The following are posts that were made to the TX IMPS Yahoo Groups list prior to beginning this blog... It's pretty long, but all posts will be made here from now on.
Friday, November 3, 2006
Well, Stevie had multiple vet techs and vets in to check her out for her visit today - not because they needed them but because she definitely draws a crowd - she is plagued with chronic cuteness. She was so darn cute sporting her new hoodie sweater, and she feels great now.....just a ball of energy I tell ya :) Except, right now I am typing with one hand as she is sleeping on my left side...got a little tuckered out. So here is the scoop: The vet tried and tried but could not hear a murmur this time - YEAH!!!The 2nd fecal was negative for worms. She was perfectly well and got to get her 1st puppy shots today and her 1st heartworm pill. The only thing she did have was a slight yeast infection in her ears that she got drops for. Also, she is starting to get "no bite" commands and the nipping is not as bad at all - but I still have to tell her. She is a character.Ginger, I am going to miss her - and I am trying to reach Megan but can't. Let's make plans for tomorrow to meet. Take care all.Cathy H
Cathy, Megan and I have made arrangements to meet just north of Waco tomorrow about 12:30 to transfer Stevie and sign papers, etc. Megan is beside herself and very excited and a little nervous. We both have charged up our digital cameras, so you'll have pix when I get back tomorrow late afternoon. I'm just glad the rain they forecast earlier this week never materialized, though it would have taken a lot to keep us from getting together! :)I'll update you all as soon as I can tomorrow. Hug your pins -- they need it and so do you!GingerSaturday, November 4, 2006We're all so excited here at my household for Stevie and Megan. You did a good job pulling her through, Cathy! You get a gold star for taking her in and dealing with your Kennel Cough situation. I know that wasn't easy having that go through your entire family. I know Megan has to be beside herself today in anticipation of getting thatlittle sweetie; I know I would. She will always be our special baby and I can't wait to see pics, Ginger. Give her hugs from us.LindaI like to think we're having an internet puppy shower for Megan and Stevie - I think we'd all love to be there for this one! Thank goodness we have an "aunt" on the inside to keep us up to date an informed. Good luck all with the transport and travel.Hugs to all from the coast -Katherine
Katherine -
I think so too :)))) I have never been so happy for "Stevie" and so sad all at the same time. Geez, this was my first foster - only had her less than 3 weeks but you get attached right away :( It is kind of an empty feeling because you want to just go pick them up and they are not there. I already miss the little nipper :)))) Me....in all my wisdom....decide to take my travel buddy - my now almost 5 month old boxer female Sophie and allowed her to eat this morning....and I do know she sometimes gets carsick. Well, we get on the road - the shocks aren't great in this car BTW - and have on my pretty white fuzzy sweater - and Sophie vomits all over my sweater and drink holders and boxer portions too. So I decide to get off at the next exit ....which is NOT right away....and it is in an industrial looking area. So I pull into a driveway of a school or church....take a little time to ditch the sweater, towel Sophie was laying on, clean everything up (brought lotsa paper towels) - get Sophie settled back down and head back to find the exit back on the Hwy. Everywhere there are young men walking in groups of 2, 3, or 4 with layered clothing and trash bags over their shoulders....quite the culture shock for me....guess it wasn't the best place to stop.
Megan is going to be very busy because little Stevie is a VERY active puppy and just adorable :)))) Megan is the perfect person for Stevie - and you have to really go with your gut - but I liked her in email - then on the telephone - and now having met her, it is definitely right :)))) She was so cute - so excited and worried she wasn't prepared enough - too funny because you are NEVER prepared enough. She goes, "why is she hopping around like that????"....and Ginger says very calmly, "Megan, that is a min pin thing :))))" This little beanie baby will be life-changing - LOL! It was also awesome to finally meet Ginger too - who you are right is the aunt that we will be hounding all the time ;) Watching Ginger laugh at all the antics of Stevie was too cute too - she is a VERY proud Aunt!!! Okay Ginger, you guys have had her for what almost 6 1/2 hours now....had her home for like....4 1/2 ....where are the....HAPPY TAILS PICS!!!!!?????? I am headed to groups to see if you posted them THERE!!!
Hugs to Ginger, Megan, and Stevie!
Cathy H
It's been a long day, but "Mission Accomplished!" Stevie and Megan are back home in Megan's apartment in Austin.I have uploaded a new photo album named "Stevie Goes to Austin" (click on photos and choose to view that album). I'm glad I took as many pix as I did because for some reason, Megan's fancy-schmancy camera decided not to work!We met Cathy in mid-Waco at a McDonald's and traded paperwork, dog records, toys, bedding, food, etc. It was wonderful to meet Cathy in person. We couldn't have asked for a better foster mom (or IMPS volunteer!). After some chit-chat and allowing Stevie and Megan to get acquainted,
Stevie gave Cathy some good-bye puppy kisses and we all drove back home. Made a pit stop just a little bit down the road, and glad we did as Stevie needed a potty break. She will give Newton a run for his money on the amount of poo that can come out ofsuch a small dog! At least she waited for us to pull over and find a nice spot of grass. Got the rest of the way home without incident and helped Megan do some last minute "puppy-proofing" while allowing Stevie to explore.I called them just a little bit ago and both are doing well, though because Stevie is blind, it's a little hard to tell what's just normal snuffling around and what's "I have to go potty" snuffling around, so there have been a couple of mishaps. But they'll both learn as they go.Megan is still a little nervous about having her first dog ever, but has already finished reading the Min Pin book I gave her and is half way through a book about raising blind dogs. I told her our group is just full of information if she has any questions.I have the paperwork and check and will mail it in on Monday. Stevie will be due for her second shots around December 1, but I encouraged Megan to go ahead and take Stevie to her vet for introductions and to open up her file. She will be spayed by May 2007 (when she'll be six months old) or when the vet says it's okay. Because she is so tiny, Cathy's vet recommended waiting to microchip, but Megan knows about that and will likely do it around the same time as the spay unless the vet says they can do it sooner.Thank you to everyone for helping, encouraging, and being interested. We do have the best group in the world!Many happy hugs,Ginger
Ginger -
Wow timing is everything, and I was just finally freaking out because no pics....and there they are - great ones by the way :)))) I didn't know you got a pic of our last kiss and Sophie - you are quick....and sneaky :)))) It was so nice meeting the two of you today, and I feel great that Stevie is with Megan even though I am really going to miss her. Take care and keep them coming.
Cathy H
No worries on more photos and updates. Megan told me she is going to get the manual out tonight and fix her digital camera so she can take more pix tomorrow. I'm sure we'll talk off and on through the day, and of course, I'll have her email me any photos she takes and tell Stevie stories. I told Katherine it's almost a miracle Stevie didn't somehow end up in my car when I left! :)Thanks again for taking such good care of her.G
Oh wow, you guys! Stevie is so adorable. Yes, the pict of Cathy and Stevie saying goodbye made me get all sniffly (understand, I'm having major allergy and bronchitis problems - so not a TOTAL sap, but mostly!).That little baby in her little sweater just kills me. Megan looks like she is in total wonderment - sort ofa "what the -????" look. But so delighted.Thank you, Ginger for getting the picts up - I know you must be tired, but thank you! Now I can finallygo back to bed...Cathy, I know you must be going through that sad-happy feeling we all get when one of our beloveds gets adopted. Good job ya'll.Hugs from the coast -Katherine
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Spoke with Megan twice today (sorry no new photos yet, ha, ha). They spent a restless night, mostly Megan, though. Most of you know how it is with a new puppy. You worry and fret if they're okay, if you're too close to them, if they're cold, etc. I reminded Megan that this will change soon as Stevie gets a little bigger and they get used to one another. They had a nice puppy nap today, with Stevie sleeping on Megan's [ample] chest. Megan admitted she really liked that. :)They are working on "separation" issues. Because Stevie sometimes will have to spend time apart from her, Megan wants her to get used to being in her bathroom/hallway area without fussing. If Stevie thinks Megan is there, she will whine or scratch the door/partition. Sorry, no getting out then! When she has been good and no whining or scratching for a couple of minutes, then, TA DA! "Good Girl!" and out she comes to play. Megan will increase the time a little bit every day or so, so that Stevie does not develop separation anxiety when Megan is gone at work. The interesting thing to me is, Megan did not read about this in a book, but instinctively devised this plan on her own. But if you were to look up exercises for separation anxiety, this incremental progression is exactly how the experts recommend you work on it. I guess that comes from Megan being a psychology professor.She is going to take Stevie to her new vet for introductions Monday or Tuesday, and is planning on taking her to work for a little bit one day this week. She is concerned about over stimulating her, but I told her that as long as there aren't too many loud noises and not too many people try to crowd around her at once, she should be just fine. I also reminded her that when she has questions, we TX IMPS folks have lots of experience and if we don't have the answers, we have enough resources to find them.Sounds like these two are off to a wonderful start, and I'm smiling like that Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.More to come...Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Two
Well it sound's like Megan will be telling us how to handle our Min pins... LOL give them both my love and respect... Tail wag's for a wonderful forever home...
Diana Taylor
Imps Tx-Regional
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Two
Ginger -
It sounds like Stevie and Megan are going to do great. New puppies DO disrupt sleep quite a bit just like a new baby would. If she is handling everything so instinctively now, she will do fine with everything that Stevie throws at her. I told you she was a demanding little thing - she is a little fighter - LOL!!! Megan couldn't be handling all of it better, though. I am more than pleased that you thought of your sister when we first got Stevie :)))) Take care.
Cathy H
Monday, November 7, 2006
Stevie, Day Three
My sister called me at 8:15 this morning and said, "We're going to the vet". I said, I know, we talked about this and you were going to introduce her and give them her records. She said, "No, we're going to the vet because Stevie has tapeworms as long as my arm!" Well, EWWWW! They were still a little sleep deprived today, but are fine. The vet had an opening at 8:15 and my sister said, "Are you crazy?!" (not a morning person unless it's absolutely necessary). They went at 9:15 instead. Oh, there was an opening at 4:15, but Megan did not want to wait that long.The prescribed remedy is one pill. Stevie threw up just after taking it. So Megan called the vet and they gave her another one for free. Megan thinks the ear drops (for a yeast infection in her ears, which Megan says means looking for love in all the wrong places, ha, ha) may be getting into her stomach, making her a little nauseated. It's all connected, ya know - think about when you have to take nose drops. Even some eye drops. Anyway, she waited until Stevie settled down ("She ran around like crazy for 30 minutes, and then, boom! It was like somebody turned the switch off!") to give her the 2nd pill, and is fine.So far, Stevie knows all about pottying on the paper -- only a couple of incidents when they first got home on Saturday, and Megan praises her like nobody's business when she gets it right time after time. The vet did say it would be best to keep her inside until she has her full schedule of puppy shots. Megan was very impressed with this new vet (she knew them, but used to take Widget to a different one, only bought special diet food from this one), and the lady who will be her doctor is "very familiar" with the breed, a plus for us. They gave her a very specific schedule of everything that needs to be done and when and whether it requires a vet or if it can be handled by a senior vet tech. She has already marked everything on her wall calendar. What a good Min Pin mommy she is.She told me "I'm really falling for her", and I said, that's what happens! I told her we all want to know when we can get some more pictures?! :)Hugs to all,Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie - Day Three
Ginger - I am so glad they are bonding so well however hard that is with tapeworms - that is the grossest thing. Megan emailed me about that this morning, and makes me feel bad that my vet didn't see it in her poop. I didn't have time to get a fresh sample though because I went right from work - but I still wonder why that wasn't caught. Actually, I watched the vet pick her up and raise her tail and look very carefully at her rear this time. Who knows. They say if you pup is to get worms - no matter how disgusting - tapeworms is the least destructive and easiest to treat. Then geez the drops upsetting her little tummy? - we just have to get her back to 100% so she doesn't have to deal with any more of this stuff. Anyway, I would love to see more pics. Take care.
Cathy H
Re: Stevie - Day Three
No worries; Megan is a trooper and wants to be the best mommy she can for Stevie. She has had her share of vet things with other animals, so she just sort of takes everything in stride. We were both relieved that the treatment for the tape worms is just the one pill. It doesn't matter, believe me. When I was talking to Megan last night, she and Stevie were playing and laughing and talking baby talk. It's really funny. I don't think you could pry Stevieaway from her now! I'll send other updates as we move along, but yes, photos have been requested!Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Re: Stevie - Day Three
This is just so great! Thanks for the update Ginger - and Cathy, its puppy stuff and happens. Don't youworry. We know you are a great foster mom!I love it that Megan is talking baby talk to Stevie. Sounds like a terrific match. This just makes my day!Katherine
Tuesday, November 8, 2006
Stevie – Day Four
Don't worry, these will likely taper off at some point... :) Megan says Stevie slept with her in the bed all night long without any incidents or accidents. She also commented, however, that Stevie was definitely getting more sleep than she is. Ha. Yesterday, Stevie slept across her neck with her little nose tucked under Megan's ear. How could you not just love that?!Stevie knows where the edge of the bed is, but can't get up on her own yet. We are going to see about making a set of stairs or just a foam ramp this weekend.I have to tell you it is so darned funny to be talking to my sister on the phone and she'll all of a sudden laugh or stop and say, "She's just SO cute!" Megan says she loves it that Stevie can make her laugh and smile, even when she's not feeling well (had a headache today) (Megan, not Stevie). I told her that you get built-in entertainment with a Min Pin that's just not the same with other dogs. Not that I'm biased or anything.I scolded her about no pictures! Heck, if we're not careful, Stevie will be all grown up soon, and we'll have missed it. :)Take care all,Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Four
Ain't love grand?I think that's what I was hoping for - after the whole cat story - was for Megan to laugh. Yes, Megan is obligated to at least send pictures at least twice a week (I'm sure that's in the IMPS contract somewhere).So happy for you all -Katherine
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Four
Ginger -
NO, don't taper off....I wanna read Stevie, Day Three Hundred Sixty-Five...LOL! Megan is awesome - I am just so incredibly happy this is working out for them - what a Happy Tails Story - just awesome :)))) Do you know I sit here like an idiot every single post about that little girl and smile from ear to ear - Luke thinks I am nuts - but he likes to read about her too - he was kinda getting attached. Take care.
Cathy H
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Four
I made the stairs for my bed when Pixie had the hip surgery. I bought foam from Academy - in the camping section. I cut it with an electric knife. I cut it length wise first then in segments to make each stair. I used spray adhesive to hold it together. The spray adhesive doesn't stick well but it keeps the segments from shifting. For a while I had carpet pieces on each step then later sewed a cover. It was easy especially with the electric knife.Candace
Diana, I love the new pict on our groups site (loved the last one too, for that matter). It’s just great to see our Little Stevie Baldwin every time I go to the group’s site! Ginger, tell Megan that Stevie is our "poster child!"Katherine
Ginger - I bought a set of doggie step off TV and my dogs had nothing to do with them and they sent two sets. I could give you one of those if you want for little Stevie.Lori
Re: Stevie, Day Four
Oh, Lori, that would be AWESOME! Let me know how much for postage and I'll send it to you. This is way better than letting me have an electric knife! :)GingerP. S. - Ya know, I tried to provide stairs for my Big Red (my original first Min Pin who spoiled me for the breed) when he got so sick, and he would never use them either. Well, knowing Megan, she'll have Stevie trained on "upstairs" and "downstairs" in no time.
Katherine - Here's a funny one for ya: I've been carrying around pictures of Stevie in my purse because a lot of people at work know I'm in rescue and knew about the blind puppy story. I wasn't going to do it, but I showed a couple of the pictures to my boss (27 year old who is CEO of this Resort). He downright astonished me by saying, "Aww!" and "What's wrong with people?" when I told him her story... Who knew he had a soft heart??? I took away a new respect for him in a different area that I hadn't thought of before! G
Cool story! I know. My boss is a kid too. Geez. At least I'm immature enough to meet him half way. Looks like you found your bridge to your boss! You just never know. He may still be a 27 yr. old CEO, but one with a heart. Let's see if he adopts a dog - any dog.We're all looking forward to the next installment of Little Stevie Baldwin. I just love that name! Maybe you could write a children's book based on her...Hugs from the coast -Katherine
November 9, 2006Stevie, Day Six
Megan decided to let Stevie sleep in her crate next to (actually might have been ON) the bed and both managed to sleep well. Stevie sleeps in her crate happily and willingly for several hours at a time. Woke her up around 1:30, up and out to potty papers, then back to sleep until about 4:30-ish. Megan usually gets up pretty early, so that was okay, but she's looking forward to the day (night?) when they can sleep happily in the bed all night long.Stevie, in her enthusiastic Min Pin puppy way, will get excited and jump/hop up in the air and turn around. The degree of the turn varies, but what happens next is always the same: she lands, then realizes she has no clue which direction she's facing or maybe even where she is. So she sits stock still until she hears a sound to help orient her again. Megan says it's probably not P.C. to laugh about it, but it's so comical. She said that Stevie is the best anti-depressant she's ever known of. HA! Just what the doctor ordered!Megan admitted that, prior to getting the puppy, about 5% of her was worried that Stevie wouldn't "grow on her". Now, of course, she realizes there was absolutely never a chance of that not happening. Her whole world is "Stevie-centric" and she's loving every minute of it, even the occasional puppy mishaps.I did mention that little known IMPS adoption contract clause about supplying new photos on a regular basis, and she promises more will be forthcoming. She also said she would send emails from time to time which I can forward to the group.She is overwhelmed by the generosity and caring of the group. When I told her about Lori's offer of the stairs, she just thought that was too cool. She said to thank everyone. She asked me why everyone was so interested, didn't we adopt out any puppies? And I said, not too many, and not any blind ones. Then I explained how sometimes we adopt and never hear from the families again. She said she wants to write a success story for the web site once Stevie gets a little older, though I'm sure we all feel it's a terrific success story already. :)Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Five
It’s just incredible how good these two are together. Woo-hoooo!Let's face it, little Stevie is an exceptional little pinhead, and we're all so thrilled that she'll continue to be a part of us, and has a very special home. I'm just glad that Megan is allowing the fun to continue! Hearing about Stevie and Megan makes my day. I guess it really is true that Stevie has about 20 aunts who all want baby pictures!Katherine
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Five
Ginger -
Did I forget to mention that you rarely get a whole night sleep with Stevie? LOL!!! She kinda like gets her second wind and wants to play or at least not sleep. You write so well so we can envision everything - that is so true about the hopping and then stopping to re-orient herself. You know it really makes me happy when a dog is rescued - but it really makes me happy to hear that a dog is bringing so much joy to your sister as well. I just love it!
Cathy H
Happy Tails
Well it certainly sound's like Megan and Stevie are two peas in a pod.. All of you know how I love Happy tail's.... Ginger did you tell Megan that we are all crazy and that we obsess on all our Min pins whether adopted or not????
Diana Taylor
[TXIMPS] Re: Happy Tails
My Siamese Zimmie came to me when I had two adult Pins and he could never get either of them to really play with him. He was three when I got Layla after my 13 year old died of cancer and wow she was Zimmie’s puppy from the first moment...they play non stop, wrestle, fight run in circles, totally inseparable.
Petie
Thursday, November 9, 2006 (posted 11/10/06)
Stevie, Day Six
Sorry this one is late -- Thursday is bowling night and by the time I get home all I want is a shower and pjs! :)All are sleeping better now with Stevie happy in her crate. Yes, Cathy, she wakes up a couple of times and wants to play, but that's pretty much any puppy -- eat, sleep, play, potty -- not necessarily in that order.The puppy teeth are taking their toll on Megan, who, don't forget, has never had that wonderful experience before. We talked about that and "inappropriate" biting/nipping. I reminded her because Stevie was so young when she was abandoned, she didn't have the opportunity to learn about "bite nice" from her siblings or mother. Theycontinue to work on that, with Megan following Cathy's lead on saying "no" and holding her fingers around Stevie's snout.The latest thing I found interesting is that my sister, Megan-I'm-Not-A-Dog-Person, has decided that Stevie is full-blooded, pure bred Miniature Pinscher. I asked her how she arrived at that conclusion, and evidently, she has been cyber-surfing checking out photos and descriptions of "perfect" Min Pins. Ha, ha. I sent her to the AKC page to read up on the standards, but I don't think it matters. :) As far as she's concerned, Stevie *is* the perfect Min Pin, lack of eyesight notwithstanding.I'm hoping to visit tomorrow, and promise to bring back more photos.Hugs to all,Ginger
Friday, November 10, 2006
Stevie, Day Seven
100% Paper! Stevie had zero misses with potty today. She even has already learned to find the paper right after she eats and drinks without any prompting. Smart little baby!Today Megan had some sad moments about missing her cat, Widget, who passed away, opening up a place for Stevie to have a forever home. You know how it is when you lose someone very close... You'll be going along just fine, and it just sneaks up on you sometimes. Thank goodness she has Stevie to help remind her to look forward.I know she told me some other Stevie stuff, but I can't remember it at the moment. :) Been a long week. Not to worry, though... I'm going to visit tomorrow afternoon and promise to come back with photos!Hugs, G
Ginger - She IS a smart little bugger :)))) There is no way that Megan is NOT going to miss her sweet little Widget - it sounds like he was someone very special to her and she had the best of care and love all the way to the bridge. You may all think I am more nutty than you already do :)))) ....BUT I believe they watch over us when they go to heaven and help us through the tough times.....AND I believe God loves them just like he loves all the little children.....AND us :)))) Stevie is a whole new experience....and an awesome experience, but she is a NEW experience and will never ever replace Widget. You know, when times get tough - and I know you can all relate to this - I don't have a clue what I would do without any of mine - they give me sooooo much joy. Take care....and I am dying to see more pics ;)
Cathy H
Saturday, November 11, 2006Stevie, Day Eight
Well, I had visitation today. Stevie is so small! After dealing with 12 lb Li'l Darlin' and porker 15 lb Newton all week, I had forgotten just how tiny 3 lbs is!Stevie greeted me at the door -- she does not bark (somehow, I think she'll figure that out at some point), but is all attention, tail wags and puppy kisses. "Fresh meat", as Megan says, and I have the puncture marks to prove it. Ha.We played -- my, how she LOVES to play -- and played. Megan and I left for lunch and Stevie was delighted when we returned what must have been days and days later. She is being very good about not whining when she hears you come in, but she is all wiggles and kisses when you let her out of her "den" (the bathroom, outfittedwith her bed, Pooh Bear blankie, frog, zebra, potty papers, water bowl and her new found "toy", the door stop).I have loaded 4 new photos, though one is really only half a photo (of her walking out of the picture). If you don't have help or distraction, it's really hard to capture her on film. Megan took some video today, and if it's not a huge file, I will try to email it individually when I get it.She did have one tiny accident today, but as is so often the case, it was the humans' fault, not hers, we weren't paying enough attention. Silly humans!She is SO funny. She runs and plays and chases things and grabs things and follows you or gets in your way just like sighted puppies do. Seriously, if you didn't know she was blind, you might not realize it for quite some time just by watching her.Megan is working on "Stevie, come" using her food, but so far, she's had limited success with that. I showed her how to teach her to "sit" by pushing her butt down and then telling her what a good girl she is when she does sit. It's been 9 years since I've had a puppy, but it seems to me this is a particularly easy command to teach; I think Darlin' learned it in about 3 days and was consistent with it in about a week.Anyway, we had a wonderful visit. I can't tell if she's grown any or not, but she is just as cute and just as active as ever. You were talking about Bella/Angel being brought to us on purpose, well, I'm pretty sure that's the case with this one, too. :)Hugs to all,Ginger
OMG!!! She's getting her little min pin face! She's getting legs! Ginger, great picts - just precious!Katherine
Sunday, November 12Stevie, Day 9
Short report today... Megan said that Stevie was "on" for about 3 hours! Usually, her switch flips to the "off" position after 30 to 45 minutes. Megan says it just wears her out, ha, ha. After my visit yesterday, I can sure see why. My Li'l Darlin' (aka Stinky) is 9 years old, so it's been a long time since I had to deal with all that puppyenergy. I forget just how much they have. Sure wish I could figure out a way to bottle it and sell it; I'd be able to retire early!Stevie seems to know or be able to see/sense the difference between edges, light areas and dark areas. Megan noted that she was reluctant to walk onto the lighter colored vinyl flooring from the carpeted area. She also seems to know the edge of the bed, although not 100%, because when she gets carried away, she really gets carried away and will end up on the floor prematurely. Fortunately, it's a very short trip and the well padded carpet softens the couple of falls she has had. It doesn't seem to phase her a bit.Anyway, they continue to learn about each other. Megan asked, "How do I know if we're bonding?" I just smiled and said, "Trust me, you are."Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Nine
Ginger,Please suggest to Megan that she let a vet eye specialist examine Stevie. There are various problems that the vet might be able to help. Some vision might be retained. Austin surely has vet specialists. In this area, we get ones commuting monthly from Houston, one in opthalmology and other in dermatology/allergy, that have seen my dogs. I have had 2 minpins with eye problems. A vet eye specialist would have been able to save most of the vision of one. A general practice vet did not know what to prescribe. I took the boy to a specialist after a couple of years seeing a regular vet about the problems. Margaret
Re: Stevie, Day Nine
I can suggest some very good eye specialist in Austin. Let me know if you want their numbers.. :)Diedre
Stevie and more eye exams
Thanks for the suggestion, Margaret. Yes, Austin has canine eye specialists. Actually, they have quite an excellent network of specialists of almost every kind in veterinary medicine; lucky for us!Since Stevie was *born* blind, as opposed to being born sighted and then becoming blind, my understanding is that she will never "get better". Cathy and/or Linda had her eyes checked quite thoroughly when they picked her up, though it wasn't a specialist.Doubtful that Megan would be able to afford a specialist appointment just yet (still lots of new puppy expenses to handle, spay as soon as she's old enough and Microchip, etc., etc.) and she's extra cautiousabout taking her out much until she has all of her puppy shots completed.Lots of "blind" dogs and people and other animals see shadow and light and that's all. Suspect this is the case with Stevie.However, Deidre, if you have the names and numbers of a couple of eye specialists, we can at least call and see how much a thorough exam and evaluation would be and go from there.G
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie and more eye exams
My concern is that if she has any sight, a vet might be able to help her keep that, versus getting worse. Now my permanent fosters Jake and Shrek may be losing some sight--will ask the vet when they go in . In their cases, I wont't take them to the Houston specialist who visits monthly. Just an exam is, i recall, $90. Margaret
This is from my sister to her friends who keep asking about Stevie. I thought you'd find it amusing. :)Ginger
P. S. - when I get home, I'll upload these photos to the "Stevie Goes to Austin" photo album on yahoo groups.
-- Forwarded message --
From: megan b Date: Nov 13, 2006 6:31 AMSubject: First Pix of Stevie
Well, you've badgered me and here they are...meet Stevie, a ten week old, three pound, blind miniature pinscher. most photos taken have been of her butt as she exits the frame, so these are pretty atypical. yesterday was another 100% on the paper day which makes mom VERY happy. we are adjusting to each other and as those of you with dogs know (blind or not) my life has changed forever. there will never be another widget, but puppies that have been thrown away by jackasses need love, too. i'll keep you updated. "confusion is a sign of motion" ~~~anonymous psych instructor
Re: [TXIMPS] Fwd: First Pix of Stevie
Ginger - I cannot believe how adorable Stevie is. I think Megan has it right. She and Stevie make quite the pair! Strong personalities.I know we thank you every time for sharing, but - thanks! Really am enjoying The Stevie and Megan Diaries...Katherine
Re: Fwd: First Pix of Stevie
Does that last photo not look like the cat that swallowed the canary??? I'm thinking we ought to save all the reports so we can write a book sometime. Megan already wants to send in a "success story" for the IMPS web site, wants to wait until there have been a few more months of "success", ha, ha.I'm the worst MinPinatic - I have pictures in my purse of my Min Pin who has passed, my two current Min Pins (including their baby pictures and one of Newt's first day home with us), and now my "niece" Stevie... but I have to really dig to fish out photos of my human grandchildren.No apologies!G
Re: [TXIMPS] Re: Fwd: First Pix of Stevie
Ginger, I have no human picts except the one or two with dogs at work - my cubicle is covered in dogs and cats (my own) and the fosters. My screen saver is my red boy, Rudy, which gets rotated out with picts of the others. My husband leaves for weeks at a time, and what he carries with him are picts of the dogs and cats, and he loves showing them off.So you are in company, if not necessarily good company!As far as the book idea, as Yoda would say, "Don't think, do!" And save those pictures!!!Katherine
Stevie, Day 10 – Monday, November 13
Megan says as long as she doesn't move her computer desk chair, Stevie can/will/does run back and forth full speed between the bedroom, hallway and bathroom without ever hitting anything. She says it'scrazy, not to mention fun to watch!She's very smart (aren't all Min Pins???); she did her little jump up and turn around in the air dance this afternoon, momentarily not knowing which direction she was headed when she landed. She startedwalking straight ahead, felt the vinyl floor of the bathroom and knew she didn't want to go in there, so immediately turned around and went the other way, back to the bedroom (and mom and toys).Megan took puppy photos to work with her today and endured thousands of "Awwws" and about a zillion comments with the word "cute" in them. Well, what did she expect???Have a great evening; don't forget (as if you could) to hug your pins!Ginger
Stevie, Day 11 – Tuesday, November 14
Stevie has decided it's very important to have all of her toys in one place. Megan says she will run full speed back and forth carrying her toys with her until they are all piled together. If she is on the bed, Megan says she will turn around and suddenly there will be this big pile of dog toys behind her.This morning, after getting out of the shower, Megan's glasses fell off the bed onto the floor. The next thing she knew she heard this funny da dump, da dump, da dump, and she called out, "I can't see you very well, but I know what you're doing! You bring my glasses back here!" When she told me that, I busted out laughing. I could just see Stevie running from the bedroom to the bathroom with Megan's glasses in her little puppy mouth, with a little puppy grin on her face. HA!Megan says it's all my fault, so I reminded her that my Li'l Darlin' (aka "Stinky" for all the stuff she got/gets into) is all her fault (she told me I had to "get the one that acts like a puppy" when I was choosing between two). So, the way I see it, we're even.Hugs to all,Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Eleven
I have the biggest grin on my face! (my own glasses ended up eaten the other day - I found them under adog blanket on one of the dog beds). Sooo much fun!Katherine
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Eleven
OMG, that is great!!! I truly needed this :)))) THAT is very very funny - LOL!!!!
Cathy H
Stevie, Day 12 – Wednesday, November 15
More puppy antics. Stevie has determined that not only is paper handy for going potty, but it's also extremely fun to play with! Megan came home from work today to find wadded up balls of paperwith Stevie in her little bed. It also makes changing the paper extra challenging for Megan, because when Stevie hears the rustle of the paper, she thinks it's a game.Her terrier side has surfaced with a vengeance and sometimes she shakes her toys so hard, she knocks herself off balance. She tries to run with the toys in her mouth and shake them at the same time, and since most of the toys are nearly bigger than she is, it's an interesting proposition at best. Also no doubt very entertaining to watch... I explained to Megan that was the most wonderful thing about Min Pins -- they're a package deal: unconditional love, great watch dogs, fabulous companions and terrific entertainment all rolled into one.As I was talking to Megan on the phone, my 9 year old female began chasing a very dangerous stuffed blue duck, bouncing around with it in her mouth, shaking it from side to side. I told Megan to get usedto it... :) :) :)Min Pin hugs to each and every one,Ginger
Re: Stevie, Day Twelve
Stevie IS a little character, and Linda and I were talking last night about how that little girl is never going to have a clue that she is blind - she is just having WAY too much fun!!! She is just going tohave the best life, and I can't tell you how good it feels that this little bugger found the right Mommy :)))
Cathy H
Stevie, Day 13 – Thursday, November 16, 2006
Okay, I'll try this again... tried once and it just disappeared! Remember how I told you Stevie likes to put all her toys in one place? Well, today she devised a new game: you take your toys one by one and put them in the bathroom. When you have them all together, you take them one by one back to the bedroom. Once they're all in the bedroom, you start all over again! It's like "the song that never ends", but this is the game that never ends. What fun!Sometimes she will spin around (as if she were chasing her tail). If she does enough revolutions, she moves a bit and sometimes bumps into something -- wall, edge of bed, bookcase or whatever. Megantries to catch her before that happens, but it's tough to beat out puppy speed every time. She says she's going to have to buy Stevie a little helmet so she doesn't hurt herself. If that mental image doesn't make you laugh, there's something wrong with you...I recommended bitter apple spray to Megan for a couple areas where Stevie has decided somebody put carpet edges for her to chew on... Fortunately, she can't get to it while Megan is at work, so ingestion of carpet fiber is not likely, however, Megan wants it to stay that way!They continue to develop a terrific relationship, and I think each is lucky to have the other. More to come.Hugs, G
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Thirteen
Finally! I've been waiting all day for this. Yep, I see a little helmet with holes in it for the ears. That Stevie is a busy gal. Yes I'm laughing!O.k., I can go to bed now....Katherine
Stevie, Day 14 – Friday, November 17, 2006
Today Stevie got three new toys. I chided Megan for giving her too many choices -- the poor pup only already had 8 or 10 toys. She says Stevie's attention span is pretty short. I explained that's normalfor any baby, canine or otherwise. I also explained that one of the best things about having a dog is that you can buy all kinds of toys and it's *okay*! :) Gotta love it.Right now Stevie's favorite toy is the stuffed MilkBone zebra. It's bigger than she is, but she grabs it by the tail and swings it around with all her puppy might. That one doesn't have a squeaker in it, but apparently, Stevie has found out that some of them do. Megan said it was quite comical to see her reaction when she discovered that SHE could make them squeak!I'm hoping to convince Megan and Stevie to come with me to meet Katherine when I pick up Jake from her tomorrow. I will be sure to have my camera with me!Have a great weekend, all!Hugs,Ginger
Stevie, Day 15 – Saturday, November 18, 2006 - ROAD TRIP! :)Today I played with Stevie on the floor while Megan finished off a Commemorative Air Force ad for me (she's my PhotoShop guru). We played and played and played and played some more. A couple of timeouts in the bathroom to tinkle on the paper, a little nap, then more play. Then we loaded up to meet Katherine and Greg Harlan so I could pick up Jake and Aunt Katherine could meet Stevie dog-to-face.Stevie's nipping behavior is tapering off, thanks to Megan's persistence in not allowing her to just bite and chew on fingers, shirts, pants, etc. I noticed a marked improvement just from my visit last week. She is definitely all puppy and quite the charmer, as I'm sure Katherine and Greg will confirm.I've uploaded a couple of new photos -- the one of Katherine, Megan and me is a little goofy (no she's not THAT short, Megan and I are standing on a ledge, although I'm stooping down for the picture),but I thought it important to include. Enjoy and know that Stevie is in the best of hands and improving as a good canine every day.Hugs to all,Ginger
Re: Stevie, Day Fifteen
Oh my goodness, what a treat! Stevie has grown since last I held her in Plano. I guess they will do that with a little food and lots of lovin'. Pictures are wonderful Ginger...thanks!Linda
OK now for the fun stuff: I got to meet Ginger, Megan and Stevie! It was so great to meet them all. Stevie is a blast - so confident and hugable! Just a great snuggler, and does a good job cleaning ears. I got a really good puppy-fix. Nicky was on relatively good behaviour for a change, only mildly snotty. She was very interested in Stevie. That Stevie doesn't have a handicap - there are only those who think she does! She's amazing the way she listens and smells and touches. Megan and Stevie are perfect together.Ginger, Nicky was probably wondering why you weren't hugging on her instead of me at that point - she's always the star. What in the world could I see in that little snip of a puppy, anyway? Believe me, Iheard about for quite a while on the way home.Hope you have a quiet night, Ginger, and good luck to you all tomorrow. Joan, I'll be anxious to hear your report on Jake! I'll make a copy of the OGU for your files and send it to you.Take care all -Katherine
Stevie, Day 16, Sunday, November 19, 2006
Megan says that Stevie must have grown some in the last two weeks because she is now just barely tall enough to figure out how to reach the shower curtain. She thinks it's a new toy... go figure. I remindedMegan that, to a dog's way of thinking, everything within reach was obviously and thoughtfully provided for canine amusement. In any case, Megan observed that she will now have to begin looping the shower curtain up over the curtain rod every day if she doesn't want to come home and find it in shreds.Stevie has decided that the way to "punish" Megan for telling her "no" is to spin around and around, then stop and "look" at her as if to say, "Are you sure?" Or she'll run back and forth between the bathroom and bedroom really fast, then come to a screeching halt near Megan and cock her head, probably in an effort to remind Megan of just how cute she is and that "no" can't possibly apply to her.There were a few non-paper set backs this weekend, but today was another 100% paper day, which pleases Megan no end. Every day is a discovery for both of them, and it's fun to help chronicle it.Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Sixteen
Hey Ginger, Stevie was messing with the shower curtain here - I had to put it inside the bath - LOL!!! She IS too cute - why should SHE ever be in any trouble - GEEZ!!!
Cathy H
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Sixteen
OMG - that dog is so sure she's the grand prize!!! What a face, and she knows it! She is such a ham -I'm so glad I got to cuddle with her a little, she was sure pouring on the charm! Good thing Megan is asolid person and can say no. Can't wait to see the next batch of Stevie photos....Katherine
Stevie, Day 17 – Monday, November 20, 2006Well, I knew it would happen some day sooner than later... today, Stevie had her first bark. I told Megan this will start the long and never ending process of a new command: "No Bark!" Ha, ha. Megan was sosurprised, at first she wasn't sure what it was. Evidently, Megan was in the shower and not singing or talking to Stevie as she sometimes does. She heard a little "wurf!" as if Stevie was asking, "are youstill there?" It will be cute a couple of times... :) Another milestone in puppy-dom for our little Stevie!Cheers!Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Seventeen - Stevie speaks!
You are the proudest Aunt I have ever seen - it is awesome:))))
Cathy H
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Seventeen - Stevie speaks!
Wait til she learns how to "sing"!!!! How funny. I wonder who was more surprised!Katherine
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Seventeen - Stevie speaks!
You are the proudest Aunt I have ever seen - it is awesome:))))
SHE SURE IS lol
Ginger I keep meaning to write you to please save all these posts because I think we should put a diary (or blog) of a Blind Puppy somewhere on Mag’s page so everyone can enjoy the visual images...It would also be a good reference for people who write in panicked that their Pin is losing their sight...or thinking of adopting a blind dog....they are totally priceless.
Petie
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day Seventeen - Stevie speaks!
I love the idea of having these posts for people whose pets are blind or going blind. Also Diana could add accounts of her experiences with blind older dogs.
Candace
Re: Stevie, Day Seventeen - Stevie speaks!
I am compiling a Word document, but hadn't actually thought of a blog, which would probably make more sense. I'll look into that. This is a labor of love and learning, as much as it is keeping 20-some oddaunts (granted, some are odder than others) "in the loop". I promise I will look into blogging and see about putting it all together, including some of the wonderful replies that I get... :) G
Stevie, Day 18 – Tuesday, November 21
Ah, the exuberance of puppies. Today, Stevie's main ambition was to shake the tail off the zebra. Or wait, maybe it was to run back and forth as many times as possible moving toys from one location to thenext. No, no, I'm sure it was to play so hard and jump up and spin around so fast that her butt hit the "ON" button of Megan's printer and startled her with its warm up noises. Whatever her goal, she hadanother full schedule.Megan says that Stevie is very interested in the sounds from the television when it is animated conversation or dogs, but cats, birds or other noises don't seem to catch her attention. She will sit andcock her head at all different angles as if to try to determine where the sound is coming from. Yes, it's just another wonderful day in the life of a VBP... very busy puppy. Sometimes I wish I had video, but I can see the pictures in my head, and they make me laugh!Stevie gets her second shots on Friday and nails trimmed. I offered to trim her nails, but Megan wouldn't let me. Hmmm. Not like I haven't had about 16 years of experience! Well, that's herprerogative. Stay tuned for the next episode of The Stevie Chronicles!Min Pin hugs to all,Ginger
Stevie, Day 19 – Wednesday, November 22, 2006
My phone rang at the office today around 2:30 p.m. The caller asked if we did catering for Thanksgiving. I started to give out the phone number of the Yacht Club Restaurant here at Horseshoe Bay Resort where I work, but the caller said, "It would only be for me and my dog..." It was Megan, playing a joke on me.Later my phone rang at home, and it was Megan. "How did this happen?", she asked. "What happen?" "I have a DOG!", she said, "A very wild, very wiggly, very silly dog. Everybody knows I'm not adog person! How did this happen?" I admitted that, as she keeps telling me, it was all my fault. "But", I said, "it's a very CUTE dog..." She reluctantly agreed.Stevie has been a blessing. Although I know her puppy energy drives my sister crazy sometimes (both Katherine and I have said it would be very tough to do 'the puppy thing' again), she has also made abig, happy difference in Megan's outlook. When one door closes, another opens: Widget was tired after so many years of stubbornly beating the odds and, although we didn't know it then, Stevie was being turned loose to fend for herself because she was "defective" about the same time. There is a reason for everything in the universe, even when we don't understand.For all of my friends in rescue, for the countless hours of selfless volunteer work you do, for the happiness this little firebrand has brought my sister, I am truly thankful.Min Pin hugs,Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day 19
Ginger - Thanks a lot - ya made me tear up with that one :) I have to say I am truly thankful for all of you - my awesome new friends and also these amazing creatures that bring all of us so much joy. Happy Thanksgiving all of you!!! (I know this is a round about way of saying it) - Hugs!!!!
Cathy H
Stevie, Day 20 – Thursday, November 23, 2006
It was Stevie's first Thanksgiving. Megan is not much of a cook, but she does have a breadmaker... She made fresh bread to go with her Thanksgiving dinner such as it was. She said that she didn't thinkStevie's nose stopped "snuffing" the entire two hours it was baking.They spent a normal puppy day chasing, playing, eating, sleeping and still 100% pottying on the paper (Stevie, not Megan).Hope everyone had a terrific holiday!Ginger
Stevie, Day 21 – Friday, November 24, 2006
Today Stevie went to the vet's office to get her second round of puppy shots and toenails trimmed. Megan was all excited when she called me.
"Stevie's gained weight!", she exclaimed.
"Cool," I said, "How much does she weigh?"
"Three point four-four pounds!" Enthusiasm personified.
Dead silence.
"Uh, that's not very much." Me, trying to stay excited.
"It is too!" (Megan, a little indignant.)
"She only weighed two point eight the last time I took her in!"
"Oh, okay, well, that's different." Me, a little tongue in cheek.
I do remember, though, that Stinky was only 3.5 pounds at about that age, so I guess that's right.Stevie, all 3.44 pounds of her, spent most of the day napping after those mean old shots she got. No doubt she'll be back to her bouncy wild self tomorrow!Min Pin cheers,Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day 21
Adorable-- both pup and her mom
Two of mine-- mature Jake and Lieutenant are getting inhalation therapy. Next is dinner. Shrek will get his anti-incontinence pill which he takes readily. Jake will get glucose in urine test and Vetsulin shot. A healthy young puppy sounds like a special joy. However these guys are joys too.Margaret
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day 20
My nose wouldn't have stopped "snuffing" either! Is there anything better than the smell of breadbaking???The part I'm having a problem with is that its been almost 3 weeks! How did that happen? Its going to be fun seeing where Stevie and Megan are at in a year. Can't wait for the Christmas update!Katherine
Stevie, Day 21 – Saturday, November 25, 2006
Today Stevie and Megan took a little field trip. They went over to the apartment complex office to introduce Stevie to some of the office personnel. They keep photos of local pets on file for reference, butMegan wanted the office gals to meet Stevie in person.Stevie was just beside herself to be in a new environment with more new people to snuffle and taste. She gave lots of puppy kisses and tried to chew off one of the girl's sweater buttons. Needless to say, she charmed everyone who was there and made new friends of them all.
Megan and I will be posting information at
http://thesteviechronicles.blogspot.com./ It's only got two entries right now, but I'll be putting all of the "days" on it soon. Her comment is pretty funny.Enjoy your day!Ginger
Re: [TXIMPS] Stevie, Day 22
too cute.. i look forward to reading and sharing it with others
Candace
Stevie, Day 22.5 – Sat/Sun November 25/26
Megan called me last night and wanted to know if it was "normal" for Stevie's tummy to be warm. I told her that puppy temperatures were usually over 100% so, yes, that would be normal. She said that Steviewas playing, eating and drinking as usual, but since she's never had a dog before, she just didn't know. I went to visit today and Megan still made me feel Stevie's tummy just to be sure. I told her I thought it was just fine, but that if she remained concerned, she should go ahead and take her to the vet to get her temperature taken so she would know for sure and could relax. She thought that seemed reasonable, and decided to monitor it carefully for the next couple of days, ya know, just in case. :)Ginger
Stevie, Day 23 – Sunday, November 26, 2006
I went to visit Megan and Stevie today. That puppy just never stops! She is so very busy. She was very excited to have a visitor and we played for a couple of hours. Megan and I went to PetsMart to buy more dog toys (and bitter apple spray and Nature's Miracle). I asked Megan how many toys a 3.44 lb dog needed, and she explained that she thought Stevie grew tired of the same toys after just a short while.Later she admitted that, well, the new toys were almost as much for her as they were for Stevie...Hey, here's a cool new development: Stevie has begun taking herself into the bathroom to potty on the papers! Not always (yet), but it's been more than once, so that's an encouraging trend. Megan wants herto be 100% potty trained so she's more comfortable allowing her to sleep in the bed with her at night. She's really looking forward to that. As you all know, there's nothing so great in the world as MinPin snuggles! :)
Cheers!Ginger
