Good-Bye & God Speed Hamlet

Dear Hamlet,

As I write this you are quietly resting nearby.  In just a couple of hours I'll hold you for one last time and say good-bye.  You're having problems standing, you've had no appetite the last few days and are drinking very little water...You and I both know it's time for you to leave us.   

~Hamlet, the first day I met him~

How well I remember the day you came into our lives 19 short months ago.  It seems like only yesterday, in some ways, I guess it was.  I remember being so firm in my decision to no longer foster for the rescue.  But then I got a call from a new volunteer asking me if I could pick up a dog named Hamlet who had been left in the garage of a house that had been foreclosed on.  I agreed because I was going to be in that direction that day, and where you needed to go was on my way home; I would hardly be going out of my way.  Needless to say, when I saw you, so ill and unable to stand, I knew I couldn't turn my back on you.  I called the foster home coordinator and asked if I could foster you.  The rest shall we say is history.  

You've enjoyed your health for the most part.  But in the shadows and always on our minds was the tumor on your shoulder.  You've had two major surgeries to remove it, and both times you've fully recovered.  I have marveled and given thanks so many times for that as well as your spark and zest for life.   Hamlet, I know that you've been happy here.  Its shown as your personality has blossomed.  My heart would literally leap each time you would run past me on our walks to get back to the house first, or prance around when I came home each day.  I loved how you would come to me quietly wagging your tail and bury your head in my lap for me to scratch your head.  We taught some 'important things' like how to beg and I never minded sharing a bite of whatever it was I was eating.  My attempts to try and get you to bark never worked--A small 'woof' was all I could ever get, but that spoke volumes.  

Hamlet you will be greatly missed!  You've shown over and over again what a quiet, kind, gentle soul you are.  I will never be the same, both for bearing your loss, and for the joy you've given us and others that I've told about you.  It has been a privilege to have such a noble dog like you as part of our lives.  God speed my precious, precious Hamlet.  We've lit our candle to help you find your way to the bridge where you'll meet and join our other Goldens, Tod, Ben, Cougar, Tucker, Scout, Tosh, Logan, Kasey, Cubby--Cowboy, Maguire and Tanner are there too.  Please give them our message and know that we'll see you all again one day.  

We Wait

I stayed home from work today and spent it with Hamlet who is not doing so well.  I sat on the front porch with him and the other dogs enjoying a beautiful sunny morning where there were birds singing and a breeze.  Hamlet who was sleeping on the porch lifted his head and closing his eyes, sniffed the air that was blowing on his face.  As I watched him, the wind seemed to whisper in my ear that his time to leave us is drawing near.  Of course I don't know when that will be. So I wait for this most un-welcomed guest and pray for more time and peace.

  

Memories for What's Ahead

Some call them fireflies, I call them lightning bugs. I think they're summer's mascot and they're back. The memories I have of them is like 'magic.' Even now seeing them is kind of like a mini-fireworks show . As I stood on my porch watching them last night, I remembered something I read about how each minute of our lives is unique unto itself and how connected we can be to what came before and what will come next.

I wish I knew what will come next for Hamlet. He was taken back to the vet on Friday. His appetite is really good, but there is a lingering cough and the tumor is still draining.  (We're doing our best to keep it very clean). I don't think that he's feeling all that well, but despite that his tail still wags and the spark is still there.  We have had a culture done to see what bacteria is present and will hopefully be able to find an antibiotic to treat the infection. Prior to Hamlet having his 2nd surgery, one of the bacteria that was identified from a culture was e-coli. The medication to treat that particular strain of it was very expensive (about $1500 per bottle) required his being hospitalized for several days, and had an arms length of side effects which included kidney failure. It was then we opted to do the surgery and hope all the bacteria and infection were removed. I knew going into it that there was a chance it may not be. As far as doing surgery again, right now I don't feel like that's an option. His recovery from the 2nd surgery was a little more difficult than the first one, and a 3rd would no doubt be harder for him. Hamlet is an old dog (we guess about 13-14) and I think it would be too much for a dog his age. We've had a wonderful and memorable year and-a-half together; the past six months, the best. He had times where he would make little running dashes on our walks, manage a single bark and we'd get a 'snorty whine' from him when we come home. I know those days are now gone.  But like the lightning bugs, I have the memories of them.  I think they've given Hamlet and I a connection and the courage for whatever will come next. 

Good News and Not So Good News

~Sammy~

Feeling pretty confident in my dog-handling abilities, I took 4 of the dogs to the vet today.  They were all relatively simple appointments, so how hard could it be?  Thinking about it now, maybe I'd not used my best judgment when I made the appointments.  But I did get help when I arrived at the office which was really nice. The errands that I ran afterwards were made easier when I threw a handful of crackers behind me and the dogs forgot about wanting to jump out the door when I opened it.  

It was good news for Sam. Some of you have seen on Facebook where Sam has lost 14 pounds since his last visit.  He contributes his weight loss to healthy eating, lots of exercise and not snacking too much in between meals!  He makes it sound so easy!

The other two pups, Sheba was there to have her eye rechecked and Bubba for blood-work so he can continue taking the Rimadyl for his arthritis.

~Hamlet~

The other pup I had with me was Hamlet.  I've not really mentioned anything about him lately and thought I'd give you an update since I know that there are some of you who are pretty fond of him. I don't quite know where to start.  As you know, he had his last surgery in late November.  Since that 2nd surgery he's been taking Chinese herbs to slow the return of the tumor.  In comparing the time that has passed when he was taking the herbs verses when he wasn't taking them, I really feel that they have worked pretty well and have given him some good time.  But the tumor has returned, just as we knew it would.  What was once the size of the palm of one hand, is now the size of both hands, and is growing relatively quickly.  There has been a change in Hamlet in the past week.  While he still has a great appetite, is very much a part of the group and my shadow on our walks and around the house, his energy level has dropped.  When he's resting, I notice him breathing heavily, and sleeping more soundly.   The vet recommended we put Hamlet back on pain medication, in case he may be having come discomfort.  I don't know what any of this means, and don't feel that another surgery is an option...I just hope that when the time comes to make any decision on the path to take, we'll both know.  Send some hope and prayers for Hamlet if you think about it, okay?

~Hamlet~

 

Groundhog Day on April Fools?

To begin, I really enjoyed reading your comments from my last post about inconsiderate cell phone users and which is your favorite day of the week!  Thursday didn't turn out to be to bad for me.  Late yesterday afternoon I got a call from the office manager where I work asking if I'd like to take Friday off because of a 'wide open schedule.'  Not wanting to be at the office looking for something to do, I said I would.  Wednesday had also been a bit slow and with no patient after lunch another co-worker and I decided to make 'banana boat s'mores' in our little toaster oven for everyone--Now you know what goes on in a dental office when there are no patients--They had been featured in a magazine we received and we thought 'why not?'  I've never had them before and have to admit, they weren't too bad--But then isn't anything that has melted chocolate on it?  

  

The day at home has been a pretty quiet one.  As I write this, 'stray cat' is eating the food we put out this morning.  Of course it runs when it sees us, or crouches down in the grass and watches as we put the food down; but it is coming every day to eat.  I did notice the crows got there before the cat did, so I hope there was something left. I also have caught my very first glimpse of our one of our resident ground-hogs!  A sure sign that despite the cold that spring is here--At least I 'think' it was the ground-hog.  It is April Fools day after all! 

I'll end this post with a picture of Hamlet.  You can see on his left shoulder a tumor that is a little smaller than a tennis ball.  It's not the same one that he had removed, but it has been there since he came to us.  It has gotten a little bigger, but it doesn't seem to bother him, so with that, it doesn't bother me...At least not too much... 

Hamlet and Hope

Its been just over 3 months since Hamlet had his last surgery.  I marvel at how well everything has healed because I think I would still be recovering from it all.  But being a worrier, I'm still concerned about him.  

With each meal Hamlet is given three Chinese herbs which total 14 pills a day--In the evening Maitake mushroom is added.  All of this in hopes that it will prevent the regrowth of the tumor that I was told would come back.  

My only worry is where the tumor was.  I do feel a hard lump that I don't think was there before.  To see if it's growing, I've measured it, and four of my fingers fits snuggly around it.  I've no idea if it's scar tissue, since there is a similar one in the same spot on the other side that is softer and almost moveable.  

I suppose that I shouldn't focus on what could happen, but remember to enjoy our daily walks... 

 Our time together... 

(left to right, Rudi, Josh, Charlie, CarrieAnne, Sheba, Hamlet)

Just hanging out...

 And try not to worry...

At least not too much...And remember to have hope...Sometimes that's all you can do...

Mismatched Week and Mismatched Socks

It’s officially winter here in Virginia! Last week we were enjoying seasonably warm weather but fast forward to this week and the cold winds have been howling and we even had a little bit of snow today. 

I've been enjoying the last couple of planned days off work.  I've not been feeling well, so it's nice to have a break. 

Yesterday I was all set to take Tanner to see the opthamologist for a 4 month check up.  For once I was running on time, even taking him beforehand to the groomer for a nail-trim.  I called the office to confirm the time and was told that Tanner's appointment was today...So much for the good planning...We arrived today a little late.  Tanner's eye pressure is unchanged and the exam showed everything was fine, good news!  Today Tanner was seen by 2 Opthamologist, one was a man I'd never met before--He was a very tall, husky man that I figure was in his mid 50's.  He didn't introduce himself, so I'm guessing he was an opthamologist.  But when he sat down I noticed that he wore mismatched socks, one was light green, the other was dark brown.  He also wore a wrinkled white oxford shirt that had streaks of gray running through it. I really tried not to stare, but I know that I was.  He was such a contrast to the crisp white coat and neat appearance of the 'lady opthamologist' and the assistant that I couldn't help myself.  I had to wonder if he needed HIS eyes checked... 

On a final note, Hamlet is feeling really well and I feel like the last couple of days we have the 'old' Hamlet back!  The drains have been removed, and he's finally leaving the surgery site alone so for now he's not wearing the e-collar.  I do think he'll continue to wear a shirt and shoe for now.  But he is up and around much more and has returned to our room at night to sleep. Notice in the last picture of Hamlet that he is laying on his 'surgery side.'  It was the first time I'd seen him do that, and I think it has to be a good sign. I've started him back on the Chinese herbs in hopes that perhaps they will do some good this time. I know it's doing us 'some good' to see him feeling like the Hamlet we so very much adore!   

A Final Decision for Hamlet

Cold and wind has arrived in Virginia bringing with it temps just above freezing.  Areas to the south of us are having a bit of snow.  We have blue skies and sunshine, at least today. 

I took Hamlet (pictured with Wendy on the right) to the vet this cold morning to have the drains removed.  We have decided to wait to do that on Monday because there's still draining.  The final culture results were returned on Wednesday and my vet called me and discussed the options.  Today we discussed everything again.   While the surgeon removed the area of infection, because he couldn't remove everything (without removing Hamlet's leg) there is concern that the bacteria might still be present in Hamlet's system after this surgery.  We wonder if this is why there was a recurrence of infection after the first surgery, because we didn't use the right antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria--But this is just a guess...The culture that was done before the surgery identified 3 bacteria which are immune to most antibiotics.  One medication that Hamlet is currently taking (zenquin) will get rid of 2 of the bacteria.  The 3rd one however is a strain of e-coli and the only medication that will work to get rid of it is an antibiotic called Amikacin. It is a very strong medication that has a lot of side effects that could occur such as kidney damage, hearing loss, vestibular (balance) disorders. There may also be facial swelling, pain at the injection site, allergic reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, blood disorders, or liver disorders...It goes without saying that Hamlet would have to be monitored very closely by the vet during treatment because old dogs are particularly susceptible to the side effects.  

I've thought a lot about all of this the last few days.  I've thought of what my goals are for Hamlet and what my hopes are for him.  At the top of the list is for Hamlet to be able to enjoy the days he has left and be comfortable and free from pain.  I feel strongly that he's been through enough.  I think Hamlet needs to rest and enjoy the time he has left with us in peace, not be poked and prodded and ill from the side-effects of medications.  So I've decided to continue with the one antibiotic that will get rid of two of the bacteria, and not risk putting him on the Amikacin. 

I don't know what's ahead for Hamlet.  But tonight for the first time this week while I was eating my dinner in front of the tv, Hamlet came to me looking for a small bite of what I was having.  I think and I so hope I've made the right choice. 

Update on Hamlet

I'm here at work and just wanted to post an update to let you all know that I heard from Dr. Taylor a little while ago that Hamlet did very well during his procedure today!  He didn't have to be put under anesthesia, but instead a local-anesthetic was used to put in two drains.  Hamlet is resting comfortably and I can pick him up on my way home this evening.  The drains will remain in place for about 5 days and were 'tacked in' to help them stay in place.  I'm hopeful we are going to be taking 'this exit' and remain on the road to recovery with no more detours!

Many thanks for your continued good thoughts,  prayers and for cheering Hamlet on!  I remain humbled and grateful to all of you for your friendship and concern. 

I hope you're having an enjoyable day!  It's rainy and a little chilly in Virginia today, but somehow it feels like the sun is shining. 

Not Yet Over the Hurdles

I wasn't going to post anything today because I'm starting to feel like a broken record, and I know that some of you are no doubt tired of hearing about Hamlet.  I really do apologize for that.  But he's consuming my life right now, and I so hope you understand.  

I am really encouraged by how Hamlet is doing overall.  He has a great appetite, he's up and around some, and I think that he's generally feeling pretty good.  There are even a few tail-wags.  The area where the surgery is of course very tender and bruised.  

The only thing is, is that the drain that was put in came out this morning.  I took him to the vet to have them take a look.  My vets feels that it needs to be put back in because he has some fluid around his elbow.  This means another surgery to which I reluctantly agreed.  My vet doesn't work on Tuesday so another vet that I don't particularly like will be doing the procedure--How I feel about 'Dr. Taylor' has nothing to do with his capability, we just don't click.  That aside, my biggest hope is that the swelling will have gone down by morning and he won't need to have the drain put back in.  And if he has to have surgery again, it'll be quick and easy and Hamlet won't have any more hurdles to get over.  

I hope you'll keep those prayers, positive thoughts, good karma, and anything else that you can think of coming for Hamlet.

Hamlet Clears One Hurdle

Once again I'd like to thank-you for your remembering Hamlet today and keeping him in your thoughts and prayers. I heard from the surgeon a little while ago that Hamlet has come through the surgery and was resting. He said it went as well as could be expected, and he had removed as much of the infected tissue and tumor as he could. Hamlet still has a few hurdles to get over, but I'm hopeful that we have cleared the biggest one with the surgery. I'm to call in the morning because he may be able to come home. 

As I mentioned earlier today, I met a friend for lunch whose dog was also having surgery. (Bella did just fine too!)  We met at a place in Purcellville called "Magnolias at the Mill."  The mill was built in 1905. It served in the production of pasture seed for the Contee Adam Seed Company, and was operated by the same family for three generations. In the middle of the last century, Loudoun County Dairy Business was booming and the mill filled the need for grass seed. During the second World War, much of the Virginia Orchard Grass seed produced here was shipped to Europe as packing for artillery shells and armaments. 'Magnolias' was also a flour mill in the 1940s.  It's a lovely place that still retains the original woodwork and equipment for the decor.  Lunch was delicious (a roasted pumpkin bisque to warm me up and flank-steak caesar salad) and the company of a good friend was enjoyable too.      

Afterwards I stopped by "Southern States" and once again admired the chicken houses...I still think I need chickens.  But I think (or rather I know) I need to get Hamlet home and back on his feet first. 

THANK YOU all again for your kindness, support and your friendship; it has provided so much comfort!   I hope you're having an enjoyable weekend!!     

Positive Thoughts for Hamlet

I dropped Hamlet off this morning for his surgery.  I'm feeling a sense of calm this morning, but am (of course) nervous and worried.  I know that there are many of you who are keeping him in your prayers today, and I so appreciate it!  

I'd planned on just staying home with my cell phone attached to me today.  But I received a call just as I was getting home from a friend whose dog is having knee surgery today at the same place, by the same surgeon.  We have decided that we both could use some company and are meeting for lunch.  She was on the board of directors of the rescue when I first became involved and was the one who talked me into taking our boy Josh to foster.  It'll be good to see her. 

I'll post an update when I hear from the surgeon.  Many many thanks for your thoughts and prayers for Hamlet!

Winding Down on Wednesday!

The last several days have been a bit hectic.  But all the rush is behind me, and I can focus on what's in front, which is Thanksgiving and about a week of vacation!

I took Hamlet to see the surgeon last evening.  Before I tell you what was decided, I want to say how very much I appreciate all of you who have taken a moment to send your best wishes for Hamlet and share your thoughts and experiences.  It really does help to have them.  This has been a very difficult time trying to decide the direction to take.  Hamlet has been through so much.  Right now he enjoys a pretty good quality of life.  He's got a good appetite, his energy level and attitude are good too. The only difference is that he's uncomfortable.  The tumor is huge--Bigger than both my hands put together...Dr. Walker (surgeon) agrees that it looks worse than it did originally.  The open area of the tumor is about the width of my index finger and getting bigger; it's red and angry with infection...I would post a picture, but you understand...But if you're curious and would like to see it, let me know...

Having said that, we have the option of course of doing nothing.  The tumor will continue to grow, and eventually Hamlet will probably lose use of his leg.  There's not enough skin to heal over the open area, it'll remain open and get worse.  Antibiotics aren't effective because the blood supply is very limited to the tumor (that's why it's not getting better).  The risk of doing surgery is that it may not work--We have known that all along.  We take the chance that de-bulking the tumor (not removing the whole thing, only part of it) may leave us with all the same problems and more as doing nothing.  But then again, if it works, it buys Hamlet some more time.  I think that 'luck' has been on Hamlet's side.  It was a rough recovery last time, but I feel like I owe it to him to at least try.  He'll have surgery on Saturday.     

The rest of the dogs are doing well.  I find great comfort in their company.  This morning the house is filled with the smell of bread baking and a turkey breast that I cooked overnight in the crockpot.  It's part of a Thanksgiving meal that I'm taking to a good friend today.  There is a peaceful feeling as a few of the dogs, including Hamlet are snoozing nearby.  A couple of the other dogs are in the kitchen hoping that the Food-Fairy will come and magically give them a bite of something.  The silence of the morning is broken by the sound of CarrieAnne and Sam barking at something in the darkness.  I always wonder what they see? 

What to do about Hamlet

I'm home from the vet with Hamlet.  Parked on our road when I drove past were a couple of cars with several people looking at the adjoining property--At least I guess that's what they were doing.  For some strange reason, known only to our dogs, we discovered purely by chance that the words "chop-chop" always send them running to the far side of the yard barking--So, when I let the dogs into the backyard, I said those words and off they went running to bark at the people--It just made sense to do it.  One couple had a dog with them, so 'maybe' they wouldn't be so bad to have as neighbors.

The news for Hamlet continues to not be good.  The vet feels that the infection is worse and the antibiotics aren't working.  As I've mentioned, I can't tell because I look at it everyday.  I had thought that it was improving but in my heart I knew that it wasn't.  The option of surgery came up again.  Dr. DeSantis (my vet) thinks that surgery to 'debulk' the tumor, removing the area of infection may be an option to consider.  Then we would use IV and oral antibiotics to get rid of any lingering infection.  The only thing I've discussed with the surgeon was removing the entire tumor.  There are some risks.  One being the loss of the use of his leg.  Another is that there may not be enough tissue to close up the wound.  Dr. DeSantis said that even though surgery was 'not really' an option we may not have a choice but make it one.  There are so many things to consider in doing this.  The last surgery took so much out of Hamlet because of his age (about 13-14).  Another is that the infection could be so deep within the tissue that surgery and antibiotics may not even make a difference and could make everything worse for him. This is why I'll have to talk to the surgeon again and see what he thinks about a less invasive surgery.  It'll also take about 5 days to get the results back from the latest culture that we took of the wound which may give us a whole other picture.  For some reason the quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet came to mind today, "that it should come to this!". But I don't see that "this" may have other choices--Unless someone else has a suggestion? 

Today is our 29th wedding anniversary.  We were planning to go out to lunch and enjoy the day. Carl and I both don't feel much like celebrating, but think that getting out for a drive may do wonders to clear our heads and get a good perspective on everything.   

I do hope you're having an enjoyable day!  It's really a lovely day here in Virginia with warm temps and sunshine.  This kind of weather always has a way of lifting the soul!

Our Zoning and a Saturday Snippet

I'm so glad that the weekend has finally arrived! The week started out with a neighboring dental office enjoying a catered lunch that was meant for the office I work in--I'll end the story there and just say they felt it shouldn't be an issue, since "we" didn't pay for it...And the week ended with a visit to the Loudoun County Office of Land and Development to find out the zoning for Fred's property. (See the post, Paradise Lost) This then sent me traipsing the halls of the county court house (pictured) to see the plat information.  The good news is, is that the zoning (AR-1) only allows 1 house to be built on each lot.  So, the most we would see would be a total of 3 houses built.  The property in back of us that we are interested in, according to the plat information is accessed via, our driveway.  This is what we thought.  But if we're able to purchase 2-3 acres, it would include the access that would be changed.  We did hear from Fred's realtor yesterday and he wanted to know how much we were willing to pay for 2 or 3 acres, if Fred would do it. Our realtor told him we hadn't discussed that and did Fred just want to name a price?  She told them she didn't want to divide the 10 acre price because it was unlikely the 2 or 3 acres would be a buildable lot so it would have less value.  I guess this is why we have a realtor because the amount we were thinking was the price divided into the cost of the 10 acres and a little more...I wish I knew where all this was going to end up...

Today I do know where I'll end up.  The vets office.  Hamlet continues to be a concern.  The tumor as you know is very large, and became sore from Hamlet scratching it.  He continues to wear a tee-shirt, but is now sporting a shoe on his back left foot to keep from further aggravating it and a 'soft-lamp-shade' or e-collar to keep him from licking it--He looks like he's dressed for Halloween...I'm sure you understand why I'd rather not post a picture of him...But I'm going to ask about steroids today to see if that will help in reducing the size and providing some relief.  I know that there are side effects to taking this step, but something has to be done.

I'm also worried about Wendy.  I noticed on Tuesday she has somehow broken a lower tooth that looks like it may be becoming infected.  It was actually her that had an appointment this morning to see the vet.  But I had to change that because Hamlet needs to be seen a 'little' more than she does, and unfortunately they didn't have enough time to see both of them.  She doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort, but I feel just awful having to make her wait. 

Whatever your Saturday brings, I hope you're having an enjoyable day! I look forward to reading your blogs later this afternoon! 

Good Dreams and Memories

At 2 a.m. this morning, groggy Americans turned their clocks back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time.  So I've no idea if it was 3 or 4 o'clock when I was awakened by a constant thumping noise.  When I got up to see what it was, I saw that it was Hamlet having a very active dream.  As I stood there watching his legs move and his tail wag, I remembered something I heard several years ago that says "that when you see a rescued dog dreaming, it's because he finally has good memories."  In a few days we will celebrate having Hamlet for a year.  I hope he has good memories of this past year together.  I know I do.

Positive Thinking Through Hamlet

To start, THANK YOU for the kind thoughts on my post yesterday!  They really did help!  However, for some reason I have to admit to still feeling a bit of discouragement and to being a little self conscious over this latest bout of poison ivy.  I did switch my day off to today and have to work tomorrow, so hopefully it will be better. 

I do consider myself a positive thinking person, and have tried to not complain.  I decided this morning to help me through this, I needed a positive example of 'someone' who doesn't complain--I didn't have to look far, I found it in Hamlet. 

Those of you who have been following my blog for sometime know Hamlet's story.  Those of you who don't, I will give you a shortened version of how he came to live with us.  He was found nearly a year ago in the garage of a house that had been foreclosed on.  Estimated to be about 13 years old, Hamlet was so ill the first time I saw him, he couldn't even stand up.  Not even my determination to not bring another dog into our home could keep me from wanting to help him.  Hamlet came to us as a foster dog, and became a permanent member of our household shortly after that.  He had surgery this past spring to remove a large tumor on his shoulder.  Sadly it has returned and surgery is not an option because of the amount of tissue that was removed the first time.  Chinese herbs were ineffective, and the tumor continues to grow. I don't like to take pictures of Hamlet that show the tumor, but in this first picture, you can see it on the right.  Most of the time Hamlet sports a tee-shirt to keep the tumor clean and from getting scratched and becoming sore.  He now walks with a slight limp and I can tell it bothers him when he walks. 

Through all of this, Hamlet remains in good spirits and never seems bothered by any of this.  When he first came to us, he didn't seem to have much zest or enthusiasm about life.  That's all changed.  He 'prances' around when we come home, nudges us for attention, a bite of whatever we're eating, and to hurry up so he can go for a walk.  He is my constant companion.  We've never heard him bark, but this quiet, gentle soul has a tail that is always quietly wagging, speaking volumes.  I really think that I should follow his example which is to "bark less and wag more."

Thankful Thursday!

Today marks exactly two weeks since Hamlet had his surgery. We are leaving in a few minutes to go to the vet to have the staples removed. As you can see, he's healed quite nicely!!

I cannot express how very thankful and grateful I am that he's done so well! I have been telling everyone about a difference in him from before we did the surgery. When we are out he gets a little spunky and breaks into a slow gallop that actually has a little bit of speed behind it--In the short 5 months he's been with us, he's never done that, so as you can imagine, we are excited and thrilled to see this change! Carl and I hope that this is a sign of good days to come with Hamlet!!

Thank-you all for your kindness and concern and sending well wishes for Hamlet--They truly did and have made a difference!!

Finally It's Friday!!!

We end the week at Golden Pines exhausted, but very thankful that Hamlet is doing well!! Below is a picture that I took of him yesterday afternoon. I let him go "shirtless" for a little while, but I put a T-Shirt back on because I didn't want his newly exposed tender skin to get sunburned.

I decreased his pain medication on Thursday evening, and this morning, he is happy and wagging his tail! What a difference a few days can make!! THANK YOU all again for your well wishes and healing thoughts, they have meant so much!! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Concern + Worry = Hamlet

I have to admit that the rainy cold weather that we've had today in Virginia matched my mood. What caused the dark cloud? Hamlet...He had such a good weekend where he was up and about a little bit and I was feeling really (!!) optimistic that he was on the mend. So much so that I decreased his pain medication on Sunday evening and Monday morning. However when I came home Monday night from work, Hamlet was still laying in the same place as he was when I'd left in the morning. My dog walker said he wouldn't get up for her to go out. Of course he didn't try to get to his feet for me either, so I ended up carrying him outside--I'll just add that I didn't realize that I could carry 70-ish pounds of dog outside and bring him back inside, but I guess you do what you have too. I did feel better that he was at least eating and drinking normally.

However, my anxiety was kicked up a couple of levels when this morning he hadn't moved much during the night and he once again wouldn't stand on his own to go outside. When I fed Hamlet his breakfast, I decided to increase the amount of pain medication to the recommended dose and I added another one, (ok'd by my vet on Saturday if I thought it was needed). I said several prayers and went off to work. From my office I called my vet, and the surgeon. Both felt that he must have some kind of fever which sent me to the next level of worry. I have no doubt that I drove my co-workers crazy today with my concerns--Fortunately a few of them are animal lovers and understand.

When I got off work, I couldn't get home fast enough! Why is there always the worst kind of traffic when you're in a hurry? At any rate, when I walked in the door this evening, I was met by our crowd which included Hamlet!! Doesn't he look pretty good? He even took the 2 steps outside into the yard. Needless to say, I'm thrilled!! I said a few prayers of thanks for any divine intervention and there is a break in the clouds this evening!