The best doggie tv around! Molly loves her window seat looking out on the street for the same reason. :)
The new place looks lovely and I'm sure you are going to really enjoy it. Koko sure looks like he is. :)
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The best doggie tv around! Molly loves her window seat looking out on the street for the same reason. :)
The new place looks lovely and I'm sure you are going to really enjoy it. Koko sure looks like he is. :)
Good luck. Thanks for sharing.
Addddy!! Hi girlfriend... if you haven't sent me an invite for the girlie drinks housewarming at the new condo I am going to be very cross! :p
The bit of the condo I can see with Koko looking out is very lovely, carpet fantastic colour :) I laughed when you mentioned the weird names they give carpet, paint etc. I have just suffered through a bathroom reno, the paint was called "Breathless" the only thing that made me breathless was the bill at the end of it all :eek::eek: but it is nice so i guess worth it in the end :D
I like Koko is sitting there sussing out his new hood, could you build a little fence around the door so he could come and go outside a bit?
And OMG did I read somewhere you fell... AGAIN!? You are a bit of a klutz sweet, you need permanent bubble wrap head to toe haha :D
So pleased to hear you and hubs and the boy are settling in so well, please do take care of yourself... when you do get to retire in 2 years you want to be fighting fit and enjoy it :) Miss our chats and you... Flynn sends a super lick and big hugs from me xxxxxxxx :D
Hi Addy,
So happy to hear that you found the perfect little nest to call your own.:p
Our little love, Koko Puff, will be happy as long as you're together. What a treasure he is! His "doggy Tv", is pretty awesome! Always love the pics. Keep them coming!
You posted on Mel/Tia's thread that you feel we are connected for life though our babies. I believe that too. This family here understood when no one else did. They understand that we eventually pick up the fragments left behind, but moving on is difficult and many of us are changed forever. Okay, too sappy.;)
Big hugs dear friend,
Kathy
Sorry you have a migraine, I wondered why you were up so early, Kathy.
Hey Trish, page nine, it was a while between posts, girl, lol.
We do love this place. I don't mind the density of people, the yard crew really does a great job keeping up the outside and at this stage in my life, the amount of space is perfect, not too much to keep up.
Koko is selttling in and started to bring toys out and he is not doing as many calming signals. Hubby tried taking him for a walk mid day and Koko would come home so worked up from seeing all the walking dogs he would have the puppy crazies. Hubby said he did not think he should walk him:rolleyes:
We walk and walk as he smells every possible vertical anything to read his mail, he does not want to come back in and if he does not get to see anyone, he insists on standing out on the front lawn for a few minutes before finally consenting to go inside.:)
Koko went to the groomer and she gave him a summer cut. Last night we had frost warnings -I had to get out the winter coat!
Anyway, thank you all for the well wishes, this finally feels like we may have found home again. Hopefully, Koko will stop with all the barking at whatever passes by his dog tv.
I googled about walking safe as we age. So I have put those tips into action as I plan on walking my little boy as long as we can;)
I honestly hate to admit I am now considered a senior and so is Koko.
Never gave my age much thought nor his. Feeling vulnerable sucks:mad: So, stretches, strengthens and balancing practice are on the agenda.
Trish, carpet turned out well. We wanted hardwood but the cost was more than double and we thought the carpet would not be as slippery and help absorb sound. Now we have to buy a new vacumn because it is a smartstrand silk from Mohawk and the installer said we had to be careful of what kind of vacumn. I need to ask Judy which vacumn she has used.
Enjoy Sunday!
Really, we are seniors now? I say we because I kind of think I might be considered one, even if I refuse to acknowledge it.
The place sounds wonderful. I'm sure Koko will settle more the longer he is there. Right now it's just a new adventure that is exciting.
We got cold here too this weekend. brrrr. I brought up out a winter coat for both me and molly.
Spring will be back by next weekend though (I hope!)
Addy -- I bought an Electrolux Sanitaire (Professional) upright vaccum a few years ago. Since I use a canister with attachments to do all my dusting, the upright worked for me as it doesn't have attachments. This also makes it a very light vacuum (with excellent suction). It has several different height settings which works for me as I have the newer carpet in the living room, 15 year old carpet in bedrooms and tile in other areas. It works well everywhere. We have a great vacuum store near me where I have bought all my vacuums -- what's great is that they carry a lot of different brands with which they are very knowledgeable and you can try them out right in the store. Since I had no clue what I wanted, this worked much better for me rather than buying a vacuum in a big box store.
Also wanted to mention -- with fibro, I have had a lot of balance issues. I started going to tai chi three years ago and have seen a remarkable improvement in balance, range of motion and strength. I do a combination of the health recovery classes and regular classes. Just a thought -- maybe something you can pursue down the road!
Dear Addy
Good to hear you are settled . Will plan on moving in the next year. I am glad Koko is adjusting. Still have a hard time with saying "senior". Remember you are as old as you act and think. An 87 year old lady just got her master's degree, another runs marathons. I am just happy to be able to use my stationary bike and walk. And ,yes have to be careful walking now. Bending and getting up in one step is quite a challenge. When did this happen?
Love Sonja
I just got a Shark Rotator Professional Lift Away Upright Vacuum features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology that traps dust and allergens to create a healthy environment. The bagless canister detaches to enable quick handheld cleaning for flexible use.
Never Loses Suction technology
3 Vacuums in one (Upright, Lift-away pod and Canister)
Extra large capacity dust cup
Anti-allergen Complete Seal technology
Ultra-maneuverable swivel steering
Powerful motorized brushroll turns on or off
Pet Hair Power brush
Home & Car detail kit
Too much information!
Love Sonja,Apollo
I don't know when this happened, this senior stuff:rolleyes:
I go back to doing my ballet stretches and warm ups. Doesn't take long and helps strengthen and balance though as Judy said I would love to go to a class if I could find one.
We have that same Shark, Sonja, but I guess with this soft strand carpet, fibers are so soft we need adjustable height, lightweight, under 20 pounds. My Shark doesn't have adjustable height so the carpet store said just buy a cheap vacumn so I ordered a Bissell on Amazon and will keep our Shark since it isn't even a year old.
My daughter was just diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and we are waiting to hear from her doctor as to the path forward. Always something:(:(
Koko is settling in which makes me happy. We have a lot of green space but I have not yet tied him outside on the patio as they keep spraying the yard and we have to put him in the car to find a pesticide free zone.
The hardest part of downsizing is leaving the familiar and the memories, giving away all your stuff, and giving up a life for another.
It is a loss and you go through mourning.
If you can find a place that feels like home and that you really, really like, that helps. I sacrificed location so I could have Koko and a larger living space. The drive into work is awful but I know it is not for long.
If Koko is happy then I am happy and he sure does love to walk his neighborhood. The other day he saw a Great Dane and he didn't know what to think. I think he thought it might not be a dog. I scolded him the other night and told him no. I usually distract or counter condition unwanted behavior so he is not used to me telling him a firm no.
He looked so puzzled and then went into the bedroom to go to his chaise. I had suspected with hubby home with him he had thought the barking at stuff and acting crazy was a game.
They sure do keep us busy, but I would not have it any other way.
Dear Addy
So right. My mother has ulcerative colitis . Normally stress causes it. The main thing is a diet change ( eliminate certain foods- nuts any thing with seeds,etc.)and reducing stress. In. Today's world that is hard to do. Between, my mother, Doug, ( know dealing with a lump behind his ear loop),closing down our business and making a major move to another state is at time overwhelming.
The older you get the harder it is to deal with change and the harder it is to bounce back. My mind says 20, but my body says otherwise. One day you wake up look in the mirror and say when did happen. It is life with all it's complexities, etc.
Ariel helps me a lot to get through it.
Love Sonja,Ariel
Molly has the same reaction to really small dogs. My daughters friend had brought over here mini chi, and I'm pretty sure molly thought it must be a rat or something as she took one sniff and ignored her from there on out. Even though coco wanted to play, molly was just not interested enough to even give a growl like she would to the other coco down the street, a puppy cockerpoo that is just all exuberance and legs all over the place. LOL
I've certainly turned into a klux as I've gotten older. Hubby always says, you know how accident prone you can be. Beats me what he is talking about. :) :)
All I want to say is that I am sooooo very grateful for this forum.
Koko had his annual wellness blood panel done and I received a phone call from his vet. Well, it is the same practice, I use a few different vets there.
Driving home I kept thinking that we have already been there done that in respect to his slightly elevated creatinine and bun.
Oh to check my memory, if only..... Wait, go check the beginning of this thread. There it all was, all the info I needed, his levels in June 2012, everyone's input and that the following year all was normal.
Knew it all was familiar.
Thank you for that, guys. Can't believe what a life saver that was.
Will tell vet, no thanks on the specific gravity test, been there done that, chalk it up to dehydration and high protein , non kibble diet, thank you.
Glad to hear from you. My sweet warrior sister. Know only to well how you feel. Koko you keep your Mom busy. Went through the same with Ariel. After what we endured with our babies:Zoe and Apollo, we tend to be more hyper sensitive and alert.
Love Sonja
Hey Addy, How is our Koko Puff doing? Have you taken him on a train ride yet? Has he slimmed down to make the weight requirement?lol :D
I miss hearing from you. I hope all is rolling along okay.
Hugs,
Kathy
Hey Kathy,
Thanks for thinking of us. Koko was a svelt 16 pounds at his physical but we have not had a train ride yet. We have had a few distractions. He had a bit of an increase on his kidney values and the new IDEXX test, we have to retest in three months. He seems fine, drinking a bit more water but he has always done that in the summer and after long walks, not urinating more. He seems just fine and really loves his new condo.Koko wants to walk, walk, walk. I can't keep up with him.
He is so funny, he lays in front of the patio door just hoping for a dog to walk by. If one does, he no longer barks, just runs to me and sits because he knows he was a good boy and will get a treat.
He has a girlfriend named Emily in the next building. Emily lost her brother about the same time we lost Zoe so Emily and Koko both want to be friends as they miss their "sibling".
We also have a Great Dane on the next block that prances like a pony, Koko has no idea what to make of him:rolleyes::D
So that's our update and summer is flying by. I hope you and Rosie are enjoying it.
Awwww, I'm so glad Koko Puff has a new friend and loves his condo.:o
Still spunky, happy and raring to go. That's what I like to hear! You rock Koko!!! :D:D
Love to hear about Koko's adventures. How cute about reading about his friends. Would make a great children's book.
Love Sonja, Apollo
Hi Addy! You and Koko are on my mind this morning, so I've set out to track you down ;)! I can't believe you had dropped down to the third page here...
Surely hoping that all is well, and that Koko is still enjoying his condo life. How is Kate and how is your mom? When you have a chance, we'd love an update on all your doings. You are missed.
Marianne
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for tracking me down. I have been mia, just a lot going on.
Koko continues to love his new condo and neighborhood. We have so many dogs in this area and he loves to watch for them. We finally replaced our 20 year old sofa, the new one sits higher so Koko claimed his spot as it affords a better view of the street, lol.
We will be celebrating mom's 93rd birthday next month. She has recovered from her hospital stay but I am still leary about taking her out in the transport.
Kate has two internships this semester and will graduate in May.
Can you believe that? Wasn't it just yesterday we were all planning their visit to Boston to check out colleges? We are very proud of her and she has had a tremendous college experience.
Me, well I guess I have been having some anxiety lately. So many life changes and I have not been handling them well. Winter in Wisconsin doesn't help:o
Marianne, the time is flying by, we lost Zoe 3 years ago this month.
I miss her every day and so I spoil Koko even more. But he is such a good boy, he deserves it.
I will stop by your thread. I hope you and your family are well. I think about sweet Peg and all our pups a lot. That bond is forever.
Love you all
Always good to hear from you, sweet Addy! The time that passes does help us cope but for me it has not healed. I think those of us who have loved so deeply will always miss our babies but that only proves how truly deep that love is, each tear an offering to that love.
It's good to hear Koko is doing well in his new home and finding adventures that bring him, and you, joy.
Hugs,
Leslie
Good Morning Dear Family,
I promised an update on Koko and his newly found growth. It is a perianal gland tumor. Koko’s tumor was small, about 6 mm however it was located very close to his anus about less than 1/4” away. It did not bother him: Cytology confirmed the tumor; indication were benign, cells are similar to malignant growth so not 100 percent positive benign.
These growths usually appear in non neutered males or late neutered males though they can occur in spayed females and neutered males. They are thought to be hormone driven. I see no evidence of Cushing in Koko but wonder if his intermediate hormones could be in play.
I found a really capable surgeon trained at U.C Davis and had a pedigree education. I was hoping that would mean he had treated numerous dogs as our regular vet had only seen this growth in one neutered male in all his years of practice.
The thing is, sometimes these tumors show up then go away on their own, sometimes they grow slowly and sometimes they grow larger. Because of its location and our confidence in the surgeon, we had the tumor removed Thursday. Because of Koko’s age and other chronic conditions, we did sedation and a local.
Koko is recovering well, surgery went well and we wait for the pathology report to confirm it is benign.
I thought it important to note that perianal gland tumors can occur in dogs with Cushings.
If anyone ever has a question about it, I am now a walking encyclopedia on the subject lol.
There are not many abstracts or case studies to be found written in the U.S. and up to date.
Thankfully the surgeon I found had a wealth of knowledge as well and the two of us could talk it through.
I am hoping My Koko will be out patio dining around town very soon.
He has been a brave little boy but his reverse soft cone has to be worn at night and it causes him much anxiety.
Ten more days and hopefully we will all get a good nights sleep.
Happy Memorial Day dear friends,
Oh Addy, thanks so much for this update! I confess this is a type of tumor about which I know absolutely nothing, so what you’ve shared with us today is definitely an education. Most importantly, though, it’s such a relief to know that the surgery is now behind you! I hate it that Koko is stuck with the darn cone, but hopefully the days will pass by as quickly as possible.
We’ll be anxious to hear about the pathology report, but in the meantime we’re grateful that our little boy is otherwise recovering nicely.
Thanks again for letting us know. Sending lots of love right back at you!
Marianne
So glad that the surgery went well and will be praying for a speedy recovery!
Love and hugs, Lori
So glad to hear things went well and pray the path report comes back all clear! Let us know when you can!
Hugs,
Leslie
Thank you all so much.
Stitches came out this morning, Koko healed beautifully, growth now confirmed benign.
Wow, he was a handful for two weeks, lol.
We will be looking forward to take him away for a few days.
When we first stayed with Koko at the Delafield Hotel, the receptionist commented what a rag to riches story Koko has.
He went from being an unwanted stray, running the streets to staying at the Delafield Hotel.
I think he deserves one more stay there.
Love you all!
Great news! You rock Koko Puff!
What a great update, Addy — thanks so much! And I think another stay at the Delafield is *definitely* in order ;-))))). You all deserve to be pampered and to celebrate your good news in style. So go on, and enjoy!!!
Glad for such positive news, Addy! I hope this is the last scare the little booger gives you!
Hugs,
Leslie