The kids just finished about 5 minutes of a game of tug with the Westie Baby. I love watching them play. Mike just has to stand his ground and sound vicious, while little Gidget pulls, shakes her head and gives a low, girlie growl. It's so funny to watch. If Gidge loses hold of the toy, Mike will hang on to it and continue growling and shake it, and she looks at me like asking "is it safe to grab it again?"... so I'll grab part of it and give it back to her so they could continue the game. On the other hand... if Mike accidentally loses grip of it... she takes advantage of it and runs really fast behind the couch with Mike at her heels. She is SUCH a girl. LOL

I'm happy to say that, except for extreme leakage, Mike has been doing really well. I just can't ask for more than this. He's eating fairly well and playing (on occasion) and barking (sometimes a bit too much), so for all that... I am grateful. He does still groan when he gets the bladder spasms (which still come at least 15 to 20 times a day), but I haven't seen any blood or granules passing for about a week. Even though I know what's wrong with him, when he's doing as well as he is now, I try to make myself believe that his problems (mainly needing the diapers) are only due to old age.

Gidget is still testing me. I don't want to say this too loud, but she hasn't peed in the laundry room for almost a week... of course that could change the first time I don't pay attention to her when she goes in there and barks to go out. When it seems like she's going out "too" much (like when she was younger and going out every 5 minutes and driving me nuts), I put her in her room for about an hour and "then" I'll let her out. It seems to be working again... I can only keep my fingers crossed and pray she gets out of the habit of every going out every 20 to 30 minutes. I know it's not a urinary infection because half the time when I let her out.. she doesn't even go pee... just wants to sniff around or play with her leash. Oh my... kids... they can drive you nuts sometimes.

I took the laptop to Dr. Blaha last night and showed her what I had done with the VIA program. I was soooo excited... she was really happy with it and said, "this just might work... how did you do what so many others have tried to do and couldn't?" ... LOL... I didn't tell her that all I did was take the time to read the "help" sections. In her eyes, I look like a female Bill Gates. ROFL. It does feel great though knowing that she's happy with it and all those hours weren't wasted.

Hey Alex...

It's so great to see you here!!!
I don't know about being a great photographer... I just have great subjects. I'm going to have to buy another disposable camera to take some more pictures soon. And speaking of great pictures... the ones of Maleah and Shakespeare are priceless. Everytime you post them, I just want to scoop them up and give them all kinds of cuddles.

As far as the paycheck... I can't believe I'm actually getting one after all these years. I mean I was working for West up until last September and got some small ones and a few good sized ones, but it's been almost a year since I've earned any money. I put 23 hours in this week, and she's given me enough work to do this week that I will probably have another 23 this week... HALLELUJAH!!
Oh my gosh... it feels great to be able to know I'll be able to tithe again and have a little extra money to put on my credit card... especially since I've put so much money into the car since I've had it. Hopefully, now the car is done draining me.

By the way... I've had a couple of people e-mail me about commenting here. Just to let you know.. just scroll down to the bottom of the last post... a box will open up where you can leave your comments. The comments don't automatically post on the blog itself but stay in the boxed area, so anyone opening that comment link can read them. When I come on here to post, I open it up and copy and paste the comments here on the blog so everyone can see them. They don't automatically post on the blog itself (that's the question I get the most).

I thought I'd re-post the picture slideshows of Mike and Gidget here. I was looking at them the other day and realized how much she had really grown since she came to live with us.

Oh.. by the way... when you click on the link, it will take you to Photobucket and may take you away from the blog. If you don't want this to happen, just right click on the link and left click where it says "open in new window" or "open in new tab", that way you can just come back to the blog to click on the next one. I know most of you already know this, but just in case you didn't.. it works better that way.

March 2008
http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/joanna930/Mike%20And%20Katie%20March%202008/?albumview=slideshow

April 2008
http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/joanna930/Mike%20And%20Gidget%20April%202008/?albumview=slideshow

April thru June 2008
http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/joanna930/Mike%20And%20Gidget%20April%20Thru%20June%202008/?albumview=slideshow

Hope you all enjoy the pictures. I'll take more soon.

Praying all of you have a very happy, healthy and fun weekend. Love you all!!

Love & Blessings
Joanna, Mike & Gidget

Alexandra said...

Hi Joanna,

Everytime I see your page I just love your pictures so much. You are a great photographer!

Your post of them playing made me laugh. Every time we go someplace Maleah jumps in the car first and then guards the door waiting for Shakespeare. As soon as he jumps in she climbs on top of him and rides him around the back seat...kind of like what I think you described:) I'm laughing right now thinking about it. I, too, wish your Mikey could play more with Gidget. It's so fun to watch them and it brings a joyful atmosphere over the house. Especially needed when you live alone. At least for me it is.

I'm also glad you are getting so much work and it does sound like SO MUCH! Good for you. I can just imagine those paychecks rolling in. Well, I hope so anyway.

Anyway, take care and I'm glad I saw the really really fine print where I can post a comment:) Couldn't find it before.

Love,
Alex, Shakespeare, and Maleah

August 29, 2008 5:06 PM

I can't believe it's Wednesday already. Where does the time go anyway? I've been doing a lot of work for Dr. Blaha, and it's pretty much taken my days. I amaze myself sometimes, not to brag, but I figured out how to change "almost" everything that needed to be changed in her VIA program to suit her needs. It's a long and involved process, but I'm getting it done. I pray it will be worth it to her. I'd hate to have her pay me for so many hours and then not have it perfect. Anyway... I feel good about being able to help her out. She is such a wonderful lady, and I enjoy doing this for her.

Mike had another great night's sleep last night. No panting at all!!! What a treat that was. He slept on the bed until around 3:00 this morning.

Last night he and Gidget were playing tug again. Oh man... how I love to watch them play. Mike hasn't been up to playing much lately, and I know his little sister was as happy to see the shift in him as I was. After playing tug, they continued to play for a short time. She is so funny... she loves to put her front legs over his back and ride him like a horse while he "tries" to jump up enough to make her slide off. I wish I had a video camera for that. It'd be great on Funniest Home Videos... a $10,000 winner. Unfortunately, they don't play often enough, so the times they do play really warm my heart. The sad part about it is that Mike never wants to play for very long, and Gidget can't understand why he'll growl at her and show his teeth every time she wants to play (which is quite often)... she just doesn't understand the mixed messages he gives her.

Hey Michelle, Daisy & Blue... It's great to hear from you. I'm sorry I haven't been on the kid's thread lately. I'm still very lax in getting to IMOM as much as I use to. Please know you guys are always in my thoughts and prayers too. Oh.. I've got to tell you... I was at my niece's house last week, and her kids were watching Blues Clues. I immediately thought of little Blue and told the kids that I know Blue. You should have seen their eyes light up. It was really cute. So, tell Blue she has a little fan club here in Ohio. Give both the munchkins some gentle hugs from me and nose kisses from the Westie and PESTie.

Hey Cynthia... I'm soooo happy the funding is going well for Benji. You guys really deserve a break. I know what you're going through with the fundraising.. keeping track of it, e-mails, etc. I remember when I was doing Jack's blog and trying to raise funds for his surgery... it totally engulfed my entire day until it was over. Give sweet Benji and Bugsy some little skritches from me and (of course) nose kisses from the Westie and PESTie.

I pray everyone is happy and healthy today and remains that way forever. Take Care and God Bless.

Love & Blessings

Bluedazy said...

It's the worst when our babies are not doing well!

I'm glad that Mike finally had a half way decent night. I hope that he gets some rest so that you can! At least the Little Missy slept in so you got a few extra zzzz's there. :)

Just been busy on this end, but wanted to let you know that you and your "kids" are never far from our thoughts! Sending you all hugs and kisses as well as wishes for more restful nights!

XOXOXOXO
Michelle, Daisy and Blue

August 26, 2008 11:23 PM

Sequia said...

Joanna, I am so sorry for not posting in awhile. Even though I may not be here, I never stop thinking about you all.
With all the donations that is rolling in for Benji, it keeps me on the computer for hours at a time sometimes tyring to keep up with all the email and comments I get. Things are going well and Benji should have enough for the surgery real soon.
I am glad to hear that Mike and his sister are getting along. I so wish though that there was something to make Mike comfortable all the time. You have been such a wonderful mom to him.
You are always in my heart and thoughts,
hugs and love to you all,
Cynthia

August 27, 2008 9:57 AM

Well... Mike finally had a half way decent night last night. He slept for about three hours and woke up around 1:15 panting like crazy. Thank God it didn't last too long. He jumped off the bed and went to sleep on the floor in the bathroom (he loves that tile floor) but during the night came back into the bedroom, as always, where he was this morning.

Little Miss Gidget let us sleep until 8:15 this morning! :-O My gosh... maybe she "is" growing up. She's just so damn cute... except when she pees in the laundry room and incessantly barks that high pitched bark for no reason at all, I can't help but laugh at her. She has such personality, and when she looks at me with those huge questioning eyes, you can't help but giggle. I know I complain about her alot, but I'm hoping for the day when I won't have anything to complain about with her. (gee.. miracles happen.. it "could" happen someday right?) LOL

Hi Cindy...
You are just too sweet. Mike and I aren't going through anything compared to what you and the boys are going through. If it's a wonder that anyone can take the time to write and "put two sentences together"... it's you. You truly are a Super-Mom. I don't know how you do it, especially since you have so many physical problems yourself. You are one tough cookie, and the boys are so blessed to have you for a Mom.

To answer your question... I haven't seen any clots for a long time (thank God). But when he gets the bladder spasms, I think he has the sensation of fullness. He stands really still with all four legs stiff and pushes really hard. I know it hurts him more lately when he does this because I can hear small groans, and the look in his eyes tells me this is no fun at all. For quite awhile, he was passing a lot of tiny granules of something... they were as small as a grain of sand and hard like sand too. I still see them in his diaper sometimes but nowhere near as often or as many as before.

Thank you so much for the hugs... and yes, I can feel them. It's so awesome to have you as such a wonderful friend... I needed those hugs. Thank You!!!

I'm sending hugs right back to you and the boys... you're always in my heart and prayers.

I've got a lot of work to do for Dr. Blaha today, so this is going to be pretty short. I just wanted to touch base with everyone and say thank you for keeping up with my big boy. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me on this earth. I've been so blessed to have him in my life, and knowing I could have lost him so many times in the past year... well... I'm even more blessed that he's still with me and still living a fairly good quality of life. Thank you Angels!!!

Love & Blessings

Cindy said...

Hey, don't u ever apologize for "complaining".
You and Mike are going through so much, it's a wonder u can put a sentence together!

I wish with all my heart that I could do something to help Mike...and u.

Is it clots that he is trying to push out-or does he just maybe have a feeling of fullness and think something is there?
I am thankful he isnt' having the huge amt of clots and bleeding that he was, but this is just as bad for u to watch and not be able to help.
It's great he still has play times with his little sister.

I think of u all so often every day.
Just know u always have hugs surrounding u-feel the gentle squeeze??????

Sending loads of love and hugs.
I hope this posts!!!!

Cindy, Tuck and Justice

August 23, 2008 10:00 PM

Sorry to say but Thursday night was a horrible night. Mike was up on and off almost all night panting and groaning. He stayed on the bed only about ten minutes and jumped down to try to find someplace else that would be more comfortable... he couldn't do it. Needless to say I had a hard time falling asleep too knowing he was in such discomfort, and when I did fall asleep for even a few minutes, I kept dreaming weird dreams and would wake up shortly after I closed my eyes. It was really a chore to get through anything yesterday. Thankfully though, Mike seemed much better during the day.

I don't remember if I've mentioned here (if I did please forgive me for being redundant) but lately with his bladder cramps he's been groaning a lot. He's no longer silent when he pushes as he's trying to relieve his empty bladder. I was chatting with Debs yesterday, and she asked if there has been much blood in his leakage. I told her that there hadn't been, so for that I was grateful. But, as if on que and knowing we talked about it... last night when I changed his diaper just before bed... there was blood.

We both had another restless night last night. His panting lasted about a half hour before he finally fell asleep, but then he woke up at 1:30 and started again. Again, it went on and off the rest of the night. I imagine he will be sleeping most of the day again today to try to catch up on some much needed rest. Oh how I miss my young Mike... running, playing, chasing the ball and bringing it back to me. The only joy he gets anymore is occasionally playing with his sister with her jumping all over him or playing tug with her with the Westie baby and occasional car rides. We've gone on rides, but since the car has been in the shop so much, I don't want to take a chance on it breaking down when he's with me, so I'm cautious as to how often and how far we go.

Speaking of the car... the stinkin' service light came on again last night. (oohh wish I had a mad face icon to put in here). I just got the fuel pump replaced and now this. I can't afford getting it fixed again. As it is, I've got post dated checks to the mechanic going into December. I have a little money put away and a small amount available on my credit card, but I have to keep it liquid in case I need it for Mike or Gidget. I'm beginning to doubt my decision as to getting a car. It does allow me a lot more freedom than I've had in the past two years without one, but can I keep up with repairs? Maybe I should have waited another four years until I could have saved up for a brand new one. Of course, I probably would have gone even more stir crazy before that would ever happen.

Oh my God.. I am so sorry to be complaining so much. There are so many out there who have it so much worse than I do. I know I'm blessed, and I'm grateful... more than grateful. I guess I just needed a place to vent a little. Please forgive me. Mike and I are going through stuff right now, but it's minimal in comparison to what some of the rest of you are going through. I think someone should just give me a good kick in the ass to straighten me out and make me stop feeling sorry for myself.

Ok.. enough rambling. I'm really sorry to complain. I know I could go back and delete everything I wrote, and I probably should, but like I said, I guess I just needed a place to vent.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Love & Blessings

Last night wasn't quite as restful as the night before for my boy, but his panting didn't last more than maybe a half hour. That's still a long time, but it's better than the two hours from the other night. Other than that, so far, he seems fine today.

Gidget made me so mad last night (again)... just before bedtime, she decided to pee in the laundry room. I don't know what gets in to her. It's not like I don't let her out. About 9:45 she went to her room... normally, during the day, that would be a sign of "oops.. hope Mom doesn't see it"... but being that it was close to bedtime, I thought... and hoped... it was because she was ready for bed. Nope.. not ready for bed. I'm really looking for the day when a roll of Bounty lasts me more than a week. This morning, she's being as good as gold. Oh my... what have I gotten myself in to??? LOL

I looked at her this morning and as she stared at me with those huge beautiful eyes, I told her "ya know someday, I'm hoping to say, it was tough but it was worth it. You're going to be a year old pretty soon... you've got to get with the program." She just looked me in the eyes and listened, but I could hear the laughing behind those puppy dog eyes.

I'm going to work at Dr. Blaha's in a little while, but I wanted to do a quick post here and let you all know things are going well. I hope and pray everyone is doing well today (and always).

Hey Cynthia, I'm so glad Benji had his appointment with the specialist, but (of course) so sorry that he's going to need the surgery. I'm praying big prayers that he gets the funding he needs. He is so lucky to have a loving Mom like you.

Sending lots of love and hugs.

Love & Blessings To All

Sequia said...

Joanna I am sorry I haven't posted here for awhile. I am still thinking of you guys all the time.
I am glad to see that Mike had a good sleep last night. hopefully tonight will be a repeat of that!
Love you, big hugs,
Cynthia

August 21, 2008 12:09 AM

What a great night!! Mike was actually able to fall asleep quickly and sleep all night without a problem. He actually stayed on my bed ALL night... what a treat for me, since that hardly ever happens.

His leaking is getting worse than ever though. I was giving him a much needed trim, and while he was laying on his side for me to clip him (he's sooooooo good for me when I do this)... he just started leaking so bad that I had to put a diaper underneath him to catch it. It wasn't just dripping but a fast flow.

Gidget is still Gidget. She "tries" to behave herself, but she isn't always successful. Last night I took her and Mike for a walk to the back of the property (about an acre deep). She was fine until she saw one of the neighbor's dogs out. Mike just wanted to play with Casey, but Miss Gidget had her hackles up and yipped and barked and pulled trying to get to her and totally wiped me out. She was on the retractable leash, and it was pretty impossible to even real her in. My gosh that puppy is strong. By the time I was able to (literally) drag her back to the house, she had given me a headache and a muscle spasm in my back, and I was ready for a shower. Yep... time for some heavy duty training. When she's set on something... nothing can take her attention away. I'm hoping that collar will help... even if it's just to get her attention back on me. We'll see.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Take Care and God Bless.

Love & Blessings

Mike had a really hard night last night. I could tell he was in pain all evening, because when he had the bladder craps (when he stands really still and pushes on his bladder like it's full) he was groaning. Then when we went to bed, he slept on the bed for about 1/2 hour, jumped off and started panting. The panting lasted for almost two hours. Poor guy... I gave him a second dose of Rescue Remedy hoping it would work. It didn't. Nothing. He was panting from around 11:45 to almost 2 a.m. There was absolutely nothing I could do. I think he finally just passed out from exhaustion when he finally stopped.

I noticed too that lately he's been leaking so much more than he had been in the past. Most of the time it looks like he's just leaking in his diaper, but more and more lately, the diaper is full... especially in the morning. I just thank God for Debbie putting me on to using the diapers and the fact that they have belly bands that fit around him so I could put a baby diaper inside of it. If not for them, I wouldn't be able to keep him going. It's so sad to think of people putting their dogs down because of problems like this, but if I hadn't learned about them (since I had never heard of them before) I may have had to do the same thing.... and that would have been horrible... because even with his bladder the way it is, he still has a wonderful quality of life.

His appetite isn't what it use to be now either. It's almost as if he doesn't care if he eats or not. There have been many times when he'll tell me he's hungry, and when I feed him, he eats very little... just enough to satisfy any hunger pangs. I know that's better than overeating and vomiting, but I have a hard time believing he's getting enough to give him enough nutrition.

Gidget is doing pretty well. She still loves bothering her brother when he's sleeping.... yep... definitely a little sister. Yesterday when Mike came in from outside and was doing his happy dance (rolling all over the living room floor), she decided she wanted in on it too. So, as he rolled around, she was circling him barking that high pitched yip at him. When he didn't pay attention to her, she grabbed his back leg and pulled (while he was on his back mind you).... thank God he had the belly band on... don't know what else she would have considered grabbing. LOL

Other than the incessant barking and an occasional "accident" (not really accidents since she "knows" better)... she's really doing well. I've ordered a bark collar for her. I don't want one with an electric shock... don't want to hurt her, and I considered the one that sprays citrus when she barks, but I figured she'd probably like that too much. They also have one that supposedly emits a high frequency when they bark, but I know that doesn't work because I tried one of those with Mike years ago when Charlie and I moved into an apartment... it didn't work. But.. I found one that has a combination of either a tone or a vibration just to get her attention... also, it has a remote so I can control when it goes off. I'm hoping it will help... especially when we go outside and no one in the neighborhood is safe from her breaking the sound barrier. I'm going to use it on my arm before I put it on her so I will know exactly how it feels. She's a brat, but I wouldn't hurt her for the world (well... I say that now... but when I'm mad at her, I might say something different LOL)

Hey Alex, Thanks for e-mailing me... and especially thanks for stopping by Mike's blog. You asked how to leave a comment here. Just go to the bottom of the last post on the blog, and where it says "comments" click there. It will open up a window and you can leave it there. The comments will show when anyone clicks in that same place, but normally, when I come here... I copy them and paste them on the blog so everyone could read them without clicking there.
I hope Shakespeare is feeling better. Lymes Disease is not good... especially for a little guy like him. Give both the kids some gentle hugs and nose kisses from us.

Hi Michelle... Thanks so much for stopping in. I'm so very sorry about the vet visit for Sydney. It's so hard getting news like that. I'm saying some extra special prayers for her and you. Please give her a huge hug from me and a whole bunch of nose kisses from the kids.

Michelle said...

Sending our hugs and kisses :)
Michelle, Syd, and Charlie.

August 18, 2008 7:45 PM

Oh my gosh.. I didn't realiz how long it's been since I've posted. I'm so sorry. I guess time just has a way of slipping away really fast lately. I've been on the go every day this week, and by the time I get in and settled, well.. I guess I'm just too tired to even think straight. I promise, I'll try to do better. I feel even worse because I haven't been to the IMOM threads lately either... I hope and pray everyone is doing well.

Mike has been on again/off again. He has times that I can almost believe he's not sick, and then there are other times that I look at him and my heart breaks. Last night he was groaning all night long... I know he was in pain, and I couldn't do anything about it except pet him try to give him comfort.

The PESTie is still being a little pest. She's cute as can be and a real clown, but it was brought to my attention by a wonderful friend.. that "she's" training "me" (thanks Roberta :-D ). I guess I have been lax in her training... and I think I've realized that the reason she's harder to train than any other dog (or puppy) I've ever had is because I've spent so much time concentrating on Mike, that I've pretty much let her run the show. I guess it's time for "me" to take control... an easy task right???? LOL She is really ... really... smart... smart enough to know I've been a pushover, so I know she's smart enough to learn to listen when I tell her something. She's happy to please, but when she's focused on something besides me (like barking at the wind) it's been almost impossible to re-direct her attention to me. Ok.. I've got my work cut out for me.

The other day, I was gone for 9 hours. I left at 8 in the morning and didn't get home until almost 5:30. She didn't pee in her room / cage at all. What a good girl!!! Of course once I was home, she "had" to go outside at least every hour. While I was gone though, Mike got sick. My poor guy had the pukie pukes twice. I felt so bad that I wasn't here for him.

Oh.. I wanted to tell you something else too. Mike scared the crap out of me the other day. I was going to let Gidget out and called Mike to go out too. He wasn't coming, but I knew it had been quite awhile since he had been out and kept calling him. He still didn't come. When I went to the living room to check on him, he was standing in front of the couch with his right front leg pulled up almost to his chin. Oh man.. was I scared. I got on the floor to check his leg and realized his nail had gotten caught in the ring that his tag was on. Oh my gosh... what a relief. I had to take the collar off to get it undone, but when I took it off, it fell right off. WHEW!!! I felt so bad for him though... he had been laying behind the couch, and I can't imagine how much pain he was in and how hard it was for him to move from behind the couch to the point he was at when I found him. I had heard him whining a little earlier, but I thought it was because Gidget was bothering him. I was just so glad he was ok... my heart was pounding like crazy... and I'm sure his was too.

Well... my car has been in the shop twice already, and today I found out I need a fuel pump. I can't really complain, at least I've got a car and a little bit of freedom. I'm trying to look at this in a positive way... after all... I figured I really did get the car at a good price, and even if I have to put some money in it, at least it will be safe to drive. If I had paid more for a car, I'm sure it would need work too, and I would have had to put out more money. My brother told me that no matter what car I bought to be prepared to put from $500 to $1000 in it... and he was right. My mechanic is the same one I've used for years, and thank God for him... he lets me make monthly payments to him. He held a check for August and now is holding one for September and October. After he puts the fuel pump in, he'll be carrying me through the end of the year.

The job is going great. Dr. Blaha is wonderful to work for. We're trying to work on a program she bought specifically for veterinarian hospitals. The program cost her a fortune, but it's in no way as easy as they portray it to be on their website. It's really involved, and from what she tells me, she has spent hours and hours trying to get it to do what it's suppose to do. She has the original program on a laptop and then had it installed on her desktop (she hates the laptop), so she gave me the laptop to bring home to see if I could figure it out. My gosh.. I think it's gonna take a super-geek to figure this thing out.

Hey Debbie...

It was awesome talking to you again. I'm so glad you've got the phone again. I was wondering why I couldn't get hold of you to post for you... thought maybe it had been turned off again. I'm glad I was wrong.
Hey.. I just thought of something... wanna use my mechanic??? He'll let you make payments, and you could get your car fixed. :-D
Give Jack and Finn and all the furkids hugs from me and nose kisses from the Westie and PESTie.

Hey Splight...
I'm so glad you and the kids stopped in. We love having the Westie cousins visit us. Mike is still my best, perfect buddy who does no wrong, and Miss Gidget is the activity director in the house. I just know she is NOT full Westie... too much of a yipper (sooooooo unlike her brother)

Give Sunny & Buddy some gentle hugs from Auntie Jo and nose kisses from the Westie & PESTie cousins.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend (gee it's the weekend already.. where does the time go?)

Love & Blessings

Debbie and Jack said...

Oh Jo, it was so good to hear your voice last night. I am so unused to having a working phone that I actually walked out the door this morning and left it at home. Hence, I never called you to post for me. I guess I will have to get used to being in the loop with everyone again.

I sent you some pix of my mom's new pup, Finn. Hope you got them.

Smooches to Mike and Gidget,

Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

ps. I am so jealous. I want to go to Sunnybank, too!

August 11, 2008 5:16 PM

Debbie and Jack said...

Just wondering what Miss Pestie is up to today. And how is Mike doing. He is always on my mind and you, too, Jo.

Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

August 13, 2008 5:20 PM

Debbie and Jack said...

Checking on my best buds today. Hoping all is well and you are just busy. Have fun at work tomorrow (?).

Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

August 14, 2008 7:39 PM

Splight said...

Hi Jo and kids,
The CT westies are checking in on your two. Wondering how the kids are doing?
splight, Sunny and Buddy

August 14, 2008 11:26 PM

Good Morning All!!

Well.. it rained last night, and it looks like we might "finally" get some green grass back again. It got pretty cold though. The temp went down to 58 during the night, and it's only 65 right now.. Fall weather... but I can live with this. Today and the rest of the week should be in the 70's.. so I'll be happy with the weather for a change.

Mike had a great night last night... only had his panting spell for a short time and was able to sleep the entire night. He actually stayed on my bed for almost three hours before jumping off to find another spot. I really love when he sleeps with me... even if I "do" have to sleep "around" him. He will start off at the foot of the bed and end up sprawled out in the middle of it... but I don't care, I just love knowing that he's there with me.

Little Gidget is just so full of piss and vinegar. She really does make me laugh (as long as she doesn't leak that piss and vinegar on my floors LOL). Right now, she's taking joy in going in the laundry room and, one by one, pulling any dirty clothes she can out of the basket, bringing it here (in the living room) and jumping up on the couch with it. When I look back at her she looks at me with such pride and a questioning look as to why I don't share that pride with her. Although dragging my underwear through the house is her first passion, she's graduated to the fact that my bra, t-shirts and shorts are almost as much fun. However, she's also not beneath pulling out towels and wash rags too. She's such a stinker.

OH.. GUESS WHAT!!! Debbie called me last night!!! I was sooooooooo happy to hear her voice. She's been stuck in the house with no phone, no car, no computer and no air conditioning. That poor girl has really been isolated. But she sounds wonderful... and happy to have her phone back. She's going to call me later and dictate so I could post for her on the IMOM thread.

Hey Judy...
You are going to have such a terrific time at Sunnybank. Oh how I wish I could go with you. I've read so much about it... and talking to Roberta makes me want to go even more. Oh well.. maybe next year. Have a safe and fantastic trip, and give Roberta a big hug from me when you see her. By the way.. how is Gracie doing? Has she figured out that Rylee and she could play like sisters yet? I just know she's settling in with you. I'm so happy you found each other. Give them both a big hug from me and nose kisses from Mike and Gidge... and some for you too :-D

Oh by the way.. as far as keeping the faith... faith is all we have isn't it? I couldn't live without it :-D

Ok... gonna get going. I pray everyone has a beautiful day!!

Take Care and God Bless

Judy said...

Joanna, just a quick post to let you know that I have been keeping up with your postings on you and your "kids". I am busier than usual getting ready for a trip next week end to our annual event at Sunnybank. I know I will be seeing Roberta and hopefully Linda there...

I am so thrilled that you like your job...you have a car and all in all things are going well for Mike...

Keep the faith...Judy

August 10, 2008 8:34 AM

Not much to report today. I guess that's a good thing. But then again Mike's still the same, so that's not good.

He finally got a bit of an appetite back yesterday, so that made me really happy. He actually ate the shredded cheese and some kibble. Of course I had to hand feed it to him, but at least he ate.

I fed them both around 2:00, and normally, if I was home, I'd feed them again maybe around 7:00 or 8:00... but last night I went out (for the first time in a very long time)... left around 5:30 and figured I'd be home by 9... but.. didn't get home until 11:30. On the way home, I realized that they must be starving. I didn't want to take the chance of Mike not eating again, so I stopped at Arby's and got them a roast beef sandwich. Oh my gosh.. I don't have to tell you how quickly his appetite came back. I was pretty careful as to how fast I was giving it to him, because I knew he'd scarf it down faster than he should if I didn't. As I fed him, I just prayed that he'd keep it down. And guess what... he did!!!!

Ya know... Gidget is really something else. I was gone for over six hours last night, and she didn't mess in her cage (of course there was only once or twice when she was younger that she did that, but being gone so long, I couldn't have scolded her if she had).... so.. tell me... why in the world does she have to go out so many times during the day when I'm home. I mean, she spends the night (up to 9 hours at a time) in her room and then again last night (six hours)... and even if she is just laying down instead of being so active, you'd think she'd have to go potty... I mean after all.. she does have a small bladder. She's such a little stinker... I think she just wants to go out because she's bored... but she's got to learn.. I'M NOT BORED and have other things to do than to let her in and out all the time. LOL At least it's not every five minutes like it was when she was learning... my gosh, I didn't think those days would ever end.

Hi Jennifer (and Emma too of course)... I hope you're feeling better now. The weather the past few days has been absolutely beautiful... in the 70's with low humidity. I can take this weather all year long... I know I"m dreaming, but it would be awesome wouldn't it?

I know how fast time can go sometimes. In October, it will be a year since I went to IMOM... thank God they were there for us... I would have lost Mike back then if they hadn't been there. I will be forever grateful to everyone there. As it is, this month (August) is when Mike first started having problems... I thought I would lose him then too... as a matter of fact, at that time, the vet told me I'd probably have to put him down because they thought his liver was failing (or at the least had liver cancer and wouldn't survive more than a month or two).... thank God they were wrong. While bladder cancer is no fun, at least my boy has had a chance to survive and have a decent quality of life this past year. I just feel so blessed that he's still with me, and all the diapering and cleaning and medication involved is so worth the effort just knowing that I can pet him and give him hugs and feel that beautiful soft hair against my face. I love seeing and listening to him eat and snore and even bark (although barking can be annoying, at least when he barks, it lets me know he feels good enough to do it). And the nose kisses I get from him are the closest thing to pure love anyone can imagine.

Give sweet Emma some big hugs from me and nose kisses from the Westie and the PESTie. LOL

I hope everyone is having a beautiful and healthy weekend. God Bless.

Love & Blessings

Jennifer & Emma said...

It has been awhile since I have had the time to post. It sounds like you have your hands full with miss gidget. It is frustrating when you know they get it. It took me forever to potty train emma and she still will have accidents every once in awhile. She justs stops pees and goes on without a thought.
I am sad to hear mike is having rough nights. I know how hard that must be for you. I hope that when it starts to cool down he wont feel as bad. I live near cincinnati and we are suppose to have great weather this weekend. I have been sick for a week and hope that the temp drop will help me breath. You and mike are always in my thoughts and prayers and I think about you often. I hadnt realized how long it had been since I first asked imom for help. I truly hope that things get better for you and I know that you are the best mom mike could have.
Lots of aussie hugs and kisses to you all,
Jennifer and Emma

August 9, 2008 7:45 AM

Well... Princess Gidget made it to 11 months old today. If she was going to make it was questionable since she decided to pee in the laundry room last night. I was sooooooooo mad at her. She didn't even bark to go out. Here I thought she had it down pat. I'm thinking she just did it because she was bored... but that's no excuse. It's been a very long time since she's done it, and I thought it was over with. She thinks she can do anything she wants to when she wants to and where she wants to. She is such a Diva.... but she's got to learn there are rules that she has to stick to.

I try not to compare her with Mike... but it's hard not to, because he never once peed in the house from the time I got him. I think I may have told you before, but when Mike came to live with us, he was about a year old. My grandson ended up in the Cleveland Clinic with spinal meningitis, and I spent 22 hours at the hospital with him and my daughter. Charlie was at his son's for the weekend, and Mike was alone the entire time. That sweet puppy never made a drizzle in that house... for 22 hours... no pee... no poop. Why oh why can't Gidget be more like her brother????? I don't expect her (or any dog) to hold it as long as Mike did, but my gosh... to just pee cuz you're bored??? Nope... uh huh... nada... zip... zilch... NOT A GOOD ENOUGH REASON.

Mike was still pretty uncomfortable last night but not as bad as the night before. He slept on my bed for about an hour and then woke up panting really hard again. It took awhile for him to calm down enough to fall asleep again. My poor boy. I just love him so much. It's really odd though that most of this (almost always) is at night. He seems all right during the day (for the most part) as far as the panting is concerned. Panting is the night time problems, and his lack of appetite, blood in the diaper and occasional nausea are day time problems. Oh how I wish he was younger again and didn't have all these problems. I miss him being young, healthy and active, and I know he misses it too. It's hell getting old... for people and pets.

Hi Cynthia... It's hard knowing he's so uncomfortable. And the worst part is.. there's not much more I can do for him. Sometimes what I do really seems to help... but other times it's really frustrating.
I am soooooooooo happy to see that the funds are there for Benji to get to the specialist. I'll be praying for a good report. Please keep us informed.

Ok.. gonna get on with the day. I hope everyone has a great day. It's beautiful here right now .. 71 and very low humidity.. the perfect day. Love You All!!

Love & Blessings

Sequia said...

I am so sorry to hear that Mike is in such discomfort. Poor little guy.
You are in my thoughts always,

Cynthia

August 7, 2008 8:09 AM

I guess I spoke too soon. When we went to bed last night, I had given Mike the Rescue Remedy in hopes that he wouldn't need the Rimydal... no such luck. He was panting like crazy, and for the few minutes he was able to sleep.. I heard him groan. I gave him the meds, and after awhile they kicked in.. but during the course of the night, I could tell he was uncomfortable.

He still didn't have much of an appetite today. When he ate yesterday, he almost immediately threw it back up. I was hoping it was because he ate too fast (mixed up a little tv dinner with his kibble)... but it seems it was the beginning of his losing his appetite. He ate a little bit tonight, but no where near what he should have if he was feeling well.

This afternoon when he was sleeping, I could hear him groan in his sleep.. and then again this evening.. same thing. I didn't want to give him the Rimydal when I first heard him or I wouldn't have been able to give it to him tonight before bed. Also, there's much more blood in his diaper again. I'm sure that's what's causing the pain.

Gidget has just been full of piss and vinegar... getting into just about everything she could... and trying to get into things she can't. I had to laugh earlier.. there's a big bird cage under the table in the laundry room (figured someday I might get another cockatiel)... I heard her do something in there, and went I looked.. I saw her trying to get in the bird cage. Oh my gosh.. I'm thinking she really does think she's a cat and hoping there was a bird in there. What a goober she is.

Ok.. going to give Mike his pills and get him in bed. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening and great day tomorrow.

Love & Blessings

Good Morning All...

It was a great night last night. Mike slept like a lump. :-D It seems the Rescue Remedy really works. I put a couple drops on a cookie before bed, and in no time, he was able to make himself comfortable.. and... the best part... no panting at all!!! I've been giving him 1/2 of a Rimydal about an hour before bedtime, but tonight I'm going to try going without it. If he doesn't need all that crap in his body, I certainly don't want to put it in there.

Yesterday was a beautiful day. I think the highest the temperature got was 82, but the humidity was low. I was able to put both dogs in the car and go for a ride. Mike was so happy to be in his car... and... surprisingly enough, Gidget is getting use to it too. I think I'd hesitate to take her on a long ride yet, but she seemed pretty happy with about a 20 minute ride (which is much longer than the last couple of times we've gone). I even took her through the drive through at the beverage store and KFC... of course she started barking at the guy at the beverage store and the girl in the window at KFC, but she only yipped a couple times and then settled down. Both people commented on what beautiful dogs I have... I know it!! :-D

I still had to pick her up to put her in the car. She (again) put her feet on the bottom of the door and acted like she wanted to get in but was afraid to. Even with a treat in my hand, she wouldn't jump in. Mike stood on the seat looking at her like she was nuts.... "Come On.. We're Going For A Ride.. Are You Nuts?" LOL

It was so beautiful outside that around 5:00 we all sat out by the table and ate dinner together. Of course, I had to feed the pups theirs before I brought out my chicken or they wouldn't have eaten any of it. Mike didn't have much of an appetite at all yesterday ... until I brought out the chicken. I'm hoping he eats better today.

I am so grateful that he hasn't had anymore seizures (or even the staring and quivering). I'm sure now that it was caused by the Tramadol. Never again will it pass through his lips.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and have a blessed week. We love you all.

Love & Blessings

Mike was off sorts all day yesterday, but at least there were no more seizures. He just slept and didn't want to be bothered all day. So, I made sure that Gidget stayed as far away as possible.

Dr. Blaha told me about Rescue Remedy. She thought it might help Mike to relax at bedtime or when he gets his panting spells. I gave him the Rimydal around 9 last night and a couple drops of Rescue Remedy before we went to bed. He still had a bit of panting at bedtime, but I'm glad to say it didn't last long, and he was able to sleep through the night. I'm trying it again tonight and praying this works for him. He needs a good night's sleep without waking up panting. Fingers crossed that it works again tonight.

He was finally feeling good enough today that I felt safe in giving him a much needed bath. He's so good for me when I groom him or bath him. Wish Gidget would cooperate like he does.... hummm... dreaming again. LOL

Dr. Blaha was really busy yesterday... so busy that she didn't have time for me to go there until 5:30, and we worked until 8. That poor lady has so much to do... it's no wonder she was frustrated when it came time to try to keep up with all the paperwork.

There's not a lot to report today. So I guess that's a good thing.

Oh... two things I'd like to mention. Today is three months that our good friend Manuel lost his best friend Winster. He wrote a beautiful letter to Winster on Winster's thread. If you get a chance, stop by there and read it. I know he would appreciate any comments you would leave for him. Also... Manuel and his new friend Zorro have made it to being celebrities. Florida Basset Rescue has started a new program called "Seniors for Seniors"... Manuel and Zorro are the first match in this program. The rescue has created a brochure with the new duo's story on it and a picture of the two of them. Again, if you get a chance, check out Zorro's thread too and leave a comment.. I know he'd be really excited to see comments from all his friends.

Ok.. gonna get going. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

Love & Blessings