Fun Scenes Around Japan #2

Apparently dogs aren't the only pets people like to dress up and take out around here.

Our Japanese "Pet"

For those who are not my longtime readers, we lost our dog of almost 13 years this past summer while we were on vacation. The family was heartbroken to lose Kylee.


We originally had planned on getting a new dog this spring. However the move to Japan changed that. Having a dog overseas is not real easy. You have to worry about getting them to the location, any quarantine required in the new country, what to do with them when traveling or on home leave and just the general upkeep of a pet while adjusting to a completely different country (I haven't seen any Kibbles & Bits on the shelves here).

Our house has all hardwood floors, upstairs and downstairs. So we bought a new Japanese vacuum that is made for hardwood. Somehow the kids have nicknamed it "Kylee". They claim it has a tail and a body and that while we are here it is their pet. I have to say it is a bit funny to hear them talking to it. But after a few days I have even caught myself telling the kids to go get "Kylee" or put her back in her cage.

So meet Kylee. Our Japanese "dog".

Look Who Came Back Last Night

Ignore the poor quality (I really wish you could do a megapixel upgrade like you can a memory upgrade on a cell phone. I used my camera phone through the window, as I was afraid to scare this little fellow off with my real camera. And guess what. He was still there this am. I am not sure if Matt is wanting to laugh or kill me.

We are not able to have a cat indoors as Matt is allergic, but I guess there is no harm in having an outdoor one. Well that is if he/she sticks around. Maybe today I will go and buy just a small bag of cat food. And some extra milk. Is it crazy to bribe a cat?

Loss of a Loved One

Kylee last summer with Chris and Sami.

A few weeks ago I had posted about an issue with our dog Kylee having what seemed to be doggie vertigo. June 27, while we were on vacation, our beloved pet of almost 13 years died in my neighbors arms. Sounds dramatic, but it's true. (You know how us Jacobs' can't do anything without drama)

My neighbor Keri called us around 8 pm saying that Kylee was having the same symptoms that she had a few weeks ago. We told her where the Dramamine was and what to do. We honestly figured she would give her the medicine and a few hours later she would be running around as she did a few weeks ago. I kept calling to check in and she seemed to slowly be getting better. Keri told me that she planned on staying the night at the house just to watch Kylee and then Matt would be home the next day to take care of her. At 11:30 pm Keri called and told us that Kylee died in her arms. She wasn't alone and she didn't seem to be in pain. She just slipped away.

We got Kylee in October 1995. She would have been 13 years old on July 3. Kylee had a wonderful life and was a huge part of our family. When our family had been turned upside down Kylee was the one constant in our kids lives. I remember Emily clutching and hugging Kylee all the time after Allison died. When she was a puppy Matt and I used to push a newborn Emily in the stroller while the other one walked Kylee on a leash. She moved with us three times. She loved to go visit at my parents house and play with their dogs. My parents loved Kylee like she was their own dog. (And for a few months during our moves she was their dog)

She was old in dog years. We were very blessed to have almost 13 wonderful years with her. It was hard not being here when she went. But for the kids sake it was probably better. I feel horrible that Keri had to deal with it all, but I am so glad she was here and Kylee didn't spend her last few moments alone. It was hard coming home Saturday after being gone two weeks and not have her greet us at the door. Our house just seems –– quiet.

We plan on getting another dog, just not right now. But I couldn't help but sneak food to the cat that found its way to our front porch last night. While I am not a cat person, it felt, well... right.

Goodbye Kylee. We miss you.

Tuesday's Tip: Summer Outdoor Safety

With summer upon us I thought it would be good to post some summer safety reminders. You can keep you and your family safe with just keeping a few things in mind.

• Avoid sunburn. Wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight cups of fluid a day, or more if physically active. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. By then you are already on your way to being dehydrated.
• Drinking alcohol while in the hot sun greatly speeds up the effects of alcohol. Just a few beers and the sun and you better make sure you have extra water and some good hangover cures.
• Don't leave small children unattended around open water such as swimming pools and garden ponds.
• Make sure swimming pools are covered when not in use if you have small children.
• Avoid being outside in the evening and early mornings when mosquitoes are prevalent. If you're planning outdoor activity, bringing an insect repellent to help ward off mosquitoes. There are other ways to avoid bites. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, and long pants tucked into boots, can be effective. Also keep doors, tents and window screens in good repair, and get rid of standing water — prime mosquito breeding grounds — around the house.
• To keep bees away, wear light-colored clothing and avoid scented soaps and perfumes. Also, don't leave food, drinks, and garbage out uncovered.
• Make sure all water activity rules are followed properly. Swim in only designated areas. Obey all posted signs. All children must wear life jackets when boating. Be observant to others around you.
  
• Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike, scooter or skateboard ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets.
  

Don't forget about your pet.

• Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets so they can stay cool and hydrated during the warm weather.
• Be careful with the use of fertilizers and other products around the lawn and garden. Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• Though pets need exercise even when it's warm, take extra care when exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Remember that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Summer is flea and tick season, so make sure your flea and tick treatment is recommended by your veterinarian.