Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

[doxiesrock912]

Leslie,
take the positive things and run with them!
Eating is good Happy dancing too!

[Simba's Mom]

Yay Squirt, way to go, make your Mamma happy!!!

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Ya'll,

I cannot believe how much better Squirt is doing. Her appetite is still good most of the time, sometimes off in the mornings but for the most part, very good. Not the cush appetite either even tho she hasn't had any Lyso since 3 weeks ago yesterday. She is displaying no cush signs whatsoever in fact! But still not complaining! She is back on her home cooked and enjoying it once again, thankfully! Tho she refuses to eat the salmon.

She's had a couple of morning tummy upsets, vomiting bile after waking up, but I've started giving her some treats after we go to bed and that seems to be helping as she hasn't had this happen since the nighttime treats. I hope it's just that her tummy gets too empty over night.

I was watching her sleep last nite and was overcome with gratitude at how well she rests now. She no longer pops up as if in pain, doesn't feel the need to get up and reposition constantly, her breathing is vastly improved as is the panting, and the lip smacking/air licking has all but stopped. She has had very few leaking incidents still as well.

Her shoulder seems to be healing finally and her limping is much less than it was. She is stronger, falling rarely. She knows when she needs help and when she doesn't. If she needs help, she will stand there until I pick her up; if she doesn't need help and I act like I am going to pick her up, she takes off, grinning like it's a new game! She often pats my feet while I'm walking like she always has and has initiated Piggies a few times recently!

I want to share with you one of the gifts this time has brought to Squirt and me. Squirt has never been one that wanted to be held or coddled - she is fiercely independent. When I would try to hold her and love on her, she would typically give me a quick kiss then squirm to get down and on about her business of the moment, plainly saying, "that's enough of that nonsense, Mom!" She has always enjoyed being held in my arms and looking at things from a new perspective, tho - she just didn't want to stay there in my arms very long. Now I hold her on the porch, which is about 6' off the ground and looks out into the woods by our house, and she is relaxed against my chest, not wanting down. I can feel her body tense as she sees, smells, or hears something out in the woods; I watch her little ears prick forward, her nose twitch and lift to scent the air; I see her eyes widen and light up with interest, and she will occasionally look at me as if to ask if I saw that, too. We stand on the porch, my Queen and I, and just absorb what Mother Nature is offering. There is an intense feeling of oneness and healing during these times, a blessing of such depth I cannot find the words to explain but wanted to share as best I can with our loving family here. Squirt has always been my teacher and she is now teaching me how to face her December Days. What an amazing gift this gigantic little Soul is to me.

Hugs,
Leslie and her Queen

[Budsters Mom]

Wow Leslie!!!
What a heartwarming cuddle story. It makes me think of Little House on the Prairie. I am thrilled that Squirt is doing so well and is able to continue to run her kingdom. It's all due to you!
Hugs and love to all,
Kathy and Buddy

[goldengirl88]

Lelsie:
It would seem that Squirt the Queen is finally getting the miracle she deserves. I am so happy for you both. Isn't it amazing the things that we learn from our babies? The time spent with them is worth a million dollars to me. I am a cleaning fanatic, but this year I have not touched the house for spring cleaning. I usually have mine done in March. I just don't care about it as Tipper is my priority from now on. I don't know if we have a month a year or longer, but I want to be with her as much as I can. I do little things here and there when she is in a room napping with me, but that is it. I never want to think I wasted some of the time she has left doing stuff that is unimportant in the grand scheme of things. I am happy Leslie that you and your precious Squirt are enjoying some of the nice days out on the porch. I keep taking Tipper out, she is still afraid of noise because her cortisol is still low I guess. She stayed out for about a half and hour yesterday. I am aclimating her to it little by little. She used to love the outdoors and I could never get her in. Now every noise has her on edge, except for when she is walking she is ok then. I guess her mind is busy and she doesn't think about the noise as much. I just got done soaking her foot again, she has been leaving it alone for the most part. I am going to do it 3 times a day as it seem to be helping her from chewing and licking it, until my Vet gets in. He's out more than he's in. Great news on the eating also. That always makes you feel better when your baby is eating right. I hope the happiness and joy you feel continues forever as you are a wonderful mom to Squirt and you deserve some happy time. Blessings
Patti

[Boriss McCall]

awe.. love it. so glad you two are getting this time together & she is feeling good.

[Roxee's Dad]

That is wonderful Leslie I can totally understand where you are coming from. Just the last few months, Rozee also one that never liked to be held, has been the same way. She now is feeling very comforted laying in my arms and falling asleep on my chest, which in turn give us a good feeling that we can provide that safety and comfort.

Enjoy all those wonderful moments that you share with sweet little Squirt.

[Dodie]

Hi Leslie,

So glad Squirt is doing better. Years ago, my Molly was throwing up each morning just before it was time to get up. When I told my Vet, he suggested giving her a small amount of plain chicken & broth baby food before bed and it worked. He said she has acid reflux. He also recommends 1/4 tablet of regular strength pepcid A/C when necessary.

Dodie & molly

[Harley PoMMom]

Now I hold her on the porch, which is about 6' off the ground and looks out into the woods by our house, and she is relaxed against my chest, not wanting down. I can feel her body tense as she sees, smells, or hears something out in the woods; I watch her little ears prick forward, her nose twitch and lift to scent the air; I see her eyes widen and light up with interest, and she will occasionally look at me as if to ask if I saw that, too. We stand on the porch, my Queen and I, and just absorb what Mother Nature is offering. There is an intense feeling of oneness and healing during these times, a blessing of such depth I cannot find the words to explain but wanted to share as best I can with our loving family here.

With your wonderful decripition I can see you two so vividly. Such a beautiful and loving bond you and Squirt share.

Love and hugs, Lori

[jmac]

Leslie,
Thanks for another wonderful post. It is so beautifully written, and so thoughtful and heartfelt. I am so happy to hear how well Squirt is doing, and I'm so glad you've found something to enjoy at this stage of her life.

Julie & Hannah