Buddy got his run in this morning much to Sam's dislike. We are now going through a stage where Sam who usually is wiggling out of his skin when it is time for his walk, is now acting like he's in trouble. We're working on that. Sam's not in trouble but with his heat intolerance and arthritis, he can't run. Sam Sam's never been a runner. His entire life, if he's off leash, gets excited and runs around the yard for just a few minutes, he barfs afterwards. Sammy was very happy when he got to go on his walk and now after his breakfast, I think he has forgotten about being left earlier.
Dog Running with Buddy
I want to say thank you to all of my wonderful clients who've kept me really busy the past couple of weeks. I've worked for 12 days straight and I've had over 120 doggie and kitty visits those 12 days. Today, I have the day off..... I didn't plan it, It just worked out that way. So, this morning Buddy got to run with See Spot Run. It's been awhile (over 12 days in fact) and he really enjoyed it.
6 months ago
It was six months ago this morning that I made a decision so many pet owners have to make. I let Sloan go. She had a tumor in her spleen called an hemangiosarcoma (HSA.) I had not even heard of this but it is fairly common in older, large dogs and Sloan was 12. I knew something was wrong even before her diagnosis so there was some comfort in at least knowing what was wrong. Unfortunately what was wrong had no viable treatment options.
The prognosis with this cancer is not good. The only treatment option is surgery to remove the spleen and the tumor. This tumor is a bleeder and easily spreads and we suspected that it had spread. I didn't have a hard time making the decision not to opt for surgery. I didn't want to put Sloan through that when her chances for a quality life after where not very good. (Less than 10% of dogs survive 1 year.)
6 months ago today was the worst day of my life. I still think about Sloan everyday. I'm not sure why but when I think of her, it is those last few days that I always think of first. I am ready for the day when I think of the healthy, happy Sloan first.
Our yellow lab Sam is starting to show his age too. It makes me sad to think of the day when Sam won't be here either. We've had Buddy for 5 months now and he is a perfect addition to our house. He and Sam get along well but we've started discussing whether or not we should get a 3rd dog. Sam did just fine when we lost Sloan but if something happens to Sam, I'm not sure that Buddy would do well.
If we decide to get another dog, we will rescue again and most likely from NC Lab Rescue which is where we found Buddy. I'm thinking we will get a female and I'd love to get a chocolate lab, I'd love to have all 3 colors :) but I don't think I'm ready for a female that is chocolate. We shall see....
Dog Running with Buddy and Dog Walking with Sam
We have started a new routine in our house. I'm running with Buddy first thing in the morning and then coming back to get Sam and we all go for a walk. The walk is a nice cool down for Buddy and me and Sam of course loves it. Sam is not thrilled to be left at home but he actually does okay when we leave. If you've read my earlier posts, Sam does not do well in the heat and Sam gets hot very easily so no running for Sam Sam. If we have him in the yard and he gets excited and runs around like a crazy dog (you dog owners will know this behavior), inevitably he ends up barfing. He has always been sensitive to the heat even when he was younger. Both dogs will be pooped for the rest of the day! (At least until it is time for their afternoon walk and then they will both act like they are 2, not 9 and 11!)
Dog Walking with Sam & Buddy in a downpour
It wasn't raining when we left the house. I didn't even know it was supposed to rain today. I know this is not the smartest statement to make given all the rain we've had lately. As of yesterday I was finished with all of my holiday pet sitting clients so perhaps I let my guard down on the weather. Perhaps?? I am soaked, the dogs are soaked so I would say there is no question about it. Buddy and Sam got to experience See Spot Run or more like See Spot Jog. (Sam Sam isn't much of a runner; he much prefers a slower paced walk.) Sam, true to form (again he isn't much into exercising) immediately barfed upon getting inside the house. Unfortunately, this is typical. Poor guy, he just can't take all that jostling around.