Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am so sorry to hear you have been having so many rough times with your animals. I really hope your horse is okay and bless your heart for rescuing the dogs!!

I thought I'd include a pic to cheer you up. This is Ringo, a friends bird.

So far, so good. Maybe we dodged the horses coming down with Strangles, or maybe they are just saving it up for Christmas. For many years now, I can always predict that one of the horses is going to become seriously ill right before Christmas.

I would suspect that it was the vet that was to blame, ensuring the annual Christmas Ham bribe, except that this has happened under the care of a variety of vets over the years. What IS it about Christmas that someone is always going to be sick then, be it horse, dog, bird, or human?

And Gwinn is hanging in there, despite really bad readings on his liver panel. He is being given oral fluid and nutritional support, along with milk thistle for liver cleansing and support. We're keeping our fingers crossed, he's always been my special boy (for 13 years). I was heartened to hear him over the phone yesterday, singing in a lively tone.

Love the photo -- is that a Caique? It's kind of hard to tell, upside down.

I think the winters are harder on our systems. Harder on our lungs and imune systems. I like winter. In some ways it cleans things out too. Keeps the insects small and such.

Just the word strangles sounds miserable and dangerous. I have no idea what it is but none the less I hope your horse is free from such danger.

Gwen is lucky to have you and your sister. I am glad that with help he is living a normal life. They are such tough little creatures and that is exactly what endears me to them. They weigh about 100 grams (how many ounces is that?) and have so much personality. You have to admire that.

Here is my reply to your post below where you said you hadn't died.

Remy,

First and foremost I am sorry about your horse. My goodness how irritated or angry you must be!!

The dogs. I love dogs so much. It warms my heart to know you are taking care of these needy pooches. Have you ever seen Cesar Milan on the Dog Whisperer on National geo channel? If not I highly recommend it. I have learned so much about dog behavior and how to manage it effectively and humanely from the dog whisperer. My own rather nervous dog was able to walk through home depot for the first time and enjoy it because I employed what I learned from watching Cesar. She used to spin around and panic on her leash. I learned to walk her differently and she actually enjoys herself in stores now. Too much info to type here. My hand would break off.

Pepper has quieted down some now. I really think it was a hormone thing now. She doesn't lay eggs anymore yet she seems to still go through the cycles emotionally triggered by hormones. She was frisky in other words. Just desperate for my attention. OMG!! SHe drove me nuts!! She has calmed down a lot.

One thing I read was that they need eye contact every day. I started purposely doing eye contact 15 minutes a few times a day and this has done a lot to quiet her down. She acts like she is flirting while I stare into her eyes. She turns her head and bats her eyes.. Shrug I have no idea. I love her though.

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