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Sunday, January 30, 2011

A Day At The Beach


My fiance, Mike, and I have known for a while that he had an upcoming work-related trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina scheduled for this weekend. I was invited to come along, but sat "firmly on the fence" for weeks in indecisive mode for a few reasons. The primary reason was our three canine family members. Our preference has always been to find pet-friendly lodging when we go out of town, so the entire family can stay together. All of our dogs travel well, but finding the right place to stay with them always adds a degree of difficulty. This trip, however, is a short Friday to Sunday event in which Mike has meetings at a specific resort right on the beach. 

On Wednesday evening, the subject of my coming along came up again, and Mike's mother had graciously volunteered to babysit the hounds at our house while we were away. The weekend weather forecast looked really nice in S.C., and I decided that a quick trip to the beach would be rejuvenating. I reported to work the next day, and taking Friday off was easily approved. I started getting excited about our little road trip and hurried home from work to start preparing. I was alarmed to find that one of the dogs had a very upset stomach. I will spare you the details, but I immediately took all three of them outside for observations to determine which one had the "accident." 

My thoughts immediately focused on the fact that we had changed their diet a few weeks ago. I knew this could be the culprit, but wondered why it would have taken weeks to cause a problem. The diet change was really prompted by Roxie's occasional disinterest in meals. She has always had a hearty appetite, and we used to laugh at how quickly she could "inhale" her dinner. However, with age she had become a bit finicky about her food, and would frequently walk away from freshly prepared meals without one bite.  She and Xander had been on a senior diet for a few years, and I speculated that she had grown tired of it, but she appeared to have a real interest in Zoe's non-senior food.  I figured the ingredients in the two foods were quite different, but seeing her eat with such enthusiasm made me happy.  At any rate, a decision to try all three dogs on Zoe's food was made.  I figured at Roxie's and Xander's ages they deserved to enjoy their meals.  

Everything seemed fine for 3 weeks, but here we were the day before a planned trip with a sick Xander, and my instinct told me the food change was the culprit.  Luckily, I had some Endosorb and Metronidazole on hand, which quickly settled his stomach.  He slept well Thursday night, and I decided to have him checked at the vet first thing Friday morning.  Better safe than sorry!  After an exam, the vet agreed that the diet change had probably caught up to Xander.  The senior diet had a higher fiber content to keep things regulated.  I recalled that Xander has sensitive stomach issues in his younger days until we found a food that suited him.  The vet loaded us up with prescriptions, special intestinal food, and sent us on our way.  He felt that Xander would do fine with a sitter, as long as she could dispense his pills.  After delaying our trip a few hours to make sure Xander was alright, we finally hit the road.  

We've had good reports from Mike's mom this weekend.  All the dogs are fine, and we'll be heading home soon.  I was able to enjoy our little getaway, and can't wait to get home to see the babies.  As for the rejuvenating effects of the beach, the trip was priceless and has definitely ignited my Spring Fever!  With the waves crashing, sun shining, and birds chirping, the beach is my favorite place to be, and it's even better with a good hound, or two or three!  Hopefully they'll come along next time!!

19 comments:

  1. I'm glad you baby is feeling better. I haven't been to the beach in years because of all the animals on the farm. Maybe this year we can make it at least one. Thanks so much for sharing the beach with us...this video is so peaceful! Christina and Lexi

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  2. Sometimes you just need to get away from the kids!! The beach looks great!

    Wyatt's Mom

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  3. What a lovely picture Kristin.

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  4. Oh sure! Taunt us with the beach! :P I'm glad you had a good time! Just be prepared for reality when you get back home. We all need to get away once in a while!

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  5. good choice bet the kids are being spoiled at home
    Benny & Lily

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  6. I'm glad that she's OK and that you get to enjoy your weekend!

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  7. Hey, I've been there! Glad the dogs made it okay without you and I'm glad you and Mike got some time together. I'm hoping to drag Brandon to GiG. :)

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  8. I'm so glad that Xander seems to be OK, and you got away. I visited Myrtle beach when I was a little girl, and I still remember how much I loved it. What a beautiful photo of the sun and gulls over the sea.

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  9. We're glad it didn't end up being anything serious with Xander and that you still got to take the trip! The beach is beautiful.

    Elyse and Riley

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  10. So glad Xander feels better. I have a sensitive stomach and can relate - I often get sick right before or right after my parents go away.

    The water looks beautiful!

    Your pal, Pip

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  11. Glad you were able to get away! Beautiful day at the beach! Thanks for sharin :D

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  12. A getaway is just what we needed sometimes! Glad that you had one and the beach is really beautiful.

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  13. We love the beach too. Mom hopes to retire and live on the water somewhere warm!

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  14. I'm glad it all worked out - the end of last week looked like a nightmare from here!

    Welcome back. :)

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  15. Gee Kristin you should move to California were there is no snow and LOTS of beaches that can be accessed ALL year around. JUST AN FYI.

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  16. Oh man, beautiful pictures.

    I know how hard it is to leave the babies. We went six years in between vacations.

    Glad Xander is doing better.

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  17. Glad it worked out in time and you enjoyed your getaway to the beautiful beach.

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  18. I'm looking out the window at a snow storm, then back to your video... *sigh*. Hope everyone is feeling better!

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  19. miss kristin!

    you were in my neck of the woods! i'm glad you had funsies at myrtle beach and got to enjoy the nice sunshinies 'n warm weather. it's cold 'n rainy again now. boohoo.
    i hope xander is back to 100% now. tummy troubles are so so uncomfy. :(

    *woof*
    the booker man


    *woof*
    the booker man

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