Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Winona,

You definitely must have an exciting life with your three..are they all shibas? I hope that all is going well with....no more limps, acorns, or weight loss....just chasing critters like crazy, and enjoying a dogs life!!! We're looking forward to an update...

Patty, Beni, and Kari

Patti...mine are Pharaoh Hounds...honorary Shiba Inus!!! All 3 are still chasing chipmunks. Asher is the 4 year old who has an autuimmune disease. We have been struggling with it for almost two years.

Thanks for asking!!! I really like this forum along with Pharaoh Hound forum...I started here as a lurker Then got acquainted with Bob through an email asking about one of Beni's medications.

This is Asher on his 4th. birthday.

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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

Asher is such an elegant looking dog, Winona!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Thanks Anne. It's a shame he is so sick. He is in no pain and enjoys life, but autoimmue diseases are hard to deal with. I sometimes think it's hopeless. Normally this breed is very healthy.
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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

How does it affect him, other than weight loss?
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

It started as skin allergies, but that is gone. Affects his entire intestinal tract..he is unable to absorb nutrients from his food (he does not have diarrhea). He eats special food and takes Prednisone and Cyclosporine plus lots of supplements. Also gets acupuncture. Not much left to try. During the winter it affected the circulation in his ears and he lost a tiny "bite" out of each ear. It is a very cruel disease...but we have not given up. He has made some progress since we started the acupuncture.
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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

Winona I guess we should have explained a long time ago that you are a member of the Pharoah board and a most welcome honorary member of the Shiba board! Winona and I have been keeping in touch with each other for quite some time regarding Asher and Beni. Winona has dubbed them our million dollar babies! lol

Maybe Winona can post a couple of pictures of the hat she made for Asher to help keep his ears warm during those frigid winter months.

Beni says to keep on fighting Asher!!

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Hi Winona!

I must agree that Asher is very elegant, and I must add that he has such sensitivity in his eyes. I love how he is your "Million Dollar Baby"....I have a feeling that this means you have been rewarded with a million special memories, and there will be at least a million more! I am going to get myself acquainted with the Pharaoh Hounds, I believe all dogs hold special qualities, and have special gifts, to offer and share with those humans that are open to them!

Patty

Patty...I have been rewarded greatly by my dogs over the years. Dogs always give us more than we are ever able to give them. For some reason, I have always felt Asher was a little special.

The Million Dollar Baby got started because Bob and I have spent so much money on our dogs I think we are running a close race on $$ spent. I'm sure some people think we're nuts. They are also known as our Miracle Dogs because Beni and Asher keep beating the odds. They continue to surprise us with their strong will to overcome their health problems.

This picture is Asher wearing his hat to protect his ears from the extreme cold. We tried different caps but he didn't like his ears squashed down. I know he looks like Old Mother Hubbard, but it worked. I need to try to make one that looks more like an Egyptian head dress. We had a hard winter...lots of nights in the minus degrees...some as low as -30 degrees. Before it was over, I was wishing he didn't need to go out every night at 2:00 AM. We both got tired of putting the hat on. Asher wishes he was a Shibs Ina...he is jealous of their great winter coat.

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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

Winona you're right about some people thinking we're crazy but as long as I got it I'll keep spending it for as long as I have to! With a pair like Asher and Beni I would bet the building!!

That picture of Asher with the hat has to be one of the best. I'm sure he was giving you many thanks for coming up with the design.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Asher looks very aristocratic in his hat and plaid vest...I say that he definitely looks like a million dollars in his outfit! I agree with you and Bob- My Beni and Kari have given me so much that there is nothing I wouldn't do to make sure they have the best life possible.

Have a great evening!

Patty