A little organization

Everyone knows how much we buy via Amazon Prime but it's not always the best price. For example, I wanted some mesh metal magazine organizers for the pantry. We keep several flavors and strengths of K-cups on hand for our coffee maker. Multiple boxes stacked haphazardly was not the best solution. I thought this might work out better.

I started looking for them and discovered Target had them at half the price of anywhere else, including the office supply stores. I ordered four and loved them once I got them set up. They worked out well!

In fact, so well, when I found a perfume I was looking for cheaper at Target than anywhere else online, I ordered two more. When they arrived, I reorganized the pantry, pulling out multiple items to take to a local shelter, things no longer on our diets.

Then I added the two additional organizers which let me load one with DECAF coffee on the lower shelf. I love it!

So, what do you think of my new shirt? LOL! Kind of fits, doesn't it.

Speaking of diets....I'm happy. Now within 2.5# of my next goal. Of course once that's met, I set a new goal of 5# less. All in all, my final goal by the end of this year is 12.5# less than where I am now. I think that's quite doable! My bust has lost size so the comparison isn't as dramatic, but I'm happy! I've gone from tight size 14 pants to loose size 12 and sometimes even a size 10 pant.

Ciao for now!

Ramping Up (and down)

There are a lot of ramps/steps out there for pets. We had already tried to use stairs with Murphy and he was really reticent. When asked, the vet said a ramp would be a much better long term solution. We had specific needs, knowing that we would need this for the rest of his life.

Let the research begin...and this is what we decided on after reading many, many reviews and specs for the various options.

Solvit Smart Ramp

Shur-Foot tread material is the same material for indoor/outdoor pedestrian safety. Rigid-Rail frame provides support just like today’s tough fiberglass ladders. High profile rails in contrasting color keep unsteady pets securely on track. Non-slip feet at both ends keep ramp in place. Telescopes anywhere from 42” to 70”. Great for small breeds with delicate backs and joints, too. Smooth edges and rounded corners protect pets, people and car surfaces. Dual pinch-free grip areas for easy transport, whether collapsed or extended.

Unboxed the ramp for Murphy and let him walk on it last night. No problem, in fact, both dogs walked across it multiple times. This morning we put a wooden box under one end for a little lift. No problem. Then we made it a little higher. Still no problem.

Time for a trial run in the back of the car. With a little persuasion, he went up. Then he went down just fine. Repeated several times, each one easier than the last. Yay!

Will repeat tomorrow and on Monday we use it to head to doggy day care. Should make things much easier. Only down side is it's fairly heavy and there is no latch to keep it from telescoping out when you're carrying it.
Ciao for now!

#2Doods Visit the Vet

Cooper was due for his annual shots and Murphy was due for a one year checkup. We had both good news and not so good news.

First, Cooper. His ears are both clear! Yay!!! Hoping we can keep them healthy. His weight was good at 58.5# and he took all his shot updates like a Trooper. Okay, so there was a little stress pee at one point...LOL! He laid down and slept, one foot on Stu's leg while it was Murphy's turn.

Murphy keeps growing by leaps and bounds, topping out at 73#. Yikes! Remember, he's younger at 12 months than Cooper at 15 months. And they are both still growing! (Note to self, order next weight class flea/tick meds for Murphy next time).

In general he was healthy but we had concerns about his hips. Since he is 1/2 Rough Collie and 1/4 Golden Retriever - both known for hip dysplasia - we thought he should be examined (thus the one year checkup). He never jumps up or down anywhere/anytime, he is slow to get up from a sit and prefers to stand rather than sit, won't go into a down position on command (not even for his favorite treat on the floor, but will lay down if you force him) and we can feel his hip bones crunching &/or cracking if we press lightly on his hind quarters when asking for a sit.

The arrow points to the socket where the joint should sit. His joint is only 35% in, whereas 65% is point where they diagnose hip dysplasia.

So the bad news is he does have severe hip dysplasia. The good news is it isn't hurting him now, but he will most certainly develop arthritis over time. We are starting him on Synovi Soft Chews (double dose for 30 days) and hope it will delay the onset of the arthritis and bone deterioration.

Our vet offered us a referral to an orthopedic specialist but we passed on that for now. I doubt we would do a full hip replacement (x2) for many reasons. We will do all we can do keep him happy and playing (the playing and running are good for him).

He was pretty relaxed during all the discussions, too. LOL! (Yes, they both wear gentle leaders when on a leash and they still tug, too much. More training needed....)

We have been trying to get Murphy to use a two step stool to get in and out of the back of the Jeep but now we will be moving to an aluminum, portable, folding/telescoping ramp. He will always need this and since he is already well over 70#, lifting him in and out is hard on Stu and impossible for me.

Ciao for now!