The Appointment

After waiting more than 2 months, Friday, May 26th finally got here. It was the day of Todd's long awaited appointment with the Allergist. 

I don't venture much towards the craziness of I-95, especially on a holiday weekend, but that's where I had to go for Todd's appointment, so we did. It was over an hours drive to get there, and somehow I managed to get there early and with a few minutes to spare. Yay us! 

For whatever reason, Todd didn't seem nervous. Even when I got him out for a little break before his appointment he was happy and relaxed. I was happy about that.

~Do you think Todd snuck a sip of my drink when I wasn't looking?~

What I wasn't happy about was that the dermatology department (still) isn't allowing owners to come inside with their pets. So, I had to wait outside in my van while Todd was taken inside. 

After waiting about 30 minutes, the specialist called and gave a preliminary diagnosis of "Allergic Rhinitis" which is a build-up of histamines in the sinus, that can be caused by damage to the nasal membranes - I approved doing what is called a HESKA blood test that will hopefully tell us what Todd is allergic to. 

Todd will be on Apoquel until we get the test results and will have a follow up appointment in about 6 weeks. I'll just add that I'm not supportive of his being put on this particular medication, it suppresses the immune system and it isn't really an antihistamine ~ I questioned it being prescribed, but the Vet felt he should be on it, even though I really feel strongly that what Todd needs is a 'stronger' antihistamine than the Zyrtec that I've been giving him daily. But what do I know, right? 

Todd was happy to be back with me, and we were both happy when we got home. So now, we wait for 10 or so days for the results, and hope he doesn't have any 'flare ups' before then. 

~Todd after his appointment~

A Snow Day in May!

On the way home from work yesterday, I found out that I was unexpectedly going to be off work today.  The Doctor I work for was going to be part of a funeral for a childhood friend. I am sorry that he lost his friend. But today, I've had 'found time' that I didn't expect to have. 

I decided that it was kind of like having a snow-day. The Urban Dictionary defines a snow day this way:

"An unexpected day when you are supposed to go to school but it is canceled. An unexpected break. An unexpected escape from it all. A day to relax, not a day to catch up on work."

It may be May and there's no snow, but I totally agree with this definition, and I totally embraced it today.  

Our snow-day got off to a pretty good start for Todd. At around 10 o'clock, I went to check on him outside and found him out of breath, his face was all wet and he had green smear on the side of his neck. He was one happy Scottie - But I made him come inside, something he didn't want to do - I washed off the green smear, something else he didn't want me to do and I gave him a treat - The one thing he agreed with.  

It goes without saying that no snow-day is complete without eating the wrong food. So, I went and picked up lunch for myself. Yes, of course there were fries with that burger. 

Ree's snow-day food included chewing up some papers that I had left on the counter. I've no doubt she would have preferred what I was having, or she thought that's what she was going to get.

Then it was everyone outside for a midday break. 

~Front to back - Jack, Daisy and Iva~

Then I looked over and remembered that I really need to get these flowers and vegetables planted. 

I'll get to that later. Or Saturday. I hope.... 

I watched a movie .... Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks - Have you seen it? Then we took a nap. 

~Milo~

I'm sure there was something else in there, but I don't remember what. I just know that it was 5:30 before I knew it. 

All in all, it was a pretty good snow day in May. Back to work on Wednesday. 

~Foster Girl Lily~

Thanks for stopping by today. We are doing okay, and I'm okay too. We have been busy of course, and I'll update on our 'adventures' in my next post. 

And I was afraid to ask 'White Boy' what kind adventure he was having! 😊

Todd - The Birthday Boy

We had what I consider a milestone birthday this past week. Todd turned 12 years old. Twelve. I can't believe it. How can my puppy be 12 years old? 

At 12 years old, Todd still takes life seriously. Age hasn't changed him too much, he's just as proud, brave, independent and opinionated as he's always been. He is after all, a Scottish Terrier. 

However, being a Scottie, Todd is by nature, reserved, and a bit aloof towards strangers. But he has gotten better over the last few years - The last month he's mostly accepted the new dog walker who has followed the advice to win him over with lots of treats. 

~Notes left by our dogwalker~

But that aside, Todd is still active and playful and loves a fun game of ball. And I have to think he'd not approve of my telling you that in our one on one moments, he is gentle and affectionate, and he really loves a good massage. He will (sometimes) tolerate my affection, of 'allowing' a kiss on his head - He clearly objected to that even 2 years ago. 

Something so 'un-Scottie' Todd also wouldn't want told is that the age of 12 has mellowed him a tiny bit. For example in the mornings he's not always in a rush to jump off the bed and get the day started. He's sleeping more when outside in his favorite spot, but still enjoys sitting and watching the world go by.

It's thought by some that 12 years old for a Golden Retriever is a milestone birthday. By their reaching that age, it's an indication that there is a likelihood that they'll live to be 14. For Scotties, it's said to be the same thing. But I'm trying not think about me and Todd having more days behind us than in front. 

However, I am worried and concerned about the continuing issue we're having with his clogged sinuses. We've invested in air-purifiers for our house, and we have an appointment with an allergist at the end of May - their soonest appointment. So, we'll just take each day as it comes, and hope we'll be able to figure it all out so there are plenty to enjoy with Todd, our most unique and high spirited character at Golden Pines. 

Happy 12th Birthday Todd!

**This is where I add that I take the same photo of Todd every year - With the same hat, a cookie, in a chair at the table. At some point, I'll make a collage of all of them. ❤

An Easter Lily Update

Easter Sunday. We are cruising right through April and spring and hoping that the weather will finally stay warm. Spring is showing up more and more every day. This twinleaf flower (below) opened for the first time a few days ago, and already a little pollinator found it!

Aside from the cold temps that won't go away, power outages and wind, we're doing pretty well. 

Our newest arrival, Lily has settled in with our crew.

~Ree on the left, Lily middle, Milo on the right~

Our biggest concern has been Lily crying when she's not with us. A video of that is below - Lily is in the other room, and that's Daisy in the video. We're not sure why she's crying, when she must know that we're nearby, and she's free to come and be with us. It happens at random times during the night or day, and we're not sure what the trigger may be. Any thoughts?

 

However, the good news is, is that the more time that has passed, Lily is not crying as much as she was at first. But she has days when she does cry, and all we can do is call or go to her and reassure her, which seems to help. Lily is a really sweet girl, she is always eager for and loves attention, and she's right up front for treats and her meal too, and of course she'll do what we ask her to do. 

Lily really loves joining the crew outside for the daily game of ball  -- That's her on the right. 

and then she enjoys relaxing in the cool grass afterwards. Lily seems happy. 

~Iva left, and Lily on the right~

And we're happy that this sweet girl is part of our household. ❤