I had fun today when my regular visitors of Mum, Elaine, Sasha and Kai joined me for a trip to the park and the beach.
I'll upload more pictures and tell you more about my day later as I have run out of time tonight.
Night all.
xxx
Today was a magical experience as I was able to visit Amber only a few minutes after the birth of her three kittens.
Granny was so proud of my superb begaviour. There will be more pictures and a story to follow.
Night all
xxx
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I actually managed to sleep through the night last night . . . whoop, whoop! I slept on the lounge settee where Granny had tucked me in cosily when she went off to bed. As soon as I heard the alarm I headed off up to Granny to request the toilet and we then settled in bed together whilst Granny drank her cup of tea.
We were up bright and early this morning as we had the telephone engineer coming to the house and Granny was also off to teach this afternoon. The telephone engineer was very friendly and amazed to hear my story. He is owned by a dog himself so that he was very careful to consider my needs as he buzzed about with his drills and cables.
It was another day when I got plenty of exercise indoors by going up and down the stairs with Granny. I counted a total of 35 stairs from the ground floor to the study at the top of the house. I did get stranded at one stage in the study when I hopped over a trailing cable with my front paws and then froze with the cable under my tummy. Fortunately, Granny spotted my predicament and helped me work out how to avoid pulling down a printer on myself.
The time for Granny’s departure was rapidly approaching and I heard the now very familiar sound of Sasha and Kai arriving with Elaine. I greeted them with enthusiasm and Elaine was impressed with my improved body shape as the Prilactone seems to be really helping.
We all said farewell to Granny and settled into an excellent session of play. I had tremendous fun bouncing around and the time passed very rapidly. It was actually Mum who arrived before Granny’s return today.
I was ravenously hungry after all the play and Mum couldn’t believe her eyes at the speed with which I emptied my bowl. I have taken all medications without incident today and have only my last dose of Antepsin to take now before bed.
I enjoyed the time when I squeezed onto the settee with Mum, Elaine, Sasha and Kai but it was all too soon before they had to depart. I saw them off nicely and have enjoyed a relaxing evening in front of the TV with Granny and Granddad.
I’ve got my paws crossed that weather, health and commitments permit an outing tomorrow as I do thoroughly enjoy my excursions and socialising. Do call back for future pupdates. See you soon.
Night all
xxx
Big oops . . . I woke Granny at 3.30am needing the toilet as a matter of some urgency. On the positive side, it gave her longer to settle before the 5.45am alarm ;o) On the negative side, it was decidedly chilly. I had been sleeping in Mum’s room and returned there until Granddad’s departure when I snuggled in with Granny.
It has been another day when I have been excellent about taking all my medications. What with the prescribed medications from my consultant vets, the prescribed homeopathic remedies from my holistic vet and the various supplements that I take, I would surely rattle if you picked me up and shook me.
I’m still on my very bland diet and having more frequent smaller meals to give my digestive system a chance to settle after the significant difficulties and dreadful pain of last week. I’m very relieved to report that the pain is definitely decreasing. We believe that I was suffering from pancreatitis.
The weather was really gloomy today so I positioned myself in the lounge to watch the world go by and to alert Granny if conditions improved. There was a break in the rain so that we got kitted up and headed off. Our destination was the Lower Leas again as it gives us the opportunity to keep safe and clean rather than slipping and sliding in the mud of some of the other locations that we frequent.
There was a spaniel for me to greet almost immediately on arrival. We engaged in the usual ritual of butt sniffing before heading off in opposite directions.
Despite the rain that had started up again, there were others out and about and my next encounter was with Ollie who suddenly appeared as Granny and I were sheltering under a tree.
We were amazed to see the water literally pouring from the branch and thought we ought to head for home but there was actually another break so we headed on.
Ten year old Buster the Bassett Hound toddled into view so I went and introduced myself. His human confided that Buster is not always very keen on going for his walk and he certainly wasn’t going to be an energetic playmate for me . . . shame.
I did manage to get in a brief period of running when Ollie reappeared and I’m delighted to say that it didn’t induce any coughing.
We spotted that Buster had come to watch so went to greet him. I was feeling very appreciative of my coat as my companions were becoming very soggy doggies.
The rain kept getting heavier and then easing but I was getting very fed up and shaking my head so vigorously that my ears were bleeding so we decided to trudge back to the car past puddles where the raindrops were creating bubbles.
Even the pigeons were looking depressed.
Back at home it was great to get dry and I enjoyed a light lunch before accompanying Granny wherever she went in the house. At one stage I was in Andy’s room and Tabitha was perfectly content to remain on his bed whilst I was within kissing distance.
Both Rhya and I decided to hug the dining room radiator whilst Granny prepared tea.
I have certainly had plenty of exercise today despite the shorter excursion as I have been up and down the stairs countless times. I’m planning to relax on the settee as soon as I’ve finished here and then hope that tonight is the night when I sleep through to the alarm.
Well folks, Granny needs to do some work on her laptop so I’ll sign off for tonight and wish you all well.
Goodnight . . . sleep well.
xxx
It was another day that began rather too early as I had to wake Granny to let me out for a pee at 5am. It’s obviously good that my body is clearing the effusions but not so good that the timing is so anti-social. I wonder if I took my Prilactone tablet at a different time of day it might make a difference to when the urge to pee becomes irresistible. Definitely worth experimenting.
I snuggled in beside Granny for a lie in until the men folk had departed for work.
My pre-breakfast corticosteroid slipped down without me biting into it and all my medications disappeared without incident at breakfast time. I am getting used to the smaller, more frequent and very bland meals and seem to be benefiting too as I haven’t had a single episode of shivering in pain so far today.
I took time out on Mum’s bed when I discovered that the sun was shining in. My regular readers will know how I do love the sun.
With the improvement in the weather, Granny got us organised and off we went for another adventure at the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Granny made an enormous error of judgement when she guessed that our first potential playmate was only a youngster when he had actually celebrated his 11th birthday yesterday. I did a brief birthday dance for him and he certainly seemed to appreciate it as he joined in.
I had a brief encounter with two very polite little charmers and was astounded to hear their owner say that they used to be really aggressive but have improved markedly since being allowed off lead much more frequently.
I got distracted though when I spotted the pack of collies that I met once before. I ran over to join in the fun and they were up to the same synchronised activity as when I met them previously. I couldn’t actually count how many there were today but I’m pretty sure it was eight. Granny didn’t actually get any photos . . . unbelievable. I trotted back to Granny without any evidence of a cough . . . hooray!
We searched high and low to see if we could find any more playmates but there weren’t many people around as the weather was deteriorating again.
I did have the chance to say hello to a spaniel but her puppy was so shy that she ran away to hide behind a bench with her tail between her legs . . . bless. I remember when I was none too sure of socialising. It’s definitely not the case now. ;o)
Unfortunately the rain had begun again so that we headed back towards the car. I chose a different path and we encountered some sizable puddles.
After the magpie yesterday, it was a pigeon that I disturbed today and Granny scarcely had time to lift the camera let alone focus it.
I detected an interesting scent as we were approaching the car and stood up to investigate.
Back at home and Granny gave me a light lunch and two of my homeopathic remedies. She’s very proud of the way I take them so obligingly. Granny is constantly setting timers and alarms to make sure that medications are taken at appropriate times and with the necessary intervals. I’m currently on ten different medications and four supplements . . . if you were to shake me I’m sure I would rattle.
This afternoon I resorted to a spell of neighbourhood watch from my favourite armchair. I was home alone for a while when Granny went shopping. By home alone I actually mean home with the three cats but no humans. Granny brought me home some fresh cod which I thoroughly enjoyed and I’ve been stretched out on the settee this evening.
Well folks . . . it’s almost time for my midnight snack and medications so I’ll close for tonight and hope to sleep right through.
Please call back for future pupdates.
Night all.
xxx
Despite my best intentions, I did not climb the stairs to bed last night preferring to sleep in the ‘nest’ I have built myself on the lounge floor. It’s made up of two duvets, two pillows, three blankets and four cuddly toys with the occasional visit from Phoenix. Mind you, it was Tabitha who kept me company for a while last night. She is really starting to accept that I’ll do her no harm and is actually happier sharing time and space with me than with Phoenix.
Granny was reluctant to leave me alone downstairs but felt that my condition was vastly better than on Friday night and gave me masses of kisses and cuddles before tucking me in snugly. I have to apologise for waking Granny at about 6am for a pee but the Prilactone is starting to be very effective. Granddad left me and Granny to have a major lie-in this morning which we both really appreciated.
It has been another day when I have been superb about taking all my medications and I have continued to enjoy my frequent, small, bland meals. I did have a fit of the shivers this morning but I’ve got my paws very tightly crossed as I’ve been feeling brighter since this afternoon.
My outing today was a return to the Lower Leas Coastal Park with Granny where we discovered that it was almost as busy as yesterday. I met a boxer with his own Facebook account and have been searching to see if I can find him but have been unsuccessful to date. His name is Beau and he is very handsome. I do apologise to Beau’s human who probably had his arm wrenched out of the socket by Beau’s exuberant play . . . big oops!
I diverted away from playing with Beau when I spotted what looked like my rug-bed with legs. . . no offence intended.
I was feeling so much better and was trotting along with a proper spring in my step and my next encounter was on the promenade. I didn’t discover his name as he turned from looking so portly and placid into a barking boom box . . . very intimidating.
We climbed the steps back up to the coastal park and inadvertently frightened a magpie into flight.
At the top of the steps I crossed paths with a friendly spaniel but his human was heading off towards the promenade so that we scarcely said hello before we parted company.
We actually walked the labyrinth today with Granny following the path properly whilst I hopped here and there. It seems superfluous to say that our prayer was for a cure for lymphangiectasia. By the way, Granny has found another mother of a human with lymphangiectasia whilst she was hunting for Beau the boxer and has befriended her. That makes three humans that we now know who are living with the condition. Will we ever find another dog coping with it?
We were amazed to see what looked like another ridgeback sitting on a bench with her human and looking out to sea in the glorious winter sunshine. We discovered that she was a rescue dog called Holly and that we are not the first people to identify her as having ridgeback blood in her veins. She was really good natured and was obviously absolutely devoted to her human. She was lovely.
I crossed paths with another potential new friend but actually only experienced the briefest encounter when I didn’t even learn a name.
My final canine encounter was with a cheeky little chappy who initially seemed very friendly but then turned snappy and snarly. What a shame.
I was very tired as we returned to the car but we had both thoroughly enjoyed our outing. I’ve spent a quiet evening with Granny and Granddad as they watched some television. I have been back to my old routine of alternating between measuring my length on the settee and sitting up in my armchair and have every intention of going up to bed tonight. It’s only my midnight supper and meds to go now so I’ll sign off by wishing you all well and hope that you’ve had a great weekend.
Night all . . . sleep well.
xxx
Saturday 17th January . . . my fame spreads
During the night that we spent on the lounge floor Granny massaged me and reassured me and cuddled up along the length of my body so that I slept quite well until 6am. I got up and had an enormous drink before going up to Granny’s bed with her. We slept right through until gone 9am and then I went through and spent time with Mum.
I was exceptionally good during my 24 hour starvation and took all of my medications although I do have to confess that Granny did disguise them in the tiniest morsel of food. She simply isn’t prepared to begin battling me to get drugs down my throat as our relationship is one of love and tenderness.
I have enjoyed my small meals of boiled chicken and rice and have licked the bowl clean on every occasion. Apart from popping through to the kitchen for food or medications or going out to the garden for the toilet, I have spent the day on my rug bed on the lounge floor. It is very obvious that I am not well as I am so subdued and have spent absolutely no time in my chair or on the settee.
When Mum departed for an optician appointment and home, Granny took me for an outing to the Lower Leas.
I couldn’t believe how tame the pigeons were and they allowed me to get very close without flying off. Perhaps they could sense my gentle nature and instinctively knew that I would not harm them.
In complete contrast to yesterday, the place was teeming with activity. My first encounter was with a bottle carrying dog but we just crossed paths and didn’t actually socialise.
It was then a beautiful and gentle giant who exchanged the briefest pleasantries with me.
A trio of little cuties were next and I’m pretty sure I’ve met them before but I don’t think I’ve ever discovered their names.
Next was another larger dog who came up from the beach to say the briefest hello. I’ve definitely seen him before but don’t yet know his name.
Eventually it was an encounter with a group of two dogs and two humans and this time the humans did stop for a chat with Granny. Shay was a quiet girl who seemed to love her toy. As ever, it was her I was interested in and not the toy.
Yako had a very different temperament and was much more boisterous. She was playing an amazing game of allowing her human to lift her by pulling on the rubber ring she had clenched in her teeth. I somehow think that I will not be playing that game myself . . . . ;o)
I then had a close encounter of the canine kind when Billy gave me a kiss on meeting me. It actually took me a bit by surprise.
There was yet another little cutie who stopped to look up at me in the sweetest manner.
I was intrigued by the stones forming the labyrinth which is apparently a ‘unicursal pathway’ which people should walk whilst meditating or praying. I certainly know what my prayer would be . . . a cure for lymphangiectasia.
We met an elderly couple who were dog lovers themselves but without a dog at this stage in their lives. They were very impressed by my impeccable behaviour and astounded by my story. They said that they had a dog which was given poor prospects when young but then went on to live until almost thirteen and encouraged us to keep optimistic.
We couldn’t believe it when we were relatively close to the car when we met a young couple who greeted us by saying ‘Is this Freya?’ Apparently they had noticed Granny’s poster of my website in the car. They were very interested to hear my story and wished me well.
I thoroughly enjoyed my outing today but was shattered by the time we got home. I did have one genuine sprint along the promenade today but I wasn’t up to sustaining it for any time. Poor Granny wasn’t too impressed with having to scoop my poop today as I did have a touch of diarrhoea and produced a really yukky mess . . . oops!
It’s been another very quiet evening on the lounge floor with a lovely roaring log fire to warm me. I do intend to climb the stairs for bed tonight though as I don’t want Granny to do herself any damage by spending another night on the floor.
I’d better brave the horrid weather and go for my final pee before bed. I suppose I should also issue a flood warning as my new medication has certainly increased the volume I’m producing.
Night all. Sleep well.
I hope I’ll be up to typing a pupdate tomorrow.
xxx
Friday 16th January . . . the day I met a ridgeback
Sorry I didn’t get my blog written on Friday night. I wasn’t feeling at all well. It actually ended up with Granny deciding to sleep on the lounge floor alongside me as I was in so much pain that I couldn’t actually stand up for long. As she can’t possibly carry me up to bed she set up a bed for herself made from the settee cushions and wrapped us both in a duvet. I also had my little yellow blanket plus a hot water bottle as my front legs were cold and my paws were icy.
On the positive side today was the day when I actually achieved it and met another ridgeback. It was brilliant as I’ve been searching for so long. On the downside was the fact that I wasn’t feeling up to playing . . . grrr!
The day began with me taking my corticosteroid tablet nicely but then turning my nose up at breakfast time. Granny let me make the decision about eating it and I decided not to. It was not long until my appointment to see Colin at the local veterinary practice so that I spent the time in the lounge. I surprised myself and Granny by being rather nervous about going in to the consultation with Colin. He popped me on the scales and my weight has increased to 43.85kg but this is fluid for sure. I then went through obediently but reluctantly to the consultation room. My anxiety, pain and effusions were very obvious. Colin gave me an injection to ease the pain and prescribed prilactone for me as the frusedale appears to have lost its efficacy just recently. As he was concerned that I may have developed pancreatitis he recommended twenty-four hours of starvation and then frequent, small, bland meals. I am to report back to him in ten days. I’ve got my paws tightly crossed that I’ll be feeling much better by the time of my return.
Once we had finished with the vet, we headed off for our outing and chose to go to the Lower Leas. We hadn’t gone very far before a trio of us dogs introduced ourselves to one another. Our humans also spent some time communicating but the little one wearing the coat soon made his frustration and jealousy known and we all headed off in different directions.
It was very quiet with scarcely anyone else around so that Granny took some pictures of the various birds we saw.
It was when we had reached the toll house that we met a real little cutie called Nutmeg. She was beautiful and our humans had a brief chat about the regulations for being on lead or off lead. Luckily there didn't seem to be a toll to pay to walk along ;o)
We then couldn’t believe our eyes when we spotted a ridgeback on the beach. We’ve been looking to find a ridgeback playmate for months. We headed off to introduce ourselves and spent some time with Gus and his human. Gus is a youngster at only nine months old and is very handsome.
He also had heaps of energy but was just a bit too boisterous for me as I was far from feeling well. I really do hope to meet him again when I’m feeling good. I would love to have a real race alongside him and to be able to bounce around together. Paws crossed.
I was exhausted by the time we got home and just flopped out on my rug bed in the lounge. I did greet Mum, Elaine, Sasha and Kai when they arrived but was very quiet and spent the evening drifting in and out of sleep and just observing everyone’s activities but not joining in. As I said previously, I couldn’t get up to bed so Granny slept with me which I really appreciated.
I certainly hoped that Saturday would prove to be a better day for me.
Apologies to my regular readers for the lack of blog yesterday . . . I was simply not up to writing an entry. The day began at 2am when poor Granny had to deal with me vomiting blood. We think it was a bone fragment irritating my stomach ulcer. Whatever it was, I was feeling absolutely awful and Granny simply left me in bed all morning. I spent a lot of time sleeping but was also rather restless with trying to get comfortable.
It was nearly midday when I eventually got up and I was out in the garden when Elaine arrived with Sasha and Kai. They had come to keep me company as Granny was due to do her first afternoon of teaching and didn’t want me home alone. I really did appreciate their company and greeted Sasha with a kiss. She was feeling a bit grizzly and did offer me a slight snarl in return but soon remembered her manners and we got on famously. Sasha was absolutely superb when Granny was giving me a small, bland meal before her departure and simply watched quietly and politely.
All three of us settled on the settee with Elaine whilst Granny was out but I did transfer to the armchair where I can sit upright and ease the pressure on my abdomen. I was bemused by Kai’s crazy posture when he decided to have a few minutes gnawing on a bone.
I was pleasantly surprised when Granny arrived home and had Mum with her and took full advantage of the situation by snatching extra cuddles before she and Elaine departed for home. I tucked in with Granny at bedtime . . . properly under the duvet with my head on the pillow and had a much better night.
Today has been unusual as Granny has been without the car as she loaned it to Mum yesterday. This meant that we actually explored an exercise area close to home instead of driving off to one of our usual haunts. There was obviously a lot of exploring to do and I sniffed around to suss out who had been there before me.
We were amazed by how waterlogged one section of the playing fields was and I actually walked into it whilst Granny chose a path to the side. We were also surprised to see other dog owners risking being fined for letting their dogs off lead on the playing fields . . . oops!
We headed into the dog exercise area where I met Baxter. I had spotted how energetic he was as we approached the area and he was certainly exuberant in his greeting and attempts to involve me in his games.
The sad reality was that I was being bothered by my cough. I did enjoy a brief proper run with him but couldn’t sustain it.
I do hope that we will meet again one day when I’m feeling better as I would love to play properly.
A little dog also joined us as Granny was chatting to Baxter’s human.
Apparently it is Baxter’s first birthday this weekend. I hope he has a great day.
I did some further exploring once Baxter had gone and was amazed at the size of a burrow. What size of rabbits live in there?
Back at home and I spent considerable time in my armchair. I was home alone for a while as Granny had a hair appointment. I’m delighted to report that I have managed to eat three small meals today and that my medications have been taken.
Well folks, it’s time for bed so I’ll wish you all well and hope to see you again for future pupdates.
Night all.
xxx
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