Sunday, July 5, 2020

Cookie-Cutter Days

The weather-lady said this morning that we are having "cookie cutter days."  I know she was talking about the weather, but the same could be said about our last few weeks. Each day seems like the one before, and passes just as quickly.

However, a very talented and kind friend made me a cake - For no particular reason. And no, Todd did not get any part of it.

We have had in the last couple of weeks several evenings of thunderstorms that have done a lot to frighten poor Leo. After a lot of discussion about Leo's storm fear, I've learned that this type of fear is most often "baked in" and not one that can be totally resolved. It's one that is managed.
~A VERY NERVOUS Leo~
On the positive side to Leo being so afraid, if there is one, we've found a way to manage him during a thunderstorm that makes him feel safe and he'll settle down. In the finished part of our basement living area, that has no windows, is a quiet place where we can sit with him, turn on the TV and wait for the storm to pass. This has worked out really well - In fact its worked so well that there has been no need to give him any medication to ease his nervousness and anxiety, which I think is another plus. 
~Leo a bit more relaxed during a storm~
Having this solution has really helped. So, knowing what works for him during storms, its been decided to make Leo available again for adoption, so stay tuned.....

At the vet was Hannah. Before we adopted her, I was concerned about her back leg that has had swelling around her hock. I brought it up several times, but the vet for the rescue, for whatever reason, never addressed it. It is actually (another) one of the reasons for adopting Hannah because I was concerned about it. But the first day I took her, Mobile Vets x-ray machine didn't work, so we had to reschedule. Mobile Vet wanted to try and stabilize her leg, so we tried a brace on it, that didn't stay on for too long.

Back we went last week, and the news was that her heart and lungs looked pretty good.

Of course I'd really hoped that the swelling on her hock wasn't anything too serious - But I had a feeling that it was. Unfortunately, just like Chip, it's bone cancer. With Hannah having heart-worm, mammary cancer, and eye problems, more than anything I wished that this girl could get a break in her health.
Mobile Vet said that given all of her health problems, we're really on borrowed time with Hannah. Of course, I don’t know how much time we’ll get to borrow. But however long it is, we’ll make it count. We all agree that with all she has been though, this sweet girl deserves that.

17 comments:

  1. Time that is full of love , company, and the best care ever is what Hannah has, and know that she is so cared for,The words spoken at Princess Diana's funeral said, at the end of the verse. " Time is too short for those who love" so true for all of us dog and cat and horse lovers. and Leo, you have sorted out his problem with the thunder, I did not like them as a child, and my bedroom had long windows on one side, and another 2 at the end. I can remember hiding my head under the blankets and pillow.

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  2. The lily photo is beautiful and the cake looks delicious. If it tastes half as good as it looks, then wow. I'm glad that Leo has found a safe place to wait out the storms, seems so much better that heavy pharmaceuticals. Our older lab preferred a windowless room in our finished lower level too whenever there were storms or fireworks. He would just head down there when he needed to so we kept a bed and fresh water ready. My heart breaks for you and Hannah, but I admire your fortitude. Big hugs to all!

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  3. Hello, Todd wants some cake, pretty please.. I am glad things are working out with Leo and his nervousness with the thunderstorms. Sad news for Hannah, she will have a happy life with you till the end. Hugs for all! Have a happy new week!

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  4. That cake sure looks yummy. We're glad to hear you are able to manage Leo's storm phobia but are so sad to hear about Hannah. We are keeping our paws crossed that she is comfortable until the end.

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  5. Between thunderstorms and fireworks, it is a very difficult time of the year for many pets (and people).

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  6. Our angel Joey dog would go into the bathroom during storms. It had no windows, and there was a nice soft little rug to lie on. Sorry to hear about your Hannah. Hope she can stay pain free.

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  7. Hugs and scritches Ms. Hannah.
    Glad you found a safe room for babes.
    Identical to what we do...she goes there herself if we don't hear the thunder first.

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  8. Awwwww Kim!!! *sigh* Nothing but ((((((((hugs)))))))) I have for you today and for Hannah. No words will suffice. Love, Andrea xoxo

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  9. Cookie cutter days seems to be the new norm here too. But at least the shape of the cutter has changed with the return of our princess, and now dealing with her surgery. Mom says in many ways it is a blessing that she is more or less confined to home - gives her the best way to keep eyes on Misty.

    We hope Hannah has many good days with you. She deserves it. All the best to her and you.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  10. How wonderful for Hannah, that her last days will be filled with such love and care.

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  11. I am so happy about Leo - good job!

    And, oh my, Hannah. I am glad that she's with you because I know that you'll cherish her for the rest of her time.

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  12. As a Scottie lover, why discriminate against Todd?

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  13. So very sorry to hear about Hannah, but it's reassuring to know that she is in the best possible place, and will receive all the love and care to make her final time as comfortable as possible.
    Our first Labrador was terrified of any loud noises and thunder made him a quivering wreck. He used to make for our bathroom and hide in the shower. He would only relax if we shut the glass door, and he could see that we stayed with him until the storm was over!

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  14. We're so sorry to hear this about poor Hannah. One thing we know for sure is that you will make whatever time she has left the best it can be. ♥
    One thing I miss about our old house is the nice basement we had, where we could do the same thing with our golden who was so afraid of storms. Honestly, I was happy to spend storms down there with him, since I'm not a fan myself!

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  15. This is sad news about dear Hannah. May all her days be bright and happy ones and may they still be many. I've been a little out of touch and am late with a welcome to Gerry; he looks like a fine little fellow. And may the thunderstorms be as few as possible.

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  16. Dear friends,

    It is good to hear from you, even if not all the news is good. Cakes are Good. And so are safe places from storms.

    The the best of all, Very Good part, is that all you Dogs have an amazing home and so much love. We know you are getting the very best!

    Licks and love,
    Cobi

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  17. Wow I havent been by in a long time. You are STILL doing all this magnificent work. Thank you

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