In canine years, I'm an old dog...but, hopefully I can still learn new tricks. And one 'trick' I wanted to learn was how to perform doggie CPR and general emergency procedures. My big Berner Louie has had a couple of minor scrapes, and the 4 kitties have endured a few nose scratches and such...but nothing tragic, Thank God!. But I thought, it's best to be prepared. Never hurts to know a little more.

So last Saturday, I signed up to take the Doggie CPR and First Aid Course, as instructed by the highly acclaimed Dr. James Speicer of the IVEC (Indiana Veternary Emergeny Center) on Indy's Southside.
It was a 5 hour course ( with breaks!) that turned into 6, but I have to say, it was well worth the investment of 35 dollars and time.

I now know...first off...when performing CPR it's not mouth to mouth resusciation as with a human, it's mouth to nose! That's really the main difference. You need to close the dog(or cat's) mouth and blow into the dog's nose! Since most canine's except for pug-type's have a long snout...the mouth to mouth would not work..all the air would go out the side of the dog's mouth...ah ha!! So yes, put your lips together and blow, as the title suggests!

That's just one thing...there are so many, too many to list them all...but NOW..

I now know about protecting myself form a reflexive bite ( even an unconscious animal can bite if in pain or frightened)...

• I know how to check for a pulse,
• I know how to bandage and make a splint,
• I know how to lift a dog and put him on his back,
• I know how to make a stretcher from branches and saran wrap..and
• I even know how to make a 'kitty burrito'! (You bundle up the cat, to keep him from scratching you!) .

These are things I had to 'do' in class..and let me tell you, it's a lot easier to observe than actually perform these tasks.
So...I'm better, but in a crisis, I still don't know how well I'd perform under pressure. None of us do. I think my best bet is to call Dr Speiser ASAP and high tail it over there!!!

But at least now, I have my little doggie CPR first aid paper proclamation degree..which will be properly framed and displayed..oh yes it will!!
I highly advise any and all pet owners to take this class. And it's fun, too! The staff was most helpful, the dogs we worked on were most agreeable, and the good Dr. Speicer was knowledgeable and patient and even funny.
Oh, he was funny..matter of fact, at this first aid course..you could say...(wait for it!!).... he left us all in STITCHES...!!

See more of this Doggie CPR story with Dr Speicer at IVEC...on Sunday, April 11th, 11am, Pet Pals TV, WTHR.

Now final question...
Do you know where the title for this blog came from...what movie??? Or what actress said it???

Let me know!

***pics courtesy of Tina Goens at IVEC***