I will stick these last few weeks into a steel box and hide them deep, deep in a closet somewhere....but not here. Watching my precious boy deteriorate until I lost him, the constant pressures and harrowing occurrences at the job, my sweet DIL’s obsession to get pregnant and both her and my son’s misery about it all, my inability to sleep which totally screwed up my attitude and capacity to deal with any of this adequately....it can all be described with one word: UGH!!
So be gone with it!! UGH on outta here.
I still miss my boy terribly; I hear him come stealing into my room at night, sense the mattress give slightly as he puts his big head down on it, nearly feel his wet nose touch mine to let me know he is there and wants something....
Grump has been missing him too. He had stopped eating when Smooch did, and would only take things from my hand when I insisted. He has lost weight, which doesn’t really do him any harm, but I was getting worried. Then I remembered he had reacted the same way when he lost Bud.
So we are still in mourning but things are looking up. Finally, last night, a week later, my lonesome doggie ate a little food out of his bowl. Suzie arrived from Detroit for her 2 week stay. That girl has the knack of turning up just at the right time.
On the work front, I spent the past 8 hours training a girl who will be my assistant, and best of all my Japanese DIL tested positive today!! I should tell you that my granddaughter is pregnant too, so the great grandchild and grandchild (or grandchildren...she has had 2 intrauterine inseminations and has been on hormones for the last six months!) will make their appearances about the same time.
My, oh my – what a difference a day makes! I’ve found my SMILE again.
Of course I am sharing it with y’all!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
IT''S A SAD DAY IN THE BUSH...
My Smooch was not one of the 40% who made it, although even the vets had to admit that the medications they were stuffing into him in an attempt to heal did as much damage as the disease itself. My poor boy had very low tolerance for drugs. We helped him as long and as best we could, but it was not good enough, and last night I held him in my arms as he made his way to Rainbow Bridge. This morning even the sky was weeping as I laid him to rest beside Bud.
Grump and I are in mourning; so terribly missing that eternal puppy who has shared our lives for the past two and a half years. Together we cuddle on the couch, as we did when we lost Bud, supporting each other in our loss, knowing that the sun will shine again, but not today.
Then again, today is my youngest Rug rat’s birthday. He is all of four years old. I’ll call him tonight and I know our conversation will, in spite of my pain, make me SMILE.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Grump and I are in mourning; so terribly missing that eternal puppy who has shared our lives for the past two and a half years. Together we cuddle on the couch, as we did when we lost Bud, supporting each other in our loss, knowing that the sun will shine again, but not today.
Then again, today is my youngest Rug rat’s birthday. He is all of four years old. I’ll call him tonight and I know our conversation will, in spite of my pain, make me SMILE.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Saturday, May 17, 2014
NIGHT OWL RAMBLING
It’s 2:00 AM. I have country music playing (been thinking of Bird all day), the doggies are sleeping; Grump on his couch and Smooch at my feet in my office. I folded the last load of laundry and just finished washing the dishes while beside me Bandit haughtily ate up the treats he demanded (he is a member of the superior species we call cats, after all), before insisting that I open the door and let him out for his nocturnal romp. I’m sure every little chipmunk or squirrel scurry for cover when they hear that door this time of night.
Insomnia. I can handle it easily enough when I can snooze an hour or two throughout the day, but it sure plays havoc with any kind of routine when working full time. I occasionally slip out to my car at lunch and grab 20 or 30 minutes of blissful shut-eye. It beats me how easily I drift off during the day, but can’t seem to do much more than 3 to 4 hours when any normal person is sleeping. I have managed to talk the boss into letting me change my schedule to arriving early in the morning and leaving early afternoon. I’m awake at 4 AM anyway, so might as well make use of it. There are more benefits: avoiding traffic, thereby saving at least 8 hours a week in commuting, and having some quiet time to work without the chatter and phone interruption. For years and years I have had my own office. I still haven’t quite adapted to working in the shared and noisy space. This should help some, but permission was only granted when I was leaving on Friday, so the coming week will be a test drive.
The new system is causing all sorts of problems and because I am the one using it for payroll, it’s been tough. We had a meeting with the head honcho of the system company in an attempt to rectify the situation. It appears that I have a reputation for having a ‘hard head’. His programmers actually are surprised that I am still there; it seems they think that most people would have given up and walked out. I’m not sure if the administration in our office considers that good or bad, but I don’t really care. Although it was purchased before my arrival, I was hired to make it work, and I am determined that I will succeed. I will admit that I have been so frustrated at times that the computers came very close to flying out the window. I get up and take a walk outside to reinforce the walls of my Happy Bubble.
Because of such events, I was unable to keep the vet appointment for Smooch last week. It was either call and reschedule or have over 60 employees without pay deposits. Not acceptable, of course. I also missed the first period of the 7th game between the Habs and Boston. But Smooch seems to be stable still, and the Habs won to move onto the semi-finals, so I didn’t stay grumpy long. In fact, I was dancing and laughing and going on like a crazy lady!! And that group of employees did get their pays, albeit a couple of days late. All’s well that ends well.
I’m off to hunt for that Morpheus. When I catch him I’ll box his ears. Wishing you all a great, sunny Sunday and sending you huge SMILES to keep it warm!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Insomnia. I can handle it easily enough when I can snooze an hour or two throughout the day, but it sure plays havoc with any kind of routine when working full time. I occasionally slip out to my car at lunch and grab 20 or 30 minutes of blissful shut-eye. It beats me how easily I drift off during the day, but can’t seem to do much more than 3 to 4 hours when any normal person is sleeping. I have managed to talk the boss into letting me change my schedule to arriving early in the morning and leaving early afternoon. I’m awake at 4 AM anyway, so might as well make use of it. There are more benefits: avoiding traffic, thereby saving at least 8 hours a week in commuting, and having some quiet time to work without the chatter and phone interruption. For years and years I have had my own office. I still haven’t quite adapted to working in the shared and noisy space. This should help some, but permission was only granted when I was leaving on Friday, so the coming week will be a test drive.
The new system is causing all sorts of problems and because I am the one using it for payroll, it’s been tough. We had a meeting with the head honcho of the system company in an attempt to rectify the situation. It appears that I have a reputation for having a ‘hard head’. His programmers actually are surprised that I am still there; it seems they think that most people would have given up and walked out. I’m not sure if the administration in our office considers that good or bad, but I don’t really care. Although it was purchased before my arrival, I was hired to make it work, and I am determined that I will succeed. I will admit that I have been so frustrated at times that the computers came very close to flying out the window. I get up and take a walk outside to reinforce the walls of my Happy Bubble.
Because of such events, I was unable to keep the vet appointment for Smooch last week. It was either call and reschedule or have over 60 employees without pay deposits. Not acceptable, of course. I also missed the first period of the 7th game between the Habs and Boston. But Smooch seems to be stable still, and the Habs won to move onto the semi-finals, so I didn’t stay grumpy long. In fact, I was dancing and laughing and going on like a crazy lady!! And that group of employees did get their pays, albeit a couple of days late. All’s well that ends well.
I’m off to hunt for that Morpheus. When I catch him I’ll box his ears. Wishing you all a great, sunny Sunday and sending you huge SMILES to keep it warm!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
ONWARD WE GO!
The week before last I was running out of medication for Smooch, so had the vet’s technician fax the prescription to my regular pharmacy. I noticed the antibiotics were not the same as the ones he had been taking previously, but dosed him anyway starting Friday night. On Sunday morning my doggie struggled, but was unable to get to his feet. Research on the internet told me all sorts of horror stories about this new antibiotic, and I discontinued them immediately.
I contacted the vet early Monday morning. He told me to hold off on that medicine until our Wednesday appointment. By this time Smooch was again walking but not without difficulty; I had to push to help him make it into my truck. The ride did seem to energize him some, but climbing the 4 steps to the examining room sent him sprawling on his face; I was happy that the vet was able to witness it. He agreed (and didn’t seem really surprised) that this was caused by the type of antibiotics – it seems some dogs are allergic to them – in which case they can be highly dangerous, even to inflicting death.
Yeh – thanks for the heads up when prescribing them, huh? To be fair, he wasn’t aware that the technician had changed the medication, and by the look in his eye, I’m sure she’ll be warned.
The blood test was done, and while waiting for the results I received a text message from my daughter. Cloé, her BF’s beautiful, 2 year old German shepherd, had been just been euthanized. Cloé’s disease was very similar to that of Smooch, but was past help, even if she had been sick for a shorter time. (My daughter was full of apologies when she learned where I was and what I was doing when she gave me the terrible news).
But...my vet was smiling when he came back into the room. Not only was my boy’s red blood cell count up by 3.9, the white blood cell count has decreased!!!
“I don’t know what you’re doing right,” he said. “But whatever it is, don’t stop!”
“Massive quantities of liver and Brie!” I grinned back at him. “And B12. So can we start weaning him off the cortisone now?” He shook his head no.
“If it wasn’t for the cortisone, and his good reaction to it in spite of the side effects, your dog would be gone,” he answered firmly. ‘You know the two other dogs that had the same thing? They didn’t make it.”
What?? But they had been diagnosed after my Smooch..... I thought silently.
He paused, and maybe he took my shocked expression for disbelief and wanted to get his point across because he added, “They are both here in the fridge.”
Emotional turmoil. My heart was heavy for Cloé, and the other doggies and owners I don’t even know, but my Smooch was getting better, and the gratitude won out. I cheered him on and sang to him all the way home.
The fight is not over – for the past few days Smooch has suffered severe diarrhea (a left over effect from those damned antibiotics), but pumpkin and rice water and some Imodium are taking care of it. There is a distinct odor of Lysol in my house at the moment, but who cares? Actually, it’s a better smell than the alternative...
It’s a long haul, but whenever I get even a wee bit discouraged I picture strolling in our yard, surrounded by a high, solid fence, while Smooch and Grump gleefully chase their squeaky balls down the grassy hill, and I SMILE.
Sharing that SMILE with y’all!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I contacted the vet early Monday morning. He told me to hold off on that medicine until our Wednesday appointment. By this time Smooch was again walking but not without difficulty; I had to push to help him make it into my truck. The ride did seem to energize him some, but climbing the 4 steps to the examining room sent him sprawling on his face; I was happy that the vet was able to witness it. He agreed (and didn’t seem really surprised) that this was caused by the type of antibiotics – it seems some dogs are allergic to them – in which case they can be highly dangerous, even to inflicting death.
Yeh – thanks for the heads up when prescribing them, huh? To be fair, he wasn’t aware that the technician had changed the medication, and by the look in his eye, I’m sure she’ll be warned.
The blood test was done, and while waiting for the results I received a text message from my daughter. Cloé, her BF’s beautiful, 2 year old German shepherd, had been just been euthanized. Cloé’s disease was very similar to that of Smooch, but was past help, even if she had been sick for a shorter time. (My daughter was full of apologies when she learned where I was and what I was doing when she gave me the terrible news).
But...my vet was smiling when he came back into the room. Not only was my boy’s red blood cell count up by 3.9, the white blood cell count has decreased!!!
“I don’t know what you’re doing right,” he said. “But whatever it is, don’t stop!”
“Massive quantities of liver and Brie!” I grinned back at him. “And B12. So can we start weaning him off the cortisone now?” He shook his head no.
“If it wasn’t for the cortisone, and his good reaction to it in spite of the side effects, your dog would be gone,” he answered firmly. ‘You know the two other dogs that had the same thing? They didn’t make it.”
What?? But they had been diagnosed after my Smooch..... I thought silently.
He paused, and maybe he took my shocked expression for disbelief and wanted to get his point across because he added, “They are both here in the fridge.”
Emotional turmoil. My heart was heavy for Cloé, and the other doggies and owners I don’t even know, but my Smooch was getting better, and the gratitude won out. I cheered him on and sang to him all the way home.
The fight is not over – for the past few days Smooch has suffered severe diarrhea (a left over effect from those damned antibiotics), but pumpkin and rice water and some Imodium are taking care of it. There is a distinct odor of Lysol in my house at the moment, but who cares? Actually, it’s a better smell than the alternative...
It’s a long haul, but whenever I get even a wee bit discouraged I picture strolling in our yard, surrounded by a high, solid fence, while Smooch and Grump gleefully chase their squeaky balls down the grassy hill, and I SMILE.
Sharing that SMILE with y’all!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
MIND OVER MATTER
I’m wondering if I am just impatient...or is Smooch’s illness really taking too long to heal? I hate giving him such strong doses of cortisone and antibiotics for this length of time. It can’t help but play havoc with his immune system, which is already not strong. This week’s blood test showed only a one point increase; the Vet says normal is 35, and it is now at 30. Bad enough that it costing from $100 to $200 per week for the medication, the visits, the blood tests, but the poor doggie is still moping around, showing hardly any signs of energy at all. I’ve been looking at natural products to feed him, and am wondering why vets don’t suggest more of these? It could have nothing to do with the cold, hard cash.....?
Don’t mind my ranting this morning. It has been a turbulent week with problems at work, the constant running so that the doggies won’t be alone too long, making sure they get some exercise, getting back and forth to the vet (which I wouldn’t mind if I could see improvement), the normal housework, once again bills piling up, and very little sleep...Arrrgh!
On the up side – it’s to be a beautiful weekend weather-wise, Early as it is, the sun is shining, the birds are calling, there have been geese flying over for the past few days, and grass is beginning to peep through the snow here and there. My Habs have their first 2 games in their pocket, and Sam’s Wings beat the big, bad Bruins last night too. There was some dancing going on in this house, and some Yippee-ki-yay’s, LOL!
I have 3 days away from the office, but at least 5 days of work to do here at home for a couple of former clients. Something always shows up to help out, and I know that from experience, but I needed to vent the negative stuff out of my system. It’s done now – I’ll get to it and use some positive action instead of griping. A little Latin music on the radio, a shower, a short walk with the doggies before diving into mounds of paper that will help pay the bills...and you see? I’m already SMILING....
Sending them out to you, all wrapped up with best wishes for your Easter weekend!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Don’t mind my ranting this morning. It has been a turbulent week with problems at work, the constant running so that the doggies won’t be alone too long, making sure they get some exercise, getting back and forth to the vet (which I wouldn’t mind if I could see improvement), the normal housework, once again bills piling up, and very little sleep...Arrrgh!
On the up side – it’s to be a beautiful weekend weather-wise, Early as it is, the sun is shining, the birds are calling, there have been geese flying over for the past few days, and grass is beginning to peep through the snow here and there. My Habs have their first 2 games in their pocket, and Sam’s Wings beat the big, bad Bruins last night too. There was some dancing going on in this house, and some Yippee-ki-yay’s, LOL!
I have 3 days away from the office, but at least 5 days of work to do here at home for a couple of former clients. Something always shows up to help out, and I know that from experience, but I needed to vent the negative stuff out of my system. It’s done now – I’ll get to it and use some positive action instead of griping. A little Latin music on the radio, a shower, a short walk with the doggies before diving into mounds of paper that will help pay the bills...and you see? I’m already SMILING....
Sending them out to you, all wrapped up with best wishes for your Easter weekend!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
BEDTIME
One B of a thunderstorm happening here right now, and I have two very scared loving pit-bulls curled up to my feet as close as they can get, and a kitty hiding under the blankets on my bed – one can only see his big eyes peering out as the big BOO-BOOOM shakes the whole house, competing with the loud drumming of the rain on my tin roof.
It is pouring. Apparently there are flood warnings issued for different places around here, and I imagine people are scurrying down to basements regularly to check on their sub pumps. They say it is to continue all day tomorrow and into Tuesday, so my beautiful, white snow will be replaced by mud...and more mud...and then will come Spring with her colorful array of blooms and green, green grass, and my regret for the lost snow will change to delight in the arrival of a new season.
I went with Helen today to visit her house. It is just perfect for the two people who have found love in each other again; roomy enough, but compact, with a well-cared for yard just big enough to keep her busy with her flowers, but not too busy. She will finally begin to enjoy life – and is quite determined that nothing or no-one will spoil it this time. Hats off to the lady! It’s about time!
Now – because I have much to say, and can’t decide which is important enough, and am too tired after a hectic day to even start, I shall instead wish you all sweet dreams, send you a huge, sleepy SMILE...and catch you tomorrow.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
It is pouring. Apparently there are flood warnings issued for different places around here, and I imagine people are scurrying down to basements regularly to check on their sub pumps. They say it is to continue all day tomorrow and into Tuesday, so my beautiful, white snow will be replaced by mud...and more mud...and then will come Spring with her colorful array of blooms and green, green grass, and my regret for the lost snow will change to delight in the arrival of a new season.
I went with Helen today to visit her house. It is just perfect for the two people who have found love in each other again; roomy enough, but compact, with a well-cared for yard just big enough to keep her busy with her flowers, but not too busy. She will finally begin to enjoy life – and is quite determined that nothing or no-one will spoil it this time. Hats off to the lady! It’s about time!
Now – because I have much to say, and can’t decide which is important enough, and am too tired after a hectic day to even start, I shall instead wish you all sweet dreams, send you a huge, sleepy SMILE...and catch you tomorrow.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
UNACCEPTED LIVER BARTER....
Well now – I was booted off Blogit again for a week, until I could get some things caught up. Needless to say that Smooch’s healthcare is costing a bundle. He is worth every penny, of course. I can’t understand why Blogit wouldn’t take some of the chopped liver, of which there is plenty in my freezer, as payment...
Nevertheless, I’m back, and Smooch loves eating the liver, and all’s well that ends well.
My boy’s last blood results were not encouraging; the red cells should have been higher. If they are the same next Wednesday we’ll do a lung x-ray. His breathing is not so good either and that could be caused by the high doses of cortisone it seems, but the vets are talking tumor again. He has trouble negotiating the stairs, being as weak as he is, poor baby. He still loves to go outside, but needs to use the stairs then, and I’m leery about taking him out too often even if the mild exercise is good for him. I have been doing research and have started mixing Vitamin B12 in his food. I got the ok from the Vets – they say it can’t hurt – and I purchase it from the natural food store so there are no pharmaceutical chemical simulations.
My regular Vet was not available this week, and the new one asked me about using a muzzle while doing the test. I said no – no muzzle – you might get a kiss though. Ha-ha! And that’s what happened – Smoochie gave him a Wet Willie as soon as he was in reach, and the poor man spent a few minutes wiping doggie saliva out of his ear when it was done.
I had heard another client come into the waiting room during our procedure, so asked the assistant if she could keep an eye on Smooch while I paid the bill. He gets hyper now when he sees a strange canine – the constant attacks from my neighbor’s dogs have him on the defensive – it would be easier for everyone if I could take him straight back to the car without dawdling at the reception desk. She said sure, no problem, so off I went, completely forgetting to warn her that Smooch is quite adept at opening doors. I heard his howling protest when I left, so I hurried, but had no sooner arrived at the desk than here comes my boy, galloping down to me , dragging his long leash, with the assistant running behind, trying to catch up to him, LOL! The look on her face!! And her tone in which she declared “He just opened that door!!”
We did leave without further ado, and he kept his big head on my knee all the way home, just to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. He follows me from room to room in the house, and sleeps beside the bed every night now. I get ‘the look’ when I leave to go to work in the morning, and I am so proud of him especially because, unlike Grump, it’s a new thing for Smooch being alone for over 10 to 12 hours. I only found that one puddle the first day, and nothing since.
It’s time to go cook his supper now, and the sun is still shining out there, so maybe a little walk to help digestion, and then both doggies will watch their mistress either dance or swear for the Habs’ game tonight, who are playing Jimmy’s Rangers....
Leaving you with a SMILE, and now that Blogit has allowed this delinquent lady to enter their portals once again, there will be plenty more SMILES on their way...
Luv from the Bush n Quebec.
Nevertheless, I’m back, and Smooch loves eating the liver, and all’s well that ends well.
My boy’s last blood results were not encouraging; the red cells should have been higher. If they are the same next Wednesday we’ll do a lung x-ray. His breathing is not so good either and that could be caused by the high doses of cortisone it seems, but the vets are talking tumor again. He has trouble negotiating the stairs, being as weak as he is, poor baby. He still loves to go outside, but needs to use the stairs then, and I’m leery about taking him out too often even if the mild exercise is good for him. I have been doing research and have started mixing Vitamin B12 in his food. I got the ok from the Vets – they say it can’t hurt – and I purchase it from the natural food store so there are no pharmaceutical chemical simulations.
My regular Vet was not available this week, and the new one asked me about using a muzzle while doing the test. I said no – no muzzle – you might get a kiss though. Ha-ha! And that’s what happened – Smoochie gave him a Wet Willie as soon as he was in reach, and the poor man spent a few minutes wiping doggie saliva out of his ear when it was done.
I had heard another client come into the waiting room during our procedure, so asked the assistant if she could keep an eye on Smooch while I paid the bill. He gets hyper now when he sees a strange canine – the constant attacks from my neighbor’s dogs have him on the defensive – it would be easier for everyone if I could take him straight back to the car without dawdling at the reception desk. She said sure, no problem, so off I went, completely forgetting to warn her that Smooch is quite adept at opening doors. I heard his howling protest when I left, so I hurried, but had no sooner arrived at the desk than here comes my boy, galloping down to me , dragging his long leash, with the assistant running behind, trying to catch up to him, LOL! The look on her face!! And her tone in which she declared “He just opened that door!!”
We did leave without further ado, and he kept his big head on my knee all the way home, just to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. He follows me from room to room in the house, and sleeps beside the bed every night now. I get ‘the look’ when I leave to go to work in the morning, and I am so proud of him especially because, unlike Grump, it’s a new thing for Smooch being alone for over 10 to 12 hours. I only found that one puddle the first day, and nothing since.
It’s time to go cook his supper now, and the sun is still shining out there, so maybe a little walk to help digestion, and then both doggies will watch their mistress either dance or swear for the Habs’ game tonight, who are playing Jimmy’s Rangers....
Leaving you with a SMILE, and now that Blogit has allowed this delinquent lady to enter their portals once again, there will be plenty more SMILES on their way...
Luv from the Bush n Quebec.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)