waiting for you to throw the !@#$ frisbee

do dogs get chicken pox?

I don't think so, but yesterday I wasn't so convinced. Around 3pm some bumps were felt behind Zeke's left ear. There was only a small area affected but it had numerous bumps. The bumps could be felt easier than be seen; the were under the skin and didn't have any sign of redness or bite. And while Zeke didn't seem bothered by the bumps and wasn't scratching at them, Mom started to go into panic mode. Thankfully our vet (shout out Central Veterinary) got us in at the end of the day. Amber the vet tech thought Zeke might have gotten into some fire ants--possible as Zeke gets into everything. Dr Chad took a look at them and said whatever got Zeke got him pretty good as the bumps were a result of an infection. He gave us some antibiotics and a few days worth of prednizone to help with the inflammation.


This morning the bumps feel bigger, but we probably need to give the medicine time to work.

always have a plan B

This evening Zeke was supposed to go to Salty Mike's and celebrate the boss man, Charles Fox, returning from his cross country bicycle trip to raise money for Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. We asked Charles if the place was dog-friendly and he told us 'yeah, absolutely, Daniel goes there all the time with his dogs'. We were very excited about checking out a new place in downtown Charleston only to pull up in the parking lot and see a sign that said NO DOGS OR CHILDREN ALLOWED. What a major bummer!

Since we were already downtown we decided to check out the Three Dog Bakery, where Zeke got some special treats like carrot cake and a crunchy bone for Sadie. Also picked up some low-fat apple training treat bites. Zeke met some other pups in the store including a very young brindle mastiff and one of the store dogs was a small female chocolate lab.

So lessons learned today? Always have a Plan B and don't ever trust Charles (j/k).

Happy Memorial Day!

Last Memorial Day Zeke broke his leg trying to get the beach. This year we are taking it easy; Zeke went out to lunch at McAlisters then off to Starbucks for a sweet treat.

Summer Fashions

New bandannas for the start of summer! Sadie is looking fabulous with her flower print in bright colors that are so hot this summer, while Zeke is sporting a classic blue plaid with a nautical accent.

Belle the German Shepherd

Judy and Belle

'Ok, you can get a picture with my ears up, but I'm gonna close my eyes'

What an exciting day at work! Not only did hot momma Darlynn stop by the store but Judy brought in her new girl, Belle. Belle is a 3 year old GSD that Judy got from New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue. Belle is a little shy right now as she is just figuring out her new home and surroundings. We tried to give her a chance to meet Zeke and they got close but she wasn't ready for full on sniffage.

Annual Checkup

Zeke had his annual checkup yesterday; got to see Amber our favorite chocolate lab lovin' vet tech and Dr. Chad. He weighed in at 80.0 lbs even, which Dr. Chad said was a good weight for him. Tested negative for all the bad junk and got his rabies vaccine. This year's tag is BLUE to match Zeke's collar which is much nicer than last year's pink heart, not very apropo for a boy. Yay for healthy pups!

swimming at the golf course

Yesterday Zeke had to work, but we gave a Neil a ride back home because his car was in the shop. His home happens to be on a golf course with a pond close by, so Zeke took a little break to swim at the golf course. Its always fun to find random safe places for labs to swim.

tongue dragging...

Zeke's girlfriends Ladee and Darlynn just stopped by the store. Usually this ends up with him going crazy and getting snapped at. He was still a show off but overall there was a marked improvement in his behaviour. Now he is exhausted from all this excitement.

back from the beach

Zeke is back from vacation. We all had a wonderful and relaxing time. Zeke had a blast swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand. He got to play on the beach every day we were there and spent his down time napping on the couch.

Zeke and Friends

Zeke has several customers of Fox Music that have become good friends of his. Above Zeke is with Dianne, she is in the Lowery Organ class. She always looks for Zeke to say 'hi' and give him some love.

Momma's Day

Oh how swiftly go the days.

Zeke at work "Tug Time"

This is how we take breaks at Fox Music--strength exercises with super strong labs.

Philly's

We decided to have family dinner night out tonight and what better place to go for cheesesteaks with your two lovely labs than Philly's ! Philly's is an awesome cheesesteak, sandwich and pasta place and they happen to be dog friendly. You just have to sit outside on the nice patio and order your meal to go. Zeke tried some steak and fries and gives them four paws.

Philly's also had some signs up for a pancake breakfast this Saturday at Applebee's to support the Great Dane Rescue of South Carolina. Mmmm. All you can eat pancakes! Too bad we won't be in town.

Zeke visits Cross Country Campers truck shop

Today Zeke got picked up from work by dad so he got to run errands instead of stay late and close the store with mom. Zeke and Dad stopped by Cross Country Campers to pick up some things for the truck. Some very nice and helpful people there. They told us they used to have an office cat!

CINCO DE MAYO

latest updates

• Obviously Zeke graduated. Our trainer Michael was fantastic, I would recommend him to anyone interested in classes at Summerville Pet Smart. If we do intermediate class in the fall we are going to wait until Michael is teaching a class we can attend.

• ZekeTheLab.com is committing to 'Blog every day in May' and we hope that includes at least two new dog friendly food establishments and one new dog park review.

• Zeke is going on vacation next week. Going to spend some family time at the beach. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, but even if it does not good times will prevail.

• In the past week Zeke has been to Cross Country Campers and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Love finding random dog friendly places. He also went back to swim at the Ponds, which we determined is probably looking to keep people from messing up the lot with trucks, so we all walked.

graduation day

Group picture time!
Zeke with trainer Michael

Tiger

Mya

Tiger getting ready to impress with a sit/stay

Mya and her parents

Tiger and his dad

The diploma and tassle make it OFFICIAL!

Zeke's newest mode of transport

Zeke's dad just got a camper shell and bedrug for his pickup truck. So now Z and Sadie are riding around in style with a whole lot more room.

nighttime huntin'

Actually, just a little twilight training time. After letting his dinner rest some, Zeke walked over to the field to practice with his dead-fowl trainer.

It is also a nice idea to let the Zeke-man bleed off some energy to get a good night's rest.