Another year older...

Leeland in his Winter sweater January 2014

Leeland is 7 years old today! I can't believe we have had him so long. I'm happy to report he is still healthy and happy. He takes no medications other than his normal monthly preventatives and he is still doing great on nonprescription food (Petco's Natural Balance). He still plays like a puppy and is more loving and snuggly than ever.

We know we were so lucky to see such overwhelmingly successful and lasting results from the shunt ligation surgery. We are grateful everyday we get to enjoy his company.

Happy Birthday Leeland!



From The Beginning

At the beginning of May 2007 my boyfriend and I became the proud parents to Leeland, a three month old Miniature Schnauzer.

We found a Vet and had him checked out that week, he seemed to be in good shape. He had a few hurdles in the first couple months: kennel cough, puppy strangles, and an ear infection. When those issues were all put to rest he was happy and seemingly healthy.

Soon though he started showing symptoms of a sensitive stomach. He'd throw up on at least a weekly basis. He could never get his fill of water. We were constantly filling his bowl--and if we weren't he was in the bathtub licking the faucet.

All tests were inconclusive, and changes in diet didn't seem to do much. We accepted his "sensitive stomach" and moved on. He was full of energy and well behaved, we thought he was fine overall.

Things stayed that way for over a year. We became familiar with the pre-vomit symptoms and skilled at getting him off of the carpet just in time. But soon Leeland started showing us that there was something much more serious going on than just digestive issues.