Dixie 08-205

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Profile

Sponsored by:
Sharon and Harlen S. from Gettysburg, SD

Hi everyone, I would like you to meet Dixie - she is a very loveable and sweet girl! She is a 9 year old spayed, purebred Golden weighing 85 pounds and is reddish in color. Dixie had a couple of seizures when she was younger and has been on meds ever since. She hasn't had any more seizures for years. She is also on hypo-thyroid meds. 

Dixie acts like a young pup!!!! She loves playing with the ball and taking rides in the car. We took her to the vet and they said she was in good health. She is all up to date with shots. Dixie gets along with other dogs; don't know about cats. Dixie has the run of the house and isn't destructive at all. One thing she loves to do is eat, so we have her on weight management food and she loves a baby carrot for a treat!

Dixie was surrendered because she air-snapped when the owner's grandbaby fell on her while she was sleeping and was startled awake. I've had her for a week now and she has been a perfect little lady!!!!!!! She loves lots of hugs and kisses. If you're looking for a GReat companion, she's the perfect one!!!!!!! Very easy to care for!

At a Glance #08-205

Golden Retriever Born: April 2000
Female Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:
Sharon and Harlen S. from Gettysburg, SD

Hi everyone, I would like you to meet Dixie - she is a very loveable and sweet girl! She is a 9 year old spayed, purebred Golden weighing 85 pounds and is reddish in color. Dixie had a couple of seizures when she was younger and has been on meds ever since. She hasn't had any more seizures for years. She is also on hypo-thyroid meds. 

Dixie acts like a young pup!!!! She loves playing with the ball and taking rides in the car. We took her to the vet and they said she was in good health. She is all up to date with shots. Dixie gets along with other dogs; don't know about cats. Dixie has the run of the house and isn't destructive at all. One thing she loves to do is eat, so we have her on weight management food and she loves a baby carrot for a treat!

Dixie was surrendered because she air-snapped when the owner's grandbaby fell on her while she was sleeping and was startled awake. I've had her for a week now and she has been a perfect little lady!!!!!!! She loves lots of hugs and kisses. If you're looking for a GReat companion, she's the perfect one!!!!!!! Very easy to care for!

Updates

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Greetings everyone. It’s Dixie again.

I wanted to personally thank everyone who took time yesterday to come out to the Petsmart event and see me and my RAGOM fur friends. What a day and such a huge turnout. I have to tell you I was exhausted when I came home. FM told me to take it easy so I just laid on my back and played. Check out my pictures. I received so many pets and met many new acquaintances. A big thank you to the grooming girl at Petsmart who donated her time to cut my nails and clean my ears. They were getting a little long.

I am doing much better on my few bad habits. I’m going to confess here. When I get excited and want attention, FM says I “love bite”. I just nudge you a little and gently bite. I know you must be thinking that is not a big deal. (ME TOO) I don’t think it is either but FM thinks differently. I have gotten much better with that. They now TRY to ignore me when I do that. It might be working. I do not like to be ignored. My other annoying habit (FM told me to type that) is “I eat poop”. I’m hoping you think that’s not a big deal either. I’m not sure that I have cured myself of that habit. They now pick up after us immediately so it is not an issue. Whew….. I feel clean now that I have fessed up. I think I have a lot of good qualities that outshine a couple negative ones.

I just love to be with my people. I will follow you from room to room but just want to be near you. FM calls me her little shadow.

This is another big week for me at therapy. Heather and Cindy will be massaging me again and reassessing my nerve functions. That feels so good! They too are so wonderful to donate their time and talents to me. I feel pretty special. Time to catch up to FM. She’s doing laundry.

Toodles,

Dixie

 
Meet Mr. Hedgehog


Just rubbing my back and talking to FM. 

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Hi everybody, it’s Miss Dixie……..

Want to remind you all about the picnic and make sure you have your calendars marked. I cannot wait to see everyone. I will be dressed special for the event. We had a dress rehearsal and I thought I would give you a sneak peek. It fits perfectly!

I have a couple bad habits that FM has been working on. She says that if I do not improve on them soon I have to tell you all what they are. Seriously, they are so minor. If you are thinking that I might be a good fit for you someday soon, believe me I still will. My habits are in no way a deal breaker. I walked into therapy last week with my head high, tail wagging, and jumped up on both Dr. Julia and Jenny, the tech. They gave me a quick no! but they were smiling the whole time they said it. I feel so good.

Two more weeks for that picnic. Paws crossed for nice weather.

Toodles

Dixie

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Hey everyone, miss me? Dixie here. I have been so incredibly busy that I have been a little lax on keeping you updated. I had my big DEBUT at the TCARC Open house yesterday. I even dressed up for the occasion. They had DELICIOUS home made dog treats. Yum..Yum... I was given one (yep only 1) when I made my entrance. However, I took it upon myself to venture into the basket and take a few more. This diet still is not working for me. I am down to 80 pounds now with approximately 7 to 10 to go. I think it is going to kill me. While everyone else is so proud, I am starving. My achy muscles were worked on yesterday by Heather, the girl who does massages. She worked on me for a good hour. While I was a little leery at first, I had the appearance of a drunken sailor by the time she was finished. Ooohhhhh it felt so good. They used a lot of big words that I had a problem understanding. Maybe FM can explain it better. However she too had that confused look so you might not get much more out of her. I stayed away from the water tank because I certainly did not want to get wet, being dressed up and all.

I met the Mom of RAGOM dogs Bennie and Maggie. They are so lucky. She loves them both so much. In fact, Maggie has an appointment next week with Dr Julia. If I knew her phone number I would warn her about that water tank. Just a little heads up. I am now down to only once a week for therapy. My muscles have become much more relaxed and now FM needs to do some strengthening exercises with me. I need to eat a high protein food with no grains. For now FM is putting a hard boiled egg in my food until she researches and finds a good food for me. I really welcome this additional item :)

I guess I'd better sign off. FM says she needs to update you too and attach a few pictures. A few? Man, she has that camera everywhere I go. Hope you have marked your calendar for the picnic. Rumor has it Clohe might attend this year. Paws crossed for nice weather.

Toodles,
Dixie


All dressed up for the party.
Waiting.........

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Greetings everyone. A special HELLO to Sharon and Harlen. Foster Mom here. Thank you for your interest in my girl. She is truly amazing. We have had a couple bad weeks after the last couple therapy sessions. I knew it was all about fine tuning it but I felt bad when she would wobble and drop to the floor. Dr. Julia determined that we have now loosened those severely tight muscles but now need to strengthen them. We have started leg strengthening exercises and she is doing well. We are still looking to have her lose about 10 additional pounds and need to change her food to a light version with high protein content and no grains.

Dixie was the lucky recipient of an hour long massage yesterday at the TCARC Open House. It’s mind baffling what they can find out by just “rubbing her”. They feel she should be on a grain free food because of what they felt. I wish I could explain it better but frankly I was overwhelmed by all the terms they used. If you will note in previous pictures I have posted, she seems to have a crooked smile and a wonky eye. I have always wondered if that had happened when she was younger and had a seizure. I just kind of thought it was her trademark, so to speak. Yesterday after seeing that they thought she might have stagnant nerve functions. Nerves that have kind of gone to sleep and just need to be “woken up”. They shined a light in her eye and made her follow it and the crooked smile and wonky eye disappeared. It was the most amazing thing. Again, Dixie strikes it rich.

Dr. Julia and the staff that performed her massage would like to do a free consultation on the 17th of this month to re-evaluate her nerve functions. I have to drop her off and pick her up about 3 hours later. Dixie and I are so grateful to all the people who follow her story and give so graciously of their money, time and talents to help her. Everyone comments on how happy she looks and I do believe she feels so much better. Will keep you posted.


ooh.........ahhhhhh......starting to feel good
Not too sure about this.

Still have my doubts
Still deciding. Do I like this?

See my crooked smile and my right wonky eye?
Releasing those toxins

Boy, I look big here! The camera is not doing me justice.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Hey guys…Dixie Doodle checking in. I know it has been a while but I have been so incredibly busy. Therapy 2 X a week is putting a crimp in my down time. Add in the numerous short walks and stretch exercises and it does not leave a lot of extra time. I have now mastered the underwater treadmill. While I do not care to get wet, I am ok with staying on course and getting my exercise in. I no longer try to open the door and try and get out. I had a bad week after therapy a couple weeks ago and I was told I did too much too soon. I need to take things slow. They are still trying to find a balance between hydrotherapy, chiropractic treatments and trigger needle therapy. I seem to do best after I receive a trigger needle treatment. My muscles seem much more relaxed and the improvement is immediate. I leave there and “fly” into the back seat. Dr. Julia is very sure she can make me a new girl.

And now for the “BIG NEWS”. I have a job. A REAL JOB!!!! Dr. Julia is having an open house at her clinic and has asked me to be one of her demo dogs. I am going to assist the massage therapist with her demonstration. I have never had a massage but FM says I am going to love it. I am so relieved that I do not have to partake in the underwater treadmill demo. While it feels good, I still prefer not to get wet. No mention of a paycheck yet, but I am sure my agent (FM) will get me a good deal. J If you would like to attend the open house and see me in action, please scope out our home page which has all the details. Hope to see you Saturday from 12:00-4:00PM.

A special wink to Sharon and Harlen. I can never thank you enough.

Toodles,

Dixie Doodle

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Hey everyone, Dixie here.

Wanted to check in and let you know life here is good. Hugs and kisses to Sharon and Harlen for being a part of that. I love to ride in the car and even if it means to go to therapy, I am elated to get in that back seat. Yesterday I sat up in the car and looked out the window for part of the ride. Something I have not been able to do previously. It is so much fun to watch the world go by. I didn’t do it the whole ride but FM says that’s a start. My therapy is making me feel better but I sure hate to get wet. I made sure I let FM know that (in no uncertain terms) but she just kept telling me it would be fine. They cut back on the treats too. What the heck is up with that? I like to be rewarded.

The weekend was a busy one for us. Saturday I went to Grand Ave with FM. It was pretty hot but we managed to find a shade spot and I met many new people who thought I was “quite the looker”. I had my RAGOM bandana on so FM answered many questions about the org and the good things they are doing for me. People were going to go home and check me out on the website. Some more fans. I love that. Sunday we went to a RAGOM meeting and I met many of my fellow RAGOM friends. They want to find their forever home just like I do. It was a great place to hang for a couple hours (I chose to rest in the middle of the meeting room) and I came home with many new toys that someone was nice enough to donate. Thank you too for being so kind.

Well FM is getting ready to go to work so I have to say goodbye. You know what happened when she snuck out on me the other day? It got to be a long day standing by that bed. Toodles to you and if you would like to help me out, please feel free to send any amount to RAGOM to offset my care. I know they would appreciate it and me too of course.

 
I'm smiling....		  
Look at me stretch my neck
to play now!

 
They forgot to put the chair in front of the refrigerator!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Dixie continues to do well in foster care. Many thanks to Sharon and Harlen for graciously sponsoring this girl. She is such a good girl and even though she had to be in tremendous pain, we never heard a peep out of her.

We continue to do therapy twice a week. She receives hydrotherapy and chiropractic therapy each time. Julia is holding off on trigger therapy as she believes the combination of these two will be the most effective for her at this time. I now walk her 3 times a day for 10 minutes each time and we continue to do stretching exercises twice a day. Her mental attitude has greatly improved and I believe it’s because she is not in so much pain and continues to feel better everyday. She has lost a couple more pounds and is now down to 81.2 pounds. YAY!

Dixie is very vocal. She rarely barks but will let out a little growl if she wants something. It is our job to determine what it is she wants. If she has to go potty, she will go to the door so most times it is not that. We have come to find that she wants attention most times. It could be to play with her or to lie on the floor with her. She has learned it does not do any good to ask for food because it will not happen unless it is meal time. Today in the tank she growled the whole time. I can only imagine what she was saying.

She is very good about seeing you off to work. She will stand at the door and watch you go. However, yesterday when I went to work, she was sleeping so I just let her be. When I came home I found out from FD that she had spent most of the day in my room standing next to my side of the bed and growling. (Her way of talking) He did his best to distract her by taking her outside or getting her to play. She wanted no part of it. We have determined that she must have thought I was in bed (all day) and wanted me to be up. How I wish! She is not tall enough to really look onto the bed but since she did not see me leave, she must have been convinced I was home. Where else could I be? She still finds it necessary to wake us (or at least try) in the middle of the night. She is now down to just a 4AM wake up call. I ask her to lie next to the bed and she will do so until 5AM. That’s good enough for me.

Please continue to think happy thoughts about our Dixie and hope things continue to improve for her. We are very excited about her progress and her blooming personality.

 
I have determined I don't like to be wet.

 
See that handle to open the door?
I tried and now I have to be monitored. Darn.

 
I promise I won't try again.

 
Exercising with Jenny on the tramp.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Hi guys….. Dixie here.

I am soooooo happy to report that I have two very nice people who have sponsored me. YAHOO! I have so much to be thankful for. There’s RAGOM who took me into their care and is giving me every opportunity available to make me feel better and Sharon and Harlen S. from Gettysburg SD who are helping pay for my medical expenses. How cool is that? Thank you, thank you, and thank you. FM told me I had LOTS of people who wanted me to get better. And this confirms that. I want to load up Barney and thank you in person but FM says that would be quite the road trip. I personally invite you to our RAGOM picnic in September for a meet and greet. I might be doing agility by then, who knows??? ;-) I appreciate the help and sure could use more if there are any others who want to assist me. I PROMISE to keep you posted on my progress.

I took my first swim in the tank on Thursday. I was a little scared but treats get me past just about everything. I spent 4 minutes walking on the treadmill and 10 minutes in the spa. Those jets felt so good on my achy muscles. I then had to do stretching exercises on the blue ball. Jenny said I did so good and was the perfect patient again.

I then came home and received a good brushing out. Guess who came over? Stevee Rae, 08-362. She is such a little whipper snapper and was always trying to eat dirt. I did my best to mother her and let her know that was inappropriate behavior. She and I got carrots instead. My weight is still the same. FM was a little disappointed in that but at least I did not gain. I am now starting to jump up on FM when we play outside. She cannot believe it!! My dream is really to be able to counter surf one day and get all those goodies on the counter. HMMMMM….. If you believe it, it can happen.

So next week my sessions are Tuesday and Thursday. I cannot wait. I feel better all the time. Again, kisses to you Sharon and Harlen. Thanks for being a big part of my road to a better life.

Love,

Dixie Doodle

 
And why am I in here?
The dummy keeps me on the treadmill 
 
Soooo many treats to keep me walking		  
2 dummies now because I learned quickly
how to stand on the side and take it easy
 
Me and Stevee Rae		  
Where ya going?

 
You need a Mom, Stevee

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Hey everyone……..Dixie here. I have so much to report.

Did you hear I go to PT now? The good news is: I’m starting to feel good. The bad news is my FM says I need to get a paper route to pay for it. J/K. Dr. Julia says I would make a great demonstration dog for one of her videos. I might take her up on that. Soon I hope to feel well enough just to play like a dog. I try but I don’t have much stamina.

Did you see my new dish? It is so much better for my neck when I eat. I also thought I would show you one of my typical meals. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s good. But the portion must be a “healthy choice” because I am NEVER full. FM says that’s it. I don’t push my luck.

We do PT here too. FM has to do stretching exercises with me twice a day. We do them outside and you know how much I love to be in the grass. Each session I get 6 (YEP 6) treats. That’s the fun part. Tonight I also got my teeth brushed out there too. Have you ever heard of brushing your teeth outside? I didn’t care. I ate the toothpaste first thing. Next I tried the brush and thirdly I tried FM’s finger. That was a very loud OUCH!

I hear Thursday is going to be a big day at PT. Stay tuned. I have to get to bed. I have been getting FD up at 2AM, I sleep for a couple hours and FM up at 4AM. They wanna know what’s up? I just give them my play growl. :-) TTYL.

 
My new TALL dish. Thanks Auntie Nanc		  
This is my dinner. Doesn't look like much, does it?

Monday, August 11, 2008

I thought it best to give you a little insight on what Dixie has been up to the last 10 days or so. As mentioned previously Dixie’s back legs tend to give out on her. We thought it was just weak muscle mass in her rear but she actually has spondylosis of the spine and thus the reason for her tendency to sway and her back legs to fall out from under her. She walks with her head low because she has shifted her weight to her neck to try and alleviate some of the pain. We sought the help of a specialist in animal rehabilitation and she felt that she could help Dixie with chiropractic methods and physical therapy. I consulted my vet (who also is her RAGOM vet -----Thank you Dr. Larry) and he too felt she would make a great candidate for PT. So therapy it is. While she masks it well, she is in a great deal of pain. Now that she is a RAGOM girl, she has a chance at being pain free. While our little girl so deserves this, it does not come without a very expensive price tag. $1300.00 to be exact and that does not count her previous vet appointments where she had bloodwork, Xrays and a tooth extraction. If you want to get that warm, fuzzy feeling by helping out, I hope you will consider Dixie. She would love to have a few sponsors or any dollar amount you can spare and I know she would continue to update you. She types faster than I do! (Note: to learn all about sponsoring a RAGOM dog, go the RAGOM's home page and scroll down to the bottom. Thank you!)

So on to her progress……. She has had 3 appointments with Dr. Julia thus far. She showed improvement after her very first appointment. Some of the pain in her neck had disappeared and she was actually holding her head higher. She was still tight along her spine but even a little improvement is promising. The second appointment I opened the car door to lift her in and much to my amazement, she jumped in and made it!!!!! I was elated. This was working for our little girl. Today was our third appointment. Imagine my surprise when she LEAPED (yes, leaped) into the back seat. She had chiropractic therapy along with trigger point needle therapy (much like acupuncture). Her poor little back was spasming as she had to lie still for 5 minutes. A little improvement on her right side. But we left there with very good news. Dr Julia is ready to start hydrotherapy on her. Much sooner then she had hoped for, all due to Dixie responding so well to her treatments. So Thursday she will be put in a tank with water and a treadmill and we will see how she does. She will continue to have chiropractic and trigger needle therapy also. I cannot tell you how encouraged I am and have already seen a much happier side to her. We heard her first bark out of her yesterday. Not sure if Clohe is teaching her bad habits or she just is starting to feel good and wants to bark. I took her outside tonight to help me water my plants and we actually played short games of chase. And………… she followed me around the yard with her HEAD UP (like all dogs do). She is so well behaved at therapy. I just know she wants to feel better. So stay tuned. I am so excited for Thursday and cannot wait to update you.

Check back in a few days and thanks for your interest in my Dixie Doodle.


Dr. Julia giving me chiropractic therapy 		  
Feels good SOMETIMES to release that pressure

 
She says I am one of the best patients ever!

 
Always a treat for good behavior. That's me!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Hey everyone…… Dixie here again. Thought I would update you on my stay here in foster care. I went to the vet last week and had my teeth cleaned and one pulled. I made it through the 12 hours I could not have any food….Barely! I was soooo hungry. Now because I had a tooth pulled I cannot have my green beans and carrots that FM uses for filler with my food. She says in a week or so. I’m talking her into cooking them for me so they will be nice and soft and easy to chew. I bet that happens tomorrow. I really know how to get to her. Next week I start getting my teeth and gums brushed. I cannot wait. I heard toothpaste is yummy yummy. The doctor has cut back a little on my seizure meds since I have been seizure free for so long. FM told me that I am going to start physical therapy for the weakness in my back legs. For the time being I am on an anti inflammatory which makes me run like the wind. I get outside with FM and I love to FLY through the yard. Those pills really perk me up. Hopefully I will only have to be on them short term.

Last night we had a couple of firsts. We went to the movies in our very own home and you can tell from the picture, it got kind of long. Nothing like a good doze right in front of the A/C vent. Then this morning at 4AM, my stomach was growling. First I try to wake up FD who always thinks I have to go out and potty. No way. I can hold it much longer than that. I’M HUNGRY. So this particular morning I woke up everyone including Clohe. We all went outside and 2 of us pottied (bet you know which 2) and then the paper delivery man came. Imagine his surprise when we are all outside (2 of us in night time wear) and I bet you know which 2 again! Much to my surprise we came back in and went back to bed. FM and I shared the floor and laid in front of the fan. My first sleep over. She must really love me. Even I know the floor gets pretty hard sometimes.

Well, gotta go. Everyone is pretty tired tonight and rumor has it we are going to bed early. Thanks for reading about me and I will update again soon.

PS: I attached a picture of Barney. He is one of my very best friends that I got at my other foster home. FM forbids Clohe to have it. He’s all mine.

 

We went to the movies tonight....ZZZZZZ....


Try to get him Clohe! 
 
This is Barney and Clohe would love to get him.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hey everyone, Dixie here again…..

I have had a great couple of days. FD is home and we have a great time just hanging out. Occasionally we read a good book (check out the pics) and sometimes we just go hang out in the yard. Only short term because boy is it hot out there. I enjoy lying by the refrigerator. If it opens, that is the best cold air ever.

FM told me that my day tomorrow may not be as pleasant. I am going in and having my teeth cleaned, a picture taken of my back and hips and also a blood test. Seems we could do all that right here. FM forever has that camera in her hand. The worst part about it??? No food in the AM and no water after midnight. This diet just keeps getting harder and harder.

Last night I was left on my own to sleep wherever I wanted. I chose the kitchen where it is cool and stayed there all night. They had to wake me up this morning to go potty. BIG STRETCHES…

Well, time to go outside. We don’t stay out too long, just long enough to do my business and get in a couple sniffs. I will keep you posted on my outing tomorrow.

 

FD and I hanging out. Can you tell he likes me?

 

Check out what Foster Dad and I read today.
Dog Fessions.... I bet Clohe is in there.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Hey everyone Dixie here. Life here in Eagan is good. Clohe has (un)willingly decided to share her toys. Man, you can tell she is an only child. She has 3 (YES 3) laundry baskets full of toys. I seriously thought I was at Petco!!! Seems every one I pick out to play with she seems to want at that moment. FM tries to tell her to share but I just move on to the next one (or 10!!) I am pretty easy going and not too much rattles my cage. I’m on a diet now. I did not know at first what it was but I have come to learn that it has something to do with my being HUNGRY! FM puts carrots and fresh green beans in my bowl now but I still know that it’s not as full as it used to be. She says I will get used to it. I don’t know………… A girl needs to eat.

Yesterday we spent the day at a RAGOM event which took place at a dog park. Lots of people to pet me (many who wanted to take me home right then!) and many kids to lie on the grass and give me belly rubs. We took Stevee Rae (08-362) with us. I love to MOTHER that little squirt. She liked it too. We were fortunate enough to be next to a booth that had many treats and rawhides. I moseyed on over there and helped myself to a VERY LARGE rawhide and proceeded to chew it in the middle of their booth. I was quite fortunate to be able to chew for quite a few minutes before “Mike” returned me to my own booth. FM was quite surprised that I had ventured over there on my own and did my own shopping. She made me give it back :-( but I managed to sneak over there a couple times and retrieve it. Always getting returned. When we were packing up I heard FM ask Mike how much we owed. Not sure for what. We didn’t come home with anything.

Today was a day to rest up. I went downstairs with FD this morning. He was quite surprised. I had no problem getting back up those stairs. Well time to go out for a potty break. FM is still getting to know me but I think I would enjoy a family of my own. I am little or no maintenance and just like to hang out. I have never had an accident, have free roam of the house, and sleep thru the night. Wanna meet?

 
Hey squirt....

 
What's for dinner Mom? Carrots and green beans??

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Dixie arrived this afternoon in sunny Eagan after a brief car ride that she thoroughly enjoyed. She met resident dog, Clohe and that went well. She came with her favorite toy Barney which we have not given to her yet. Clohe seems to think she rules and takes all the foster's toys. Clohe is learning to share her 3 laundry baskets full of them and Dixie enjoyed checking them out and picking her favorites. We are just beginning to know her so will keep you updated.

She is a very happy girl and was started on a diet immediately after coming into the door. We will increase her walking and hopefully between the two we will be able to help her shed some pounds. Many thanks to Bev her former foster who loved this little girl to pieces. We will take very good care of her and thank you for trusting us to do so.