Tanner and a Cliche'

When Tanner started seeing the veterinary ophthalmologist early last summer they kept telling me that dogs who had undergone a permanent treatment for glaucoma felt so much better afterwards! They also told me that owners would comment that "they'd gotten their dogs back." Even in my reading about the procedure, I would see this same remark. I have to admit that I kind of found the comment to be a bit cliche' and corny. Well, its been just over a week since Tanner had his "Intravitreal Gentamicin Injection" and each day that has past, Tanner has felt better, and I now find myself saying that "I've gotten my dog back!" Funny how it no longer seems corny to say this...But I can't deny that he is interacting more with us, wagging his tail more than he has in a long time, and just seems happier. I finally understand what everyone meant by "getting their dog back," because I really have. I didn't know how much pain the glaucoma was causing him and how much it was taking away from his "quality of life" until we did this treatment. So because of how Tanner had been acting, I was feeling totally hopeful and cautiously optimistic for his post-op appointment today. I had to wait nearly an hour to be seen but it was worth the wait--Tanner's eye pressure which was almost 50 two weeks ago (which is the equivalent to a migraine headache) is now to low to measure. Needless to say, I am over the moon with this news!! This is what I hoped and prayed for!! It's a great feeling and a huge relief to be over the first hurdle, and to discontinue the use of one of the glaucoma medications! In 2 weeks for our next appointment we're crossing all paws and fingers that maybe it'll be another!

On the flip side, it is feeling like winter with high winds, temps at night in the 20's and 30's during the day; burrrrrr....We even had snow one night, and I did my snow dance to keep it coming down! I must have missed a step or two because it stopped...Rats!! I did however get out my heavier coat, found my gloves and scarf.

We're slowly getting ready for Christmas, and I got out my Williraye Nativity. I won it on eBay a couple of months ago, and when I set it out, I realized that it obviously needed the Wise Men too. So, I looked on eBay, found them and bought them. I really think when it's all put together, it'll look great!

I'm also trying to get my cards done, or is that started? Each year I take a picture of our dogs for the card, and this year, I just can't seem to get a photo that says "this is it!" This is a picture that I was considering...But I've taken some today using my 35mm camera (yes I'm still using film on occasion!) and I will have to wait to get them developed on Monday to see if I got the one I'm looking for!

Finally, I wanted to let everyone know how much I've enjoyed reading your blogs!! I love your pictures, reading about your families, your four-legged-family members, your preparation for the holidays and your everyday lives!! Thanks for stopping by for a minute to take a peek into mine!