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Oh Leslie, poor Squirty's peepee. That's not fun at all. Hope she gets some relief soon, and maybe mommy has to fan her puffy area each night while you are in bed...lol...Either way, I'm always thinking of all of you, even though we have been hiding.
Take care of you and sending you and the babes all our love and tight hugs.
xo Jeanette and the Princess
Hi ya'll,
Time for an update on my Sweet Bebe!
The yeast is gone, thanks to a very simply solution - organic yogurt topping her meals (twice a day). YAY!!! She got that for quite a while and now I only give it to her like every third day.
Squirt continues to do well on the Lyso maintenance, supplements, herbs, and diet she has been for some time now tho she did have a few days last week when I got worried. She just wasn’t herself, ya know? Kinda slow, slept a lot and quite clingy when not sleeping, decrease in appetite and increase in pain level but whatever had her down is over and she is back to her usual self. Every time she has these off days, I start The Conversation with myself – “what’s wrong? How much more can she take? Is this the beginning of the end? FIX IT! FIX IT! FIX IT! You’re both ‘fixed out’, fool! NNNOOOOOO!!!!!” :o:rolleyes:
Since moving into the house, she has decided she is big enough now to sleep by herself :D so she usually sleeps in my closet (which is HUGE!) right by the floor vent…and I know she is content there because I seldom hear a sound at nite from that room. I really think her legs have reached the point where the softness of the mattress makes movement difficult and painful so she is more comfortable on a firmer surface…tho she will dig out a blanket to lay on at times.
She thoroughly loves her yard! It isn’t large at all but it is big enough for them to all have room to run, play, hunt, roll, dig, sniff, explore, and sun bathe. The 3’ fence has vertical spaces between the pickets (Brick’s head was measured to make sure he couldn’t get through) and Squirt will sit with one eye against an opening, watching the neighborhood, barking any time something moves. She doesn’t sit there very long, but she checks things out just about every time she goes out – a Queen has to be aware of her domain, ya know! :p
She has become very vocal at mealtimes. It is always rather loud around here as I prepare the various meals for them but since moving, Squirt has started giving it her ear-splitting best! At first, I thought the cortisol must be on the rise, naturally, but as I watched I realized she is just able to really get into the twice-daily Barkfests now that we have a real kitchen again and she is enjoying every minute of it! :D She will also take an Occupy the Kitchen stand which entails laying in the middle of the kitchen floor then snapping and growling whenever any of the others try to pass. This is great fun for her and the others have proven the cartoons right - dogs can walk on their tippy-toes! :p:D:p
I continue to enjoy every moment we have and continue to pray for many, many more to come.
Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt
Leslie:
Glad to see the move went well and that Squirt is well on the mend.
Shari
Leslie, thank you for the wonderful update. I always enjoy your writings.
Brought a big smile to my face reading about Squirt in the kitchen:D:D:D
There is no place like home for the pups and you!!!!!
:D Loved that update. I can just picture them all and the backyard, the kitchen and even the closet.... how wonderful for you all! So happy for you. Kim
Oh more happy news. Or semi happy anyway. And who wouldn't enjoy a good Barkfest!!? "Bark, bark, bark, bark, bark..... grrrrr, Bark!" Ok nap time.... Keep them coming Squirt!
What a wonderful, happy update! I love it! :D:D:D
Julie & Hannah
Awwww Leslie,
So happy you all seem settled in and are making wonderful memories in your new home. "Home sweet home, "there's no place like home".
Love to all and tight hugs.
So Jeanette & Princess
How is squirt's hearing? My parents' 15 y/o cocker has become much more vocal...in weird ways...since his hearing has declined. In fact, I don't think he hears himself at all :( When Ella and I visit my parents, Ella hangs out in the pantry (it's a walk in) where the treats are! We look up from what ever we are doing like "where's Ella?" as soon as we check the pantry, there she is! Too smart for her own good!
Leslie, you certainly do have the adventures at your house. So glad Squirts yeast infection is gone. Sort of just cringe at the mere thought of it, poor thing!
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly
Hi Steph,
Her hearing is going - something I've been noticing for a while now....but she's still selective about it. :p She doesn't always react when I call her name....but open the treat bag and she immediately reacts to the crinkle of the bag from anywhere in the house. :p
It seems to be worse when she is tired and she sleeps very soundly these days so she rarely reacts when she's sleeping. So I know it's slipping away from her. I've started using some hand signs with her so she will know them when it's totally gone. Tash is deaf and she has learned several signals so far but Squirt often just looks at me like, "Why are you doing that stupid thing with your hand??"....or comes to check for treats hidden in it! :D
Awe...poor ol' Squirt! I guess I am lucky in some ways that Ella was trained from a young age to be in the show ring! (Though being neglected as a kennel dog didn't help her health...) She knows tons of hand signals and is a dream on the leash (lead). We do a flat hand down in front of her nose and say "stay" and she will freeze in place...comes in handy!
Well, I had the most heart-pounding Fourth I can remember in a long time. I aged another 20 years, lost 7 lbs in sweat and tears, and can barely move this morning for the aching that covers this old bod.
Around 7pm, I let Squirt out to potty. Thirty minutes later, when she hadn't asked to come back in, I went to tell her it was time to go to bed...and couldn't find her. The back gate has apparently warped as the wood dries and it hadn't latched the last time I went out of it. It was standing open to the field behind the house. Our house sits next to a wooded strip that runs for quite a ways, edged on two sides by very busy highways.
For 2 1/2 hours, I ran the park, calling, knocking on doors. Nothing. I drove the park. Nothing. I drove the surrounding streets and neighborhoods, knocking on doors, asking if anyone had seen her, telling everyone where we lived. Nothing. Several people in the park joined in walking and driving, looking for her; several of us searched the woods. I walked the park again then got in the truck and drove the streets calling her one more time before full dark fell. Nothing. Knowing the odds of me seeing her again were rapidly diminishing as night came, I came back home, devastated.
When I left, I had left all the gates open and the solid front door open so she could see in and know someone was home if she came back. I stood in the street talking with some of the neighbors who had been helping me look then turned to go in. I noticed the front gate was latched as was the one on the porch but thought I must have closed them in habit when I ran for the last drive to search. Just to make sure, I checked the back gate - it was pushed to, tho not latched. Odd, but I was too upset to think much more about the gates. I went up the ramp to the front door and the solid door was closed. When I opened the doors, there was Squirt laying on the living room floor.
I fell to my knees and grabbed her up, bawling my eyes out, never so relieved in my life to see a soul alive. I carried her around the park to everyone I was aware of who had helped look for her but no one admitted finding her and putting her in the house. Whoever it was, saved this old broad. I am no where near close to facing life without Squirt, no where near. I just kept thinking, "Not again. Don't take another child and leave me never knowing what happened, with no answers. That would be asking too much."
The call was made early this morning to the guys who built the fence and none of the babies have been out of my sight. I got up I know 15 times during the night just to make sure she was really here, then to touch Brick and Tash to assure myself we were all safe at home.
Altho we are under a burn ban which means no fireworks for the Holiday, I can assure you there were firecrackers, bottle rockets, Black Cats, and Roman Candles firing one after the other in my old head and heart last nite...and they were NOT enjoyable in the least.
I am happy beyond words to sign this as....
Hugs,
Leslie AND Squirt
Leslie-
I cannot even imagine how terrifying that was! What a horrific experience!
I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so beyond happy that you found her! What a wonderful feeling that must have been. I got teary eyed imagining what it looked like for you to see her there.
I'm so glad someone found her and brought her back to you. Good for you for thinking to knock on so many doors and tell everyone where you live.
Thank God she is okay. I hope you can rest today and just spend time cuddling your pups.
Julie & Hannah
Can't even imagine that gut wrenching feeling. I am so happy Squirt is home. An angel earned his or her wings last night.
Ask your fence guy if he can install return springs on the gates. I put them on my gates, actually it's a city ordinance here because of the swimming pool. I purchased mine at Home Depot.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
This moment deserves a group hug all around. My heart was pounding real hard reading your post. Whoosh!
Group hugs, now, go...
xo Jeanette and my sweet girl Princess
Omg! How totally heart stopping! I'm so glad your little squirt is home safe and sound.
HUGS!
Oh Leslie,
It was terrifying reading your post, and I cried when I read that Squirt was home safe and sound. Many hugs all round,
Jane, Franklin and Angel Bailey xxx
I have had my sweet hearts go missing several times. And just like you you reach a point where you just say... That's it, it's over, I'll never see them again. I certainly have never had one returned in such a manner though. If you had video cameras, we could see the angel who returned her to you. I wonder. For you to loose Squirt in such a way is just plain unthinkable. To put you thru that was crewel beyond words. I'm not a happy camper.
I have a gate alarm. I'm terrified my dogs might get out. My Neeka is forever scaring me. I look all thru the house, calling her... No Neeka! I dash to the back door ... No Neeka! I turn and yell to my husband and there stands Neeka looking at me. I have no idea where she's hiding at but she's been doing it a lot!
Wow! glad Squirt was ok... maybe she was in the house all along? if her hearing is diminished, it's possible. I've been thru the lost dog saga a few times and it's not fun. I'm kind of paranoid now when I let the 2 little ones out; I'm always checking to make sure the gates are closed (meter reader has left gate open before). At least she is home safe and sound!
Jeff & the Girls
Wow Leslie I haven't checked in in awhile and I just read about ole Squirt's holiday adventure. Silly girl worrying momma like that. Glad everybody is o.k. and I'm sending you all a belated hug! :)
Tammy, Crash, Darby, & Riley (Crash's new little brother)
Hi ya'll,
We had another little thunderstorm yesterday evening and Squirt was a nervous wreck! She didn't start the 3pm alarm to remind me to feed her at 5 but instead wanted in the bed - completely out of character for her. She refused her dinner and all offered treats so I couldn't get the melatonin in her, which would have helped a little bit. I wrapped her up again, this time in a blanket, but it didn't help last nite. I may not have had it wrapped right...who knows. She was panting very hard and shaking all over. Her ears stayed pricked sharp and she had to be touching me at all times or she started whimpering. :( This is NOT my independent baby girl. The storm was over by 7, the sun out and the steam bath begun - but she didn't settle down until after midnight and refused all food until this morning. I went ahead and gave her the Lyso on schedule with her breakfast and she is doing fine so far. Her appetite was back as usual this morning.
I've been wanting to have her liver values looked in more depth and her panting is worrisome, so I went ahead and made an appt with Dr. Nafe, the IMS. She goes in Thurs. morning. Since the panting is the only cush sign she is displaying, I'm not sure an ACTH is merited at this point but it has been a while since her levels were checked so I will defer to Dr N on this. An ultrasound may be called for and I have been debating this possibility for some time. I don't think I will put her through any more surgeries yet I keep remembering what Scott, one of our admins, told me years ago - "It's always better to know than not". So, while surgery may not be a viable option, there may be things I can do to help if there is a problem with one, or more, of her organs. (The thought that half her spleen was left keeps eating at me - could that half have developed another tumor? :eek::( ) Plus, if there is a serious issue, knowing about it and learning what to expect can help me make the right decisions so that she doesn't suffer. Man, that was hard to type. :(
I've been worried about Squirt for some time but kept quiet. I'm prone to worry, ya know. :o I keep telling myself she's 14 1/2, it's been so so hot here, the stress of another move, change in routines, new environment, she misses Moe...these things take a toll. So, I'm gonna go spend more money and either find the problem or find that, once again, PANIC RULES! :D:rolleyes:
So, ya'll pray this is another boob incident! ;)
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Oh Leslie,
I will not panic with you. I sure hope it is just the stress of moving, heat, etc. Sas knows a Tellington Touch massage for thunderstorms. What about the thundershirt?
poor Squirt. A guy over on the diabetes forum has earphones that help his dog through loud storms. let me know if you want me to find the link. hugs, Judi
Oh Leslie, I'm praying for another boop incident. Like the others I'm thinking it's just panic. But not unwarranted. keep us posted...
Awww, Im sorry poor Squirt seems off my sweet Leslie,
Seems thunderstorms are at the top of the list of annoyances for our precious pups. Cousin Princess paces back and forth and during last week's storm, she wanted to go into the bathtub:confused: Huh? After the storm was over she settled down.
I do pray and hope this is nothing but the jitters for little old Squirt, so mommy can try to relax.
Thinking of you and the gang always with soo much love.
Tight hugs to all.
xo Jeanette and my girl
Oh poor little Squirt. I certainly do sympathize with the storm stuff, as you know. However, it could be a multitude of things all together, just piling up on her. Either way, you know that no way will you feel better until you Know for sure what is going on.
Hugs and belly rub to the Squirt and gang!
Sharlene and molly muffin
Leslie when your twitcher starts twitching, well it's time to find out what's going on. Poor ole Squirt we know you don't mean to worry your momma like that and that thunderstorm stuff can be scary. Hugs for both of you and keep us posted! Paws crossed! :)
Tammy, Crash, Darby, and Riley
Hi Leslie,
I hope there's nothing too serious wrong with Squirt, and that it is just another boob incident, too. I am a total worrier, so whenever anything is slightly off, I jump to the worst case scenario. So I think a "boob incident" is exactly what you should be hoping for. I hope your appointment goes well. I'll be checking in for updates. You and Squirt are in my thoughts...
Julie & Hannah
Thanks, Julie! I carried your wishes with me this morning! ;)
Squirt is at the vet's now. It is about an hour away and they wanted to keep her for a few hours to do the UTK panel, superchem, and anything else those might merit. Dr. Nafe was interested in the lightening strike last summer and her resulting nervousness, asking if there had been anything else I noticed since then. There really hasn't.
He also explained ALP enzymes to me in a very clear manner. He and Dr. Mark Peterson are friends and Dr Nafe told me about a conversation they had concerning cush pups and ALP. Dr Peterson took 250 cush pups and watched their ALP for 2 years. He concluded that some cush pups simply have high ALP but it didn't mean anything. Dr Nafe told me that the ALP enzyme is made from living cells while the other liver values are produced by dying cells. In cush pups, these living cells sometimes get "turned on" and can't turn off so they are constantly making ALP...but as long as the other liver enzymes are normal, that is not a cause for real concern. When the other liver enzymes - ALT, AST, or GGT - are also elevated, then we are looking at dying cells in the organ which means damage or disease that could be irreparable. Glynda has explained this, too, but it was really nice that he took the time to reassure me.
That's what I know so far! I'll go back and get her in a bit and should have some more info then.
Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt
We're home and Squirt is a mess! She has reacted to this stim like never before. She is very anxious, nervous acting, and glued to my side. Poor girl. :( It IS cloudy, tho....wonder if she feels something coming?
Dr Nafe was in surgery when I picked her up but I got a copy of his notes from today and should have the Chem20 results tomorrow. The UTK will take longer, of course. He didn't notice anything out of the norm on the physical exam. :D When the chem results are in, we will know if anything else needs to be done from there. I really hope this is another case of me being a worry-wart but it had been 7 months since her last UTK panel and it needed to be done in light of her increased panting. I am quite anxious to know those chem results, tho. ;)
Thanks and hugs,
Leslie and Squirt
That sounds like a very good doctor. I love it when things are explained so that I can understand it. I'm not a ditz, but sometimes when the technical terminology and the anxiety hit head on, it's a bit over whelming. That sounds like a really perfect explanation and one I never realized.
I hope Squirt is going to be okay tonight. Not too upset.
Hugs,
Sharlene
Hi Leslie,
I sure hope you are twitching for no reason and all of Squirt's tests are fine. They get nervous even when the barometer starts dropping so that and being at the vets all day may be alot for little girl.
Holding your hand.
I hope she is calming down now. Poor Squirt and poor you. hang in there
I'm anxious to hear those test results too! Yeah and the twitching and all that! ;-) Hugs!
I hope Squirt settled down and you both got some rest.
OHHHHH YOUUUUUUUUUHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Oh Leslie,
How are you and Squirt?
HA! Thanks, Addy! :D
Squirt is doing fine now. She settled down later that night and was able to sleep - but once again wanted in the bed, which is just fine with me. :):cool: Her appetite is back to normal, meaning the 3 pm alarm goes off as usual and she is leading the meal time Barkfests again. :p
I called the vet yesterday to find out about the liver values, which have been eating me alive, and they are ALL NORMAL! :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool: I didn't ask about anything else, but the tech told me the doc said the labs were "good". We are now waiting on the UTK panel to get in and see if the Cushing's is the cause for the increased panting, and might be playing a role in her increasing anxiety. When that comes in, they will mail copies of the Chem20 and the UTK to me so I can share the numbers with you then. If her levels are off, I will be surprised, tho I do wonder about the effectiveness of the HMR lignans over the long-term. The flax lignans did bring her estradiol back into normal range. She has been on the HMR for about a year now. The last UTK she had done was while on the HMR and the estradiol was normal then as well. I am curious to see if it has continued to maintain the estradiol as well as the flax did. ;)
My grandsons are here for a day or so, and Squirt loves them both to pieces! When Tristan, the oldest, was an infant we could set him on the floor in his little seat and Squirt would circle around him, marking her territory, then lay down in that circle. She was very alert and attentive concerning Tris and no one and nothing entered that circle of hers without her permission. Tris was HER baby period and she guarded him with all her being. When Quentin came along, she wanted him on the floor with her as well. If we lay down on the bed with him, she would start barking and pacing, whining, until we put her on the bed with us. THEN she would start nosing him into a ball, making a nest around him with the covers. But she remained nervous until we put Que on the floor where she felt he was safer. :D If we had them in the swings, she would sit under the seat part and watch every move, back and forth, until the thing stopped. These boys are her boys and she is as glad to have them here as I am!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Hi Leslie,
So good to hear that Squirt's liver values were all normal. What a relief.
What a cute story about Squirt and your grandsons when they were babies. I love the part about her making a nest around one of them with the covers. I can just picture it all! :D
I hope you are all having a good visit.
Hugs,
Tina and Jasper