My gosh... a whole week has gone by. I must have fallen asleep and woke up seven or eight days later. I can't figure out how (or why) time seems to go so fast (especially as I get older).

There's not really much to report. Everything (thank God) is going well. Gidget is doing great and back to her girlie self again, and I'm still upright and above ground, so I think that's a good thing. LOL

My right ear is still deaf. Sometimes it seems to get better, but when I put the phone up to it and try to listen, it still sounds like a distant Mickey Mouse voice vibration. The MRI came back fine with no growth, so I'm blessed in that way. I go back to the ENT on Monday. I don't think there's anything else he can do for it, so it might just be a waste of money, but I figured I'd go one last time to see if he has any ideas. In the meantime, I'm hoping it will just pop open on me. I went to a meeting at church tonight, and a couple of people prayed over me... I wasn't healed immediately like the cancer or my legs were, but I have faith that God will open my ear in His time.

It's a beautiful night... 70 degrees and very low humidity. I've got the windows and the door open, and I'll sleep with the window open again tonight (I always do until it gets too cold). I just love the night sounds... peepers, frogs, crickets... what an awesome time night time is. Last week I woke up at 3:30 in the morning and wrote a poem called "Night Sounds". Actually, it's pretty good. Maybe I'll post it here when I'm more awake.

I hope everyone is doing great. Thanks so much for checking up on us. You all mean a lot to us... we love each and every one of you.

Sending Loads of Love, Hugs and Belly Rubs To All Our Friends (Skin & Furry Ones)

Joanna, Angel Mike & Gidget

I just can't help it... I'm having the hardest time the past few days... I miss Mike so much that I have to fight the tears away at times. I thought this was suppose to pass!! It seems like everything I do, see, read and hear somehow puts a thought of my baby in my mind, and it just doesn't feel right to not have him here with me. It feels (again) like someone ripped a huge hole in my heart and tore it out... a hole only he could fill... and yet, he's not here to fill it.
I know, I know... he's here in spirit... but I want him here in the flesh. I know I'll get over this (again), but right now, it's just very hard to live with the emptiness.

Gidget is doing fine. I'm so thankful that she's alive and well. When I came so close to losing her, I realized how much (even with all the complaining I've done about her) I really do love her and need her in my life. I mean, I already knew I loved her... I guess I just didn't know how much. She just seemed so little and helpless when she was sick, that my heart poured out to her more than ever. I just knew that I couldn't lose her... especially not so soon after losing Mike. The thought of losing her really took a tole on me, but thank God that's over now.

I really had a miracle happen yesterday. In the area I live in, we have to have an E-Check (emissions check) before getting our plates. Well... I knew my car wouldn't pass because it needed a repair that was going to be almost $300, and without the repair and passing E-Check, I wouldn't be able to get my plates next month, so I'd be without a car.
Well...... yesterday morning, I was writing in my journal and posting all my financial woes. But then I decided that if I can't do anything about it to let God take care of it. I wrote something like, "I know God will help me out... He always supplies my needs". Wellllllll.....

.....I called my mechanic yesterday morning and asked him, "If I give you $50, could you fix my car and hold paper for me?" He's done this in the past and taken post dated checks for as long as 4 months. He told me he would check on the part and call me back. I had gotten paid Saturday (not a big check, but enough for essentials), and since I hadn't had any "real" food in the house for quite some time, I went to Aldi's (cheaper than regular grocery stores) and bought a lot of food for only $70. I was careful not to spend the $50 I was going to give Joe. When I got home (actually almost the minute I got home), the phone rang and Joe said, "your part is here... it will take about fifteen minutes to put in." And then he said... "It will be $75"......... oh my gosh... my heart almost stopped... from $300 to $75???? He said he got a used part that was as good as new. I was so excited, but now I was wondering if I had the $75. When I went to my checkbook and deducted what I had spent at Aldi's ... I had exactly $75.04 in my account... enough to pay for the car. How Awesome is our God!!!! Soooooooooo... I went up there, he fixed it... went for the E-Check... it passed, and now (next month) I will be able to get my plates.
I'll be completely broke for the next two weeks (till my next paycheck or Social Security kicks in), but my car is fixed, and I have food in the house. Just can't ask for more now can I? LOL

Sooooo my friends, that's my testimony for the day!!! I am so excited and so blessed that I couldn't help but share that with all of you.

I'm going to try to get to IMOM and check on you guys before I go to work, but I've got to grab a shower first, so if I don't get there till later this afternoon or evening, please forgive me.

Sending loads of love and blessings to all of you!!!

I MISS MY BOY!!!

I would have written sooner, but no sooner did Gidget get better... I was down for the count. I slept almost constantly for the past three days. It was horrible... in bed by 8:30, sleep all night, get up and go back to bed within an hour or two. I managed to work an hour on Friday, but that was all I could do. Yesterday, I had a low fever, and of course slept all day and went to bed at 8:00 pm. THANK GOD I woke up feeling decent this morning at 7:00 am. So now it's almost 10 1/2 hours, and I'm still awake (pretty much... I'm fighting a nap), so this is a milestone for me.

Gidget is doing great. She is back to eating, playing, barking (of course barking) and just being a love. She was so good when I was sleeping so much. She actually slept with me and stayed quiet for the most part (except Friday afternoon when she barked almost constantly at anything or anyone making their presence known in her line of sight). I was so tired though that even her barking didn't bother me.

She's on Clavamox drops, Baytril and Denemaran. So far, so good. From what JoAnne and the others seem to believe, her problems did stem from the lawn treatment. JoAnne came over Friday and took blood. Her liver values are much closer to normal now, and the Lepto test will be back either tomorrow or Tuesday, but we're expecting that it will be fine. After that test is completed, I'm going to get letters from all three vets with their opinion as to whether the lawn treatment was to blame, and then I'm going after the company. Even though there is pet insurance, they don't pay the entire amount, and I don't think I should get stuck with that bill. Also, I'm going to go for pain and suffering. A number of people have told me that they believe by being sick the last three, four (actually five days since it started) were due to the stress I was under when I thought I was going to lose her. I believe their right. I've never pulled a Rip Van Winkle like I have the last few days, and I think the fever on the last day was just my body saying WHOA!

This morning, Gidge and I were outside while I had my coffee (before it got really hot out). It was a beautiful morning. Then I noticed... my White Westie had orange legs. The grass was damp from the dew still, but I couldn't figure out why her legs were so orange. I couldn't imagine anyone had sprayed anything around the patio so soon after this last calamity. And then I "think" I figured it out. Although I don't see any ragweed around, somehow the lawn must have been dusted with pollen. I don't have any allergies to that stuff, but if I did, I probably would have been pretty miserable. It was pretty much confirmed as to what it was when I brought her in and put her in the laundry tub.... it rinsed right off, and my orange dog was white again. How weird.

Today is four months since my boy had to leave me. April 16th at 1:30 pm. It seems like four years have past, and yet it's only four months. Why does time seem to go so fast at times, and yet when you look back at something like losing your best friend, you say "only". Four months is a long time without my Mike.... there's no "only" about it. I miss him so much every day. I'm learning to live without his being right next to me, but I'll never get use to it. There are still so many times at night when I wake up that I think I see him in the hallway, or when I go in to the bathroom... I'm careful not to step on him (he'd go sleep on the floor in there if he was warm because it was cooler). No, I'll never get use to not having my buddy, my pal, my friend, my love with me. His sister is a comfort (most of the time), but she can never be another Mike. He was the most special guy ever... so loving, calm, lay back, gentle... I just miss him so much.... I want him back!!!


Blogger Wiskers said...

Hey I had a feeling it would be ok...Hey wait a minute...I know....she faked it all so she could get back into the BIG BED! Jusk kidding...glad she's going to be ok. Take care.

August 12, 2009 8:57 PM

Hey Wiskers... Yea.. for awhile there I was thinking she faked the whole thing so I would spoil her rotten. Well.. fake or not... it worked. I now have the most spoiled Westie in the world. This morning she actually refused to eat her oatmeal unless I fed it to her off the spoon... how do ya like that? I gave her two spoons full and then left it for her. She didn't eat it, but I told her... eat it or starve, I am NOT feeding you. LOL

Thanks everyone for keeping up with this. It really helps knowing you are all out there checking in. I checked the stats and was surprised and very touched to see that this blog has gotten so many hits every day since this all started. It's awesome to have friends like all of you.

Love, Hugs & Belly Rubs
Joanna, Angel Mike & Gidget

GREAT NEWS!!!!

The ultrasound showed NO LIVER DISEASE AND NO SHUNT!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!! Actually, it showed that she's a pretty healthy little girl. He said her gall bladder and two lymph nodes were "slightly" enlarged, but he didn't see either one of those being a problem.

Her temp was still 104.1 when we got there, but like Sandra said, it could have been because of the long ride, and maybe she was anxious. She didn't act anxious, but it could have been.

Like I said, yesterday, she brought her toys to me wanting to play tug, and she ate the entire tv dinner... and today... she had TWO VERY GOOD POOPS!!! Also, when we went to meet up with Sandra at JoAnne's, she met Odie for the first time, and she chased him all around the yard. Odie is beautiful.. blonde, soft eyes and demeanor.. I think he may be part collie and part golden (maybe).

So, with all those things combined, one of two things is happening, either she's over the worst of it, or God healed her like He did me.

The Specialist did suggest more bloodwork to re-test her liver values and also to test her for Lepto. Even though she was vaccinated against it, and there is a slim to none chance of her having it, it doesn't hurt to test.

I am so glad we went to Metro. Not only very caring people but also very honest. He actually could have told me anything he wanted to to pump up the bill... but instead, he didn't charge me even as much as I was quoted, and then he gave me a Senior discount (sometimes it pays to be old LOL). It was soooooooooooo worth getting that test... maybe I'll actually sleep tonight.

Thank you all for all of your prayers. I really believe that God heard them all and answered them for my little girl.

Blogger Wiskers said...

Good news! Ya know my westie had an infection in her intestinal track and they gave her antibiotics for her upper and lower track and she was as good as new....Amoxicillin does not work on any of my 3 dog's, I always ask for another type and they gave it to me...wish I could remember the name of it...still sending prayers your way. Later Wiskers

August 11, 2009 8:01 PM
Hi Wishers... The vet told me to take her off Metronadazole and give her Ammoxicillan and Baytril instead. I'll be getting her prescription tomorrow. She's suppose to take it for two weeks. I hope it works.
Thanks for checking on us and sending up prayers.


Sending Tons of Love, Blessings & Belly Rubs to You All,

Joanna, Angel Mike & (healthy) Little Gidget

Got some really good news today. Gidget not only brought all of her toys to me today but also played tug with me for awhile. AND... she ate an entire turkey tv dinner. I know there's not much in those things, but she ate it all gone,,, and I'm sooooooooo happy for her.

Do I dare to believe that she's been healed like her Mom? After all... God healed me from cancer and being crippled.. I don't see why He wouldn't reach out and touch this little girl. I'm really praying the ultrasound comes out normal tomorrow.

Blogger Wiskers said...

Hope all goes well at the dogtor's...will send a prayer your way.

August 11, 2009 10:45 AM

Thanks Wiskers... keep those prayers coming. We appreciate your being here for us.

Sending loads of love to all!!!

Editing This Morning's Post

I'm editing the post below with an update. It seems like today has been a day I really want to forget. I don't think I've ever felt so defeated in my life (well, maybe when I was suffering from clinical depression... but that was a hundred years ago). I KNOW I'm not alone, and God will pull me out of this, but the decisions I've had to make today have really taken a toll on me.

I've decided that since there is no way I can possibly afford everything Gidget needs, I'm going to at least get the ultrasound done ($400 - $500). I know I can't afford a biopsy, so I'm praying this will at least show a diagnosis that we can deal with without surgery or extended meds. I just want her to be ok. Sandra (JoAnne's sister) will be driving us to Akron on Wednesday morning. I honestly don't know what I'd do without those two. The clinic that is close by gave me a price of $450 to $900... JUST FOR THE ULTRASOUND!! And that's not even a specialty clinic. I just can't figure this all out. What a racket. And then there's JoAnne who barely charges enough for her services to get by on. (Did I tell you, when Gidge had fluids at the "vet" who took her x-rays, they charged $31... JoAnne, for the same fluids, charges only $5.60... what an amazing lady she is).

I do feel a bit better now though since I've made the decision as to what to do, but I'm still nervous about the result and having to pay the balance of what the pet insurance doesn't pick up (please pray it's not considered genetic so they pay it... I hate exclusions). Also kind of nervous about the balance I'm going to have to pay on my MRI... I still haven't gotten the bill from the one I had last month for my back.

Stress... what a horrible thing, but I know so many of you have so many more problems than I do, and yet you all manage to keep going. I'm sure I'll get through this... "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me"... it's just getting through this day today that's tough. I'll be ok.

Thanks for listening.
Love You All

*********************************

I have to go to work, so this will be just a quick note. I just got back from the ear doctor.. my ear is getting worse... oh joy... so now yet another MRI. I swear I've had so many MRI's and CT's that if I put my head or body in the machine, it will just turn on by itself.

But... now I have a bigger problem than that. The big specialty clinic charges $800 for ultrasound/biopsy. The one closer to home is (wait till you hear this) $1400. Can't believe the difference. However, at this point, anything might as well be a million. I've only got $1000 in Care Credit and have already used up $200 of it (not including what JoAnne's bill will be... she says don't worry about it, but I worry about it). Anyway.. it seems I might not even have enough available on Care Credit to get the test done, and they won't increase my limit. Pet insurance will cover 80% up to $1500, but they don't pay till later... AND... if this turns out to be a shunt due to genetics, it won't be covered at all. My God, how can such a little dog have so many problems? I know she doesn't mean it... it's not her fault. I just wish I knew what to do for her.

Say some prayers that I make the right decision here. Hmmm let's see... $807 available Care Credit... $800 test... if it goes $8 more... I'm screwed.

Gotta go... thanks for checking on us.
Love & Blessings

Well, there is some good news. Little Gidget is eating again. I've gotten canned chicken (the kind you make chicken salad with), and I've been giving her about 1/4 of a cup at a time. She seems to be doing fine with it, and I'm soooooo grateful for that.

It looks like it won't be till Tuesday or Wednesday for the test though, so as long as she continues to eat, and her fever stays down, hopefully, we won't have any problems until then. Her temp yesterday was 103... very close to the 102 that it should be. It's really hot here today (cold yesterday).. the heat index is 100 right now, so we're spending every minute (except pee time) in the house with the ac on. She's still sleeping a lot and pretty clingy, so I know she's still not feeling very good.

I was so muddle-brained when I called the clinic, that I forgot to ask if they take Care Credit. I could kick myself, but then a wonderful friend offered to use their credit card if necessary, and I could pay it back when I get the check from the pet insurance. What wonderful people God has put into my life. I am ever so blessed.

Cindy said...

God, Jo, I am so sorry.
I don't know how u feel abt running a possible diagnosis by Joanne the vet--but her's one u should ask her abt.
Could Gidget have Cholangiohepatitis?
Please ask her--it means specific antibiotics (I am thinking amoxicillin and metronidazole-but may be wrong).
I thought I would lose Justice. He ended up looking like a dog a rescue would think was being starved-every rib showing. I thought I was going to lose him.
Please ask her--maybe even before an ultrasound (since it can't be done immed--she could start her treatment-if she thinks it could be cholangiohepatitis.)
U are both in my prayers.

August 8, 2009 10:21 PM

Hi Cindy... I'll ask JoAnne about that this afternoon if I talk to her. If not, I'll ask her in the morning. One of the (many) things though that is baffling her is that Gidgie's blood levels (white and red) are perfectly normal.. no jaundice, no sign of hepatitis... just this stupid fever and other symptoms I've mentioned. But I will ask her about it. Thanks for the suggestion... it never hurts to ask.

Oh.. by the way, I guess I didn't mention that yesterday, we switched from Baytril to the Metronidazol.. I'm wondering if maybe that has already started to kick in since she got it yesterday, and maybe that's the reason she's starting to eat again.

Thanks so much for keep tabs on us. I'm so happy Justie is riding that train cross country and back, and I'm praying that little Tucker will get up on there with him soon and stop being so dizzy ... you're all in our prayers.

Gonna get going... thanks everyone for checking in on my little girl. I can't tell you how much it means to have your support. It's not even four months since Mike had to leave (seems like four years already)... I can't stand the thought of losing her right now too... it's just too soon, she's just too young, and it's just not fair. She may be a real pain in the butt sometimes, but she's all I've got here, and even though sometimes I want to throw her out the window... she's still my baby.

Much Love & Many Blessings To You All,
Joanna, Angel Mike and Little Gidget

Test Results - Not Good

I'm not up for much writing right now, but I thought you might want to know. The test results from yesterday came in, and they're not good at all. Seems her liver functions are so far off that she needs an ultrasound and biopsy as soon as possible. JoAnne is going to try to get her in someplace today or tomorrow (during her running around for her appointments... she's on the road), but even if she gets her in someplace, the two places that "might" take her quickly are so far away that I'm not sure my car would make it (engine light has been on since October... don't really trust it and don't want to break down someplace with her... have to get someone to take us). But, so far the way it looks, the one place that they can take her (that is pretty close) won't have a doctor there till Tuesday, and he's pretty booked. I talked to them, and they're going to try to fit her in on that day (doc will be there till 8pm),,, if not, it won't be till Wednesday. In the meantime, it's double antibiotic (started doubling yesterday) and JoAnne will continue to give her fluids every day like she has been to wash the toxins out. Thank God for her!!!

Please keep praying. I can't write anymore right now. She's so clingy and right on top of me. I took her to work with me and couldn't get anything done, so we came home after only an hour.

Love You All!!!

The Labs Are In...

It's not good news. The labs came in, and her liver functions are WAY off... so it's very probably toxin from that damn lawn. However, Joanne is careful to say "most likely" and not "definitely". I'm taking her to a clinic for x-rays this afternoon. Joanne is also afraid she may have a shunt around the liver.... I'm PRAYING that's NOT it. That wouldn't be from the toxins, but could be congenital, which wouldn't surprise me since she IS a puppy mill survivor... but, again, I'm praying it's not, because it could be fatal.

Thank God she's been giving her all the fluids and antibiotics... that's, I'm sure, what's helped keep her going. As high as the liver values are now, they must have been much higher before she started with the fluids. We'll never know how bad they were. Joanne said she may need IV fluids, however, since the clinic we're going to is not a 24 hour care, there wouldn't be anyone there at night to watch that she wouldn't pull the IV out... so I won't leave her there. Joanne said if that's the case, she will continue to give her fluids every day as long as she needs it.

Thank God I've got pet insurance now. And.. I applied for Care Credit yesterday (just in case) and was shocked that I was approved, so that will help pay for the vet, and when I get reimbursed from the insurance, I'll be able to pay off Care Credit.

Please pray for my little girl. I can't lose her ... especially not now... and she's so young, she doesn't deserve this.

I'll update this when I know more. Thanks for sticking this out with me.

Hi All...

Well... today was the 4th time in 5 days Miss Gidget has gone to the vet. THANK GOD I work for her. She has really been a blessing. She still refuses to eat. I managed to force feed her a small jar of baby food last night with a syringe. She was NOT happy with me. When I approach her with any type food, she acts like it's poison and runs away from me, so it's a trick to even get her to take her pills with cream cheese, I have to stick my finger down her throat with it.

Her fever was STILL 103.1 this morning. So, more SQ fluids, shots and another dose of antibiotic to go along with the pills she's already taken. She also gave her Periactin... a drug they use as an appetite stimulant for cats. She got the entire pill this morning and will get 1/2 twice a day until she starts getting use to eating again. Then she took blood work. I have to admit that I was really worried as to how she would react, after all, she is pretty hyper, but she surprised the heck out of me and was really good. Actually, she has been good when Joanne gives her the fluids, took her temp and all. I think when she realized she wasn't going to win, she decided to give in. I really am proud of her.

Joanne is doing a full health panel with the blood work, checking liver and kidneys and also for pancreatitis. She said it's too late to test for toxicology... Did I tell you my brother had Chem-Lawn out here to spray the day before she got sick? They had it done but didn't tell me it was going to be done. Normally, they would tell me, and when she had to go potty, I'd pick her up and carry her to the neighbor's yard. Well.. after we had gone out on Wednesday, and I smelled that stuff, I brought her in and washed her feet off really good, but when we were out there she got some really good whiffs of it, and the fact that she's so low to the ground doesn't help... even if she wasn't smelling the grass, she had to get it in her lungs. Anyway... even if she was poisoned.. the blood now wouldn't show it.

Joanne said if she didn't start eating or have a bowel movement today, and depending on how the labs come back tomorrow, she may need an x-ray to check for a blockage. Well... Praise God... about an hour after we got home, the Periactin must have kicked in because she ate a small jar of baby food all by herself. I was so happy to see her actually eat it, you just can't imagine. Then I went to the grocery store and bought a fresh roasted chicken still warm from the oven. When I got home, she more than willingly ate all the meat from the drumstick and part of the thigh. She would have eaten more, but I didn't want her getting sick. After all, it was a bit greasy and the first time she had eaten anything of substance for an entire week. Then, to make things even more exciting, about a half hour later, she went out and did her thing. OMG... how awesome... even though it may be the stimulants getting her to eat and not her own decision, I'm really glad to see her eat again.

So, that's the update for today. She's acting better tonight but still pretty clingy... has to be near me every minute. Brandon is over spending the night tonight. She LOVES having HER BOY here, but after the initial "I'm sooooo excited to see you, take me for a run in the backyard", she's back sitting right next to me.



Cindy said...
Hi Jo, I am so hoping that Gidge feels better this eve, and will be good as new VERY soon! I know it's scary when they won't eat, and have a high fever.
I am sending up good thoughts and prayers for both of u--hope the steroids help!

Hugs,
Cindy and the boyz
August 4, 2009 10:33 AM


Hey Cindy... Thanks so much for stopping in and letting me know you were here. I am sooooo sorry I haven't posted on the boys thread lately... it's been so crazy, between my legs, Gidget, work, going deaf... I know that's no real excuse, after all, you're going through so much more than I have, and you manage to post. I have been keeping up with the boys though, and I couldn't be happier for little Justie... he's doing such a great job of hanging on that train. I know what you mean about the lab work coming back normal... it's a wonderful thing, but it still doesn't tell you what's wrong with Tuck... and that just adds to you anxiety. I'm wondering how Gidge's labs will turn out tomorrow... 6 days of a fever is just way too long for no reason. I'm praying it isn't her liver, kidneys, pancreas or anything else but at the same time, we've got to find out what's going on with her.

Please forgive me for not posting... I think about you guys all the time, and I do read regularly... it just seems I'm always running late for something by the time I finish reading. Give those precious boys a hug from me... and a big one for you too.

Wiskers said...

How's Gidge...Is she any better?

Hey Wiskers... It's just so hard to tell if she's actually feeling better or if it's just the drugs and fluids. The fact that the fever was 105 on Friday and still 103.1 today isn't a good sign.
Thanks for checking in on us.


Again... thank you all so much for checking in with us. I PROMISE to get on IMOM soon and post. But just because I haven't posted doesn't mean I'm not there. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. You mean so much and have been so kind to us. God Bless You All.

Love, Hugs & Belly Rubs
Joanna, Angel Mike & Miss Gidget

Sorry for the delay (again). Miss Gidget has been really pretty sick. Not much vomiting, but stopped eating about a week ago. Since last Wednesday, she's only eaten a couple times and picked once or twice. Thank God for Joanne. I mentioned it to her at work on Thursday (that Gidge was acting strange). She seemed afraid to go outside on Wednesday and actually peed in the house so she wouldn't have to go out. That's the day she stopped eating too. Joanne told me if she didn't start eating to let her know.

Well, Saturday, I left a message for her to call. Gidget still wasn't eating, and even though she still barked quite a bit, she was very clingy and acting strange. She called at 6:00 when she got home and told me to bring her over. I knew she had a very long, hot day (her first appt was at 9:30, and they were scattered all over, so I knew she was driving miles and miles). I told her to call me after she at least settles in before I brought her over... I knew she needed "some" time to take a breather. Well, she called at 7:00, and we went there.

Gidget's fever was 105... way too high... Joanne said it's almost like a person with a fever like that, even though her temp "should" be around 102 normally. She gave her a third of a bag of liquids SQ, an oral dose of Metacam for the fever, shots of Baytril (antibiotic), Vitamin B, and Tagemet. Gidge was kind of hard to handle for a little while, but I was surprised how well she did after a few minutes. She gave me some Baytril to give her twice a day. She was going to do some blood work but the lab was closed for the weekend.

Sunday, after church, Joanne called to check on her. I told her the night before (after all the treatments) she did manage to pick on some chicken I had boiled for her the night before (which she didn't touch), but today... nothing. She acted like she wanted to eat (sniffing the food and sometimes picking a piece up only to drop it someplace else), but ate nothing. She told me to take her back again so she can take her temp again. It was still up there... still 104.5... more liquids.

Yesterday (Monday), I tried everything I could think of to get her to eat... canned dog food... chicken... soup. The cupboard here is pretty bare so I went to the store and got some ground beef and cottage cheese.... nothing. So back to the vet again. Three days in a row. Her temp did go down to 103, so that was good, but Joanne gave her the last 1/3rd of the bag of liquids and added some more Baytril to it to add a little more antibiotics to her system more quickly. Then she got a jar of baby food... Gidget licked at it but wouldn't eat it, so she took a syringe and made her eat it. THANK GOD SHE DID... at least I knew she had "something" in her stomach. She gave me her blender to use to blend up some meat and rice or any other people food so I could syringe it in to her if she didn't eat today. I'm praying she's better and eats on her own. At least she had a bowel movement yesterday after we got home (first one in 4 days... we were beginning to think obstruction... thank God that wasn't an issue. If she refuses to eat again today, Joanne is going to take blood tonight and send it off to the lab... please pray the infection (whatever it is) is gone today and that won't be necessary.

The only negative thing after all this is over and she's feeling better is that she will no longer eat any dog food.... but Joanne said people food is much better for her anyway. So, if this happens, it looks like even if I don't grocery shop for me, I'll be doing it for Gidget like I use to for Mike (of course Mike would eat a mixture of people food and kibble... don't know what Miss Gidget will do).

If she's not better by Friday, I'm not going camping. I couldn't leave her like this, even though I know Joanne and Sandra would take wonderful care of her... just couldn't do it.

I went to the ear doctor yesterday. After taking a hearing test, he came in and asked me what I had done to my right ear. I laughed and told him, "you're the doctor, you tell me". He said my left ear has very minimal loss, but it probably feels as though I'm losing more in that ear because of the different levels between the left and right ear. The problem in my right ear is in the inner ear. He can't say what the hearing loss is caused from. I asked him if it could have been due to high blood pressure. He said it's possible but couldn't tell me for sure. He gave me steroids to take for the next six days and then go back on Monday. If it's not any better or gets worse, he wants to do (yet another) MRI on it to see if there's a growth (but he said he doubts it). I've had so many MRI's and CT's that I'm probably glowing already... I could probably just do one myself with the amount of radiation in me... all they'd really have to do is put me in the machine and let me glow on my own. LOL

So... that's what's been going on around here. Thank you to everyone who still stops by to check on us. We really love and appreciate every one of you.

Much Love & Blessings To You All

Joanna, Angel Mike & Miss Gidget