Koko - Traveling Dog Around Town

Hi Addy, had to come hunt you down and found Koko's thread!!

Hope you are feeling up to popping in for an update soon! Love reading about the latest, I hope you and Koko have been out from some al fresco dining in the Spring sunshine!! Smuggling him in when you have to, that cracks me up!

Sending a big hug, plus some more healthy vibes and hope this note finds you feeling much better!!

I haven't forgotten Zoe, no one could, that girl was bigger than life itself and has left her dainty pawprint on all our hearts! Miss you xxxxxxxx

We are all alive and trying every day, Koko has indeed been patio dining and has done quite a bit if shopping too, has had non stop visitors, the last two months have been a whirlwind with the house. The photographer is coming today, listing goes up Thursday with a hold on all showings then open house Sunday.

Hubby had vertigo last night, cam out of nowhere, very scary. Rushed mom to the clinic Saturday, she has shingles.

We are all exhausted, mentally and physically and the more we try to fix up this old house, more things go wrong.

I hope to catch up with you all, Trish how did the house hunting go?
I scanned Molly's thread and got worried, will have to go back further to see what is all going on.
Love you all and hope to have more time soon!
Moved Zoe's trunk to the rec room and hate that her stuff is downstairs, that was a hard day,
Koko has been so good but hated the carpet cleaning, refused to go back in the house, never saw him act like that though the smell was ver strong.

And I'm still coughing, ugh

Hugs and kisses

Think about you a lot. Glad you have sweet Koko. Hope you let me know your new place when you move. So many changes for both of us. Both dealing with aging mothers,etc. Hope your mother gets better.
Love always
Sonja,Apollo,Ariel

Hey Addy! :)

Just stopping by to say hi and to tell you I'm thinking of you. I hope things have settled down somewhat for you and hubby.

Love,
Sus

I'm with Susan. You have been on my mind a lot lately and I hope all is well in your world.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Add me to the list, too. I think about you often, Addy, and hope that the move is agreeing with you all and especially that your Shingles has quieted down! Is Koko truly a traveling dog around town now?? ;)

Addy, we miss you!!!

How are you and Koko doing? How do you like the new place? Are you and koko and hubby adjusting?

I hope those nasty shingles are gone! I really need to get the vaccine for that. My MIL had them too. Very painful.

Pop in sometime and play catch up.

Thank you for all the "hellos". My hand is finally not as painful and the strength is coming back, the shingles left a terrible scar and I hope it improves, people stare at it:eek:

We are getting used to the new townhouse. We did not take the one downtown, friends talked us out of it. We are in a western suburb about 15 minutes west of where we used to live. It seems rather rural to us and I have a longer commute but we like the townhouse, though we had to get rid of 90 per cent of what we owned.

Koko loves running up and down the stairs and will run up to our bedroom and play by himself. There is a beautiful orange cat next door and he and Koko love to look at each other through the window.
Koko is adjusting and he is really doing well with all the dogs we see.

He is still a bit nervous about all the commotion after living in our private quiet house but I think he is adjusting better than I thought he would. He hasn't barked at any of the dogs and is starting to wag his tail at some of them. He is such a good dog and my neighbor said she never hears him bark when we are away and he is home alone. We put the Disney station in for him when he stays home alone.

Parts started falling off my 13 year old car so Koko and I went car shopping. He thought that was quite fun and now I have a new car for the long commute. After driving the same car for 13 years, it has been an experience trying to adjust to the new car and the new commute which has so much more traffic.

We have been busy with my mom and trying to find a few pieces of furniture to fit in the townhouse. I managed to cram our dining table and China cabinet in, I gave away the buffet. We need a new sofa, ours is 20 years old but I want to have it reupholstered. The new sofas are all to deep.

Kate leaves for Spain on the 1st for the semester. We are having a special farewell dinner tonight for her. She is sooo excited and has an internship in some government office in Granada.

I had been stuck in the house for so long with Zoe I just now realized that my world had become very small and new things make me anxious. I am hoping to change that and venture out more on my own.

All in all, we are adjusting to all the new things in our life. Koko just came flying down the stairs with his plastic hot dog. It has been his pacifier since Zioe died. I put her trunk upstairs in the second bedroom. I don't allow myself to look back too much, the last day I stood in our home, looked around at the empty rooms of Knollwood and said "come on Zoe, let's go, Koko is waiting for us". My darling girl was right by my side to start our new journey. Leaving Knollwood was almost harder then facing Zoe's death.

Somehow, I survived it all and now I keep trying to only stay in the now.

I did lose 15 pounds and chopped off my long hair.


I was teasing hubby that I have a new townhouse, a new car, a new hairdo and if he isn't careful I will get a new hubby;)

Well, enough of my updates, I need to sit down and catch up on all of you and hope to have time soon.

Love you all, miss you all and realized my strength came from your support. Thank you for that.

Oh Addy, it is so so good to hear from you! Things seem to be settling down a bit for you and your new life, and I'm glad. It is really nice that Koko is adjusting so well.

I know what you mean about your world becoming so small. It is hard, very hard, for me to get out of that world (it is so familiar and comfortable) but I am trying. My heart may pound, I may sweat like mad, my hands and voice may shake....but I get out. My circle of real life friends that I am ok spending face time with has grown a teeny bit and that is a good growth rate for me. But I am still, and always, more comfortable in the cyber world. ;) With Trink's new illness I know the progression will back to that isolated state as the COPD progresses - with no complaint from me. :)

BTW, I found your 15lbs plus a few more from someone when I stopped smoking. You want yours back? :D

Dear Addy,

I'm so glad you stopped in. I knew you would after everything is settled and I'm glad to hear that everything is going smoothly for Koko, you and your hubby.

It must've been awfully hard to leave that beloved house, full of memories of Zoe, happy and sad all at the same time. I have no doubt Zoe was right by your side helping you all the way. I think about you and Zoe often and my heart still aches. I want you to know that I'm very proud of you and sweet Koko for what you two have accomplished since Zoe.

I'm also glad you like your new town house. We are planning on putting our house on the market by early next spring too. It's a very old house so needs a lot of repairs. Not looking forward to doing it.
To me the biggest hurdle is my hubby. We have to get rid of a lot of stuff as this move is all about downsizing. My hubs can't be separated from any of his possessions it seems.:mad: They all have special meaning and purposes! He has things from 20-30 years ago?:eek::eek: How did you get your hubby on board on tidying things up by 90%? :eek::eek::eek: I need a lot of luck and I can only hope he gets brave so we will be ready by the spring.

The weather is beautiful out here these days. Just gorgeous. Enjoying it so much. I hope you are enjoying this end of summer weather, too. Give Koko big hugs for me and hugs to you, too. Song.

Hi Addy,

I've missed you so.:o So glad to hear that Koko Puff is settling in so well. He is such a sweetie pie.:p Yes, Zoe will always be with you wherever you roam.

My Mom's Shingles are still painful and it's been almost a year. Those are some stubbornly, persistently, painful suckers that attack the nerves. I am sorry to hear about the scarring, but hope they are finally starting to subside and heal.

Your new townhouse sounds lovely. Though it's not "Knollwood", it's sure to be much easier to take care of and keep up with all the maintenance.

A new car, a new haircut, a new home, 15 lbs. lighter and a fresh start. Change is incredibly hard. I am so proud of you my dear!!

Big hugs to you and butt scratches for our little boy,

Kathy

glad to hear you are all settling in. and congratulations on the weight loss!

Addy! So great to see you online.

You have had a lot of changes in the last bit. Sort of like turning a corner on lifes journey and starting down a new path. It's scary but oh so exciting too. I bet Koko feels the same way.

One day your vacation place and rental car will become your normal. :)

I'm so glad that you are feeling better. Yay!

I cut my hair off this summer. Scary but hey, sometimes a girl just needs a change.

Is Koko getting some sidewalk restaurant time this summer?

love

Dear Addy
So glad to hear from you. A lot of changes. Wishing you all the best in your new life. Right there with you. Kook sounds like such a love and support.
Love always Sonja,Apollo, Karma, little Ariel

Thanks all, it has been some year and I found change is hard.

Thankfully Koko had a good physical in June though vet thought he was on the thin side. I thought he looked great. Now with all the treats with all the dogs we run into, he has gained some weight and of course I think it needs to come off though the vet would be happy.

This little boy inspires me as he really does go with the flow.he is just a good dog, granted we help him adjust and give him a lot of support but still, he amazes me. He has come so far from his Dennis the Menace days, can't believe it is the same dog.

Koko was amazing at our weekend hotel stay. He just rolled right along, nothing bothered him.

I think what struck me the most was the concierge asking about him. I told her he was a stray, running the streets in a unsafe neighborhood. Animal Control picked him up and no one claimed him so we brought him home.

She was amazed and commented" and now, here he is staying at the Delafield Hotel having room service" and we all smiled.

How far they come amazes me.their abilities to adapt also amaze me.
He is such a good boy and continues to amaze us everyday that passes withou Zoe. I would have not thought it possible two years ago.
Traveling dog, wish I could fit him on a plane;)

Dear Addy
So happy to hear about your weekend away. Koko deserves to be spoiled. He is lucky to have you and the other way around. Our Koko and Ariel have given us comfort, laughter and joy once again. Zoe and Apollo will always be in our hearts and soul.
Love Sonja,Apollo,Karma,Ariel.

Atta boy Koko Puff!! So glad you were all able to be pampered!:)

What fun!!!!!! :D

So here we are, darkness greeting me as I arrive home. No street lights or sidewalks and no acre of grass to walk Koko on.

What is a girl to do?

Enter Pup Light 2 from Amazon. It hangs from a reflective collar, we can aim the light up, down, straight, wherever.

Koko thinks he is so cute, he just wants to stay ou in the dark.

We love it!

He knows he's adorable! Don't you? Isn't it interesting how they adapt? Koko sees this new chapter as a grand adventure!:D I so wish I could see life the way they do.;)

Big hugs,
Kathy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by addy

Koko thinks he is so cute, he just wants to stay ou in the dark

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How cute he likes his light so much! :D I'm glad you found a solution to the dark walks....that had to be a bit disconcerting after being used to the opposite for so long.

I posted a picture of him wearing his pup light. He was never able to walk in the dark before and he just loves it. You are right Kathy, he does think of it as one great adventure. He has been no problem and so adaptable. Zoe would have had a hard time but Zoe was just like me and I'm still having a hard time.

I guess we all shoul try to have Koko's outlook, he is just so happy and rolls with the changes, who knew?

Leslie, I was worried about him and this worked out great, whew!

Oh Addy, I love the photo! :) :) :)

It's so good to hear from you and to read your updates.

I think I have a lot I can learn from Koko, too :o. Thank you so much for sharing him with us.

Love, love, love, the mama defending light saber!;):D

Lol he could think of it that way, the magic saber light. It is bright and probably better suited for a bigger dog but every car can see us coming and he can see the ground well.

He stands on his hind legs looking into my neighbors kitchen for her cat and shines the light into her house, I could not stop laughing but he found the cat:D

I miss you all and try to check in on all of you, it is still hard for me as memories of Zoe's last days come flooding back.

One great thing is I found a transport van to bring my mom here for a visit. Now we can take her out more, she can't walk much anymore.

Other than that I still feel like I'm on vacation in some rental condo

Love you all very, very much.

Koko is such a character! Standing up to shine the light and find the cat. hahahha That is hilarious and what a smart boy he is!

That's great that you have a transport to get your mom over. I'm sure she will be happier being able to get out and come for a visit. My mother in law is making tentative plans to come to our area when she gets to the point she can't live on her own. As in she toured and met with a senior living place not far from our house, while here on her last visit a couple weeks ago. I think now she is 84, she is thinking she wants to be around us more. (we only semi drive her crazy I'm sure) LOL Course she is also thinking of spending the winter in portugal or spain this year so who knows when that might actually happen. Probably not for a couple/few more years if she has her way. hahaha

big hugs

So glad to hear from you. Koko looks very happy with his pop light.
With it getting dark so early I have one for Ariel, but he doesn't like any thing on. Like you memories flood back and the tears flow. I find comfort it knowing how much we loved Zoe and Apollo and the paw print they left on our heart till the day we die.
Koko is such a comfort for you. Like you dealing with Mom's aging. Glad to here about the van.
Love always my sister in arm.
Sonja, Apollo, Karma, Ariel ( and Doug's little rescue Kristen)

I never heard of this product before! Wish we had it for our Gizmo. Maybe we'll get it for our poodle. Koko looks adorable!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by addy

So here we are, darkness greeting me as I arrive home. No street lights or sidewalks and no acre of grass to walk Koko on.

Enter Pup Light 2 from Amazon. It hangs from a reflective collar, we can aim the light up, down, straight, wherever.

Koko thinks he is so cute, he just wants to stay ou in the dark.

We love it!

---

Happy, Merry, Ho, Ho, Ho!

Our best wishes and all our love to all of you!

Koko has his Christmas dress out, shhh, he thinks it is a coat! LOL!

The Gabapentin seems to be helping hubby a bit, our Christmas gift, we will take it!

Thinking of all of you, thinking of all our fur kids here and above!

Life changes, we change, the one constant that never changes is our unwavering love for our fur kids and the special bond with our Cush pups. That bond never breaks, our hearts may, but the bond is unbreakable.

Love you all dear family.

Just beautiful
Sonja ,Apollo, Karma

Love is eating oatmeal every morning even though you don't like it because your dog loves to lick the bowl

Love is calling friends or family to ask if your dog can come visit because he loves to see people

Love is carrying your dog through the bitter cold and snow even thou your arm hurts because his paws can't handle it

Love is saying you won't buy a condo unless the chaise he loves to sleep on fits in the bedroom

Love is having a dog

Love is having your dog gaze into your eyes then gently kissing your cheek to say thank you for loving him so much


Love is my Kokomo

Beautiful!!!! :p:p:p:):):)

Oh Addy, it's beautiful.
With tears of happiness and a lump in my throat.

Dear Addy,

My but you do sound as if you're in a good place! And in the middle of winter, even! That warms my heart.

I hope your holidays went well. I hope you're adjusting to your new "digs."

I was sick for three weeks. Week #1 was pretty bad, but the next two weeks were tolerable. I think I must have shot up the stock price of Pull's with Lotion. How can you blow your nose, get quantities out of it, then turn right around and do the same thing all over again with the same results. It should take time for it to be ready for another blow. All that's left now is a nagging little cough. It was just a viral cold, but when I went to see the doc, he tole me to prepare myself as there was a lot of this going around and it was taking 2 - 6 weeks to recover. I'm glad I was forewarned.

Then last week we took Bailey to the groomers. The groomers doubles as a doggie day care. Their largest room is divided by 4' high fake fences. The keep the dogs segregated by size and personality. The bigger dogs are always jumping up high to see what's going on outside the fence. Well, Bailey watched this and decided she could do this too! We picked up our little doggie with a severe limp with her back, left leg. After a day, we took her to the vet who checked her out and said she had a bad sprain, but the knees and bones all seemed to be fine. He gave us Rimadyl to give her daily. It was a full week before we saw any improvement. Fortunately she does seem to be getting better now. Next time we go, they will keep her in a cage until being groomed. We'll drop her off early in the day and we'll get her back much earlier.

Have any holiday pictures of Koko?

Love,
Susan

What a wonderful poem to your sweet boy! I know he is so proud of his mom for all she has faced and she still stands tall and strong. He is a lucky boy to have you as his mom, Addy.

Addy you do get right to the heart of the matter, love is your kokomo and now I'm thinking of the Beach Boys and singing Kokomo in my head LOL

It really was beautiful! you have a way with words darlin!

Thank you, guys, I didn't mean to post and disappear but it has been high drama here,

I bought a condo down the street:eek::rolleyes::p:D

It is a long story, hubby is retiring, we were throwing money away on rent and believe it or not, I had four months left before I had to give notice if we were moving. Very few condo associations here allow dogs, cats, not dogs. I was starting to freak out and well, I bought Koko a condo :o

Wow Addy, you are busy! Buying Koko Puff a condo, makes perfect sense around here.:D I'm glad it's all working out for you.

Is hubby feeling any better?

Big hugs my dear. I have missed you,

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Hubby is still on a low dose of Gabapentin and cut back Motrin to bed time only. He just finished physical therapy and is faithfully icing and doing his exercises. He isn't 100 per cent but compared to where we were in November, huge improvement. I can't thank that spine Doctor enough and am so great full my friend recommended him.

Koko loves this townhouse, especially the stairs. We have no stairs at the condo but we have a small courtyard outside of the kitchen and we will be able to sit outside again in good weather.

My mom can still visit in the transport so that was another factor in my decision. Mom will be 92 and even though the doctors have written her off more than a few times she still is so happy to come to our house even in a wheelchair for only a few hours.

We will stay there as long as we have Koko. I can't believe how many condos we could not consider but I think it is because some people don't clean up after their dogs. Here at the townhouse, we have so many people who just don't pick up.

AnywAAy, it all happened so fast because everything here in Mequon gets multiple offers if it is decent. I'm kind of freaked out.:o

But renting here just didn't make sense after a year.

How is our monkey girl? I have to catch up:o

Well!! Very exciting news!! (Happy new year, by the way.) :) So Koko is getting his own Kondo! In my next life, I want to come back as a doggie of yours!! :D
I am sorry to hear your hubby is still not all well, but at least he's much better, it sounds like. And I always am glad to hear you refer to your Mom. She's a walking miracle!
Well-we went on our cruise over Christmas, came back and the next day I became sick....and it lasted for 3 weeks. Just a nasty virus that was bothersome rather than multi symptomatic. Got over that and it was time to take Bailey for a grooming. We don't know for sure what happened, but reportedly with some roughhousing with other doggies there, she overdid it and returned home limping. That was at least 3 weeks ago. She is still limping. We now have an appt on the 11th to consult with a surgeon. I'm also going to book another vet appt so we get a 2nd opinion. As you may remember, Bailey had both knees operated on before she was 1 and then had to have the same procedure repeated in about another year. She is bucking to match me in number of knee operations! We have had to keep her movement restricted which is getting old on all of us. She cannot go for her usual walks.....just very short trips outside. I'm very concerned because her leg is collapsing on her some and twice I've felt a bone crunch.
Give Koko a belly rub from us.
Love,
Sus