Diane, of course I remember Spanky. What a personality! And cute as can be. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was so fortunate to have you and your husband who gave him so much unconditional love. I hope that soon your heartache will turn into peace so you can find comfort in your years of memories.
Dec 23, 2023
Spanky rest in peaceNEW by: Diane
I have tried to post this under separate cover but no matter how many times I try, it doesn't work! So now im trying here. While i haven't written on this platform in a long time, many of you may remember our sweet angel boy Spanky, from STankGlea's Houze. Its with a very heavy heart that we advise that Spanky has left us for the rainbow bridge this past August.
Spanky was my life and while we do have our other babies Gleason (also a Coton) and Stevie (abuse survivor rescue, chia/Pap mix) of whom we love with all our hearts, our lives are just not the same without our baby boy, Spanky.
Spanky had scoliosis. And for the most part of his life, lived very well with no complications. Once or twice during his early years, he had issues with is back, but nothing that kept him from living a very good life. It was only recently that we saw him slowing down and having complications with his back and back legs, which stemmed from his aging scoliosis. That didn't keep him from being a happy go lucky, lovable dog. We purchased our first home for him, and Gleason, as they needed a yard. Our pet sitting business started because Spanky was extremely social and loved the attention of other dogs on a constant basis. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him! He loved his big rubber balls and long snuggles on laps. He showed his love with gentle kisses and wanting to be in my arms on a daily basis. It wasn't long after not being able to part with him even for a short vacation, that we purchased a 2nd home in Tennessee just so we can take them with us for vacations. For the past 2 years he loved our road trips and our rather large yard overlooking the mountains in TN.
The night before he passed, we had a mommy and me night. I had taken him to the local free concert in the park to hear our favorite local band. He had a glorious time watching line dancing and everyone approached him t greet him, tell him how handsome he was and enjoyed every single pet he go, which was a lot. I had no idea this would be our last night together. the next morning, he woke up paralyzed from his spine being severed from the complications with his scoliosis. While we could have gone thought an extensive and painful surgery, the outcome even if we did did not look good, and it would have been selfish on my part to do so. It was then we needed to make the heart breaking decision to let him go so the suffering can stop.
4 months have passed and we don't miss him any less, we don't cry any less and we don't love him any less! He is always on my mind and forever in my broken heart. My life will never be the same without him, and i especially sad now during Christmas, which was his all-time favorite time of year! HE LOVED CHRISTMAS! His birthday just passed as well, and its been very hard on us to say the least. Ill never stop loving my sweet angel boy, Spanky... NO MATTER HOW MUCH TIME PASSES, HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED, ALWAYS BE LOVED. That will never ever change.
Love you with all my heart my sweet angel boy. Mommy will never stop loving you!
WE have changed the name of our pet sitting biz from Stankglea's houze to SPANKY'S FUN HOUZE, in honor of him. The change was made on what would have been his 13th birthday. Feel free to find us on Facebook and follow us.
Jul 17, 2012
Triscuit by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)
That is wonderful u are half way there. U know I have been in AZ now for almost 31 yrs. yet my family is still is in PA. They live in St. Marys, Ridgway & Brockport area. It is nice to here from a PA. Coton owner. Have a wonderful day & congrats on ur swimming accomplishment.
Jul 17, 2012
SWIMMING PUP by: KATHY FROM PA
VICKY AND JONAH
THANKS FOR THE GREAT INPUT RE GETTING TRISCUIT IN THE POOL.....I WILL START WORKING WITH HER TOMORROW. TODAY WAS ACTUALLY A BREAKTHROUGH OF SORTS AS SHE LET ME JUST PICK HER RIGHT UP TO GO INTO THE POOL...WILL UPDATE WITH PROGRESS. THANKS AGAIN KATHY
Jul 17, 2012
Bing Videos Coton de Tulear by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)
Under the above are numerous videos of dog tricks which also shows swimming. One thing u may want to try is sit on top steps in a little bit of water. With ur pup on ur lap take a slice of hotdog cut into 4-6 pcs. & treat, treat, treat then let ur pup get out. Once comfortable with that coax a little more into water & always stay by side. When she swims to steps walk w/her out of pool & treat as if u mean for her to do this. While in the pool make a big deal out of it even if ur neighbors think ur crazy but stay close to her side until confidence is built. The reason to use hotdog & small pcs. is it slides down their throats the best & does not get stuck without water. Boil the heck out of them to rid of salt. Last use a life vest always. Besides the obvious u also instill that without the jacket she is not allowed in the pool. This way u will find that if she wants in the pool she will sit wagging her tail until u put the life jacket on which is peace of mind. This will not happen overnight. Take it in baby steps to retrain since she right now has a fear of the pool. Good luck u will do fine by next yr. she will be swimming by ur side.
Jul 16, 2012
POOL TIME by: KATHY FROM PA
WE HAVE AN INGROUND POOL AND HAVE TRIED TO GET TRISCUIT TO GO IN. I HAVE TO PICK HER UP AND PUT HER IN AND SHE WILL SWIM, BUT TO THE STEPS TO GET OUT. HOW DO I KNOW IF SHE LIKES IT OR NOT. WHEN SHE GETS OUT OF THE POOL, SHE WON'T COME NEAR ME AND I THINK SHE THINKS I WILL PUT HER BACK IN AGAIN. WITH THESE HOT DAYS, I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE REFRESHING FOR HER.
SHOULD I CONTINUE TO PICK HER UP AND PUT HER IN, OR JUST FORGET IT. I WOULD HATE TO FORCE HER TO DO SOMETHING SHE DOESN'T WANT TO BECAUSE SHE IS JUST TOO DARNED CUTE... THANKS FOR ANY HELP ON THIS SUBJECT. KATHY
Jul 12, 2012
Spanky's Pool by: SHERRY/COTTON
HELLO LITTLE GUY, YOU ARE SO CUTE! THIS IS THE VERY BEST WAY TO BEAT ALL THE HEAT. COTTON LOVES THE POOL TO --- ALTHOUGH SHE FLOATS ON HER MAT LIKE SHE IS CLEOPATRA ON THE NILE. HER HAIR IS LONG AND WHENEVER SHE GETS OUT I LET IT PARTIALLY AIR DRY AND THEN BRUSH HER OUT. NOT TANGLES ALL ALL. I USE CHRIS CHRISTENSEN'S GREEN BRUSH. TOTALLY WORTH THE COST.
TELL MOMMY TO KEEP THE PICTURES COMING, WE LOVE TO SEE YOU.
I have used this on my Coton for 4 yrs now. If u do apply to a dry coat make sure u brush it in. It only takes a couple dimes worth most of the time. After a bath I will apply a little before I blow out & comb.
Jonah also luvs the water so u can apply before or after they go in & really makes a big diff as far as mats. My 16 oz bottle has lasted a good 3 yrs. & cost $26. at that time. A little dab will do u.
Jul 12, 2012
conditioner before pool or swimming time by: Dalva
If your coton is a full coat to you would like have them a swim time, even for short coats, there is a conditioner call Cowboy Magic that you can put on before pool or beach time to avoid tangles or mats.
Jul 11, 2012
Re: Pool Time by: Anonymous
My Coton has long hair and I can't imagine how many tangles he would have in his hair when he got out. It might be worth a try though. Spanky is such a cutie!!
T-Gaspard du haut de ses deux ans et demi espiègle, malicieux au centre de ma vie, il rit, il me sourit se cache, il fait des cabrioles. Par l’amour qu’il