Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween ! Our first Halloween with Bebe !

Huh?*&%??? What the heck ? !!%*&$

I must save my human family !

Under your spell...Happy Halloween !

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Up & Down Commands

Bebe.... performing her "Up like a Big Girl" and "Down" commands.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The most brilliant Coton ever !


Bebe's new puppy cut

Yesterday, when I was getting ready to run out the door with Bebe to get her to her grooming appointment, I noticed her collar was missing. I turned my house upside down and inside out looking for it. I couldn't imagine where it could be. I looked all day yesterday, last night, even asked the kids to help find it. They have been known to take her collar off a time or two, but have always either put it back on her or placed it on my counter so I would always know where it was in the event of an emergency. Bebe's ID tags are on her collar, so it's either find the collar, or order her a new collar & ID tag today.
As I logged on the computer a few minutes ago to place a new order for her collar and tags, I looked down at Bebe and said, "Bebe, where is your collar? Go find your collar !". So there I was, typing in Boomerangtags.com, and I hear Bebe whining in the other room, which she never does. I expected her to be by the door to go out, even though she knows to ring the bells. Nope. She wasn't at the back door. She was sitting beside her crate, looking inside, and whining ! Huh ?? "What the heck is wrong with you Bebe ?" I called Bebe to "come", but she refused. Bebe would not move from that spot. I walked over, peered in the crate, and low and behold, there was her collar & ID tag !!!!!!
She found it for me, just like I asked !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coton's are brilliant, aren't they ??!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Bebe's Mommy has Pups !


Bebe's mommy had new puppies !!! Darling pictures !!
http://carolinacotons.shutterfly.com/
Official website is... http://www.carolinacotons.com/

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Coton Laundry

If you have a Coton, then I'm sure you will relate
to this post ! Bebe is such a 'helper' ! When it's time to fold laundry, she's right in the middle of it. She loves nothing better than a huge pile of clean clothes to lay right in the middle of ! ( gasp! ) Since I have a habit of bathing her frequently, I've managed to tolerate it. She still manages to run off with a sock or two ! I went to make my bed today and Bebe was at my feet, so I was caught off guard when I went to grab the comforter that had been pushed aside, and something didn't look quite right.... I almost didn't notice those tiny little legs sticking out from under the comforter ! I promptly removed her. Needless to say, she was not happy I kicked her out of her cozy spot.
By the time I went to grab my pile of pillows, there she was.... smack dab in the middle of her new cozy spot, clearly pouting ! Boy, all I do is ruin the fun around here. But thanks for helping Bebe !!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Collapsed Trachea and Reverse Sneezing

After I posted the video regarding Reverse Sneezing, a friend who read my post and watched the video emailed me and informed me that her Jack Russell had a collapsed trachea, and maybe that's what was wrong with Bebe. I immediately started research on a collapsed trachea, and decided that since Bebe does not have a chronic cough, and it has only happened a few times in the past year, then I can wait to have her checked out at her regular vet appointment in November. However, the article I found online was very informative.

Collapsed Trachea and Reverse Sneezing
By Stephen Glass

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is an important structure which connects the throat to the lungs. It is composed of 35- 45 C-shaped rings of cartilage that are joined by muscle and ligaments to create a tube-like structure. It serves the purpose of directing air into the respiratory tract.

When the cartilage rings are flattened from the top to the bottom, the trachea is said to be collapsed. Rapid inhalation of air can cause the trachea to flatten and make it difficult for air to enter the lungs, much like a soda straw being drawn on too vigorously.

Why does it happen?

We do not completely understand how this condition develops. However, we know that these dogs have an abnormality in the chemical makeup of their tracheal rings. The rings loose their stiffness so they are not able to retain their circular shape. We also know that it occurs in certain breeds of dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. Because of that, it is suspected that there is a genetic factor involved.
What are the signs? Collapsing trachea or Reverse sneezing ?

With reverse sneezing the pharynx (back of the throat) goes into spasms. The dog finds it difficult to draw in air through the spasms, so it stands still, stretches out her neck, and thrusts its elbows out (like a bowlegged bulldog) as it honks, wheezes, or snorts. Often eyes open wide. The spasms will stop if she swallows a couple of times.
Close off her nostrils with your fingers so it has to breathe through its mouth for a few seconds. Gently rub its throat. This works for some. Distract it by carrying the dog outside into the fresh air. **Note ** All I did was offer Bebe some water to distract her, and it stopped immediately. I didn't need to close off her nostrils at all.

Young puppies can reverse sneeze, but the first episode typically occurs in late adolescence. Stay calm and get it to swallow with one of the methods described above. In a few seconds to a minute, it will run off to play. Reverse sneezing is a harmless phenomenon which needs no vet consultation and no medical treatment whatsoever. It is very common in toy breeds.
Other signs, however, will help you distinguish the two conditions: If it makes these sounds when excited or after eating or drinking, or turns her elbows outward and extends its neck and gasps inward with a rhythmic snork! snork! snork!, this is reverse sneezing.

If it breathes through the mouth sometimes, or breathes with a raspy sound, or coughs reflexively when you simply rub its throat, it could have a collapsing trachea. If the cough is one or two expulsive outward bursts (forcing air through the trachea to open it), typically with a gag or empty retch at the end, she could have a collapsing trachea.
The most common clinical sign of collapsing trachea is a chronic cough. It is often described as dry and harsh and can become quite pronounced. The term "goose honk" is often used to describe it. Coughing is often worse in the daytime and much less at night. The cough may also begin due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or from drinking water or eating.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Bebe the Impersonator!

Bebe is available for hire as a body double :)

Bebe starring in Ice Age

Bebe as Superman















Bebe as Clint Eastwood











Bebe as Huckleberry Hound












Bebe the Polar Bear












Bebe as TY "Beanie Bebe"










Monday, October 6, 2008

OH MY GOSH !!!!!!!


Oh No !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bebe's 'baby' (favorite toy ) is uh...( I can't even say it )... well....just look !!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you've been following this blog, you will know that she adores her 'baby'. Oh what will Bebe do ? I just took it away, and she is going from room to room thinking I 'hid' it. Oh Bebe, it's not a game of hide and seek ! Ok...so now what ?!

Friday, October 3, 2008

3 weeks and counting

Ok, it's been 3 weeks now, and I'm beginning to think that Bebe really thinks this is her pup ! It kind of looks like her...look at the faux fur! She drags it everywhere, and I mean, everywhere. I took this photo of her last night while she was fast asleep. And as I sit here typing, she is at my feet, flopped over on her pup. We might have to name it. Any suggestions ?

The best part is, it's completley intact !!!!!! It's a keeper. We highly recommend it!

Click her for more info on her toy.favoritetoys

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Questions ? Comments ?

If you have a question that I haven't covered, please leave a comment and I'd be glad to see if it's something I've had to deal with ! I'll be sure to address it in my blog !!

How do I keep my Coton from Chewing ?!





Bebe has never been big into chewing, and I think this is why... I did my research before bringing her home, and knew that chewing is absolutely normal behavior for curious puppies that may be teething. Dogs also investigate objects by pawing at them, and exploring with their mouths. So, right from the start, I knew that the possibility existed that she may try and chew up my house. So, I was going to be prepared ! I bought these:


Note: Teething Toys should only be used under supervision ! Don't leave your pup in their crate with any teething toys. Bits of plastic can break off and your pup might choke, or if they swallow bits, they may get an intestinal blockage.


Salix Pork and Beef Hides at PetSmart


Nylabone Healthy Edibles. ( I saw them at Walmart )



I made sure to offer her one at any time I was going to have my back turned. ( I can't watch her 100% of the time!) She eventually outgrew the teething keys, but continues to enjoy the twists and Healthy Edible Bones. If she is awake, and I'm busy, then she's chewing on one of these, even now that she is 1 year old. It keeps us both happy !

I'm going to be honest. It's not like she has never chewed on my things, but it has greatly distracted her from getting into big girl trouble. She chewed on one of my flip flops this summer, and the only 'big' trouble she got into was when she chewed my vacume cord, while my vacume was still plugged in ! Give them something to chew on when you can't be sitting with your pup and playing. The key is to keep them occupied, and not bored.

Really important: Never offer your dog an 'old shoe' or your old sock if they are chewing up your good ones. This will only confuse them. They won't be able to distinguish their shoes or socks from yours !