Wednesday, August 27, 2008
something simple
I had to take my "before" photos for this work wellness thing, and these are the pictures I had to take, thanks to Poppy, before I got one that worked.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Info on Odin's new pills
Vetmedin
Vetmedin has been shown to increase both the quality and length of life in dogs suffering from congestive heart disease. Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart effectively reducing the work the heart does to pump blood. At the same time, Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels returning blood to the heart, reducing pressure on the heart. Vetmedin differs from other commonly used heart drugs by helping the heart to pump more efficiently.
http://www.1800petmeds.com/Vetmedin-prod10980.html
http://www.vetmedin.co.uk/vetmedin.php?view=11
Vetmedin has been shown to increase both the quality and length of life in dogs suffering from congestive heart disease. Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart effectively reducing the work the heart does to pump blood. At the same time, Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels returning blood to the heart, reducing pressure on the heart. Vetmedin differs from other commonly used heart drugs by helping the heart to pump more efficiently.
http://www.1800petmeds.com/Vetmedin-prod10980.html
http://www.vetmedin.co.uk/vetmedin.php?view=11
Monday, August 25, 2008
My garden
Here are the first two veggies out of my garden. I swear, last weekend they weren't there at all.
Odin's not doing so hot
He got some new medicine - some state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line stuff that is pricey, even with the discount Dr. W gave me. It is not supposed to really do anything for his heart, but make him feel better. He is eating better and seems a little bit friskier, but I can still feel his heart going all crazy in his ribcage after he's been frisky.
On Sunday morning, Kevin and I took him for a walk with the wagon, to see if it would work and how he would do. He seemed fine until about a block from home (it was only like a 15 minute walk, and we were going really slow for sniffing purposes), he wobbled a little and flopped down in the grass. We got him on the wagon, but he wouldn't ride on it.
So my last idea is to maybe make him a little tag that says "I have a heart problem. My mom left me here to get the car. She'll be right back." I don't know what else to do. Kevin pointed out that he probably is enjoying the scenery (or smell-ery) and I should just do the really short block and not keep him cooped up at home.
But after the walk, he pooped all over the bed while we were at the barn, then wore his diaper and pooped all in it, then today pooped all over the bed again. It's that smeary poop.
We see the vet Wednesday, for the Holter monitor and to get Stampy's lumps checked, so I'll ask her about it then. I'm nervous. I hate that all this medicine isn't making him back to himself. I just want him to be like he used to be.
He's also getting new, special, also mega-expensive dog food - some Science Diet (now, apparently, called Hill's) heart healthy, low sodium stuff. He seems to like it.
On Sunday morning, Kevin and I took him for a walk with the wagon, to see if it would work and how he would do. He seemed fine until about a block from home (it was only like a 15 minute walk, and we were going really slow for sniffing purposes), he wobbled a little and flopped down in the grass. We got him on the wagon, but he wouldn't ride on it.
So my last idea is to maybe make him a little tag that says "I have a heart problem. My mom left me here to get the car. She'll be right back." I don't know what else to do. Kevin pointed out that he probably is enjoying the scenery (or smell-ery) and I should just do the really short block and not keep him cooped up at home.
But after the walk, he pooped all over the bed while we were at the barn, then wore his diaper and pooped all in it, then today pooped all over the bed again. It's that smeary poop.
We see the vet Wednesday, for the Holter monitor and to get Stampy's lumps checked, so I'll ask her about it then. I'm nervous. I hate that all this medicine isn't making him back to himself. I just want him to be like he used to be.
He's also getting new, special, also mega-expensive dog food - some Science Diet (now, apparently, called Hill's) heart healthy, low sodium stuff. He seems to like it.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Dog breeds
Janis suggested maybe a Vizla, yellow lab ("bench"? not field breeding and there are things you can do to avoid them becoming ball crazy), or maybe a standard poodle. She's also been researching what their next dog might be.
And I forgot about greyhounds ...
And I forgot about greyhounds ...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Kappa and Pee - Don't read if you're easily grossed out
Tonight I was minding my own business in the bathroom, when Kappa walked in and jumped into the bathtub (behind the shower curtain). Then I heard something that sounded suspiciously like pee. I pulled open the shower curtain and peeked behind it, and sure enough, Kappa was crouched peeing into the drain in the bathtub.
I have noticed, on more than one occasion, a greenish tint to the water around the drain, but I thought that was sitting water corroding or something.
I can't remember the first time I noticed, but I think the whole thing is very bizarre. I have three litter boxes. Does he pee in other drains too? Do the girls pee in drains?
I'm kind of icked out.
I have noticed, on more than one occasion, a greenish tint to the water around the drain, but I thought that was sitting water corroding or something.
I can't remember the first time I noticed, but I think the whole thing is very bizarre. I have three litter boxes. Does he pee in other drains too? Do the girls pee in drains?
I'm kind of icked out.
Odie's heart
Today Stampy and I went to the vet for his swollen neck. He's on more antibiotics, but his other lymph nodes aren't swollen and he seems to feel fine, so it's not a big deal.
The vet called this afternoon because she called WSU about Odin's heart. (I mentioned, in passing, that Odin has little episodes where he looks like he has dog Parkinson's, and she said those are "afib attacks" & were pretty significant.) They are going to put Odin on yet another heart medication, this one is one that is usually the big guns for when dogs are on their death bed. She said he shouldn't be feeling so bad all the time. Also, they're going to put on a Halter (Holter?) monitor to see exactly what his heart is doing. WSU is going to mail one over, they'll have to strap him into it for 24 hours, then we'll mail it back, and 24 hours later they should know exactly what is going on with the "episodes" and whether Odin is a candidate for a pacemaker.
The vet called this afternoon because she called WSU about Odin's heart. (I mentioned, in passing, that Odin has little episodes where he looks like he has dog Parkinson's, and she said those are "afib attacks" & were pretty significant.) They are going to put Odin on yet another heart medication, this one is one that is usually the big guns for when dogs are on their death bed. She said he shouldn't be feeling so bad all the time. Also, they're going to put on a Halter (Holter?) monitor to see exactly what his heart is doing. WSU is going to mail one over, they'll have to strap him into it for 24 hours, then we'll mail it back, and 24 hours later they should know exactly what is going on with the "episodes" and whether Odin is a candidate for a pacemaker.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Stampy's swollen glands are back
It thundered and lightning around 4 am, and was spotty rain and cooler today. So no beach. We probably lost our last chance for this year.
Stampy is acting fine, but today I looked at him and his throat has those swollen knots. He's only got two days (one day?) of pills left, so I guess I need to call the vet.
Stampy is acting fine, but today I looked at him and his throat has those swollen knots. He's only got two days (one day?) of pills left, so I guess I need to call the vet.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The yard
Kevin did yard work in the backyard while he was petsitting, and it looked so good that while I was mowing the dandelions, I got inspired, and did about an hour of weeding. It made an amazing difference. Here is a photo of Stampy admiring it.
It is hot today (90?) but with a nice breeze, and I'm sorry I didn't plan the weekend better to take the boys to the beach. Tomorrow we might try to go to a park that has water but doesn't require any walking to get there.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
My understanding is that the next phase of Odie's heart is Congestive Heart Failure.
Here's what the web page I found says the symptoms are:
- bloated, pear-shaped tummy (because fluid backs up into the liver and leaks out into the abdomen)
- much less active and tire easily
- appetite usually falls off
- difficult respiration, panting and coughing while at rest
- membranes of the mouth are grayish rather than healthy pink and vessels on the surface are abnormally congested with blood
- jugular pulse in which the beating of the heart can be seen in the large jugular veins of the neck
It says CHF can develop over many months or years, but then ...
As heart function declines, the body is able to compensate for several weeks or months. However, at some point, the body's ability to compensate is no longer effective. At this point, dogs can go into severe heart failure in what appears to be a matter of hours. Rapid, heavy breathing, blue tongue (cyanosis), excessive drooling, or collapse may be the first signs that anything is wrong.
By the time the dogs develop the problems, they rarely live beyond a year or two. Many die sooner despite the use of many medications.
Here's where I got the info:
http://www.2ndchance.info/conghtfaildog.htm
A shorter list of symptoms is:
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Difficult breathing (dyspnea)
Weight loss
Fatigue
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/a-matter-of-the-heart-congestive-heart-failure/page1.aspx
This one says the same as the first one, that his body will compensate for a few months, then:
For several months, these compensatory responses help the situation. Increased fluid retention eventually becomes harmful. More and more fluid leaks out of capillaries, causing increased gagging and coughing, and reduced stamina. Fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity and body tissues. Fluid in the lungs is called pulmonary edema, fluid below the skin is called peripheral or limb edema, and fluid in the abdomen is called ascites. Congestive heart failure is a common cause of these signs.
And then it sounds like it's really quick:
Dilated cardiomyopathy develops over many months or even years. Its effects on blood flow also develops slowly. As heart function declines, the body is able to compensate for several weeks or months. At some point in time, the body’s ability to compensate is no longer effective. At that point, dogs go into severe heart failure in what appears to be a matter of hours. Rapid, heavy breathing, a blue tongue, excessive drooling, or collapse may be the first signs.
And his life expectation:
Most dogs that stabilize quickly will live for a period of a few months to many months, but the long-term prognosis is not good. It can be difficult to generate an accurate estimate for life-expectancy when a dog has heart disease because many variables impact on survival.
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/heartfailure.html
I can't bear to read anymore. There were lots of google hits for "congestive heart failure dog".
Here's what the web page I found says the symptoms are:
- bloated, pear-shaped tummy (because fluid backs up into the liver and leaks out into the abdomen)
- much less active and tire easily
- appetite usually falls off
- difficult respiration, panting and coughing while at rest
- membranes of the mouth are grayish rather than healthy pink and vessels on the surface are abnormally congested with blood
- jugular pulse in which the beating of the heart can be seen in the large jugular veins of the neck
It says CHF can develop over many months or years, but then ...
As heart function declines, the body is able to compensate for several weeks or months. However, at some point, the body's ability to compensate is no longer effective. At this point, dogs can go into severe heart failure in what appears to be a matter of hours. Rapid, heavy breathing, blue tongue (cyanosis), excessive drooling, or collapse may be the first signs that anything is wrong.
By the time the dogs develop the problems, they rarely live beyond a year or two. Many die sooner despite the use of many medications.
Here's where I got the info:
http://www.2ndchance.info/conghtfaildog.htm
A shorter list of symptoms is:
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Difficult breathing (dyspnea)
Weight loss
Fatigue
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/a-matter-of-the-heart-congestive-heart-failure/page1.aspx
This one says the same as the first one, that his body will compensate for a few months, then:
For several months, these compensatory responses help the situation. Increased fluid retention eventually becomes harmful. More and more fluid leaks out of capillaries, causing increased gagging and coughing, and reduced stamina. Fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity and body tissues. Fluid in the lungs is called pulmonary edema, fluid below the skin is called peripheral or limb edema, and fluid in the abdomen is called ascites. Congestive heart failure is a common cause of these signs.
And then it sounds like it's really quick:
Dilated cardiomyopathy develops over many months or even years. Its effects on blood flow also develops slowly. As heart function declines, the body is able to compensate for several weeks or months. At some point in time, the body’s ability to compensate is no longer effective. At that point, dogs go into severe heart failure in what appears to be a matter of hours. Rapid, heavy breathing, a blue tongue, excessive drooling, or collapse may be the first signs.
And his life expectation:
Most dogs that stabilize quickly will live for a period of a few months to many months, but the long-term prognosis is not good. It can be difficult to generate an accurate estimate for life-expectancy when a dog has heart disease because many variables impact on survival.
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/heartfailure.html
I can't bear to read anymore. There were lots of google hits for "congestive heart failure dog".
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Have I mentioned Stephen is cute? - set 3
Mom is imagining having an event in the bamboo forest.
I am doing my best to be a "good" aunt and introduce Stephen early in life (at the imprintable stage) on the nectar of the gods.
Stephen is adorable - set 2
That is Stephen's going to the zoo outfit, which he did not wear to the zoo because the pant's needed suspenders.
Pictures of Stephen - set 1
I took 93 pictures of Stephen in the <6>
These are the highlights only. You have to look at Judith's blog and flickr site for more and better pictures.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Garden update - one month
There's one little tomato. The squash and zucchini are like the plant from Little Shop of Horrors.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Dead Squirrel - Popped Out Eye
I was looking for something else, and I found in my journal a haiku about Odin. I think this is from 1999 or 2000.
Odin lithe and supple
slinking, sliding, prancing now
he moves like liquid.
What's funny though, is the next page mentions "dead squirrel popped out eye" which was the first haiku, only I have no idea how the rest of it went. It was genius.
Photos are of boys in their new Kool Kollars (ice melts on the inside to keep them cool - only downside is they only work for a few hours).
Thursday, July 17, 2008
new dog bed
When I placed my order for the third pair of poopy pants (3 seems to be just about right for me to only have to wash twice a week), a dog bed was on sale, so I got it for Odin. He loves it. He only sleeps in the bed with me for a couple hours now (in early morning, when it's coolest, so he can get under the covers) because he is sleeping on his new dog bed so much.
He was really happy to see Kevin (and Colin) last night. (He would get up for Kevin, but not for Colin, which is amazing to me that he can tell the difference.) But today he doesn't seem to be feeling very well, and I can feel his heart going all crazy.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Odie's follow-up vet visit - good news!
We went in this morning for a check up on his heart. It is good news. He is responding really well to the digitalis. The vet said his heart is more regular, though it still has times it jumps around. He is also a good weight - apparently dogs with heart conditions frequently lose a lot of weight.
He is likely to suffer a stroke (just like anyone with a heart problem) because the blood pools in his heart instead of getting pumped out, and makes a clot. But it's hard to diagnose strokes in dogs - he most likely will have trouble breathing; he might have a dilated pupil; or he might tilt his head or show some muscle stuff.
He has been making a puffing noise at night, and Dr. W said that's probably not the breathing difficulty from his heart failing, but because his heart is so enlarged that when he's laying (lieing?) down, it presses on his trachea - I think that's what she said.
He is not likely to die any day now. Dr. W had a dog showing failure who came in, got on digitalis, and lived another year, and Odin is not officially showing failure yet. She said that she's likely to see us enough and I'll be alert enough that we'll catch it failing (congestive heart failure) and treat it. She said, again though, that if I'm lucky, he'll be playing in the yard and drop dead. About 70% of dogs respond to the digitalis, and he appears to be in that group.
I will not be able to predict the day he's going to die. It'll just happen. I didn't ask her if he'd be scared, since I've already subjected Mom and Judith to that.
They work with a pet mauseloum (sp) in Tacoma, and he can be sent there to be cremated and he'll come back in a nice cedar box with his name engraved on it. I don't have to arrange it ahead of time.
If it comes to it, which she doesn't think it will, and he has to be put to sleep, I can be feeding him a bacon cheeseburger while they inject him, so he dies happy as can be. That's how Dr. W did one of her dogs.
Interestingly, when we were talking about bacon cheeseburgers, Dr. W said "You're kind of a hippie aren't you?" and I just nodded, even though I don't think of myself as a hippie at all. I guess I could be seen that way. Then, oddly, at a red light on the way home, some lady in the car next to me started talking to me and said I looked just like her best friend. I asked her if her best friend had a big dog in the back of her car too, and she said no, but she would if she could. It was kind of weird. The lady did NOT look like my best friend (Kristen).
I am very relieved about this vet visit. Also, they accidentally charged me too much last time, so the next "few" vet visits are free. Dr. W said we might as well make a standing weekly appointment (jokingly).
He is likely to suffer a stroke (just like anyone with a heart problem) because the blood pools in his heart instead of getting pumped out, and makes a clot. But it's hard to diagnose strokes in dogs - he most likely will have trouble breathing; he might have a dilated pupil; or he might tilt his head or show some muscle stuff.
He has been making a puffing noise at night, and Dr. W said that's probably not the breathing difficulty from his heart failing, but because his heart is so enlarged that when he's laying (lieing?) down, it presses on his trachea - I think that's what she said.
He is not likely to die any day now. Dr. W had a dog showing failure who came in, got on digitalis, and lived another year, and Odin is not officially showing failure yet. She said that she's likely to see us enough and I'll be alert enough that we'll catch it failing (congestive heart failure) and treat it. She said, again though, that if I'm lucky, he'll be playing in the yard and drop dead. About 70% of dogs respond to the digitalis, and he appears to be in that group.
I will not be able to predict the day he's going to die. It'll just happen. I didn't ask her if he'd be scared, since I've already subjected Mom and Judith to that.
They work with a pet mauseloum (sp) in Tacoma, and he can be sent there to be cremated and he'll come back in a nice cedar box with his name engraved on it. I don't have to arrange it ahead of time.
If it comes to it, which she doesn't think it will, and he has to be put to sleep, I can be feeding him a bacon cheeseburger while they inject him, so he dies happy as can be. That's how Dr. W did one of her dogs.
Interestingly, when we were talking about bacon cheeseburgers, Dr. W said "You're kind of a hippie aren't you?" and I just nodded, even though I don't think of myself as a hippie at all. I guess I could be seen that way. Then, oddly, at a red light on the way home, some lady in the car next to me started talking to me and said I looked just like her best friend. I asked her if her best friend had a big dog in the back of her car too, and she said no, but she would if she could. It was kind of weird. The lady did NOT look like my best friend (Kristen).
I am very relieved about this vet visit. Also, they accidentally charged me too much last time, so the next "few" vet visits are free. Dr. W said we might as well make a standing weekly appointment (jokingly).
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Odin's heart: to do and not to do
I just did more research on atrial fibrillation, and found out that:
- Odin should not binge drink
- Odin should get a pacemaker
- Odin will probably have a stroke because of this
- and there are a lot of other drugs (other than digitalis) that I can ask the vet about.
I couldn't find anything on life expectancy, though last time, the web pages I read acted like he was going to die very, very soon.
- Odin should not binge drink
- Odin should get a pacemaker
- Odin will probably have a stroke because of this
- and there are a lot of other drugs (other than digitalis) that I can ask the vet about.
I couldn't find anything on life expectancy, though last time, the web pages I read acted like he was going to die very, very soon.
Camping at Dosewallips
We camped in the worst tent site in Dosewallips State Park this weekend. However, we got to see the river, sit in the sun, and got a good night's sleep.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The digitalis seems to be working
Odin already seems like he feels better. He got up on the futon, he's been walking around a lot more, he's holding his head up more (which in Odin-speak, is being more alert), and he seems to be breathing more regularly. I watched him really carefully after his pill last night and this morning to see if I could see any signs of toxicity. It's going to be a big adjustment because I don't really want to go out to the barn and leave him alone when I already have to leave him alone most of the day while I'm at work. I don't think the horses actually miss it, though, when I'm not there 5 days a week.
Yesterday, at the vet office, I could hear the vet and her staff making a joke about his farts. They have been pretty stinky. And he finally pooped a solid poop instead of the runny diarrhea he's been pooping. His poop has been really yellowy-orange (instead of brown) and I just now realized that's actually not normal.
Also, I'll do a photo later, but his second pair of poopy pants came in the mail yesterday, and they fit him lots better than the first pair, but sadly, they look even more like diapers than the first ones (which were denim, and thus sort of like hot pants).
Yesterday, at the vet office, I could hear the vet and her staff making a joke about his farts. They have been pretty stinky. And he finally pooped a solid poop instead of the runny diarrhea he's been pooping. His poop has been really yellowy-orange (instead of brown) and I just now realized that's actually not normal.
Also, I'll do a photo later, but his second pair of poopy pants came in the mail yesterday, and they fit him lots better than the first pair, but sadly, they look even more like diapers than the first ones (which were denim, and thus sort of like hot pants).
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Honoring Odin
I think this might be a nice idea when the time, which is coming too quickly, is upon us:
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/petgarden/
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/petgarden/
Atrial Fibrillation - from web page
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common electrical disturbance or arrhythmia of the heart, marked by rapid randomized contractions of the atrial heart muscle causing a totally irregular, often rapid , ventricular rate. In this arrhythmia the normally coordinated electrical activity in the upper heart chambers, the right atrium and left atrium, is lost. The muscle of these chambers begins to wiggle like a "bag full of worms." Atrial flutter is similar to AF, but the atrial contractions are rapid but regular. Both rhythms are very abnormal and reduce heart function. AF can occur as a single problem (lone AF) or more often as a complication of heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) or chronic heart valve disease. It occurs in both dogs and cats but is much more common in dogs. Many dogs with AF are also in congestive heart failure (CHF). Giant breed dogs, such as the Saint Bernard and the Irish wolfhound are predisposed to this rhythm disturbance.
Digitalis Toxicity - going to be hard to recognize
Digitalis Toxicity Symptoms & Signs
Visual changes (unusual)
Halos or rings of light around objects
Seeing lights or bright spots
Changes in color perception
Blind spots in vision
Blurred vision
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Palpitations
Irregular pulse Additional symptoms that may be associated with digitalis toxicity include the following:
Decreased urine output
Excessive nighttime urination
Overall swelling
Decreased consciousness
Difficulty breathing when lying down
Visual changes (unusual)
Halos or rings of light around objects
Seeing lights or bright spots
Changes in color perception
Blind spots in vision
Blurred vision
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Palpitations
Irregular pulse Additional symptoms that may be associated with digitalis toxicity include the following:
Decreased urine output
Excessive nighttime urination
Overall swelling
Decreased consciousness
Difficulty breathing when lying down
Atrial Fibrillation
Odin has a new, second condition, called atrial fibrillation. We're going to treat it with digitalis. Basically, his atrium (upper heart) isn't beating properly (it's all fluttery) and so he's not getting enough oxygen, and that's why he's been especially lethargic.
In addition, the reason his butt has been leaking poo is because he's got too much medication in his blood (for the other heart condition) that his body can't properly circulate or pump out. That's why he doesn't want to eat either. So we have to cut back on the one (which is keeping his heart from detiriorating) to keep him alive with the other one.
The vet called it "good" news, but I think she just meant good because he wasn't about to keel over dead right then and it's possible to treat it.
I should have brought him in when it first happened in May though. It's probably been going on that long, and she said he probably would have died soon if I hadn't brought him in.
He got a $1 bacon cheeseburger on the way home (after his $500 vet visit).
In addition, the reason his butt has been leaking poo is because he's got too much medication in his blood (for the other heart condition) that his body can't properly circulate or pump out. That's why he doesn't want to eat either. So we have to cut back on the one (which is keeping his heart from detiriorating) to keep him alive with the other one.
The vet called it "good" news, but I think she just meant good because he wasn't about to keel over dead right then and it's possible to treat it.
I should have brought him in when it first happened in May though. It's probably been going on that long, and she said he probably would have died soon if I hadn't brought him in.
He got a $1 bacon cheeseburger on the way home (after his $500 vet visit).
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Pooty-Pants
Less than 1 1/2 hours later, the pooty-pants have been christened. I ordered two other brands to see if one fits best.
Odie says "It Depends"
Hmmm. They seem to be more for pee. The hole where his tail sticks out will also let poo leak out.
Odin's not feeling so great today either
He has pretty terrible diarrhea and just looks like he has the blahs. I'm calling the vet tomorrow. Now I'm afraid it might be worms, but only because I can't think of what else would make him vomit and have diarrhea. Plus, his butt is no longer creating Mr. Hankey's, but sort of just - leaking (sorry) - for like two or three weeks now. I got him diapers today.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The really terrible bad thing just happened a second time
We tried, for the first time since Odin's last incident, going on a walk again today. This time, it was cool and drizzly, and we did the "medium" loop.
A little more than half way home, Odin plopped down in the grass. He wasn't panting all crazy, but he was breathing hard.
We sat with him in the grass for a long time (maybe 15 minutes), then he got up, made it a couple woozy steps, and plopped down in the grass again.
We sat again for a long time, he got up, made it half way across a yard, and plopped down in the grass again. Then, oddly, he started wagging his tail and rolling around, got up, and he made it a couple of houses before he plopped down again.
This last time, he was across the street from neighbors who were doing stuff in their yard (the backyard, but at least there were humans), and he was close enough to a telephone pole that I tied him to the pole, ran home (3 blocks), got the car, and came screeching back.
I don't think the wagon is going to work, and so now I'm at a loss. Maybe he is woozy from his medicine and I need to wait and walk him in the middle of the day?
And it couldn't have been the heat, but I don't notice this happening when we're just at home, so it seems like it must be the exertion from walking.
It makes me want to cry.
A little more than half way home, Odin plopped down in the grass. He wasn't panting all crazy, but he was breathing hard.
We sat with him in the grass for a long time (maybe 15 minutes), then he got up, made it a couple woozy steps, and plopped down in the grass again.
We sat again for a long time, he got up, made it half way across a yard, and plopped down in the grass again. Then, oddly, he started wagging his tail and rolling around, got up, and he made it a couple of houses before he plopped down again.
This last time, he was across the street from neighbors who were doing stuff in their yard (the backyard, but at least there were humans), and he was close enough to a telephone pole that I tied him to the pole, ran home (3 blocks), got the car, and came screeching back.
I don't think the wagon is going to work, and so now I'm at a loss. Maybe he is woozy from his medicine and I need to wait and walk him in the middle of the day?
And it couldn't have been the heat, but I don't notice this happening when we're just at home, so it seems like it must be the exertion from walking.
It makes me want to cry.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Good underwater pictures
Some of the folks who were at Heron Island posted their pictures on this site: http://www.flickr.com/groups/775007@N20/
There are some really great underwater ones (that show what it was actually like underwater, compared to my puny, cloudy shots).
There are some really great underwater ones (that show what it was actually like underwater, compared to my puny, cloudy shots).
Parking spot project is almost done! (& Garden)
This year's garden features three kinds of tomato, yellow squash, and zucchini. The other third of the garden is the same strawberry from the first year which just keeps growing and growing. Eventually it is going to be a strawberry raised garden bed. Yum!
Today it is 94, yesterday my car said it was 96. This is our second hot weekend this year, and I am loving it.
I went and got one more load of dirt from Joe today (the third). He helped me load it up, then I unloaded it. It looks like I really could take the rest of the dirt (a fourth load), but I think I'm going to quit. Hopefully this week I will get a load of gravel and then the third parking spot will be finished.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Odin's 9th Birthday Party
Odin's best friends in the whole world showed up for his 9th birthday party, hosted by Kevin in Seattle. We ended up with really nice weather: no rain, nice temperature, and even some spots of sun. Odin made a lot of new friends just hanging out in the park, and even Stampy was well behaved on Odin's special day. Sam and Patti got Odin some really cool new toys which are now in high demand at home. Odin says thank you to everyone who came!
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