Thursday, November 10, 2011

Update on Jake and a Road Trip

Today we're off to eastern Tennessee near Gatlinburg, to spend a few days at Autumn Dancer Llama Farm with a few of our pups. You'll recall that the trip had to be rescheduled when Todd swallowed a cap from a plastic water jug in September.  There are no water jugs in the house this time, and I'm hopeful that we'll make it out of town.  I'm hoping to be able to keep up with your news while we're away, but if not, I'll look forward to catching up when we return on Sunday.

I did take Jake to the vet last evening.  We did all the senior blood-work, including a thyroid test which may help to explain his thin coat and bald patches.  Preliminary test results will be in on Friday, the thyroid test in a couple of weeks.  He has severe arthritis in all his limbs, it's worse in his front legs.  We discussed his feet and he received a really good nail trim.  The vet feels that the problem with his feet could be congenital  because all 4 feet and all his toes are wide and spread apart.  The tendons are really stretched, and all of this together makes it difficult for him to walk because his reflexes are delayed, especially in the back, but they are better in the front.  I have decided that watching him walk reminds me of someone with scuba flippers on.  Jake also has a 'Grade 3' heart murmur and his lungs have a raspy sound.  As expected, and as you can see, there is a lot going on.  But my vet and I have made a pact to keep Jake going as long as we can.  Not just for him, but because we've lost 4 dogs in the past 6 months, and I don't want to make it 5.  So please, keep those good thoughts coming for Jake!!

THANK YOU for stopping by, I hope you enjoy your day!!    

43 comments:

  1. I like your pact with the vet. Have a great vacation.

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  2. Poor old Jake, he's got so many problems. What a sweet sweet face he has. Sending him lots of good thoughts.

    Enjoy your well earned break at the Llama Farm!

    x

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  3. Do hope you make it off on your trip this time...and I'm sending good vibes for Jake. He looks such a sweet heart, your tlc will do wonders I'm sure.

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  4. Jake looks like a fighter .

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  5. I hope that vet gives you discount?

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  6. Woof! Woof! Sending Lots of my Golden Prayers to JAKE. I know for sure he is feeling good being at the Golden Pines. Have a wonderful trip ... hope Todd is behaving himself. Lots of Golden LOVE n Woofs, Sugar

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  7. Poor Jake........love from me...xxx.

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  8. If anyone deserves a relaxing vacation, it you! Hope you have a wonderful time! It just warms my heart to come over here and read about your family and your generous heart and spirit. Even more amazing to me that you do it (and share it) in such a quiet and gentle way without lots of fanfare. You are truly one of a kind :) The pups that get to live with you are certainly lucky!

    And Todd really cracks us up - he sure keeps things lively over there!

    The Road Dogs' Mom

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  9. Sending very good thoughts to Jake. He is fortunate to have found a home where his needs are being met. I am sure he feels very cared for and that should help him live the best "rest of his life" that's possible. You are a good person:-)

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  10. Sending positive thoughts & best wishes Jake's way

    Woofs
    Nadine & golden Neeli

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  11. While Jakes coat still looks thin, to me, he's looking better than when you first got him. I wish you , your vet and Jake much love and luck.

    Enjoy every minute of your getaway. You certainly deserve it!

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  12. have a wonderful trip.
    you'll come back renewed.
    you will be missed! by furries and humans.
    love,
    tammy j

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  13. Tell Jake to keep the faith! Between the vet's and the good care, he will have a great life and a great time on the journey.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  14. Have a very safe journey.. Love you, Jake!!

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  15. i do hope you have a safe, enjoyable time and all your fur babies are happy and fine...

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  16. Jake, you are a lucky boy to have Kim in your corner!!!
    K, hope you have a wonderful time!
    xoxo

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  17. We are also sending our love and prayers for Jake!

    What a wonderful blog! We will be sending you an email before you return with our address and such for the Christmas exchange, but for now we hope you have a relaxing vacation!

    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Bilbo and Mama Beth

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  18. Have fun; be safe!! Thanks for the Jake update.

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  19. All of us here will keep Jake in our prayers. And you too , Kim. Hope you have a great time on your trip.

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  20. I'm glad you and the vet are on the case, and I'm sure Jake is too! Maybe if you make a deal with Todd to take him to Gatlinburg, he'll agree not to pull a prank like last time.

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  21. Praying that Jake has many more days at Golden Pines. One of our favorite trips was to Gatlinburg in the fall of the year.

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  22. Have a safe a fun time on your trip. Glad you and the vet are able to help Jake out. Have a good day.

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  23. You have the most wonderful vet. Have a great trip and enjoy!

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  24. Paws crossed that your vet's tests reveal something that can be done to help Jake and make him more comfortable in his later years.

    Our first Goldie had Cushing's syndrome which gave him some of the issuse you have mentioned in your posts about Jake (for our dog thinning fur, breathing issues, loss of muscle mass in the legs and urination issues). No doubt Cushings is something your vet is checking for.

    Have a great road trip, and give all your dogs a pat from us.

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  25. Paws crossed for Jake--even Kendra's. Hope you make it to TN this time.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  26. It sure isn't easy getting old. We are sending best wishes to you and Jake. We have a ton of snow I could send too! : )
    I wonder if Jake was in a puppy mill because of his feet. They sometimes get feet like that from the wire cage bottoms? Poor old guy.

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  27. 'Sendin' upliftin' prayers for dear Jake. He's a fighter isn't he?

    God bless and have a beautiful day! :o)

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  28. I'm sending a LOT of good thoughts your way!!! for Jake and you!

    And we drove past the Llama place not to long ago! ;-)

    big hugs from Indiana
    Leontien

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  29. Oh Jake! I hope you realize what good hands you are in.
    Kim, have a great trip!

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  30. Jake is still lucky for having you and a great vet in his life. Have a nice get away at the llama farm.

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  31. We remember you posting about the llama farm before. Mom looked at it and we all think our next vacation should be there. It looks like heaven on earth. Hope y'all have a great time!!

    AROOOOOF!
    Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack

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  32. I'm sending positive thoughts to Jake and here's hoping you enjoy your road trip!

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  33. Poor dear Jake, my heart goes out to him. :D

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  34. Have a safe and wonderful trip. Fingers and paws crossed for Jake.

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  35. Good vibes coming your way for Jake. He deserves many days basking in the love in your pack.

    Have a great trip!

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  36. Hi Kim!!!

    Nice to see you and your crew again! We are saying loads of doggie prayers for Jake. We hope the vet finds answers for his funny feet and his thin fur!

    We wanted to tell you Kayah was very stressed out when she came to the house. She had lived at the shelter for so long that adjusting to a house and walls and steps was hard for her but she eventually adjusted. We hope the same for Jake!

    Slobbers,
    The CheeseHounds

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  37. I hope Jake enjoys life for a long time still! I also hope you have a great time on your vacation!

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  38. Safe travels, Dear Friend! I'll keep Jake & all of your canine friends (as well as you and your hubby) in my prayers. Have a wonderful vacation ~ you deserve it!

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  39. Have a great vacation! We will keep Jake in our prayers!

    Sam

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  40. I'm holding sweet Jake in my heart Kim.

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  41. We keep Jake in our prayers constantly.
    Your giving him love and there is nothing better.
    love
    tweedles

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  42. Sending "happy thoughts" to Jake that he feels better real soon!

    Losing 4 pups in 6 months sounds unbearable heart ache!

    But they all had a loving home until the end!

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!