Yesterday was quite uneventful.... no seizures and no shaking. Thank God for small favors. He did have a very long panting episode last night at bedtime. Apparently the Rimydl doesn't work as well for his discomfort as the Tramadol did... but Tramadol is out of the question anymore. His heavy panting lasted for about 20 minutes last night, and then he woke up again around 2:30 and did it again. I just wish he didn't have to go through all this.

Mike doesn't know it yet, but since he's feeling better, he's gonna get a hair cut and bath this morning (or afternoon). He's really looking shaggy lately... which is ok since I love the shag look, but it's too warm for him to keep it all. I won't be able to use the sheers on him though since he has so many warts on his skin, and last time, I accidentally clipped one. He didn't even flinch, but I did.. especially since it bled so bad. So, this time, I'm just going to get what I can off of him with the scissors. I know I can make that handsome face look great, but I'm guessing his body won't have the perfect cut it should have (or be as short as it should be for this weather).

I'm getting Gidget use to being brushed... she's such a wiggle worm. I've started brushing her a few strokes almost each time she comes in the house. Her fur isn't anywhere near as soft as Mikes and is kind of wiry, and when it's tangled, she looks like a rag-a-muffin. I have a feeling this dog is gonna be work. Also, her nails are so sharp again. I don't have the heart to ask Dr. Blaha to come over to cut them again since she's done so much for me already, and since Gidge is so very bad and won't let her hold her still to cut them. I'm "trying" to sit on the floor with her and just get her use to me holding one foot at a time.... eventually, hopefully before her nails get too long, she'll let me put the clippers on them. If I can't do it... the next thing is a muzzle and straight jacket. LOL (not really funny, but thinking about keeping her still kind of tickles me). Dr. Blaha said they "do" make straight jackets for dogs... not humane but they work. Naw.. no straight jacket... but it might take three people to hold her and one to cut. My gosh... what have I gotten myself in to?????

Hi Debbie... I'm doing better today. I think everyone goes through those crazy depressed times when you feel nothing you do is right. Yesterday, I spent most of the day yesterday doing some work for Dr. Blaha... thank God I could do some of her work at home. It not only helps me make a few dollars, but it gives me something to keep my mind off all my failures sometimes too. Give my boy a huge hug from me, and tell him I miss talking to him (so does Mike).

Oh Cynthia... I am sooooooooo happy to hear the progress on Benji's funding. Please... DON'T EVER feel bad for giving good news!!! That was the best thing I've heard in a long time!! You really lifted my spirits. Thank you for sharing that with me. Give Benji, Bugsy and Nathan all hugs from me (and one for you too).
Hang in there sweet Benji.

Ok.. gonna get going. I hope everyone has a wonderful, beautiful, happy and healthy day.

Love & Blessings,

Debbie and Jack said...

Oh Jo, How are you today and Mike? Been worrying about you. Would love to hear your voice, but.... Remember you are Jack's savior.

Thinking of you all

Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

July 30, 2008 6:36 PM

Sequia said...

Joanna,
I am in tears reading about everything Mike has gone through. Memories of CJ are flooding back in my mind.
I am at a loss for words. Just please know that you are always in my mind.
I wanted to tell you some good news but I almost feel bad now.
OK well, I found this web site stricly for bunnies. Benji is now only $164.00 away from seeing the specialist!
Take care of yourself and the furkids.
Hugs and love,
Cynthia

July 30, 2008 7:25 PM

Mike had another episode yesterday, but it wasn't like the one on Sunday. Twice, he sat and just starred at me as he quivered... a scared look on his face. It didn't last long either time, but I was waiting for a bomb to drop. Thank God it didn't.

Today, he had another seizure (I'm sure this is what they are now) about an hour ago. He was fine all morning. About an hour ago, I let him out to potty, and he seemed fine. When he turned to come in the house, he leg was just hanging again, and he had a hard time walking. He got as far as the laundry room but couldn't go any further. I picked him up and carried him into the living room. Surprisingly enough, he didn't mind being held at all this time... probably because he knew something was wrong. We sat on the floor for a little while, and then I saw his eyes start to glaze over again. Before I knew it, he had laid on his side like he did on Sunday, and I watched his eyes move slowly back and forth. I couldn't even see the color of them with the glaze over them. It lasted less than two minutes before he was sitting up again. Within five minutes, he had complete use of his leg again and barked at a dog outside.

I talked to Dr. Blaha again yesterday (she's gonna think I'm a real pain and fire me if I'm not careful). She told me to log everything that happens. If it keeps up, he may have to go back on a low dose of phenobarbital again. We'll talk about it on Friday when I go to work. Until then, he's getting Rimydal (1/2 in the morning and 1//2 at night) and hopefully it will help any pain he has without the side effects of the Tramadol. She said she may put him on a different pain med... but again, we'll talk about it on Friday after we see how the Rimydal works.

Gidget has become really protective of Mike. I never realized how protective until I picked him up in the laundry room to carry him in here. She went crazy, and I actually thought she was going to try to bite me. She wanted him on the ground with her... and when I did put him down, she was all over him with whisker kisses. I'm glad she loves him so much, but she almost tripped me twice when I was carrying him.

I'm a bit on the depressed side today. I don't know what's wrong with me... actually, except for Mike having problems, everything is going well for me, so I shouldn't be so down... and... Mike is being taken care of, so I don't "think" that's the entire problem (of course I'm sure it's some of the problem). I can't seem to force myself to do anything... which is one of the reasons this blog entry is so late in being posted. I'm sure I'll shake it off, so for now I'm just going to ride it out (it's worse if you fight it).

I hope everyone is having a great day.

Love & Blessings

Mike scared me so bad last night... I thought he was going to leave me. He came out from behind the couch and was limping with his right leg just totally hanging loose and his head cocked and down. I immediately got on the floor with him to see what was going one. You could tell he was in pain. He laid down on his side for me and let me pet him and love on him, and I was hoping when he got up, he'd be better. He wasn't. He was hurting really bad and acting so strange and panting like he was in horrible pain. I gave him a Tramadol and prayed. Before the pill even had a chance to work... he laid down again... unable to even sit up for any length of time.

Even though he was in pain and you could tell something else wasn't right, he seemed content to just lay on his side and let me pet him. After awhile, his respiration slowed down a bit... almost back to normal I think... but he didn't want to move. It was then I realized that my boy was totally unresponsive to me. I asked him if he wanted to go "out", for a "ride".. anything I could do to get him to react. Nothing. I then realized his eyes were totally glassed over... almost opaque. I couldn't see the color in them, and when I tried to get his attention, I saw they were moving slowly from side to side.

I totally freaked out. I called Dr. Blaha (this was about 8:00 last night) and got her voice mail and left a frantic message for her. The episode lasted about 45 minutes.. and my God, was I relieved when he finally responded to me and was able to sit up again. I left another message for Dr. Blaha and told her he was much better, and I'd talk to her tomorrow (today).

In the midst of all this, Gidget at first wanted to play and wanted my attention. She wouldn't take no for an answer so I had no choice but to put her in her room. After Mike was more alert, I let her out and was in the process of letting her outside, and here came my little trooper... trying to follow me... limping and weak like a soldier from war. He didn't want to leave my side. My heart just broke for him. He seemed like he wanted to go outside too but had a difficult time getting to the door. I wanted to pick him up and carry him there, but he hates being held, and honestly, I wasn't sure if I would hurt him more by doing it. So, Gidge and I just stood there waiting for him to inch his way to us. He did manage to go outside and potty and seemed proud that he conquered that at least.

About fifteen minutes later, Dr. Blaha called. She had just gotten home. I told her I thought he may have had a stroke. She could tell how scared I was and was so wonderful in trying to calm me down. When I told her what happened, she said that dogs don't get strokes like people do. They do get them, but not with the symptoms I gave her.

First she said it could be Vestibular, but she said that would not have gone away so fast... it could last days. Then she said she believed he had a Petit Mal seizure. When I told her about his history of seizures seven or eight years ago and that he had been on phenobarbital for around five years, she told me to stop giving him the Tramadol. She told me to read the side effects on the Tramadol... when I did... it said, "Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol if you have a history of seizures or head injury." NO MORE TRAMADOL. She said the opiate in the Tramadol can cause seizures if he's prone to them. He hasn't had a seizure in years, and even when the other vet took him off the phenobarbital cold turkey in October... he didn't go through any type of withdrawl. And this wasn't like the ones he got before he was diagnosed. This one literally looked like death.

She's going to give me something else for him for pain when I go there to work on Friday (or sooner if we need it), but in the meantime she told me to give him 1/2 Rimadyl and see how that works.

By the time we went to bed, Mike was able to walk on his leg with no problem. I could tell he still wasn't feeling well, but at least he was able to focus and walk. Within 1/2 hour of going to bed, he got up and tried walking to move from one spot to another... again... he fell when his leg was like mush. I got him to lay on a comforter next to my bed and had him lay on his side (which seemed to be the most comfortable position for him) and spent the rest of the night with my hand on him and petting him until I fell asleep.

Oh my God... I was so scared. Seeing him like that made me realize... (as if I don't know already)... he IS going to leave me... maybe not today.. but someday in the not too distant future. And it's tearing me apart.

I have to offer SPECIAL GRATITUDE to my wonderful, dear friend Deb... She and I were chatting on line when all of this started to happen. My last entry to her was NOOOO... SOMETHIN'G WRONG WITH MIKE. When she didn't hear back from me in a couple minutes, she was on the phone with me... calling to see how my baby was and what was going on. I cried to her, and she let me cry and made me feel as though she were right there holding my hand and giving me a hug when this was all happening. She offers her love and friendship more than I've seen in so many people I have known in my life (the same as so many of my beautiful IMOM friends do). I am so grateful she was there for me last night. After it was over we talked again, and she was wonderful in helping me relax a bit and releasing the fear that was so horrifying earlier. THANK YOU MY DEAR FRIEND... YOU DEFINE THE MEANING OF A TRUE FRIEND.

This morning, he seems fine (Thank You Jesus). He did everything he should do and is walking with no problem. I took him and Gidget for a short ride this morning... I did it not only to continue trying to get Gidge use to riding, but because, as he was so bad last night, I felt horrible that he should have had one last ride in the car before he leaves me (even though we have been going for rides.. I just felt he needed one more). Prayerfully, we'll still have a lot of time for more rides.

Thank you everyone who cares enough to check on my boy... I just love him so much, and it helps to know I have all of you supporting us and holding us up in prayer. God Bless You All.

Love & Blessings

Not a good day for my sweet boy.
Yesterday, he was in much discomfort (I hope not pain) and had to have a Tramadol by noon. Last night, around 9:00 he started again, and I could tell he wasn't right. I gave him his night Tramadol, but by midnight, it started all over again. I hated to give him the other half of the pill since that would make the full dosage that I take for my headaches when they get bad. They work on my headaches, and apparently work for him too, but I worry because of his size and weight that it may be too much for him. I only know that without it, he would have stayed in pain all night.

He seemed fine when I went to church this morning, and when I came home he went out as usual. Within an hour, he starting panting and whining like he does when he has an upset stomach. Then he started searching and scratching on the carpet for a place to purge. It didn't happen. But he continued the relentless panting and staring at me. I may have been wrong to do this, but I got him to take 1/2 of a Tramadol. God, I feel horrible giving him that crap... but finally now, he's settled down a bit and is laying next to me, and the panting has subsided quite a bit.

Gidget thought his whining and panting was an invitation to play (of course) and started jumping all over him... on his head and back... he was pretty much oblivious to her and didn't even react to her... that's when I knew he was sick. I had to send her to her room so she wouldn't bother him. I gave her a chew stick and explained that her brother isn't feeling good, and she had to behave. It's weird... for as bratty as she can be sometimes, she really did seem to understand what I was telling her. Perhaps Mike explained it to her when I wasn't listening. After Mike calmed down a little, I let her out. I hate keeping her in there when it's not necessary. Now, since the Tramadol has kicked in, when she goes by him, he'll growl at her and let her know he's not feeling good and not in the mood for anything besides resting.

As I type this, she's bringing her ball to me to throw (or play tug). She definitely does know how to keep herself busy. Last night I was on the computer chatting with Deb, and she kept going in the laundry room trying to get my underwear. I have no idea how she did it (since I put them where she can't reach) but she managed to get not one, but three pairs and proudly put them all on the couch on display for me when I turned around to see what she was up to.

As I was typing this last paragraph, Mike got up and went to lay on the tile by the door.. he was there for only a couple of seconds and then stood up and pushed on his bladder again and now is behind the couch. Oh I wish he didn't have to go through all this.

I do have some good news here though... I think I need some right now. I finally got more pictures of the kids on cd. I've uploaded them to photobucket, and I'm putting the link here. These pictures were taken between the beginning of May and in to June. You'll be able to see in them the reason I think she's a mix... definitely a PESTie.

Mike And Gidget April Thru June 2008

Enjoy the pictures and have a blessed weekend.

Love & Blessings

Went to work for a few hours today with Dr. Blaha. I'm gonna love this job. Not only does she have plenty for me to do, but there's quite a bit of work I can bring home and do on my computer too.... right up my ally. Plus...I met the rest of her fur-family today. I think I told you about Frankie (the pit-pom) and Odie (the border-golden), and today I met Dillon (a border-black lab) and Oobie (a who-knows-what). All the dogs are so sweet and loving. I had to laugh because Oobie just didn't want to leave me alone and kept putting her foot on my leg while I was working, and Odie laid right next to me the entire time. The old lady of the bunch.. Kali a beautiful, old and thin calico sat and then laid on the stool next to me and just purred like crazy. Dr. Blaha came into the office and made them all leave me alone. I laughed and told her they weren't bothering me a bit... the made me feel really loved. She said it was really odd for Kali to be around anyone. I guess she's not a people person, but she loves me... go figure .. me.. not the cat person... but I did appreciate her interest.

Mike and Gidget are doing pretty well today. Although Mike is passing the granules again. Dr. Blaha said they are crystals and gave me Clavamox to give him twice a day. She agreed with my theory that this might be the reason he pushes so hard and so often during the course of the day. I hope the meds work.

Hi Splight....

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. What a horrible thing to happen. I cried when I read about it. Poor little thing. I guess God needed another Westie Angel in heaven to keep all the other pups in line. I'm sure Angel Lucky was there to meet and greet her.

I'll bet her Mom is heartbroken. I think I remember you talking about Maggie quite awhile ago (maybe on Mike's thread or in an e-mail). I'm sure you are all going to miss her terribly. Please give my condolences to her family.

As far as the messages being posted.... they always go into the window from the link, but I copy and paste them on to the blog when I come on here so everyone can read them and none get missed... so, there's nothing else you have to do.. once the comments are posted and when I post again, they'll show up.

Give Buddy and Sunny some hug hugs from Aunti Jo and wet Westie nose kisses from Mike and Gidget.


Hi Deb...

We did have some of that beautiful weather yesterday and again today. Yesterday it didn't get over 70, and man did it feel good!!! Today it hit 83, but the humidity hasn't been too bad so we got through it without having to put the air on. Right now it's 81, but it's absolutely beautiful outside.

I was outside with the pups for awhile, and the most beautiful baby deer came to the back yard. I'm wondering where her siblings are since they've always been here in 3's. I hope they're ok. Anyway, I saw her before the kids did, so we came in the house so Miss Big Mouth wouldn't scare her away. It's funny... neither one of the dogs saw her until after we were in the house, and then she could care less if they were barking at her.

Mike started with the panting really heavy again this afternoon. I gave him only 1/4 of a Tramadol, and it seemed to work. Thank God. And to answer your question.... yes, I do wish they could talk... especially when something is bothering them. I guess they only talk when they want to... they just hate to complain... you know how they are.

Well.. tonight starts the weekend. I hope and pray everyone has a happy, healthy, wonderful weekend.

God Bless Each And Every One Of You.... and thank you so much for keeping up with my boy (and his little sister)

Love & Blessings

Splight said...

Hi Jo,

Just checking in on you and the kids. Glad to see Mike is still holding up pretty good and enjoying car rides!

I got sad news from a friend today. There's another westie angel in heaven today. Maggie, a six year old, beautiful female who I've taken care of while her mom is out of town on occassion. She was hit by a car Tuesday late afternoon/evening. She died in her mother's lap just minutes from the orthopedist's office on Wednesday afternoon. Maggie had just stayed with the boys and I two weekends ago. So hard to believe she's gone. She was just a baby still at 6.

Hugs to you, Mike and Gidget,
splight, Sunny and Buddy

July 24, 2008 11:39 PM

Debbie and Jack said...

Hey Jo, Spent my morning at the horses chopping weeds and spraying. The weather is so pleasant here. I sure hope you are getting some of this cool too.

I sure hope that Mike's panting has stopped. I know it is hard for you to think of it as discomfort. Don't you wish they could talk and just say what is on those teeny little minds of theirs. Oh I forgot you do talk to yours and they do answer. Me, too.

Ain't life grand?

Love and Husky hugs,
DEbbie and Jack

July 25, 2008 1:57 PM

Splight said...

Hey Jo,
Hope Mike and Gidget are doing well!
I have no idea how to post on here so it shows up! trying again, but it keeps imbedding my messages in links. Any ideas?

splight

July 25, 2008 5:35 PM

This won't be a very long post. Mike's over here panting away, and I can't quite figure out what he needs. He's eaten already... been out.. had his treats and got a diaper change. If he were a baby, I'd pick him up and rock him to sleep. Unfortunately, he doesn't like to be picked up, so I guess I just have to try to figure him out. I don't think he has an upset stomach because he's not searching. He may be uncomfortable or in a bit of pain, and if that's the case, he should settle down in a few minutes because I just gave him his Tramadol. Thank God for Tramadol.

Gidget has been "trying" to behave herself. I don't want to say this too loud, but I think (for now) she's forgotten about peeing in the house. Now it's just a matter of leaving Mike alone when he's not feeling well. Right now, she's throwing her ball around and running after it... and up in the air and trying to catch it like a big kid.. but she keeps missing it.

I'm going to work for Dr. Blaha tomorrow for a few hours. Thank goodness for this job. I just got two more bills today that I wasn't expecting, and it will really help to have a little something to pay them with... not that they'll be paid off.. but it helps.

Hey Debbie...

I'm so glad you finally figured out where you're at.. LOL.. Dog Daze has always been on IMOM. You are just so funny. I'm sorry, I didn't know you were so lost, or I would have tried to rescue you sooner.

I'm glad Jack and Finn get along so well. Reading what you've written on Jack's blog, it sounds like Finn does the same thing to Jack that Gidget does to Mike.... butt in the face... for some reason the older ones just don't appreciate it.. but the young ones love it. LOL

I know what you mean.. all my cronies have either croaked or moved out of state.. so here I sit.. me and my dogs. I worry about myself sometimes because I have complete conversations with them at times... and the scariest thing is when I "think" I hear them answering me. :-0 (wish I had emoticons on this thing).

Sending loads of love and hugs to all the furkids and my wonderful cronies out there who (thank God) understand me and don't think I'm totally nuts. LOL

Love & Blessings

Debbie and Jack said...

Just had to stop and check on the kids. I got by Manuel and Zorro's thread today. What a doofus I am. I knew Dog Daze sounded familiar, but I was thinking it was outside IMOM. Chalk another one up for me! LOL

Babysitting Finn this evening while MOm and her cronies go out to dinner. Wish I had some cronies. Mine have all left town for retirement. You are my cronie though so that's enough for me.

Hugs to Mike and Miss Gidge

Love and Husky hugs,
DEbbie and Jack

July 24, 2008 9:21 PM

Hey Cynthia... You and I must have been posting at the same time... great minds. LOL

Wow... you must be in horrible pain. I can't imagine having a gazebo falling on you. Also, to have to wait until August 19th... not good!!! So much for universal healthcare huh? I hope to God we don't get it here. I often thought it would be a great thing.. but then I had a friend in Canada and realized it's not so great when you have to wait so long for treatment or tests. Is there anyway you can come to the states to have it done?

Please know you are always in my prayers... especially now, and I'm praying you can get in sooner.

Love You Bunches Too!!!

Sequia said...

Joanna, I laughed so hard when I read about your new breed! How original is that!!!
I an glad that you were able to get out with Mike. Hopefully Gidget will realize tha by her now wanting to get in the car she is loosing out on alot of fun.
I might not be able to post for abit. My gazebo fell ontop of me last night in that horrific thunder storm we had last night. Spent ALL morning at the clinic because my right shoulder is in wxcrutiating pain. Turns out that i have arthritis and calcium build up. I also have to go for a special ultrasound to see if there are any torn ligaments. The appointment is schedualed for ...get this.... Aug 19th! My arm is in a sling and I was told to rest it. On heavy duty meds but it still hasn't eased the pain. I was in tears at the clinic from the pain being so bad. That is not usually me. Over the years I have learned to tolerate pain but this...man it is brutal. Ok, all for now but pleased remember, I am reading every day about you guys.

Love you tons,
Cynthia

July 23, 2008 12:42 PM

Today would be the perfect day to take Mike for a ride and (possibly) get Miss Gidget back in the car. It's only 69 degrees and a welcome relief from all the heat. It's raining now, and hopefully a little later when it stops, we'll be out an about.

Mike didn't wake up until 11:30 this morning. Well, actually, he "did" wake up.. Gidget woke him up very abruptly this morning at 8:00 by getting in his face when he was sound asleep (her normal wake up call to him), but he woke up just long enough to move from the bedroom to behind the couch. She could be a drill Sargent in the army and call reveille every morning... she's really good at waking everyone up.

I talked to Manuel last night. He and Zorro are doing wonderful. They are such a great match. I had to laugh because Manuel said he's waiting for Zorro to get into some mischief so he could write about his "adventures"... but... Zorro is so good that he just eats, sleeps and follows Manuel around all the time. He really got lucky when Zorro came into his life. I was thinking about sending Gidget to him so Zorro could teach her how to be good... of course if Mike can't teach her, I'm not sure Zorro could. LOL If anyone gets a chance... stop by Zorro's thread in Dog Daze and drop him a line.. I'm sure Manuel and Zorro would love to hear from you.


Hey Debbie... After I got home and thought about it, I started thinking that maybe it was my fault Mike got sick. When I got the glass of water for him, I didn't tell them "no ice".. and I'm thinking since he drank so fast and so much of it that he must have swallowed some ice cubes that could have cramped him up. Normally, I bring a tupperware thing of water with us when we go to the park, but yesterday, I didn't because I was frazzled trying to get Gidget relaxed enough to get her settled in her room before Mike and I went out again. I honestly don't think it was from the burger, because not much of it came up.

Give some big hugs to our big guy!!

Hope everyone is having a beautiful day!!

Love & Blessings

Debbie and Jack said...

I know even though the little excursion didn't end like you planned, Mike had a wonderful time with his mom. Might have been the water, Jack won't drink it cold but if you give him a bowl of ice cubes he snarfs them down. Don't stop making little trips with Mike. They are so good for both of you.

love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

ps. Jack prefers plain cheeseburgers at Burger King!

July 23, 2008 11:59 AM

Well... what started off as a wonderful little trip for Mike turned out with him vomiting and needing a Tramadol for discomfort.

It finally cooled off a little this afternoon, so I decided to take Mike (and Gidget) for a ride. This was Mike's second ride in his new car and Gidget's first. Well... to start from the beginning....
Again... Mike was really excited to jump in the car and looked at Gidget with curious wonder when she didn't want to even get close to it. I decided she WAS going to give it a try, and to her dismay, I picked her up and put her in the car as fought like a wildcat. Mike looked at her like, "What are you nuts?? We're going for a ride!!".

Once she was in, it took just a couple minutes to realize that Mike was ok with it, so she settled down a bit. I only took her down to the corner and came back (total of about 2 miles) just to get her use to riding in the car. Thankfully, she didn't pee or throw up like I was afraid she would. When we got home, I told Mike to stay in the car (he did of course), and as soon as she jumped out of the car, again, she ran as far away from it as she could. I was concerned because I had hold of the leash and it was wrapped around her back leg... I didn't want a broken leg, so I had to be careful and not let her pull too far away from me (it's a retractable leash). I had to stoop down near the ground to get her to trust me, but when I tried to untangle her she started running again. It wasn't until I unlocked the door and let her in the house that I was able to unleash her and untangle her leg. So, that was Gidget's first experience with going for a ride. I'm hoping the next one will be a bit calmer for her. We'll probably try it again tomorrow going the same distance.

After Gidge was safe in her room, Mike and I took off on our first real road trip in a very long time. It was a short one, but he didn't care. We stopped at McDonald's and got a regular size hamburger for each of us, a coke for me and a glass of water for him. Then we went to the park and sat at a picnic table and ate it. It really felt great to be able to do that with him again... it's been sooooo long... too long.

After we ate, we walked around the park... well half way around and back again. My sweet boy had to stop every ten or fifteen feet to try to relieve the pressure in his bladder. Of course, he didn't pee as much as he thought he did, but he felt the need to try. When we got to the half-way point, I could tell he was getting tired. He stumbled a couple of times, and I was hoping he wouldn't have a problem walking back to the car. There were kids there, and Mike walked right up to them for some much appreciated loving. Of course, I think some of the reason he went to them is to take a break from walking. The kids love Mike.. and he's so mellow, they love the fact that he's so patient with them. By the time we got back to the car, he drank almost a half glass of ice water before he even got in the car.

Well... we were about a mile and a half from home, and I knew something was wrong. He started whining and panting. He never whines in the car... never. Immediately, I realized, he's got an upset stomach. Oh my gosh.. by the time we got home, he couldn't wait to get in the house. Of course, he can't puke outside... it's got to be in the house. I tried getting him out in back with Gidget, but he was, again, in a hurry to get back in the house. He must have been really hurting, because he didn't have to search at all for a place to purge... he went right next to my desk and let go. My poor guy... can't even go for a ride without getting sick. I feel so guilty for even getting him the burger, but they never bothered him before. I guess it won't happen again... no more Micky D's for him. On the other hand, I'm also wondering if it could have been caused by the ice water. After he ate, he drank almost 1/3 of a glass and then when we finished walking he drank almost another 1/2 glass... could have been the water, even though refreshing, may have been too cold.

After he purged, I could tell he was still having a lot of discomfort. He wasn't whining anymore, so I knew his stomach was all right, but the panting and staring just didn't stop. I hated to do it so early, but I gave him a 1/2 of a Tramadol. It took about 15 or 20 minutes, and he finally was able to rest, so I know that's what the problem was. He's sleeping behind the couch now.

Hi Cindy...

With everything you and Justice are going through, sweetie, I really didn't expect you to post here,,, but I'm glad you did. I've been watching and praying for you and Justie and sending the most positive healing thoughts I could possibly send.
I'm so grateful for the Tramadol. I hate giving it to him, but at least it helps relieve his pain or discomfort.

The odor thing started when I got the job. Michelle (my daughter) had gone to the vet's house to pick up some meds for Gidget a while ago, and when I told her I had gotten a job working for her, Michelle told me there was a horribly strong cat odor there and told me I might want to reconsider accepting the job. As it turned out.. there was nothing at all to worry about. Maybe my daughter just had an extremely sensitive nose that day.

Sending loads of healing prayers up for you all. They're calling for more storms tonight. I hope they don't affect you guys or Michelle, Syd and Charlie.

Hey Debbie....

Boy Debbie... have I missed you!!! I thought about you in the wilderness all week... you are such a trooper... just born too late.. should have been around during the days of wagon trains and campfires. LOL I'm sure Jack was ecstatic to see you when you got home. You two must have had withdrawl from each other all week. Give him a huge hug from me.

Mike hasn't been pushing clots, but he has been passing tiny granules that look about the size of sand (only dark like dried blood). Also, he's been leaking blood more again lately. Again, I'm very grateful for the Tramadol.

Oh.. Debbie.. by the way... I have my own designer breed dog... yes.. the rarest breed of all... the Pom/Westie... PESTie... with the emphasis on PEST. LOL

Hope everyone is having a good and healthy day and week... and I pray that all who have been having health issues find peace and healing soon.

Love & Blessings

Cindy said...

Hi Jo,

As u know, Justice has been a very sick little boy for the past 11 days, so haven't had time to do much of anything on the puter-except post on the boys thread.
I have popped in a couple times to see what is happening with Mike and Gidget and u.
I thought I read all the posts--but somehow the "odor" issue escaped me--what's up with the odor...or lack of it???? LOL.
I am so sorry Mike is in discomfort at times. I am glad u have Tramadol to help.
It's so great u have a car and a job!! AWESOME!!!
Hugs to u and the kids!
Cindy and the boyz

July 20, 2008 8:12 PM

Debbie and Jack said...

Oh Jo, I nearly died laughing. A pestie! I just got home late Sunday night and yesterday the heat index was 105, so I didn't want to get my mom out. My car is still dead, a fuel pump, so I need a ride nearly everywhere. It is just too hot to stand at a bus stop with no shade. No phone still. I am a caution these days.

Worried about you the entire time I was gone so was very relieved to see that the job went well, the car is still working, and Mike is percolating along. I am sorry to hear about the clots (?) that must be uncomfortable to pass, so it is good the Tramadol is there for you both.

Miss you loads,
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

July 22, 2008 4:18 PM

I don't know if I've told you before, but Mike is having more and more discomfort. It use to be that once in a while, he would stand really still like a statue and push on his bladder. The feeling must be of fullness... but he doesn't always push anything out. In this past week or a bit longer, it happens every time he gets up from resting, sleeping or just laying down (and he does that alot). Also, today I noticed a bunch of granules in his diaper. They're really tiny like sand but dark (like dried blood). Even though they're so small, I'm sure they hurt (or at least are uncomfortable) when he passes them.

I had to give him a Tramadol this afternoon. He was panting pretty hard, and his respiration was up. I probably wouldn't have given it to him, but when he was pushing on his bladder and when he was sleeping, he was groaning. This is something new too. I mean, he''s made noises when he's slept before, but this type of groan and groaning when he pushes is new. I hate seeing him like this.

Today is his (guesstimated) birthday. When I got him, they said he was about one year old, and when Brandon got older, he wanted Mike to share his birthday with him (since he was about a year old at the time I got him). So, today is Mike's birthday... July 20th. He's 12 years old today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY HANDSOME LOVING BOY!!!

Gidget was extremely good today. I did some work for Dr. Blaha here at home, and the entire time, she just laid next to my chair or next to Mike and just chilled out... quite a change from her normal daily antics. Oh.. wait a minute.. she wasn't totally wonderful ... she kept wanting to bother Mike while he was sleeping. Poor Mike just didn't feel good all day, and there she was sticking her tongue out and trying to give him whisker kisses, then trying to push herself up behind him between him and the wall to make him move... and just about anything she could do to get his attention. He just growled and snarled at her... he really wasn't in the mood. Right now, she's laying next to me and licking my ankle. I just hope I didn't speak too soon, and she doesn't revert back to being a brat now. LOL

Oh.. by the way... I've decided what breed she really is. Ok, you all know she's "suppose" to be a Westie.... but, as I've said before, I really believe she's got some Pomeranian in her. Well... given her attitude and the way she teases Mike all the time and the way she drives me nuts sometimes... I've decided... a Pom + Westie = PESTie!!! That's what she is.... a PESTie ... LOL.

Hi Amy.... I know you haven't forgotten us. You're so busy, I totally understand. Good luck on your interview... I'll definitely say some prayers for you, but I'm sure you won't need them.. you'll have that job in the bag before you walk in the door.

Hey Cynthia... I'm happy with the job, and I'm sure I'll stay that way. I spent almost 8 hours between yesterday and today just creating a spread sheet and entering all of her invoices from the first of the year. I finally got them done about an hour ago. I don't know if there will be any more work to do at home though, but if all the work has to be done at her house, I'll be happy.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and has a fantastic week. Give my love to all the furkids out there.

Love & Blessings

Amy said...

Hi Jo!
I know you think I have forgotten you but I promise I haven't. Looks like everything is going well for you. I have a 2nd interview Monday morning for a job that I really want so please say a prayer for me. Congrats on your new job! Love on the babies for me!

July 19, 2008 7:26 PM

Sequia said...

I am soooo glad that things went well for your first day and that there was no real smell! I hope (and am sure it will) it only gets better from here on out!
Give the fur kids bigs hugs and scritches for me.

Cynthia

July 20, 2008 1:16 PM

My time with Dr. Blaha went great. She sure wasn't kidding when she said she was behind in her work. It looks like she's got enough to keep me busy for a very long time. You'll be glad to hear (but not as glad as I am to say)... I don't know about the odor when Michelle was there, but there was hardly any odor at all yesterday. Actually, I didn't smell anything at all when I first went in. Then we went to Office Max and got her a new file cabinet. When I walked in the second time, there was a slight odor, but it was nothing that would bother anyone. Thank God!!!

She does have four dogs there. I only met two of them.. the other two were in a bedroom. Odie is an absolutely beautiful border collie/golden mix. His face, ears, hair and eyes remind me so much of my beautiful border collie mix (Libra), and he really has the same gentle demeanor that I fell in love with him right away. Libra was all white, and Odie is white with more blonde, but he still has that collie love. Frankie is (get this) a pit/pomerainion mix. Don't ask how that combination is physically possible, but that's Dr. Blaha's closest guess. He has long reddish hair like a pom and a pit face... definitely a pit face. Both dogs greeted me when I came in. Frankie jumped all over me, and Odie was kissing me to death ... yep, real watch dogs these are. LOL But then Frankie decided he didn't want me in the house, and just stood his ground barking at me. I decided to just stand still until his Mom took over and commanded him to lay down and look at her. Man, is that dog trained. Well.. she is an animal behaviorist too. I told her she should keep Gidget there and train her for me before she gives her back. LOL

I only met two of the cats. Frankie is a beautiful golden brown tiger type who is "very" inquisitive. He just had to see what was going on every minute. He was quite vocal when I ignored him. He really made me laugh. Then there was Kali... a cat who was already mature and a mommy when Dr. Blaha got her in 1992, so no one really knows how old she is. She's a beautiful calico who is a real lover. Now, you all know I am "not" a cat person, but when I meet one as loving as Kali, I can't help but pet her. And purr? Oh my gosh, that motor kept running almost the entire time I was there.

Anyway... we went over some of the work that had to be done, and (to my pleasant surprise) there's a lot of it I actually "can" do at home. Today, at home, I'm going to see if I can remember how to create a spreadsheet for all of her inventory... company, units purchased, unit pricing, tax, mark-up, etc... it's been wayyyy too many years, but I'll give it a shot. I've updated my Quickbooks to the version she has... haven't checked yet to see if there's an inventory template on there yet. She doesn't have Excel, so if I can't get Quickbooks going, I'm going to have to find something else that's compatable with her software.

I'm really happy about this. I couldn't believe it when, before I left, she said that yesterday was a barter for Mike's last visit!!! Oh no... it couldn't be... I was only there for 2 1/2 hours, and Mike's last visit included the house call, a bag of fluids, three difference injections and medication... plus, she gave me some more Tramadol for him. Heck, if I were still going to the old vet, it would have been well over $120... not the equivalent of $25 worth of work. I really am so very blessed.

Mike and Gidget are both doing well... thank God. Mike, of course, still leaking, but all in all is doing well. Gidget, pain that she is, is learning (too slowly, but a heck of a lot better than she was).

I had my small group here last night, and Miss Gidget just made them all laugh... we didn't get much done, because she was the center of the night, but it was a great time of fellowship.

Hey Judy, Thanks for checking up on us. I know how busy you are, and I love the fact that you read up on us. Give the furkids some big hugs from me. Oh, by the way... when are you going to post more pictures of Gracie and Rylee? How is she doing? Is she getting more comfortable and settled? I can't wait for the day you tell us she's wagging her tail and has started playing. What a beautiful girl she is.

Well.. better get going. I want to check on my IMOM friends before I tackle the spreadsheet. I hope everyone is having a happy, healthy day.

Love & Blessings

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear how the first day of your job went...hoping all was GOOD and will only get BETTER...

always reading about you guys just don't have much time to post. Judy

July 18, 2008 6:41 AM

It's been a few days since I've been here to post. I realized now (if not before) how much I missed having transportation. It's not that I'm going places I don't have to go just to get out, but I've been doing things I've had to do and haven't wanted to ask for rides everywhere. Hopefully, by the end of the week I'll be caught up and be able to catch up on everyone's thread. I am so sorry I haven't been as active as I normally am on IMOM, but I will catch up with everyone soon. I just pray that since I've been away, that everyone is doing well.

My sweet Mike is leaking more than ever now. It seems like every time he gets up from sleeping or laying down for any amount of time, he leaks even more. I can tell he's feeling a lot of pressure from his bladder, because he will stand really still and push on his bladder. This happens at least six or seven times a day... like I said, every time he gets up. He may or may not have a lot of fluid coming out of him each time, but he feels like he has to push. I just feel so bad for him.

It's gotten to the point where I feel like I'm diapering a baby each time he has to go outside. I have to clean him (front and back) with baby wipes and put Neosporin on his front side to make him more comfortable and try to keep it from being irritated from the diaper, and then put a fresh diaper on him. I don't mind doing it at all... after all, he is my baby, but I just feel bad that he has to go through so much.

Little Gidget is really getting better. She's actually calming down to the point where I was able to rest on my chair for an hour the other day without putting her in her room. She just laid down so nice and slept while she knew I was resting. She follows me around like a little white shadow... so afraid I'm going to do something without her.. it's quite comical to see her little face look up at me like she's saying, "What are we gonna do now huh Mom?"

She's still a little brat though. You can't get too use to her being so sweet and cuddly or you're in for a big surprise. She still has that "trouble-maker" side. Yesterday, Mike was sleeping so soundly. He was snoring away. Little Miss Gidget wanted to play and went to give him whisker kisses. Of course, he didn't want to be bothered so he gave her a low growl to let her know he was tired. Well, she wasn't going to settle for that. She promptly laid down right by his head and barked a loud, squeaky yip... right in his ear. BOY... he woke up really quick with that. I called her over to me and told her to sit. She did. Then I explained to her that what she did was really mean, and she shouldn't do things like that to her brother. She looked at me like she really understood what I was saying, and she tipped her head side to side, staring right into my eyes, like saying, "But why not Mom.. it's so much fun". What a stinker she is.

I'm suppose to start working for Dr. Blaha tomorrow. Hopefully, nothing will come up this week, and I'll be able to get started. It's suppose to be in the 90's tomorrow, so I'm really very happy to have a car to get there and not have to walk in that kind of heat. However, she did tell me she'd pick me up, so I guess I wouldn't have had to walk anyway... but it sure is nice to get there in my own fashion.

Hi Michelle... It's so good to hear from you. I think about you and Daisy and Blue all the time. How's the job going? Are you going to be moving closer to work in the near future? I know the commute you have is a tough one, and with gas prices the way they are, it would probably be much more feasible for you to move. Give the little ones some belly rubs from me and nose kisses from the Westies.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and everyone is happy and healthy. I promise to check up on everyone and post again soon.

Love & Blessings

Bluedazy said...

Yeah!!! So glad to hear that you got a car!!! Congratulations!!! I hope it's cool enough to take Mike for a r-i-d-e soon, he will love it!!! Sorry to hear there's been more blood in his diaper lately. Sending lots of warm thoughts, prayers and Chihuahua kisses your way! Glad that Katie is doing well. She sounds like a rascal! Take care!
XOXOXO
Michelle, Daisy and Blue

July 13, 2008 7:39 PM

I woke up this morning around 7:15 to the most beautiful rainfall. It sounded so peaceful and relaxing. It was the kind of rain that makes you feel like you could listen to it forever. Thankfully, though, it stopped raining around 10:00, and by the time I got out of church, the sun was shining, and it had started getting really warm.

It was a wonderful day. I was able to drive myself to church for the first time in almost two years. I can't tell you how free I've started feeling already. Then I went to my brother's house for his birthday and to my daughter's house to visit for awhile. I do have to say... since I got the car on Friday, I've been really tired by the end of the day.

I feel bad though, because Mike still doesn't know we have a car. It's been way too hot for him to go for a ride yet. Even with the air conditioner, I don't want to just take him for a ride and bring him back home again (although I'm sure he wouldn't mind).. I'd like to take him to the park or the lake, and it's too warm for him (and me) to get out and stay out of the car for any good length of time. I'm trying not to feel too bad... we're bound to have a cooler day soon, and then he'll be back riding shotgun with me.

I've noticed the last two days that there has been a lot of blood in the diaper... actually, up until then, there has been very little blood.. but it's back... which could possibly be part of the reason he's having so much discomfort lately. I just wish he didn't have to go through all this. Dr. Blaha can't get over how well he's doing, and it's good to hear positive comments from her, but there are still too many times when I can tell he's hurting or sick or nauseated, and I know those times aren't going to stop... they may subside for awhile.. but they won't stop.

Gidget is doing Gidget things... still making me laugh at her puppy antics. I swear, I wish I had more energy to keep up with her. And she loves her brother so much. She watches him everytime he moves and unless he's behind the couch (his getaway), she always tries to be right next to him. This drives him nuts sometimes... especially when he's sleeping and she goes and gives him unwelcomed whisker kisses. He'll growl and show his teeth at her when she does this, but she could care less. She knows he won't hurt her and just continues.. even licking his teeth, unless I tell her "no". There have been a few times when he really wasn't feeling well that he did snap at her and even snipped at her tongue, but she keeps going back for more... wonder if she'll ever learn. All I know is.. she sure is going to miss him when he's gone. NOPE.. not gonna think about that right now.

Hey Cynthia... You're right.. freedom is the word. I never realized how little energy I used by not getting out of the house on my own until I got the car and have been on the go ever since... which is the reason for being so tired. But.. I'm not complaining... it's a good kind of tired.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Love & Blessings

By the way.. Zorro's thread is up and running in Dog Daze. Stop in and visit and drop a post off to Manuel and Zorro.. they'd love to hear from you.

Sequia said...

Congratulations on your new purchase! What a feeling freedom is! Looks like it was a productive and happy day all around!

Woot woot!

Cynthia

July 13, 2008 9:53 AM

GUESS WHAT!!!! I GOT A CAR!!!! How cool is that??? Finally, after almost two years... FREEDOM!!!!
It's a '99 Ford Escort ZX2.. black w/tan interior. I'ts got power everything. I can't believe I got a "good" "used" car.. both in the same sentence. The body is beautiful on it. The only things that have to be done on it are the oxygen sensor and the belt have to be replaced, but that'll be less than $200, so I'll get it taken care of next month (I hope). It has 104k miles on it and stick shift. It rides great!!! Although it took the entire amount of my WC check... it was worth it.. I still got a deal. The Kelly Blue Book is anywhere from two to three thousand dollars over what I paid for it.

I took Brandon out on a date last night, so he was the first one to ride in it. I figured I wouldn't see him before his birthday, and they're going on vacation for his birthday, so I took him out for dinner and a movie. We saw Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Frasier... in 3D... great movie. Brandon really had a ball when all the things came reaching for him through the screen. It's awesome how they do that stuff.

By the time we got home last night, little Gidget had been in her room almost all day. I had been gone from 12:00 yesterday until 4:00 and then had to leave again to pick Brandon up at 4:30. We got home around 9, and boy was she ready to run. She and Brandon ran to the back of the property and back three or four times... wore Brandon out pretty good, and Gidge was just so happy to let off some steam.

Mike, of course, is always good. :-D He wanted to run, so I "ran" with him. Lucky for me, he will only run a short way and then stop to pee every ten or fifteen feet.. so I didn't have to run as much as Brandon did.

Today was a busy day... at least until around 1:00. I had so many things that had to be done and had been waiting for a time when I could do them without bothering anyone else to take me, so Brandon and I did them together. I love having him with me. By the time I brought him home, I was exhausted (I think he was too). It was so hot and steamy outside, and I was so beat that when I got home, the first thing I did (after letting the pups out) was to grab a shower... then I fell into a deep sleep on the lazy boy for a full two hours. Man, do I feel better now. Guess I'm just not use to so much excitement. It feels awfully good though.

Gidget was really good when I took my nap. I didn't put her in the room, and she started to fall asleep on my lap, but then curled up under the chair and slept the entire time. Oh happy day... she's learning. LOL Of course, Mike will sleep anytime, so I never have to worry about him keeping me awake. ;-)

Hi Cynthia... I'm so glad you can come and go and have peace of mind that the furkids are being taken care of. It speaks volumes for your neighbor. No, the Tramadol helps Mike stop the panting. I didn't give it to him before. Dr. Blaha said she thinks he's feeling discomfort and not really pain, and suggested giving it to him at night. Even though it does help, I think the dosage I give him (25 mg) may be a bit too low since I sometimes have to give it to him again a couple hours later, but I don't want to give him a full 50 mg dosage if I don't have to. 50mg is the dosage I take for my headaches when they get bad... and I'm much larger than he is... but, if he needs it.. he gets it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Oh, by the way... Manuel and I are going to start a thread for Zorro in Dog Daze... maybe tonight.. so if you get a chance, stop in and say hello.. he'd be happy to hear from you.

Love & Blessings

Sequia said...

Joanna,
My neighbour looked after my gang. She spoiled them rotten! So much so that when we got home we were greated at the door by all four but they came, they saw, they said hello and went on their way!!!! i am sooo lucky that I found someone I can trust with them. I am hoping to go and visit my brother in Quebec in August (he said he would pay for the gas)so I will go when she is able to look after them.
I am curious, did Mike start the panting episodes after you started on the tramadol? I am wondering if they are linked somehow?
Cynthia

July 12, 2008 7:55 AM

Not much to report today. Dr. Blaha called at 9:00 and said she had two emergencies to go out on today so my working for her will be put off until next Thursday. It worked out ok since I had a lot to do anyway.

Mike had another panting episode last night around 12:30... again, only two hours after I had given him his Tramadol. He had to have another one for him to relax enough to go back to sleep. I'm hoping this isn't going to be a nightly thing.

Hey Debbie... I'm glad you got a good laugh out of the post. It really was a night of comedy. I very seldom have anything to laugh that hard about... and you're right.. it felt great!! Sounds like the puppy is experiencing everything new. I just loved it when I got Gidget.. the whole world was new to her... just like a little baby (of course you have a big baby there). I'll never forget when the neighbor kid's volley ball was in our yard... she was so afraid of it and barked like crazy.. even after I took her closer to it to show her it was harmless... she just wasn't sure of it. Puppies are just too darn funny. I hope Jack is feeling better by now. Give him (and all the furkids) hugs from me.

Hi Cynthia... How was your trip? I'm sure you and Nathan had a wonderful time. Who took care of Bugsy and Benji while you were gone? I'll bet they were happy to see you come home. I'm sorry I haven't written lately. I've had a heck of a time keeping up with everything around here and have fallen so far behind on my e-mails and IMOM postings. Please forgive me.

I hope everyone is having a happy and healthy day and evening. Give all the furkids hugs and nose kisses from us.

Love & Blessings

Debbie and Jack said...

Oh Jo, I laughed until I cried. I could just see you and Katie. And the peanut butter toot? That was a crackup. Isn't it just so good to laugh? I am a firm believer as times get worse, finding something one can laugh at helps immensely. Today I had very little to laugh at until I came on here.

I am baby sitting my mom's pup tonite. A few minutes ago he got up on the kitchen counter. Just his front paws that's how tall he is at 3 months. Anyway he pulled the phone off (don't ask me how, I wasn't looking) and got tangled in the cord. He was running to get away but the cord held him and his feet were running but going nowhere. The terror in his eyes wasn't funny, but I was laughing. He is now under the desk and won't let me touch him. I think he thinks I did it. I had just told him no when he jumped up and crash, all H broke loose! Hope he forgives me. I am beginning to see why his name used to be Big Dummy. He is a caution!

Have a great night and I will call you soon.

Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

July 9, 2008 7:09 PM

Sequia said...

Joanna, I have missed you all. I was away last week but am back now.
I haven't heard from you in the longest time. Everything ok I hope?
I had a real good laugh reading your post from yesturday. Hte pups have a good knack at making us laugh when we really need it!
I hope to hear from you soon.
Love and hugs to all,
Cynthia

July 10, 2008 1:30 PM

Well.. it's just after 9 a.m. and Mike is still sleeping. What a lazy boy he is.... so much like his Mom. LOL... if Miss Gidget would let me, I'd probably just be waking up. However, she's been up for quite a while now and outside twice already. She's now taking a nap in her room until her brother gets up. She hates when she can't wake him up in the morning, but hey, a man has to have his priorities straight, and a little sister will always take a back seat to sleeping in in the morning. LOL

He had a tough night last night with the panting. He got his Tramadol around 10:00, and by 12:30, he had started panting again... really hard and fast. I was afraid his little heart was going to burst, and although I waited as long as I could, I gave him the other half of the Tramadol around 1:00 am. It only took about 20 minutes to kick in, so thank God he was able to rest.

Oh.. before I forget... When Mike was panting so hard, I thought maybe his belly band was too tight.. it's velcro, so I went to loosen it, and as I took it apart.. HE FARTED!!! OMG.. right in my face....... how disgusting... but I had to laugh.. it was like he planned it that way. Probably wouldn't have laughed so much if it hadn't smelled like peanut butter. Oh man... it'll be a long time before I eat Jiff again. So much for his band being too tight.

Oh my gosh.. you all would have died laughing last night. I was chatting online with Debs when Gidget jumped (all fours) on my lap and started licking my fingers when I was trying to type. Well.. of course all my words came out like gobbledy gook, and I was laughing my butt off. But it gets better. When I started laughing... she put her two front paws on my chest and her face right up to mine (good thing she's so little).. then she started licking my neck. I was laughing hysterically, and her face came back up to mine and tipped sideways, one way and then the other... from my point of view, I had never seen anything so funny in my life. I laughed until I cried. The Young One knew she was doing something funny and kept doing it. Oh man... I tried to type with my arms on either side of her, but I was laughing so hard I couldn't even find the right keys... my words came out looking like... "gfvsss cant GUP E6 W5OP LQQUTHIN" ... actually, that's EXACTLY what I wrote. ROFL... I don't remember what I was trying to type, but that definitely was not what it was suppose to be.

I swear.. I haven't laughed like that in years. I wish I had a video of it. Actually, the video camera would have had to be on my forehead to have gotten the full impact of it all. When I felt as though I couldn't laugh anymore, I put her down on the floor, and she bounced right back up on me like a rubber boomerang ... she knew she was being cute and funny, and she wanted more. This went on for a good 20 minutes. The whole time, I was laughing and crying my head off. After I put her on the floor for the last time, she leaned back on her hind legs and picked up her front legs and pawed at me when I put my hand down at her... she looked like a mini-polar bear........ there was just no end to her cuteness last night. I was so afraid she'd pee in the house and end the fun... but... she was a good girl and let me enjoy the rest of the evening with her.

I don't remember if I wrote it here.. if I did, please forgive me for being redundant, but I'm starting work for Dr. Blaha tomorrow. I'm really excited... finally, I'll be able to pay Mike's bill off and start earning some money. Odor or not.. I can't wait to get started. She offered to pick me up tomorrow, but unless it's really hot or storming out, I might just walk there.. it's only about a mile. We'll see.

I'm still looking for a car. Thank God for the Worker's Comp claim. It's tough finding a "good" used car. (don't really believe the words "good" and "used" can be put in the same sentence.. it's an oxymoron) I'm not going to have very much money, and I have to make sure that whatever I buy doesn't need a lot of work, because once I buy the car, I won't have any money to fix it with. My brother is really great in knowing what's needed in a car... if it weren't for him, I probably would have bought at least two of the cars I've already seen. But, he pointed out work that needed done, and there's no way I would have been able to afford fixing it. Oh well.. the right one will come along (soon I hope).

Gotta go for a mammogram today (OUCH!!! HATE THOSE THINGS)... but I'm grateful because now I only have to go once a year for it instead of twice a year that I was going for them after my mastectomy. And... there are benefits to having only one breast... it's painful only once on one side instead of twice on both sides. LOL (hey.. gotta laugh right?)

Ok.. gonna go try to get a couple things done before the baby wakes up. If Mike isn't up in 1/2 hour, I'm gonna wake him up and get his little butt outside too.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. Give all the furkids some hugs and belly rubs and nose kisses from us.

Love & Blessings

I'm so sorry I haven't been on to post the last couple days. Sunday morning I went to church and then in the afternoon, I just started not feeling well. Then Sunday night I didn't sleep at all. I fell asleep around 11:30 and was up every 1/2 hour from then on. Finally, at 2:00 I was wide awake and stayed up for an hour. I fell asleep around 3:00, and at 3:29 Mike woke up panting like crazy. I gave him a Tramadol and was up with him until around 5. At 6:00 I woke up with a massive headache and took some Ultram (Tramadol) for myself .. it was funny, I realized he and I both have the same dosage, but I only give him 1/2 at a time. So, I fell asleep again, probably around 7, and my brother called at 7:30 telling me he'd be here by 8 to take me grocery shopping. Oh... I didn't want to go, my head hurt and I felt sick... but I needed food in the house, so I went. The rest of the day yesterday was just a total waste. I felt weak, tired, sick, dizzy.. you name it.. that was me.

This morning I still had the headache. This is just too much. It's been over a year since I've had a migrane and have had only maybe 4 or 5 in the last three years since the surgery. (Did I tell you I was part of a research study where they did surgery on my temples to get rid of them? It was the most painful thing I've ever experienced, but it did get rid of the migranes for the most part. I've had them since I was 8 years old and as an adult got them at least four or five times a week). Anyway... I made myself get up this morning, and it's taken me this long (3:00 now) to be able to focus on the computer and posting. Ok.. enough of my complaining. I'm here now, and the headache, although it's not gone, is at least tolerable.

Mike is doing really pretty well since I've started giving him the Tramadol at night. I have had to give him a second dose on occasion, but it works, so that makes me happy. I just feel so bad for him because he has to go through this. I know it could be worse, and it has been... but it just doesn't seem to stop.

A lot of the times when we go outside, he doesn't want to come in. He will lay on the patio outside and just soak up the rays. I think a lot of the reason he does it is, not only to get fresh air but because it feels so good to be without his belly band on him. I'm so grateful the diapers do the trick though, because at least when he has to wear it, it's not as bulky and uncomfortable as it was with the pads. Also, I could leave it a bit looser on him and not fasten it so tight around him. I'm sure he's happy about that too.

Gidget is vasillating between showing how good she could be and defying the rules of the house. She's been so good lately, but then yesterday decided to pee in the house TWICE... once in the laundry room and then in the kitchen. Ohhhhhhhh... I just want to beat her... but I really don't have to.. she still punishes herself by going to her room as soon as she does the deed. She turned ten months old yesterday. I figured that would make her about five years old in human years... aren't kids generally potty trained by then???? If she's not careful... she "ain't" gonna make it to seven (years old.. human). LOL

Hey Debby... I know you read the blog... even though we chat almost constantly, and you probably could write the blog for me since you already know everything that goes on around here. I still have to thank you (again) for the original diapers. If it weren't for you, I may still be cleaning up every morning and giving Mike his dreaded daily baths. THANK YOU!!!

Hey Debbie... Debby told me Jack's not doing too well today. I'm going to get to his thread and see what's going on as soon as I post this. I just pray that everything is ok by now. You and Jack are such a big part of our lives and mean so much to us. I'm so excited about your Mom getting a dog and she wasn't turned off by the rescue. I can't wait to see pictures of her with him/her.

Ok all.. gotta go check on some IMOM friends... haven't been there in a while. I pray everyone is doing well. Give all your furkids hugs from me.

Love & Blessings

Debby said...

Woo Hoo for Huggies. I'm so glad they are working and its much more comfortable for Mike.

Just letting you know I do read the blog and I'm so happy for you guys.

July 5, 2008 2:22 PM

Debbie and Jack said...

Had a time finding this today, so went back to your signature at IMOM. For some reason my history was not working and I can't google Mike anymore today.

I can't believe the huggies work. That is great news and that sounds so much more comfortable for him. Also the economics of it. I had been worrying about you keeping up with the pads.

Jack is great except for green boogies. yuck! Mom got a new puppy. English setter that my neighbor had. Will post pix as soon as I can. He is a doll, but is going to be huge.

A little worried as I see no post for the last couple of days. I hope you all are all right. I will get back on to check on you. Have been having big gas issues, so getting to a computer has been not so easy.

Give Mike and of course Little Miss Dynamite some hugs from me

Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

July 7, 2008 3:35 PM

I hope you're all having a wonderful, happy, healthy and safe holiday weekend and that the fireworks haven't caused any stress to your furkids.

Our Fourth was really nice... uneventful... which makes it even nicer. Mike did well yesterday, and Gidget seemed to forget she could cause trouble (shhhhh don't remind her LOL). With all the fireworks last night, the pups were really good about it.. no barking or yipping. This was a far cry from the night before when one of the neighbors were shooting them off.. oh my gosh.. you would have thought someone was bombing us by their reaction... not afraid, but defensive. But.. apparently the "commercial" fireworks, that were going off in every community around us, just didn't bother them at all... AMEN!! LOL

I am so happy this morning... it doesn't take much to make me happy, and this probably wouldn't make anyone else jump for joy, but I was so excited when I saw this. Yesterday, I went to the store and bought some Huggies. I was hoping they would work instead of the pads for Mike's diaper band. Actually, I was hoping to be able to put them on instead of the belly band... thinking they'd be more comfortable for him. Anyway... after I opened them, I realized he still had to have the band on him to hold it, so I put the diaper in the band (making sure to fasten them and stabilize them to the band with duct tape... I love that stuff), and put the diaper on him. IT WORKED!!! NO LEAKS ALL NIGHT!!! And he doesn't have to have the bulky pads on with it. Oh my gosh.. I was so happy to see that. He was wearing five pads in his band every night, and they still leaked a little... enough so I had to wash the bands at least once or twice a day. The only thing that could make me happier about all this is if he didn't have to wear it at all... but at least now I know we're protected, and he's much more comfortable this way.

They're a lot cheaper than keeping up with the pads too. Thirty in a pack for $10, and I'll only need two or three a day... compared to using anywhere from ten to fifteen pads a day. I never thought I'd be buying diapers for a dog.. or even a baby for that matter... but I'll do anything for Momma's Mike (as my Grandson called him when he was little).

Ok.. gonna get going. Gonna try to wake him up and get him some breakfast (he is sooooooo not a morning person... LOL)

Have a beautiful weekend everyone.

Love & Blessings

As I write this, Little Miss Dynamite is tearing around the house like a Nascar racer. Racing around the furniture, jumping up on the couch and bouncing off the back of it, running circles around Mike and really feeling her oats. My gosh.. why can't Mike and I have even a drop of that energy???

Mike's doing well this morning. It took him a long time to wake up though. He went outside around 8:00 and promptly went back to sleep for three hours. He finally woke up long enough to go out again and have some toast.

I can't say that I blame him. Although we honestly do NOT need anymore rain, it's raining so beautifully. The sound of it is relaxing and calming. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to stay awake if this keeps up. It stormed for a short time last night but not too bad, but today... it's going to be raining all day... suppose to be sunny and 75 tomorrow... that's perfect for me... not too hot.

It seems that Gidget is doing her best to trick me all the time. She'll have one or two days where she's the perfect pup, and then throw me off by making a mess. Yesterday was a good day, so we'll see what she has in store for me today... I can only hope and keep my fingers crossed.

I'm really beginning to believe that she is a Westie/Pomeranian mix. I noticed the other day how her hair is growing out... not just the hair under and behind her ears, but the way the hair on her back and legs is growing. It's so much more Pom than Westie. And when I look at that cute little face, even though her nose isn't quite as pointed as a Pom... I can't help but see a Pom in her eyes and her little face. Her hair is no where as soft as Mike's but is more of a wiry feel and fluffier more than straight with waves like a Westie... guess I'm stuck with her now. LOL... But she's so damn cute... too cute for her own good sometimes. There is definitely Westie in her, but more and more apparent.. definitely Pom too. Like I've said before... never wanted a Pom... but it seems I've got one, and except for the times she really frustrates me, I wouldn't give her up for the world (ok.. maybe the world... but not cheap LOL).

Mike had a couple episodes again last night with the panting. It started early this time though... around 6:00. I gave him a half of a Tramadol, and he seemed much better until around 9... then it started all over. I gave him another half around 10, and that seemed to help him for the night. I have a feeling this is going to be an every day thing from now on. :-(

Also, the diaper is going to be a forever thing for him. I was chatting with Debs last night and told her how bad I feel for him. The only time he can possibly be without it is when he's outside. Lately, and probably because he loves the freedom of being naked, he wants to stay outside more and more. Yesterday when we went out, he didn't want to come in, but instead laid on the patio in the sun for over 1/2 hour. I know he wanted to be outside and free of the belly band so I stayed out with him. If I come in the house when he's out there, he will only sit or lay out there for a couple of minutes and then want to follow me in. He's such a Momma's boy, and I'm so glad he is. So, when I see he wants to be out there, I try finding things I can do in his sight, either outside or in the laundry room with the door open so he knows I'm there, and I let him enjoy some relaxed time without clothing.

Hey Debbie.. You don't know how happy I am that you could post here. I really miss talking to you. Wish I could get that phone and just put it in your hands!!! I think Gidget, since she acts so much like a cat sometimes, has probably taken some lessons from your cat. She's such an independent little thing. She may have a dog's body, but I'm sure she was born with a cat's will. You wondered if Mama was raised with dogs, and I wonder if Gidget is the reincarnation of a cat.
You don't have to worry about us with the storms. Luckily, they really haven't been too bad or lasted very long. I think Cindy and Michelle get them much worse than I do. Ours last, for the most part, no longer than 20 minutes to 1/2 hour, so I'm pretty lucky. Also, I'm really blessed that these kids of mine could care less about thunder and lightening... even in the middle of the night... they pretty much sleep like I do... right through it. LOL

Give lots of hugs to the King of Hearts for us.

Ok... everyone, I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July and that the sun shines on you and God sends blessings to each and every one of you, and.... God Bless America!!!

Love & Blessings

Debbie and Jack said...

Popping in early again to see how things are. Hope all is well even though I see you haven't posted yet. We had big storms last night but today has dawned sunny and bright. Talked to a friend in Indiana who said it was raining there, so if it hasn't already hit you, I am sure it is on the way. I always worry about you and of course Tuck and Justie and Syd and Charlie when I know those storms are heading your way.

Have a great 4th and give the kids some smoochies for me.

Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

July 3, 2008 10:56 AM

Debbie and Jack said...

I was just about to ask you when the job started and you answered me already. Gee I hope it gets fixed soon. I know I would be chomping at the bit to get that money flow started.

So glad she thinks it is not pain. I know Jack was always worse at night and I always thot he was hot. Now looking back, I think he was just not feeling himself, like Mike, and it made him nervous, so the panting released stress. That is just this layman's opinion. I definitely never saw any signs of pain, but then Jack is so stoic. Looking at his head, I found it hard to believe he was not painful, but I truly believe he was not.

Oh, the laundry room again. I have a cat, Mama, who was feral and so the litter box is not her thing. In fact she goes out in the middle of the yard and squats like a dog. Funniest thing you have ever seen. She never buries it. I have always wondered if she spent her formative years with dogs. Anyway if I leave one bit of anything in front of the wash, she initiates it. That is the only place, It gets hairy in the winter because she does not like the cold as she gets older, so I leave old rags in a pile on top of plastic, so just in case she won't go out, she has her laundry to use. Sits right next to the litter box too. She is a definitely a product of her upbringing. I didn't get her until she was past three years old, so that is a lot of habit to break.

Hoping that Mike has a better day today. Mom is here to pick me up on her way to an appt, so I can change computers and spend time with the dogs. The storms here are scattered but fierce and the dogs are in an uproar, except for Jack, my level headed guy.

Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack

July 2, 2008 10:27 AM

I talked to Dr. Blaha last night. I was really relieved. She was so great at setting my mind at ease. She said she really didn't believe we have to worry about the cancer spreading to Mike's stomach. She said it was possible but not probable because other than the panting and leaking, he's acting great and has a good appetite. She said she thinks Mike's panting is more from discomfort rather than pain. It's possible that because he's leaking so much that sometimes he feels as though he has to go but can't. So the discomfort from his bladder could be what's causing this. She suggested giving him a Tramadol each night before bed (as late as possible). She also said the panting could be caused by stress or anxiety, but I don't think anything has changed around here for him to feel like that. The only thing that I could figure is that at night (which is when it's at its worst) he has to wear four or five pads with his belly band to keep him dry. I know it's not very comfortable, but he's still able to walk and lay down with them (sitting is a bit difficult.. but I only do this when he goes to bed, so he doesn't have to sit). He really is good about it all, but I just hate doing it to him. It makes me feel like I'm putting Depends on a very old man who can't figure out what happened to him or how he got so old.

I asked her about working. She said she's had some real problems with the software program on her computer. She got a new computer with Vista on it, and apparently she has spent hundreds of dollars with not only the software company but also the computer company to adapt the computer to work with the software. It's a special software for vets. She said they "fixed" it to work, but then it only worked once after that and has been down ever since. She's hoping to get it going again soon. It's a copyrighted program so it can't be put on other computers, so I guess all the work will have to be done at her home when it's fixed. I was hoping to be able to do some of it here at my house. So, I will be working for her... just don't know when.

Gidget just made me so mad last night. She peed in the laundry room again... AFTER I had let her out. I just don't know what goes on in that little one's head. All I know is I'm getting tired of cleaning up after her and investing in paper towels constantly. She was doing so well... perhaps she just didn't want me to get too settled and comfortable with her... gotta keep me on my toes I guess. If it weren't for that (and her high pitched yelp instead of a bark) she'd be great. I have to keep reminding myself... she's just a puppy, she's learning, she's just a puppy, she's learning. LOL

So, that's the update for today. I pray everyone is doing great.
Love & Blessings

No storms forecast for today... Hallelujah!!! The sun is shining, and it's suppose to be 75 degrees.. perfect weather in my eyes.

I'm not sure how Mike's doing. I left a message for Dr. Blaha to call me when she gets home. His appetite is good, and he's acting good... but... (there's always a "but") in the early evening and on thru the night, he's started panting a lot, and when he's sleeping at night his respiration quickens... alot. Debbie suggested it might be pain, and I'm thinking she's right. The reason I'm believing that is that after giving him a Tramadol (and it kicks in), he seems much better and is able to sleep without interruption. Without it, he tries to sleep but then jerks awake and sits up and pants really hard. My poor boy... I hate seeing him like that. I didn't want to call the vet, because I'm afraid he's going to have to remain on pain pills, and I don't want to load his system up with that crap... but if I have to, I guess I have to.

He's been leaking an awful lot lately too. Even with the belly band diaper and four pads on it last night, it soaked through. And during the day now, I have to change the pads everytime I take it off to let him outside. It's really increased a lot lately.

Gidget is still behaving herself. I don't want to say it too loud, because I don't want to jinx it, but I'm hoping we're over the toughest part (finally). She's such a sweetheart (when she wants to be). I have to say, even though she may have some Pom in her... she is so very cute and has a personality like no other. She was chasing a lightening bug the other night when she was outside... oh my gosh... she was so entranced by it, and every time she got close enough to it to touch it, it must have tickled her nose because she'd sneeze and shake her head. Poor bug kept getting blown away, and she'd hurry up and go up to it again to try to nose it to death.... didn't try to eat it... just wanted to study it.... just too doggone cute.

Oh... some really good news... I might be getting a car!!! A real miracle happened awhile ago. I didn't want to say anything until it was for sure... but now I can tell you. Almost twenty years ago I hurt myself at work. I was bartending at the Brown Derby.. the floor was wet (not my fault) and I slipped... hurting my neck. Well... my attorney called me a couple months ago asking me if I wanted to settle the case. Since I haven't gone to the doctor for it in many years, I said "sure"... might as well get some money if I could.. God knew I could use it. Well... about three weeks ago, I got a letter from Worker's Comp. The State has settled the case, and although I won't be getting a lot of money... I'll be getting enough to get a car. I was hoping for thousands of dollars, but hey.. I'll be happy with anything.... I'm not a greedy person. So.. my brothers are helping me look for a decent used car. Of course, in my price range, there aren't many that don't need a lot of work done to them. So, I have to be careful, since by the time I buy the car, I won't have money for repairs. But just the thought of being able to come and go as I please, and getting Mike in the back seat for his favorite past time (riding)... just excites me so very much. I'm so grateful for everything, and even if it's a junker-looking thing.. at least it will give us some FREEDOM!!!

Hope everyone has a beautiful day.

Love & Blessings