WANTED: Willing to Re-Home or Adopt a Chi-Spaniel

My Chi-Spaniel has terrible separation anxiety.  In the past eight months, I've only ever left her alone one time.  I usually am able to find her a puppy-sitter for when I am not at home.  I did NOT crate train my dog, even though people advised it.  I understand the theory that they feel safe in their crates, but since someone is almost always at home in my house, it was never an issue.

Last January, I saw an advertisement for someone looking to re-home their chi-spaniel because of the separation anxiety the dog had when the woman went to work.  Even though I live in Pittsburgh and the dog was in New York City, I offered to give the dog a home.  The woman had already re-homed the dog by the time I'd contacted her, and I often think of the pup and hope he's happy.

I'm an advocate of spaying/ neutering pets.  A simple browse of your local humane society's adoptable pets should convince anyone why this is a good idea.  I don't like patronizing pet breeders, simply because I think they are contributing to a problem that is already very large.  My puppy came from a relative's neighbor.  The parents weren't bred for money, and all of the puppies were given away for free (except for mine-- she was loosely promised to another person, and we offered $100 to tip the scales in our favor).

If you search for chi-spaniels for sale, some of them are going for over $500.  That's a lot of money for a mixed breed, IMHO.  My other dog is a large pure-bred dog and she only cost $375.  Any other dog I've gotten in my life was a through someone trying to 'get rid of' it, or rescued from a humane society.  I once went to a local business that strictly sold puppies. I was appalled at their condition.  I looked at a golden retriever and the puppy had such poor muscle tone, she didn't even hold herself up.  

If you aren't convinced, I'd recommend watching the HBO documentary: One Nation Under Dog.  It's a stark look at the problem with puppy mills and chain pet stores that sell dogs.

Even though I'm obsessively in love and devoted to my chi-spaniel, I'm hoping this blog will be an educational tool for people interested in adopting this breed.  I believe a pet has a better chance of retaining its home if the owner is prepared for the care that dog will need, and if it's a good match.

That being said, if you find yourself in a position where you have a chi-spaniel that needs a home, please contact me at luciaadams@live.com and I will discuss giving the dog a loving home.  Please keep in mind that I live in western Pennsylvania and even though I'm willing to drive a long distance for a pet, there is a point where it might just be too far for me to drive...but you never know until you ask!

Charcoal Dessicant Packet Digestion

My puppy's favorite treat has always been duck jerky.  One day, my larger dog jumped on the table, knocked over the treat basket, and enjoyed helping herself to some snacks.  My puppy wasn't far behind, but ate the charcoal dessicant packet out of the duck jerky treat.  She had only been out of my sight for a few minutes (less than five) when I found her, and she was puking.  First, she puked black charcoal and the plastic packaging up all over the quilt my grandma had sewn (yes, it stained it permanently so you might want to have something nearby for your dog to vomit onto).  

I immediately called my vet who advised me to call poison control for dogs. It was so frustrating.  The woman took my information twice, but still read it back to me wrong.  She then informed me she'd not connect me to a vet unless I had a credit card and paid at least a $60 fee upfront.  Of course, I agreed...what was I to do?

I waited for their vet to call me back.  Since the treat bag had been open for a week, they assumed the charcoal was no longer active, and told me to just observe her for a few hours, but she should be fine. She puked a few more times, but seemed to get it all up.  She was so small at the time-- only just over 3 months old, and weighted about 8 pounds.  It was horrible!  I cried the entire day.  She seemed weak, but after a few hours, she was back to herself.  Her stool was black diarrhea for the entire next day, and I'm sure that would have stained as well.  

I'm grateful for the assistance I received from poison control, but wish I'd not have had to pay $60 for a thirty second talk to a vet.

I wrote this blog so that I hope it helps anyone else who may encounter this problem with their dog.