Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Getting to Know Baloo

Hello Blogging Friends! Many thanks for those of you who have checked in asking how Baloo has settled in and sending your best of vibes for him.

The answer to your question is YES, Baloo is doing well and has settled in to his new life.  Of course there is always that learning curve as we get to know one another. Baloo still is quite slow on his feet and needs help getting up and down the outside steps so he doesn't stumble and fall.  Ideally, we'd like for Baloo to walk up and down the ramp that we have, so we're trying to teach him to do that instead of the steps. But one thing we have learned is that not all the dogs like the ramp, so we'll see what his preference becomes.
One thing we had no idea of, is how Baloo would do with the cats. At first he ignored them, and now, if they get too close he'll bark and snap at them. So, we're correcting him, and I have decided that the cats also need to learn to be a bit smarter around him too. So I hope that the longer he's here, the more they'll ALL learn to keep their distance from one another. On the flipside to that, he's getting along well with all his new packmates, and for that I'm always grateful.

In other news, there was the reality check late last week with Joy, who you'll recall has lymphoma. It began with her nose bleeding that of course had me quite concerned along with her not being able to get to her feet. A visit to Mobile Vet was made, and he said that it was being caused by what he was pretty sure is a respiratory infection. Easy enough to treat with an antibiotic.  And since we were there, I mentioned to him about my concerns with what looked to me like "muscle wasting" and I thought that it was because of the prednisone. But Mobile Vet said that it isn't what's causing all of it, but it's also the cancer consuming the fat and muscle that's stored within her tissues. He told me that sadly and unfortunately there's not anything that can be done. He suggested a few diet changes to help and said that I should take Joy home, continue to spoil her, and know that her time with us is coming to an end very soon.
I know, respect and understand that Mobile Vet has an obligation to be honest. But I was of course heartbroken with the sad reality check, and felt totally defeated. So much so, that I went to bed early.

But the next morning there was Joy, looking at me, alert, eyes bright and she was wagging her tail and eager to start the new day, just as she has every day since we met. She hasn't given up. And it's not time for me to give up either.

25 comments:

  1. Another day with you able to shower Joy with so much love, and for Baloo, to find his way with everyone else. A heap of love from a colder night down here, hoping each morning can be welcomed whatever it brings.

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  2. Sounds like Baloo is settling in just fine which is GREAT news
    Joy is certainly a delight and certainly deserving of being SPOILT!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  3. Hello
    Sending hugs to Baloo and Joy! I wish them both well. Enjoy your day, have a great week ahead. Happy May to you!

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  4. We had to free our almost fourteen-year-old golden retriever from his suffering on Easter morning when he developed an unstoppable cough and was diagnosed with mega esophagus, probably secondary to myasthenia gravis. He couldn't eat and turned his face away if we offered water. He stopped wanting to interact with us. I don't know how you do this time after time, but on behalf of Baloo and Joy and all the other dogs you help, thank you. Thank you also on behalf of our old guy, who was himself a rescue and never would have become part of our lives for ten years without willing people like you.

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  5. Oh my, that last pic of Joy is beautiful. She shines through & it looks like her name fits her completely.

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  6. We're glad to hear Baloo is doing well in your home. It's tough news about Joy but you will do all you can for her and then help her, when the time is right, to the Bridge.

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  7. I'm glad Baloo is settling in. Hopefully, he warms up to the cats soon.

    So sorry to hear about Joy. Sending good thoughts her way. Happy that she greeted you the next day with hope and light.

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  8. We know what it's like to have an older doggie. They will let you know when it's time for the bridge. In the meantime, do as much as you can to make them comfortable.

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  9. The photo of Joy in the sunshine is wonderful. I feel for you. Hope Joy has some good days ahead and that when the time comes everyone will rejoice in the wonderful world that brought her into your life and you into hers.

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  10. yours is a home of pure love and light and wisdom. you are not only caring for the precious souls among you … you're caring for all of us. are you sure you're not an angel in disguise?
    sending You love darling bean. and strength for the never ending task of constant goodbyes. XOXO

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  11. These wonderful dogs are blessed to have you to love and care for them in part of their lives.

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  12. For Baloo, do you need a donation of a harness that you can help them up with? It has a handle on it to help pull them up when they have trouble getting up and down.

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  13. Baloo is going to do just fine, we just know it. And sweet Joy, we know that whatever time she has with you will be filled with joy and love.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  14. It's good to see the new light in Baloo's eyes and that smile on his face. It's easy to see that you've made his new surrounding a safe place for Baloo. What a gift to this wonderful old soul.

    Joy's happy face makes it clear that her time hasn't come yet, so enjoy however many days are ahead for her - as you do with all of your lovely dogs.

    Hugs!

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  15. Joy knows to enjoy the moment! Glad Baloo is settling in.

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  16. What two sweethearts. Glad that Baloo is fitting in and hope he and the cats can work it out.
    We know that whatever time Joy has left it will be filled with love and care
    hugs
    Mabel

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  17. I wish I could get some of mine to use a ramp but they're all suspicious of it. They want to do everything themselves. I appreciate the spirit but it's so hard watching them struggle on the stairs. Joy is beautiful.

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  18. We can learn so much from our pets, can't we...about taking life one day at a time. We are glad Baloo is settling in, but sad Joy's time is getting shorter. We hope you all can enjoy that time left as much as possible. ♥

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  19. And Todd just keeps on going!

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  20. I'm happy about Baloo, and I was touched by "there was Joy, looking at me, alert, eyes bright and she was wagging her tail and eager to start the new day, just as she has every day since we met. She hasn't given up. And it's not time for me to give up either." It's heartbreaking, but thanks to you at least she is still getting joy out of life. Bless you.

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  21. Baloo looks so content and happy to be with you all, bless him. What a beautiful face Joy has, hopefully she will remain bright and cheerful and with you for some considerable time to come.
    Making the decision to say goodbye to our beloved pets is heart breaking, but we can, at least, end their suffering.

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  22. I'm so happy - but not surprised - to know that Baloo is fitting in so nicely at Golden Pines. This is sad news about Joy but then such a picture of this beautiful girl. Each good day for these dear friends is a great treasure.

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  24. Baloo sure is looking happier than when he first arrived. 💔 for Joy.

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  25. We think Baloo is doing very well at Golden Pines!!
    And we think Joy is right,,, We cannot give up. Joy is happy!
    love
    tweedles

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