Photo from MaoMau

The founder of Love A Pitbull stopped by and went for a walk with us.  He is an excellent photographer, and took this picture when we were out enjoying the evening.  I love it - thanks Mao.

Quick Medical Update - Status 10-7-12

Here is the quick update on where Charlie and Lucy stand health-wise:

First of all - most people ask if they are spayed, and are surprised when I say "not yet".  Usually you are not allowed to adopt an animal from the shelter unless it is spayed/neutered, which is why they do that surgery at the shelter if necessary.  But Charlie and Lucy were in such poor health when I adopted them, that the shelter doctor deferred spaying until they reach full health again (making me responsible, and I have to send them proof once it's done).  So I definitely plan to spay them, and will pay for it.  

Lucy (mom)

• Last skin scrape was clear of  (non-contagious) Demodex.  Hooray!  She is still taking Ivermectin because the rule is that a dog needs two "clean" scrapes in order to be considered cured.  
• Otherwise, healthy and happy.  

Charlie (daughter)

• Last skin scrape showed (non-contagious) Demodex still hanging around, so we will just keep plugging away at it.  She will probably be on Ivermectin for a few more months.   Her skin is looking SO MUCH better, and with all the hair regrowth, Dr. Quinn and I are happy with her progress.  
• She is currently taking Simplicef for a secondary skin infection that arose when she was being boarded.  That regimen will conclude in a little over a week.  
• Charlie has an eye condition called Entropion.  This is simply where the eyelids fold inwards, which causes the eyelashes to scratch against and irritate the eyeball.   I keep her eyes lubricated, but would like to get her surgery to correct this so it's no longer an issue.  I am currently looking into the possibility of doing her spaying and eye surgery at the same time, so that she only has to be anesthetized once.  I also plan to pay for this.  
• Otherwise, healthy and goofy as ever.  

In case you are interested, their current vet is 

Dr. Hilary Quinn

Bay Animal Hospital

Lucy and Charlie love Angus

Surprisingly there is more than one Great Dane in the neighborhood.   Charlie and Lucy are very social on our walks, and want to meet EVERYONE (I think their feelings are hurt when other dogs aren't interested in meeting them).   One day this Great Dane named Angus (yes, Angus, best name of all time) came bounding out of his garage and ran right toward The Girls.  Their tails started to wag and they greeted Angus with a combination of caution (he is an absolutely gigantic dog), and enthusiasm.  They were a hilarious threesome.

Since then, Charlie, Lucy, and Angus play whenever they encounter each other on walks.  I am very proud of the fact that The Girls are nice to people (especially kids) and other dogs - I know that Pits have a reputation for being aggressive, and I think they make the example that the breed is actually quite gentle as long as people do not train them to be aggressive.

Anyhow, here they are loving on sweet Angus.

The Girls' TV Debut!

There was a segment on KTLA5 publicizing an animal behavior event called Keep the L.O.V.E. Alive Tour, and they wanted to also demonstrate some products that aid in good behavior.  So the producer suggested they use demonstration dogs that are up for adoption.

MaoMau LaBeet from Love A Pit Bull Rescue and Jennifer Rosen from Bullies & Buddies Rescue suggested Lucy and Charlie!  So they had an early pickup and were on the morning news on Channel 5.  At first the producer was not happy about having Pitbull mixes, but within just a few minutes Lucy and Charlie had the entire KTLA staff wrapped around their finger.

Charlie was her usual eager self, and Lucy managed to sleep through her big break.

Click Here for the clip of their "performance":