Charlie’s Birthday

9/12/08 Charlie’s Birthday!!

Charlie’s 12th Birthday was just a few days ago on 9/9/08!! I made sure we spent extra time together and of course I obtained some special treats for him. We went to the neighborhood pet store. I walked and carried him most of the way. His days of taking long walks are over due to his age. He did walk a little bit of the trip. It was such a nice walk as the weather was perfect.

On the way there we walked around a large pond and then I went to the bank. I hand carried him while in the bank. We then went to the pet store. I let him off leash while in the store and he had fun exploring and smelling things. I got him a Pizzle Chew and some Chicken Poppers. These are little, round crunchy, treats made out of chicken. I also got him a few other little treats. I then walked back home with him in my arms.

My goal is to take care of Charlie as well as I possibly can as I want to have him around as long as possible. As we speak, he is behind me chewing on his bully stick.

Postcard post marked 1909 from Brooklyn, New York

9/08

Charlie’s health continues to be very good overall.

His biggest problem remains the Dry Eye Syndrome (also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) which he will have the rest of his life. As of result of his Dry Eye Syndrome, gunky eye stuff builds up throughout the day. Q tips work well for cleaning this from his eyes. His condition is not being cured but is being maintained. If left alone without treatment the result would be horrendous (like blindness). There is surgery for this but it is very expensive and I do not have the extra money at this time.

His medications for this are Artificial Tears ointment, Optimmune ointment and, Neomycin/Polymyxin ointment. For the artificial tears, I prefer ointment over drops. My favorite place to order medication from is Pet Nutrition Products. Medications tend to be much cheaper through this great company than from your local vetrinarian. Opti Immune is very expensive and I save lots of money by purchasing it from Pet Nutrition Products. They also offer FREE pet related advice. Just click on the following banner to see for yourself.

The other big development is our purchase of a Wizdog Indoor Potty Training System. This is a wonderful product that is discussed more at length in the article on the homepage titled “Indoor Potty Training for your Dachshund Puppy”…authored by yours truly. Wizdog can also be purchased through this site—convenient huh?

When I’m on the computer, Charlie often naps on a blanket on the floor behind me. He is there as I’m writing this article; I can hear his light snore. He follows me everywhere. When I was single he slept with me but not now that I’m married…per my Wife’s objection. While I lay on the couch he jumps up on top of me and often falls asleep.

My little three year old son is interacting better and better with Charlie and Thank God my boy has never injured Charlie. From atop the couch, Charlie often watches my Son playing with his toys. Charlie gets curious and interested and also wants to play at times. Sometimes my Son will chase Charlie and Charlie will run behind the couch only to come out on the other side. My Son cannot catch him and they both enjoy this game! I enjoy watching them! I do have to remain vigilant however as my Son, in other circumstances, still does not fully understand how to treat or handle Charlie.

Postcard postmarked 1918 from Amsterdam, Holland