Just a short update. It's been a long two days and looking forward to another one tomorrow. I've been going to a wonderful conference by Graham Cooke. He's an author and fantastic speaker on the prophetic. Since I've been part of the Prophetic Ministry Team at church, we've all been attending the conference. I have to say I've learned a lot, and it's been really interesting. However, I'm totally exhausted.

I'm only up this late right now so Gidget could stay out of her room a little longer. She's been in it most of the day. I came home during the lunch break and then again at the dinner break to let them out and feed them.

I'm beginning to get concerned about Mike. Like I've said before, he's sleeping more and more lately. I was wondering if I'd be able to wake him up in time for me to get to the meeting by 8:30, but thankfully, he woke up and went outside before I left (surprised me that he actually got up... I would never have left if he hadn't... would have waited).

Anyway... I almost didn't go back to the meeting after the lunch break... he scared the crap out of me. I came home, and he wouldn't get up. He was laying on the tile by the door, and just looked at me... not wanting to move. He normally greets me at the door with tail wagging and ready to go outside. But this time... nothing. Gidget, of course, was more than ready to go out and tried to get him interested by giving him unwelcome whisker kisses. I put the leash on him, hoping I could entice him to get up... but nothing. My God, I was terrified. I didn't know what to think. He was totally disinterested.

I decided to feed them, and if he didn't get up for food, I'd call Joanne and forget about the rest of the conference. After letting Gidge out, I picked up the food bowls, put them on the sink and broke up some roast chicken I made the other day. THANK GOD... he got up and ate really good. After he ate, he seemed fine... went out and then came in looking for a treat. What a relief. I was late getting back to the conference, but I wouldn't leave until I knew he was all right. When I came home during the dinner break, and again tonight, he was fine.

I'm really getting concerned about him. I honestly don't think the cancer is causing as much of a problem right now as his age. I "think" he's 13 years old, but he could be older since when I got him at the pound they said the though he was "about" a year old, and on May 14th, we will be together 12 years. Our days of going for walks are pretty much over. The last couple of times we've "tried" to go for a walk, he wears out so fast that he can't make it even a tenth of a mile before we have to turn around. So now our walks consist of walking to the back of the property (once) and back to the house.

This afternoon Karol told me she thinks he's starting to take a downward turn. I hate to say this, but I think she's right. He sleeps so much and so many times refuses to go outside. It seems he's learned that he can pee in his diaper with no repercussions, and the only time he doesn't argue about going out is when he first wakes up in the morning and then before bed at night. Otherwise, even if I put his leash on and try to tug on him to get him going, he'll stand his ground like a stubborn mule. I don't know if he's just too tired to go out or lazy... I'm thinking tired. The only thing that makes me think it "could" be from his disease is that he's been drinking a lot of water... I'm praying his kidneys aren't going. I'm going to have Joanne do some blood work on him next week and see what's going on with him (if anything). One thing I'm really grateful for though is that at least there's no blood in his urine or in the diaper. I just wish he'd go out like he's suppose to though.. by the time I get to change him, the diaper weighs at least 2 pounds and the belly band is usually wet and needs washing too.

Please say a little prayer for him if you get a chance. We'd really appreciate it.
Gidget went to her room, so I guess she's ready for bed... me too. I'm debating about going to the conference tomorrow or not. It doesn't start till 9:30 and should probably be over by about 1:00, so I think I'm just going to wing it and see how Mike is before I make up my mind.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Love & Blessings,
Jo, Mike & Gidget