It was finally time to introduce them when he was feeling better! I was nervous that this combination of big dog and little dog wouldn't work out!
Cassie was a wild puppy! The first thing she did was see herself in the fireplace and bark thinking there was another dog looking back at her! When Zorro saw her he let out a mighty roar! Just like a lion!
He then ran under the bed and kept popping out at her growling! When Zorro "talks" he says "nort , nort , nort" making little snorting noises. Cassie has a little girl puppy voice.
Zorro told Cassie the first day that he was in charge of this place! I found out the growling was Zorro's way of playing, he does this all the time now and tugs on her ears. Their favorite toy to share is a tug string of three pumpkins. Cassie gave Zorro a ride across the room when he was on top of the pumpkins one day!
Everyone is always surprised when they see the two of them together that they are best buddies with their difference in size.

Zorro comes home

The picture you see of Cassie and Zorro is one of my favorites.
They are best buddies!
Zorro a Pekingese, was eight years old when he came to his "furever" home.
I agreed to foster him, but it didn't take long and we were so attached to each other that I knew he was home to stay. Zorro was sick and needed someone to love and take care of him and I needed a new dog to love. He was given to me by one of the Veterinarian's at the animal hospital.
Watch for the story of how Cassie and Zorro meet and become best buddies!

Intoduction

Welcome!
This is the story of my two rescue dogs Cassie and Zorro and their adventures.
I am writing it as a children's story and it will be told by their "furmom".
I hope you will have as much fun reading it to your children as I am writing it.
Thanks for stopping by. L.