18/08/2024
Just two brindle boys brindling.
I’ve been doing well, Guys. Ever since we got my allergies under control, I am a happy dude - been putting the smack down on everyone and bone ninja-ing.
Can you believe I turn 11 soon? Whoa.
Welcome to the life of Arnie. I’m here to tell bad dad jokes and spread evidence based awareness about breathing problems in French bulldogs.
Just two brindle boys brindling.
I’ve been doing well, Guys. Ever since we got my allergies under control, I am a happy dude - been putting the smack down on everyone and bone ninja-ing.
Can you believe I turn 11 soon? Whoa.
Why did I take Arnie to Germany for airway surgeries when they do BOAS surgery in America? Because BOAS is much more complex than pinched nares and elongated palates. If you want to learn more, join our facebook group, Brachycephalic Breathing Awareness.
I collaborated on a video with PETA in order to spread more awareness about the breathing issues in flat faced dogs. I will keep on about this as long as I am alive to whomever is willing to listen. The majority of frenchies, pugs, and bulldogs have some degree of BOAS ie airway obstruction. No dogs should need surgery just to breathe and even with surgery there is no cure. That’s a sad fact.
Brindle boys. Who else is a sucker for the brindles?
Hey Guys,
As many of you know I have struggled with allergies for years. I was constantly itchy, covered in sores, and taking antibiotics for skin infections. I see a dermatologist and have tried ALL the different allergy meds. Seriously, we tried everything. Nothing helped. So I was forced to take steroids for a long time to keep the inflammation tamped, but then I had the side effects of steroids. Then we got smart and did more in-depth allergy testing. Turns out I am severely allergic to Bermuda grass. WTH!!! My entire yard was Bermuda grass, which basically means I was living completely surrounded by Arnie-Kryptonite.
My human then got smart and ripped all of the grass out of the yard. It was just a dirt lot. ALL of my allergies magically disappeared. I weaned off the steroids and was no meds! Then we went back to the dermatologist and I was tested to see if I am allergic to other types of grass. Turns out I have zero allergies to fescue. So my human installed fescue in my yard and guess what? I am allergy free, medication free, and loving my new grass! I’m acting like a puppy again despite the fact that I am an old man. Makes me feel spicy!
Moral of the story is - remove the kryptonite from your life.
I just got a notification that Arnie turned 10 and a half today. I have mixed emotions. On one hand, I am like “yay, Arnie, yay! You beat the odds and are a senior citizen now!” On the other, I am feeling greedy and need him to give me at least five more years. I dread him getting older and having to deal with the inevitable one day. I can never thank him enough for all the gifts of knowledge and friendship he’s given me over the years. What a blessing.
Anyway, a merrieth unbirthday to ArnStar. And a video to hear how quietly he still sleeps all these years after his trip to Germany for surgery.
Hey Guys, I try to not share fundraisers very often unless it is serious and this is one of those cases. I personally know the foster. She paid for the initial $6,500 surgery out of her own pocket but unfortunately he had another emergency surgery during recovery. His foster and rescue cannot cover these costs. They need help. Please consider even a small donation (or bigger if you can). $5 donations can quickly add up. Please help Snowball. 🙏
Guys, in case you forgot, this is my pack. And I’m head honcho.
Take a moment to watch the video embedded in this link. This is the ONLY surgeon here in America who is doing the same surgeries as Arnie had done in Germany. The video provides an excellent explanation and the surgeon is just … wow. She is one of the world’s foremost experts on BOAS.
U. of I. veterinary surgeon Dr. Heidi Phillips devotes much of her practice to treating the respiratory problems of flat-faced breeds like bulldogs. She argues for better breeding practices to avoid perpetuating the multitude of health problems these breeds often experience.
Guys, my buddy came to town for surgery. Please send so,e prayers that he heals quickly and that they got clean margins on his mass. Also got some snuggles from my Wyoming girlfriend. Don’t be jealous, ladies, there is enough Arnie love to go around. 😘
Guys, I am legit camping, some would say it’s technically glamping, this week. Either way I am roughing it amongst the Joshua trees and cacti. But I can’t lie. I am more of a Ritz Carlton kinda guy.
Our deepest condolences to Wendy and family. They leave the biggest holes in our heart when its their time to go. 💔
Guys, I now have an even bigger and better jelly fat roll! Oh yeah!
Hey Guys,
Can you help with this survey on dog ownership decisions? It’s a research project exploring how dog owners make decisions about the choice of dog breed they purchase. This survey is open to owners of all dog breeds/types.
The project “How do dog owners make decisions about the choice of dog breed they purchase or rehome” contributes to research conducted on behalf of the University of Lincoln and has received a favourable ethical opinion by a University Research Ethics Committee [12660] who can be contacted at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])should you have any concerns.
If you would like to take part, please click on the following link: [https://unilincolnlifescienc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6EFjyCIcC0fVPEy](https://unilincolnlifescienc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6EFjyCIcC0fVPEy)
Thank you!
Also, please share!
Hey Guys, it seems I have a bunch of bots posting in the comment on my page trying to rehome … eh hem, sell puppies. Please don’t fall for it. It’s either a scam trying to steal your money or info, or it is backyard breeders trying to sell dogs. Either way, steer clear. I am trying to find a way to block them as my social media manager doesn’t have time to constantly check my facebook (ikrikr) but in the meantime, just ignore. Do not join any groups or engage with them in any way.
Lots of love, Arns.
Anyone who has followed the life and times of Arnie for awhile now knows that we are constantly looking for the perfect bed or solution that allows Arns to prop his head to help him breathe better while laying down. I think we finally found a winner. This is a positioner used to help prevent bed sores and pressure sores for bed bound people. This is technically a pediatric chest positioner. The gel is supposed to emulate body fat. So far, it seems comfy. If this works, we will buy a few to keep around the house.
*oh, I didn’t tell you guys that he now has a pressure sore on his chin from propping it all the time which is what led to us purchasing this.
Eyeball recheck. Luckily Arnie’s vet has an *in* with the ophthalmologist. Update soon.
For his 10th birthday, Arnie ended up getting a really nasty corneal ulcer. By some miracle, this is his first one ever. He’s just so freaking itchy from allergies, he is constantly rubbing his face on everything. He sees a dermatologist and within 10 minutes of her hearing about his eye, she called to check on him. She admitted that Arnie is her toughest patient so far in her career because he’s not responding to any treatments how she had hoped, so she is forced to use steroids. Yet he is still itchy AF. He truly does have the best doctors.
Corneal ulcers, very painful and very common in the breed. Just another frenchie problem to add to the list of why we need to rethink our love affair with the flat faces.
Guys, I am 10 today! 🥳
When there is only one hand available for chin scratches. We make due.
Surprise, Guys. It me.
My friend, Figgy, gained his wings today. It seems all the OGs are making their way to heaven lately. Makes me incredibly sad, though they are probably throwing the biggest, funnest beach bash up there, with lots of tennis balls and yummy treats. Massive condolences to Figgy’s dad, Mr. Mitch. I’m so sorry. Wish it didn’t have to hurt so much when its their time to go. 💔
Arnie has been eyeing Dando’s bully stick for an hour. Silently sitting off to the side, awaiting his opportunity … once Dando passed out from chewing exhaustion, Arnie saw his chance and swoops in! That’s why we call him the Bone Ninja. 🥷
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Why did I take Arnie to Germany for airway surgeries when they do BOAS surgery in America? Because BOAS is much more complex than pinched nares and elongated palates. If you want to learn more, join our facebook group, Brachycephalic Breathing Awareness.
Hey Guys, As many of you know I have struggled with allergies for years. I was constantly itchy, covered in sores, and taking antibiotics for skin infections. I see a dermatologist and have tried ALL the different allergy meds. Seriously, we tried everything. Nothing helped. So I was forced to take steroids for a long time to keep the inflammation tamped, but then I had the side effects of steroids. Then we got smart and did more in-depth allergy testing. Turns out I am severely allergic to Bermuda grass. WTH!!! My entire yard was Bermuda grass, which basically means I was living completely surrounded by Arnie-Kryptonite. My human then got smart and ripped all of the grass out of the yard. It was just a dirt lot. ALL of my allergies magically disappeared. I weaned off the steroids and was no meds! Then we went back to the dermatologist and I was tested to see if I am allergic to other types of grass. Turns out I have zero allergies to fescue. So my human installed fescue in my yard and guess what? I am allergy free, medication free, and loving my new grass! I’m acting like a puppy again despite the fact that I am an old man. Makes me feel spicy! Moral of the story is - remove the kryptonite from your life.
I just got a notification that Arnie turned 10 and a half today. I have mixed emotions. On one hand, I am like “yay, Arnie, yay! You beat the odds and are a senior citizen now!” On the other, I am feeling greedy and need him to give me at least five more years. I dread him getting older and having to deal with the inevitable one day. I can never thank him enough for all the gifts of knowledge and friendship he’s given me over the years. What a blessing. Anyway, a merrieth unbirthday to ArnStar. And a video to hear how quietly he still sleeps all these years after his trip to Germany for surgery.
Anyone who has followed the life and times of Arnie for awhile now knows that we are constantly looking for the perfect bed or solution that allows Arns to prop his head to help him breathe better while laying down. I think we finally found a winner. This is a positioner used to help prevent bed sores and pressure sores for bed bound people. This is technically a pediatric chest positioner. The gel is supposed to emulate body fat. So far, it seems comfy. If this works, we will buy a few to keep around the house. *oh, I didn’t tell you guys that he now has a pressure sore on his chin from propping it all the time which is what led to us purchasing this.
For his 10th birthday, Arnie ended up getting a really nasty corneal ulcer. By some miracle, this is his first one ever. He’s just so freaking itchy from allergies, he is constantly rubbing his face on everything. He sees a dermatologist and within 10 minutes of her hearing about his eye, she called to check on him. She admitted that Arnie is her toughest patient so far in her career because he’s not responding to any treatments how she had hoped, so she is forced to use steroids. Yet he is still itchy AF. He truly does have the best doctors. Corneal ulcers, very painful and very common in the breed. Just another frenchie problem to add to the list of why we need to rethink our love affair with the flat faces.
VEGAS peeps: A local vet clinic reached out to me to try and help find this girl a home. Her family surrendered her to them after they decided they cannot care for a paralyzed dog. She is spayed, UTD on vaccines, and is continent and potty trained. She cannot use her hind legs due to IVDD. Right now she is living at the vet clinic until she can find a family to call her own. If anyone is interested, please PM me or leave a comment and I will reach out to you. I am hopefully going to meet her tomorrow. I am not sure about her breathing, but if she needs BOAS surgery, I am willing to do a fundraiser on this page, in my facebook group on brachycephalic health, and on my personal pages to pay for it. There is no rehome fee, but we will want to check references. It is so difficult to find families for IVDD dogs. PLEASE, let’s find this girl a home! If you see this post, please hit the like button, leave a comment, and SHARE, so it reaches as many people as possible.
Just picked up Blizzy from the hospital. Poor guy. Not the way he was hoping to ring in the new year, but at least can start the healing process and get off crate rest sooner rather than later. I plan to do a post soon about the realities of vet bills by adding up Blizz’s from this year alone. This isn’t something I have ever done before because, quite honestly, it is depressing to see how much money all of this costs. Unfortunately, the true price is paid by these dogs. A lot of people might think I am unlucky, but I suspect the truth is that a lot of people allow their frenchies to live their lives with BOAS, IVDD, dental and orthopedic issues, and so on because: a) it is expensive; b) they are afraid of the anesthesia; and c) they don’t see it as a big deal. I can’t do that because in my opinion, it is selfish, especially when modern medicine can help make their quality of life better. Look up the term “cognitive dissonance.” It is a real thing, especially when it comes to animals. I also want to point out that I adopted Blizz 5 years ago when he was an adorable, bouncy happy puppy because I wasn’t ready to give up my beloved frenchie breed. When you first get the puppy, you have no idea what is in store healthwise a few years down the road. It is a crapshoot, whether the frenchie comes from a “top” breeder or a puppy mill (Blizz was rescued from a puppy mill) and that is because the real problems are with the breed and their genetics. I thought that with his nose, Blizz would be the exception. Well, his breathing is still good. But the other frenchie problems have reared their ugly head. It is usually when they are about 4 or 5 years old that the problems start to get worse and Blizz was no exception. I don’t write as much about this stuff as I once did simply because I am tired, very few listen, and I have a small following (for which I am grateful for - trust me - you guys have gotten me through some tough times with yo
What in the actual 🤬, Guys? I just got off antibiotics a few days ago. Luckily my doctors love me and got me more antibiotics within an hour of my human contacting them this morning. Hopefully, I clear up soon. I have a dermatology appointment tomorrow, so will be sure to pick her brain about this, as well. My human also emailed my dentist to see if he has any ideas. I have an appointment with him in three weeks. I mean, it could be my teeth again. That wouldn’t be good because anesthesia and my heart tend to disagree with one another. Remember, I tried to die on two different occasions while under. This just sucks. Every damn year this happens but this year is especially bad. I suspect this could be a side effect of the surgery I had in Germany since he removed the turbinates from inside my nose. Turbinates help filter and moisten air as it enters the nose, but mine are gone. I will take snotty noses over not being able to sleep or eat but dammit, Guys, I just want to breathe. In better news, tomorrow is my last day on elimination diet food! 🙌 * I don’t want any messages about putting me to sleep. I have a decent quality of life. I like to eat, play, wrestle with Blizz, go for walks on cool days to check all the neighbors peemail. I sleep well. Is my life perfect? No, it 1,000% could be better. But as of now, I am happy and good. I have access to excellent healthcare and vets who will be honest if they think it is my time. It’s not! If I get a message about this, I will just block you so scroll along.
Brilliant video from a veterinary neurologist. He has a ton of good, fact based content on his TikTok. Definitely check his videos out. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR9oHuaD/
Crabigail is doing well post op. Auntie M is keeping a close eye on her. Pretty soon she will forget she ever had a 4th leg.
Guys, does anyone who lives near a beach want to adopt Blizz and me? We belong here. We deserve daily trips to feel the sand between our toes. 🌊 Said adopter must also agree to no vet appointments, no allergy baths, no diets of any kind & only homemade food, allow me (but not Blizz) to sometimes pee in the house, never leave me home alone even for 5 minutes, keep your mattress on the floor so I can get in and out of bed, and keep your thermostat set at morgue at all times. I mean, I’m pretty easy.
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