Inside-Out Pup

on October 25, 2010
in All Posts

Maggie on the outside:

IMG_4431

Maggie on the inside!

IMG_4564

After weeks of thinking that Maggie’s left ribs look a little funny, I freaked out last night when I spent some time feeling around her sides and realized that, yes, her left ribs were protruding.  I spent all night clutching my wiener dog and crying hysterically.  I am extra melodramatic when it comes to my dogs, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

 

A budget-busting $250 vet bill later… Maggie is fine.  She’s just growing extra cartilage on her left side because she favors that side.  Seriously.  At least it’s not bone cancer!

 

Feeling much lighter after realizing my favorite fur-daughter was not going to the farm ten years earlier than I hope, I ran 3.0 miles in 29:11.  It was a glorious, rainy workout.

IMG_4567

And then I ate lunch.

IMG_4572

I was recently asked my secret to making rice.   My “secret” is:  pour rice into pot, fill part way with water, cook for 25 minutes, drain water, cook for a few more minutes to remove extra moisture.  It’s not very scientific but it works.  🙂

 

The chickpeas were standout today!

 IMG_4576

I drained and rinsed about 3/4 cup chickpeas and then let them sit in a mix of molasses + chili powder for about 10 minutes. 

IMG_4570

Then, I baked the little chicks at 375 for 10 minutes.  Perfection!

 

With roasted broccoli and butternut squash, too.

IMG_4579

There is work to be done!

{ 91 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin October 25, 2010, 2:10 pm

    That lunch looks awesome! I love the idea of chili powder + molasses as a marinade. I’ve been digging chili powder and cinnamon lately on sweet potato fries… yum!

  • Laura @ MyReasontoRun October 25, 2010, 2:18 pm

    glad maggie is ok!

  • maria October 25, 2010, 2:19 pm

    I am so glad she is ok. I love my two babies and I know I would be a basket case if anything ever happened to them. I just love Maggie’s little face.

  • Carolyn @ EatWell. LiveWell. BeWell. October 25, 2010, 2:24 pm

    After living in Thailand and cooking rice daily, I can honestly say the best way to cook rice is in a rice cooker (unless you cook it inside a bamboo stick for a dessert… YUM!).

    The chickpeas look delicious and easy! Thanks for sharing.

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) October 25, 2010, 2:25 pm

    SO glad Maggie is OK… I had some concerns with Koda’s health on Friday and everyone was so sweet with advice!

    My pup is my baby, too, so I completely understand the concern!

    PS- I like the rice tip… I always have extra water in the pot and hate it!

  • Sarah for Real October 25, 2010, 2:26 pm

    Oh scary! I love my pups too! So much so that when she broke a nail I was up all night with her and rushed her to the vet first thing in the morning. (Broke it down to the base and had to be put under so they could remove the whole nail!)

    I love my Zojirushi rice maker. It plays Twinkle Twinkle Little Star when I press go, makes rice perfectly every time, and keeps it warm for up to 5 hours! End commercial. 🙂

  • Hope October 25, 2010, 2:27 pm

    So glad Maggie is ok! I am the same with my fur-babies!
    Thanks for the rice tips! I cannot make rice to save myself!!

  • grocery goddess coaching October 25, 2010, 2:31 pm

    Didn’t you guys buy pet/vet insurance or something last time there was an expensive vet bill? Or am I making that up? I am sooo glad Maggie is okay, and I completely relate to the crying all night. A few weeks ago my cats had their annual exams and shots, and one of them was soooooo lethargic overnight, I kept waking up and checking on her every hour to make sure she was alive. Which,of course, she was. Ah, pets.

    • Caitlin October 25, 2010, 2:39 pm

      we tried too but maggie didn’t qualify due to prior health issues – annoying.

      • Sara October 26, 2010, 11:25 am

        Did you try VPI Pet Insurance? That’s what we have for our dogs. Some things are not covered for Buffy because of pre-existing issues, but they still gave us insurance. Just a thought! (petinsurance.com)

  • Matt October 25, 2010, 2:39 pm

    Sometimes weiners grow

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 25, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I’m glad Maggie is ok — I would have been crying too!

    Your chickpeas look delicious, and thanks for the rice tips.

  • Evan Thomas October 25, 2010, 2:44 pm

    My dog is getting a CT scan on Thursday. I wish I would get to see him; he’s the one thing from home I really miss.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing October 25, 2010, 2:45 pm

    You’re not the only one who gets hysterical about their pets. My renter called today in tears because her Chihuahua “locked herself in the bathroom.” My husband when by there to help and he said she told him “she (the dog) must’ve jumped up and turned the knob with her paw.” LOL

  • Camille October 25, 2010, 2:46 pm

    That is so scary! Unfortunately I think all pet owners have been there 🙁 I’m glad your little girl is okay!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 25, 2010, 2:46 pm

    Oh gosh, I would have been worried too if that happened to Bagigis. Good thing that Maggie’s a-okay.

  • Molly @fuelherup October 25, 2010, 2:46 pm

    When I first brought the horses home, I would wake up at 3 a.m. convinced something was wrong. I’d put on a winter coat over my pajamas, put on rubber boots, grab a flashlight, and go trekking out through our pasture to check on them. God forbid I “heard a noise” out there. If (that’s a big if) I ever decide to have a child, I think I will probably have a panic attack on a daily basis.

  • Marina October 25, 2010, 2:47 pm

    wow, the vet bills over there are huge! Hopefully I will get payed that much when I become a vet 😀
    I’m glad Maggie is ok, I know how scary it can be 🙁

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 25, 2010, 2:47 pm

    Yumm I want some roasted veggies now! I’m glad Maggie is ok – dogs are so expensive!!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie October 25, 2010, 2:48 pm

    Great news that Maggie is fine! I clutch my cat and cry hysterically every time he so much as loses his appetite for a few hours, after he needed $5K worth of penis-removing a couple of years ago due to a urinary blockage. Major emotional trauma! (mostly for me, he seems fine without it).

    Good animal health forever!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg October 25, 2010, 2:49 pm

    Don’t you love dogs? Once, we took our rat terrier to the emergency vet because he was shaking and refused to move or walk. He was making a hacking sound as well. 350 dollars later, we learned that he had a piece of GRASS stuck in his mouth. The doctor told us it would just work its way out. Sigh.

    Of course, you’d rather have it be something like that than a REAL emergency, obviously!

  • Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) October 25, 2010, 2:50 pm

    I am the same way about my dogs! I am a compulsive worrier and always think I’m sick and I transfer my hypochondriac ways to my dogs health as well. Glad to hear she’s fine!

  • Rachel October 25, 2010, 2:50 pm

    Glad Maggie is fine! But ouchie to the vet bill.

  • Kathryn October 25, 2010, 2:50 pm

    so glad shes ok! I’m always a mess if anything is wrong with my pup too!

  • Kelly October 25, 2010, 2:52 pm

    Aw yay, glad to hear nothing is wrong with maggie!

  • Shanna, Like Banana October 25, 2010, 2:56 pm

    I’d be torn up about my pooch too! So glad she’s okay 🙂

  • Deb October 25, 2010, 2:59 pm

    I’m glad Maggie’s okay. Your chick pea formula sounds scrumptious!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 25, 2010, 3:00 pm

    I’ve been seeing chickpeas all over the blogosphere today and I am really craving some now!

  • Jen October 25, 2010, 3:04 pm

    I’m glad your puppy baby is ok!! I roasted broccoli for the first time on Friday and I’m addicted, it is so dang good!!!

    Jen
    http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 25, 2010, 3:13 pm

    Oh Caitlin, I would have freaked out too! I hate vet bills, but I hate my kitties to suffer and well, they just don’t talk to us like that. I hope you have a relaxing afternoon! Thank goodness your pup is ok too!

  • abbi October 25, 2010, 3:16 pm

    So happy to hear Maggie is OK. I totally know how that feels!

  • Kiran October 25, 2010, 3:18 pm

    Thank god Maggie is doing fine. Poor pup!

    I love chickpeas and I have a recipe coming up soon – chickpeas and edamame in curried coconut milk. Yum 😀

  • Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess October 25, 2010, 3:20 pm

    Glad to hear that Maggie is healthy 🙂

  • Erin October 25, 2010, 3:20 pm

    Errr I hate annoying vet bills!! Last year I thought my pup got some dirt in her eye and irritated it because she had trouble opening it. I was 99% certain that was the problem, but I was worried and called the vet. They said they couldn’t tell me ANYTHING and I needed to bring her in. I wanted to be safe than sorry so I paid $100 for a “comprehensive eye exam”. (which, imho, was just looking at her eye) and for them to say they didn’t know what wrong and sent me home with some eye cream….for irritated eyes. errrrr

    • Bianca October 25, 2010, 6:22 pm

      Well, gee. 8 years of schooling (and thousands of dollars in debt) and your vet couldn’t make a diagnosis over the phone?!? Never mind that a dog squinting its eye could be the result a dozen different conditions. I wasn’t there, of course, but I imagine “looking in the eye” entailed checking for a corneal ulcer, assessing for adequate tear production, etc…

      Please do not be so quick to criticize something you obviously do not understand.

      • Erin October 25, 2010, 9:56 pm

        Woah dude, I feel the same way about human doctors so it’s not a slight on Vets or anything. Problems of the body(or the pups) can be so problematic and random. Sometimes it’s just some dirt in your eye and sometimes it’s more serious. I do wish they could have been a little more helpful and i’ve had better experiences at other vets. That’s just the way it is with health professionals. In the end I really didn’t care that I was out the money because I care about my dog. I was just sympathizing with the money woes aspect of the entry. I’m sorry if I offended you.

        • Lacey @ Lake Life October 28, 2010, 8:54 pm

          I understand how you feel Erin! My parent’s dog is currently on THYROID medication for hypothyroid, steroids, fish oil, eye drops for glaucoma and about a billion other meds I can’t remember. I think the line between people and dogs has gotten too blurred in Vets offices. They now think that my parent’s 10 year old dog has “Cushings Syndrome”, though he has maybe one out of the 10 most common symptoms. Pssh.

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) October 25, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I don’t mind running in the rain; it is quite enjoyable most times! I enjoy roasting chickpeas and will have to try that flavor combination.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal October 25, 2010, 3:27 pm

    Aw, Caitlin – sorry about the doggie scare. I’m so glad Maggie is OK 🙂
    Lunch looks delicious!

  • Hillary October 25, 2010, 3:45 pm

    That street is calling my name for a run – how lovely!!

  • Laurie October 25, 2010, 3:47 pm

    Caitlin, I know what you mean when it comes to your pets, I would have freak out too! I’m glad Maggie is OK, my problem is my ‘overweight’ weiner dog!

  • Natalia - a side of simple October 25, 2010, 3:50 pm

    Aw, glad Maggie is alright. Extra cartilage? Oh, Maggie, if only we could all use that excuse.

  • Jessica October 25, 2010, 3:50 pm

    I used to be terrible at making rice (it would either burn on the bottom or be soggy- usually burn though)and would resort to the boil in a bag type, but then I was watching some Food Network show- I think it was 5 ingredient fix, and she said you can boil rice just the same as you would boil pasta. Fill the pot with water, bring to a boil, add rice and cook according to package instructions. I tried it and it works great- no more expensive boil in a bag for me!

  • Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice October 25, 2010, 4:05 pm

    Good thing Maggie is okay! I think it’s normal to freak out about your pets. The chickpeas look so crunchy and delicious!

  • Little Bookworm October 25, 2010, 4:11 pm

    Glad Maggie is ok!

  • Book Worm Runs October 25, 2010, 4:21 pm

    I am exactly the same way with my doggy…once we cut his nail too short and it would not stop bleeding and I bawled hysterically for hours :o) LOL! So glad Maggie is fine!!

  • Alyssa October 25, 2010, 4:23 pm

    It’s better to be safe than sorry!

    Funny story though: Several years ago, my dad was panicking because he felt a few lumps on our old beagle’s back/belly area. He freaked out and thought it was cancer, so he took him to the vet. The vet told him it wasn’t cancer, it was fat lumps. Diagnosis: our dog was a mini sausage. Needless to say we fed him diet food and exercised him regularly ever since 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) October 25, 2010, 4:36 pm

    ooooh I am so glad to hear that Maggie is ok!!

  • Shari October 25, 2010, 4:41 pm

    So glad Maggie is alright!!

  • Erica October 25, 2010, 5:04 pm

    So glad Maggie is ok! I would freak out too if I felt something off with Frankers. Delicious lunch. I like the spice mixture on the chickpeas

  • Danielle October 25, 2010, 5:10 pm

    I totally understand the freakout. She is your baby!!!

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 25, 2010, 5:32 pm

    I don’t blame you for freaking out – I would have done the same thing. ESpecially after my brother’s Boxer had to be put to sleep after they found a mass on him last year. He was only five. 🙁 Better to be safe than sorry and I’m glad your little guy is okay!

  • Meaghen October 25, 2010, 5:34 pm

    Very glad Maggie is okay. I understand the freak out, I would too if I felt a rib protruding!! I love Maggie. I know she isn’t very bright and isn’t socialized, but she’s so damn cute. I adore weiner dogs!!!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine October 25, 2010, 5:35 pm

    I’m glad she’s okay!! My dog developed all sorts of tumors when he was 11 or 12 and it was so sad 🙁 I know how scary it can be!!

  • Red October 25, 2010, 5:38 pm

    Glad Maggie is alright. I would have freaked out if Maggie were my puppy.

  • Catherine October 25, 2010, 5:50 pm

    I’m glad Maggie is okay! I’m probably even more melodramatic when it comes to my pets. Last January, I made the veterinarian AND receptionists at my vet office cry. I brought my “fur-daughter” (hehe I like that!) in to get spayed and her heart stopped under the anesthesia. Even though they resuscitated her and she was 100% fine, I bawled in the office, the car ride home, and for the rest of the night.

    • Caitlin October 25, 2010, 6:11 pm

      OMG glad she was OK!

  • faith @ gracefulfitness October 25, 2010, 6:24 pm

    I love your rice recipe! I used to have a housemate who would scold you hardcore if you so much as cracked the lid on a cooking pot of rice. My own technique is closer to yours and you know what? The rice gets cooked either way!

  • katie October 25, 2010, 6:33 pm

    glad she is OK

  • Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) October 25, 2010, 6:44 pm

    Try making rice pilaf, it’s a lot better and adds a ton of flavor. I usually sautee a tiny bit of onions and then cook rice in broth. I then just cover it and it’s done when the liquid gets absorbed.

    So glad to here she is ok! That must have been scary

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) October 25, 2010, 6:49 pm

    So glad to hear Maggie is okay!! I would have been crying hysterically too.

    Love the idea of your roasted chickpeas. NEVER would have thought of using molasses, but I can see how that would totally work. 😀

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 25, 2010, 6:53 pm

    Good to know Maggie’s just fine 🙂

  • stacey-healthylife October 25, 2010, 6:55 pm

    Glad your little cutie is okay.

  • Balanced Healthy Life October 25, 2010, 6:57 pm

    That’s one expensive vet visit, but I am happy that little Maggie is fine! : )

  • Msnels October 25, 2010, 6:57 pm

    Aw I had the same unstoppable crying episode when I found out my little wiener mix had a mast cell tumor (all taken care of now thankfully!). Glad Maggie’s okay!

  • Maddie October 25, 2010, 6:59 pm

    Glad to hear Maggie is ok! She is such a cutie.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 25, 2010, 7:13 pm

    I’m sorry about that scare! Glad to hear she’s okay though! 🙂

  • Serena October 25, 2010, 7:16 pm

    You need to make friends with a vet tech!! I have a friend who is one and I call her all the time with my doggy issues. Saves me lots of money. Glad to hear Maggie is okay.

  • Nicole @ running around the rock October 25, 2010, 7:26 pm

    Oh I’m so glad that little Maggie is okay! It is so scary when things happen to our little fur babies. We take our dogto the vet more than we ever go to the doctor ourselves. The other week I rushed Willie to the vet because he was playing with his cousin and got a black eye. I thought it was something serious… but they make us so darned happy!

  • Kelley October 25, 2010, 7:31 pm

    If it makes you feel any better- I am a massive hypochondriac when it comes to my dog. When she was about 6 months old she stopped eating and even though everyone said that she was fine I took her to the vet- it turned out to be kidney failure. She’s fine but I was a hysterical mess. Moral of the story- trust your dog mommy instinct!

  • Katy October 25, 2010, 7:46 pm

    I’m glad Maggie is okay!!! You can never be too sure sometimes and I don’t blame you for taking her in!

    Your lunch looks delicious! 🙂

  • carlee October 25, 2010, 8:06 pm

    that looks so good! i love all your rice and veggie dishes!
    and maggie is so cuteee!!! i hope she is okay!

  • Lauren October 25, 2010, 8:07 pm

    I’m the same way with my pup and I would have done the exact same thing. It’s funny how I will suffer through significant knee pain and won’t go to the doctor because I don’t want to pay for x-rays but then if my dog shows ANY signs of distress, I will drop thousands without the blink of an eye. They really are priceless, aren’t they? 🙂

    • Caitlin October 25, 2010, 9:15 pm

      hahah this comment rules.

  • Virginia @ YtotheUmmy October 25, 2010, 8:18 pm

    aww i’m the same way-i clung to my fishbowl like a two-year old holding on to their momma on the first day of kindergarden and sobbed my guts out like one too when i realized my golfish hank-in-the-tank was dying and there was nothing i could do 🙁

  • Teresa @ Teresa Tastes & Travels October 25, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Oh, so glad the doggy’s okay. I’m in denial about Zsa Zsa Chihuahua’s age and the inevitable I know is coming. I’m cuddling her extra close right now (I know, total dork).

  • Tricia B October 25, 2010, 8:53 pm

    Wow the X-Ray is so incredibly clear. You can see everything! Glad she is doing fine. I had a cat that lived to be 21 years old. I was a basket case when she passed. It took me years before I was ready to get another cat. Now we have 3 dogs and one cat. I hate for them to be sick! Have a great week.

  • Shelley October 25, 2010, 10:29 pm

    I’m glad Maggie is ok! I was worried when I saw your tweets about her, she is my favorite blog doggie 😛

    • Caitlin October 26, 2010, 9:42 am

      Maggie says thanks 🙂

  • Lana October 25, 2010, 11:18 pm

    Loving the roasted chickpeas!! I mad some agave roasted chickpeas the other day and found that they are a great sweet snack while watching a movie. No more sweet tarts and sour patch kids for me! lol

  • Elliott October 25, 2010, 11:37 pm

    My baby bulldog is having eye surgery on Friday – the estimate comes in at $1100-$2000, depending if they have to operate on one or both eyes. Poor thing, I’m glad we’re getting it done but ouch – it blows our budget this month!

    • Caitlin October 26, 2010, 9:41 am

      i hope he’s ok!

  • eatingRD October 26, 2010, 2:04 am

    Glad little Maggie is ok 🙂 We had a scare like that with Buster when he got a little too excited at the park romping in the grass with his short legs and then started limping pretty bad. We took him to the vet yesterday ($!) and he’s a-ok today thank goodness 🙂 love our little furry friends!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) October 26, 2010, 11:10 am

    Ugh, the costs of taking care of our pets! People love their animals so much, that they’d pay anything to keep them healthy. And I think the vets know this, and so they make us pay everything to keep them healthy. Glad she’s just a left-side-laying girl!

  • Sara October 26, 2010, 11:22 am

    I am overly melodramatic when it comes to my dogs or cats (or even our goldfish). So glad Maggie is OK! That is very scary! I know how you feel. The chick peas look good–they are on my list to try. We had parsnip fries last night. All I can say is “Mmmm-mmmm good!” I was so happy.

  • Lisa October 26, 2010, 2:41 pm

    I’m so glad Maggie is okay! I get freaked out about my furrbabies!

  • steph October 27, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I AM RELIEVED that maggie’s ok…… haha extra cartilege..wtf? who knew.

  • Jennifer @ Frost Bites October 27, 2010, 3:43 pm

    Good to hear that Maggie’s fine. I didn’t realize that dogs could “grow” extra cartilage..now I know..hmmmm.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 28, 2010, 8:47 pm

    SO happy that Maggie is ok! Was it difficult to get the x-rays? The vet has to “sandbag” my parent’s dog and just the sound of that is upsetting.

    • Caitlin October 28, 2010, 8:48 pm

      oh my! maggie just lays there.

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point