Goodbye Tiki

It is with great sadness and heart ache that I write what is to be the final post to this blog.

Yesterday I had to return Tiki to the breeder.  It was a difficult choice to make but we all believe it will have the best possible outcome for Tiki.  It's because I love her so much and care for her that I had to let her go.


My dear Tiki my place feels empty without you.  You will be missed.  You were the light of my life.

Tiki's Health

The beginning of the year has not been a good one for my little Tiki.  She had to stay at the Vet for 4 days and given IVs because of vomiting. The testing revealed a problem with her liver.  Now that she is being treated with liver enzymes, special food and supplements, she seems to be thriving and doing well. She has gained most of the weight back that she lost while ill. I was quite worried about her and  I am still worried about her health.  The vet is going to do another blood test next week to see how she is doing.

The last visit to the vet revealed that she has ingrown eye lashes on both the upper lower eye lids.  She also has a lump on her side as well, the vet will remove the lump when he does the eye surgery.  She will have to wear a collar again.  This time I have ordered a special deluxe more comfortable collar for Tiki.

The insurance is reluctant to pay the claim because we are unable to obtain medical history from the previous vet.  While I understand the company's point of view, it is problem for both the company  and me.  I am more interested in getting previous medical history so the vet may better treat her.

She still is a delight to me and I love to have her here with me.  I am greeted  at the door with much excitement when I arrive home,while Lacey remains indifferent to my arrival  Although Tiki can be stubborn at times when we are walking, for the most part she is very eager to get the exercise.  She still uses the pad inside for the potty but  she also has some successes outside more  often than earlier. She is learning to sit and wait and also to shake a paw.  She does better at those commands when I have a treat in hand.  She is so cute when she first sees the treat, dancing around on her hind legs.


After these setbacks, I expect that Tiki will remain healthy and continue to thrive.

Mooning with the Kong Ball

 Today I found the ultimate Kong Toy, I just hope it doesn't drive Tiki crazy.  With just a few treats rattling around inside, she has so much fun rolling the odd shaped ball around the room.  Notice that the sofa has been put down in the hide-a-bed position for her project. I am having a good time watching her play.  Sometimes I've had to crawl around and retrieve the ball from under the ottoman or other furniture.

Fashion Plate!

Tiki received a gift yesterday from Helen.
.Doesn't she look cute?
 I'm glad she was wearing something since it was colder outside than it looked.
She made it very clear that twice with the sweater was enough for her,  Just like babies, she does not like putting anything over her head. Too bad, the sweater was so pretty.  We passed it on to Helen's little Charlotte.
Today, we met Lucy.  I think they will make good playmates.  Lucy's mom said that that park area is full of dogs in the summer.   I can hardly wait!
The walking is going much better now that I am using her collar with the leash instead of the harness.  I am able to have her walk beside me most of the time. She isn't pulling very much at all.
It is so cute when she comes back home from her walk she runs around the living at max speed and then rolls around on the rug.  She is laying down, recuperating for all that action now.
Update on the training...sometimes she goes outside and sometimes on my bedroom carpet but mostly we are still using the pads. "Nature's Miracle" has become my best friend.  Any tips on training an older Bichon, 3 years will be appreciated.

My other companion

T

Meet Lacey aka 'Critter'.  We share Lacey's home with her.  Since Tiki has joined our family Lacey has been dethroned. Five weeks later she is still greeting Tiki with a loud hssss or a baritone growl.  Tiki doesn't react but I think she feels rather sad that they are not good friends.
Lacey will be 17 in April and was born in my place.  So I've had her since birth and I know she resents this "furry intruder" in her space.
My hope is that one day soon Lacey will allow Tiki into her fold and they will become the best of friends. 
Margo, ever the peacemaker, wanting everyone happy.

Not Just Another Sofa

I couldn't resist this sofa bed for my little Tiki.  It fits in so well with the living room decor!

We went for a short walk so Tiki could dip her paw in the snow.  We both decided that the dry sidewalk was the best place to be walking.

The other day we had a standoff over the sweater of many colours.   Tiki held her ground not budging an inch.  I said no sweater, then no walk.  Guess who won?  I didn't like the design of the sweater and I can see why Tiki does not want a sweater pulled over her head.  Maybe I should start making doggie coats, sweaters and whatever.  I do, however think Tiki does need some boots.

A girl has gotta have new clothes

Today Tiki sported her new sweater on our winter outing.  We both like the bright colourful  sweater.  The design is a poor one as we discovered when putting it on Tiki.  It really should have had a Velcro closing, when will those non dog designers get it right?
Tiki met another friend "Boss", who looked somewhat like a certain small breed which I can't spell.  The owner wasn't quite sure what the mix breed his dog is.  The owner of Boss said he sent away for genetic testing to truly discover the mix in the breed.  The things us pet owners will do!