...it has been awhile. "how's Mr. B?"

Long time since the last post. Thought I would give an update on Mr. B

..."he's still looking good as you can tell. "

....from 20%...to more like 60%....and climbing!

I am soooo happy to say that Dillan has shown GREAT signs of improvement. We are so blessed that he is walking under his own power....has a ravenous appetite.....and started to play again.

The swelling in his brain has subsided and we are hopeful that we caught the problem in time. Of course I say "we" when JoJo gets the credit for diligently finding the doctors and hospital that actually "knew" what the symptoms were...and knew how to treat him. Thank you NW Vet Specialists in Clackamas...you are the best! Thank you doctor for fixing my baby boy...he may not be completely out-of-the-woods....but he is headed toward the clearing...and for that I thank you and thank God. Thank you for listening.

I have to ask myself why it was so damn hard (with 4 other visits) for some people to do their job correctly? Now don’t get me wrong…I have my weaknesses as well…but seriously! What has happened to the fabric of the people that “used to do a good job?”

Everyone today agrees that truly great employees are rarer than the proverbial hen’s teeth. It makes no difference if you are an employee yourself, or if you are a manager who is wondering how to actually find a great employee to fill a role, you know that great employees are at a premium.

What exactly is it though that makes an employee great?

Attitudes project your beliefs and values, and what you think of your job, coworkers and boss. It is shown in the quality of your work. The boss is aware of your individual attitudes at work and is watching them every day. They are as important as the work that you produce. A "positive" attitude does not always mean "happy", but it is better to be upbeat at work rather than brooding and angry, "Positive" can also mean proactive, which means you go after things and don't wait for them to come to you (using initiative). Add some flair to what you do all day.

How do you go about doing your job with flair? The first way to make sure you are doing your job with distinction doesn't involve much flair at all - it simply involves doing your job and doing it well. Know exactly what your responsibilities are and attend to them every day. Don't let any of the things that come under your job description fall by the wayside because you think they are unimportant. If you are unsure exactly what all of your responsibilities are, ask your boss for a meeting and discuss your job description with them.

Another way to do your job with flair is to add to the good morale in the office. Everyone has at least one person in the office that is like a black cloud hanging in the air. Gloom, doom and pessimism don't really have a place in the office. Even if you feel like you are heading for a fall with the way a certain project is coming together (like a recent one that comes to mind) or because someone on the team is not pulling their weight, look for solutions instead of standing around and complaining about it.

What I learned with this Dilly experience is that you MUST be a great listener. The first habit of listening is to pay attention to the person who is speaking. Give them your full attention -- and visibly so. Attend not only with your ears but with your whole body. Turn to face them. Gaze intently at them. The trick to full attention is to do it from inside your head, not just by moving your body. If you can be truly interested (which is often just a matter of attitude) then your body will happily follow your mind.

Sometimes the speaker is having difficulty getting their point across. Maybe they are not that good at speaking or are seeking to explain a complex concept. You can help them and yourself by positive encouragement…and listening.

Good listening also includes acting in a way that is considerate of the other person. As a part of listening, you should seek to help the person feel good about themselves. Having someone pay close attention to you and show interest is very flattering and usually feels good.

A fundamental attitude to support this is to value and accept all people, even if you do not agree with what they have to say or how they say it. Thus, if you disagree, disagree with the argument and not with the person. Show your acceptance of their right to differ with you, whilst stating your opposition to what they say.

Finally, be careful with how you react to what the other person says.

It is easy to be put off by listeners who show a marked lack of interest, who do not seem to understand what you are saying or who seem more concerned with criticizing you and showing how they do not need to listen to you.

Before you comment about what the other person has said, pause before you dive into a response. Notice your own internal inferences and biases. Think about what you would say and the effect that it would have. Consider if this is what you want to achieve. A doctor should never say,”Well, there will always be the dead and dying"…when your dog is near death.

And for that statement (the first place we took Mr. B when we were in great pain)….listen closely when I tell you to kiss my ass. I love my dog....and you obviously have come to the end of your road as a doctor.

...get well Mr. B....papa loves you!

Today I feel like I have died. The news of 'Mr. B' was not good...he has a swelling of the brain and was diagnosed with encephalitis. He is in intensive-care at the hospital.

Young dogs, primarily but not exclusively small breeds, can occasionally develop encephalitis.

A more common form of encephalitis in dogs is immune-based (which seems to be the case with Dillan). This means the body's own white blood cells (the cells that normally fight infections) are attacking the normal brain. Commonly called GME (granulomatous meningoencephalitis), this type of immune encephalitis has a "bad rap." The veterinary literature portrays this disease as fatal, but this is often not the case.

Common clinical signs of encephalitis are confusion, bumping into things, imbalance and stumbling....all of which Dillan portrayed. The MRI combined with examination of spinal fluid can provide an accurate diagnosis and lead us to corrective treatment....we are awaiting the spinal test information later today.

I don't care what the Internet says about the long-term life of a dog after being diagnosed with this stupid ass decease...I love my Mr. B and he will survive this! We have stabilized him and he is no longer in pain...

Of course I am angry. Why? Mainly because my neighbor of 10 years has a dog that lives in her backyard, 24/7, with no human touch...no love...no warmth...and that "barking bastard" is still alive and in good health.

Know why Mr. B will make it? Because I believe that God would never let such a wonderful dog be taken from us...not yet! I love you Mr. B!!

An autobiography--'The Perfect Dog’- by Mr. B

Hello, my name is Dillan Hall--writing under the name of Mr. 'B'--and this is co-authored by my papa....

Description & Appearance:
I am a Maltipoo. A what? A hybrid dog crossed from a Maltese and a Poodle. This cross gives me a smooth silky wavy coat and I am a well-proportioned dog with impressive agility. (Oh, and I like to eat)...

I can make a great therapy dog and have an uncanny instinct to gravitate towards an ill or needy person, whether a child or an adult. The size of a Malitipoo will vary depending on its pedigree but generally malitipoos are between 5 and 12 lbs. (It's none of your business what I weigh)....

Temperament: I am very personable, playful, bright and spunky. I enjoy romping around with other pets, cats or dogs, but very much prefer to chase my own toys. Much like my Maltese heritage, I am bounding with energy and love a ‘good’ game of chase. And like my Poodle heritage, I am much, much smarter than you will ever be…. and pick up obedience tasks easily. (and I really like to eat).....

I am very gentle natured and not very mischievous. Housebreaking is not a long arduous chore (and I prefer a clean pee-pad). Smart and capable, I am always eager to learn new tricks. Of course, I make a great companion dog and do well with children (if I have to…but I prefer my mama and papa only).

Health: I am very healthy benefiting from gene mixing and avoiding many of the hereditary health problems such as Luxating Patella and White Shaker Dog Syndrome Maltese and Poodles purebreds occasionally exhibit. (I like to eat).....

I will enjoy a long life of 12-15 years….or longer.

Care & Grooming: I would do well in an apartment but do enjoy the occasional walk or romp at the park…I do love my multi-story home…I love running up the steps. I love toys....I love toys....

I DO NOT shed (yuck!), making me a great hypoallergenic breed. I have a full coat of hair that should be trimmed monthly to keep my hair from matting. Regular brushing will keep my coat clean and tangle free. The occasional bath is necessary as I am not afraid to get my paws a little dirty. I dislike haircuts.

Books from my reading list: 1) The Dog's Mind--Understanding Your Dog's Behavior by Bruce Fogle  2) Think Dog--An Owner's Guide to Canine Psychology by John Fisher  3) Don't Shoot the Dog!--The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor

My favorite song: 1) I love my dog by Cat Stevens

“So, I love my dog as much as I love you,
But you may fade, my dog will always come through.
I love my dog, Baby, I love my dog. Na, na, na...”

(That’s all I can remember…)

History:  As a hybrid breed, my history is short. Generally, Maltipoo breeders aim to breed one generation of Maltipoo from purebred Yorkshire terrier and Poodle parents. This is to take advantage of hybrid vigor and the Heterosis effect which results in a healthier, more vigorous dog with a reduced chance of genetic disease. Pure breeds and inbreeds often carry genetic disease.

Heterosis is the phenomenon where crossing two inbred lines can yield a offspring with superior genetic constitution. This increased health and vigor does not create a superior breed, but the advantages obtained from it are what produce hybrid vigor. This goal in this scenario is not to create a new breed, but to create a happy and healthy pet.

The deliberate cross breeding of the Maltese and Poodle creates a wonderful new crossbreed (me!!). I share the qualities of both pure breeds. Did I mention already? I am extremely intelligent, eager to please, and very loyal to my family.

p.s. I like to eat!

My little Prince...

So I look across the room and his eyes catch mine. His ears perk-up a little in anticipation of what might come next....a happy and eager smile on his little face. He is my little 'Prince' Dillan.

If I could only be half of what he 'believes' I am...I would be quite a man indeed. His happiness and outgoing attitide actually raises my spirits...and he does this day-in and day-out...never complaining.

All he wants is my affection and my acceptance. Funny...all I want is the same from him.  Dillan's daily routine is simple...In the 'wee hours' of the morning it involves stretching and "pretending" like he wants to get up out of bed...followed by a strong-snuggle into mama's arms for a few more hours...but when it is time to get up...get up!..."I cannot hold all the water I drank papa"..."I am not kidding!"

Once the 'fire' has been put out with the Dillan hose...it is now time to stretch some more...."wait!"..."I am hungry."..."feed me papa....feed me." Dillan must have a custom blend of canned meat with the dry....but why? (It's so he can come back in an hour or so and finish it off.)

"Oops.....papa? Papa?..."the food is pushing on my belly papa."...(another trip to the private area.)...."Wait!....check my behind papa!!...check my backside...whew!...ok."

Now it is time to make coffee..plan out the 'parents' day....and where is Dillan? (Well, where do you think?....he did his business...got his belly full...he's ready to go back to bed!)

Honestly, I cannot wait to do it again tomorrow...

Dillan, the “Prince” (his friends call him Mr. B)

The boy’s name Dillan \d(il)-lan\, also used as girl’s name Dillan, is a variant of Dillon (Irish, Gaelic) and Dylan (Welsh), and the meaning of Dillan is “like a lion; loyal; son of the sea”. Meaning: Its source is a Welsh expression meaning “Son of the sea.”Dillan was (what we thought over 4 years ago) a dog.

Not just a normal dog…but a Maltipoo…a tiny little white dog. What we did not know at the time..is that this “Dillan” or “Dilly” "Dilly Billy" or “Dill-man”…was indeed a true Prince. Dillan understands english very, very well. However he has selective hearing. “What papa?”…”What did you say?”

Dilly and I have spent some great time together recently….what a joy to be around! Dillan ‘the Prince.’Popularity: The name Dillan ranked 689th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2007 Social Security Administration statistics.

Dillan thought his last name was "Billy" because he was called "Dilly Billy" so often...now that he is an adult...he prefers "Mr. B"------Once upon a time many, many years ago…a mighty King had an only son whom he loved very much….But one day the Prince did a very silly thing and rebelled against his father, so the King banished his son from his palace and handed him over….to a cruel slave-people who dwelled in the depths of a valley in one of the countries of his kingdom and so said the King to them:“

See, I have placed my son in your hands to enslave him to do with him whatever you please until the day that I shall remember him….to return him from his exile and this shall be the sign to you: A burning torch I shall place in my window….overlooking your valley where it shall constantly burn….and when the day comes that my son lifts up his soul in regret and yearning toward my palace on the hilltop and attaches an imploring look to the glow in my window –on that day, the days of his enslavement shall come to an end and he shall be set free.”

The Prince was put in chains and taken down to the valley to the slave quarters and his enslavers said to each other: “Let us outwit the Prince, lest he lift his eyes and gaze upon the light of the palace and be redeemed.” So they oppressed him with their labors and made bitter his life –until the profusion of toil and shortness of spirit made him forget his father’s house….and the sign of his redemption, the enslavers of the Prince further plotted.

They contrived to build high walls and to plant a thick forest to interpose between the Prince and the window of his father’s palace….But no one knew that if the captive Prince would only raise one yearning look the walls would fall away, the forest would disappear, and the light of his redemption would be glowingly revealed…but the toil of his heart bowed the soul of the Prince to the dust and his eyes remained glued to the ground…when will the Prince muster the strength and lift up his gaze toward his ray of redemption?”

And the Prince said to the King, ” Papa…it’s time to get up” (As he kissed me awake from my sleep around 5 AM)……”I need to go, Papa!” “Wake up.”