My name is Bitsy!

Bio Update 3/1/13: Hi! First I would like to remind you all, my foster mom is not a groomer, so when you look at my pictures please be kind. She did her best ! LOL!! I did sit well for my hair cut today. I had some pretty good mats so she went a little shorter than I would normally go, but hey, its just hair.

Foster mom took me to see Dr. Dale on Thursday and he had all kinds of things to say about me. I thought I would share them with everyone since my new home would have to think about some of these things before they pick me, only because ….. well, you will see……

First of all, I have cataracts. I can still see really well actually and Dr. did not think it was anything that needed to be addressed at this time. I do have a hard time with things like steps that are right at my eye level, I have to take a running leap it seems to get over it. I seem to see things at other levels just fine so I can deal with problems at my eye level. I mean hey, after all, I am new here and I haven't ran into a single thing yet, just that one darn stair to go to the back yard...

Second, I have some degenerative joint disease in my right hip. Now what does that mean? Well it means that where my ball and socket meet, my bones are kind of a mess and don't move the way they should. So sometimes I carry that leg instead of walking on it. I asked Dr. Dale if he could do anything for me and he said that as long as we can manage the pain with meds, which I already do great with, and as long as I use that leg sometimes, he doesn't recommend surgery. And of course, I am a little older too and that whole surgery thing just doesn't sound so good to me anyway. Because of my meds, I need to see my vet every 6 months for blood work, just to make sure everything is good to go. ☺

Third, I have some knee problems in my rear left knee. In a way, my hip is causing this because sometimes I only use my one leg, but not very often. Again Dr. Dale said it wasn't bad enough to need surgery right now and I am doing great on my pain meds so we are going to leave it alone. Will I need surgery someday? Maybe, maybe not, it all depends on what happens in the future.

Forth, I need my teeth cleaned. They really are not that bad but hey its gotta be done so we will schedule that very soon. He does not think I will lose many, if any at all! Yay me!!!

Fifth, (I know its kind of a long list, but hey, if you wanna be my new mom or dad you really should know EVERYTHING) I have a mildly collapsing trachea. Now really, this is not a big deal as long as we can both agree that when I go for walks I don't wear a collar. If you could just please get me a harness to wear, then my trachea will not get worse and we can go for walks. So all is great!! Sometimes tho, because of this, I kind of wheeze when I'm snoozin’. Let’s just think of it like you snoring, if you snore, I wheeze. I think we would make a great team!!

That's about all Dr. Dale had to say. I do have a few things, kind of my “Top 5 Wants” that I would like you to know about me, ya’ know, since were being upfront here. ☺

1. I really do not like being alone :-( It makes me anxious and sad so I bark and pace a lot when I am all by myself. It doesn't matter if I have fur buddies here or not, I like my people. Keep in mind this also includes if you close the door to go to bed and leave me behind :-( Being lonely is well……. lonely!!

2. I am already house trained! Yeppers, see I’m a big girl and 10 years old, so I have that down to a science ☺

3. I don't really like to share, I mean its ok and all, but I like my food to myself and I really do not like to share it with others at all. Matter of fact, if I could be your only pup, that would be even better!! Then I could have you to myself and you would have me to yourself! See, it’s a win, win situation!! ☺

4. I am already spayed, up to date on my shots and I even have a micro chip! The microchip is really important because I can't wear a collar :)

5. Last, but Not least, I need someone who will love me for who I am. I am not perfect but hey I am pretty sure you are not either, and that is OK!! I will love you anyway!! I know I have a couple of bummed up legs and some other things, but that does not mean I can't live a full, long life with you and have a lot of fun while doing it. All I need is love, food, a water dish I can't tip over (I think its fun and I can't help it!) a comfy bed to sleep in and lots of cuddles. So, I will wait right here for you to send in an application….. yep!! waiting right here.....Still waiting.....Um, your gonna go do it, right?

Initial Bio 2/23/13: Bitsy was a private family release to a shelter in Wisconsin and foster mom picked her up today. So far what we know about Bitsy is she HATES to be kenneled on car rides, but once out of a kennel into a seat she does amazing and is just along for the ride. She is a 10 year old spayed female who weighs in at 13.4 lbs.

Personality wise, this gal is low key. She’s very sweet and just wants to be near her human all the time. We feel that Bitsy has separation anxiety, so a family with someone home all day would be best for Bitsy. As an example, when we have left her out side of our bedroom door, she does get anxious as to where we are. She is already potty trained, YAY ☺ Bitsy lets you know by looking at you and makes a soft whine if she has to go out. She does bark at the mailman and the neighbor pups here but other wise is a very quiet girl. She seems to be fine with our 12 year old son, but I think due to her age a family with older children would be good because I can see her not tolerating small children poking at her very well. It was mentioned she has some issues with food and other pups but we have not seen that behavior yet. That being said, she does not seem to be a very good eater for us but shared the water dish just fine with our boys today.

Bitsy has multiple medical issues we are going to address while she is here in her foster home and we have our first vet visit tomorrow to set up a plan for her. She does need a dental, and according to the records from the shelter she has already been tested for heart worm and was found negative. She has her chip already and her shots are all up to date. Our concerns are a possible skin issue that looks to be resolving, but I will have checked tomorrow. Bitsy also has some problems with her rear legs that we will address as well.

We will keep you all posted about Bitsy up here in Iowa!