These are happy posts indeed!

I love hearing about Poppy/Dobby, and will love hearing about Quincy.

Thank you, everyone, for such updates!

Ongoing, the story of Poppy the Hound.

Yesterday was Wednesday, and today is Thursday, the day Poppy was going to be spayed and Titan was going in for his annual checkup.

It was a well organized and scheduled, even convenient, plan. Both dogs cared for in one day, and after some snow visited the area. And wouldn't you know it? The sun and blue sky are making for a wonderful scene after a week or so of gray overcast and snow.

Anyway, the Wednesday before and the good plan, and a package of Orbit gum came together. 12 or so sticks of gum, on the counter, unattended. And Titan and Poppy's breath smelled beautiful. A clue to the unfortunate end of the Orbit gum.

Out of an abundance of caution, I called the vet practice to see if the consumption of gum would be a problem for following through the plan.

Cutting to the chase, and following a call to Poison Control, and an abundance of caution on the part of all parties, the vet appointments were rescheduled. Seems some gum has ingredients which might not mix well with vaccinations or surgical preps.

So, the moral to the story is easy for to tell. An admonition, do not casually leave gum around for a overly curious and mischievous little dog to access and share with her much larger friend.

And, yes, there is a fee to contact Poison Control, and no, the vet practice did not have any charges for changing the appointments dates.

First time gum has been the initiator of a drama here. Though I vaguely remember one of my daughters, years ago, getting gum in her hair. No vet was involved then, or Poison Control.

Lyons Gold Irish tea, a mug of it, is in my immediate future.

Oh my goodness! Good reminder post, Mike!

Orbit, some Trident, and Ice Breaker (among others) contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.

A weird thing is that they can have surprisingly variable amounts of xylitol depending on their flavor. (For example, most flavors of Orbit gum have about 0.009 grams of xylitol per piece, but their strawberry mint flavor has over 0.3 grams of xylitol per piece).

I've called Poison Control, too, and been charged (but it was worth it) ... my call too involved dogs and a sweet. Big surprise!

It was about a particular chocolate candy that someone had left under my Christmas tree but hadn't told me that it was chocolate. My dogs had no trouble unwrapping it and snarfing up the chocolates.

Now I often mention holiday gifts under the tree and also purses containing gum or prescriptions.

Whew, Mike!

Good morning Connie.

Fortunately, neither dog has presented with any abnormal behavior, or at least none out of their normal ranges of willful behaviors.

Chocolate is absolutely not casually handled, notwithstanding my ability to discover me bride's hiding places in even the most cleverly disguised locations. I think I have a nose for chocolate.

The personality difference between a hound mix and a GSD is really something. It reinforces the the debunking of the comment a dog is a dog is a dog. Two very different personalities.

Ah well. The little dog doesn't eat much or blow coat. And sleeps beside the big GSD, Titan, every night. We'll keep her.

Stay safe.

"Doesn't blow coat" ... there's a biggy!

Between GSDs and Pugs, I've had dogs who almost all shed pretty near their own weight annually. All colors, too! LOL

I'm so glad your dogs reacted with nothing worse than great breath.

I recently read an article about Xylitol is showing up in some brands of peanut butter. If you treat your dog with peanut butter be sure to look for it on the label.

 Quote: Bob Scott

I recently read an article about Xylitol is showing up in some brands of peanut butter. If you treat your dog with peanut butter be sure to look for it on the label.

Absolutely!

It doesn't take much xylitol to cause liver failure in a dog, and dogs die every year from xylitol poisoning.

https://theparcvet.com/blog/certain-sugar-free-gums-and-treats-can-kill-dogs

Excellent article Connie. Thank you!

I'm very glad to hear that both Poppy and Titan are fine after their sneaky dietary experiment. It's good also to get an update on Poppy and hear that she's doing great in your home and has made Titan her good friend.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Good morning Connie.

Fortunately, neither dog has presented with any abnormal behavior, or at least none out of their normal ranges of willful behaviors.

Chocolate is absolutely not casually handled, notwithstanding my ability to discover me bride's hiding places in even the most cleverly disguised locations. I think I have a nose for chocolate.

The personality difference between a hound mix and a GSD is really something. It reinforces the the debunking of the comment a dog is a dog is a dog. Two very different personalities.

Ah well. The little dog doesn't eat much or blow coat. And sleeps beside the big GSD, Titan, every night. We'll keep her.

Stay safe.

I'm really Loving these posts, Mike -- They're so Uplifting in a time when we can ALL use a dose of Good Cheer ... Thanks VERY Much