If Life Gives You Lemons, Make Limoncello: Cello’s Early Retirement

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Cello's Corner | 4 Comments

If life gives you lemons, make Limoncello!

As the start of our 2018 Dock Diving season quickly approaches, we wanted to share the following with our family, friends and followers:

After some recent testing, Limoncello was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart disease that causes dilation and poor contractility of the heart muscle). It was also discovered that Cello also has two leaky heart valves. After a long and difficult discussion with our veterinarian, it was determined that the best choice for Cello at this time is to retire her from dock diving.

Although we are disappointed that Cello’s dock diving career has come to an end, we are focusing our energy on celebrating her dock diving journey and how it has positively impacted our lives: her many notable accomplishments, the abundance of joy it has brought us, the amazing people we have met, the incredible dogs we have seen, the spectacular places we have visited, and the unforgettable memories we will continue to cherish. …We have SO MUCH to be grateful for because of Cello!

Without Cello on the dock this year, it will be an emotional dock diving season for sure. However, we are so thankful that because of the knowledge, expertise, and advice of Cello’s veterinarian and cardiologist, we were made aware of her condition before the season began. We are also looking at this unfortunate news as a positive opportunity to explore less intense bonding activities with Cello such as Barn Hunt, Nose Work, and Rally. We fondly anticipate learning new things, setting new goals, overcoming new challenges, traveling to new places, meeting more wonderful people, and building additional priceless memories. But above of all – we look forward to the many years of love and companionship we will treasure with Cello.

Even if we don’t understand why at this point, we are firm believers in “change is good” and “all things happen for a reason.” We are hopeful and eager to discover what new adventures will be had as Cello once again broadens our path. However, if Cello decides that in her early retirement she’d rather just relax, we welcome that change-of-pace as well.

Hooch and Lager will still be on the dock this year. We look forward to seeing our dock diving family this season.

The Dock Diving Diva’s Personal Bests:

•Big Air (on camera): 25’0”
•Extreme Vertical: 5’6”
•Speed Retrieve: 7.371 seconds
•Iron Dog: 2869.62 points
*2016 DockDogs #1 Warrior Iron Dog in the World

Photo credit: Precise Video Productions

A Dog Can Change the Way You See the World

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

We are super proud to announce that Cello’s Corner has been chosen to be ambassadors for Dog is Good!

Dog is Good is a Dog lifestyle company. They create and market gifts and apparel for dog lovers! (How awesome is THAT?!)

This company also generously gives back to animal welfare organizations (even MORE awesome!)

The message behind all Dog is Good products is “A Dog Can Change the Way You See the World.” The company focuses on the profound, positive influence your dog has on your life. Dog is Good products let you share your love of Dog with others!

You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Watch our live interview with Dog is Good by clicking HERE!

Check our their apparel and other products at dogisgood.com !

Cardiology Consult and Dilated Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis

Posted on March 18, 2018 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

On March 19, 2018 we had a consult and echocardiogram appointment with Dr. Bossbaly, the cardiologist at VSEC. We honestly expected Dr. Bossbaly to confirm the heart murmur Dr. Campbell heard, and move on. However, what we left there with was a diagnosis we had no idea even existed.

Limoncello’s echocardiogram did in fact confirm a grade 2-out-of-6 heart murmur with leakage of the mitral and tricuspid valves, but also revealed that the dimensions and contractility of Cello’s heart was consistent with the early onset of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Because Limoncello is an athlete, Dr. Bossbaly said that we would have to consider that some of these findings may be induced by her athleticism.

We were informed that the progression of dogs with occult DCM is difficult to predict. If and when clinical signs arise, symptoms that may be seen could include lethargy, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, or panting excessively. We were also told that at this time there was no reason to be concerned since Cello’s heart rate was normal and her lungs were clear.

It was suggested that we do a repeat echocardiogram in 5-6 months, or sooner if any observable cardiac symptoms surface. It was also recommended that we start Cello on several supplements, keeping an eye out for any signs of loose stool or diarrhea:

L-Carnitine (1 gram twice daily)
Taurine (1000mg twice daily)
Coenzyme Q10 (30mg once daily)

We were instructed to record Limoncello’s sleeping respiratory rate (SRR), as this is a subtle indicator of changes. Increasing trends may suggest the development of congestive heart failure. Normal sleeping respiratory rates should be less than 30 breaths per minute. If Limoncello’s SSR and effort increases, it was to be reported to Dr. Bossbaly and Dr. Campbell immediately. To help us keep track of Cello’s SSR, we downloaded the Cardalis® app in the Apple Store. I believe this app is available for other devices as well.

It was suggested at this point that we retire Limoncello from dock diving to be on the safe side.

7 Years

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Cello's Corner | 6 Comments

7th Year Celebration

Playing soccer in the yard (her fave):

Swimming at Green Leaf Pet Resort:

Massage at V-Crest:

Birthday dinner (filet mignon, carrots, peas, and apple slices):

Dessert:

Starbuck’s puppuccino:

Rita’s 2nd Gotcha Day / Rita’s 8-ish Birthday

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day/ 8-ish Birthday to our Sweet Reet!

Rita partied like a rock star as she enjoyed a Starbucks puppuccino…

Margarita ran a Flex It Pink 5k to benefit less-fortunate dogs. Flext It Pink is a company run by two moms who are passionate about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. They began the company in 2013 to support, encourage, educate and empower other women in their healthy lifestyle and fitness journey. The Run for Rescues 5k benefited the Have a Heart Humane Society , whose mission is to rescue abandoned, abused and injured animals, provide low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter programs, educate the greater Tehachapi community (in CA) about responsible pet ownership, and partner with local organizations to develop and share resources for animal welfare.

: Run like there’s a treat at the finish line!

: Love is a 4-legged word!

: Love our bling from this run!

: This run benefited Have A Heart Humane Society

Margarita also did some birthday shopping at Pride Paws . Pride Paws’ mission is to provide job training and transitional employment experience to individuals with developmental disabilities who could not independently succeed in a traditional work environment.

Mom also made some pretty yummy bday meals and treats!

: Breakfast: Bone-shaped sausage, dog house-shaped egg omelet, blueberries, and Pride Paws homemade treats

: Dinner: Salmon, green beans, sweet potatoes, and apples

: Red velvet cupcakes with pink icing (made from organic vegetable-based food coloring)

: Making pink doggie ice cream with with pink icing (made from organic vegetable-based food coloring)

: Pink doggie ice cream!

: Serving Rita her pink cup cake and pink ice cream

Bday yard zoomies:

In the past year, Rita has graduated from obedience class, earned her Therapy Dog registration through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, was named the first District Therapy Dog for my school district, and had mastered all necessary obstacles in order to compete in an Agility trial. We can’t wait to see what adventures are awaiting Rita over the next year!

We love you, Margarita!

2018 Run for the Rescues

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

Margarita ran a Flex It Pink 5k to benefit less-fortunate dogs.

Love our bling from this run!

Flext It Pink is a company run by two moms who are passionate about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. They began the company in 2013 to support, encourage, educate and empower other women in their healthy lifestyle and fitness journey.

Run like there’s a treat at the finish line!

The Run for Rescues 5k benefited the Have a Heart Humane Society , whose mission is to rescue abandoned, abused and injured animals, provide low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter programs, educate the greater Tehachapi community (in CA) about responsible pet ownership, and partner with local organizations to develop and share resources for animal welfare.