I'm visiting the stable today because I heard that Rosemary Ganser, a DMV specializing in chiropractic and acupuncture, is here to work on Meindert and Rinze. There's some talk about Franny receiving acupuncture for her bulging disc ailment and I wanted to check it out to see if it might hurt.
1 Doesn't acupuncture involve needles? That makes me nervous!
2 Before the actual session, Rosemary likes to observe the patient's stride. This enables her to determine where Meindert's discomfort, or pain, is located.
3 Meindert has arthritis in his right hip, and she's been treating him for that condition. Whoa! That acupuncture needle sure looks long!
4 Acupuncture was developed in China over 4000 years ago and is still one of most commonly used medical systems in the world. The ancient Chinese developed acupuncture techniques for animals, as well as for people.
5 Using a special map, Rosemary finds the correct points that correspond to the areas with pain and gently inserts the needles. My eyes are kind of big, but Rosemary assured me that Meindert feels absolutely no pain.
6 A needle in the thigh - Once the needles are in position, endorphins and other relaxing neurotransmitters are released by the body.
7 After about ten to fifteen minutes, the needles are removed. Meindert didn't flinch once!
8 Now, Rutger has some arthritis in his front legs and Rosemary is treating him also.
9 Rutger isn't flinching either!
10 Rutger looks like a pin cushion!
11 At the same time, she feels for muscle inconsistencies and makes adjustments accordingly.
12 Rutger liked her finger pressure and let out a big sigh!
13 His head is low which means he feels relaxed.
14 After his session, Meindert was taken back outside, where he clearly showed more pep in his step, which means he's feeling better!
15 Watching Dr. Ganser treating the horses, assures me that if Francesca needs acupuncture, it will probably be a good thing.
From: gail pierson | 2/1/13 at 5:19 am
Yipes...needles!
I don't like pokey things!
But, it sure seemed like it worked wonders on Meindert.
Are the critters gathering 'round the TV to watch the "Big Game"?
I'll be watching "Puppy Bowl" on Animal Planet!
Happy weekend to all..
gail
From: Maddox | 2/1/13 at 5:57 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTHA
6 years old today.
Waa Huu
I will be back later
Love,
Maddox
From: Maddox | 2/1/13 at 7:01 am
Hi everyone,
I'm back. I wanted to give Martha a special birthday wish all by itself. Acupuncture is a good thing. My uncle Abram has a little weakness in his rear quarters so Karen took him to the vet's office. After a thorough evaluation they determined that instead of laser therapy which is also beneficial, acupuncture would be the best choice of treatment. Just like Meindert and Rinze, Abram did not flinch either. He goes back tomorrow for another session. And guess what, they added a new doctor to the staff and he happens to come from China and he is the one that does the acupuncture at the clinic. Way kool, eh?
Another weekend is upon us. One good thing, the temperature is colder for the weekend and the Big Game is this weekend. Chicken wings time. Sorry Martha's chickens. I don't think you have to worry though. Hehehehehehe
Love to all,
Maddox
From: Ruby | 2/1/13 at 8:32 am
Hello Sharkey & all my Glue Squad Buddies,
I did it, my paw went BA NER CO and pressed the back key and whamo, no post. If 2 get up, oh well!
First, let me say HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY TO MARTHA!! And now the singing, Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Martha, happy birthday to you...and many more. Have fun at your pizza party tonight with Lucy and Riley.
Now about this acupuncture. I am not a fan of needles or doctors yet. Maybe in time. Mom gets that acupuncture and says it is quite helpful. Sharkey, I am very confused about Franny. On the 28th you said she had a bulging disc, now today it is ruptured. Did I miss something gang? I am worried--rupture is very bad indeed. I hope it helps you whatever. I know Mama Martha knows what is best.
Now for the big Super Bowl weekend. I am looking forward to the commercials. Hear Delia there is a horse one raising a colt. Hope Al got hope safely. Zoe, I bet you will be cooking with Mom. And I can't forget that birds and bees stuff with Jake. Hope they fix you fine. Abby is off working at the vet's with Mom, Dudley relaxing in front of a wood stove, and Rebel supervising the quilting. Now Cora Belle, when do the Chiweenies arrive? Baby Favor keep Millie and Roxie in line and Kirby I don't know how you handle the itching--I woke up at 3 itching. It is dry here. All my cat buddies, I hope there is a cat commercial during the Super Bowl for you. Missy and I will handle any trouble that needs to be supervised. Hehehehehehe!!! Have a GEM of a weekend all.
WARRIOR PRINCE BISCUITS
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup Unbleached Flour
1 egg
1/4 cup Canola Oil
1/2 cup Mashed Bananas
1/2 cup Pumpkin
2 T. Molasses
Roll out 1/4 inch thick on floured surface and cut with your favorite cutters. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. (this is for us at a mile high in altitude) Probably less if you are lower.
Yumo, enjoy all!
From: Francesca | 2/1/13 at 9:10 am
Hi Ruby,
Sorry that Sharkey gave you a scare about my neck. I do not have a ruptured disc, just a bulging one. She was just so unnecessarily nervous about those needles and she gave some misinformation, which I edited promptly after reading your comment. Thanks for the recipe for the Warrior Prince Biscuits - the look great!
From: Missy Chow | 2/1/13 at 10:12 am
Morning Sharkey & Glue Squad Friends, Thanks for the acupuncture lesson. Mom has heard that it can really help without having any pain. I'm not crazy about needles but will have to get my shots in the next month and it usually takes Dad and a tech to keep me still. Happy 6th Birthday to Martha, have fun at your party tonight, hope you get lots of fun gifts. Enjoy your pizza
with Lucy & Riley. Maddox & Kirby, our temperatures have become seasonal once again, in the 30's, our kind of weather. Zoe, looks like you will be supervising Mom in the kitchen, Dudley Do Right, hope you are okay, Rebel, are you all thru with Dr. Becky? Abby, have you been helping Mom at work? How's James Dean? Kitty, any more nightime adventures? Any plans, Baby Favor, Millie & Roxie this weekend besides the Superbowl? Ruby, do you think I really get into trouble? You're right, I do and this week was one of those weeks, hehe. You and I will definitely supervise trouble, 
Gail, I'm with you, I will probably watch the Puppy Bowl too maybe I can learn a few more tricks.
Missed posting yesterday but wanted to express my condolences to Lord Byron's Mom & Dad. He will never be far from your heart & memories. Warrior Prince Basil has welcomed him at the Rainbow Bridge I'm sure with all of our loves ones.
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Till next time,
Missy Chow
xoxo
From: Rebel | 2/1/13 at 10:27 am
Hi Sharkey,
First, Happy Birthday Martha. 6 years old, how great is that?!?
I don't mind needles, but maybe it's the peanut butter I am licking off the tongue depressor that distracts me. What do you think?
Good thing the horses don't mind, boy could they kick up a real fuss! I think Frannie will be just fine I hear those needles are very fine & sharp.
It's really great that Martha can take such good care of you all.
Let's see, this weekend we will be at home, but Mimi & Papa are going to the neighbors for the super bowl. I here that they will be eating Brats and Alexis's chopped vegetable salad.
Thanks to Ruby, Mimi misplaced her Warrior Prince Recipe. We have to bake some for a new friend in Arizona and an old friend in California. I know they'll like them as much as I do.
Well, it's a real brrrrr here today thank goodness it is only for today.
Have a great weekend everybody.
Til Monday.
Your Pal,
Rebel
From: Martha, Lucy & Riley | 2/1/13 at 10:30 am
Hello Everyone:
The acupuncture sounds very interesting and I wonder how long it lasts for? As many of the conditions it is used to treat are chronic, it would be an ongoing treatment? However, anything that works is good.
Now, thank you for all your birthday wishes, I'm now 6! That's about mid-forties in human years, and they say for girls that life really begins in your 40's, so I'm good to go! It was snowing like crazy again this morning, however maybe we'll see some sun this weekend. Riley is growing like a weed, he seems to get bigger and more rambunctious every day, and man, sometimes he's extremely bothersome!!! Who in their right mind wants to play at 4 in the morning? Lucy and I have our moments, but on the whole we are peaceful, quiet dogs - I think sometimes that Mom brought a devil dog into our house, he's just so crazy sometimes. Mom's gardens are starting to look like archeological digs - there are holes everywhere and it doesn't even seem to matter if the ground is frozen or not. She's going to have to have words with that one.
Anyways, pizza tonight and presents, can't wait. Love to all, Martha the Beardie.
From: Kirby Bear | 2/1/13 at 10:32 am
Hello ladies, Kirby here.
I guess by now everyone knows what is happening this weekend; it’s Ground Hog Day tomorrow. Yep, it’s the day that the little furry fellow comes outside. I hope he doesn’t see his shadow because some of the trees already have leaves on them and some of the spring flowers are up. If it gets too cold it could kill them. Needles already? Makes me think of getting a shot which I don’t like one bit. That reminds me, I have to go to my vet for my checkup shortly. Maybe I can wait until March; yeah, I’ll wait. Have a good and safe weekend all. I’ll be at my Groundhog Day party.
Catch you later, Kirby.
From: Jan Erickson | 2/1/13 at 11:05 am
Hi F,S,&GK+ Glue Squad, Sweetheart Sharkey, you did another wonderful job explaining to all of us how well acupuncture works on animals and humans! Meindert and Rinze certainly did react very well getting those acupunctures to make them feel better and maybe that would help Francesca, also! Loved reading her comment, also! Sure hope all of you at the farm have a great weekend and are doing very well! My prayers are with all of you! Happy Birthday to sweet 6 year old Martha! Thank you Gail, Maddox, Ruby, Missy Chow, and Rebel for your comments today! Ruby, Mom likes to make those great Warrior Prince Biscuits-yummmmmm! Will check back later to read more comments! Hope all of you have a great weekend! We are finally supposed to get nice sunshine all weekend-yippy! Love, Dudley Do Right XOXOXO+
From: ABBY | 2/1/13 at 11:29 am
Hello Sharkey, Francesca, Maddox, Missy Chow, rebel, Ruby,Dudley, Jake,Kitty, Pippa the cat and all my glue squad buddies-
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTHA!!!! High paws and purrs for YOU! How lucky too that Ruby posted the warrior Prince cookie recipe today.
OMG- we just saw a ROBIN!!!! That means spring is truly coming! Maybe someone can tell the groundhog for tomorrow. He must be in Maddox's area.
Good job Sharkey telling us about those acupuncture treatments. I hope Franny feels better real soon. Maybe you can watch the Super Bowl with her.
Rebel, we hope you feel better and have a good time watching the puppy bowl. Abby does not know what BANERCO means??? She was a superstar at work yesterday, rolling on her back getting her belly rubbed by all the technicians. Ruby, enjoy the cold weather and we are glad your special fence is completed. Zoe, are you ready for some football?? Cora belle, Abby barked at the other dogs last night in your honor at work. Missy Chow, you are doing great in your training and puppy stuff just happens.
Stay warm Kitty in your tent. Hey gang, Sharkey's birthday is Feb.18th!!!! I am helping mom design more metalwork valentines. Purrrs to all- James dean the persian boy
From: Zoe | 2/1/13 at 12:03 pm
Good Morning F & S
Are you kidding me needles!! NOOOOO I hate needles so does mom. When she gets her blood taken she has to look the other way and when I went for my checkup last month she almost passed out looking at me - YUKKO!!! Franny I hope they don't hurt - hang in there your 30 days is almost up
I'm glad the horses are getting some relief from the needles they just look like they hurt 
Happy Birthday Martha!!! Hope you get lots of good presents.
So gang football this weekend. We are cheering for the Ravens because Joe Flacco is a local guy. Our Super Bowl party will be mom, dad and us 4 kids which sounds great. I can relax on mom's lap and share sips of her wine and eat lots of good food. Mom said we're grazing all afternoon on all kinds of appetizers - I can't wait.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
Zoe
From: Ruby | 2/1/13 at 1:23 pm
Hey Abby and all,
You asked what BA NER CO means---well, Mom said to tell you it is Italian for Wild Puppy. Hehehehehehe
I just said that. It is my term for a little crazy and silly. Riley, I was up at 3 today. Mom says we should call each other.
Love & licks,
Ruby
From: Baby Favor | 2/1/13 at 1:38 pm
It was good to see you post, Francesca Baby, even if it was to correct a mistake that Sharkey made. I don't blame her, though, I find even the little tiny needles are disturbing. BUT, my dear late sisty wee Princess Demi Boobala used to get acupunture, and she liked it very much. She even got the type where they attach a little battery operated electrical unit with wires coming out of it to go to the needles. She used to say it felt kinda funny, but it didn't hurt at all. And it did help her walk better for a little while. I think if it is suggested for you, Francesca Baby, you might want to let them do it.
On Saturday Millie and I will be helping out the French Bulldog Rescue Network at the Great Lakes Pet Expo. We will be kissing people for donations at our Kissing Booth. Roxy is not allowed to go yet, as she is just a bit too crazy to sit still that long and also kinda scared of other dogs yet. She better get over it soon, though, because Mom does a lot of these events and Millie and I are not getting any younger.
On Sunday we will not be having a Super Bowl party because we will be tired from Saturday. Also, neither Mom or Dad are big football fans, they like baseball better. But just because you almost HAVE to have an opinoin about it: Mom is rooting for the '9ers because she was born in Oakland. I am rooting for the Ravens because a. well, Raven Baby, of course, and b. Edgar Allan Poe is Mom's favorite American author.
A bientot!
From: Cora-Belle the cattle dog | 2/1/13 at 3:53 pm
..first off, Happy birthday to Martha, I will act naughty and bark at all the critters around the farm/ranch in your honor for the special day..and Abby, thanks for your barking...yo, Kirby I like Groundhog Day, too, and we are having a bonfire and Ivan and Ivanka and the Chiweenies will be there..what fun..James has a secure area for all the doggies, so nobody will get bit by a coon or fall in the river (the Chiweenies never did figure out raccoons and the river..goofy little guys..sure they will wear something fashionable)..I got every doggie coming a stuffed toy..wish you all could be here..over and out, love, Cora-Belle p.s. we are making a triple batch of warrior Prince cookies for the party...yummmy!!!
From: molly and Jake | 2/1/13 at 4:47 pm
Yikes!! Needles seem a bit scarey, glad that you showed us the horses didn't mind it and actually felt better afterwards.
Jakey is in surgery right now so I'm a bit anxious. Mom took me for a looonng walk to burn of my energy. I just want him to be ok. The Vet said Jakey seems to have a food allergy to corn or wheat. He doesnt eat corn so we are thinking it might be wheat. He is going to change to venison and potatoes so I get to have it too! I'll post when I hear more.....
a bit hyper,
Molly
From: Sonya | 2/2/13 at 5:59 pm
First Happy Belated 6th B-Day to Martha! I hope Jake is feeling much better from his surgery.
Sharkey you are so good to check on alternate medical procedure to help all of your farm friends get well. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!
From: delia | 2/4/13 at 12:35 pm
How great the acupuncture is helping...Dr Ganser looks like she knows what she's doing...maybe it would help Francesca...did you try on her?
I did not watch all of the SB Game last night, not with that score...I lived in S.F. and Oakland for years and had hoped they would win...but not losing at that score!
Belated BD for doggie Martha! JD thanks for the concern but Kitty now will not go out except for MAYBE 2 min and runs back in because of all the snow and freezing temps...she sends her prurrrs and meuuws to you with a loving lick.
delia & Kitty =^. .^=