The Daily Echo

Sibe Vibes ROCK!

2009-08-08T15:47:00.004-04:00

We have FANTASTIC news to share! Meeka's surgeon called first thing this morning with some amazing news. Meeka's pathology report came back.....apparently he put a rush on it. Much to the surprise of the surgical staff and vets, Meeka does NOT have a malignancy!
We thank everyone for all of their kind and encouraging words, prayers, and those very precious (and quite effective!) Sibe Vibes!

"My buddy's gonna be OKAY!"

An Important Message From Meeka

2009-08-06T09:16:00.004-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

This is Mom speaking - Echo was kind enough to lend his blog to me for what we feel is a very important post.
As per our last entry, we've been busy. What I didn't share was the situation we've been coping with regarding our beloved Meeka. It's time to share his story.

A few months ago we discovered - quite by accident - a small mass on his upper gum. It was tucked away from sight so was easily missed upon quick inspections of his teeth and gums which we all routinely do from time to time. We have no idea how long it was there, nor had we ever seen anything quite like it. The next day we were in our vet's office. Meeka patiently let techs and 2 vets pull and tug at his muzzle, tilting his head one way then another. He seemed to know this was important. No one was really able to draw any conclusions as to what it was for sure. It could be a benign epulus....or perhaps something worse however all agreed they'd never seen a malignancy look like that. Several options were presented and we went home - our brains spinning, searching for the right thing to do. Unfortunately any mass in the oral area presents quite a challenge for getting clean margins. The only hope of doing that would be to remove significant bone mass in his upper jaw which would then require reconstruction. To even find a surgeon qualified to do that would be difficult. That meant our best hope would be to reduce the mass, then have it biopsied. The procedure was scheduled. Days later Meeka had a severe allergic reaction. His face quickly swelled and it moved dangerously lower, towards the throat region. This happened twice and despite my best efforts with Benadryl, Prednisone, and some major prayers I could not reverse the reaction. That meant 2 emergency trips to the vet to have an injection to reverse it. We had no clue what was causing this however none of them felt it was related to the mass. Unfortunately this made anesthesia extremely risky for him. We concluded that we need to wait several week to be sure we wouldn't be facing any more of these mysterious episodes. After an extensive blood panel and a chest xray, Meeka had his surgery yesterday morning. We opted for laser surgery since that was our best chance to remove the most tissue. He is recovering here by my side as we wait that painstaking wait for the biopsy results. I look at him and choke back the tears as he stares back at me with those soulful eyes. He's telling me he's okay for now and that I need to be brave. We always knew Meeka had an important job to do in this world. He's been a wonderful ambassador to the rescue world. Countless people have admired him at Meet and Greets and he sent the message that rescue dogs aren't just castaways with baggage. He became the Alpha of his pack. Always mindful of what the others are doing, scolding as needed and making sure they all stay safe. It came to mind that his work is not yet done. As I pray every moment that the biopsy won't indicate a very aggressive Sarcoma, even willing to settle for a malignancy....just please God, let it be a slow growing one - I realize this is yet another task for our proud Prince. He needs to let others know the importance of checking the mouths of your babies very carefully on a regular basis. Our vets have indicated they're seeing more oral malignancies now. Don't just quickly scan the lower gumline when you admire their healthy teeth. Pull up those lips and really look! Look for color changes, texture changes, swellings - and if you see a change, take them in to be checked. This is the message Meeka sends.
We ask that you keep Meeka in your prayers.

We Are Here!

2009-07-26T17:18:00.002-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Wow! Life seems to have gotten away from us! We're sorry we dropped out of sight. It really wasn't intentional - it just sorta happened. Everything's fine and we are touched by the notes many of you have sent through wondering where we went. We're sorry if we worried anyone and feel we really do owe our friends an explanation. So here it is:

That's our girl and Logan! Mom has learned that this horse ownership thing occupies a lot of time. We don't keep Logan in our backyard so that means Mom and our girl have to drive a little ways to get to him. Logan has made so much progress in the past several months that our girl decided to show him this season. That has turned out to be a very good idea because the big guy really seems to like it. And look....he won his first ribbon last week! We're all very proud and are encouraged that there's a bright future for this pair. Unfortunately the barn where he is boarded doesn't have wireless internet. She said she could get alot of blogging done if she could just get that wireless thing going. In the meantime we're taking a bit of a hiatus. She doesn't think it's fair to ask everyone to read our posts and not have time to visit theirs. We really do miss blogging and promise we'll be back as soon as we can. In the meantime we'll be visiting your blogs when we can.

Your good buddy - ECHO

Breakout!

2009-04-09T08:52:00.005-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Do you remember Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog that apparently has the ability each February to determine whether winter will come to an immediate halt or whether it will linger for an additional 6 weeks? If the fuzzy fella sees his shadow he concludes that winter will continue. Obviously not alot of technology goes into that. As a matter of fact we suspect Phil really isn't a willing participant. Think about it. If you were napping quite happily and were abruptly pulled out of your nice warm den to face this:

....how would you feel? I can think of about a million other things I'd rather do. Despite his protests which you can clearly see here:

"I see common sense eludes you"

....these stupid people continue to perpetuate this ridiculous sport each year. So is it any surprise Phil tried to make a break for it this week? Yep - poor Phil tried to escape 3 times from his man made den in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately he was unable to scale a wall which surrounds the enclosure. I'm thinking it might have something to do with his rather portly stature but I could be wrong:

"I'm just big boned"

We need to help this poor guy! In order to fully understand his plight I decided to pretend I was being held captive:

"This could drive a fella nuts!"

Since I do my best thinking after a brisk play session I knew what I had to do. There was no holding back. This calls for some serious thinking:

We need to put our paws together and help poor Phil out. Does anyone have a ladder?

Where's Your Peeps?

2009-04-06T13:33:00.007-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

It's that time again - the Peeps are here! We love Peeps. Mom loves Peeps too. For those of you who don't know what a Peep is take a look:

They're very yummy I'm told. Luscious globs of marshmallow covered in fine colored sugar and are traditionally enjoyed around Easter but can now be found in all sorts of holiday shapes and colors throughout the year.
Mom has them stashed all over the place in hopes that no one will find them. She's not very good at sharing her Peeps. She really needs to work on that. The National Geographic channel (one of our most favorite channels I might add) is running a contest. They want to know where you take your Peeps. They ask that you post a picture of your Peeps visiting someplace interesting. You can read all about it here. Here's some pictures they used for inspiration:

I couldn't let this opportunity go by so I asked Dad to fire the camera up. We let a Peep out of the package and he found all sorts of places to visit. Take a look:

Who knew they liked to swim? :

Ruh Roh.....we had to rescue the little guy when we saw this:

I'd like to add that no Peeps were harmed during this demonstration......just so you know.

"I know the perfect place!"

Here it is. The perfect place for a Peep to visit:

My crate! I promise to take real good care of it! Where do your Peeps go?

The Squirrels Have Landed!

2009-03-30T09:06:00.007-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

They're heeeere! I knew they were coming but I'm finding this season's gathering slightly disturbing. These squirrels are not to be confused with the Squirrel (with a big "S") that our sweet Khyra encountered this past weekend. After some intense surveillance this past weekend take a look at these highly sensitive surveillance photos:

Apparently they've brought the older/wiser generation along too. I'm thinking it's all a strategy for their advanced operations training:

Here we have a shot from Squirrel Boot Camp:

This next one is quite disturbing. Look if you dare! It clearly shows we really need to start preparing:

I don't know what was in their acorn stash over the past winter but this is alarming! Meeka has a few words to share regarding the possible invasion:

"Woo...Wooooooo....Woo!"

If you ask me I think there's just one solution:

Fellow blogger buddies - we must prepare! Woo!

Mission Accomplished!

2009-03-26T20:13:00.003-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

We're quite proud of ourselves. A long time ago Mom commented that we had the uncanny ability to encourage Siberianlike behavior in every living thing around us. She might be right! Look who's blowing his coat:

Although it's not nearly as impressive as our coat blowing skills Mom says this week will require much more barn sweeping. That's her job.

Bones Aplenty!

2009-03-22T15:51:00.009-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Did you know we have a star among us? Yep - we sure do! I am very proud to announce that I know a real author! Many of you may already know Ari and her blog - Out With Ari. Ari has written a book about her explorations with a little help from her Mom, Kathryn of course. It can now be found on your local bookstore's shelf as well as purchased online.

We'd like to congratulate both of them on this impressive accomplishment. You can read about it by clicking here. We've placed a link to the book on our sidebar. If you're looking for a great read, please get your Mom's plastic card and buy a copy!

Now, I'd like to know....who doesn't like bones? I know Shadow loves bones:

I certainly enjoy a good bone:

This weekend I learned of an astounding opportunity for all of us blogger pups. On Saturday a very unique auction was held. The I.M. Chait Gallery was trying to unload a 9 foot dinosaur skeleton. You heard me right! Are you thinking what I'm thinking? This could mean an endless supply of bones! Take a look at the big fella:

Unfortunately for them, the highest bid of $220,000 fell short of the required minimum bid they were hoping for. That means the 150 million year old bag of bones is still available! Are you thinking what I'm thinking?? Apparently they intended to ship the big guy in his constructed glory. I suspect if we saved them the trouble and told them they can just toss the bones in a box we might be able to strike up an attractive deal. Anyone interested? Incidentally, a 7 foot tall baby Woolly Mammoth also went on the auction block and sold for a mere $45,000. What a bargain! It was proudly purchased by a private collector who will be placing it in the lobby of his Los Angeles office. I wonder if it sheds.

For The Big Day ........ Getting Ready...Hmmm?

2009-03-18T17:57:00.008-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Wondering just what the big day is, are you, hmm? Quickly approaching, Yoda Speak day is! Until May 22nd to become fluent in Yoda Speak, have we. Of the most fascinating creatures in the Star Wars sagas of course you all know and love the cute little green guy who's one. Of the cute little guy (kind of like me) Yoda put a slight spin on the English language and in honor, of Yoda Speak we make our blog posts in on May 22nd I propose, we study the art. Hmmmmmm?

Translation: Are you wondering just what the big day is? Yoda Speak Day is quickly approaching! We have until May 22nd to become fluent in Yoda Speak. Of course you all know and love the cute little green guy who's one of the most fascinating creatures in the Star Wars sagas. Yoda put a slight spin on the English language and in honor of the cute little guy (kind of like me), I propose we study the art of Yoda Speak and make our blog posts in Yoda Speak on May 22nd.

I'll bet I kind of had you wondering for a minute there! Since I'm a cute little guy myself I feel compelled to honor one of my heroes - Yoda. Please join me in making your post in Yoda Speak on Yoda Speak Day - May 22nd. You can watch the countdown gadget on my blog to see how long you have to brush up on your Yoda Speak skills.

To my buddy Maverick The Pirate, you'll find Yoda quite amusing as well. Look:

Yoda has something to offer everyone. From his endless wisdom and charming sense of humor how can you not love him? Besides, you have to admit - endless wisdom and charming sense of humor does sort of remind you of me doesn't it?

"Learn Yoda Speak - I will!"

Donut Destruction

2009-03-16T12:16:00.010-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

As you all know our Shadow is stuck wearing a horrible inflatable donut around her neck. The good news is that her nightmare should be over within the next few days and she'll be set free from the giant donut. In the meantime she's stuck with it. In a show of support for her plight I valiantly offered to devour almost an entire box of donuts. Take THAT donuts!!!

"Woo! Be careful!"

"It's a tough job but somebuddy had to do it!!"

No amount of danger is too great for our Shadow's honor! I urge my blogger friends everywhere to show your support......eradicate donuts everywhere!

**We would like to thank our girl for making this donut destruction possible. Thank woo for leaving the box where I could reach it. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Note To Self.....

2009-03-13T10:12:00.004-04:00

.....do not pull out your stitches. Plan B isn't very fun.

"Yes you morons - it's really me!"

Wrong..Wrong..Wrong!

2009-03-10T21:15:00.007-04:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Today was not one of my most favorite days. It all started when Shadow - who's recovering from surgery and has amazingly figured out a way to lick her stitches despite the fact that it's in a spot that made that task very challenging - needed to wear the dreaded tshirt. Mom figured an E-Collar would totally freak her out so she decided to try a tshirt instead. Shadow wasn't too sure this was a good idea:

"Does this make me look fat?"

Then it happened. Dad got the bright idea that I needed to wear a shirt too. I heard him digging in the bag trying to choose the perfect one. Oh yes - I heard his snickering and his plotting. I did what any good Siberian would do. I went upstairs. I figured he forgot about it so I decided to take my chances and go back downstairs. BAD idea!

"It's PINK - what are you thinkin?"

"Hurry up. Take the stupid pictures."

"Hey big guy - I think that's enough don't you?"

"Time's up pal!"

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Hey - dude - do you like your slippers?"

"Oh you have SO had it!"

So there you have it. The terror has ended and I broke free from the humiliation. It's okay though. Revenge is sweet.

Icing & Shadow

2009-03-05T11:51:00.002-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

I am pleased to report that Shadow is back home where she belongs and is recovering nicely. She is now less lumpy than she was and I think I heard her bragging about her new girlish figure! Amazing what a day at the spa can do for a grrrrl. She's a bit sore today but still manages to climb into her throne and bask in sun.

I wanted to share a lovely work of art Jack Frost left outside for us to admire. I had to send Mom out fast because it's dripping in the sunshine as we speak. Enjoy:

We're Breakfastless

2009-03-04T07:38:00.006-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Today has not started out well. Something is not quite right. See for yourself:

"Hey - where's our breakfast?"

"Ummm...what's missing from this picture?"

"Did somebuddy eat my breakfast?!"

"Did you forget something Dad?"

Ummm.....excuse me but......where's our breakfast??? This is a travesty! It just cannot be! Meeka discovered empty water dishes too! He protested and dragged the entire wooden thing that holds our water bowls out from where it belonged and then tipped it over. Can you believe Dad came along and just put it back - without filling it?? What's going on? We're Siberian Huskies and we need breakfast! Our strength is fading:

Finally Mom reminded us. Today's Shadow's Spa appointment. Well - sort of. She's having some lipomas removed and Mom told her she's having liposuction and a pedicure at the spa (she's getting her nails clipped when she's under anesthesia since she fusses so much when she's awake). She couldn't eat breakfast and Mom didn't want to torture her by making her watch us eat. She made sure Shadow had an extra bedtime snack last night though. The limo left to transport her to the spa so Mom finally fed us. We'll be thinking of our Shadow and will see her later today. I guess this means we have to be extra nice to her.

SNOW!!!

2009-03-02T17:43:00.000-05:00

Snow is definitely WET!

Can Wet Be Dry?

2009-02-27T09:03:00.006-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

I realize it's Friday and my brain is tired from an entire week's worth of thinking but I ask you - can wet ever be dry?? This may seem like a very strange question to you. Take a look at this morning's weather forecast and you'll understand why I'm asking:

Check Sunday's forecast out. I don't know about you but my experience with snow (which hasn't been much this season) has taught me that snow is always wet! This makes me wonder......just what kind of snow are they saying is possible? I'm not sure I'd like to have dry snow. Have any of you experienced dry snow? I think I might have to consult Ari. She's paw deep in snow right now and maybe she can do some experimentation to help us solve this weather mystery. Woo - this is all pretty heavy for a Friday morning. I need to ponder this some more. Wish me luck!

It's My Day!

2009-02-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Shyla here. It's not everyday we can persuade Echo to give up his blog posting privileges but today is a most special day! It's my GOTCHA DAY! Two years ago today my Dad set eyes on me and knew I needed to be a part of their pack. Mom and Dad came to the shelter to spring me for a rescue and as soon as my eyes met Dad's - that was it. I was scared and very hungry and didn't understand why I was in that noisy place. I was very happy to find a forever home that loves me and I love them just as much. Since we don't know when my official birthday is we've decided to make this my birthday too. I'm 3 years old today! So in honor of my big day - dog cookies and cake for everyone! Woo!

Getting Ready

2009-02-24T07:56:00.004-05:00

Psssssst - I have a secret! Tomorrow's a BIG day so I'm resting up! See ya!

It's George's Birthday!

2009-02-22T11:27:00.010-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

It's a big day today. It's George Washington's birthday! He was quite a notorious fella who had many accomplishments.....sort of like myself. George was the very first President of our country which is what he is probably the best known for. He had a lovely wife named Martha who I'm told like to bake cakes. I know I would have loved her. We know George was popular because of the way we remember him. He's honored in many ways. He has had many wonderful portraits painted. We like this one in particular because it has a horse that resembles our Logan in it:

George's image appears on various forms of currency....like the quarter:

and the dollar bill:

George even appears in the side of a mountain....Woo! :

I will agree that my accomplishments probably aren't considered as noteworthy as George's. I have not served as President of our country (yet). I have not led any troops into battle or had an opportunity (yet) to make any laws. My accomplishments are impressive nonetheless however. For instance, I'm a pro at emptying the dishwasher. I can grab something out of the trash can before Mom even has a chance to stop me. I relocate a glass full of a beverage from the counter to the floor without spilling a drop. I can swiftly grab somebuddy's sandwich right off the plate the minute they turn their back. I think these skills certainly qualify me for some type of national honor. I thought about it for awhile and came up with the perfect thing:

Now I need to figure out how to convince someone to carve my likeness into the side of a mountain....Woo!
Until then, take the day to appreciate all George has done for our fine country and take a little time to appreciate your own accomplishments.

Gotcha!

2009-02-16T09:14:00.002-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Today's a special day....it's Meeka's Gotcha Day! He has proudly proclaimed that he's been the household Prince for 7 years as of this morning. We asked him what he planned to do to celebrate his day. He got an early start:

Looks like an appropriate celebration to me! In honor of his Gotcha Day this is what I plan to do:

Happy Gotcha Day Meeka! Treats for all!

Free Kibble Update

2009-02-12T19:18:00.003-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

It's time for another update on one our most favorite websites - Freekibble.com.
This is the website launched by a brilliant 12 year old girl named Mimi. It was her attempt to raise funds to feed the dogs and cats in cash strapped, overcrowded shelters in the United States. All we have to do is visit her website everyday and play a fun trivia game. Each daily click results in 10 pieces of kibble donated to the country's shelters. Take a look at the recent statistics:

Date:	Pieces of Kibble:	Additional Donations:
Year 2008	48,421,910	17,188,160

January 2009	9,683,240

February 12, 2009	292,930
February 11, 2009	359,960
February 10, 2009	361,050
February 9, 2009	363,850
February 8, 2009	268,780
February 7, 2009	262,330
February 6, 2009	343,130
February 5, 2009	388,110
February 4, 2009	353,580
February 3, 2009	359,960
February 2, 2009	336,810
February 1, 2009	241,340

Totals All Dates	62,036,980	17,188,160

TOTAL	79,225,140

Woo! This girl is on to something BIG! Since it's launch in April the site has raised over 50 tons of kibble!! Our shelters need us now, especially as many of their budgets are stretched even thinner than before. Please remember to visit this site daily to donate your 10 pieces of kibble. You can download a badge for your blog or website here to remind your friends to participate too.

We had a meeting to discuss Mimi's latest figures :

No doubt about it - Mimi deserves 2 paws up for her efforts to help homeless dogs and cats everywhere!

Let The Flirting Begin

2009-02-09T16:27:00.008-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

Did you know that it's International Flirting Week? I didn't either. But apparently our Shyla sure did! Take a look at what's been going on today:

You'd think she likes me or something! It's been positively exhausting. I had to pretend I was asleep to get a break!

Then I woke up to see this:

I should have known. Meeka sucks up the attention like a sponge. That'll teach a guy to take a nap!

For Those Who Suffered

2009-02-03T11:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

This is Michael Vick:

We're pretty sure most of you know who he is. For many years he struck fear in the hearts of many, many innocent dogs. Many suffered tremendously while on his property......some died horrible deaths. You can read about him here and here. We have opted not to post pictures of his dogs. It's disturbing to see them and has brought many to tears. Some of the lucky ones were rescued and are now living wonderful lives thanks to the kind hearts of many. Best Friends Society in Utah took in several that were deemed"unadoptable" with the hope that with extensive rehabilitation they could eventually be placed into loving homes. Some have - some will stay with the folks at Best Friends since their mental injuries were so severe that they cannot be overcome. You can read about the Vicktory Dogs here.

Mike Vick was found guilty and sentenced. Sadly, his sentence which consisted of several months gives him the right to be released very soon, possibly within the next 2 weeks. He will then be moved to a Halfway House where he'll serve another very modest term. The UFL has allegedly expressed great interest and is willing to negotiate (many reports state a lucrative contract has already been agreed upon) for a spot in their league immediately upon his release. He will once again have the potential to earn millions with speculation that the NFL may then consider him once the UFL's contract has expired. Although the Atlanta Falcons have stated in the past they would not be interested (we'll see), the NFL has left their options open. In the name of the dogs that have suffered we ask our friends to monitor this situation carefully. If petitions come your way which may allow you to express your feelings please consider it. The football world needs to know that we will not forget and this man does not deserve a second chance for the atrocities he has been responsible for.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

2009-01-30T09:07:00.007-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

We hope all our buddies are enjoying the teaspoon of snow we were bestowed with a couple days ago. Unfortunately it rained alot afterwards which really tends to spoil our fun. We're trying to remain optimistic that one of these days we'll get some real snow. Mom still stands by the theory that we'll need to move North in order to experience that. We're thinking she just might be right. In the meantime, we've been spending some time observing the world around us. Here I am hard at work observing:

The rainy weather has offered us an opportunity to study that subject in a bit more detail than we typically do. Recently a couple very amusing recalls ended up in Mom's email box. (I've been helping her out with her email because she's been busy doing weird things like stress over paint colors for the kitchen). I should note that we've always questioned the intelligence and common sense of mankind but these two recent recalls just seems to drive that point home a little bit further. First there's the recalled home improvement book. Here it is. It doesn't look too threatening:

Why was it recalled you might ask? Despite the fact that the main topic of discussion in the book was how to safely wire your home, it was recalled for........ready for this........incorrect wiring information. Need I elaborate any further on that one??!

Now let's take a look at the next one. Ice Boots. Apparently the humans invented a boot which allows them to walk safely on ice. The point of course would be - to keep them safe.

Unfortunately these boots were recalled this week. Why? Because there's a risk of falling. ::gasp:: Of course! Why didn't I think of that??!!

All of this information left me wondering.....what does the future hold for these humans? It would seem to me they're their own worst enemies sometimes. It's so much easier to be a Sibe!

Land Of The Giants?

2009-01-27T11:49:00.004-05:00

Hi Everybuddy -

There's something strange going on around town. After giving it some thought and studying the photographic evidence I have come to the conclusion that the giant that hangs around the AO4's Headquarters has decided to visit us here in PA. What do you make of this? :

I don't know about you but I think that looks like a giant igloo! Here's a closer look :

Not too far away from this mysterious igloo we found this :

It's a giant paint can! And if that's not perplexing enough, take a look at THIS :

I know what you're thinking ............ this might not be a bad thing. Can you just imagine the bar-b-que we......okay - nevermind. I won't say it. I was just thinking. Look real close. Can you see the giant container of ice cream??! We just love ice cream! This cow really has our attention now!
Do you suppose there's a giant eskimo lurking around who is planning on doing some interior decorating? I'm thinking I might offer my assistance because it appears as thought there might be a party afterwards....burgers and ice cream.....mmmmm!