CAMP RUNAMUCK-- THE CALM AFTER THE STORM

Well, Camp Runamuck is over for this session.  Everyone has gone home.  The Grand Bits, the Grand Dogs, the great daughters and incredible niece......  I loved every moment, I did a lot of dishes, got and gave a lot of kisses and hugs.  But, oh, did we have fun!   The beach, the pool (my vet lets us use his pool!), the meals, the play and laughter.  Here at my house, the dogs are recovering.   Kai Kai is asleep under my desk.

 Scooter is out of it under the kitchen table.  Love the tongue!

 Starlight has collapsed  in the family room.

 Max claimed the couch to take a nap.

 Rammi Ju is asleep in the kitchen-- until I flashed the picture.    "Don't bother me."

And Koko is out of it in the family room, too.    They're all sleeping and it's quiet.   What is quiet?   We didn't have much of that.   Sure will be different-- but I know we'll have another Camp Runamuck soon.    

CAMP RUNAMUCK-- SPRING STYLE

 I know what Starlight was thinking-- is Camp Runamuck in session again??   I'm hiding out!

 Yes, Camp Runamuck was in full swing-- six grandbits were here (2 are my niece's children-- she is like my third daughter!).    I think we got up to 9 dogs-- two were big ones and 7 Pekes.  

 The two boy bits, Beach Bit and Drill Bit were headed into the waves at the bay.

 Maddie, the puppy came.   She LOVES the water-- retrieving her tennis ball in the water is the best!

 She will do it over and over and over-- you get the point.

 This is the dog my daughter found in a ditch off the interstate at 10 weeks of age.   She's going on 6 months now.   She's going to be a big girl!

 We threw tennis balls and the Bits played in the water.  

 Beesey Bit loved it!  

 Her brother, Cowboy Bit, loved it, too!   We weren't sure what his reaction would be, but he was all for the water.

 He face planted a few times and thought it was great.

 "Stay out of my way, Maddy!"

 Beach Bit's dad held up the sunbrella.   Tough job, but the wind was blowing and someone had to do it.

 The boy bits decided to sunbathe-- don't worry, they were covered in sun screen and they were there just long enough for me to get this picture.

 Then, they were up and running again, in their matching Thomas the Train suits.

 The day  wasn't over yet.  Back home to grill.   Kai Kai did NOT understand why the motorcycle was in the doggy door.

 The kitchen was full of people cooking -- too many cooks in the kitchen?   This is pretty normal at my house!

 We put the kids on the porch and then we celebrated Lil Bit's 11th birthday and graduation from elementary school-- ice cream cake and presents!

Rammi had had enough.    He has been SO incredible with all the chaos, but he decided to sit with my son in law and get away from it all.   Is there room for me?    If you ever need me and can't get me, you'll know why.   Camp Runamuck is often in session!   (Are you tired yet, Peggy? ;-) )

SMUSHIE

Look at this sweet boy!   His name is Smushie.

He came to us from a Maryland shelter and was heartworm positive.   PLEASE give your dogs monthly heartworm preventative-- it can say the dogs so much.  

Smushie is over 8 and has successfully completed his heartworm treatment.  It takes months, but now he is ready for a forever home.

 He has a heart murmur, but it is not bad at all.   Many dogs have heart murmurs (one of mine does) and it doesn't cause them any trouble and they don't necessarily need medication.  

 He has some arthritis, but again, he gets around great.  

 He has some hearing loss, and can't see from one eye- but dogs compensate so well.   This may sound negative, but it's not.    Most dogs over 8 begin to have some sight and hearing problems, but that doesn't diminish their ability to love and be happy.

 He really is a perfect little man-- well, maybe not so little. :-)

 He gets along with all the dogs and cats in his foster home, and he is low energy, perfect for someone who doesn't want an overly active dog.  

 He loves to be near you and is a sweetheart.

If you love the seniors like I do, this may be the perfect dog for you.   Smushie wears a belly band in the house, his britches/pants, and he doesn't mind a bit.   He is really a wonderful boy.   If you'd like to adopt him, email potomacpekes@gmail.com.  

BURNS ON PAWS

Be very careful with your dogs on pavement/parking lots and asphalt.    It can cause serious burns on the pet's feet.

http://www.chacha.com/gallery/3930/are-you-accidentally-hurting-your-dog/56479

Paw Pals

Signs that your dog's paws may have been burned include:

• blisters or redness
• pads that are suddenly darker in color
• pad that is missing parts of itself
• refusal to walk or stand on paws
• limping
• licking or chewing at the feet

Allow your dog to walk in the grass and make sure to allow him or her to choose shadier areas of the sidewalk to walk in.

- See more at: http://www.chacha.com/gallery/3930/are-you-accidentally-hurting-your-dog/56479#sthash.8W9amQ0H.dpuf

KOKO

 Koko came to me in March after her owner turned her into a shelter.  She is 7 years old.

 She was at the picnic-- and posing at our Desi's Photo Shoot.

 Koko is very photogenic.  (Don't tell Desi that!)

 She is small at under 12 pounds.

 She did great at the picnic, friendly to everyone and all the dogs.

 As I was putting things into the car, someone was holding her leash and she was crying to be near me. I am her security, which happens with some foster dogs.  

 She was hauling to get to me!

Yep, I'm right here, little one.

 She loves to be on my lap, sleep on the bed, keep me in sight at all times.

 She had eye surgery and wore the e-collar for awhile, but when I took it off to clean it, she never bothered her eyes.   Some don't need an e-collar.

 She is a precious little one-- but she had a serious seizure disorder.   VERY serious.   She is on two different meds 5 times a day.

 When she has a break-through seizure, she has to have rectal valium/diazipan, so if she is adopted, she will have to have someone who is around most of the time to monitor her and make sure she is cared for.

She is a very special need Peke, but she's fine here and can stay as long as she needs to.    We love you, Koko.  

TYLER

Tyler was adopted from us-- he's an old boy now.    He came from a hoarder who couldn't take care of all the dogs in her home.  

Tyler's face always grabbed my attention and my heart.

There is just something that is so sweet about his eyes!    Don't you want to kiss him?

He looks very comfortable here-- is he asking for a belly rub.  

He shares his home and mom and dad with foster dogs-- they live in California now and Lisa carries on rescue work there.    There are so many that need saving and I'm sure Tyler is glad his mom and dad help.    Love this boy!