Setting Boundaries With Our Enemy (and Bandit Too)

Every time I am in the kitchen and Bandit is home with me, I think about spiritual warfare. You see Bandit has been trained, not to step foot onto the linoleum. He is supposed to stay in the dining area where the carpet is. That way when I am cooking, I don’t need to worry about stumbling over him. The food is protected from his hungry jaws, and big white teeth. But do you think he stays put as I pull out the food. He smells it, and he seeks it out, and he will eat it up if he gets the slightest opportunity! I speak the lines to him, from one of my favorite movies, Brother Where Art Thou? In a whisper, “…Do not seek the treasure!” Then in a louder whisper, “…Do not seek the treasure!” You know he won’t stay within the boundaries…he is going to seek the treasure…and he will seek the treasure every time!

He will step over the line, watching me closely all the way. If I am not paying attention, he will be sidled up against my leg, with his nose reaching the counter. He IS a big dog. Then I say, “Bandit! You get out of my kitchen!” He backs up a step, keeping his eye on that food. I take a step toward him, “Bandit get out of here!” He backs up mostly on the carpet, with front feet hanging over. Can he get away with it? No way! “I said out!!!” He backs all the way out, turns a couple of circles, and lays down. He will wait a long while and try to tip toe back in. “Out…” I say in a calm voice. He must be made to follow the boundaries that I have set. And it is up to me to enforce that. There have been times when the Holy Spirit has said to me, “I want you to show more authority with your most vicious enemy Satan, than you do with your dog!” “I hear you Lord! And I am going to do that!”
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That’s how it is with our enemy Satan! He’s a big dog, and we have given him boundaries backed up by the blood of Jesus. We don’t want to stumble over him, and we want God’s protection. God has given you authority to bind him, and you have the right, to command that he leave your life alone–because you have been saved by the blood of Jesus! God reminds me over and over, to address the enemy when he comes in with those fiery arrows flying at us.

Our address should go something like this, “I bind every spirit that is not, the Holy Spirit. I command you to leave in the name of Jesus. This is my life and it’s off-limits! Devil you get out of my life, in Jesus name!!” He backs up a step, and he’s waiting to see if you mean it. Child of God, you take your Bible and you pull out the Word of God. You tell him what the Word of God says, and then you say it so he knows you mean it, “Enemy, you get out of here! I am praying the blood of Jesus over my life, and my family, and all that I own. It belongs to the Lord, and you can’t have it.” He backs out most of the way, but he leaves his paws hanging over in your territory. Can he get away with it? No way! You make sure he’s paying attention, “I rebuke you Satan, by the blood of the Lamb, OUT!!!” He backs all the way out of your territory, and circles around only to find that you have prayed a hedge of protection around your children, and everything that is yours. After a long while, he tries to tip toe back into your life and you respond “Out in Jesus name!” Then you resist the enemy with confidence, because you are walking with God. You have found power in the Word of God. You are walking with The Spirit of God. And you are spending time in fellowship with the people of God. The devil flees!!! YES!!! That’s the way it’s supposed to be!

Scriptural References (NIV) :

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Colossians 2:9-11 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Ephesians 1:18-23 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Bandit the Dog — Itchy Ears and Frito Feet

The Problem

Bandit the Dog, our lovable…emotional…exuberant…Chocolate Lab, has “Itchy Ears” and “Fito Feet”. “Bubby” (our pet name, for our playful pet) has been miserable. He has had an ongoing bout with digging at his ears, a light rash on his underside, and a bit of a smell (Whew!) that requires frequent baths. We have been treating him for ear mites for several months without success. So the other night I was determined to try to find some information about his symptoms, and give him some relief. I went online looking for a solution.

Finding a Solution 

I was surprised to find an answer in only a few minutes. Yeast…that’s right yeast…of all things! I have never heard of this being a problem in dogs before. I listened to the veterinarian talk about it. She detailed the symptoms, told how to treat it, and explained what causes it. It turns out that animals and humans, have yeast that grows on their skin. Humans bathe regularly, and wash it away, and in turn we smell nice and remain healthy. The Vet said that people will say, “Dogs smell doggy.” But that our dogs should not have a bad smell (Really???) If they do, then the dog needs our help to fix the problem. She went on to say that dogs sweat on their nose, and through their feet. They can have yeast build up there, and in crevices such as between their toes, under their armpits, in their groin area, and around the rectum. Some animals don’t have much of a problem with this. Others have a problem for two or three months in the summer. Some have problems with it all of the time. She called these dogs, “yeasty dogs”. The yeast has an odor that you can smell. It smells musty, cheesy, or like Fritos. Some people refer to their dogs as having “Frito Feet”. And the Vet said that their ears can be “soupy”. It is very important to remove the yeast that has died. If it remains on the skin, and especially in the ears, the layers of dead yeast can cause lots of problems.

Shampoos and Rinses

Old dog shampoos used to have tar in them, and you weren’t supposed to bathe your pets too often with them. But that has changed. The dog shampoos today are mild enough, that if you wanted to use them on your dog everyday, you could. After shampooing your dog, rinse him from the neck down, with a vinegar and water solution. Use 1 gallon of water, with one cup of vinegar in it. This will make your dog smell nice. If you want to use lemon juice–1 Cup squeezed from lemons instead, your dog will smell wonderful! You can also use peroxide and water, however if your dog has dark fur, this will bleach his fur. Give special attention to the ears, and wipe them out, with a vinegar (or lemon juice) and water, witch hazel, or peroxide. You can use a wash-cloth and cotton balls inside the ears, but do not use Q-tips. Clean them until they are thoroughly clean, and there is no dirt, wax or residue, and they smell clean. Repeat cleaning ears out everyday or two if needed. Check your dog daily, especially smelling ears and feet. If your dog begins to have any odor, give him only a rinse, with the vinegar  and water solution. You can do this in your bathtub. The Vet recommended doing it outdoors, and getting a large square Rubber-maid container, and mix the rinse in that. Have the dog stand in it, so he can soak his feet for several minutes, making sure you wash between the toes. With larger dogs, you may have to use a bucket. Wash dog’s ears, and the other areas that have odor. Then dry the feet on a towel, drying between toes.

Application

I have given Bandit a nice bath, and since then he had a slight odor 3 days later. I tried the rinse outdoors, the first time. I had 1 gallon of water mixed with 1 Cup of vinegar, in a cleaning bucket. I washed his ears first with a wash-cloth, then washed under each leg, tummy/groin area, and rectum. Getting him to put each foot into a bucket, one at a time, was like doing a jig with a really bad dance partner. I broke out the bag of tiny treats that we use for training him, and used a small rubber ball that makes a squeak, to lure him in and keep his attention. I can see that it would be much easier to get a square rubber-maid container, as the Vet suggested, when doing this outside. Even if I had to get two of them and put them together, so that the dog could put front feet in one and back feet in another, it would make washing the feet much easier. Since our dog is three years old, he will stand still and let us give him a bath pretty well now. Finally, I poured the vinegar water slowly over the dog from the neck down to the end of his tail. Ideally it would be great to have everything stored where it could be easily pulled out and put way, like in an outdoor shed, or near a potting shelf. The second time, I rinsed him in the tub, and that was quicker. Probably because he is used to getting baths in the bathtub. Both times it only took about 10 minutes total, from spot cleaning and rinsing, to towel drying– not nearly as long as a full bath, where we really lather him up. The rinse worked well, and Bandit smelled fresh. The vinegar smell went away quickly and he just smelled clean. He has had trouble with one ear, and after doing the rinse, he still had a slight smell in this spot only. I put some anti-bacterial soap on a wash-cloth, and washed that ear out. Doing that, got rid of the smell.

The Root of the Problem

It is important to find the root of the problem. When a dog has problems with yeast, it is connected to his immune system. If he has a underactive immune system, and his immunity is low, he will have problems with yeast. Likewise, if he has an overactive immune system, he will have allergies. This will cause problems with yeast. Often he will be given antibiotics or steroids, which will shut the immunity off, making it under active, and there will be problems with yeast again. Sounds like a vicious cycle, doesn’t it? To solve problems with immunity, the owner must look at the food the dog is eating. Look to see if foods contain honey, sugar, gluten, high fructose corn syrup, any kind of sugar, corn, potatoes or sweet potatoes. The dog with the problems I have talked about, needs to have a diet with no sugars or starches. Over time, this should allow the dog’s immune system to become balanced, and he should become healthy again, and the symptoms should go away. When you look on the package of any dog food product, you can see the ingredients. The item that is listed first, will be the largest percentage of what is in the product. When I checked Bandit’s food, the first item was corn. So his food had a lot of corn, and there was also wheat, gluten, and sugars.

Dog Food Recommendation

I went into one of my favorite stores TSC, to see if they could help me. I asked the salesman there, if there was a dog food, that didn’t have corn, potatoes, sugars, and a lot of starches in it. He knew exactly what to tell me. He recommended the 4Health brand, made especially for TSC. Some of their choices had potatoes. Dogs that are very particular like potatoes, and may eat them with no problem. Since our dog has had a problem with yeast, I wanted to buy one without potatoes. I bought the 4Health Chicken & Rice Formula, 35 pounds for $31.99, which contains whole chicken as the first ingredient. There are 2 other choices in the dry dog foods that we can use. They are 4Health Lamb & Rice Formula, 35 pounds for $31.99, and 4Health Performance Formula for Adult Dogs, 35 pounds for $34.99. They also offer canned dog foods in Lamb & Rice, Beef Vegetable Stew, and Chicken & Vegetable Stew, that we can give Bandit for a special treat. They also offer several dry, and canned foods that contain potatoes. The cans cost .99 for a 22 oz. can. I read many reviews from people who switched to the 4Health brand, almost all of them were very pleased with the results. This is a premium quality dog food, at a great price, and quite a few people recommending it, own show dogs. When it is on sale at TSC, you can get another $5.00 off. TSC also offers volume discounts to breeders and animal shelters. Some other premium brands that people like are Blue Buffalo- 24 pounds for $53.99, and Taste of the Wild- 30 pounds for $47.99. Both of these contained potatoes. Science Diet is also popular, and 15.5 pounds of their Lamb & Rice, cost $33.99. Compared to these premium dog foods, 4Health is a steal!

What Others Have Said About 4Health Dog Food 

4Health dog food is made in the United States. It is made without any gluten products. The grains in it such as whole rice and pearl barley, are wholesome and low allergy foods. Repeatedly people shared, that after switching to 4Health, their dogs had glossy coats, shiny eyes, white teeth, and they stopped having problems with excess shedding. It kept dogs lean, but at the same time caused dogs who were too thin too fill out. This indicates that there is a proper proportion of proteins and fats. This dog food contains Vitamin E, Omega Fatty Acids, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin. Lethargic dogs showed an increase in energy right away. After eating this food for a time, allergies and skin problems cleared up. Since this is a high quality food, dogs may ate less. There was 20-30% less waste in stools, and they were more solid. Some pet owners reported older dogs with hip problems and arthritis, got around a lot better, after eating this dog food. When switching to a new dog food, the owner should mix 1/3rd of the old dog food, with 2/3rds of the new dog food for a week, so that the change is gradual. When switching to a higher quality food, the dog’s body will be getting rid of toxins. This can cause them to be more inactive, or have an upset stomach for a few days. Continue feeding the new dog food, until the dog gets used to it. If you have watched your beloved pet struggle with itchy ears, “Fito Feet”, horrible doggy odor, allergies, and skin problems like our “Bubby” has had, then I hope that this information is helpful. After 1 week of using 4Health dog food, and treating Bandit with the rinses, we have noticed a huge difference in him. He is acting like he feels better. The doggy odor is almost gone, and he is not scratching like he did before. I believe it may be the sweet smell of success!!! (By the way, 4Health also makes cat food.)

Ode to Bandit the Dog

I’ve grown accustomed to his face… He almost makes the day begin…

Most of my mornings begin with getting up, and stumbling to the door to let Bandit out. That bouncing bundle of Chocolate Lab, jots out the door and in a few minutes, back again. He munches down his crunchy breakfast, and shoves his whole snout into his water bowl to wash it down. Next stop, my face. He is different from any other dog we’ve ever had. His whiskers touch my cheek as he sniff, sniff, sniff, sniffle sniff, sniffs my whole face. Sometimes he lays a big lick on my cheek, and I hide under the covers. And he tromps off. 

I’ve grown accustomed to the tune…He whistles night and noon…

Pretty soon I’m making breakfast, we go outside with my large companion, to play a little catch. This is his most favorite game in the world. The next door neighbor comes outside. Bandit is captivated by her, because she doesn’t see him. “Ruff, Ruff!” Doesn’t she hear him? “Ruff, Ruff!” Here she comes. Yes she is giving him a pat now over the fence, and talking to him. His face responds, as if he knows what she is saying. What a smart dog. He wags his tail, while standing on his back feet. His big brown front paws, on top of the fence. Say good-bye to Rose and come inside. He gallops in. He’s more of a horse, than a dog really. Sometimes he huffs like a horse. And he likes carrots.

His smiles, his frowns, his ups, his downs… Are second nature to me now…Like breathing out and breathing in…

This dog just about has his own communication. If the dog jumps up, he wants to play. If he whines, he needs outside. If he nudges, it’s time to eat. If he whines like he is talking, he wants to go to bed. (Sigh) you can tell who really gets the attention in this household. And I am sorry to say, I have my own communication with this canine as well. I don’t really call him Bandit very often. I have given him the nick name of Bubby, which he answers to. And sometimes I say, “Hey Bubalicous!” That silly dog gets excited, and wags his tail like crazy, and is ready to play.

I’m so grateful he’s a doggie and so easy to forget…Rather like a habit you can always break and yet…I’ve grown accustomed to the trace of something in the air…

Several weeks ago, Bandit got really sick. We kept taking him to the Vet, and getting X-rays taken. He was throwing up all day, and couldn’t keep anything down. We got so worried, Ed had to pick him up and take him outside. He lost about 15 pounds, and was getting thin. We were breaking all of the rules, and feeding him anything he could keep down. We begged him to eat. When he grew weak, we forced a little bit of gravy down his throat. We tried baby food, and anything we could buy or make. Poor dear, he wouldn’t even raise his head. We put him in our room to sleep next to our bed. He would get better, and then worse again. We don’t really know what was wrong. But we were so relieved when he started getting better for good. Yes he is truly a member of our family. And we like him…we really like him.

Accustomed to his face…( Jazz Interlude )

So last week his little buddy, Stanley came over. His owner went to Germany for a vacation. He is a miniature German Shepherd, and is a foot-and a-half, of optimistic energy. They had a lot of fun running around together. They wrestled, which was really funny to watch. Bandit would put his mouth over part of Stanley’s body, and shake him a little. Stanley would grab Bandit’s ear and tug on it. Then Bandit would stand up, and Stanley would go for a shin. Ed and I really call Stanley “Sam,” it’s easier to say. Bubby and Sam, played and had a great time. And we were glad to watch these creatures, that God has placed in our care. They brought a little happiness to our hearts, and to our home. 

“I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” written for the musical, “My Fair Lady”   Music by Frederick Loewe and Words by Alan Jay Lerner  

Bandit’s One Year Check-Up

                             Bandit wants to make sure he’s in the picture

                                              

I took Bandit to the vet for his yearly check up. I think the men in my household get a kick out of having me take him to the vet, because he is such a handful for me to take by myself. I put his shock collar on; he responds to the warning signal and doesn’t get shocked much, but don’t feel sorry for the dog. The controller was on a lanyard around my neck, but I was holding on to the leash with both hands. He dragged me through the front door, with his tail wagging like crazy. His tail is like a big stick, and when he wags it, I just try to stay out-of-the-way because it hurts when it hits you. I wrestled him onto the dog scale, and the help there was chuckling. I’m sure I looked frazzled. He weighs 103 pounds. Can you believe it?!

The vet told me that anyone who keeps a Lab through his first year of life, is considered a saint. So that made me feel better at the frustration I sometimes feel with this beautiful, sweet-natured dog who is into everything. He is so expressive, and is in love with Ed. He gets up with Ed at 6 in the morning, and plays and sleeps in the office with him. He makes regular rounds to every trash can, and eats something–paper, Kleenex, food, wrappers, whatever he can swallow. One time he swallowed an old sock.

He is driven by his nose, and is not allowed in the kitchen when I cook. We don’t feed him people food, because he is really Matt’s dog and that is his rule. And it’s a good rule. But it does seem kind of cruel, since he’s got the best nose in the house, and seems to truly savor the smells when I cook. So he lays at the edge of the carpet watching my every move, and jumps up, eager to help me when I turn his direction. His nose is in the dryer, on the table, on our plates, on Ed’s face, on the desk, on the bed, his brown face and big golden eyes and nose, are everywhere. If he gets a chance he will lick your straw, and take a bite of your sandwich. Then he lays down across the room watching to see if you notice. He wants to make sure he is in the picture.

Thank the Lord for the trainer who helped us get him under control. So he does have some manners. He will sit, lay down, stay, and get out. He likes to take walks, and is pretty good about not dragging us around. He doesn’t jump on people anymore, and we’re still working on getting him to stay, when we answer the door. We are trying to teach him some new tricks. He is learning to shake, and he almost has rolling over down. He’s a natural at retrieving and would do that all day if he could get you to throw anything that long.

He has a collection of rocks, and I know it’s not good for him to chew on them. But he does, and he likes to carry them around the yard. At first we got rid of them when he wasn’t looking. But when he couldn’t find them, he would dig holes in the yard until he found new rocks to replace them. We have toys for him, rocks are just his thing. So we let him keep his collection, and he has quit digging. At night he talks to us in a whiney voice, and usually that means he wants a treat, or our attention, and it’s almost time for bed. Ed and Matt have discovered, that if they hold onto his front feet while he is standing, he will fall over. He just gives up and falls over. He’s still a puppy at a year and 3 months. He is too funny!