Thursday, July 24, 2014

Life and Blogging

I love blogging. I look forward to reading blogs and love your photos and the glimpses into your lives and the wide range of topics from the weather to a new recipe you've tried.  I enjoy sharing with you things like the new critter that landed on our porch the other day (below) and telling you about the dogs.
~A Pandora sphinx moth on our porch~
As you know, I've had a lot going on recently. I'll admit to you that I'm very tired and worn out, and I’ve thought about taking a blogging break. Like you, I try very hard to balance blogging and living, and for the most part, I'm "mostly" doing it.  I know there are a lot of bloggers who, if they're not blogging every day, not tweeting, or not making whatever goal they feel they should be making, it causes them a lot of stress. I'm really trying to not be one of them.  We all know stressing and burning ourselves out doesn't get us where we want to be. And, I pride myself on never posting for the sake of it. I prefer to not write a post than do one that was half-hearted.
~Charlie's summer haircut~
However, just as I mentioned, right now there's a lot going on.  One is that along with Gus's wound, I'm really struggling to keep him up and mobile. When I left for work on Monday, he was fine. He was able to walk, and get himself outside.  But something changed during the time I was gone, because when I got home, he couldn't/wouldn't stand or walk.  Each day there has been a little bit of improvement.  He can almost stand on his own, but he's almost totally dependent on us to help get him up and outside and move him from place to place. I spoke to a holistic vet on Tuesday about Gus. She'll be coming next week to evaluate him and maybe do acupuncture. Also discussed was how Gus is coping with these recent changes.  Interesting that she would bring that up because I don't think Gus is coping well at all.  I would say that he's (understandably) frustrated.  He barks and whines a lot. I'm dosing him heavily on a couple of natural remedies to help relieve his stress. It seems to be working some, and he is seemingly a little more relaxed and content.  This afternoon Gus sees his regular vet to check his wound and we'll talk about whether this is the progression of his degenerative myleopathy, or something else.  I'm hoping Dr.C will have some thoughts and suggestions. I'll admit, this has me worried. But Gus is still wagging his tail so if he's not giving up, neither am I.  
~Gus~
Thank-you all for your kindness and friendship, and for being extremely supportive and understanding.  Please don't forget about "us" during this hectic time.  I have a three day weekend coming up, and I've got my fingers crossed that I'll get caught up on life and blogging.  But I'm frequently overly optimistic about what I can do in a weekend, so we'll see.

45 comments:

  1. you do what you need to do. post when you can to keep us updated. and don't worry about visiting our blogs in return until things settle down more.

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  2. Dog bloggers understand what it means to have a ' Gus '. They'll be there whether you post once a day or once a month. Stay strong .

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  3. Of course we won't forget about you all at Golden Pines!

    Life gets in the way of blogging sometimes, and thats okay :)

    Make sure you take care of yourself while caring so much for Gus and all the other canines.

    xxx

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  4. That new summer style really looks good at Charlie. Just like Joanna said, We won't forget any of you! ♥

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  5. We will still all be here when you blog, I did fret one time when I didn't do a post every day, now, if I can, I do, and with Gus and all your Goldens and others, a busy life can mean less time to write and edit photos, Dear Gus, I hope next week there will be answers and maybe something that will help hugely .Meantime, care for yourself too. Hugs,Jean

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  6. we love catching up with you whenever you are moved to post, please don't let blogging become an added stress - we look forward to seeing you next time, whenever that may be :)

    Edgar and his mum

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  7. I don't post every day. I won't post anything that's not down to my standards. Don't worry, we have readers and will see when you make your first post back.

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  8. We always understand. Sometimes life gets to big and blogging is definitely one thing that can wait till tomorrow. Give Gus hugs from us.

    Monty and Harlow

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  9. I really don't know how people post every day unless they have no other commitments. I'm really struggling at the moment, more with visiting than posting and I'm just only managing around three posts a fortnight. I always love visiting you Kim and apologise for not being a better follower! x

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  10. Your right, been to the burnout stage, worked through it and we are back. You take your three day weekend and we will cross our paws for Gus!, See you in two weeks, Peeps are going to Wisconsin, we are going to brother Mickeys!

    The Mad Scots

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  11. Hi Kim, I've just popped over to see your moth after Em at Dartmoor Ramblings told me about it. What a beauty! I am jealous (am a bit of a moth fan).

    Hope Gus is better soon. We have two terriers here, so I really feel for you with one of yours poorly. x

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  12. We are keeping our paws crossed for Gus! He's so lucky to have your love and guidance.

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  13. Blogging shouldn't be stressful. We'll keep our paws crossed for Gus and hope your life settles down soon.

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  14. Blogging is a hobby, that should be fun and done when it can be. We are here as much as we can be, and we know it is the same for everyone else.
    We are sending POTP for Gus.

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  15. I am praying that Gus can get better; oh that face is so so sweet. Thinking of you...

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  16. So sorry to hear Gus is declining. Take it easy, blogger buddy. Take some time to catch your breath.

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  17. Howdy Kim. This could be me writing your post. I too feel stretched these days what with Rory's continuing health issues. We just can't get improvement with his feet. Also my husband hasn't been well either. I'll send you hugs and relaxing vibes mate. Take care and know you are thought of here in Oz. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

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  18. Kim, your life, family and dogs should always come first before blogging..No need to comment on my blog, I completely understand.. It is nice of you to keep us informed on Gus's condition and how he is doing.. Charlie looks cute with his haircut..Keeping you and Gus and all the other doggies in my thoughts and prayers.. Have a happy weekend!

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  19. Many of us take a leave from blogging when we are nearing that burnt-out feeling. You should only write when it is truly enjoyable rather than feeling you are on a timetable and must produce a post, no matter the circumstances that surround you. Take care of yourself first.

    I hope Gus comes around. He is a beautiful boy.

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  20. Kim, I think we all can relate about blogging and trying to keep up with everyone. I just have to say I look forward to reading your blog and hearing all about Life at Golden Pines. I know you write from you heart and that's what I love about your Blog. I will keep you and all the Golden's in my prayers. Tell Todd he is looking sharp!

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  21. Hello sweet Kim, that is one big moth, wow!!!!!! Nice haircut on Charlie, looks cute. Hope you get to enjoy your days off, summer is flying by so fast. I really enjoy reading your blog and treasure our friendship, take care of yourself and the furbaby's, Blessings Francine.

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  22. First time reading your blog and we know what you mean. We will say a little prayers for Gys

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  23. i'm thinking about you all - you and your pack are not alone. while i do enjoy reading your posts i also very much understand you might not be able to post as frequently or at all due to competing obligations. That's ok - i know you know that but sometimes it helps to hear it also.

    take care of yourself and your pack.

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  24. Crikey ..... how could we forget you?? Once a month, once a year, once a day .... we don't care. Mum and I love your blog. Your pictures are truly beautiful and we like to hear all about the dogs. Dear Gus is such a beautiful boy. I do hope he keeps wagging that tail. That moth is amazing. We've never seen one of those!!

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  25. Blogging should be fun. You take the time off and we will all be here when you are ready to blog again. We will never forget You. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You do a great work with your goldens.

    Wags
    Jazzi

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  26. If nothing else, catch up on sleep - it works wonders!!

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  27. Take the break so you will have the energy to give us updates when you have time. Hope things improve and you are able to slow down.

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  28. Sweet Kim
    You and all of Golden Pines are close to our heart. We will never be far away- we will never forget any of you. You are trying so hard to help all your furrys, and right now you are on a rough road with Gus. Oh how our heart breaks with yours as you wonder what has happened-- why Gus is worse,, and its frightening. Your sensitive loving heart must be racing like a frightened little rabbit--- racing from worry. You know the many paths you have walked with each of the furries, I know those paths are flashing before you-- wondering how and why.
    Kim we send all of our good wishes for Gus-- that answers will be found.
    Blogland has brought us together,,, and even though sometimes we do not post either-- we will never ever forget you.
    If blogging brings you peace-- then let it,,, but if its too much sometimes,,,
    just let it be Kim,,,,, and don't worry. We will never forget you or any of the furries,, just let us know how everything is.
    We send all the love in the world,,, and a million magic bubbles to help Gus,,,,, and you
    love
    tweedles

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  29. We all at some point in time need a break from different things in life. Blogging is no different. I have taken a long break because between the home, blogging, crafting and doing videos I was being burned out. ANd now my youngest daughter at home for a couple of months trying to get over a huge hump in her life (suicide attempts). Somethings in life have a little more priorities than blogging. Take as much time as you need, we will all be here when you decide to come back and let us into your life at Golden Pines again. Hope everything goes well with Gus. HUgs to you and your furry friends and Carl. Ana

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  30. We will all be here when you get back! Just take your time and take care of your pups. Sending you hugs and prayers! Hope Gus gets to feeling better!! xo Jeanne

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  31. Don't worry we won't forget about you! I haven't had time to post on my blog for awhile. The changes in my job and the dogs keep me too busy. Blogging should not be the priority in life especially with Gus. DM takes a lot of work. Take care and sending healing thoughts for Gus.

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  32. oh my darling girl
    you take care of you. first and foremost. there is nothing i can add to all the wonderful comments above and probably more to come.
    we love you and what you do. you seem to be a human dynamo in more ways than one! rest as much as you can. and take time to just enjoy life.
    til soon old bean. til soon. ♥

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  33. We love to see your updates and are so grateful for your 'golden retirement home'! We've found keeping up with comments is the hardest part and feel guilty when we don't get around as much as we wished we did. It's supposed to be fun not stressful - right?! We are happy to see your posts whenever you are able to post. Your family and pack should always come first.
    oxox
    Daisy

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  34. Good Morning Kim:
    I found your blog last week and have enjoyed reading your posts. We actually have three pugs that we took right from the icky puppy mill here in southeast iowa but I also have been looking around at the senior golden's that I seem to be seeing more and more in need of a home. I admit I would love to bring one home, but because we live in a small house in town am telling myself it would not be a good idea. So instead I read your blog, and live through your world. We are sending our prayers to you and Gus, and we sure hope you begin to see improvements. As far as blogging goes, well we all have those times where life can get in the way of the blog, and so everyone is very understanding in that sense. Hugs from all of us.
    stella rose, Margaret mae and Angus mcconnell

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  35. I've been going thru much the same thing lately. I do love blogging but at the end of a day filled with caring for sick dogs and catering to old dogs and cooking special diets for other dogs, I'm just mentally tired and can't come up with anything worth reading. I don't want my blog to be one of those that always complains and brings people down, so better to wait till I'm ready.

    Please don't give up on blogging altogether. As we discussed, it can sometimes be disheartening when others attack us, but we can rise above their garbage.

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  36. Right now I am not into blahgging.
    Charlie looks spiffy!

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  37. So just last night I was talking to a friend of my daughter; his family's 9 yr old Dachshund was recently in a very bad way, unable to use his hind legs, etc. They really thought they might need to put him down. Their enlightened Vet told them he had done all he could with traditional meds and methods and recommended a holistic Vet. After electroshock treatments and acupuncture, he is now literally running around! They also got him some traction socks for his back paws to help keep him from slipping and sliding around. I have my fingers crossed for Gus!

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  38. I check your post every day and am grateful when you have a chance to write. I'm amazed that you manage to do so much. Best wishes to you and Gus and everyone there.

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  39. I love that photo of Gus! It really looks as though he is smiling, even though things are hard for him. We humans do the same thing often.. try to smile when things are tough. I send hugs of support and encouragement from across the miles Kim. I hope your vet can find a way to make things easier for Gus and for you!

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  40. I completely understand. Sometimes blogging is a good escape but if it becomes a chore, it's best to take a break.
    I recently took a break without even meaning to.
    I applaud all that you are doing for Gus and all the others.
    I currently have a houseful of seniors and I must admit that some days I don't know whether to cry or scream...all I do know is that they are totally worth it.
    You amaze me in all that you do.
    Hang in there. xoxo

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  41. I have always admired the way that you take care of the animals that need caring for...now, that being said, you already know that I am not a "regular" blogger. If I lose readers because of it, then so be it. The way that I look at it is life comes first, you take care of what needs to be taken care of, and then blog. Just my opinion, and again, I will always respect you for taking in the animals that you take in and care for. You also need to take care of yourself, Kim, or you can't take care of those who depend on you so much. Like I said, just my opinion. Hang in there.

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  42. Kim...stop...it's us...it is all good...breathe, relax and take care of Gus..:)JP

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  43. Hi Kim.. I am checking in on Gus.. We hope he is feeling better and that you are too.
    love
    tweedles

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