The Wigglers - And An Important Message From Tsar

My dogs are enrolled in the Georgie Project which is a research project to find answers to some medical problems that plague not only Portuguese Water Dogs, but all dogs. They're looking for the causes and cures for such diseases as Addisons, Cancer and autoimmune diseases. One of the ways we  contribute to the project is with blood samples. Today was the day we had decided to get the blood drawn on the eight Porties.

The day got off to a bad start. Drawing blood meant no breakfast this morning. I had ten very unhappy dogs on my hands and they didn't hesitate to tell me about it.

We planned to make two trips with four dogs each trip. So we loaded the first four "volunteers" into the car and headed for All Creatures. Bailey and Tess waited noisily in the car while we took Lola and Norma Jean in the clinic. Dr B decided to do the blood draws himself and I was aghast when I saw that the project wanted five tubes of blood from each dog. I thought they might faint from weakness. We put Lola on the table and the doctor was able to get one tube filled before she started wiggling. He tried again, but no go.

Because my dogs are very active and standing still long enough for five tubes of blood to be drawn is impossible, we decided to try another approach. Dr B said to give each dog 15mg of valium and wait 30 minutes. He said that would quiet them and make them drowsy enough to accomplish our mission. We took them home, gave each one a dose of valium and waited 30 minutes, then headed back to the clinic.

There was absolutely no effect from the valium. They didn't get drowsy and they still wiggled on the table so much that we gave up on the blood draw idea. Instead, as each one goes in for dental cleanings or cyst removals, we'll draw blood while they're under sedation. Everyone came home and had breakfast.

So much for good intentions.

Reilly has come up with a good idea. He's setting up a mailing list for dogs with blogs so that we can send cards or letters or even packages with treats inside. If you go over to his blog you can read all about it and join if you want. Our Mom keeps a notebook with names, addresses and blog sites, but sometimes she forgets to write one down. Then when she starts looking for an address, papers start flying around and sometimes bad words are heard. An online mailing list sounds like a good idea to us so that Mom doesn't lose her cool.

Now this is very important!! Tomorrow is June 1. That means you only have nine days to get your pictures to us for Bandana Day. It's really easy, here's what you have to do.


1. Dress up in something green.
2. Have your human take your picture.
3. Email the picture to us at    wilcoxhall@ymail.com
4. In your email tell us your name, state or country you live in and your blog or web address.


That's it. How easy is that? On June 10 our Mom will help us post the pictures with your name and country. When people click on your name they'll be able to visit your blog and tell you how beautiful or handsome you are. Maybe you can make some new friends and get to visit new places.

Don't forget. There's only a few days left!