Tag: Dexter The Dog

Dexter the Dog and Friends

Dexter The Dog and Friends: Dexter Makes New Friends

Posted on by Tonya Wilhelm
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Dexter The Dog and Friends: Dexter Makes New Friends
Dexter The Dog and Friends: Dexter Makes New Friends

Dexter The Dog and Friends: Dexter Makes New Friends
Dexter The Dog and Friends series follows Dexter through various stories and travels, focusing on difficult topics such as disabilities, adoption, bullies, and death in an uplifting and inspiring manner. The books are about promoting acceptance, friendship, and living life to the fullest.

In Dexter the Dog and Friends: Dexter Makes New Friends, Dexter and his mom just moved to a new home. To help Dexter adapt to his new home, his mom takes him to the dog park. That’s where Dexter meets Levi, who quickly becomes his best friend. Levi introduces Dexter to all the dogs in the dog park.

This brightly illustrated children’s book is more than just a cute dog book, inside, your preschoolers and K–3 children will learn about:

  • Good friends
  • Diversity
  • Inclusion
  • Disabilities
  • Living life

Dexter the Dog’s real life has been quite an adventure. Since Dexter was a puppy, he and his mom, traveled the United States, exploring dog-friendly towns. Dexter especially loves to go to the beach. Not only do they love their quality time together, but they also have presented numerous dog training demonstrations at pet expos, schools, and nursing homes. Not bad for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who also has Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia. Order today on Amazon!

Meet Dexter the Dog

Meet Dexter, The Dog Behind the Children’s Story Dexter the Dog and Friends

Posted on by TonyaW
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The Dog Behind Dexter the Dog and Friends

Meet Dexter the Dog
Dexter, the dog behind the story

Dexter entered my life when he was just five weeks old. This was the first time I met him and his littermates. I actually was choosing which puppy I was going to bring home, and Dexter was one of the many puppies running around. Dexter, however, knew right away that he was going to be mine.

Even at such a young age, he followed me around as I went from puppy to puppy, meeting and snuggling all of them. Toward the end of my puppy visit, I had Dexter and his brother in my lap. His brother eventually hopped to the floor, but Dexter didn’t budge. It was then that I realized Dexter was the one.

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Books about special needs dogs
Dexter knew

Seven weeks later, I went back to the breeder to pick up Dexter and, to my surprise, he was twice as big as his brothers and sisters! My little man was going to be a pretty large Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. More to love.

Dexter the Dog's History
The day I brought Dexter home.

For the first couple of years, Dexter and I did everything together. We were a registered therapy dog team, visited special needs classrooms and nursing homes, and provided demonstrations at pet events and large pet expos. We traveled together and had the time of our lives.

Book Children's Authors
Dexter the Dog and Tonya Wilhelm

Just before Dexter’s third birthday, I noticed a change in his behavior. One day, Dexter was beside himself, growling at his back end, spinning, and he was very distressed. I wasn’t sure what was happening and scheduled a neurological examination and MRI.

Dexter the Dog's background
Dexter’s MRI day

The MRI confirmed that Dexter had Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. Chiari Malformation is a skull malformation. Syringomyelia is a neurological disease that progresses and varies in severity due to this skull malformation. Symptoms vary but may include head scratching, face rubbing, general discomfort, weakness in limbs, lip licking, seeking cool places, excessive body rubbing, nerve damage, stiffness in limbs, and the body forming into a C shape. There is no cure; there are only various treatments to aid in comfort and less painful episodes. His diagnosis was a big blow to my heart. Click to learn more about his current treatment.

Dexter the Dog and Friends
Dexter the Dog and Friends

Dexter’s first year after his diagnosis was a bit of a roller-coaster ride. Luckily, Dexter has an amazing team of veterinarians and, together, we found the correct medications, natural treatments, and food therapy to help control his symptoms.

Dexter the Dog's disease
Dexter’s at home physical therapy

I am thrilled to report that Dexter is now back to his silly self and antics. We love to travel, still do demos and reading programs. Dexter wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a good reminder that we all should live each day to the fullest and truly connect with our loved ones, including our pets.

Dexter the Dog therapy visits
My fun-loving boy

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Your comments and questions are always welcome below.

Join our vibrant Cavalier King Charles Spaniel community on Facebook, support our dedication to pet wellness on Patreon, and stay updated with our weekly newsletter for invaluable tips and insights into raising happy, healthy pets. Together, let’s make a difference in our dogs’ lives!

 

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April 15, 2024TweetSharePinShareShare0 SharesCavalier King Charles Spaniel Potty Training Congratulations on welcoming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into your life! They’re such charming and affectionate dogs, full of warmth and love. As a fellow Cavalier mom and positive dog trainer, I’m thrilled to share my experience on the best way to potty train a Cavalier puppy. Let’s jump right in to how to successfully housebreak your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. I love puppies! And Cavalier puppies are just some of the cutest little things ever! There’s nothing quite like their sweet kisses, puppy breath, and zest for life! But it’s not all puppy kisses; we also must potty train our Cavaliers. Nobody likes an untrained dog. One common question I get from Cavalier followers is how to best potty train their puppy. I’ve seen plenty of discussions about potty accidents in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel groups, and I’m here to share some potty training tips with you. First things first. 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