Hello Dog Lovers! It has been a long while since I have blogged, over four years. Lots has happened. LOTS.
About the time I stopped blogging, I closed down my pet sitting business and went to work at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. I guess the free time my brain had to put thoughts down on paper were sucked up by working 40 hours a week. Going to work there has allowed me to keep my love of business and animals alive! The downsides have been working with the drama that us people bring to the table, but, overall, I love it.
I wrote a lot about Gracy and our trials and tribulations with cancer, which I now call the devil. Gracy fought through three rounds of lymphoma. Each time giving it all she had. It came back in September of 2013. Although we started chemo again, nothing could keep it away. Due to her medication schedule, Gracy went to work with me every day. She became well known in the hospital, and quite frankly, well loved. Her doctors fought hard for her. Very hard. There was no option not tried. Sadly, on February 16, 2014, Gracy passed away, at home.
There is still a hole in my heart for her. She was my soul dog. I still miss her every day.
Keys didn't do well with her loss. I had hoped to get us through the summer and give us a break from the roller coaster and to let our hearts heal. My sadness was too much and Keys just fed off of that. We were both a mess. So in early March, I started looking and found a pup I fell in love with. I fed all of my energy in to getting her. However, by the time I got all my ducks in a row, she was gone and I was devastated again. A few weeks later, we were slow at work, and I started looking again. A few co-workers joined in and after a couple of days of looking, we found Kinzy. I was hoping to get a puppy, but once I, we, saw Kinzy, we all knew she was the one. She was a year and a half old and and been relinquished by the family that had had her since she was a baby. They were moving and couldn't keep both dogs, so they took her back to the shelter they got her from. Kinzy was a perfect fit for Keys and I and the striking resemblance to Gracy won my heart. After getting her home, I found with each day, that they were very similar and my heart needed that!
Life was pretty good for a couple of years until last May. One of the many lumps I had found in Keys over the previous few years turned seriously scary. I knew when the doctor looked at me. She couldn't hide it. At first I chose not to treat. Mostly because of money and her age. She was 10 and a Golden Retriever, so, odds were not on her side to begin with. After lots of tears, I found a few organizations that donated some money and we were able to do some single agent treatment on her. We started that around August last summer. She went into remission, but, it didn't last long. By November it was back and nothing we could try, worked. My hope was to get her another Christmas and a good snow. She loved both and got them! She put up a good fight, but, in early January, I had to make the decision to let her go. She was a great dog, and I miss her smile and hugs every day. I know her and Gracy, and Pooh, are up there playing and taking good care of us. Kinzy has had a hard time, even to this day.
I got Keys just a couple of months after losing Pooh and Kinzy about six weeks after losing Gracy. My heart definitely wasn't ready, but, I knew I needed to let love in to help me start to heal. I needed a distraction. I had a lot of time to prepare for the loss of Keys. However, I told myself I wanted some time with Kinzy and wanted to wait a while before getting another pup. Kinzy is kind of high strung and I wanted some time with her. Even though we were sad, I needed some time off the roller coaster. I need some time to just have a dog. A dog that wasn't sick. A dog that didn't need medical care. A dog that wasn't dying. I wasn't ready and wouldn't be for a while.
Guess what? That didn't last long! Stay tuned for our next chapter! You don't want to miss it!
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Roller Coasters.....continued
It seems like just yesterday that I last wrote, but, it was a while ago. For those of you who are new, and maybe haven't read the first couple of blogs, I started this blog to write about Gracy, my little princess, who has been battling lymphoma, and Keys, my big girl, who fights a daily battle with allergies.
When I last posted, Gracy had just finished up with her second round of chemo at the beginning of December. I am happy to say that she is still in remission! YAY!!!! Each checkup brings worries and fears, and this week was no exception. Gracy has had intermittent vomiting for over a year. It got so bad last summer, I really thought I was going to lose her. Many tests were done, and no real answers as to why were given, although we did eliminate A LOT of things. What finally started her on a path to living a "normal" life was the treatment for visceral epilepsy and food allergies. Even though things are much better, she still continues to vomit on occasion, or, a lot. In December, we started weaning her off the phenobarbital and we were at a place where we knew it wasn't helping. So, back to the drawing board we went. A couple of weeks ago, we brought in a Dr. who hadn't looked at her case yet, and he gave us a new game plan. The first of which was to treat her again for a stomach worm. The dose we had previously done was no where near the dose that he believed would even be effective. So, that is where we are. She finished her last dose this past Monday and we have to give it another week to see how it works. That would be tomorrow!
You might think that things sound like they are headed in the right direction, but, there is always something! She had a major vomiting fit last Sunday, which spurred more testing on Monday and Tuesday this week. During this, they found a spot in her lung, which for a couple of very long hours, they thought it was lymphoma.....UGH! Once her blood work was done (high white blood cells) and another Dr. saying that he just thought it was pneumonia, we jumped on the pneumonia band wagon. She spent a night in ICU and is now on antibiotics. It just never ends with this kid! Follow up rads on Thursday showed much improvement and she continues to improve!
I continue to be humbled by this girl. She has been such a light in my life and has helped guide me to who I am today. My career path changed, for the better, because of this dog. She has taught me that life is short, to fight for what I want and it truly is the little things in life that do mean the most. She might not be the most special dog in the world, but she is in my world! I am so honored that she waited to be really cute in that kennel until I was able to come rescue her. We are a great team! We continue to rescue each other, every day! Never forget, it is not just a dog!
When I last posted, Gracy had just finished up with her second round of chemo at the beginning of December. I am happy to say that she is still in remission! YAY!!!! Each checkup brings worries and fears, and this week was no exception. Gracy has had intermittent vomiting for over a year. It got so bad last summer, I really thought I was going to lose her. Many tests were done, and no real answers as to why were given, although we did eliminate A LOT of things. What finally started her on a path to living a "normal" life was the treatment for visceral epilepsy and food allergies. Even though things are much better, she still continues to vomit on occasion, or, a lot. In December, we started weaning her off the phenobarbital and we were at a place where we knew it wasn't helping. So, back to the drawing board we went. A couple of weeks ago, we brought in a Dr. who hadn't looked at her case yet, and he gave us a new game plan. The first of which was to treat her again for a stomach worm. The dose we had previously done was no where near the dose that he believed would even be effective. So, that is where we are. She finished her last dose this past Monday and we have to give it another week to see how it works. That would be tomorrow!
You might think that things sound like they are headed in the right direction, but, there is always something! She had a major vomiting fit last Sunday, which spurred more testing on Monday and Tuesday this week. During this, they found a spot in her lung, which for a couple of very long hours, they thought it was lymphoma.....UGH! Once her blood work was done (high white blood cells) and another Dr. saying that he just thought it was pneumonia, we jumped on the pneumonia band wagon. She spent a night in ICU and is now on antibiotics. It just never ends with this kid! Follow up rads on Thursday showed much improvement and she continues to improve!
I continue to be humbled by this girl. She has been such a light in my life and has helped guide me to who I am today. My career path changed, for the better, because of this dog. She has taught me that life is short, to fight for what I want and it truly is the little things in life that do mean the most. She might not be the most special dog in the world, but she is in my world! I am so honored that she waited to be really cute in that kennel until I was able to come rescue her. We are a great team! We continue to rescue each other, every day! Never forget, it is not just a dog!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Doggie Diet!
I have written about this before, however, after a visit to the vet last week with Keys, my golden retriever, I thought I should readdress it.
Obesity and overweight problems are not just sweeping through the human line. Our pets are having problems too. The thing with pets is, we have control. I laugh at that, because of my situation with two dogs with food allergies and two different foods. Feeding time is stressful, as I have to keep my eye on the ever curious two dogs who continue to want the other dogs food.
At our last visit, Keys had gained about 10 pounds since the last time she was on the scales. I thought she was doing good. I thought I had been feeding her an appropriate amount of food to maintain her 87 pounds and possibly even shed a few in the process. Low and behold, I was wrong! She wouldn't sit still on the scale (shocking), so she got the benefit of the doubt of 95 pounds. Wow!
Exercising them can be troublesome, but, I have made the commitment to start walking them again. No matter what! I have used a couple of calculators to determine a good amount of food to feed her each day, which I will include links to below. Limiting what your pet eats is mostly in your control. At least what you give them. Of course, there is always the things they find in the yard, etc.
Even if your dog grazes, you should never put out more food than they should eat in a day. Set a time each day that you restock their bowl. Let's say 6 p.m. is your dog food bowl filling time and your dog should eat 2 cups of food per day. At 6 p.m., measure what is left in the bowl, if anything, and add only what will make it 2 cups. If there is a 1/2 cup left, then only add 1 1/2 cups. Simple enough. Make sure you include the calories of the treats you give them, as well. Depending on the size of you dog, one treat can make a huge difference in calorie intake.
Having more than one pet can cause its own problems. A possible solution is to separate them at feeding time and only allow them a certain amount of time to eat, and then put the food up until the next feeding time. Trust me, if they are hungry, they will let you know. But, to create a new habit, don't give in to their begging. Of course their will be exceptions to this.
Your pet will soon learn this new regimen and be fine with it. Weight loss should be gradual. A pound or so a week, just like us. It takes time and patience but their are so many benefits for your pet to be at a healthy weight. Just like us, disease and health conditions creep into overweight pets.
Financial benefits are less trips to the vet for check-ups and medications, as well as possibly less food eaten.
The best online dog food calculator I have found is at Dog Food Advisor. They also review most every food on the market, without prejudice. I also found an iphone app, Best Doggone Diet, that will help you track your dogs weight and help you with amounts of food. Check out their website for more info. I am not totally sold on the app vs. price, but, we all like our gadgets and it is full of information! And most importantly, consult with your veterinarian for the proper course of action with your pet.
Don't put it off! Get your dog on that diet today!
Obesity and overweight problems are not just sweeping through the human line. Our pets are having problems too. The thing with pets is, we have control. I laugh at that, because of my situation with two dogs with food allergies and two different foods. Feeding time is stressful, as I have to keep my eye on the ever curious two dogs who continue to want the other dogs food.
At our last visit, Keys had gained about 10 pounds since the last time she was on the scales. I thought she was doing good. I thought I had been feeding her an appropriate amount of food to maintain her 87 pounds and possibly even shed a few in the process. Low and behold, I was wrong! She wouldn't sit still on the scale (shocking), so she got the benefit of the doubt of 95 pounds. Wow!
Exercising them can be troublesome, but, I have made the commitment to start walking them again. No matter what! I have used a couple of calculators to determine a good amount of food to feed her each day, which I will include links to below. Limiting what your pet eats is mostly in your control. At least what you give them. Of course, there is always the things they find in the yard, etc.
Even if your dog grazes, you should never put out more food than they should eat in a day. Set a time each day that you restock their bowl. Let's say 6 p.m. is your dog food bowl filling time and your dog should eat 2 cups of food per day. At 6 p.m., measure what is left in the bowl, if anything, and add only what will make it 2 cups. If there is a 1/2 cup left, then only add 1 1/2 cups. Simple enough. Make sure you include the calories of the treats you give them, as well. Depending on the size of you dog, one treat can make a huge difference in calorie intake.
Having more than one pet can cause its own problems. A possible solution is to separate them at feeding time and only allow them a certain amount of time to eat, and then put the food up until the next feeding time. Trust me, if they are hungry, they will let you know. But, to create a new habit, don't give in to their begging. Of course their will be exceptions to this.
Your pet will soon learn this new regimen and be fine with it. Weight loss should be gradual. A pound or so a week, just like us. It takes time and patience but their are so many benefits for your pet to be at a healthy weight. Just like us, disease and health conditions creep into overweight pets.
Financial benefits are less trips to the vet for check-ups and medications, as well as possibly less food eaten.
The best online dog food calculator I have found is at Dog Food Advisor. They also review most every food on the market, without prejudice. I also found an iphone app, Best Doggone Diet, that will help you track your dogs weight and help you with amounts of food. Check out their website for more info. I am not totally sold on the app vs. price, but, we all like our gadgets and it is full of information! And most importantly, consult with your veterinarian for the proper course of action with your pet.
Don't put it off! Get your dog on that diet today!
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Dogs Purpose
I try not to let things get me too worked up. I try REALLY hard. Usually, I am successful. People say and do things well within their rights and opinions. Whether I agree with them or not is well within my rights, as well.
Over the weekend, during my 2 a.m.- 5 a.m. "can't get back to sleep" time for the 3rd night out of 4, I found myself reading facebook posts. A post had been made on a page by the page owner and it follows:
"I always laugh at those people who buy dogs before they have kids and treat them like little people. They always say they won't neglect them when they have kids, but we all know that's almost impossible. If they were smart, they'd wait until after their kids are older to get a dog, when they can really appreciate an animal that loves unconditionally and never talks back."
This is not the post that got me worked up at 3 in the morning. I would have to probably agree with this page owner, for the most part. It was this post made by a follower that has just been eating at me all weekend.
"People who treat their dogs like humans have problems, I have a dog and we love him and all that but the main purpose we got him is to be a guard dog and protect us... It cracks me up when ppl sleep with thee dogs meanwhile their someone in the back yard stealing their 3 hundred dollar bike (true story).... Theirs a difference between animals and humans"
First and foremost. I know it wasn't this follower who did this, but, why, oh why? Why? Why? If you owned a $300 bike, why would you just "leave" it in the backyard to be stolen? Why? Did I ask WHY???? If I left something outside, like a lawn mower or my Ipad (which I do frequently because it likes to lay out in the sun), and it was stolen, yes, I would be upset that someone had violated me like that. However....that is my fault for leaving it out. Period. Really, you left a $300 bike in your backyard....WHY?
Second. We are ALL different. There isn't one of us who is the same. My dogs have never broke my heart, are always happy to see me, make me laugh, make me cry, drive me crazy, get my house dirty, and YES, I let them sleep with me. But I LOVE them in my own way. Yes, MY OWN WAY! There isn't a manual out there to tell you how much you can love someone, something or anything. Yes, I love my iphone, but it doesn't get to sleep with me. Why, because that is silly, for me. However, if someone sleeps with their iphone, that is their choice!
I will say this. This person did say something that I agree with. Their is a difference between animals and humans. Sadly for her, she hasn't learned the reason WHY people let their dogs sleep with them. She doesn't get it. She would do well to read my previous post, Paying it Forward, then, she might get it, or at least begin to understand it.
I am not sure why I let this one statement nag at me all weekend. But it did, and I have now vented. We all love our dogs differently. Some, like her, buy them for protection so they can leave their $300 bikes in their backyard instead of securing them at night. Others, like me, by them for friendship and companionship. Which, in my opinion, is the better of the two choices. My dogs protect my Ipad (I was just kidding about leaving it outside, so, don't come looking to steal my tanned Ipad), and my many other treasures, from inside my home, as well as those dastardly rabbits, which are the reason why I wake up at 2 a.m. every morning. My girls are inside my home because I love them and I want to protect them, just as much as they want to protect me. They are not just dogs to me!
Over the weekend, during my 2 a.m.- 5 a.m. "can't get back to sleep" time for the 3rd night out of 4, I found myself reading facebook posts. A post had been made on a page by the page owner and it follows:
"I always laugh at those people who buy dogs before they have kids and treat them like little people. They always say they won't neglect them when they have kids, but we all know that's almost impossible. If they were smart, they'd wait until after their kids are older to get a dog, when they can really appreciate an animal that loves unconditionally and never talks back."
This is not the post that got me worked up at 3 in the morning. I would have to probably agree with this page owner, for the most part. It was this post made by a follower that has just been eating at me all weekend.
"People who treat their dogs like humans have problems, I have a dog and we love him and all that but the main purpose we got him is to be a guard dog and protect us... It cracks me up when ppl sleep with thee dogs meanwhile their someone in the back yard stealing their 3 hundred dollar bike (true story).... Theirs a difference between animals and humans"
First and foremost. I know it wasn't this follower who did this, but, why, oh why? Why? Why? If you owned a $300 bike, why would you just "leave" it in the backyard to be stolen? Why? Did I ask WHY???? If I left something outside, like a lawn mower or my Ipad (which I do frequently because it likes to lay out in the sun), and it was stolen, yes, I would be upset that someone had violated me like that. However....that is my fault for leaving it out. Period. Really, you left a $300 bike in your backyard....WHY?
Second. We are ALL different. There isn't one of us who is the same. My dogs have never broke my heart, are always happy to see me, make me laugh, make me cry, drive me crazy, get my house dirty, and YES, I let them sleep with me. But I LOVE them in my own way. Yes, MY OWN WAY! There isn't a manual out there to tell you how much you can love someone, something or anything. Yes, I love my iphone, but it doesn't get to sleep with me. Why, because that is silly, for me. However, if someone sleeps with their iphone, that is their choice!
I will say this. This person did say something that I agree with. Their is a difference between animals and humans. Sadly for her, she hasn't learned the reason WHY people let their dogs sleep with them. She doesn't get it. She would do well to read my previous post, Paying it Forward, then, she might get it, or at least begin to understand it.
I am not sure why I let this one statement nag at me all weekend. But it did, and I have now vented. We all love our dogs differently. Some, like her, buy them for protection so they can leave their $300 bikes in their backyard instead of securing them at night. Others, like me, by them for friendship and companionship. Which, in my opinion, is the better of the two choices. My dogs protect my Ipad (I was just kidding about leaving it outside, so, don't come looking to steal my tanned Ipad), and my many other treasures, from inside my home, as well as those dastardly rabbits, which are the reason why I wake up at 2 a.m. every morning. My girls are inside my home because I love them and I want to protect them, just as much as they want to protect me. They are not just dogs to me!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Ruffs and Roller Coasters
Where has the time gone? It has been over a month since my last post. December, and November, were kind of busy with work and the holidays. Gracy is still chugging along, and actually doing well. We have good days and not so good days. But as I explained the recent roller coaster to her vet...at least we are on the kiddie rides right now!
I still struggle each day, just trying to figure out her new normal. Just when I think I get a handle on something, or it seems something has fixed itself (i.e. her getting sick, her eating normal), we have a down day or two and I feel like I am back to square one. From all of this, I have learned that I must be a control freak (no comments, please). These roller coasters are driving me crazy! I can handle any kind of normal, I think. I am just wanting some sort of consistency!
When I explain our roller coasters to friends, they remark that it is just like having a baby in the infant stage through the toddler stage all in one! I agree!
I spend most days at home trying to figure out what my Princess and her sister need. As soon as I get comfy and/or focused on work, t.v., dinner or chores, I am spoken to in "ruffs". Some are quiet, some are not. It is her way of telling me that she needs to be tended to. Whether it is food she needs, water, medicine, to go out, you name it, my day is filled with "ruffs".
I love to eat my dinner in the recliner with a lap desk. Normally, I push the limit on what I "bring to the table". Just as soon as I get situated, yep, you guessed it, the Princess needs attending to! Usually more than once, of course. Why not stretch it out for all it is worth? Who needs to eat a hot meal anyway? They are so overrated!
Complaining I am not. I am so grateful that I got to spend Christmas with both of my girls. Watching them dig into their stockings is always fun. I actually got them a couple of stuffed toys. They had been banned from the house for a couple of reasons, but, I figured what the heck. Well, Gracy (a.k.a. Princess) indulged too much on her Christmas goodies, which created a week or more of her getting sick. This took a couple of weeks for her to really recoup from, and is just now, getting back to some sort of normal! A lesson learned as to why they were banned from the house. :-(
As my Princess cuddles up in my lap each night, I notice that her fuzzy face is growing back in. She is a schnauzer mix, and she has the beard and fuzzy face of one, but loses all of it during her chemo treatments. I remember not wanting to trim her this spring in fear that it would be the last time I saw it all grown out. I had wanted to hold on to that moment as long as I could. I am amazed each night, that after all we went through this past year, that I am watching her hair come back in.
I am so blessed with the little things. There are huge things going on in my life right now, but, I am just as happy as a clam. When I look back on the last couple of years, I can believe that it has been a dog that has grounded me the most. Amazing, but, then again, she isn't just a dog!
I still struggle each day, just trying to figure out her new normal. Just when I think I get a handle on something, or it seems something has fixed itself (i.e. her getting sick, her eating normal), we have a down day or two and I feel like I am back to square one. From all of this, I have learned that I must be a control freak (no comments, please). These roller coasters are driving me crazy! I can handle any kind of normal, I think. I am just wanting some sort of consistency!
When I explain our roller coasters to friends, they remark that it is just like having a baby in the infant stage through the toddler stage all in one! I agree!
I spend most days at home trying to figure out what my Princess and her sister need. As soon as I get comfy and/or focused on work, t.v., dinner or chores, I am spoken to in "ruffs". Some are quiet, some are not. It is her way of telling me that she needs to be tended to. Whether it is food she needs, water, medicine, to go out, you name it, my day is filled with "ruffs".
I love to eat my dinner in the recliner with a lap desk. Normally, I push the limit on what I "bring to the table". Just as soon as I get situated, yep, you guessed it, the Princess needs attending to! Usually more than once, of course. Why not stretch it out for all it is worth? Who needs to eat a hot meal anyway? They are so overrated!
Complaining I am not. I am so grateful that I got to spend Christmas with both of my girls. Watching them dig into their stockings is always fun. I actually got them a couple of stuffed toys. They had been banned from the house for a couple of reasons, but, I figured what the heck. Well, Gracy (a.k.a. Princess) indulged too much on her Christmas goodies, which created a week or more of her getting sick. This took a couple of weeks for her to really recoup from, and is just now, getting back to some sort of normal! A lesson learned as to why they were banned from the house. :-(
As my Princess cuddles up in my lap each night, I notice that her fuzzy face is growing back in. She is a schnauzer mix, and she has the beard and fuzzy face of one, but loses all of it during her chemo treatments. I remember not wanting to trim her this spring in fear that it would be the last time I saw it all grown out. I had wanted to hold on to that moment as long as I could. I am amazed each night, that after all we went through this past year, that I am watching her hair come back in.
I am so blessed with the little things. There are huge things going on in my life right now, but, I am just as happy as a clam. When I look back on the last couple of years, I can believe that it has been a dog that has grounded me the most. Amazing, but, then again, she isn't just a dog!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Round 2 - COMPLETE
Yesterday was Gracy's final chemotherapy treatment from her second protocol. In other words, her thirty-second (32) treatment since April 2011 (16 treatments in each round). Her blood work was great and her chest x-ray only showed the remnants of her rock party from this past Friday.
Rocks. Yes. Rocks. I knew she had been eating them, AGAIN! She had got sick over the weekend and a few came back up. She also eats rabbit poop. She is a mess, to say the least. However, she still has a few in her system. Should be a fun couple of days, to say the least.
If you aren't familiar with lymphoma in dogs, the chances of it coming back are great. Since it has already come back once, the risk is even greater. Although yesterday was a huge milestone, which we are celebrating, each day will present new stresses. Watching, waiting, wondering if and when the possible inevitable will happen. A cough, a lump, breathing issues. Each cough or sneeze will be mentally noted to see if more happens. New lumps will ensure a trip to the vet with followed up tests. And then the breathing issues! Each night, when she snores, I will wonder...is she snoring or is something else going on. It won't end. It will continue each day.
My little princess is a brave, strong fighter. She fought hard this summer to stay with us. Very hard. I didn't think she would ever get well enough to get her 5th treatment in this second round. As I have said many times, had it not been for her team of Doctor's fighting for her, and the many prayers that went up, she would not be here. We are blessed to be so close to the University Vet School. Very blessed.
So, even though I am stressed out. Miss Gracy is doing as fantastic as she can be! We will just continue to enjoy our time together. I will continue to cater to her every need. I will do my best to relax, a little, but won't let my guard down. I feel so lucky that this little ray of sunshine waited in that kennel until I got there to bring her home. She was meant to be with me. She was a gift from God to help make me smile each day. Even the bad days. I can't begin to tell you how much this dog has taught me about life. She is not just a dog!
Here are the warning signs for cancer in dogs. Always have a vet check out any lumps. The sooner you take action, the sooner treatment can begin.
Rocks. Yes. Rocks. I knew she had been eating them, AGAIN! She had got sick over the weekend and a few came back up. She also eats rabbit poop. She is a mess, to say the least. However, she still has a few in her system. Should be a fun couple of days, to say the least.
If you aren't familiar with lymphoma in dogs, the chances of it coming back are great. Since it has already come back once, the risk is even greater. Although yesterday was a huge milestone, which we are celebrating, each day will present new stresses. Watching, waiting, wondering if and when the possible inevitable will happen. A cough, a lump, breathing issues. Each cough or sneeze will be mentally noted to see if more happens. New lumps will ensure a trip to the vet with followed up tests. And then the breathing issues! Each night, when she snores, I will wonder...is she snoring or is something else going on. It won't end. It will continue each day.
My little princess is a brave, strong fighter. She fought hard this summer to stay with us. Very hard. I didn't think she would ever get well enough to get her 5th treatment in this second round. As I have said many times, had it not been for her team of Doctor's fighting for her, and the many prayers that went up, she would not be here. We are blessed to be so close to the University Vet School. Very blessed.
So, even though I am stressed out. Miss Gracy is doing as fantastic as she can be! We will just continue to enjoy our time together. I will continue to cater to her every need. I will do my best to relax, a little, but won't let my guard down. I feel so lucky that this little ray of sunshine waited in that kennel until I got there to bring her home. She was meant to be with me. She was a gift from God to help make me smile each day. Even the bad days. I can't begin to tell you how much this dog has taught me about life. She is not just a dog!
Here are the warning signs for cancer in dogs. Always have a vet check out any lumps. The sooner you take action, the sooner treatment can begin.
10 Common Signs of
Cancer in
Small Animals
1. Abnormal
swellings that persist or continue to grow.
2. Sores that do not
heal.
3. Weight loss.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Bleeding or
discharge from any body opening.
6. Offensive odor.
7. Difficulty eating
or swallowing.
8. Hesitation to
exercise or loss of stamina.
9. Persistent
lameness or stiffness.
10. Difficulty
breathing, urinating, or defecating.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Things you shouldn't be thankful for.....
As we embark on Thanksgiving, I have been reading many "Today I am thankful for" posts on facebook. I attempted to do this last year, as well, and well, I failed to complete it everyday. I enjoy reading what people write. To see what blessings they have or things they enjoy.
I have stumbled on writing about this this weekend. In fact, this is not my first version. I have had a hard time being able to say this, type it "out loud". I feel each blogger has to lay it out there. Their lowest of low, for people to get it. I feel I have ho hummed around this fact.
In the smallest, and most shameful way, I am glad that Gracy developed cancer. Wow, that was hard to admit. Now, I don't mean that litterally. I am saddened she is sick and dealing with this dreadful disease. I would not wish it on anyone....ever. None of us want bad things to happen in our lives, but they do. Things are usually out of our control. But, sometimes, amongst the darkest days, good things happen. It is hard to celebrate that. Knowing that suffering has come to loved ones, friends, strangers.
I have often talked of silver linings. I look back on my life prior to March 29th, 2011 when I found her lump. A dark day indeed. But reflecting back on that day, it was the beginning of me living for me.
Had Gracy not got sick, I may have never realized that life was just too short to be miserable. I had gone from co-existing in my current job to hating everything about it. It had begun to challenge everything I stood for and believed in. I had gone from working for a company that believed we were a family to one that was a corporate entity. So, I quit and started my own business. While it has been a struggle, I have never not been happy about my decision.
On Gracy's many visits to the vet school, we have met many new and wonderful friends. Gracy has a new family there. We never would have met these fine folks, or reconnected with old friends, had this not happened.
I started a charitable cause to help support the oncology department at the vet school. Again, this would not have happened had she not got sick.
I would not have started this blog!
Gracy's illness has lead me down a road I may have not had the courage to take on my own. I have fallen in love with this pup in a way I have never loved another dog. She is a fighter and her courage to survive is remarkable. I am proud, beyond words, to be her Mom. Through all of the sad and stressful days (and there have been a few), this girl has made me smile and laugh. She has not given up on life. I am glad she helped guide me to mine. After all, she is NOT just a dog!
I have stumbled on writing about this this weekend. In fact, this is not my first version. I have had a hard time being able to say this, type it "out loud". I feel each blogger has to lay it out there. Their lowest of low, for people to get it. I feel I have ho hummed around this fact.
In the smallest, and most shameful way, I am glad that Gracy developed cancer. Wow, that was hard to admit. Now, I don't mean that litterally. I am saddened she is sick and dealing with this dreadful disease. I would not wish it on anyone....ever. None of us want bad things to happen in our lives, but they do. Things are usually out of our control. But, sometimes, amongst the darkest days, good things happen. It is hard to celebrate that. Knowing that suffering has come to loved ones, friends, strangers.
I have often talked of silver linings. I look back on my life prior to March 29th, 2011 when I found her lump. A dark day indeed. But reflecting back on that day, it was the beginning of me living for me.
Had Gracy not got sick, I may have never realized that life was just too short to be miserable. I had gone from co-existing in my current job to hating everything about it. It had begun to challenge everything I stood for and believed in. I had gone from working for a company that believed we were a family to one that was a corporate entity. So, I quit and started my own business. While it has been a struggle, I have never not been happy about my decision.
On Gracy's many visits to the vet school, we have met many new and wonderful friends. Gracy has a new family there. We never would have met these fine folks, or reconnected with old friends, had this not happened.
I started a charitable cause to help support the oncology department at the vet school. Again, this would not have happened had she not got sick.
I would not have started this blog!
Gracy's illness has lead me down a road I may have not had the courage to take on my own. I have fallen in love with this pup in a way I have never loved another dog. She is a fighter and her courage to survive is remarkable. I am proud, beyond words, to be her Mom. Through all of the sad and stressful days (and there have been a few), this girl has made me smile and laugh. She has not given up on life. I am glad she helped guide me to mine. After all, she is NOT just a dog!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Saving and Weighing in on Your Pet
Good Morning Friends! I have had so many ideas on what to write, I can't write! This is a combo pet savings/pet health day!
Our pets, like our nation, are facing an epidemic. Many are overweight. In fact, a recent survey by the APOP states that 54% of our pets are overweight. Like us, overeating and lack of exercise are generally the reasons why.
Being overweight puts your pet at risk for some common weight-related conditions such as:
How you feed your dog is up to you. Once a day, twice a day, three times a day. It is also up to the dog. Gracy will only eat about 3/4 cup of food at a time, no matter the calorie content. Keys, well, I think she might eat the whole bag if I put it out! How many pets you have also comes in to play. Then you have the risk of them eating what is left behind. Most pets can be trained to eat at certain times of day. They key is to only give them what they should eat in a day. They will learn to eat when food is available. It might take a while to retrain them, but, it can work. If they are hungry, they will eat!
Here is a fact that can put things in a bit more perspetive for you. A premium pig ear (231 kcals) fed to a 40-pound dog is the equivalent of an adult human drinking six 12-ounce Coke Classics™ (840 kcals). So, if you give your pets lots of treats, you may need to cut back on the treats and food a bit to accommodate their calorie limits.
What you are feeding your dog is important too. I wrote an entire blog on that, and here is the link for it. What are you feeding your dog?
You can save money simply by feeding your dog what it should be eating. If you are feeding it twice as much as it should be eating, than cutting back will make the bag last twice as long.
Feed your dog (as best you can) what it should be eating in a day. Consult your vet if your pet needs to lose weight so that you can come up with a weight loss plan. Doing all of this can help you save money now and in the future.
Our pets, like our nation, are facing an epidemic. Many are overweight. In fact, a recent survey by the APOP states that 54% of our pets are overweight. Like us, overeating and lack of exercise are generally the reasons why.
Being overweight puts your pet at risk for some common weight-related conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart and Respiratory Disease
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Kidney Disease
- Many Forms of Cancer
- Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)
How you feed your dog is up to you. Once a day, twice a day, three times a day. It is also up to the dog. Gracy will only eat about 3/4 cup of food at a time, no matter the calorie content. Keys, well, I think she might eat the whole bag if I put it out! How many pets you have also comes in to play. Then you have the risk of them eating what is left behind. Most pets can be trained to eat at certain times of day. They key is to only give them what they should eat in a day. They will learn to eat when food is available. It might take a while to retrain them, but, it can work. If they are hungry, they will eat!
Here is a fact that can put things in a bit more perspetive for you. A premium pig ear (231 kcals) fed to a 40-pound dog is the equivalent of an adult human drinking six 12-ounce Coke Classics™ (840 kcals). So, if you give your pets lots of treats, you may need to cut back on the treats and food a bit to accommodate their calorie limits.
What you are feeding your dog is important too. I wrote an entire blog on that, and here is the link for it. What are you feeding your dog?
You can save money simply by feeding your dog what it should be eating. If you are feeding it twice as much as it should be eating, than cutting back will make the bag last twice as long.
Feed your dog (as best you can) what it should be eating in a day. Consult your vet if your pet needs to lose weight so that you can come up with a weight loss plan. Doing all of this can help you save money now and in the future.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Liebster Award! x 2
Soooo! My world has been a bit hectic lately. Nothing in comparison to what most of you go through in a day, but, hectic for me.
A couple of weeks ago I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by Jackie from the Whiney Wife. Thank you Jackie! When I sat down to write my acceptance speech is about the time I became overwhelmed...mentally! Yesterday, my dear friend, Dina, The Plucky Procrastinator, nominated me again for the award! Yay me! To say I am honored, doubly, is an understatement! I stumbled with my first acceptance at finding 11 new blogs to nominate, and now I am faced with that again! I like to follow the rules and did not want to write this until I had them. Now, I feel like I have to find more!! LOL! I am going to do my best to fulfill both requirements, but, I am sure I will fail!
So, what is this Liebster Blog Award, you ask? It is an award given from bloggers to other bloggers who have a following of less than 200 followers.
The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.
With this award, comes a set of rules and here they are:
The Plucky Procrastinator's questions:
1. Can you play a musical instrument? If so, which one(s) and how long have you been playing? I can play two instruments, the trumpet and acoustic guitar. I haven't really played the trumpet since high school (a.k.a. A LONG TIME). The acoustic guitar took its place in my post high school/college years. I have been playing it about 20 years, give or take a couple. I am self taught and would only win an award that I am giving out! :)
2. Do you have any tattoos? NO
3. When you were 16 years old, what did you think your life would be like when you were 25? I thought I would be married, with kids and settled into a career. Needless to say, I am still trying to figure that all out! At my age, kids are probably not going to happen, but, I still have time to find the perfect guy and find the perfect career! :)
4. If you could only choose one, would it be bacon or sausage? Bacon, and there would be no choice to make!
5. Have you ever been in a car/truck/motorcycle accident? Yes. Car. But a small fender bender.
6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you really hope was not also on the island? Snakes
7. Have you ever ran a marathon? No, I haven't ran since I was 12 and don't plan on it!
8. If you could pick only one household duty to never do again, which one would it be? The bathroom....not that it is hard, it just seems to be the one I usually put off the most.
9. What's the one TV show you never want to miss? Shockingly, I am not too addicted to anything right now. I enjoy CSI, NCIS, Hawaii 5-0, The Voice. I guess to answer, I would have to say The Voice. That Blake Shelton has me wrapped around his little finger!
10. What is your earliest memory? Wow, I would have to say remembering watching our cat, Butch, walking across the backyard. I was pretty young, probably 3 or 4. This was tough!
11. Do you like peanut butter in your chocolate? Only Reese's. Any other combination will not do!
Here are my nominees:
Beer Bitches
I Will Get Up Again
Tails from the Ruff Side
Fruits and Nuts
A Mommy's Perception
Mommy's Distraction Time
Dina Marie - A Plucky Procrastinator
Diary of an Unbreakable Mom
Running Towards the Light without spilling my drink
Whiney Wife
Jenn's Blogspot - My Daily Jenn-ism
I Will Get Up Again
And here are my questions!
1. What is your favorite side dish for Thanksgiving Dinner?
2. What is your favorite pet (if you have one) and why? (i.e. dog, cat, etc.)
3. What is your favorite hot drink? Coffee, tea or hot cocoa?
4. Do you let your pets sleep in bed with you?
5. Do you stay home for the holidays or do you have to travel to your family?
6. What is your favorite color?
7. What is your favorite candy bar?
8. Walmart or Target?
9. Are you more productive in the morning or evening?
10. What do you miss most about being a kid?
11. Which would you choose? A tropical paradise or mountain retreat?
Again, I am very humbled to have received the award! I have tried to stay true to the rules, but I know I strayed! Thanks again to Jackie and Dina! I love your blogs and facebook pages!
A couple of weeks ago I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by Jackie from the Whiney Wife. Thank you Jackie! When I sat down to write my acceptance speech is about the time I became overwhelmed...mentally! Yesterday, my dear friend, Dina, The Plucky Procrastinator, nominated me again for the award! Yay me! To say I am honored, doubly, is an understatement! I stumbled with my first acceptance at finding 11 new blogs to nominate, and now I am faced with that again! I like to follow the rules and did not want to write this until I had them. Now, I feel like I have to find more!! LOL! I am going to do my best to fulfill both requirements, but, I am sure I will fail!
So, what is this Liebster Blog Award, you ask? It is an award given from bloggers to other bloggers who have a following of less than 200 followers.
The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.
With this award, comes a set of rules and here they are:
- Each person must post 11 things about themselves
- Answer the questions that the nominator set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you’ve nominated to answer.
- Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
- Go to their page and tell them.
- No tag backs!
Here
are 11 questions for my nominees: Whiney Wife's questions:
1. Do
you prefer to read fiction or nonfiction? Explain your choice. I prefer to read fiction and my preferred genre is mysteries.
2. What
would you do if you had a million dollars? I would first pay off all my debt. I would hire a well trusted financial advisor to advise me on how to invest it. I would also set up some sort of trusts for my nephews for college, as well as do what I could for my parents. After that, I am not sure. I would probably buy a few toys, but nothing crazy.
3. If
your life was a song, what would the title be? Life is a Highway
4. Would
you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds? Read minds!
5. What
was the best movie you saw this last year and why? Umm, I would have to go with the last one that I watched, "Up". Why? Read my blogs and find out why! ;)
6. If
you could meet any celebrity or other personality in the world, who would it be
and why? Garth Brooks - because I would like to thank him for his music and how it touched my life.
7. If
you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? A cure for cancer, a better world, a cure for cancer.
8. Which
is the decision you regret the most? I try not to regret anything, instead find meaning in why they did or didn't happen. I suppose not having kids, but, there is a reason why I haven't!
9. Name
1 thing you miss about being a kid. I miss summer nights.
10. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes
11. What
is important to you right now? Continuing to find my way in the world.
The Plucky Procrastinator's questions:
1. Can you play a musical instrument? If so, which one(s) and how long have you been playing? I can play two instruments, the trumpet and acoustic guitar. I haven't really played the trumpet since high school (a.k.a. A LONG TIME). The acoustic guitar took its place in my post high school/college years. I have been playing it about 20 years, give or take a couple. I am self taught and would only win an award that I am giving out! :)
2. Do you have any tattoos? NO
3. When you were 16 years old, what did you think your life would be like when you were 25? I thought I would be married, with kids and settled into a career. Needless to say, I am still trying to figure that all out! At my age, kids are probably not going to happen, but, I still have time to find the perfect guy and find the perfect career! :)
4. If you could only choose one, would it be bacon or sausage? Bacon, and there would be no choice to make!
5. Have you ever been in a car/truck/motorcycle accident? Yes. Car. But a small fender bender.
6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you really hope was not also on the island? Snakes
7. Have you ever ran a marathon? No, I haven't ran since I was 12 and don't plan on it!
8. If you could pick only one household duty to never do again, which one would it be? The bathroom....not that it is hard, it just seems to be the one I usually put off the most.
9. What's the one TV show you never want to miss? Shockingly, I am not too addicted to anything right now. I enjoy CSI, NCIS, Hawaii 5-0, The Voice. I guess to answer, I would have to say The Voice. That Blake Shelton has me wrapped around his little finger!
10. What is your earliest memory? Wow, I would have to say remembering watching our cat, Butch, walking across the backyard. I was pretty young, probably 3 or 4. This was tough!
11. Do you like peanut butter in your chocolate? Only Reese's. Any other combination will not do!
Here are my nominees:
Beer Bitches
I Will Get Up Again
Tails from the Ruff Side
Fruits and Nuts
A Mommy's Perception
Mommy's Distraction Time
Dina Marie - A Plucky Procrastinator
Diary of an Unbreakable Mom
Running Towards the Light without spilling my drink
Whiney Wife
Jenn's Blogspot - My Daily Jenn-ism
I Will Get Up Again
And here are my questions!
1. What is your favorite side dish for Thanksgiving Dinner?
2. What is your favorite pet (if you have one) and why? (i.e. dog, cat, etc.)
3. What is your favorite hot drink? Coffee, tea or hot cocoa?
4. Do you let your pets sleep in bed with you?
5. Do you stay home for the holidays or do you have to travel to your family?
6. What is your favorite color?
7. What is your favorite candy bar?
8. Walmart or Target?
9. Are you more productive in the morning or evening?
10. What do you miss most about being a kid?
11. Which would you choose? A tropical paradise or mountain retreat?
Again, I am very humbled to have received the award! I have tried to stay true to the rules, but I know I strayed! Thanks again to Jackie and Dina! I love your blogs and facebook pages!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Momma crying wolf!
I am wondering where the last couple of weeks have gone! Not to say I have been overly busy, but, maybe busy and a bit unmotivated, unchallenged...unsomething (yes, I know.....that is not a word).
I think it all started a few weeks ago when I found Gracy's lump of fat. I had been doing fairly well (I am sure her doctor's might disagree with this). I feel like I am analyzing every little move she makes. I have to make mental notes...she coughed, she didn't eat, she did eat, she got sick, what made her sick, does she have any new lumps. Some might say I worry too much (including myself), but anything can be an indicator of something beginning and I want to be on top of it. I want to make sure our team (Gracy, Doctors, myself) have all the tools we need.
It might help if we knew what was making her get sick. That "might" help me to relax a little bit. However, we are still trying to figure all of that out. The fact that I still have to hand feed her most of the time leads me to believe that she still is fighting something. Her belly still isn't right, or, I have just spoiled her.
Every day it is something. Some days I feel as if I am Peter crying wolf. Gracy started leaking urine sometime this past summer. She takes meds for it, but, it still happens. It had only been when she was sleeping and some days are worse than others.
Last weekend it was really bad. I have towels and pads laid all over her favorite places to sleep, but, sometimes, it is a crap shoot to catch it that way. It was a constant rotation of towels, bedding, etc. in the washer. I wasn't too worried about it until Monday morning when it seemed as if she was doing it while she was awake. At one point, it was like a dripping faucet. It was actually kind of a funny moment when Gracy and I sat there in amazement watching it happen! I had broke down and bought some doggie diapers that you put sanitary napkins in and put them on her until I heard back from her doctor. Gracy walked around the house like she had a corn cob up her you know what!
So, back to the Peter thing! I have Gracy, who for days had not been able to control her bladder. I have become concerned enough to email her doctor and buy diapers. The doctor isn't too concerned yet (because of her symptoms, or lack of them) and doesn't like the diaper idea (increased chances of infection). So, after getting the response from her doctor, that little stinker leaked only 2 times the rest of the week. UGH!
The moral of my story is that I am continually made to look like a fool by my dog!
If it sounds like I am complaining, I am not. Frustrated...yes. I want to fix her! I just want my little girl to get better and be with me for a long, long time. I want to stay on top of things and catch them before they get out of control. My silver lining is that she is still here for me to clean up her messes and feed her. She is my sweet, brave little girl who is fighting as hard as she can to hang out with her Momma and sister as long as she can. She is NOT just a dog, and she knows it!
I think it all started a few weeks ago when I found Gracy's lump of fat. I had been doing fairly well (I am sure her doctor's might disagree with this). I feel like I am analyzing every little move she makes. I have to make mental notes...she coughed, she didn't eat, she did eat, she got sick, what made her sick, does she have any new lumps. Some might say I worry too much (including myself), but anything can be an indicator of something beginning and I want to be on top of it. I want to make sure our team (Gracy, Doctors, myself) have all the tools we need.
It might help if we knew what was making her get sick. That "might" help me to relax a little bit. However, we are still trying to figure all of that out. The fact that I still have to hand feed her most of the time leads me to believe that she still is fighting something. Her belly still isn't right, or, I have just spoiled her.
Every day it is something. Some days I feel as if I am Peter crying wolf. Gracy started leaking urine sometime this past summer. She takes meds for it, but, it still happens. It had only been when she was sleeping and some days are worse than others.
Last weekend it was really bad. I have towels and pads laid all over her favorite places to sleep, but, sometimes, it is a crap shoot to catch it that way. It was a constant rotation of towels, bedding, etc. in the washer. I wasn't too worried about it until Monday morning when it seemed as if she was doing it while she was awake. At one point, it was like a dripping faucet. It was actually kind of a funny moment when Gracy and I sat there in amazement watching it happen! I had broke down and bought some doggie diapers that you put sanitary napkins in and put them on her until I heard back from her doctor. Gracy walked around the house like she had a corn cob up her you know what!
So, back to the Peter thing! I have Gracy, who for days had not been able to control her bladder. I have become concerned enough to email her doctor and buy diapers. The doctor isn't too concerned yet (because of her symptoms, or lack of them) and doesn't like the diaper idea (increased chances of infection). So, after getting the response from her doctor, that little stinker leaked only 2 times the rest of the week. UGH!
The moral of my story is that I am continually made to look like a fool by my dog!
If it sounds like I am complaining, I am not. Frustrated...yes. I want to fix her! I just want my little girl to get better and be with me for a long, long time. I want to stay on top of things and catch them before they get out of control. My silver lining is that she is still here for me to clean up her messes and feed her. She is my sweet, brave little girl who is fighting as hard as she can to hang out with her Momma and sister as long as she can. She is NOT just a dog, and she knows it!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sisters!
Gracy and Keys are the typical sisters. They fight, or more appropriately, bicker, play, sleep and protect me. When they need to cover each others back, they are there for each other.
If you haven't figured this out yet, Gracy is a momma's girl. I know, hard to believe, but, she is! She follows me from room to room, ensuring that I don't escape without her. The only time she will usually leave my side is if I am in the recliner. It comes with its own alarm system. You know, the sound it makes when the foot rest comes down! She knows I am on the move when she hears that. She will sprint in from outside to track my new whereabouts.
If I am ever so blessed to get to love on Keys for a minute, Gracy is not far behind, doing her best to obtain the space between Keys and I. Keys doesn't need affection ALL the time, like Gracy. She does have her moments. They are few and far between. But, when she does get cuddly, I take the time to oblige her, and myself!
Keys is a smart dog, just not a well coordinated dog. If the girls are playing with a toy and Gracy is in possession of it and won't "play" with Keys, Keys will come to me all affectionately wanting love. Once I begin to love on Keys, Gracy gets jealous, drops the toy, and worms her way into the picture. As soon as Keys gains a position of advantage, the loving is over and she swoops the toy away! Yes, I just get used by my dogs. It should be a crime!
Gracy's level of commitment goes a bit farther. I was totally amazed the first time I saw this happen. After a couple of years, I was finally able to catch it on video. It isn't the best at showing what she does, but it does show her motions. In the video, you will see Keys (golden retriever) sleeping on the floor and Gracy (black dog) sitting next to her. Keys is dreaming and has been making sounds. Gracy has already moved from across the room to the position she is in in the video. As Keys continues to dream, Gracy does the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She wakes Keys from her dream!
This is why I love dogs! Especially these two!
If you haven't figured this out yet, Gracy is a momma's girl. I know, hard to believe, but, she is! She follows me from room to room, ensuring that I don't escape without her. The only time she will usually leave my side is if I am in the recliner. It comes with its own alarm system. You know, the sound it makes when the foot rest comes down! She knows I am on the move when she hears that. She will sprint in from outside to track my new whereabouts.
If I am ever so blessed to get to love on Keys for a minute, Gracy is not far behind, doing her best to obtain the space between Keys and I. Keys doesn't need affection ALL the time, like Gracy. She does have her moments. They are few and far between. But, when she does get cuddly, I take the time to oblige her, and myself!
Keys is a smart dog, just not a well coordinated dog. If the girls are playing with a toy and Gracy is in possession of it and won't "play" with Keys, Keys will come to me all affectionately wanting love. Once I begin to love on Keys, Gracy gets jealous, drops the toy, and worms her way into the picture. As soon as Keys gains a position of advantage, the loving is over and she swoops the toy away! Yes, I just get used by my dogs. It should be a crime!
Gracy's level of commitment goes a bit farther. I was totally amazed the first time I saw this happen. After a couple of years, I was finally able to catch it on video. It isn't the best at showing what she does, but it does show her motions. In the video, you will see Keys (golden retriever) sleeping on the floor and Gracy (black dog) sitting next to her. Keys is dreaming and has been making sounds. Gracy has already moved from across the room to the position she is in in the video. As Keys continues to dream, Gracy does the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She wakes Keys from her dream!
This is why I love dogs! Especially these two!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
5 More Minutes
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a
bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said,
pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down
the slide.
"He's a fine looking boy," the man said. "That's my son on the
swing in the blue sweater." Then, looking at his watch, he
called to his son. "What do you say we go, Todd?"
Todd pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five
more minutes." The man nodded and Todd continued to swing to
his heart's content.
Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his son.
"Time to go now?" Again Todd pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad.
Just five more minutes."
The man smiled and said, "O.K."
"My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, "My older son Tommy was killed by
a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.
I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for
just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same
mistake with Todd. He thinks he has five more minutes to swing.
The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch him play."
Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Author Unknown
bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said,
pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down
the slide.
"He's a fine looking boy," the man said. "That's my son on the
swing in the blue sweater." Then, looking at his watch, he
called to his son. "What do you say we go, Todd?"
Todd pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five
more minutes." The man nodded and Todd continued to swing to
his heart's content.
Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his son.
"Time to go now?" Again Todd pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad.
Just five more minutes."
The man smiled and said, "O.K."
"My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, "My older son Tommy was killed by
a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.
I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for
just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same
mistake with Todd. He thinks he has five more minutes to swing.
The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch him play."
Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Author Unknown
I love this story. I couldn't tell you how long ago I first read it, but let's just say at least 10 years ago (give or take). Each time I read it, it brings tears to my eyes. I think of this story a lot. Sometimes not enough... I find that my patience sometimes wins over. And maybe it should. The world would be a crazy undisciplined place if we gave everyone five more minutes.
I love my snuggle time with Gracy in the mornings. She will either curl up next to me or lay on my chest. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have needed to move because my back was killing me. Instead, I choose to take just a few more minutes with her. When I have to get up for the hundredth time, each day, to let her out or in, I often reflect back to this story. I enjoy these moments. I will miss them when they are gone and don't want to miss out on today.
She is Not just a dog! No matter how many "5 more minutes" I take with her now, I know I will want 5 more minutes with her someday. What we all wouldn't do with that?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Up!
A few months back, it was suggested by a friend and fellow dog lover,
that I watch the movie "Up". Now, I am not much into comedies. Don't
get me wrong, I try to be a funny person (notice, I did use the word
"try"). I just don't find much humor in making fun of people and things
the way most comedies do these days, so, in general, I try to stay away
from them. I told her this. She insisted, because she had a friend
bug her until she watched it and she really thought that I would enjoy
it. So, even though this was a "kids" movie, I finally bucked up this
weekend (no pun intended), downloaded it for the second time (long story
here that I won't bore you with) and watched it Saturday night.
To say the least, I loved it! I wish I had had time to watch it again! Why? It's a kids movie, right?
Well, beyond the talking dogs and the great adventure that Russell and Carl went on, there were many lessons about life, dreams, promises and second chances. My favorite quote from the movie is when Russell is talking to Carl about the things he had done with his father. Russell has explained to Carl a game that he and his Dad had played while eating ice cream on the curb. Russell ends the conversation by saying, " That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most.". The movie is about Carl fulfilling a promise for an adventure that was never taken because life got in the way, only to realize in the end that the adventure had been "life".
We all live pretty fast these days. We rush from the time we get out of bed until the time we go to bed. We run here, we run there, and here and there and here and there. We get so busy keeping up with the Jones, that we forget to enjoy a sunset, a quite moment in the car, or an ice cream on the curb. So stop. Slow down. Enjoy a sunset, smell a rose, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy a landscape. We all have dreams and adventures we want to take. Some of us will live them, some of us won't. In the meantime, try to remember that the most important part of your adventure just might be an ice cream on the curb!
To say the least, I loved it! I wish I had had time to watch it again! Why? It's a kids movie, right?
Well, beyond the talking dogs and the great adventure that Russell and Carl went on, there were many lessons about life, dreams, promises and second chances. My favorite quote from the movie is when Russell is talking to Carl about the things he had done with his father. Russell has explained to Carl a game that he and his Dad had played while eating ice cream on the curb. Russell ends the conversation by saying, " That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most.". The movie is about Carl fulfilling a promise for an adventure that was never taken because life got in the way, only to realize in the end that the adventure had been "life".
We all live pretty fast these days. We rush from the time we get out of bed until the time we go to bed. We run here, we run there, and here and there and here and there. We get so busy keeping up with the Jones, that we forget to enjoy a sunset, a quite moment in the car, or an ice cream on the curb. So stop. Slow down. Enjoy a sunset, smell a rose, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy a landscape. We all have dreams and adventures we want to take. Some of us will live them, some of us won't. In the meantime, try to remember that the most important part of your adventure just might be an ice cream on the curb!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Cancer SUCKS...version 2.....
Cancer SUCKS.
That is the most polite way I can think of to describe it.
If you, a loved one or friend has been through a diagnosis of cancer (or any other life threatening disease), you know what that sick feeling in your gut feels like. Our minds quickly go to the worst place possible, and we quickly learn that it is a place we don't want to be at.
I watched that place with my Mom after diagnosis of breast cancer, and I didn't like it one bit. It seemed like in a moment that I wasn't looking, she had given up hope before her battle had even begun. It had begun with the removal of a picture from her desk. It was of her grandchildren. When I asked what had happened to it, she said that she couldn't look at it. All she could do was imagine not getting to see them grow up. This was unacceptable to me, this lack of fight. Knowing she had it in her and that she had just lost sight of it (because she had raised me), I bought her a gift. Actually, I made her a gift. I made her a bracelet that had all of the birthstones of her family, her reason to fight and beat it. And that she did. Those two grandkids were babies at the time. The oldest is about to graduate high school, and she welcomed two more along the way. Actually, four more if you count my girls!
When Pooh and Gracy were diagnosed, I had that sick feeling in my gut. With Pooh I was distraught. But, with a good team of doctors, Pooh lived almost 4 more years cancer free. With Gracy, I was a bit more educated and probably just more shell shocked (both times) than anything. She is such a momma's girl, that I learned early on that I needed to hold my emotions in and not let her see my concern. Those moments are for times she cannot see me or sense them. Because of that, and for her great and wonderful team of doctors, who we consider family now, she has been with me another year and a half. I am amazed with their fight. Both have given, or gave, their all! I feel that Gracy knows she is fighting something. She proved that as she got better this summer and came home and became her cute, ornery little self.
Our story is still being written. Each new day, I am blessed to have another with them. Not every story ends so well. However, most stories are filled with fight and courage. I have never been so proud of my girls, my Mom, and my friends who have fought cancer, looked it in the eye and said FU.
I was sadly reminded of that sick gut feeling a couple of nights ago. I had not been following his story very long, but, Lane Goodwin, a member of the Cardinal Nation family, lost his fight with cancer. He was 13. Our minds will find it hard to grasp that. Cancer in any form, shape, size or age is sad. Very sad. Even though Lane's story ended sadly, he did not go down without a fight. In fact, he fought this monster for two and a half years. Quite inspiring. Quite inspiring. I hope his parents, family and friends can continue to find strength in that.
Not every story ends well. However, most stories are filled with fight and courage. Lane did this. My Mom did this. My friends did this. My girls did and are doing this. As Ferris Bueller said, "life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Sadly, that sick feeling in your gut makes you do that.
That is the most polite way I can think of to describe it.
If you, a loved one or friend has been through a diagnosis of cancer (or any other life threatening disease), you know what that sick feeling in your gut feels like. Our minds quickly go to the worst place possible, and we quickly learn that it is a place we don't want to be at.
I watched that place with my Mom after diagnosis of breast cancer, and I didn't like it one bit. It seemed like in a moment that I wasn't looking, she had given up hope before her battle had even begun. It had begun with the removal of a picture from her desk. It was of her grandchildren. When I asked what had happened to it, she said that she couldn't look at it. All she could do was imagine not getting to see them grow up. This was unacceptable to me, this lack of fight. Knowing she had it in her and that she had just lost sight of it (because she had raised me), I bought her a gift. Actually, I made her a gift. I made her a bracelet that had all of the birthstones of her family, her reason to fight and beat it. And that she did. Those two grandkids were babies at the time. The oldest is about to graduate high school, and she welcomed two more along the way. Actually, four more if you count my girls!
When Pooh and Gracy were diagnosed, I had that sick feeling in my gut. With Pooh I was distraught. But, with a good team of doctors, Pooh lived almost 4 more years cancer free. With Gracy, I was a bit more educated and probably just more shell shocked (both times) than anything. She is such a momma's girl, that I learned early on that I needed to hold my emotions in and not let her see my concern. Those moments are for times she cannot see me or sense them. Because of that, and for her great and wonderful team of doctors, who we consider family now, she has been with me another year and a half. I am amazed with their fight. Both have given, or gave, their all! I feel that Gracy knows she is fighting something. She proved that as she got better this summer and came home and became her cute, ornery little self.
Our story is still being written. Each new day, I am blessed to have another with them. Not every story ends so well. However, most stories are filled with fight and courage. I have never been so proud of my girls, my Mom, and my friends who have fought cancer, looked it in the eye and said FU.
I was sadly reminded of that sick gut feeling a couple of nights ago. I had not been following his story very long, but, Lane Goodwin, a member of the Cardinal Nation family, lost his fight with cancer. He was 13. Our minds will find it hard to grasp that. Cancer in any form, shape, size or age is sad. Very sad. Even though Lane's story ended sadly, he did not go down without a fight. In fact, he fought this monster for two and a half years. Quite inspiring. Quite inspiring. I hope his parents, family and friends can continue to find strength in that.
Not every story ends well. However, most stories are filled with fight and courage. Lane did this. My Mom did this. My friends did this. My girls did and are doing this. As Ferris Bueller said, "life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Sadly, that sick feeling in your gut makes you do that.
Mischief and Rebellion
Remember when I said that dogs are like kids. Well, I continue to believe that more and more with each passing day! If you missed that post, here is a link to it, Dogs are like kids. My adventures with my girls, all three of them, have led me down paths of love and faithfulness, but also down paths of orneriness and mischief.
Keys is my laid back gal. Normally, she is just hanging out and sleeping. Mostly because she doesn't feel well. If you remember, she has bad allergies. Both food and environmental. It has become a daily battle with her. About four years worth. She gets allergy shots every 10 days. Yesterday was a shot day. Usually, I distract her with a treat or her food while giving it to her. It is a full cc, which means it takes a bit to give. It has been kind of a bear to give to her the last couple of times. Yesterday topped them all! So, I got the treats out, 1 for Gracy and 2 for Keys. Usually, that works. Today, not so much.
I always show Keys the shot so she knows whats coming. I feel that is fair. I wouldn't want an unknown shot. I told Keys to lay down, which she finally did, and I gave her her two treats. By the time I got down to her neck, she laid over on her side. And ate her first treat. While I fought with her to get back on her belly, Gracy swooped in and stole her second treat. UGH! So, back to the treat bag I went, and grabbed two more treats. When I told Keys to lay down, she laid down. As I moved in with the treats and shot, she rolled over on her back. She of course, was looking at me with her ears back and tail wagging. This act of rebellion went on through a couple of more cycles. Finally, I got the medicine administered. But, she did wiggle her way through the process which resulted in a bit of a painful injection for her. If only she would listen to me it wouldn't be that bad, right? It only hurts for a second and it's over with before you know it! So says the brave Mom who hates shots!
So, yes, dogs are like kids. Kids fight the process until one day they are all grown up and realize that we were right and they were wrong. Wonder if this will happen for my girls? In 10 days, when I give Keys her next shot, we will find out. My best guess is that she will fight the process just as much! Thanks for stopping by! If you like what you are reading, please go to my facebook page, It's NOT just a dog!, and "Like" the page so you can stay on top of all of my posts. There is so much more to It's NOT just a dog!, than the blog! Hey, that rhymed! Look at me go! I am a poet and didn't know it!
Keys is my laid back gal. Normally, she is just hanging out and sleeping. Mostly because she doesn't feel well. If you remember, she has bad allergies. Both food and environmental. It has become a daily battle with her. About four years worth. She gets allergy shots every 10 days. Yesterday was a shot day. Usually, I distract her with a treat or her food while giving it to her. It is a full cc, which means it takes a bit to give. It has been kind of a bear to give to her the last couple of times. Yesterday topped them all! So, I got the treats out, 1 for Gracy and 2 for Keys. Usually, that works. Today, not so much.
I always show Keys the shot so she knows whats coming. I feel that is fair. I wouldn't want an unknown shot. I told Keys to lay down, which she finally did, and I gave her her two treats. By the time I got down to her neck, she laid over on her side. And ate her first treat. While I fought with her to get back on her belly, Gracy swooped in and stole her second treat. UGH! So, back to the treat bag I went, and grabbed two more treats. When I told Keys to lay down, she laid down. As I moved in with the treats and shot, she rolled over on her back. She of course, was looking at me with her ears back and tail wagging. This act of rebellion went on through a couple of more cycles. Finally, I got the medicine administered. But, she did wiggle her way through the process which resulted in a bit of a painful injection for her. If only she would listen to me it wouldn't be that bad, right? It only hurts for a second and it's over with before you know it! So says the brave Mom who hates shots!
So, yes, dogs are like kids. Kids fight the process until one day they are all grown up and realize that we were right and they were wrong. Wonder if this will happen for my girls? In 10 days, when I give Keys her next shot, we will find out. My best guess is that she will fight the process just as much! Thanks for stopping by! If you like what you are reading, please go to my facebook page, It's NOT just a dog!, and "Like" the page so you can stay on top of all of my posts. There is so much more to It's NOT just a dog!, than the blog! Hey, that rhymed! Look at me go! I am a poet and didn't know it!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
No Dogs Allowed!
So, on Friday, she got to ride shotgun again. I had a busy work weekend, but Saturday was crazy! I only had about an hour break between my mid and evening visits. Normally I come home, let the dogs out (because I can't let Gracy have free roam of the backyard because she eats rocks), relax, eat, etc. To say that I had anxiety about leaving her home all day is an understatement. I could have had my Dad come over and let her out a couple of times to go to the bathroom, but, I was more concerned about what she would destroy while I was gone. Not because of the cost. The blind only cost $5 to replace. Cheaper than some dog toys. The blind wasn't the safest thing to chew on. The little bit of blood on it proved that and the fear that she had consumed some still lingers. So, I took her with me.
A 4 hour morning route and a 9 hour mid/evening route. She did great! My plan was to grab some lunch for me and head to a park for our break. I had brought her lunch and water and I was excited about a picnic with her. However, it rained.........
So, I headed to the only place I knew that had a covered outside area. I figured we could at least grab some lunch there, stretch our legs, and get some fresh air. When I asked if I could hang outside with her they told me no. NO DOGS ALLOWED. This town is apparently not dog friendly! I was a little disappointed, as I really wanted to just relax for a bit. As I was pulling out of the parking lot, a lady was outside smoking in the covered area (our town is smoke free inside buildings). All I could think of was that it would be okay for me to sit out there while she smoked her cancer sticks and for me to breathe in second hand smoke, but, it wasn't okay for my well mannered dog to sit out there and cause no one any harm. I felt like a persecuted part of society.
Instead of spending a nice hour at the park or under a covered patio, we spent a quite hour in a grocery store parking lot, watching it rain. It was the best hour I had spent in a long time. It is sad that the only place you can take your dog when it rains, is home. Another example of a small part of society ruining it for the rest of us.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
A baseball fan, she is not!
Gracy is not a baseball fan. I am not sure how I could have adopted a dog that was not, but, I did!
I grew up a Cardinals fan. I can remember listening to Jack Buck and Mike Shannon on the radio, while falling asleep. Dad almost always had the game on. Back then, it was a rare occasion to get to watch them on TV. We were always fans, no matter the score. I was born into Cardinal Nation and I am proud to be a part of a unique group of fans.
My schedule at my old job kind of pulled me away from being able to take in a game, whether on TV, the radio, or live at Busch Stadium. I do remember summers of fun with great friends as we invaded St. Louis to watch as many games as we could get to. I am especially fond of the summer of 1998, when Mark McGwire broke the home run record (no * here). I believe we attended about 10 games that summer. Me and my 2 roommates didn't hit every game together, but, we each went to about 10 games. None of us saw a home run until the day he tied the record. It was just meant to be I suppose!
So, fast forward 10 years or so. I would catch a game here or there, but, following the team became harder and harder, or maybe I just lost interest. The last couple of seasons have been easier to catch, or my interest has been sparked again. Watching games became more and more of a constant thing in the house.
The summer of 2011 brought more free time to get back into it and by mid-September, things got real exciting. Yelling and screaming at the TV became a new thing.....Gracy didn't like this. Apparently, I had never got that worked up on a consistent basis, because, by the time the postseason hit, Gracy was having issues. The sounds of the crowd and announcers would take her from a deep sleep to a place of anxiety.
As the postseason progressed, it got worse. So much so, that I even asked the oncologist if chemo could have made her ears more sensitive. Needless to say, she said no, laughed and blamed me! I learned that if I turned the TV volume down very low, Gracy, Cardinals Baseball and I could live in harmony. At least until game 6 and 7 of the World Series. Gracy was just going to have to learn to co-exist those two nights!
So, now we have made it to the postseason again this year. When I yell and scream, I get the look from her. The "turn the volume down" look. It may sound like I don't try to co-exist with her, but, I do. I do a lot of silent fist pumps when I would rather scream and shout!
As the Cardinals proceed farther into postseason, I hope that Gracy will learn to accept my excitement. We did a lot of practicing this summer. I am pretty sure it went in one ear and out the other. However, I will continue to reserve my excitement for what I feel are important moments (they all are, who am I kidding). I will use the yell and scream tactics for times when I feel the team needs me! I really wish my little sidekick would learn to love the game. She is NOT just a dog! Just NOT a baseball fan!
Don't forget to like our facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/itsnotjustadog
I grew up a Cardinals fan. I can remember listening to Jack Buck and Mike Shannon on the radio, while falling asleep. Dad almost always had the game on. Back then, it was a rare occasion to get to watch them on TV. We were always fans, no matter the score. I was born into Cardinal Nation and I am proud to be a part of a unique group of fans.
My schedule at my old job kind of pulled me away from being able to take in a game, whether on TV, the radio, or live at Busch Stadium. I do remember summers of fun with great friends as we invaded St. Louis to watch as many games as we could get to. I am especially fond of the summer of 1998, when Mark McGwire broke the home run record (no * here). I believe we attended about 10 games that summer. Me and my 2 roommates didn't hit every game together, but, we each went to about 10 games. None of us saw a home run until the day he tied the record. It was just meant to be I suppose!
So, fast forward 10 years or so. I would catch a game here or there, but, following the team became harder and harder, or maybe I just lost interest. The last couple of seasons have been easier to catch, or my interest has been sparked again. Watching games became more and more of a constant thing in the house.
The summer of 2011 brought more free time to get back into it and by mid-September, things got real exciting. Yelling and screaming at the TV became a new thing.....Gracy didn't like this. Apparently, I had never got that worked up on a consistent basis, because, by the time the postseason hit, Gracy was having issues. The sounds of the crowd and announcers would take her from a deep sleep to a place of anxiety.
As the postseason progressed, it got worse. So much so, that I even asked the oncologist if chemo could have made her ears more sensitive. Needless to say, she said no, laughed and blamed me! I learned that if I turned the TV volume down very low, Gracy, Cardinals Baseball and I could live in harmony. At least until game 6 and 7 of the World Series. Gracy was just going to have to learn to co-exist those two nights!
So, now we have made it to the postseason again this year. When I yell and scream, I get the look from her. The "turn the volume down" look. It may sound like I don't try to co-exist with her, but, I do. I do a lot of silent fist pumps when I would rather scream and shout!
As the Cardinals proceed farther into postseason, I hope that Gracy will learn to accept my excitement. We did a lot of practicing this summer. I am pretty sure it went in one ear and out the other. However, I will continue to reserve my excitement for what I feel are important moments (they all are, who am I kidding). I will use the yell and scream tactics for times when I feel the team needs me! I really wish my little sidekick would learn to love the game. She is NOT just a dog! Just NOT a baseball fan!
Don't forget to like our facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/itsnotjustadog
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Dogs are better than boyfriends!
Dogs are better than boyfriends. It is just a fact! It has been so long, I have almost forgotten how bad having a boyfriend can be, but, here we go!
1. You never get burnt by a dog. They will never lie to you. They are forever faithful and will be by your side, no matter what. Their shit is much easier to clean up and deal with.
2. Dogs never break your heart. They only love you more and more each day.
3. They are always happy to see you! Even if you have just gone to the mailbox.
4. They love to snuggle and want nothing in return. Nothing better on a cold morning than to have a snuggle puppy next to you!
5. They are great listeners. When you have had a bad day, they hang with you and listen until it is all better again....AND, they don't give you unwanted advice.
6. They let you watch your favorite shows on TV and don't complain (although Gracy does have a few issues with Cardinals baseball games).
7. Did I mention faithful, ah, yes I did, but, it is worth mentioning again!
8. They will protect you from all bad things (i.e. birds, rabbits, squirrels, the UPS guy).
9. They don't care when you have put on a few extra pounds. In fact, they encourage snacking!
10. They are always your BFF. They are always happy to go with you anywhere!
1. You never get burnt by a dog. They will never lie to you. They are forever faithful and will be by your side, no matter what. Their shit is much easier to clean up and deal with.
2. Dogs never break your heart. They only love you more and more each day.
3. They are always happy to see you! Even if you have just gone to the mailbox.
4. They love to snuggle and want nothing in return. Nothing better on a cold morning than to have a snuggle puppy next to you!
5. They are great listeners. When you have had a bad day, they hang with you and listen until it is all better again....AND, they don't give you unwanted advice.
6. They let you watch your favorite shows on TV and don't complain (although Gracy does have a few issues with Cardinals baseball games).
7. Did I mention faithful, ah, yes I did, but, it is worth mentioning again!
8. They will protect you from all bad things (i.e. birds, rabbits, squirrels, the UPS guy).
9. They don't care when you have put on a few extra pounds. In fact, they encourage snacking!
10. They are always your BFF. They are always happy to go with you anywhere!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
What a day!! The little things....
Today was a chemo day for Gracy. Chemo day's are very stressful for me. Mostly self-inflicted, but stressful, none the less. We currently go every two weeks for the treatment and checkup. Yes, I go through this every two weeks.
I am usually good for about a week. Then, the second week I start to worry. And worry, and worry. Today was no exception. In fact, it was the worst it has been for a while now. Why? Because Sunday I felt a growth on her shoulder. Even though I knew it wasn't a common place for me to find a swollen lymph node, I worried.....A LOT! When she came out of remission, it wasn't a common way for her to come out of remission. So, in my world, anything is possible.
Thankfully, when they aspirated it, it was only fatty tissue. WHEW!!!!!
So, needless to say, I still am a bit frazzled! But, it reminded me that it is the little things in life that mean the most. I am lucky that I still have my Squirt. Although each day creates its own new stresses, I am honored and blessed that she chose me to love the most in her life. This is not the road I would have chosen for us, but, I wouldn't trade a minute of it. The people we have met and the lives she has touched has all been worth it. After all, she is NOT just a dog!
I am usually good for about a week. Then, the second week I start to worry. And worry, and worry. Today was no exception. In fact, it was the worst it has been for a while now. Why? Because Sunday I felt a growth on her shoulder. Even though I knew it wasn't a common place for me to find a swollen lymph node, I worried.....A LOT! When she came out of remission, it wasn't a common way for her to come out of remission. So, in my world, anything is possible.
Thankfully, when they aspirated it, it was only fatty tissue. WHEW!!!!!
So, needless to say, I still am a bit frazzled! But, it reminded me that it is the little things in life that mean the most. I am lucky that I still have my Squirt. Although each day creates its own new stresses, I am honored and blessed that she chose me to love the most in her life. This is not the road I would have chosen for us, but, I wouldn't trade a minute of it. The people we have met and the lives she has touched has all been worth it. After all, she is NOT just a dog!
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