By nature I'm an optimist and I believe we'll get through the current crisis. However that belief gets shattered on a daily basis and I start to panic. This usually happens when I'm tired or accidentally hear a news report. I've learned that if I don't listen to any news, not even NPR, I don't…Read more My Dogged Hope in these scary times
Faith
Good-bye to good friends
Since I got home from the hospital a few weeks ago, all my time and energy has been focused on Henry and his needs. His spine and mobility problems, which came on quite suddenly right before I went into the hospital, increased his need to pee and destroyed his ability to control some bodily functions,…Read more Good-bye to good friends
Henry
My heart is breaking. On Saturday morning when Henry woke up and tried to walk to Don and me, to give us his usual morning smooches, his movement was uneven and jerky. He favored his front right leg as he hobbled to me. After licking my hands and letting me scratch his head, he…Read more Henry
Unanswered questions about an uncommon illness
Forgive me for whining, but lately I've been feeling alone in my struggle with my recently placed Power-Port, the grape-sized catheter in my chest, that I need for monthly IVIG infusions. The surgery was 3 months ago, and it still hasn't healed. When I showed my inflamed port to a doctor a month ago, I…Read more Unanswered questions about an uncommon illness
“Pins and needles” and yarn and felt. My favorite anti-anxiety “meds.”
With all the excitement from my book coming out, I should be dancing little jigs and feeling content, right? Don't get me wrong, I'm ultra grateful for all the positive feedback from my kind readers, and I do feel a sense of accomplishment, but my brain chemistry has two settings: 1) totally elated - "manicky,"…Read more “Pins and needles” and yarn and felt. My favorite anti-anxiety “meds.”
Processing the week’s events
So much has happened in the past week. It was very exciting last Sunday when my book became available. Thank you to all my friends and family members for placing your orders! And thank you to all my new online friends, who, without even knowing me, bought the book and expressed their congratulations. How cool…Read more Processing the week’s events
My Plucky Pup
Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating in the glandular and epithelial tissue (the lining of the internal organs). This type of malignant tumor growth can take place in many parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal system of dogs. It may invade any part of the gastrointestinal system, including the stomach, the small and large…Read more My Plucky Pup
Healing Henry
Henry let out an anguished screech as I tried to move him into a good position on the couch. I was hoping he'd let me apply a warm compress to the bandaged surgery incision on his tummy. “I’m sorry Henry,” I said, gently scratching him behind the ear. His crying sent a shock of empathy pain through…Read more Healing Henry
Dixie Dog
Dixie Dog Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton, Old times there are not forgotten. Look away, look away, look away Dixie Dog! I wish I was with Dixie, Hooray! Hooray! With Dixie Dog I'll take my stand, to live and die with Dixie. Away, away, away back home with Dixie!…Read more Dixie Dog
Bob’s Brother Barry
This morning at 3:30, a second hatchling pipped, and popped out, chirping its lungs out! His name is Barry or Berry. We'll know in a couple of months.
Dogged Hope 