Showing posts with label Dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dogs. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
The Latest
The doctor called me back on Friday and informed me that my MCL is torn. He wasn't comfortable saying if I need surgery or not, so I'm now waiting to meet an orthopedic surgeon to find out the next step. I'll know more come May.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Another Fun Filled Friday
We're putting in a new underground fence for the two pooches.
I hope you all have a very blessed Easter! I'll be shoveling my face full of food at the brother's palace. Rumor has it there might be a new girl involved?!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
DJ Locked the Dog Up...
Which resulted in him escaping. And eating my razor. The dog, not DJ.
No shave December anyone??
No shave December anyone??
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Marley in the Making
Have you ever read the book, or even seen the movie, Marley and Me? It's a true story based on the author's dog. He's kind of a hellion.
I think he's back. This time his name is MC.
He's managed to break two kennel bottoms. He's ate a couple remotes-- good thing we didn't watch that TV much anyway! He's ripped up a few blankets. And working on a mattress. He's a complete bully to other dogs; he often gets in trouble for dragging his older brother around by the neck/collar. He opens the door, but doesn't close it (this may have come from watching DJ do the same thing). I haven't been able to find my flip flop for a long, long time. He barks at children. He doesn't like people. I think his favorite activity is trying to knock me over. He thinks the basement is the perfect place to do his doo-doo-dees.
And then he transforms into the biggest cuddle bug. With a face that can melt even the coldest of hearts.
Aww we love the big ol lug.
At the end of the movie they have to put Marley down and bury him. I'm already dreading that day! Until then, I guess I'll just keep cleaning up his messes.
I think he's back. This time his name is MC.
He's managed to break two kennel bottoms. He's ate a couple remotes-- good thing we didn't watch that TV much anyway! He's ripped up a few blankets. And working on a mattress. He's a complete bully to other dogs; he often gets in trouble for dragging his older brother around by the neck/collar. He opens the door, but doesn't close it (this may have come from watching DJ do the same thing). I haven't been able to find my flip flop for a long, long time. He barks at children. He doesn't like people. I think his favorite activity is trying to knock me over. He thinks the basement is the perfect place to do his doo-doo-dees.
And then he transforms into the biggest cuddle bug. With a face that can melt even the coldest of hearts.
Aww we love the big ol lug.
At the end of the movie they have to put Marley down and bury him. I'm already dreading that day! Until then, I guess I'll just keep cleaning up his messes.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
2013
2013 is over. I'm pretty sure if the weather was nicer, I would still think it was September. Where did the year go!? Crazy.
It was most definitely a year to remember! Both good and bad, but here are the main things I remember from each month.
January: A good new years day makes for a rough second.
February: Our yearly trip to the beef expo.
March: Pony Express auction to celebrate St. Patty's day.
April: My green thumb flared up and I started planning my garden and flowers.
May: I heard our house whistle for the first time when the storm blew through.
June: UC went to be with JDB, CJ, and BO.
July: A girls trip to WI for a weekend concert to relax after the barn burnt down and the pony went to OS's.
August: State fair, plus I entered my first pie contest (and won!).
September: MC joined the family once we got back from our last minute-plans changed-book it SD vacation
October: My little Radish was born!
November: We learned Pa has cancer.
December: DJ gave me a ring
I hope you also had a year to remember and this new year brings great things for you all. Stay tuned to see what kind of trouble we can get into in 2014!
It was most definitely a year to remember! Both good and bad, but here are the main things I remember from each month.
January: A good new years day makes for a rough second.
February: Our yearly trip to the beef expo.
March: Pony Express auction to celebrate St. Patty's day.
April: My green thumb flared up and I started planning my garden and flowers.
May: I heard our house whistle for the first time when the storm blew through.
June: UC went to be with JDB, CJ, and BO.
July: A girls trip to WI for a weekend concert to relax after the barn burnt down and the pony went to OS's.
August: State fair, plus I entered my first pie contest (and won!).
September: MC joined the family once we got back from our last minute-plans changed-book it SD vacation
October: My little Radish was born!
November: We learned Pa has cancer.
December: DJ gave me a ring
I hope you also had a year to remember and this new year brings great things for you all. Stay tuned to see what kind of trouble we can get into in 2014!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
On a Roll
Day 2. (Warning: this went from a one paragraph post to the 2nd longest post ever...with pictures)
So far I haven't missed a day. I'm impressed with myself.
I'm thankful for my four legged chillins, both living and passed. They have all taught me more than the 18 years of schooling I went through. They've taught me real life lessons that you can't get from books. They're always there when you've had a bad day and want nothing more than for you to be happy. They've taught me patience, kindness, love, how to nurture, how to react in an emergency, how to compete, how to always try to better myself. They've taught me to live each day to the fullest and how precious life really is. They have taught me not to hold grudges, that most things won't matter in five years, or really, quite often, five minutes.
Just this morning, I was heading out to pick DJ up and help move them to a new field and I loaded the dogs up and MC ralphed. Not just once, but three times. In my vehicle. (all in different spots, all of which had cracks/crevices for it to run down into...) Instead of getting mad because now I was going to get in "trouble" with the boss man for being late cuz I had to stop and clean it up, I was more worried about the little guy's upset tum tum. (Note: He is back to being his wild and crazy self, so I think he's over it. And I didn't get in trouble for DJ having to wait on us!)
I had multiple pets growing up. The family dog, CJ. He taught me to get along with everyone. That dog would have done anything for anyone. He had his route around town that he would go on everyday, stopping by to say hi to multiple people. He would go to work with Pa everyday and sometimes go watch the high school football or track teams practice. Everyone knew Ol' CJ.
A random cat showed up and I named her MW. She ended up having kittens. We were able to give them away, but I kept LT. He was so fat and fluffy. I'm not even a cat person, but you couldn't help but love him. And then one day Pa found him stuck between two railroad ties (that's what they told me anyway...). MW left shortly after that. They taught me to have an open mind. Or that I'm a sucker for anything with four legs and in need...
MS had LR. We thought he was a she until one day Ma spotted something between his back legs... I wasn't fond of that old cat, but when I would get in trouble, he was there to comfort me. He taught me not to hold grudges. Even though I didn't give him much attention he was there when I needed someone.
I picked out Pony when I was 10. He was supposed to turn gray. ha. He's as brown as brown can be. The one color I didn't want, but I love him. He's taught me soooo much. I was the first one on him, and the only one for quite awhile as I was only ten and probably weighed nothing. From then on, if I wasn't playing ball, I was probably out at the farm with him. Some days we would work on backing, side passing, pivoting. Other days we would just go ride around the field. I showed him, used him to give trail rides to kids at camp, took him to petting zoos. He's far from perfect, but I wouldn't sell him. He knows my mood. If I'm in a good mood, he might be a handful. If I'm in a bad mood, he'll do anything I ask. He knows who is on him and he knows when he needs to set an example for the youngin's now. He's 15 now and makes me feel old. Some days he still acts like he's a three year old, but that reassures me he still feels good! He has taught me more than I could ever explain. Horses will do that to a person! He taught me to trust. We have to trust one another. He's had to get us back home before when we're lost on the trails (or off of them...) and if I ask him to do something new and scary, he has to trust me that it's gonna be okay! Here we are last year at the competition I wrote about.
MS gave me JDB my first year at ISU. It was "a trial run," which to MS means, she's all yours now. BM found out he is allergic to dogs so they had to get rid of her. She taught me to have fun in everything. She was hilarious. She would entertain herself (and anyone watching) for hours. She was crazy!! She loved to run, so I decided to leave her home with ma and pa so she could run instead of being cooped up in my apartment. Pa called one day to tell me that a friend was jogging and found her at the end of the driveway. I don't know what happened to her, but I can tell you that she lived everyday to the fullest. For being a dog, she never slept! She was always going!! That following Christmas, we were opening presents and a cast iron skillet was thrown and landed on my toe. I was laughing so hard and then I started crying. No one knew why I was crying until I was like I miss JDB. And then half the room started crying too, because even though SH tormented her, he loved her. She was a pistol, just like he is.
So far I haven't missed a day. I'm impressed with myself.
I'm thankful for my four legged chillins, both living and passed. They have all taught me more than the 18 years of schooling I went through. They've taught me real life lessons that you can't get from books. They're always there when you've had a bad day and want nothing more than for you to be happy. They've taught me patience, kindness, love, how to nurture, how to react in an emergency, how to compete, how to always try to better myself. They've taught me to live each day to the fullest and how precious life really is. They have taught me not to hold grudges, that most things won't matter in five years, or really, quite often, five minutes.
Just this morning, I was heading out to pick DJ up and help move them to a new field and I loaded the dogs up and MC ralphed. Not just once, but three times. In my vehicle. (all in different spots, all of which had cracks/crevices for it to run down into...) Instead of getting mad because now I was going to get in "trouble" with the boss man for being late cuz I had to stop and clean it up, I was more worried about the little guy's upset tum tum. (Note: He is back to being his wild and crazy self, so I think he's over it. And I didn't get in trouble for DJ having to wait on us!)
I had multiple pets growing up. The family dog, CJ. He taught me to get along with everyone. That dog would have done anything for anyone. He had his route around town that he would go on everyday, stopping by to say hi to multiple people. He would go to work with Pa everyday and sometimes go watch the high school football or track teams practice. Everyone knew Ol' CJ.
A random cat showed up and I named her MW. She ended up having kittens. We were able to give them away, but I kept LT. He was so fat and fluffy. I'm not even a cat person, but you couldn't help but love him. And then one day Pa found him stuck between two railroad ties (that's what they told me anyway...). MW left shortly after that. They taught me to have an open mind. Or that I'm a sucker for anything with four legs and in need...
MS had LR. We thought he was a she until one day Ma spotted something between his back legs... I wasn't fond of that old cat, but when I would get in trouble, he was there to comfort me. He taught me not to hold grudges. Even though I didn't give him much attention he was there when I needed someone.
I picked out Pony when I was 10. He was supposed to turn gray. ha. He's as brown as brown can be. The one color I didn't want, but I love him. He's taught me soooo much. I was the first one on him, and the only one for quite awhile as I was only ten and probably weighed nothing. From then on, if I wasn't playing ball, I was probably out at the farm with him. Some days we would work on backing, side passing, pivoting. Other days we would just go ride around the field. I showed him, used him to give trail rides to kids at camp, took him to petting zoos. He's far from perfect, but I wouldn't sell him. He knows my mood. If I'm in a good mood, he might be a handful. If I'm in a bad mood, he'll do anything I ask. He knows who is on him and he knows when he needs to set an example for the youngin's now. He's 15 now and makes me feel old. Some days he still acts like he's a three year old, but that reassures me he still feels good! He has taught me more than I could ever explain. Horses will do that to a person! He taught me to trust. We have to trust one another. He's had to get us back home before when we're lost on the trails (or off of them...) and if I ask him to do something new and scary, he has to trust me that it's gonna be okay! Here we are last year at the competition I wrote about.
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| Scary spiders don't faze him. |
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| What you lookin' at!? |
The sisters and I went and picked up JW a couple hours away. I found him online. They had found him on the streets. They said he was a puggle that was a little over a year old. We got to him and I wasn't sure what I had gotten into. He wasn't a puggle and he looked about 12 and ready to keel over, but I loaded him up. He moved into my apartment ("illegally) with MP and me and all he did was lay there. I would occasionally be able to get him to play, but not often. And then one day the city tested their tornado sirens. He went nuts. He was howling at them and I was dying laughing. We moved into DJ's place and he discovered that he loves to run. He's like the Forrest Gump of dogs and for only having stubby little legs, he can move!! He has taught me a lot. He taught me to never stop smiling. He always has his grill out smiling at the world. He helped get me through when UC passed. We helped each other heal.
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| G-Ma calls it a snaggle tooth, I just like to smile |
UC. You've already read about all we went through. I miss that dog alllll the time! I'm still not used to him being gone. JW isn't either. That dog taught me to never leave a man behind!! Seriously, JW got locked in the shed and UC sat there and waited. MD pulled up and wondered why UC was there and not JW. Then he opened the door and figured it out! When JW got caught in the trap, UC waited with him for me to get there. That's how I found him, I spotted UC's head sticking up out of the grass.
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| Eating is hard work |
Which brings us to MC. Oh MC. I think he is teaching me how to care for a kid. It's like all those years of babysitting wrapped up in this little guy that I can't take back to his parents cuz I loooove him! He's my first puppy and he is perfect. We love him, but the 14 wake up calls a night are getting a little old!! He goes goes goes and gets along with everyone. He's learning so much and never gives up.
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| This is a lot of work but don't worry, I got this!! |
So there you have it. Another long post about the animals in my life!! Have a great weekend!!
Monday, October 28, 2013
He's Here!
As promised, here is the newest member of the family! Sorry for the terrible quality pictures, they're all from my phone since that is what I usually have with me!! And NOW...
Introducing, MC.
(and the crowd goes wild...)
DJ and I went down to see the puppies. She had had two litters within three days of each other and I believe she had a total of 15 puppies. They were 4 months old when we first visited. .
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| MC at 4 months |
We drove down to see him and his sisters the week before we left on vacation. As soon as she opened the pen, legs and tails went everywhere! MC was the first puppy to come over to me, so I was thrilled to know that it was the only male left! After we asked lots of questions and played with the puppies, we asked the breeder if she would be willing to keep him until we got back and then we could pick him up. She was more than happy to do that for us.
JW wasn't real sure what to think of him. He blew MC off when we brought him home. I think he is figuring out that this is his new partner in crime and it won't be too long until JW leads him astray!! It seems that MC picks up on only the naughty things JW does! (Mainly annoying things for a dog his size, but things I want to prevent becoming habitual for a dog that will be bigger than me.)
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| JW decided to let MC on his bed with him. |
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| One of his last baby teeth. |
He is really learning things quickly. He can entertain himself for quite awhile outside with his toys and the sticks that he can find. He also loves to pull weeds (and occasionally some flowers) for me.  |
| Helping mom plant some bulbs. |
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| Ehh, I guess we can keep him... |
He's also figuring out that five letter word that every dog should know:
Treat!!
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| Mmm, a treat! |
He isn't nearly as picky as JW about those, but he does eat them pretty slowly and off away from everyone else like JW.
While he does remind us a lot of UC, he definitely has his own personality! Luckily he doesn't mind water and it will be fun to see if he will go swimming when it warms back up. I'm also excited for the first snow and to watch him play in it. UC loved the snow and would roll in it and cover his face in it. Hopefully MC does too and isn't quite as wimpy as JW when it comes to the cold weather!!
Stay tuned for more UC and JW updates... I'm sure they're plotting their first adventure!!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Bullet = Bitten
We did it!! We got a puppy!! No worries, there will be a real post about him (complete with pictures) real soon! I must warn you, he is so stinkin' adorable!! :)
Monday, September 9, 2013
Addition to the Family
We have started our search for another dog. Actually, we've been searching for awhile.
BUT, we're going to look at one this week. I'm super excited/nervous/excited/happy/sad/excited/stoked/etc...
A PUPPY!? We've never had a puppy before!! What are we thinking?! This might be the death of us!!
I'll keep you posted.
Expect pictures!
BUT, we're going to look at one this week. I'm super excited/nervous/excited/happy/sad/excited/stoked/etc...
A PUPPY!? We've never had a puppy before!! What are we thinking?! This might be the death of us!!
I'll keep you posted.
Expect pictures!
Monday, July 1, 2013
And the Beat Goes On...
It started out to be another normal morning. Get up, get ready, go to work. Get a text from DJ that the barn is on fire...
Yep. Just another day!
Ponies are safe and sound and that's all that mattered to me! Things can be replaced.
UC was watchin over the ponies just like he did when he was here! :)
Yep. Just another day!
Ponies are safe and sound and that's all that mattered to me! Things can be replaced.
UC was watchin over the ponies just like he did when he was here! :)
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
A Love Story
Note: this post will continue to be updated as more memories come up. I don't want to forget anything!!
Just a forewarning, this may be the longest post in blog history!
DJ and I woke up Saturday and I got up and made breakfast. That should have been our first clue it wasn't going to be a normal day. We ate and he headed to the shop and I headed into work since I had weekend duty. I get home just in time for OS to call saying she has some plants for me to pick up. So we plan to meet in 20 minutes or so. We meet and exchange our stuff for each other then I head back home, when I'm sidetracked by the garage sales. I stop at a couple and then head to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for supper since MS was coming up to spend the night. DJ called and said he was going to go fill the car up and then maybe take a nap. Alright, I'll be home soon. I leave the store and head home. Only to again be sidetracked by a garage sale. I head home after that and about two miles away, DJ calls.
And this is where it gets a little blurry. He tells me UC has been hit. I said "What, how bad?" I needed details. He said he was pulling in and UC came out to greet him and didn't see the car coming from the other direction and they hit him and he doesn't know what to do. I remember him mentioning killing him and I said I'm almost there hang on. I put the hammer down and upon arrival the car that hit him is in the road and DJ's over UC. I turn around and with the help of the driver, we load him up and head to the "ER." [I would like to take this moment to say thank you to the driver for stopping instead of keeping on driving. And also for helping us load him up.]
I call the ER to tell them we are on our way and what happened. I was in the back holding UC's head and talking to him. He kept moving one of his back leg so that it was up against mine and would put pressure on it. It was almost as if having it like that gave him some relief. That worried me. He was breathing normal for the most part, but then it would turn into labored breathing for a bit and then go back to normal. That worried me. I kept talking to him and petting him. I made him keep his eyes open. I told him to be strong and that we were almost there. I called Pa but Ma answered and I told her what happened. I don't remember what UC did, but I hung up on her to give him my attention.
We finally get there and they bring a carrier out for him. DJ and the vet or vet tech, I don't really know what he was, carried him in. I filled out the paperwork. We sat in the waiting room and waited. The vet finally came out and told us that his vitals were all normal and ECG looked good but he was shocky so they were giving him fluids and then they would go from there.
After the fluids, she came back out and said he was really tender in the front shoulder/neck area but couldn't feel that leg. She said she wanted to do x-rays to see what was going on. She said it could be something in his neck and/or front leg.
They did x-rays. Lots of x-rays. And they took forever. She finally came and got us and we went back and looked at them. Nothing was broken or out of place. Yay, right?! Normally one would think. It was actually what I was praying I wouldn't hear. I started crying. She said she couldn't say for sure, but was guessing it was a brachial plexus avulsion, which basically means the nerve "ball" in his armpit was ripped out of place. This was why he couldn't feel his leg. There isn't much to do for this. Very rarely does it fix itself. Pretty much our only option would be to amputate. She said she could send it to radiology to determine if that was what it was or if they thought something else was going on. She said she would hear back within four hours. I was crying too much to talk and so DJ asked if we could talk about it so the vet left the room. I settled down and we agreed to send it to the radiologist and go from there. Then OS got there and I lost it again. (Get used to that in this story...) The vet came back in and we told her we wanted to send it off and then we would decide what to do.
We headed home. We talked about our options. DJ didn't think he would be happy with three legs and didn't think we would be able to care for him like that. I wasn't sure. I could understand that. He came from a home where he was in the kennel most of the time and I saw how much he loved to run when he first came. And how much he still did. I understood where DJ was coming from, but I couldn't let myself not give him a chance. I don't think I ever agreed to anything. I think I said we would just wait and see what the radiologist said.
MS got there about then and DJ went to shower. I was looking up stuff online about brachial plexus avulsions and three legged mastiffs. I was ready to put up a fight for UC. DJ came upstairs and I said I was going to shower. And then the phone rang. I gave it to DJ, knowing I couldn't talk.
The radiologist confirmed what the vet thought. It was a brachial plexus avulsion. I heard that and I knew DJ and I were going to have a discussion/arguement. But she kept talking and I couldn't really hear what she said. He said we would talk about it and call back. He tells me its the BPA, but there is also some fluid in the abdomen. I again started crying. I wasn't ready for that. I just said I was going to shower and walked away. I knew what had to be done.
I came back in after showering and we talked (okay, I cried...) about our options and I finally said the words. And I cried more. JW came over and sat on my lap and I cried with him.
I told DJ I wasn't ready. I told him I wanted to wait until he would be home to be with me. I wanted UC to be able to come back home one more time. To sleep in his bed one more time. To know he was going to stay there. DJ tried getting someone else to take his trip, but with the late notice, he had to go. He said he didn't want UC suffering anymore and it had to be tonight. I agreed, but told him I wanted to make something first so we could get his pawprint. He stuck MS on that duty and we went out to look for a spot for the grave.
We decided on where we would put him. I told him we would have to have it where we could put JW there when it was his time (which I later said better be a long, long time from now and he better go in his sleep!). We marked the spot with a rock and then we just held each other. It was terrible. We knew we were doing the right thing, but it sucked. We didn't want to do it, but we were his parents and we had to for his sake. We went in and got his blanket. The one he always slept on by my side of the bed.
We went back to the clinic and told them our plans. We wanted to see him first though before we told the vet. They were doing another procedure so we had to wait to see him. I kept hearing a whimper and I wondered if it was UC. He would do that when he wanted a door opened at home. After what seemed like forever and a ton of tears, we were told we could go back and see him. They took us to him. He was right by the door by where we were sitting. It was him I heard. We got down and we pet him and we talked to him. He stopped crying when I started talking to him. I took that as he could hear me. I kept telling him I was sorry. I hated seeing him like that. So did DJ. We couldn't put him through it any longer and we agreed it was time. We went and told them and I said I wanted to be with him when they did it. DJ said he couldn't be there/watch. I totally understood that, it's not like I wanted to. I just couldn't let him think we didn't care or that he was alone. I wanted him to know we loved him and that we cared for him so much. We did the paperwork and they told us they had to wait for the vet. He started crying again so I went and talked to him through the door. DJ and I just sat and cried.
And then the nicest lady came over (or maybe this was before we went back to see him. I'm not sure. Blurry.) She handed me a hand full of tissues and said she got them for me and told me that she was praying for us. Then she gave me a hug. And pet my head. And was just there. I don't know why but she had this calming affect to her. And then she reminded us that God doesn't let us down. And those words helped so much. They still do. I think about her often. I wish I could tell her thank you for her kind gestures. A total stranger.
When it was time, they came and got me. I went back with them and she asked if I was ready. I said no. I sat with UC and cried and I told him I was sorry again and I told him the plans. I told him he was going to come back home and he would have to watch over the farm and JW and the barn when we put it up. I told him he was going to go meet OB, WD, CJ, and JDB and that they were going to dance until DJ and I got there to dance with them. I told him that he was a good dog and I loved him and DJ loved him. I told him I didn't want him to be in pain anymore. I hugged him and I kissed him.
I told the vet it was time and she explained the procedure.
I talked to him the whole time. Telling him I loved him. That he wouldn't be in pain anymore. And then he was gone. And then I hated myself. I had just given her permission to kill my dog. My baby. I sat there and cried. I couldn't believe it. That has to be the hardest part of all this. I told her. I said do it. Then I watched her do it. The image of the syringe and the fluid going into him still runs through my mind. It haunts me. Damnit. I wish it wouldn't have turned out that way. I wish I didn't have to make that decision. She apologized for not having a coffin big enough for him and I told her it was okay, we had his blanket.
I went back up front and when I saw DJ and told him he was gone I cried more. It took me a bit to mumble the words that we had to drive to the back to get him. We went back and they loaded him in. We brought him home. I told him this was his last ride. I hated thinking that. Man. He loved going for rides!
We got him home and BC had dug the hole. It wasn't where we had picked, but it worked. I brought JW out to see UC one more time and to say bye. I wanted him to understand. I didn't want him wondering where UC was. I don't know if JW saw the accident happen or not. DJ and I then carried him down.
I couldn't watch DJ cover him. I drove away.
MS decided to get us some pizza. DJ and I just talked. It all happened so fast. We made the right decision. He wasn't in pain anymore. He's watching down on us.
I cried myself to sleep that night. Poor DJ. I don't know if he got any sleep or not. His alarm went off and he went to shower. I just laid there and cried. Every time DJ left before I got out of bed, UC would wait for the garage door to close and thenjump crawl into bed with me. I knew he wasn't going to that morning. And I cried. JW came up like he always did when DJ got out of the bed and we both just laid there. I think I cried for a solid three hours that morning. I finally made myself get up and out of bed just so I would stop thinking of that.
I have had some good and bad moments. I couldn't talk about it/him for awhile. I would just start crying. I could text or type, but as soon as I started talking the tears would flow. I think I cried every time DJ and I talked that day. Just hearing his voice would set me off. Ma and Pa took me out for lunch the next day and when we pulled in BC's dog barked. And I ran inside and cried. It should have been UC looking out the window barking at us to let him out. After a few days I was able to talk about it. I was mowing one day and the lady that was in the car that hit him stopped to check on him. I told her what had happened and she apologized. She said they had been thinking about us.
I don't know where they were going when it happened, but I know it all happened for a reason. I don't know what that reason is, but there was a reason. Maybe it was just to remind us how short and fragile life is. To remind us to live each day to its fullest. To remind us of the important things in life. Maybe by stopping to check on him and help load him, they were able to miss being in a wreck. Instead of losing one of them, we lost UC. Maybe it was something completely unrelated. Maybe he had cancer really bad and instead of us agonizing over the decision to put him down due to the problems from that God made it clear to us. Maybe it was because there is going to be another dog that needs "rescued" like he did. Growing up, I always told myself I wanted to experience as many life events with my future husband as possible before getting married so I could know for sure what I was getting into and that he was the one. Losing a loved one was on that list. Maybe that was God giving DJ his shot at that life event and instead of us losing a close family member or friend, we lost our dog. I don't know what the reason(s) was, but there was one.
I'm sitting here writing this. I don't know why. I guess I was hoping it would help me cope. Here I am, sitting at work on lunch break, and I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I can't even count the number of times/people that have told me that I have a heart of stone. It's true. I don't think I've ever denied it. I would watch movies with friends or read the same books they would and I would never cry. I could get hurt and wouldn't cry. I got dumped and no one knew until they asked why he wasn't coming around anymore. But when it comes to my babies, I cry. And I am not ashamed. I have cried so many tears for UC and there will be many more that will fall. He was going to be one of my ring bears. He was my running partner. One time he was limping so I left him home and the next day I wasn't going to take him either but he made his mind up that he was going. I opened the door up just enough for me to get through and then he pushed me out so he was able to get out and he was not going back inside! He was my baby. One of my best friends. I talked to him like he was a person. He knew everything. He saw me naked. Heck, we took showers together (hey, you try giving something that big a bath in the regular sized bathtub!) He slept with me. He comforted me. He loved me. And I loved him. I still do. I always will. He has a place in my heart forever. I was told to get a tuft of hair so I could clone him. He was already burried when they told me that, but I said no anyway. There will never be another UC. It could have the same DNA as him, but it wouldn't be UC. Nothing/no one will ever replace him.
I have to thank all of my friends and family members (and that one stranger) who are helping me get through this. All the texts, phone calls, visits, words of comfort, prayers said, hugs, food fed, drinks, scratch tickets. I am blessed. I have to thank the family that gave him to us. I mentioned to him once that I had always wanted a mastiff and then he helped make my dream come true. He called and asked DJ if we wanted UC and DJ called me and I said yes I'll be home soon he can bring him! It was love at first site. I'm glad they wanted more for him and I'm glad we could provide it. I hope they don't regret their decision on letting him go to us.
I have to thank UC. You made a statement wherever you went. You helped introduce us to a couple who have turned out to be some of our best friends. GG sure misses you coming over for treats! Not every dog could leave with such an impact. Thank you for the memories. And thank you to everyone who reminds me of something crazy he did or something about him they remember. Having tea parties with the neighbor girl and the rest of the Knollie Dog Gang. Waking Pa up by "licking" him (I still say it was just his wet nose). His tail. It was so powerful and it was always wagging, which for multiple guys, caught them off guard!! Him stealing a pound of bacon. Twice. Swallowing a porkchop bone whole. Barking at random objects (saddles, antlers, machinery, a pair of pants, the list could go on and on...). Just his personality in general. Him running. Him running through peoples' legs, or trying to. Me being able to give him a bath outside without having to restrain him. Him waiting by JW when JW got caught in the trap. He saved JW's life. Oh man, him and JW. They were tight. Best pals. Mutt and Jeff.
Last but definitely not least, I can't thank DJ enough. That poor guy! He has definitely passed the test. I think I could count on one hand how many times he has seen me cry prior to this. For him to handle me with such care means so much. He can say the right thing or not say anything at all and just hold me. For him to care as much about the dogs as I do means the world to me. They really are our babies. I don't know if he'll ever read this, but I love you, DJ. Thanks for putting up with me and the crazy animal lover that I am :)
UC came into our home/lives as a surprise. And he was taken from us the same way. Until we meet again my baby... Good Dog, Carl
DJ and I woke up Saturday and I got up and made breakfast. That should have been our first clue it wasn't going to be a normal day. We ate and he headed to the shop and I headed into work since I had weekend duty. I get home just in time for OS to call saying she has some plants for me to pick up. So we plan to meet in 20 minutes or so. We meet and exchange our stuff for each other then I head back home, when I'm sidetracked by the garage sales. I stop at a couple and then head to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for supper since MS was coming up to spend the night. DJ called and said he was going to go fill the car up and then maybe take a nap. Alright, I'll be home soon. I leave the store and head home. Only to again be sidetracked by a garage sale. I head home after that and about two miles away, DJ calls.
And this is where it gets a little blurry. He tells me UC has been hit. I said "What, how bad?" I needed details. He said he was pulling in and UC came out to greet him and didn't see the car coming from the other direction and they hit him and he doesn't know what to do. I remember him mentioning killing him and I said I'm almost there hang on. I put the hammer down and upon arrival the car that hit him is in the road and DJ's over UC. I turn around and with the help of the driver, we load him up and head to the "ER." [I would like to take this moment to say thank you to the driver for stopping instead of keeping on driving. And also for helping us load him up.]
I call the ER to tell them we are on our way and what happened. I was in the back holding UC's head and talking to him. He kept moving one of his back leg so that it was up against mine and would put pressure on it. It was almost as if having it like that gave him some relief. That worried me. He was breathing normal for the most part, but then it would turn into labored breathing for a bit and then go back to normal. That worried me. I kept talking to him and petting him. I made him keep his eyes open. I told him to be strong and that we were almost there. I called Pa but Ma answered and I told her what happened. I don't remember what UC did, but I hung up on her to give him my attention.
We finally get there and they bring a carrier out for him. DJ and the vet or vet tech, I don't really know what he was, carried him in. I filled out the paperwork. We sat in the waiting room and waited. The vet finally came out and told us that his vitals were all normal and ECG looked good but he was shocky so they were giving him fluids and then they would go from there.
After the fluids, she came back out and said he was really tender in the front shoulder/neck area but couldn't feel that leg. She said she wanted to do x-rays to see what was going on. She said it could be something in his neck and/or front leg.
They did x-rays. Lots of x-rays. And they took forever. She finally came and got us and we went back and looked at them. Nothing was broken or out of place. Yay, right?! Normally one would think. It was actually what I was praying I wouldn't hear. I started crying. She said she couldn't say for sure, but was guessing it was a brachial plexus avulsion, which basically means the nerve "ball" in his armpit was ripped out of place. This was why he couldn't feel his leg. There isn't much to do for this. Very rarely does it fix itself. Pretty much our only option would be to amputate. She said she could send it to radiology to determine if that was what it was or if they thought something else was going on. She said she would hear back within four hours. I was crying too much to talk and so DJ asked if we could talk about it so the vet left the room. I settled down and we agreed to send it to the radiologist and go from there. Then OS got there and I lost it again. (Get used to that in this story...) The vet came back in and we told her we wanted to send it off and then we would decide what to do.
We headed home. We talked about our options. DJ didn't think he would be happy with three legs and didn't think we would be able to care for him like that. I wasn't sure. I could understand that. He came from a home where he was in the kennel most of the time and I saw how much he loved to run when he first came. And how much he still did. I understood where DJ was coming from, but I couldn't let myself not give him a chance. I don't think I ever agreed to anything. I think I said we would just wait and see what the radiologist said.
MS got there about then and DJ went to shower. I was looking up stuff online about brachial plexus avulsions and three legged mastiffs. I was ready to put up a fight for UC. DJ came upstairs and I said I was going to shower. And then the phone rang. I gave it to DJ, knowing I couldn't talk.
The radiologist confirmed what the vet thought. It was a brachial plexus avulsion. I heard that and I knew DJ and I were going to have a discussion/arguement. But she kept talking and I couldn't really hear what she said. He said we would talk about it and call back. He tells me its the BPA, but there is also some fluid in the abdomen. I again started crying. I wasn't ready for that. I just said I was going to shower and walked away. I knew what had to be done.
I came back in after showering and we talked (okay, I cried...) about our options and I finally said the words. And I cried more. JW came over and sat on my lap and I cried with him.
I told DJ I wasn't ready. I told him I wanted to wait until he would be home to be with me. I wanted UC to be able to come back home one more time. To sleep in his bed one more time. To know he was going to stay there. DJ tried getting someone else to take his trip, but with the late notice, he had to go. He said he didn't want UC suffering anymore and it had to be tonight. I agreed, but told him I wanted to make something first so we could get his pawprint. He stuck MS on that duty and we went out to look for a spot for the grave.
We decided on where we would put him. I told him we would have to have it where we could put JW there when it was his time (which I later said better be a long, long time from now and he better go in his sleep!). We marked the spot with a rock and then we just held each other. It was terrible. We knew we were doing the right thing, but it sucked. We didn't want to do it, but we were his parents and we had to for his sake. We went in and got his blanket. The one he always slept on by my side of the bed.
We went back to the clinic and told them our plans. We wanted to see him first though before we told the vet. They were doing another procedure so we had to wait to see him. I kept hearing a whimper and I wondered if it was UC. He would do that when he wanted a door opened at home. After what seemed like forever and a ton of tears, we were told we could go back and see him. They took us to him. He was right by the door by where we were sitting. It was him I heard. We got down and we pet him and we talked to him. He stopped crying when I started talking to him. I took that as he could hear me. I kept telling him I was sorry. I hated seeing him like that. So did DJ. We couldn't put him through it any longer and we agreed it was time. We went and told them and I said I wanted to be with him when they did it. DJ said he couldn't be there/watch. I totally understood that, it's not like I wanted to. I just couldn't let him think we didn't care or that he was alone. I wanted him to know we loved him and that we cared for him so much. We did the paperwork and they told us they had to wait for the vet. He started crying again so I went and talked to him through the door. DJ and I just sat and cried.
And then the nicest lady came over (or maybe this was before we went back to see him. I'm not sure. Blurry.) She handed me a hand full of tissues and said she got them for me and told me that she was praying for us. Then she gave me a hug. And pet my head. And was just there. I don't know why but she had this calming affect to her. And then she reminded us that God doesn't let us down. And those words helped so much. They still do. I think about her often. I wish I could tell her thank you for her kind gestures. A total stranger.
When it was time, they came and got me. I went back with them and she asked if I was ready. I said no. I sat with UC and cried and I told him I was sorry again and I told him the plans. I told him he was going to come back home and he would have to watch over the farm and JW and the barn when we put it up. I told him he was going to go meet OB, WD, CJ, and JDB and that they were going to dance until DJ and I got there to dance with them. I told him that he was a good dog and I loved him and DJ loved him. I told him I didn't want him to be in pain anymore. I hugged him and I kissed him.
I told the vet it was time and she explained the procedure.
I talked to him the whole time. Telling him I loved him. That he wouldn't be in pain anymore. And then he was gone. And then I hated myself. I had just given her permission to kill my dog. My baby. I sat there and cried. I couldn't believe it. That has to be the hardest part of all this. I told her. I said do it. Then I watched her do it. The image of the syringe and the fluid going into him still runs through my mind. It haunts me. Damnit. I wish it wouldn't have turned out that way. I wish I didn't have to make that decision. She apologized for not having a coffin big enough for him and I told her it was okay, we had his blanket.
I went back up front and when I saw DJ and told him he was gone I cried more. It took me a bit to mumble the words that we had to drive to the back to get him. We went back and they loaded him in. We brought him home. I told him this was his last ride. I hated thinking that. Man. He loved going for rides!
We got him home and BC had dug the hole. It wasn't where we had picked, but it worked. I brought JW out to see UC one more time and to say bye. I wanted him to understand. I didn't want him wondering where UC was. I don't know if JW saw the accident happen or not. DJ and I then carried him down.
I couldn't watch DJ cover him. I drove away.
MS decided to get us some pizza. DJ and I just talked. It all happened so fast. We made the right decision. He wasn't in pain anymore. He's watching down on us.
I cried myself to sleep that night. Poor DJ. I don't know if he got any sleep or not. His alarm went off and he went to shower. I just laid there and cried. Every time DJ left before I got out of bed, UC would wait for the garage door to close and then
I have had some good and bad moments. I couldn't talk about it/him for awhile. I would just start crying. I could text or type, but as soon as I started talking the tears would flow. I think I cried every time DJ and I talked that day. Just hearing his voice would set me off. Ma and Pa took me out for lunch the next day and when we pulled in BC's dog barked. And I ran inside and cried. It should have been UC looking out the window barking at us to let him out. After a few days I was able to talk about it. I was mowing one day and the lady that was in the car that hit him stopped to check on him. I told her what had happened and she apologized. She said they had been thinking about us.
I don't know where they were going when it happened, but I know it all happened for a reason. I don't know what that reason is, but there was a reason. Maybe it was just to remind us how short and fragile life is. To remind us to live each day to its fullest. To remind us of the important things in life. Maybe by stopping to check on him and help load him, they were able to miss being in a wreck. Instead of losing one of them, we lost UC. Maybe it was something completely unrelated. Maybe he had cancer really bad and instead of us agonizing over the decision to put him down due to the problems from that God made it clear to us. Maybe it was because there is going to be another dog that needs "rescued" like he did. Growing up, I always told myself I wanted to experience as many life events with my future husband as possible before getting married so I could know for sure what I was getting into and that he was the one. Losing a loved one was on that list. Maybe that was God giving DJ his shot at that life event and instead of us losing a close family member or friend, we lost our dog. I don't know what the reason(s) was, but there was one.
I'm sitting here writing this. I don't know why. I guess I was hoping it would help me cope. Here I am, sitting at work on lunch break, and I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I can't even count the number of times/people that have told me that I have a heart of stone. It's true. I don't think I've ever denied it. I would watch movies with friends or read the same books they would and I would never cry. I could get hurt and wouldn't cry. I got dumped and no one knew until they asked why he wasn't coming around anymore. But when it comes to my babies, I cry. And I am not ashamed. I have cried so many tears for UC and there will be many more that will fall. He was going to be one of my ring bears. He was my running partner. One time he was limping so I left him home and the next day I wasn't going to take him either but he made his mind up that he was going. I opened the door up just enough for me to get through and then he pushed me out so he was able to get out and he was not going back inside! He was my baby. One of my best friends. I talked to him like he was a person. He knew everything. He saw me naked. Heck, we took showers together (hey, you try giving something that big a bath in the regular sized bathtub!) He slept with me. He comforted me. He loved me. And I loved him. I still do. I always will. He has a place in my heart forever. I was told to get a tuft of hair so I could clone him. He was already burried when they told me that, but I said no anyway. There will never be another UC. It could have the same DNA as him, but it wouldn't be UC. Nothing/no one will ever replace him.
I have to thank all of my friends and family members (and that one stranger) who are helping me get through this. All the texts, phone calls, visits, words of comfort, prayers said, hugs, food fed, drinks, scratch tickets. I am blessed. I have to thank the family that gave him to us. I mentioned to him once that I had always wanted a mastiff and then he helped make my dream come true. He called and asked DJ if we wanted UC and DJ called me and I said yes I'll be home soon he can bring him! It was love at first site. I'm glad they wanted more for him and I'm glad we could provide it. I hope they don't regret their decision on letting him go to us.
I have to thank UC. You made a statement wherever you went. You helped introduce us to a couple who have turned out to be some of our best friends. GG sure misses you coming over for treats! Not every dog could leave with such an impact. Thank you for the memories. And thank you to everyone who reminds me of something crazy he did or something about him they remember. Having tea parties with the neighbor girl and the rest of the Knollie Dog Gang. Waking Pa up by "licking" him (I still say it was just his wet nose). His tail. It was so powerful and it was always wagging, which for multiple guys, caught them off guard!! Him stealing a pound of bacon. Twice. Swallowing a porkchop bone whole. Barking at random objects (saddles, antlers, machinery, a pair of pants, the list could go on and on...). Just his personality in general. Him running. Him running through peoples' legs, or trying to. Me being able to give him a bath outside without having to restrain him. Him waiting by JW when JW got caught in the trap. He saved JW's life. Oh man, him and JW. They were tight. Best pals. Mutt and Jeff.
Last but definitely not least, I can't thank DJ enough. That poor guy! He has definitely passed the test. I think I could count on one hand how many times he has seen me cry prior to this. For him to handle me with such care means so much. He can say the right thing or not say anything at all and just hold me. For him to care as much about the dogs as I do means the world to me. They really are our babies. I don't know if he'll ever read this, but I love you, DJ. Thanks for putting up with me and the crazy animal lover that I am :)
UC came into our home/lives as a surprise. And he was taken from us the same way. Until we meet again my baby... Good Dog, Carl
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Fashion Statement
The other day I had given up on DJ to come home, so I decided to go do chores. I text him what I was doing once I got to the barn. He said okay, come pick me up at so and so's farm when you're done. OOOOOOOoookay, be there shortly.
I had three dogs with me, so when I get there he said oh, well let me go get UL and he can take the side by side back out to where the guys are. I said I'll ride along. And then I got out of the vehicle.
He said wow. You've really got quite the fashion statement going on. Oh yeah. I knew.
I had on my sunglasses (bright pink and orange, $1 from Target), a gray PCI hooded sweatshirt, pink Victoria's Secret PINK capris, and brown "cow-person" boots.
I really should have had him take a picture of me, so he could set it on his nightstand, looking my best. Anyway, we get back to where they're working and good 'ol UL didn't know what to think of my get up. All I could say was my pony doesn't care what I look like as long as I feed him!!
I'm already planning my outfit for the next time I have to go pick him up somewhere.
I had three dogs with me, so when I get there he said oh, well let me go get UL and he can take the side by side back out to where the guys are. I said I'll ride along. And then I got out of the vehicle.
He said wow. You've really got quite the fashion statement going on. Oh yeah. I knew.
I had on my sunglasses (bright pink and orange, $1 from Target), a gray PCI hooded sweatshirt, pink Victoria's Secret PINK capris, and brown "cow-person" boots.
I really should have had him take a picture of me, so he could set it on his nightstand, looking my best. Anyway, we get back to where they're working and good 'ol UL didn't know what to think of my get up. All I could say was my pony doesn't care what I look like as long as I feed him!!
I'm already planning my outfit for the next time I have to go pick him up somewhere.
Friday, March 29, 2013
They Call Me Forrest
On a brighter note, I ran yesterday. And I didn't almost die! (Imagine mixing up those two words!!) I call that a win!
I don't know how far I went. I think my gadget said 2.3 miles or something. I might be making that up though and it's clear in the back room so I am just going with 2.3 miles. That is including my five minute walk to warm up and cool down. If I keep up with my program at least every other day, I should be golden by the time the 5k comes around! Should be...
The weather was aaaahhhhmazing!!! Gorgeous! I had on shorts and a long sleeve shirt and definitely didn't need the long sleeves! The roads were pretty firm, just had to avoid a couple puddles/mud!
The dogs were pretty excited to get out of the yard and run. UC was ready to be home about 25 minutes in!! We stopped so they could play in what little snow we have left.
I'm a little sore today, but not like I expected at all!! I think I have reason to run tonight-- a little steam to blow off!! Or maybe the margs will capture me first...
I don't know how far I went. I think my gadget said 2.3 miles or something. I might be making that up though and it's clear in the back room so I am just going with 2.3 miles. That is including my five minute walk to warm up and cool down. If I keep up with my program at least every other day, I should be golden by the time the 5k comes around! Should be...
The weather was aaaahhhhmazing!!! Gorgeous! I had on shorts and a long sleeve shirt and definitely didn't need the long sleeves! The roads were pretty firm, just had to avoid a couple puddles/mud!
The dogs were pretty excited to get out of the yard and run. UC was ready to be home about 25 minutes in!! We stopped so they could play in what little snow we have left.
I'm a little sore today, but not like I expected at all!! I think I have reason to run tonight-- a little steam to blow off!! Or maybe the margs will capture me first...
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Februnary
I was a slacker last week. I said I was going to start running February 1. That didn't happen. Some more exciting/fun options came up and I couldn't say no! I have no will power.
BUT,
I did start yesterday. Believe me, I did NOT want to. Someone even tried to talk me out of it.
And then I got home. I was welcomed home by two crazy, highly energetic hounds. Whoofta. I decided I'd better go so they didn't drive me crazy.
We ended up going two and a half miles. Not bad for not running since November. I started at week three of the C25K program and didn't feel too bad. Today is another story...
I have until May to get up to running a 5k. I've wanted to run in it with my sisters and ma for the past few years. These things called finals seemed to get in the way. But not this year! Let's hope the dogs keep motivating me, because I would be happy sitting at my sewing machine instead!!
BUT,
I did start yesterday. Believe me, I did NOT want to. Someone even tried to talk me out of it.
And then I got home. I was welcomed home by two crazy, highly energetic hounds. Whoofta. I decided I'd better go so they didn't drive me crazy.
We ended up going two and a half miles. Not bad for not running since November. I started at week three of the C25K program and didn't feel too bad. Today is another story...
I have until May to get up to running a 5k. I've wanted to run in it with my sisters and ma for the past few years. These things called finals seemed to get in the way. But not this year! Let's hope the dogs keep motivating me, because I would be happy sitting at my sewing machine instead!!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Family Tradition
For many years now, I've said that it isn't Christmas with our family until someone cries. It's been me. It's been a sister. It's been ma. It's been more than one of us! It's always a surprise as to who it will be.
A few years ago, I started it and there was a chain reaction. I mean popping bubble wrap leads to things being thrown, which leads to a cast iron skillet landing on my foot. Leading to me laughing so hard I cry and then somehow that turns into me crying over JDB, whom had passed a few months prior. Naturally, this is a chain reaction and tears start flowing all over the room.
There was no alcohol involved. Promise. Ha!
This year we were all gathered in the living room opening presents. MS was opening her last one. It was a quilt I made her. Cue: tears. I start laughing asking why she's crying. (Apparently that is what I do when I cause people to cry-- ask them why they are crying!!) She loved it. I told her it was terrible, but she didn't listen. I told her to use it for her photographs for babies. She said no, she's saving it for her first. I already told her I'd make him one once I know what I'm doing!!
And that's when I knew it was Christmas!!
I didn't take a picture of it, so I'll have to see if I can get one from her to put on here. There was more tears later, again, no alcohol involved. Ever. ;)
And so we put another Christmas story in the books!! Hope you all carried on your family traditions as well!
Monday, December 10, 2012
ER
DJ got Thanksgiving off so he had to work the following Saturday. I had to run in and do the weekend chores at work and then pretty much had a lazy day. I decided to run to town because there was an awesome deal at the fabric store. It was a pretty nice day out so the dogs were outside.
I got back from the store and they weren't there to meet me-- odd. So I decided to go see if I could find them. There are four houses in the family all within a mile of each other and sometimes they like to go visit-- go ahead and tell me how terrible this is that we let our farm dogs run around... just wait!
I pulled out of the driveway without stopping to unload the car (I had also stopped to grab some eggs, bread, milk, butter, and beer...). I headed towards the creek and I saw UC lying in the grass. Hmm... okay. As I slowed down he sat up and looked at me. I pulled over and rolled the window down yelling at him. He didn't come. That's strange. I got out and went around the car and he started walking up to me, but then turned back around so I followed him. He took me down to the creek where I found JW.
A muddy, muddy, muddy JW just lying in the mud. He was stuck in a trap, not even fighting, he just looked at me like, "help me, mom" so I jumped in the creek and tried to get him out. Between all the mud, UC trying to be right there seeing if his buddy was okay, and not being familiar with traps, I soon decided that I wasn't going to be able to get him out of it. I was able to pull the whole thing out of the creek. It was a struggle to get him and the trap and me up the bank. UC was trying to help, but was more in the way than anything, we somehow got the trap stuck to his collar-- found that out when I tried putting JW in the car!! I got them unhooked and both of them (still muddy messes) loaded into the car. I called DJ's brother but didn't get an answer. I then called his mom and asked if his dad was around and if he could help me.
I arrived at their place and his dad was able to get the trap off JW after fiddling with it a bit. I wrapped him up in a blanket and held him while applying pressure to his back foot to slow the bleeding down. I was sitting in the passenger seat and UC was in the back seat leaning through and trying to clean him up. He was so worried. DJ pulled in about then. We got UC out of the car (much to his disliking) and DJ's parents took him home. He was less than thrilled with the idea of leaving his little brother. We headed to the emergency vet hospital and got him in right away. They cleaned him up and decided to take x-rays to see what everything looked like. I was sure his back leg was broken, as it took the brunt of the beating!!
After awhile the doctor came in and said nothing was broken but the trap had gone through toe of his little toes so we had to give him pain meds, antibiotics, and anti-inflamatory pills. They had given him a shot for pain so he wasn't limping when we went home, just very tired.
UC was quite glad to see his lil brother when we got home, however JW was a little crabby and just wanted to drink/eat/sleep. So we gave him his pills with supper and put him to bed.
He was sore the next few days and wasn't himself. He laid in bed except to go outside. About a week later he was more himself so I let him outside for a bit. When I let them back in, he was limping. I took that as a sign that he wasn't quite ready to go back to his normal routine, so he stayed inside most the time, but would still run around in there. He still limps if he is on it for too long and goes up and down stairs on three legs. Also when UC steps on one of his bad feet he will yelp and favor it, but usually forgets about it after four seconds. I think he would go out and play more, but he is not a fan of the cool temps we've been having so he usually goes out to do his business and runs back to the door!
FYI: the trap was set illegally, so yes, you can say we're bad pet owners for letting them run around, but the trap shouldn't have been set there in the first place. We have also installed an underground fence now, so hopefully they will learn their boundaries quickly. (I'm sure I'm a bad parent for using a shock system-- but I've been shocked and I learned quickly!!) Now go ahead and judge me :)
I got back from the store and they weren't there to meet me-- odd. So I decided to go see if I could find them. There are four houses in the family all within a mile of each other and sometimes they like to go visit-- go ahead and tell me how terrible this is that we let our farm dogs run around... just wait!
I pulled out of the driveway without stopping to unload the car (I had also stopped to grab some eggs, bread, milk, butter, and beer...). I headed towards the creek and I saw UC lying in the grass. Hmm... okay. As I slowed down he sat up and looked at me. I pulled over and rolled the window down yelling at him. He didn't come. That's strange. I got out and went around the car and he started walking up to me, but then turned back around so I followed him. He took me down to the creek where I found JW.
A muddy, muddy, muddy JW just lying in the mud. He was stuck in a trap, not even fighting, he just looked at me like, "help me, mom" so I jumped in the creek and tried to get him out. Between all the mud, UC trying to be right there seeing if his buddy was okay, and not being familiar with traps, I soon decided that I wasn't going to be able to get him out of it. I was able to pull the whole thing out of the creek. It was a struggle to get him and the trap and me up the bank. UC was trying to help, but was more in the way than anything, we somehow got the trap stuck to his collar-- found that out when I tried putting JW in the car!! I got them unhooked and both of them (still muddy messes) loaded into the car. I called DJ's brother but didn't get an answer. I then called his mom and asked if his dad was around and if he could help me.
I arrived at their place and his dad was able to get the trap off JW after fiddling with it a bit. I wrapped him up in a blanket and held him while applying pressure to his back foot to slow the bleeding down. I was sitting in the passenger seat and UC was in the back seat leaning through and trying to clean him up. He was so worried. DJ pulled in about then. We got UC out of the car (much to his disliking) and DJ's parents took him home. He was less than thrilled with the idea of leaving his little brother. We headed to the emergency vet hospital and got him in right away. They cleaned him up and decided to take x-rays to see what everything looked like. I was sure his back leg was broken, as it took the brunt of the beating!!
After awhile the doctor came in and said nothing was broken but the trap had gone through toe of his little toes so we had to give him pain meds, antibiotics, and anti-inflamatory pills. They had given him a shot for pain so he wasn't limping when we went home, just very tired.
UC was quite glad to see his lil brother when we got home, however JW was a little crabby and just wanted to drink/eat/sleep. So we gave him his pills with supper and put him to bed.
He was sore the next few days and wasn't himself. He laid in bed except to go outside. About a week later he was more himself so I let him outside for a bit. When I let them back in, he was limping. I took that as a sign that he wasn't quite ready to go back to his normal routine, so he stayed inside most the time, but would still run around in there. He still limps if he is on it for too long and goes up and down stairs on three legs. Also when UC steps on one of his bad feet he will yelp and favor it, but usually forgets about it after four seconds. I think he would go out and play more, but he is not a fan of the cool temps we've been having so he usually goes out to do his business and runs back to the door!
FYI: the trap was set illegally, so yes, you can say we're bad pet owners for letting them run around, but the trap shouldn't have been set there in the first place. We have also installed an underground fence now, so hopefully they will learn their boundaries quickly. (I'm sure I'm a bad parent for using a shock system-- but I've been shocked and I learned quickly!!) Now go ahead and judge me :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Just Another Day
Earlier this week I was due for a run. It was warm out so I didn't take UC. I hooked up JW and cranked up the tunes. (whoops-- just remembered I was going to email myself the trip post...maybe tonight.) We headed out and did our warm up walk then started running like the wind. I wasn't even ten minutes in and I thought I was going to die!! Ugh... I thought this was supposed to get easier!? I pushed on through and got to the half way point and turned around.
Due to the awesome road conditions, I tend to run in the middle of the road. This leads to me looking over my shoulder every so often. Well JW and I were almost to the corner and I glanced back like usual. And then I face planted. Just kidding, but some day I will write that and I won't be kidding... it's coming! Ok, so I glance back. Something is coming. Okay, we'll move over. I glance again. Oh. That is not a vehicle. Those are horses. There are two horses running at us. Alright.
So I get JW turned around and we keep running. Although this was actually the easiest part of the run because I was focused on something besides my inablility to breath.... I get to them; luckily no cars decided to pass between this time. They have their halters on, so I put my iPhone and JW's leash in one hand and have a horse on my other. DJ's mom comes down the road then and brings me a lead rope. She says she'll go put her dog away (the reason the horses were on the road...) and then come back and get him. So I start walking him back, trying to keep JW away from the other one since she's scared of dogs. His mom meets me and takes him from there. JW and I turn back towards home.
UC sure is glad to see us. I let him out so they can play around the yard. I head into the kitchen to find a bag on the floor. A bag that used to contain a pizza crust. I guess he got even again...
Ahh just another day for me here!!
Due to the awesome road conditions, I tend to run in the middle of the road. This leads to me looking over my shoulder every so often. Well JW and I were almost to the corner and I glanced back like usual. And then I face planted. Just kidding, but some day I will write that and I won't be kidding... it's coming! Ok, so I glance back. Something is coming. Okay, we'll move over. I glance again. Oh. That is not a vehicle. Those are horses. There are two horses running at us. Alright.
So I get JW turned around and we keep running. Although this was actually the easiest part of the run because I was focused on something besides my inablility to breath.... I get to them; luckily no cars decided to pass between this time. They have their halters on, so I put my iPhone and JW's leash in one hand and have a horse on my other. DJ's mom comes down the road then and brings me a lead rope. She says she'll go put her dog away (the reason the horses were on the road...) and then come back and get him. So I start walking him back, trying to keep JW away from the other one since she's scared of dogs. His mom meets me and takes him from there. JW and I turn back towards home.
UC sure is glad to see us. I let him out so they can play around the yard. I head into the kitchen to find a bag on the floor. A bag that used to contain a pizza crust. I guess he got even again...
Ahh just another day for me here!!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Still Kickin'
I'm sure you're glad to hear that I haven't let the running thing get the best of me. Yet. I actually ran my first 5k this weekend! Well... it wasn't an organized event, I just ran 5k. I did it under 30 min, which is what my training program says to allow-- go ahead and tell me, I'm a rockstar. :) Oh yeah, I was running with the pack-- all three dogs joined me for the jog. I had to unleash UC and let him catch up during my cooldown. (no worries-- he got back at me the next day...)
DJ and I cleaned out both garages (okay, the main one still needs worked on...) and then went to the city to look for some sort of storage. He didn't find what he wanted and at the second store decided enough was enough so we went and got stuff to make pizza and headed home. We made pizza, watched a movie, and went to bed. We're almost too exciting!
Sunday I got up and went riding with his mom and a couple of her friends. The first place we tried was closed so we headed to another place. We had a good ride, minus losing a person for awhile. (nope-- not me this time!) The ponies sure did get workouts in and it was a gorgeous day to be outside!!
I got home and let the dogs out. I opened the door and smelled revenge. Yep-- piles of dog poo. Blech!! I don't remember how many piles, but I do know I had to go get another sack for it all. Who knew so much could come out of a dog in so little time!! The more I think about it, maybe it wasn't revenge, maybe it was the biscuits(s) DJ fed him...
So I cleaned that up and showered and ate and worked on MS's Christmas present. Yeah, I'm already thinking about Christmas!!
Depending how it turns out, I may post a picture.
Have a great week and hopefully I'll remember to send the email with the stories from my trip to blogger and get those posted!!
DJ and I cleaned out both garages (okay, the main one still needs worked on...) and then went to the city to look for some sort of storage. He didn't find what he wanted and at the second store decided enough was enough so we went and got stuff to make pizza and headed home. We made pizza, watched a movie, and went to bed. We're almost too exciting!
Sunday I got up and went riding with his mom and a couple of her friends. The first place we tried was closed so we headed to another place. We had a good ride, minus losing a person for awhile. (nope-- not me this time!) The ponies sure did get workouts in and it was a gorgeous day to be outside!!
I got home and let the dogs out. I opened the door and smelled revenge. Yep-- piles of dog poo. Blech!! I don't remember how many piles, but I do know I had to go get another sack for it all. Who knew so much could come out of a dog in so little time!! The more I think about it, maybe it wasn't revenge, maybe it was the biscuits(s) DJ fed him...
So I cleaned that up and showered and ate and worked on MS's Christmas present. Yeah, I'm already thinking about Christmas!!
Depending how it turns out, I may post a picture.
Have a great week and hopefully I'll remember to send the email with the stories from my trip to blogger and get those posted!!
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