Hi. My name is Monte. I am a female American Bulldog. At this moment in time 6/27/02 I am 1 year and 4 months old (16 months). On July 13th, 2001 at around 6:00 a.m. two people (a man and a lady) came to my home in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey and took me away from my parents. I was 4 months old going on 5 months. These two people put me in a car where I sat on the lady's lap for the entire ride to my new home (let me tell you it was one long ride. I guess that's why I love riding in the car every single day). When we got to the area where my new home was I panicked. I heard so many street sounds that I was not accustomed to. There were trucks making loud sounds and horns blaring. It took me some time to get used to my new surroundings, but not that long.
The above photo was taken on 7-14-01. The day after I joined my new family.
I am not a pup that is into socialization. I know, I know. People are always saying you should socialize a pup. My new family has tried over and over to socialize me but you know what? If I like you, I like you and if I don't then just leave me alone. I choose the people that I want to be around.
Okies now back to that first day ............. I met many people that day and was leery of all of them. Come on now, I was only 4 months going on 5 months. What did you expect from me? Over time I have come to know who my immediate family is and who the extended family & friends are. I train very easily. The first week I only did pee pee in the house four times after that first week I started telling my new Mommy when I wanted to go out. She is always telling me what a good girl I am and forever kissing me (mushy, mushy). Now I tell her when I want to go out (you should hear me. I go up to Mommy and try to verbalize "Oooooowoooooowwwwo" - that means out), when I am hungry and when I want to play. She listens to me each time which is great. My new Mommy, Daddy & Sis are always buying me bones to chew on. I guess that is because the first month at my new home I kinda chewed on the bottom of my Mommy's dresser & her nightstand (couldn't help it ........ It's wood). Now I know that the furniture in the house belongs to my parents ........ everything except MY BED. I love my bed ... It's so soft and I have my own pillow (with a sesame street pillow case ..... don't laugh. I love my pillow and pillow case).
Recently, May 25th, 2002 to be exact, I was playing in the back yard while Daddy was building the new fence for me and I jumped up onto something I should not have been on. When I jumped down I landed the wrong way and broke my toe. I never showed my parents that I was in any pain with the exception of limping. The next morning when Mommy got up and looked at my foot she told Daddy "Something's wrong" and the next thing I know they were rushing me to the vet. I have been in a splint since then. Mommy plans on calling the vet this week to have the splint removed next week. That will be such a relief. I feel so lopsided with this thing on my paw. I can hardly wait to start running around the yard again.
On October 6th, 2002 My Mommy & Daddy brought me to the park for a run and I had a blast. When we went home I went to sleep. Later that day when my Mommy wanted to take me out, I wouldn't move. Finally when I tried to get up I attempted to walk on just my front paws with my rear legs raised in the air and I fell. The first thing on Monday morning October 7th, 2002 My parents rushed me to my vet. My vet took x-rays, his diagnosis HIp Dysplasia and he recommended a surgeon as well as placing me on anti-inflamatories. I was brought to the surgeon on October 16th. The surgeon verified that I have Hip Dysplasia but not severe enough to cause the pain I had been induring. The surgeon checked my spine and my legs. He noticed that I had torn (cruciated) ligaments in both my rear knees. The surgeon performed the surgery on my right knee that day. My family picked me up from the surgeon on October 18th, 2002. Boy, was I happy to see them. Since the 18th of October, 2002 I have been resting and healing. I am now able to walk without the assistance of the sling. Soon I will be going in for the second operation on my other knee.
Well, on June 9th, 2003 I went for my second surgery. My family came to pick me up on June 12th, 2003 and I was so very happy to see the them. From the way I was acting you would have never guessed that I had just had an operation. Talk about excited, that I was. I could not wait to get home and sleep in my own bed. I am now free of pain and able to run around my yard. What a feeling.
What are you looking at?
Some of my favorite things
Riding in the car everyday
Attention
Chewing on Booda Bones & rawhide
Sleeping
Snoring
Grunting
Playing with my ball (It giggles)
Inspecting the laundry (I have a habit of sticking my nose in the laundry basket and smelling every thing before Mommy places it in the machine. Then when she removes the clothes from the machine I have to smell each article of clothing again)
Riding in the van (It's not a car and has a lot of room)
Receiving treats
Running around the yard
Playing with "Kong" (The best toy a pup can have)
Jumping on my Sis's bed (he,he,he)
Riding in the car (I know I mentioned this already, but you know what? I really really love riding in the car or the van)
Drinking spring water (Do not like tap water at all ......... yucky - gross)
Going to "Pet Menu" with my family (It's really cool. I get to walk around the store and smell all the treats and toys)
Chasing the laser pointer all around
Having my belly rubbed
Playing with snow in the winter
Going to the park
Chasing any small object that moves (mosquitoes, dust in the air, pollen, flies, frogs, squirrels, cats and leaves are just a few of the things I love to chase)
Watching television
Taking my vitamins
Monte Update 2/23/07
Unfortunately Monte seems to be having some health issues. In late November 2006 she developed diarrhea & vomiting and was placed on the medication Flagyl. A stool sample was taken and came back with negative results. Soon after Monte finished her first prescription of Flagyl the diarrhea & vomiting reoccurred. Monte was placed back on flagyl and another stool sample was tested. Again the results were negative. In late January 2007, Monte urinated blood. A stool sample and urine sample were tested. The stool sample came back negative yet again. The urine sample came back showing signs of crystals. Monte was placed on Flagyl and Prednisole. On February 21st, 2007 a sonogram and blood test were performed on Monte. The first part of the blood test came back negative. We are still waiting on the remaining results of the blood test and the sonogram.
Monte Update 2/24/07
Received Monte's results back. Sonogram showed no sign of stones (bladder or kidney). Blood test showed high vitamin levels and bacteria over growth in her intestines. The vet has placed her on Tylan powder and recommended a prescription diet. She will be on Tylan powder for 6 weeks. Then the vet wants to see her again.
I would like to thank all those who left there well wishes and concern in the guest book and sent me personal e-mails. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Please click on the links listed below to visit with these wonderful women.
Monte woke me up a few minutes ago. She needed to go outside. She also threw up and has some very strong flatulence. Crossing my fingers that this is the anti-biotic at work. I will see how she is the rest of the day. If she continues to throw up I will be calling the vet first thing tomorrow morning.
Monte Update 2/26/07 - 7:58 P.M. (Eastern Time)
Monte has been doing well since 6:30 a.m. 2/25/07. She has had no vomiting. We figured out what caused the vomiting. The anti-biotic Tylan Powder is supposed to be sprinkled on a dogs food. Monte turned her nose at her food when we added the powder. So in order to get the initial dosage into her system we mixed it in a baby syringe with water and gave it to her that way. Needless to say Tylan Powder is extremely bitter. So that was the cause of her vomiting. My hubby got an idea and we went with it. We located some gel caps and filled them with the Tylan Powder. That is how she is receiving her anti-biotic from now on. Monte has always been great about taking pills. Never a problem. I also spoke with our regular vet this morning and he requested all test results be faxed to him from the other vet. I called the other vet and they said they would fax our vet everything by the end of the day. Tomorrow I have to call our regular vet and see what he has to say about the results.
Monte Update 3/05/07 - 7:59 P.M. (Eastern Time)
Monte has been doing well the last few days. This morning she had an upset stomach and vomited Bile several times. She would not eat during her first feeding but did eat several hours later. She has started turning her nose at her kibble and only wants to eats the shredded dog food that I mix with the kibble.
The results that my vet received from the other vet on 2/27/07 basically told us nothing. The other vet is assuming IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease). The six week Tylan treatment is to remove the bacteria from her intestine.
Monte Update 3/10/07 - 3:26 P.M. (Eastern Time)
On 3/06/07 I called the vet who took the sonogram. He informed me to get the prescription dog food as soon as I can and place Monte on it. We were holding off due to her bowel problem. It is a known fact then when you switch a pups food you should do it gradually. Mixing the original food with the new food. If you do a complete switch chances are the pup will end up with diarrhea. Since diarrhea plays a big part in Monte's current situation, we did not want to make it worse. Needless to say we went out on the night of 3/06/07 and picked up the prescription dog food. Monte has been eating it since. She seems to enjoy it and there has been a major improvement with her bowel movements. I will be calling both vets on monday to let them know how she is doing.
Monte Update 3/25/07 - 11:06 A.M. (Eastern Time)
Monte has been doing wonderful on the new food. There was a mild set back on March 19th which lasted through to the 21st. My hubby and I have come to the conclusion that Monte snuck a few bites of Carlo's food. Since then we have been keeping a sharp eye on her and so far so good.
Many people have sent me e-mails showing their concern regarding Monte's condition and the recent PET FOOD RECALL. I will assure you that Monte nor Carlo were fed any of the foods listed/recalled. Thank you to each and every one of you that did show concern. It is greatly appreciated.
**05/03/07 - Unfortunately the product Natural Balance has been recalled. Both Monte & Carlo were eating this brand. Monte & Carlo are both now on Hill's Precription Dog Food W/D
Monte Update 4/09/07- 11:34 A.M. (Eastern Time)
On Saturday April 7th, 2007 Monte had her 6 week follow-up appointment with the vet. Blood samples were taken again to check and see if there is any bacteria present. We are awaiting the results. Saturday was also Monte's last day of taking the Tylan Powder. She is doing fine so far. The vet said to keep her on the Prescription dog food, so we are. So far so good.
The Recent Pet Food Recall Has Expanded - 05/03/07 11:33 A.M. (Eastern Time)
The recent pet food recall has been expanding. Below is a link I highly recommend to anyone who wants to be updated and informed on the situation.
Monte Update 7/10/07 - 5:06 P.M. (Eastern Time)
Monte has been doing wonderfully on the prescription food. All of her blood test taken in April came back fine. The vet is sticking with the IBS/IBD diagnosis.
Monte now has her own awards page click below to view her awards.
Please visit the site below. When the movie is released purchase it. I know that I am going to.
Although Monte is an American Bulldog she is often mistaken for an American Pit Bull Terrier. Some Useful Links:
