My Dunany Demons are making a grand exit – the wind was howling and snow was falling and blowing when I got up this morning at 5, and still at it when I left around noon to go to the village. Smooch’s special dog food was running low. The cortisone he is taking can cause stomach ulcers if we’re not careful, and I wanted to be sure that there was enough for Helen to feed him tomorrow night, just in case I get home late from the office.
Clad in a warm sweater, topped by a padded vest and a down winter coat, with my snowmobile boots completing an outfit to survive any blizzard, I arrived in the village to find people (lots of them!) strolling around in spring jackets and running shoes. Yes – quite balmy temperatures only 30 minutes from the bush storm! I was slightly overdressed. The Demons must have been laughing in glee. They do love to put one over on me.
I made my rounds anyway, deciding to pick up some veggies for a Béchamel Vegetable Medley – I’d been working all weekend at home, and a couple of hours cooking were exactly what I needed to relax. Back at the house, I threw myself into the chopping and stirring (and tasting) with enthusiasm, the result being a huge pot of chicken/tomato noodle soup, the Medley, and an Apple crisp. It works every time! Not only is the activity a stress buster for me, whoever else is in the house gets to reap the benefits by filling their faces!
It’s an early morning for me tomorrow, and I think I can hear Morpheus moving around in my bedroom already, so it’s off the bath and snooze I go. Wishing you all sweet dreams with plenty of SMILES!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
I'LL GO WITH TRAUMA...
This week Smooch’s 4th blood test was disappointing, to say the least. Although his red blood cells are growing, they are still what the vet calls ‘babies’, and his white blood cell count had gone up again. He has been on antibiotics for at least three weeks now, so that puts paid to infections, the usual cause of an increase. The vet mentioned a pathologist friend; he would let her log onto his machine and maybe she could tell us if it is leukemia or not. In the meantime the intense cortisone treatment will be continued, and we’ll see what next week’s blood will say...unless the pathologist can define something concrete before then, in which case the vet would call me immediately....
I didn’t hear from him, so I’m taking that as good news. I turned to the internet for more information, and discovered that trauma can also be a cause of a high count. Of course! The day before the appointment I was outside with both dogs, Smooch on his leash, when the beautiful Louka ran up to join us. Smooch was quite happy to see his friend...until she tried to take his ball. If he had been well, she never would have done such a thing – there is a certain element of respect among canines. But he is sick and weaker, and the strong prevail in doggie rules. She attacked him, he fought back, and Grump attacked her, and the three were a turmoil of growling, biting fur with poor Smooch on the bottom. Fortunately Helen’s son was here and ran outside to help me get them apart. Louka was sent home, but the damage was done. Smooch had some wounds on his throat, and was shaking with exhaustion and probably shock too. I much prefer trauma to leukemia, so I’m going with that unless it’s proved different; trauma is not a long-lasting affliction.
I contacted the friend of Louka’s master who is doggy-sitting her while he is away, asking that Louka be kept at home. It seems the friend can’t handle Louka; keeping her inside means damage to furniture and walls, and tied outside has the neighbours complaining because of the constant howling. We’re not quite sure when Louka’s master will be coming back, but it won’t be before June.
“I’m so fed up! And now this!! No one else wants her – I’m thinking of having her put down!” the lady exclaimed.
Ah no! Not our beautiful Louka! A compromise needed to be made, so I told Helen not to tie my boys downstairs for the time being, just to let them out on the galleries. Louka has no access there unless the gate is open. I’ll do the walks, and will head her off before she approaches until Smooch is well enough to discourage her from trying it again. Spring will be here soon (we think!) and the first thing on the agenda is a long fence; once installed my doggies will have free rein on my property without the worry of problem pets owned by incompetent neighbours!
I’m working on a short video of my ‘dreams for my future’, this commissioned by our motivational speaker at the office meeting last week – something each of us are to hand in by April 11th for our brownie points. I wasn’t too keen on it, but it’s rather fun. My first picture on the track is what else? A field with trees, a dog and a long, long fence. I’ll share it with you all when it’s done. It’s to be set to music, and I’m having a heck of a time deciding between AC/DC’s Thunder or Tiny Tim’s Tiptoe Through the Tulips.
Yeh, right! As if!!! There you go – that phrase just brought on a giggle and a SMILE...they’re both on their way to y’all now!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I didn’t hear from him, so I’m taking that as good news. I turned to the internet for more information, and discovered that trauma can also be a cause of a high count. Of course! The day before the appointment I was outside with both dogs, Smooch on his leash, when the beautiful Louka ran up to join us. Smooch was quite happy to see his friend...until she tried to take his ball. If he had been well, she never would have done such a thing – there is a certain element of respect among canines. But he is sick and weaker, and the strong prevail in doggie rules. She attacked him, he fought back, and Grump attacked her, and the three were a turmoil of growling, biting fur with poor Smooch on the bottom. Fortunately Helen’s son was here and ran outside to help me get them apart. Louka was sent home, but the damage was done. Smooch had some wounds on his throat, and was shaking with exhaustion and probably shock too. I much prefer trauma to leukemia, so I’m going with that unless it’s proved different; trauma is not a long-lasting affliction.
I contacted the friend of Louka’s master who is doggy-sitting her while he is away, asking that Louka be kept at home. It seems the friend can’t handle Louka; keeping her inside means damage to furniture and walls, and tied outside has the neighbours complaining because of the constant howling. We’re not quite sure when Louka’s master will be coming back, but it won’t be before June.
“I’m so fed up! And now this!! No one else wants her – I’m thinking of having her put down!” the lady exclaimed.
Ah no! Not our beautiful Louka! A compromise needed to be made, so I told Helen not to tie my boys downstairs for the time being, just to let them out on the galleries. Louka has no access there unless the gate is open. I’ll do the walks, and will head her off before she approaches until Smooch is well enough to discourage her from trying it again. Spring will be here soon (we think!) and the first thing on the agenda is a long fence; once installed my doggies will have free rein on my property without the worry of problem pets owned by incompetent neighbours!
I’m working on a short video of my ‘dreams for my future’, this commissioned by our motivational speaker at the office meeting last week – something each of us are to hand in by April 11th for our brownie points. I wasn’t too keen on it, but it’s rather fun. My first picture on the track is what else? A field with trees, a dog and a long, long fence. I’ll share it with you all when it’s done. It’s to be set to music, and I’m having a heck of a time deciding between AC/DC’s Thunder or Tiny Tim’s Tiptoe Through the Tulips.
Yeh, right! As if!!! There you go – that phrase just brought on a giggle and a SMILE...they’re both on their way to y’all now!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
One of my responsibilities when working as a Recreation Director was to organize and assist meetings and events. I enjoyed it at the time, but after 10 years it became too much of a good thing, so I was less than enthusiastic when I was told that yes, I was obliged to attend a ‘kick-off’ reunion being held by the Company where I am presently employed. There just seemed to be too much real work at the office to waste time sitting around in a hotel conference room all day, meal provided or not.
As happens to all of us at one time or another, I was pleasantly surprised. The motivational speaker in the morning was quite good; an old message delivered originally and with much humor. During lunch I met many of those I contact at least once a week, usually only by phone or email, and it is nice to be able to put a face with each voice. The afternoon taught me the history and goals of the enterprise – it would no longer be just a ‘job’ I need to pay the bills, but a team of which I now feel I am a member. A very informative and interesting few hours well spent.
I stopped on the way home to stock up on more liver for my ailing doggie. It was cooked and medication taken, then we headed outside for a short walk. I don’t want Smooch’s bones getting too weak from lack of exercise, and I can’t forget my Grump, who is healthy and has the ordinary needs of any energetic hound.
I chatted to a couple of friends for a bit, and was in bed by 9 PM. Morpheus was kind, and let me sleep until Smooch came into my room at 4 this morning. The cortisone increases his thirst; he drinks more and what goes in must come out, right?
The hour was fine; I have loads of work to do here today for those clients I kept on, and it will give me an early start. Well, I did cheat some ...I sneaked into Blogit and kinda got stuck there for awhile. That’s okay; it was a visit long overdue.
We’re expecting another 15 cm of snow today...the 3rd day of spring, is it? Fortunately I am one of the rare few who are not yet heartily sick of winter, so I’m still SMILING!
Sharing it with you – sure it will be returned!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
As happens to all of us at one time or another, I was pleasantly surprised. The motivational speaker in the morning was quite good; an old message delivered originally and with much humor. During lunch I met many of those I contact at least once a week, usually only by phone or email, and it is nice to be able to put a face with each voice. The afternoon taught me the history and goals of the enterprise – it would no longer be just a ‘job’ I need to pay the bills, but a team of which I now feel I am a member. A very informative and interesting few hours well spent.
I stopped on the way home to stock up on more liver for my ailing doggie. It was cooked and medication taken, then we headed outside for a short walk. I don’t want Smooch’s bones getting too weak from lack of exercise, and I can’t forget my Grump, who is healthy and has the ordinary needs of any energetic hound.
I chatted to a couple of friends for a bit, and was in bed by 9 PM. Morpheus was kind, and let me sleep until Smooch came into my room at 4 this morning. The cortisone increases his thirst; he drinks more and what goes in must come out, right?
The hour was fine; I have loads of work to do here today for those clients I kept on, and it will give me an early start. Well, I did cheat some ...I sneaked into Blogit and kinda got stuck there for awhile. That’s okay; it was a visit long overdue.
We’re expecting another 15 cm of snow today...the 3rd day of spring, is it? Fortunately I am one of the rare few who are not yet heartily sick of winter, so I’m still SMILING!
Sharing it with you – sure it will be returned!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
"IT'S MAKE HIM OR BREAK HIM..."
“...that’s where we’re at.”
I had asked her to be straight with me, and even while the vet’s voice was matter-of-fact, her eyes told me she knew what effect her words would have on any pet lover. I felt my stomach hit my feet. Smooch’s condition was worse than I had even imagined. The word ‘cancer’ bounced around in my mind, making concentration extremely difficult.
The thyroid medication we had tried didn’t bring the improvement we had been hoping for. In fact, he was worse. The 3rd vet I consulted obtained Smooch’s records from the other two, then told me none of them had seen such an increase in white blood cells in so short a time. After x-rays and ultrasound, followed by a discussion among themselves about this ‘problem case’, they decided to use strong doses of cortisone and antibiotics in an attempt to stop the ravage. I showed some reluctance when they mentioned cortisone, and that’s when the vet warned me...there really wasn’t any other option.
I took my boy home and spent the week feeding him liver and praying that his red blood cells would fight back. The appointment for a follow up blood test was last night, and I sat in the waiting room, hugging my doggie and holding my breath. Fifteen minutes later, one of the vets came out with the results. Not cancer, but Hemolytic Anemia...a very dangerous condition where the immune system goes berserk, cause unknown.
“But look!” he said, pointing to the graph he was holding. “The white cells are still very high, but these are baby red blood cells.” He was cautiously optimistic, telling me that Smooch’s system, for the moment, is what he would call stable. Another week of treatment, then check the blood again, and make adjustments to the doses if necessary.
Just knowing it is not cancer gives me some relief. I read up on the condition last night and, although they say only 40% of such cases survive, I have this feeling that Smooch will be part of the group who makes it. The dreadful cortisone will give his red blood cells a chance to become warriors. They will take over, there will be the slow withdrawal from the drugs, and already I can picture my boy once again energetically romping in the long grass, searching for his green, squeaky ball. The picture makes me SMILE.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I had asked her to be straight with me, and even while the vet’s voice was matter-of-fact, her eyes told me she knew what effect her words would have on any pet lover. I felt my stomach hit my feet. Smooch’s condition was worse than I had even imagined. The word ‘cancer’ bounced around in my mind, making concentration extremely difficult.
The thyroid medication we had tried didn’t bring the improvement we had been hoping for. In fact, he was worse. The 3rd vet I consulted obtained Smooch’s records from the other two, then told me none of them had seen such an increase in white blood cells in so short a time. After x-rays and ultrasound, followed by a discussion among themselves about this ‘problem case’, they decided to use strong doses of cortisone and antibiotics in an attempt to stop the ravage. I showed some reluctance when they mentioned cortisone, and that’s when the vet warned me...there really wasn’t any other option.
I took my boy home and spent the week feeding him liver and praying that his red blood cells would fight back. The appointment for a follow up blood test was last night, and I sat in the waiting room, hugging my doggie and holding my breath. Fifteen minutes later, one of the vets came out with the results. Not cancer, but Hemolytic Anemia...a very dangerous condition where the immune system goes berserk, cause unknown.
“But look!” he said, pointing to the graph he was holding. “The white cells are still very high, but these are baby red blood cells.” He was cautiously optimistic, telling me that Smooch’s system, for the moment, is what he would call stable. Another week of treatment, then check the blood again, and make adjustments to the doses if necessary.
Just knowing it is not cancer gives me some relief. I read up on the condition last night and, although they say only 40% of such cases survive, I have this feeling that Smooch will be part of the group who makes it. The dreadful cortisone will give his red blood cells a chance to become warriors. They will take over, there will be the slow withdrawal from the drugs, and already I can picture my boy once again energetically romping in the long grass, searching for his green, squeaky ball. The picture makes me SMILE.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
AND ABOUT SMOOCH...
We noticed his energy had diminished, but put it down to some boredom, some maturity, and probably lack of exercise and her company since Mistress has been working so much and so long. One night I noticed that even his greeting, usually very enthusiastic, seemed to be a huge effort. I called and made an appointment with the vet.
My Smooch is a very sick doggie. Blood tests show that his white blood cell count is extremely high, his immune system is very low; there are sores coming out all over his body, his eyes are leaking, and my two year old is looking and acting like he is 15; in dog years that is way up there. Without procedures that can only be accomplished by an internist, the costs of which are far beyond my means for the moment, the Vet took her best guess.
“Thyroid, Cush disease, or cancer,” she said gently. Last Friday she started him on medication for his thyroid and antibiotics for his infections. Because these need to taken on a full stomach and he is not crazy about dog food, I went shopping for beef and chicken. He lifted his nose to catch a sniff when I opened the oven door, so I knew it would work...and it did. I’m sure it’s not just my wishful thinking that he is already feeling better. He is still sleeping a lot, but has come out of my closet (where he goes to hide when he is hurting) and is back on his couch.
I worked long hours on both Saturday and Sunday – and there we go. The end of the month has arrived. Overtime, for the most part, is over. Today Helen was going for her cataract operation, and I didn’t want to leave Smooch alone, so I took the first of the many days owed to me to stay at home. There are some T-4’s to be done for the two clients I had kept from my own business, but a nice snooze is on the agenda too; needless to say that I haven’t been doing much of that, what with worrying about my boy.
And tonight...ah yes! Habs are not playing hockey, and I’m planning on spending a pleasurable time looking at my friends’ pictures from their tour in Indonesia, and diving into Blogit. Hours of my favorite pastime – reading – and I’m so looking forward to it!
For sure I’ll be SMILING!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
My Smooch is a very sick doggie. Blood tests show that his white blood cell count is extremely high, his immune system is very low; there are sores coming out all over his body, his eyes are leaking, and my two year old is looking and acting like he is 15; in dog years that is way up there. Without procedures that can only be accomplished by an internist, the costs of which are far beyond my means for the moment, the Vet took her best guess.
“Thyroid, Cush disease, or cancer,” she said gently. Last Friday she started him on medication for his thyroid and antibiotics for his infections. Because these need to taken on a full stomach and he is not crazy about dog food, I went shopping for beef and chicken. He lifted his nose to catch a sniff when I opened the oven door, so I knew it would work...and it did. I’m sure it’s not just my wishful thinking that he is already feeling better. He is still sleeping a lot, but has come out of my closet (where he goes to hide when he is hurting) and is back on his couch.
I worked long hours on both Saturday and Sunday – and there we go. The end of the month has arrived. Overtime, for the most part, is over. Today Helen was going for her cataract operation, and I didn’t want to leave Smooch alone, so I took the first of the many days owed to me to stay at home. There are some T-4’s to be done for the two clients I had kept from my own business, but a nice snooze is on the agenda too; needless to say that I haven’t been doing much of that, what with worrying about my boy.
And tonight...ah yes! Habs are not playing hockey, and I’m planning on spending a pleasurable time looking at my friends’ pictures from their tour in Indonesia, and diving into Blogit. Hours of my favorite pastime – reading – and I’m so looking forward to it!
For sure I’ll be SMILING!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)