Monday, December 20, 2010

Mom on Monday




Before another day goes by, we have to show you all the cards we have gotten in the snail mail - look at them!!!!


And they keep coming in every day. AND then there are all the beautiful e-cards and smilebox cards that we have also received. We think the last count was over 30 of those in addition to the ones shown above!!! We wish there were an easy way to share them with all of you. All we can say is a very big THANK YOU to everyone for the wonderful holiday cards. And we also have to thank Frankie Furter, The Feisty Three, and Sprinkles for organizing the holiday card exchange. It is the first time we have participated, and we are very glad that we did.


The Momster here today. I wanted to thank all of you so much for all the suggestions and ideas for getting Phantom to eat. I have been calling him Picky Boy for a while now, but it is probably a misnomer. He just plain doesn't want to eat. Some days I think he has an eating disorder. I did want to clear up a few things. Phantom is not on a diet of plain kibble. I have tried to feed him everything you can possibly think of. He does NOT like his food mixed with anything, so forget adding broth. I have tried sprinkling cheese, garlic, and small bits of tuna on his food. He won't touch it. If he is going to eat, the food has to be separated from anything else. One day he might eat chicken, another day he walks away from it. Same with any kind of meat I cook for him. For a while this fall he was doing pretty well with some raw organic chicken patties by Nature's Variety, and I really thought we had hit the jackpot. But now he will only eat a very small amount of it once in a while. We have tried probiotics and pepcid, but if it is IN or ON his food, he won't eat . If I try to give it to him as medicine, I have to put it down his throat and wait for him to swallow it, then he retreats to his crate because he gets so upset by it.

We have done tuna, sardines, liverwurst, rice, pasta, baby food, hot dogs, chicken, turkey, beef, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, broth (he hates his food wet) . He won't eat potatoes. We have a buster cube, but forget that, he won't even try.

He really is a mystery. Most of you will look at his photos and say he looks great, but if you could touch him, you would probably report me for abuse. It is not very easy for me to touch him as he is just like a skeleton. Some days I can get him to eat treats, but I don't want him to live on treats. The vet tells me to give him whatever he wants to get him to eat. Ha - easier said than done.

He is scheduled for his annual physical in early January at which time the vet will most likely run another senior panel on him and check his numbers. In the meantime, I just keep trying to get him to eat. With his two malignant lumps, I can't help but wonder . . .

One other suggestion from a reader was more walks for him alone with just me. He and I walk together almost every day - he does LOVE his walks.

Today he was treated to a day at the spa. TD and Ciara go tomorrow. He came home looking pretty spiffy. What do you think?






The groomer is so good to him, treats him very gently and got him done by noon so he didn't have to stay all day. Let's hope he is hungry tonight.

The OP Pack Momster

53 comments:

  1. How stressful this must be for you. Poor Phantom! Paws crossed he's hungry tonight!! A friend of mine is "picky" Golden but loves things like scrambled eggs when she's on meat or kibble strike... but only sometimes. Other times she hates them. Her mom gets so worried. :(

    Hugs to you and Phantom!

    Wags,
    Zona

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  2. WOW...that is a lot of cards. I think we have received about 15 or so in the mail.

    Poor Phantom. I really wish I could offer you advice. All I can say is that I understand. We have talked before about Samick and his eating problems as well. Samick is the same way. He is just skin and bones and is heart breaking. I wish I had some advice. :(

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  3. I was going to come back and post yesterday but...

    Our last SharPei got really picky and for a while the only thing he'd eat was venison. (so if you've any friends with a deer in their freeze...) The other thing he'd eat was something the vet gave me that came out of a tube like toothpaste. I'd put it on my finger and he'd eat it.


    Hugs -- pam

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  4. Oh - how frustrating!! I'm a bit behind with blogs so I've just left a useless comment on the last post suggesting you try tuna - ha! ha! ;-)

    Anyway, I suppose if he's been doing this for a while, he obviously isn't starving to death - even if he is thin - so maybe he is just one of those that functions on less food. Not a satisfactory conclusion, I know, but it sounds like you're doing everything that can possibly be done! Hope the vet might have more suggestions. Certainly, I know that having tumours and the chemicals they release can totally suppress your appetite - this happened to Paul's father while he was battling his pancreatic cancer and he really struggled to eat anything, despite previously loving his food. If he did manage to eat, it was only in small amounts. So he lost a shocking amount of weight. I don't know if the vet can do anything to counteract that...

    Anyway, he looks great after his day at the Spa!

    Hsin-Yi

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  5. You know, what you said about Phantom eating treats kind of rings a bell with us. He loves you and wants your attention, so when you give him a treat (or when you give him his kibble one piece at a time) he is getting what he wants. Just a thought. We think you have marvelous patience with him....and know that if there is a solution, you will find it

    gussie n teka
    (now we NEVER play games like that with the muzzer...nooooo)

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  6. What load of cards! Every year, we say we are going to join in the card exchanges, but just never have.

    Come on, Phantom, let's eat some. Wish I had advice, but just not a problem I have ever dealt with on a long term basis.

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  7. Wow to your mountain of cards!!!

    We are so sorry that you are so stressed WoosMum and we are at a loss for better advice than whatever has been offered.

    Biiiiiig hugs to Phantom and the pack and most of all to you,

    chikisses
    coco and tiffy

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  8. Poor Phantom. I don't have any good suggestions for you - we used boiled chicken for Max but you've said he won't eat that. Maybe some Christmas food will tempt him :) And he looks VERY handsome after his trip to the groomer!

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  9. how lovely to get so many cards!!!!

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  10. Phantom si so handsome! I wish I had some advice for you. I can't imagine how you must worry!

    The cards are awesome!

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  11. We did not knows about the nomming problem afore so allow us to throw yet one more suggestshun your way... Mom has gotten the pickiest of eaters to nom this and it has werked for udders she recommended it to so mite be werth a shot. And, if Phantom won't nom it, you can always send it to me :)
    http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/dogformulas/DFRolls.html

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  12. There are so many beautiful cards, there. Momma says that WE have gotten more cards this year than she and dad have!

    Phantom's behavior sounds like Quinn was acting before the vet diagnosed his pancreatitis. Quinn is on enzymes now but still has bouts when it must act up and he will not eat. I know it must be very stressful to you but it sounds like you are trying every possibility. Just let him know he is loved...and maybe try handfeeding (Siku prefers that when she is sick or anxious). Woos to Phantom that he is very hungry tonight.

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  13. Phantom buddy I sure hope you start eating. We are all worried about you.

    I personally prefer dining out of the trash can at every opportunity. Have you tried disguising dinner as a trashy treat? I mean you've tried everything else.

    Hope you get feeling better buddy.

    Merry Christmas!

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  14. That's sure lots of beautiful cards!! I am so sorry about Phantom and his eating problem. He looks very handsome today after his day at the spa! I can't think of any suggestions that you haven't covered already. He doesn't like wet food at all? Our prayers will be with you and for him to eat and get better. Luckily he wants to go for a walk so he's feeling pretty good. Prayers coming your way...Phantom, please eat something. Lots of love, Holly and mom

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  15. Ok I gots another idea. Have you ever had Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Dinners? They are very similar to treats and I couldn't get enough of them. However, they are very healthy were treats are not balanced. http://www.stellaandchewys.com/driedbeef.html

    Maybe you can contact them an see if they have some samples you can try with Phantom. We saw their booth at Woofstock and really enjoyed them.

    woof - Tucker

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  16. I felt certain that you'd tried everything imaginable - that's why I didn't make any suggestions. You are a SUPER dog momster!

    Phantom looks spiffy! The spa agrees with him!

    I know that niggling worry that you expressed about what's going on inside him. I have a very wise friend - who I call when I'm worrying about K's paw lump - and she keeps reminding me that I have K by my side *today*, and I shouldn't forget to enjoy it! I know that you do that but a reminder always helps me!

    Happy Holidays to you! Your good spirits and generosity (and gorgeous dogs) never fail to bring a smile to my face!

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  17. Phantom, Youw Poow Momstew must be wowwied sick..I wish I had something clevew to add to all the good advice you aweady got..PLEEEZ EAT deew sweetie. you do look awfully handsome and I just hope youw vet will be able to help when you see him ow hew. You awe soo loved,please get well. Thundew and ciawa enjoy youw spa day tomowwow...I'm afwaid I'm having mine at home wif mommi tomowwow(she says it's like a westling match and quite exhausting)
    I love all youw cawds and am so glad you have gotten so many'hope youw Chwissmuss is bootiful and healthy and full of tweats and fun times
    smoochie kissses
    ASTA

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  18. Just love all those cards :) Its great to feel loved

    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  19. I want to echo KB's thoughts: your good spirits and generosity (and gorgeous dogs) never fail to bring a smile to my face. Happy Holidays! Who's the prettiest boy?!?

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  20. I feel for you with Phantom. I know how frustrating it must be. My dad's ancient beagle can be fussy like that sometimes too but not as bad. I hope all goes well at his vet appt. and I'll continue to keep him in my prayers.

    He does look spiffy after his day at the spa!

    Wow, you got even more cards than I have! I was trying to see if I could find mine in that pile there but I can't actually remember what it looked like.

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  21. It is so wonderful to give and receive holiday cards. Each and every one makes me smile and I love looking at them. I have them all up where I can see them from my favorite chair.

    I hope Phantom gets better about eating. That is distressing.

    Mango Momma

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  22. Wow! Soo many cards! Phantom looks very handsome and fresh after that spa treatment!
    Eat heartily my friend!!

    Cheers,
    Maxx

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  23. Oh sweet Phantom, please eat for us. Tonight is a full moon, lunar eclipse, and winter solstice. I guess this hasn't happened in over 400 years. Some people believe that if you make a wish tonight (with all these strange happenings) it will come true. I am going to wish that Phantom starts eating!

    Your pal, Pip

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  24. Phantom looks so handsome and proud...Now eat something big boy!

    The number of cards we have received has been overwhelming...we have them all on display, proudly! Our blogging family is amazing.
    xoxo
    ~K

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  25. Oh, I'm so sorry that Phantom is not able to eat well. I guess it could be a lot of different things. I hope the vet will figure it out soon. Poor baby and poor Mom, too. It must be driving you crazy.

    lotsa licks, Lola

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  26. Look at all those most festive cards! They must make you smile every time you looks at them.

    Phantom looks Most Handsome from his spa day but I'm awfully sorry he doesn't want to eat. I wish we had something helpful to offer but it sounds like you've tried just about everything. I can imagine how very much frustrating it must be. My paws will be crossed that you can come up with something that'll make Phantom happy.

    Wiggles & Wags,
    Mayzie

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  27. So handsome indeed! I sure hope he eats soon...it must be frustrating and a bit scary, especially when you've tried everything! My Gib right now has an icky tummy and is on boiled rice and chicken and since he's eating so light, the seizure meds upset his tummy too and he threw up. Poor guy. Sometimes things just don't make sense. All good thodoes ughts coming Phantom's way...he looks handsome!

    PS - nice cards! Wowser!!! We will love to join in the exchange next year!

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  28. That's a lot of cards! We've never received that many cards before ever!

    Phantom does look very handsome after his trip to the spa. We had no doubt that you have tried everything you could possibly think of to get him to eat. We do wish he would eat more food but as we all know, no one can make a dog eat what we don't want to. As for me, I'll eat anything and reading about all the stuff you've tried has made me very, very hungry!

    Woof!
    Sadie

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  29. I was all set to khomment on the mountain of khards but the handsome Phantom phresh phrom The Spa took those words away!

    Paws khrossed Winter will bring about a new food-i-tude -

    Khome on Phantom!!!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  30. Phantom looks terrific, but I suspect the floof can be deceiving. I understand how stressful this must be for you, but maybe an earlier visit to the vet might be a good idea. Along with bloodwork, an xray and ultrasound might give you some peace of mind. The last time I brought Arwen to work with me, I went ahead and did a full body xray to take a peek inside. We discovered some spinal arthritis that she hides very well. Knowing this now, I understand what to expect as she slows down a bit.
    Could he be uncomfortable pain-wise? Just trying to brainstorm here...
    Regardless, his trip to the groomer's made him shine - handsome boy!
    The cards are beautiful and I'd love to participate next year if you'll have us - seems like fun!

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  31. Oh no.. sorry to hear about the challenge you have in making Phantom eat! Honestly I'd never be able to tell you you didn't say cos he does look great! One of my friend who also owns a Husky has the same problem and he had to resort to handfeeding/ force-feeding the doggie.

    Looks like you really have tried MANY things there.. how about ham, bacon? H&H are usually crazy about them.. even the smell of sizzling bacon is enough to get Hershey in a frenzy. Have you ever tried giving him fruits? I quite often give mine bananas/ apples/ papayas..

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  32. Those look like some great holiday cards!

    Sorry to read about Phantom not wanting to eat, I have been lucky to never have a dog that didn't want to eat but I have had picky eaters. I can only imagine how stressful it must be.
    I am wondering if your vet has offered an apetite stimulate?
    I have read articles about owners who have had similiar issues and foods that they have tried...but it sounds like you have tried just about everything.
    This may be a silly question, but does Phantom have any issues with his senses? His nose? Taste buds?
    Just curious.
    I hope you find something that works:)

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  33. Sorry to hear about Phantom not wanting to eat. Brut can get that way, not wanting to eat in the morning, sometimes in the evening, but I've found that usually this happens when I get really busy and my time is limited. A little more attention seems to work for us.

    And yes, I've sat there and hand fed my dogs sometimes when it seem to be the only way to get them to eat a kibble at a time. :)

    Phantom, you look Boo-tiful. Now eat something so your mommy doesn't have to worry about you.

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  34. Wow, you've tried so much stuff... I should come over to help you with the leftovers!!

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  35. You are one handsome boy, Phantom! You gotta eat to stay healthy and to keep your mom happy!
    That's a lot of cards!

    Love ya lots
    Maggie and Mitch

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  36. Oh dears, I don't like dis one bit so I can imagine how you feels Momma K. Dis has gots to be frustrating and very stressful on you. Like everybuddy else said...I wish I had some advices fur you but I is at a loss here. Dis is purty hard cuz he is so picky to begin withs.
    But, he is dang handsome from his trip tp da spa (spa or not, he is always handsome!
    Keep us posted.

    Puddles

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  37. Hey there...

    It's not an easy thing - dealing with an ill dog. As others have said - you do your best. He could't want for a better care-giver. Give him a special pat from us please.
    Your collection of cards is truly awesome. You deserve every single wish!
    Sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  38. You look Mahvelous Dahling.
    Since I am the same sort of picky eater... I can tell you that after one or two days of my moms home made Deer foods... I quit eating even THAT. There is not a single brand of Canned foods that I have refused to eat.. after one or two days of "loving it" and tricking mom into rushing out and buying 87 cans of it. heheehe
    The one and only thingy that I never ever refuse is Cheese.. and I mean REAL cheese.. not Velveeta. Butt my mom says that I can't have that all the time beclaws it is really not good fur me.
    I would LIVE on cheese and Milkbones (if my mom wasn't such a butt scooter about this issue).
    My mom has even sat on the floor with a spoon and tired to coax me to eat. BaaaWaaaaah that is one of my bestest most favorite JOKES to play on her. Nope.. it doesn't work. Two bites and I clamp my jaws shut. If she pries them open and shoves in a bite... I just spit it out.
    Soooooo buddy I know just what you are going through.
    Some live to eat and some eat to live. That is what my VET keeps telling my mom.
    I am gonna be posting my cards too. I even got one from... My furends at the Post Office where my Miss Pattie works!!! How funny is THAT???

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  39. We went through a similar hunger strike with old guy-guy Nova. Initially his blood work came back perfectly normal, but as a precaution we started him on Denosyl, which is a liver supplement, and yes, it turned out he was having old age liver issues. In about a week on Denosyl, he started eating normally again. Ask your vet to prescribe some for Phantom. Also, Nova refused all food except for that cheap grocery store crap that looks like shredded hamburger and smells like play doh.

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  40. Dad pointed out to mom the other night that they have received three cards...while I've got about 20 or more. Dad has card envy!! BOL!

    Oh Phantom! You have to eat your noms!! Has you tried green tripe? It's so stinky and nasty it's delicious!! Kisses!

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  41. Look at all those cards!
    Beautiful!
    Mom say she knows just how it feels to live with a picky eater (not me obviously). So we are hoping and praying that one day you will find just the right nommies that you will devour!
    Sugars,
    Mack

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  42. So many great idea's to feed that dapper chap, I wish I could add a new one. He might be a member of the pack, but it shows just how individual he is. all my love Amie Soto Blossom X X X I wouldn't eat sardines either matey. Cod is another matter X

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  43. Wow, you have had an outpouring of love and ideas. It just means we care. Phantom looks to nice.
    Merry Christmas to you all.

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  44. i tried commenting yesterday on this but i had some weird browser issue... i'm so bummed he is not eating his raw nuggets anymore! i know how you feel.

    there is something called "failure to thrive" that's seen in children. I wouldn't be surprised if it existed in dogs. I can see how you're frustrated. Does variety help? changing up one thing over another each day rather then thinking you hit the jackpot with one thing?

    also: was he ALWAYS like this or just later in life after his tumors appeared?

    finally, yes i think long walks would probably make him very hungry.
    hugs to him. he looks devishly handsome!

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  45. Oh boy, do I ever know what you're going thru. Tsar doesn't like potatoes or fish of any kind. What?? Huskies are supposed to love fish. He went five days last week without eating. I know he was hungry, but when I put his food down, he'd walk away and lie down with his back to the bowl.

    Our vet says he sees some huskies that you can practically see thru, they're so thin. He says as long as Tsar maintains his weight there's nothing he can do. Sometimes he'll eat treats and if he will, I give them to him. I'd rather he ate treats than nothing at all.
    Sue

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  46. He does look pretty good!!! :)

    What if he was more active during the day... his metabolism would go up and he'd get hungry more...? But I hear you, you've tried everything you could. Here's to hoping he feels like eating more from now on!

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  47. Such a handsome boy! We got pretty ribbons at the groomer yesterday too! As far as picky eaters & treats, Mom keeps a can of Cheesewhiz around that gets used JUST for hiding meds. fortunately, it always seemed to work, even forStar. We'll keep paws crossed for Phantom.

    jack & moo

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  48. Love all your pretty cards! I keep pulling down the one of Samantha and Avalon, and staring at it. Mom thinks I have a thing for the golden girls!

    Wyatt

    Phantom- Hope you get your appetite back soon. Sounds like your mom has tried all the yummy stuff...

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  49. WOW, that is a lot of cards.
    you are very popular.

    Nice woooh
    Sally

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  50. Isn't that exchange fun! Hope all goes good for Phantom!

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  51. Phantom sure is looking sharp after his visit to the spa. :-) I hope you can find something he'll eat. Trouble has always been a picky eater too but that's because she's a cat.

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  52. w00fs, i not know iffin me wished ciara a happy barkday or not..iffin me didnt i b sorry and i know her had a very happy day...Phantom looks very happy after his spa date..but it does look like he is losing weight in the last picture...ok, now for food...mama has been thinking since she readed this last nite, what u havent mentioned...ok, eggs, carrots, g-beans..i am soo surprised he wont eat livermush...we all go nuts over that..also just wanna say i hope u all have a very merry christmas wiff family and friends..

    b safe, and please feel betters Phantom,
    rocky and mama

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