Six Weeks in Jail, Grrr!!!

Sugar is beginning week six in jail. OK, not real doggie jail...she was put on crate rest by the wonderful vets at Auburn Vet School. Sugar has been suffering with neck/back pain since September. We thought she had slipped another disc - she had surgery to correct two herniated discs in her neck a year and a half ago. After a MRI, spinal tap, and a bunch of blood tests, no slipped discs. No cancer either. Yeah!!

OK, then why is my dog screaming in pain. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm very, very happy that my dog doesn't have cancer, or some exotic infectious disease, but we've got to do something about the pain. I don't mean an occasional whimper, I mean screaming. The only thing they turned up was an elevated titer to neospora which is apparently a parasite associated with cows. Now how did my dog, a city dweller, pick up a cow parasite? Anyway, it can cause spinal pain so maybe that is her problem. Unfortunately, the pundits at the afore mentioned vet school are unsure as she only showed a very low positive titer. Suggested crate rest and some antibiotics to see what happens.

Five weeks later the pain is better, but only if she stays in the expen and takes a bunch of pain meds. Waiting to see if new blood tests show any change in her neosposa titers after the round of antibiotics.

Meanwhile, Sugar wants to know where she can pick up a get out of jail free card. She does see certain advantages. Rosie can't steal her stuffies and she gets extra treats and scritches, but enough is enough already!!!!

OK. Getting old sucks!!

Or rather, watching your mom get old sucks. My mom is wonderful, I really like spending time with her, but recently noticed that although I call her almost daily, I don't see her all that much. We live in the same town, but it seems like life gets in the way. Don't get me wrong, she keeps herself busy. She's a Bridge addict and plays in games and tournaments all over the place. She's recently started playing online. I feel bad for her because since my dad died a few year back, she can't always fine a regular, reliable partner. I'm no help because I don't know Bridge the card game from the kind of bridge you drive over.

She's having some mobility problems lately that I'm afraid will eventually make getting out on her own hard. She has no endurance, and she's begun using a rascal to scoot around the grocery store. Although she never complains, she really needs a knee replacement and foot surgery, but is putting it off. I know she gets lonely at home at night. She always accepts any invitation for dinner or a visit quickly.

New Years Resolution - spend more time with my mother....

Why a blog???

A very good question. Didn't think I ever would. I want a place to write my thoughts and feelings as well as the triumphs and frustrations around trying to train....ah tame...Rosemary the Pharaoh Hound we adopted a little over a year ago. She's come a long way since then. Now she can be walked on a leash without having to wrap the leash around my back. She took leash pulling to Olympic proportions. She still lunges and barks when we pass other dogs walking in the park. Don't know why...If I introduce them, she's fine.

She went lure coursing for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I think we have both discovered that it's lots of fun. We've taken a pet store obedience class, but I think we may want to do more training and see where it takes us. She'll do about anything for a treat, so she should do well!!

I don't know what else may turn up here. Just a place to put random thoughts and ideas!!

A Rescue poem I like...

I posted this here because it made me cry....but then my husband and son say everything makes me cry!

A Rescue Dog's Story

Here in this house...
I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other
dogs 'out there'.
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake, my needs will be met.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house...
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to, and even if I don't understand,
I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

Here in this house...
I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher
for blame.

Here in this house...
I can trust arms that hold and hands that touch...
knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.

Here in this house.....
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and valuable.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility...... not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can be kind and fair.

Here in this house...
I am finally home.

author unknown