Playtime with Peanut

Playing around a bit.  Peanut is very careful with him...Doesn't shake and pull, just lets him drag...

First Snow...

Mason is loving his freedom and is learning all about winter.  He got a new coat (Woah there Rudolph!) and is jingling away around the house.  Playing in the white stuff....eh...not so much!

I'm thankful for playful pups...

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for family, friends and...playful pups.  So blessed to have these two adorable fur balls in my life.

From the three of us, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Feeling fine...

Mason's enjoying his freedom immensely.   He's having a ball playing, running, bunny hopping and...doing boy things with his gal pal Peanut.  I think now he's learning that distance from me isn't as bad as it seems and he's being more adventurous heading out into the back yard.  As long as I stand watching, he feels safe enough to travel to a potty spot. Hee hee.

Heading out for our first walk on a leash and a step-in harness today.  The weather is fabulous so we're going to have a great time!!!

FREEDOM DAY!!!

Woo Hoo!  Today is the day!  I'm having a FREEDOM party! Come on over and help me celebrate.  Scroll all the way down on my blog to view my LIVE video party!!!

Thank you for helping Mighty Mason get better!!!

It's Check-Up Day!

Today Mason had his six week post-op check up.  Dr. Jarboe and her intern were very pleased with his recovery.  X-rays showed good healing and placement.  Dr. Jarboe thought there might be bone growing between the vert. that were screwed together.  That's a really good sign.  She was excited and happy to see him do several "whole body wet dog shakes" during her observation.  That's also a really good indication that he's healing nicely and not in pain.

Dr. Jarboe thinks Mason is pretty much done growing.  She feels he is most likely at his optimum weight and looks very good.  She does not want to see him gain any unnecessary weight as she thinks he is in perfect condition right now.  I asked her about neutering (they cannot palpate/locate any testes at this time) and doing a dental to remove his baby canines.  She is not concerned about that at this time and recommended that I wait six to eight more months to have that done.  At that time, she'll consult with Dr. Vernon (Mason's general vet) to discuss positioning of his head and neck during surgery.

PS.  Mighty Mason weighed in at 1.6 kg. today and needed NO anesthesia during his xray.   They must have the magic touch there because I can't get him to stop squirming around!  When I arrived, people came out looking for him hee hee.  Even people who hadn't seen him before came out to say "Where's this little guy I keep hearing about?"  Hee hee...Mason, he is a charmer!

Stinky pups...

Momma says it's time to take a bath.  We both smell like goat ropers!

Mason is doing great.  He's out of his kennel here, but confined to the tub and the bathroom hee hee. Gotta get that stink to go down the drain.  Peanut doesn't look a bit thrilled does she?

Mason's xray check-up is scheduled tentatively for Saturday, October. 19.  If that date doesn't work for Dr. Jarboe, we'll be heading there on Monday, Oct. 14.  Here's to looking for some amazing post-op xrays!!!

See you around!

PS...Mason has grown!  He's now 3 lbs. 10 oz and is about as tall as Peanut.

Wild Man Mason!

Well, Mason is doing fabulously.  He's completely off of his medication as of today.  He escaped his kennel for a bit this afternoon and ran around like a wild man on the floor.  My poor brain is just having such a hard time thinking he's a healing puppy and needs to continue this cage rest deal until the end of October or second week of November.  That time won't come soon enough!  He's crazy, I tell you!!!

I took a little video to show you how he looks today.  As you can see, he's hard to keep on camera as he has a blast hopping around like a bunny and just goes wild!  He has started to chew on things too.  I guess you can say that he's just getting a "taste of freedom".

We've got a lot to do in the obedience arena again.  Ugghhh and he was doing so good with that.

Stitches GONE!

Thursday night I spent a little time giving Mason a much needed haircut.  I didn't want to tire him out doing it in one setting so we finished up this morning.  He also had a nice bath in the kitchen sink. BOY...He looks and smells so much better!

Mason had his one week post-op appointment today.  He passed all of his neurological testing with flying colors and Dr. Brewer (He assisted Dr. Jarboe in surgery) said that he is so pleased with his progress thus far.  This was the first time I have had a chance to meet Dr. Brewer and he just couldn't get over how tiny Mason is.  He said that Mason has to be the smallest patient he has surgically treated with this condition and was so happy that he is doing so well.

The tech staff removed Mason's stitches, weighed him and assessed his vital signs.  They tried taking his temperature but Mason was just too squirmy, they couldn't get it this time.  You know, I probably would be too if I saw that stick getting prepped and ready for the "other end"!

Mason has begun tapering his Prednisone.  He will have five more doses of this medicine and will be finished.  After that, we'll stop the Gabapentin and he will be medicine free for the first time in a long time.

Dr. Brewer said that although Mason appears like a "normal" happy-go-lucky puppy, he is still healing and it is very important to continue his strict cage rest regime for 8-10 more weeks.  That is a small price to pay, I guess.  We will make another appointment in six weeks to have xrays taken.  These xrays will show how the healing has progressed and will help the doctors make sure the pins and screws have not migrated out of position.

I'll be posting live on Ustream this Sunday.  Please stop by to say HI!  Thanks for your continued prayers and support.  They have been such a comfort to me and a blessing for Mason!!!

ONE WEEK!!!

Wow, it's so amazing that just one week ago my baby Mason went through the most difficult challenge of his little life.  I'm so happy he made it through the risky surgery so well and is once again, becoming more and more the puppy that many have grown to love so much.  I'm so blessed to call him my buddy- baby for life!

During one of his out of crate stretch breaks yesterday (he gets 3-5 breaks a day to stretch and potty), I took a few pictures.  He's hard to catch on camera now as he's just feeling so good, but I did pull out all the stops with his favorite treat: dried and smoked turkey breast. MMMMM crunch, crunch!

Hello World...Feeling GOOD!

I'm just popping on today to post a little picture I took of Mason today.   He was enjoying a few minutes out of his crate and I was able to take a few precious pictures.  This guy needs a bath and a trim soooo bad but he is cute nonetheless.  More cute photos will be on his blog to celebrate his one week post-op tomorrow.  It's a celebration for sure!!!

Remember, if you want to say hello to Mason live on camera, the camera will be streaming live today in 30 minute (or so) increments at 4 and 9.  You can access the cam on this site (scroll all the way down) or click on the Ustream link in the banner at the top.  See you there!

Happy Healing Saturday!

Hello there,

Mason has been doing so well these past few days after surgery.  I think he's feeling very little pain and sometimes forgets that he needs to be still to heal.  He can really overwork himself and tire out so I have to really watch out for him right now.  He wants out of his kennel more frequently and makes his adorable little dino whine that is practically irresistible.  I continue to remind myself that he can only have 3-5 breaks from his kennel confinement even if he he's doing so well.  It's hard, very hard.

During one of his breaks today, I took him into the bathroom so I could work a little on giving his eyebrows and beard a trim.  He hasn't been willing to allow me near his face in months and today he actually allowed me to use scissors to trim his eyebrows and beard.  I held him in my arms and he didn't mind at all.  SO different.  I can't wait for the day when the doctor says I can take him in the shower to wash his body.  He really needs a bath!

He's becoming more squirmy and feisty when I give him his medication too.  Even swaddling him in a towel doesn't seem to stop the squirming and the squeals.  I reread the medication directions from Dr. Jarboe and it says that I can discontinue his Gabapentin nerve pain medicine when he doesn't appear to be in pain any more.  I don't think he's quite ready for that, but perhaps he'll only need it for a few more days.  We'll see.  He will be continuing his Prednisolone 1x a day until he gets his stitches out next Friday.  At that time, the doctor may also adjust his kennel confinement schedule.

A live Ustream Stretch Break will begin tomorrow (Sunday, August 24).  I'll be going live two times in only thirty minute breaks as he must return to the kennel and rest.  Peanut will be monitored closely too as Mason wants so badly to climb her like a jungle gym!  You can find the schedule on the sidebar to the right or scroll all the way down the page to see the camera.

Waking up to a new day...

Mason slept well through the night.  Every move he made in his kennel on my bed made me wake up just to check on him.  I am thankful I have a flashlight app on my cell phone because his little kennel gets pretty dark at night.

Today, he's eating, drinking and doing his business regularly.  He has a voracious appetite so I have to slow him down a bit as he's wolfing down his softened dog food.  He does grunt a bit but according to Dr. Jarboe's visit today, that's more than likely because he is sensing the added weight on his neck.  She said he'll have to adjust to that and will build more muscle to help him during this adjustment.  His eyes are much brighter, more round and have that sparkly spark today, so I know he is really on the mend and getting back to his angelic little self.

Before leaving from the hospital with Mason yesterday, I wanted to give each and every team at Busch and the Life Center ER a little thank you card.  I hope this little token of gratitude (with personal notes) showed them how much I appreciate the gift they gave back to me.

Front Desk, Recovery, Surgical Support, Dr. Jarboe, Dr. B all received a card, and of course, Mighty Mason was the star!

I've got several more cards in the works for those who graciously gave me their address when donating to his surgery fund.  I will also be sending out email thank yous to every person who donated to his fund.  Thank you all for your continued love, support and prayers for Mason.  He's working on his recovery now, so please, continue to pray!!!

Home!!!

Mason's Home!!! Dr. Jarboe was in surgery when I arrived so I had to wait a bit longer than expected.   When she was done (she was in surgery since 9:00 and finished up at 4:00), she followed Mason into the exam room. Yes, FOLLOWED.  Mason was prancing all the way in on his own four happy feet. When he saw me sitting there, he started wiggling his cute little bum. I scooped him up and he just kissed my face and made his little "dinosaur" squeal. 

He does not have a splint on his neck and Dr. Jarboe said his bones are very secure and stable. She showed me the post-op xrays and talked to me about his incision in his neck. He'll need to return in 10-14 days for a check-up and to get his sutures out and will also return 6 weeks after that for repeat xrays to make sure his pins have not migrated. We're returning home with the same medication regime for a few more weeks, and of course strict cage rest for for the next 8-12 weeks. A small price to pay for a happy, healthy and LONG life. 

Got home and immediately put the kennel on the floor so Peanut could say hi. She sniffed, gave a quick glance and off she went crawling across the floor...That's her happy move! Mason gave out a hello squeal too.

Here are the xray shots that were done immediately after surgery:

Mason's coming home!

Just got off the phone with the doctor. Said Mason is doing wonderful and they are so pleased with how he is doing. They said standing up and walking right after such a surgery yesterday showed them that he is truly an amazing little fellow. Said they are weaning him off his hospital medicines and the iv line and will be prepping him to come home later today. 

I told them I was concerned about that and they said with a puppy like him "he's a noisy guy-sounds like a little dinosaur" who would be more at ease home. He said they knew from those first steps after surgery that he was going to do just fine and they were sooo excited and happy with his progress.

I asked about giving medicine and said that he's really not into that and fights me when having to give it to him. He said continue what I have been doing, the head is NOT GOING TO MOVE and he will be just fine. He will need approx. 6 weeks to heal.

Soo...I will be heading to Leesburg to pick up Mason today. Doctor said they'll have him all ready to come home at 3:00. He's really doing well.

Surgery complete...

Photo taken night before surgery, 8-18-13.

Mason went into surgery today at 9:00 AM EST.  Dr. Jarboe was there to reassure me that she had practiced the surgery at least 20 times in her head since the day it was scheduled.  She told me it is one of the most difficult procedures Neuro Vets will ever do, but she was absolutely ready to go.  As she left to go fix Mighty Mason, she gave me a big hug.  I told her to take care of my baby and she said she would.  She would give me a call by 12:00 to give me an update.  

I left the hospital with my nephew at the wheel and rode home thinking, praying and crying.  We headed over to wait for the news at my parent's house.  Waiting was torture and 12:00 came with no update...Mom said "No news is good news!"  Really?  

Ten minutes later, I got the call.  Mason was out of surgery and doing exceptionally well in recovery. All four legs were moving and he was active.  She said she did not do a CT scan because he was so tiny, but radiographs showed perfect alignment and stabilization of the C1-C2 vertebrae.  She was thrilled with the outcome and said it could not have gone any better.  

She did note that I would see her post-surgery report that upon trying to insert one of the pins, a tiny piece of his vertebrae fractured.  She said she didn't want that to be a concern for me because it is typical in such a tiny puppy.  She said the location of the fracture was in no way impacting the way it would heal or be treated.  She also said that she was able to locate a more dense piece of bone where she installed the pin.  It was cemented in place perfectly.  She is not concerned in the least with this fracture, just wanted to inform me of the details.  

She was impressed and pleased with his post-op recovery as well.  She says he is up and awake and moving all four legs easily.  She placed him on anti anxiety and gastro medications to help ease his tummy during recovery.  Of course, I suppose he is on pain/inflammation meds too.  Dr. Jarboe also stated that if things go as well as they are now, he will most likely be ready to go home tomorrow but she'll discuss that with me tomorrow when she calls at 10:00.  I will feel more comfortable if he stays at the hospital for a longer period of time as it is at least an hour away from home and I want him to be very stable before being discharged.  

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.  Mason will have a long road to recovery but I will keep you updated every step of the way.  

He truly lives up to his name:  

MIGHTY MASON!!!

Update...

Hello all.

We're back from the doctor.  Dr. Jarboe removed his head splint for the time being.  He will continue to be on medication and cage rest for the foreseeable future.  She noticed some of the strength and coordination back in Mason's legs and attributed that to the medication, head splint and cage rest.  She reiterated that surgery was the best approach for long-term treatment and correction and that even with conservative medication and 10 weeks cage rest, his condition would remain extremely fragile indefinitely.

We discussed long-term conservative treatment and she stated that with time, Mason could build up scar tissue that would help constrain his neck bones, but even with added scar tissue, the condition would remain and it would be necessary to continue medication and cage rest for the remainder of his life. Every yes/no movement, every unexpected hop could be the move that could possibly paralyze or cause immediate death.  If surgery is the route to be taken, it should be taken sooner than later because buildup of scar tissue makes this risky surgery even more challenging.  Surgery is his best chance at a full and happy life.

Mason's surgery is scheduled for Monday, August 19.  We'll be checking in at Bush Hospital at 8:00 AM EST and surgery will begin at approx. 11:00am. There will be two attending Neurosurgeons, both of whom are the most qualified and experienced in the field.  Dr. Jarboe will take the lead role in his surgery.  The surgery will take anywhere from 1-3 hours and he will remain in recovery/observation for up to three days.

Please continue to pray and send healing vibes.  Thank You!

In other news...Peanut managed to make me smile today:

 So I watched her for about an hour....So cozy...and sweet...

Playing in the safety zone

Mason gets about five sessions out of his kennel each day s he can stretch, go potty and move around a bit.  When the grass is too wet, we head into the bathroom.  Here, he can do all these things as well as stay away from crazy play with Peanut that could cause more trouble.

Here's a little video of some careful play in the bathroom.

We'll be back tomorrow with an update from the doctor.

Waiting for tomorrow...

Hello there,

Mason's making the most of being cooped up in his kennel for the majority of the day.  He's got his favorite toys (stuffed dog, mouse and manatee) as well as a bully stick that keeps him occupied.  He finally knows it's a good idea to take his Gabapentin (for nerve pain) without giving momma a fight. He gets a special treat of baby food -Turkey and Gravy/Chicken and Gravy after he's gotten the nasty squirt.  Today I added another cherry cough syrup (Prednosolone for inflamation) flavored squirt to the mix.  He doesn't care for that either, but at least he can get it down without much of a fight.

The muggy weather has left the grass moist each morning and evening so that has been pretty challenging when needing to go "Potty".  Mason so wants to be a big boy and go outside so he holds it as long as he can to avoid going in the makeshift potty in the shower.  The doctor said he has to keep his head splint very dry as to avoid getting an infection.

I'll be taking a little video tonight of Mason hanging out in the bathroom.  This is pretty much the safest place he can wander and be a puppy during this scary time.  Mason has to keep away from Peanut for his own good, and since Peanut wants to follow me (and Mason) everywhere we go, locking her out of the bathroom for a few minutes is the best thing to do.  Every time Mason is around her on the floor he wants to climb her, chew on her ears, and pull her neck hairs...He loves her so much. He tried to climb into her puppy bed last night but I had to pick him back up and put him in his kennel.  Sooo sad for that puppy.  She's pretty much a bull in a China shop around him and seems oblivious to walking and moving carefully when he's nearby.

Thank you to my friends and family for sending sweet cards to us in the mail.  We appreciate it so much.  I'll post the video here so stop back and take a peek.  I'll also post an update tomorrow as we return from our visit with Dr. Jarboe.

Please continue to pray, and if you can, share share share the fundraiser link.  Thank you!

Being cooped up stinks!

Hello friends,

Mason is doing ok today.  I can see he's trying to manage his cumbersome head brace as best he can. When out of his kennel for stretches and potty breaks, he tries really hard to rub it off.  He's hearing a lot of NO-NO's as I'm afraid he's twisting his head a bit too much sometimes.  I try to give him extra rubs on his ears and forehead and even some sneaky rubs under his brace at the base of his back.  I believe it's becoming annoying and itchy, just as a cast would be.

Mason really hates his new medicine too.  He's now off the Meloxicam and exclusively on .6mg dose of Gabapentin.  This medicine is given to block nerve pain and is often given as an anti seizure medication.  He may be placed on Prednisone 1.0 mg next week if the doctor feels he would benefit from using it.  Gabapentin is given every 12 hours so at least that one good thing about having to take something you really dislike!

Mason will return to Dr. Jarobe on Wednesday.  Her office called just the other day to explain that they received the additional report from the doctor they asked to take a second look at the MRI.  They will discuss his findings when I'm there.  They stated it did not impact the diagnosis or treatment plan. Mason will also have neuro evaluation again and the doctor will determine whether to remove the splint or replace it.

So for now, Mason is good.  He isn't in pain, he's bored and really wants to play with Peanut.  I believe the kennel rest (it'll be 2 weeks on Sunday), meds and love has made his leg strength and coordination much better, but from what I hear, that is not atypical and is not a sign of miraculous recovery...but I'll take it for now.  I hate hearing and seeing him in pain.

PS...I'm also attaching the xray that was taken 7-30.  I do have the disk of his MRI but the special formatting is not allowing me to download them (over 120 slides).

Strength...Courage...Hope...

Hello-

Mighty Mason needs your prayers as we received scary medical reports this past week.  Mason has been exhibiting pain symptoms sporadically after waking from sleep for about two months now, but did not show any symptoms when taken into the vet for evaluations.  Perhaps it was his adrenaline kicking in or just the timing was always off.  In any case, Dr. Vernon never saw what I had been seeing and thought that perhaps it was just me overreacting to typical puppy behaviors and whines.  However,  In July, Dr. Vernon finally noticed some tenderness when palpating and manipulating his neck.  He prescribed medicine that seemed to solve the painful episodes for the time being.  

This past Saturday he had a painful night.  He woke several times in crying out in pain and then throughout the day on Sunday.  His pain episodes were long lasting (unlike those in the past that were approx 1-2 minute episodes) and all I could do was try to comfort him in my arms.  Since Dr. Vernon wasn't open on Sunday, I had the longest and most excruciatingly heart wrenching wait with my little guy.  Right away Monday morning I took him in to be evaluated by Dr. Vernon. During this visit, Mason displayed signs and symptoms that I had been trying to convince him of and finally, I felt Dr. Vernon believed me that it was not just "typical puppy crying" or manipulation behaviors.  He watched him walk on the floor and noticed his weakness on the right side and his tipsy walking.  He conducted a few neurological assessments and suggested he may have some abnormalities in his neck/vertebra that would need further assessment.  He recommended a few Neuro's and I decided to make an appointment the next day with the one closest to home.

On Tuesday, Mason met with Dr. Knoeckel at SouthPaws.  Dr. Knoeckel evaluated him and took one x-ray so as to not manipulate his painful neck and not cause further damage.  After reviewing the radiographs, his diagnosis was: Absence of a dens= C1-2 instability.  He discussed two common treatment options: splinting and cage rest for 6-8 weeks, or surgery.   After some discussion that seemed totally hopeless, I was in shock and terribly devastated. I left with little hope in either treatment.   Upon returning home and through tear filled eyes, I scoured the internet for information about his condition searching for something...anything that could help save my little man.   I needed a second opinion and a glimmer of hope...at least.  I found a Dr. in Miami and some success stories online.  I researched other neurologists in the area and finally found Bush Veterinary Neurology Service.  

Dr.  Jarboe met Mighty Mason for the first time today.  I have to say the staff there helped ease my heartache and sadness and Dr. Jarboe helped bring hope to a very dark and scary diagnosis. She shared her expert opinion about the x-ray view and additional things she noticed in the x-ray. She also spent time talking with me about other conditions that could be contributing to his pain. She recommended doing an MRI to find out more and to determine a treatment plan.  Her compassion and understanding helped me breathe...and gave me some hope he could be saved.

I left Mason in the care of Dr. Jarboe and her staff so they could conduct the MRI.  It was the longest three hours of my life.  Thank God, my sister, a director of nursing in Richmond, VA was there to support me.  Her expertise and understanding of all this medical mumbo-jumbo was so much appreciated.  While we were away, she was able to explain the terminology to me in a simplified way-and helped my nerves.

When I returned at 1:30, I could hear Mason's pitiful squeals in the other room...These squeals I knew all too well...not those of a painful pup...those were the squeals of please hold me, don't leave me in this cage...Poor Pitiful Mason...Quite different from the howls, barks and moans of other dogs waiting there too, and most definitely different than his painful cries that break my heart each time they come.  The post-procedure team came out throughout his recovery to reassure me that those were not yelps or cries of pain...they didn't have to.  I knew what those cries were...all too well...and they did give me hope and a little smile through all this sadness.

Dr. Jarboe and her staff returned with Mason all wrapped in a head/neck sling and so excited to see me. What a handsome fellow ready to bust outta there!   Looking somewhat like a turtle in that headdress and a poodle with his new haircut on his legs.  Of course he wasn't whining or yelping or squealing as he was safe and sound tucked in my arms.  She got to work showing me the MRI slides and explaining her observations in detail.  She gave her diagnoses and left me with hope...albeit risky...but hopeful.  

So here's the scary diagnoses:  

1.  Atlanto axial subluxation with aplastic dens and dorsolateral ligamentous hypertrophy

2.  Caudal occipital malformaiton syndrome (COMS)

3.  Atlanto occipital (AO) overlap

4.  Low vlume quadrigeminal diverticulum

5.  Mild dilation of the lateral (LT>RT), third, mesencephalic aqueduct

6.  Bilateral cryptochidism

Prognosis:  50% chance of stabilization with conservative care (splint/cage rest) and risk of permanent paralysis or death.  80% chance for stabilization with surgical stabilization.  20% he would not improve and risk acute death or permanent paralysis.  Likely probability that he may require a second surgery to address his COMS and AO overlap at a later time.  

Soooo....That's scary!  

We'll return to see Dr. Jarboe next Wednesday for a recheck, possible medication adjustments and to change his splint.  At this time we will also discuss further plans for treatment.  

Please...Pray....Give your babies extra hugs tonight!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of Mason that were taken just about a week and a half ago...when my days were so much brighter...

 (Mason ready to go outside!)

(Mason's favorite spot...next to me with his noisy mousie!)

What a BIIIIGGGG water bowl!

Wow!  This is one BIG water bowl.  Not so sure about this.  Momma is going to make me a pool lover before the end of the season!  My friend Peanut says NO WAY!  She'd rather sunbathe on the doorstoop.

PS...That wascally wabbit left treasures for me in the back yard.  Searching for treasure is more fun than standing in the BIG water bowl!!!

The Great Paper Caper...

Momma's been working in her craft room making cards for friends around the world and I decided to follow her up to her secret room today...OOHHH...I discovered a nice little box of goodies on the floor (momma should know better) and I was off on my great adventure...

Look at all these goodies I found inside this box!  WOOF WOOOOOF!

 Just a little taste testing.  Gotta be just right for my collection you know.

 Lemme drag one more piece out...

 Ohhh...wonder what's down deep in this box???  Sniff sniff...

 Oh, lemme see...This piece will be good for my collection of pink paper... Shhh she'll never know.

 Shhh...don't tell her I dragged the whole bag out...She doesn't need those scraps anyway!  Arf, arf, arf...

Even Peanut's no match for this Paper Caper!!! WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!  

See you around!  Let me get back to work...

Greetings Earthlings...

Hi folks.

I've been busy at home working on mastering my tricks.  Momma says I'm getting better at staying put for longer periods of time.  She says I need to spend more time with boys.  What?  Is she kidding?  I like the LADIES!!!  Momma says SHHH too much when the boys come around 'cuz I just wanna bark, bark, bark...

Momma ordered some photos of me and they arrived this week.  She's been working on making some cards to send off with this strange man in a blue uniform.  I don't much care for that guy, but I guess he has a job to do.  Momma says we're gonna send these cards out to some Schnauzerville friends and family.

Momma says we're going to go on a long car ride to visit her sister in a few days.  I've been there before so I can say hi to my two big dog friends there.  She said I can also practice being nice to the manfolk...

See ya around!  Woof

Fun in the WATER!

Today momma took me outside to play in the back yard.  She squirted water from this long green hose and I tried to catch it.  It was FUN!

I'm loving my first summer!

 Momma was able to take some pictures of me too.  Thanks to www.picmonkey.com, she was able to add some captions.

Poor, Pitiful ME!

Puppy TIP #4,502...

Make a really pitiful sound when you want something.  SMILE...Wag your stubby tail...

It works every time!!!

School's FUN!

Hi there.

I had a great adventure at momma's school today.  Momma was a bit nervous about me going to school with her because she says I talk too much.  She thought I would be too noisy, not share my toys and have an accident.

I showed her!  I was a good student.  I didn't talk too much even when the other kids were noisy.  I met some new friends and I wanna go back soon.  Momma says this was a good test to see if I'm a perfect fit for being a Therapy Puppy.  I've got more training to go, but I'm showing them that I've got what it takes!

Here are a few pictures of my great school adventure:

Here's a little video too:

Mason's Day At School

Sleepy Angel...

Momma likes to keep an eye on me when I'm sleeping.  Momma says it's because I'm such a little peaceful angel puppy when I'm snoozing.   I'm so stinkin' cute!  I know it!!

I'm a BIG BOY now!

Guess what.  Momma left me at the top of the steps again and I wouldn't let her help me down.  I barked and barked and barked for her to come back up stairs.  She said NO.  So, I decided it was finally time for me to become a big boy.

I took it one step at a time and made it down the steps!  I was so surprised and happy at the same time!  Momma knew I could do it but I was just too scared...Until last night.  I've been practicing a lot today.  Here's momma taking a video of me this morning.

I also found another great place to take a nap.  High on top of my momma's couch!

My sis Peanut

My big sister Peanut went to the doctor this morning and got some rotten teeth pulled out.  Dr. Vernon said she'll be good as new after a few days but for now, I should let her rest on my cozy bed pillow and not bother her.  THAT'S A HARD THING TO DO!!!

Hide And Seek!

I got in trouble today...Well, kind of.

Momma searched high and low for me for a long time.  She finally found my hiding spot.

Now I know I'm REALLY good at playing HIDE AND SEEK!

A hard days work...

While waiting my turn for my puppy training today, I wandered around PetCo with Momma and found this little mouse toy.    I wanted to take it home but momma said I had to do a good job of listening and learning first.

I did a good job showing my sitting, laying, looking and "Paw" skills and also learned how to "Stay".
I have some more fans too!   People came from far and wide to watch me do my tricks!  They couldn't believe a little guy could be so smart.  Momma and Ms. Trainer know I'm a very smart boy!

Momma didn't know that my new toy made crazy noises and had glowing eyes until we got home.  That makes it even more fun!!!  WOO HOO!  

Wanna see it?  Well, momma took a video:

Who needs a cat when you have a Maximilian Schnauzer???

Thank You!!!

 Hey, what's up???  Cool dude here!  I'm sportin' a new team jersey.  I'm an ALL STAR little dog with a BIG Attitude and I'm proud of it!!!

I got happy mail today.  I want to thank LizMol for the cool shirt.  Here's a little video momma made to show it off!!!

Thanks Liz!

PS...Momma says she's going to have to sew the tag down because it is the perfect size to get stuck on my lower jaw.

See you around.  Gotta go to puppy training to learn new tricks!

New Tricks!

I went to the puppy trainer for the first time on Sunday.  My trainer said I'm so smart and she thinks I'm going to learn fast.  She told my momma to be more strict and don't give me an inch because I may be little, but I am a big boy in my mind.  She said momma needs to use a deeper voice too...

I got to meet a big black dog that is a therapy dog.  She had her tail tucked between her legs and was scared to be around me.  All she wanted to do was hide behind a big person and stay away from me.  I just wanted to play with her and I was being really nice.  I tried to follow her around all over but she was too scared.  Maybe I can convince her to play next time.

Momma took a little video of me today showing one of my new tricks.  I did learn three at the trainer, but I'm still learning the "lay down" moves.  It's pretty tricky!

Sit puppy, sit!

Momma says I can go back to the trainer again on Saturday.  I'll get to walk around and practice being quiet.  That's hard work for me!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

My momma took some pictures of me today so I could send some greetings to my other mommies Cocoa and Max.  I miss them so much but want to tell them thank you for taking care of me and making sure I found the best forever home.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Thanks to the free online photo editing site PicMonkey for helping me make ordinary pictures extraordinary!