Love that dog

Today I said goodbye to my sweet Polly. This was a day I knew was coming for some time, but still, making that decision to call the vet was terribly hard. I kept second-guessing myself all the while, thinking, "I can cancel the appointment" or "I can stop this and take her home", but truly, I knew I couldn't. She had been deteriorating quite quickly over the last few weeks, and in my heart, I knew that it was unfair to let her get any worse.

My first goal, last year, was for her to make it through the holidays. When we made that, my next goal was for her to make it to the warm weather, because she loved being outside so much. Last Sunday, on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, she and I went to a local park, just the two of us, where we walked along the river. She had a great time sniffing everything along the trail. When we came home, Alice joined us in the backyard, where we relaxed and soaked up some sunshine.

To the end, she remained cheerful, and sweet, and loving. I held her and kissed her, told her I loved her and let her go. I miss her presence in the house, the happy energy she brought to everything she did, the way she just melted into me when she cuddled up for affection.

My beautiful girl, I was so lucky to have you in my life. You gave me love and joy and taught me about patience and compassion. I love you.

Not such good news

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching TV one night, when Polly, who was sleeping nearby, went into a full-on seizure. With no warning, she went rigid, convulsing and drooling; the scariest part was that she stopped breathing. I had no idea what to do or what caused it, but after a few minutes (that felt like an eternity), she came out of it, gasping for breath and disoriented.

I had hoped it was a one-off sort of thing, but a week later, she had another one. Less scary this time, because even though she stopped breathing, I knew it wouldn’t last for long. Still, seizures are not to be ignored, so I took her in to see the vet.

The vet was very straight forward, saying that in dogs this age, seizures are usually caused by brain tumors. We ran some blood tests to rule out other things, and they all came back fine. Which means, in all likelihood, that Polly has some kind of tumor. To be sure, I’d have to take her to the university vet clinic for an MRI, and if I chose to treat her, it would mean radiation treatments there as well.

I’ve chosen not to pursue the MRI/radiation route. Polly is 12 years old, and I just can’t put her through that, especially if it would mean her being away from home for an extended period. Instead, we’ll focus on keeping her seizures under control. She’s started on Phenobarbital and for now, that seems to be working. She hasn’t had a seizure in that last week.

Polly is such a lively dog, full of contradictions. She makes me laugh every single day, but she can also exasperate me to no end. She follows me from room to room, but outside, completely ignores me. Sweet and loving, she can also be very bossy and domineering around other dogs. I don’t know if I’ve ever met another creature who so fully embraces life as she does. Every new activity is greeted with excitement and joy…we’re going outside? Awesome! A car ride? Oh boy! Nap time? ZZZzzzzzzzz

While she has moments where she is Horrible, they are pretty few and far between. She teaches me every day to be grateful and happy for every moment in life. I love her fiercely for that.

If I could explain her,

I would. I could also probably fix her.

So proud

It's a good thing they don't have a category for "Horrible Dog", because you KNOW they'd circle Polly on that one.

A Sure Sign

One of the surest signs of spring each year is the migration of the Bouncy Balls back to Target. Take heart, winter-haters, it won't be long now. Alice is counting the days!

Party in the USA

Apparently, there was a party in my closet the other day. And I wasn't even invited!

Packrat

Do you think my dog has a hoarding problem??

Doggone Blues

Now busking for Milk Bones on a street corner near you:

Irony?

I think we've all had moments like this...

Baby

Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

Unless, of course, she puts herself there...

Snowball

Welcome back, old friend.



The Evil Driveway of Doom torments me no longer. Of course, this photo does not do justice to the full extent of the EDoD's full torment. From where I stood while taking this picture, there were at least two more car lengths behind me.



Even the dogs decided to brave the winter weather. Here Polly is doing her best Poor Little Match Girl impression (note the artfully raised paw). And yes, that's right, my dogs have winter coats. I would like to point out that they have very short fur and get cold very easily. DO NOT JUDGE ME! It's not like I dress them in doll clothes or anything.




I hope the New Year brings you lots of big purple bouncy balls.

Mother's little helper

I made my bed before I went to work this morning.  Honestly, I did.

The problem with Alice is...

that she finds it so hard to relax.