The Good-bye to Milo

We had kind of been keeping a secret at our house. Several posts were started telling about it, but I never published them. I just couldn't. That secret was that in June of 2024 Milo was diagnosed with nasal cancer. I'd noticed a slight swelling, and hoped that it was maybe a bee sting, but when it didn't go away, I knew what it was. 

~The day we met Milo~ 

A visit to my vet a week or so later, and an appointment with specialists in Baltimore in early August also confirmed the diagnosis of nasal cancer. The specialists (there were 3 of them) all agreed, and gave us treatment options. Treatment involved a very invasive surgery to remove the tumor by removing the entire bridge of Milo's nose and upper teeth. The chances of success were not guaranteed. Recovery would be a long one, and even with radiation, the possibility of it being curative were slim. Not to mention what his quality of life would be - Eating and playing ball (his two favorite things) would be a challenge. In the end, I just couldn't do it and wouldn't do that to Milo. The specialists told us that without any treatment, Milo would only live 3-4 months, taking us to the end of the year. 

Of course I was heartbroken. Milo had such a fun and playful spirit, and I don't think he was ready to give up either. So, I looked for other options that took me to our holistic vet. Milo was put on Chinese herbs, and we hoped for the best to slow down the cancers progression. 

The end of the 2024 came and went, and May came marking one year since the lump on Milo's nose appeared. We silently celebrated that Milo was still with us and doing well. And I guess I was superstitious, because I still didn't want to put it out into the cosmos that we were past the time the vets had said we'd have with Milo.

But by the end of May, the tumor on Milo's nose was noticeably getting bigger, and I was feeling a few more lumps on his body, indicating that the cancer was spreading. Below is a photo of Milo taken in April -- It is one of the last photos I have of him. I chose not to take many because it's not how I want to remember him. 

~A rare 'last' photo of Milo~

Through it all, I kept telling Milo that he was so brave and stoic. He really was. But a couple of weeks ago, it was easy to see that it was getting harder for him -- even with more pain medications, he was slowing down, and his spirit was dimming. 

Getting him to eat was becoming a challenge, and when Carl had to go out of town, Milo stopped eating all together, even refusing treats. But when Carl returned 2 days later, Milo perked up and even ate his dinner. Even with his eating again, we both knew that it was time to say good-bye to Milo. I have to add here that Milo of course loved everyone. But his heart belonged to Carl. The two had a strong connection and Carl needed (and he wanted) to be there with Milo when he left this life for the next... We're both thankful that they were able to be together. It was how it should and needed to be. 

We're both beyond grateful that Milo's previous owner trusted us to give him a good home and love and care for him. We really loved having him as part of our lives - The 2 years and 7 months with Milo went way too quickly - He really had a way of reminding us about living in the moment and finding fun and something to smile about -- and to maybe even 'woo-woo-woo' just like he always did, about something in each day too. And like all those before him, Milo taught us about love – pure, unconditional, and boundless like his energy and enthusiasm for life was. Milo was a true treasure. 

Run free over the rainbow bridge, sweet Milo. Chase those endless tennis balls, enjoy infinite treats, and know that you will forever be in our hearts. Until we meet again, our faithful and fun friend ~ Your spirit and the memories of you are now and forever a part of us. ❤

Staying Positive - Moving Forward

Confession about something we all know, I'm a terrible blogger. But I've so appreciated hearing from a few of you who have stopped by to check on us. That gives me the nudge to keep blogging. Thank you for that as well as your concern and your blogging friendships too. It means a lot. ❤

I will say that I've just not been feeling like myself. Its been a hard start to the year on a lot of levels with losses in my family and Carl's too.  Added to that are changes that are coming for us in the next few months, ones that I've been reluctant to acknowledge and talk about..... Carl's retirement .... I hate change .... But we have no choice but to try and stay positive and to keep going forward, plan accordingly the best we can and see where life takes us. 

Thankfully the weather is better as summer has pretty much arrived and that is definitely lifting my spirits. Flowers at a local greenhouse helped on a sunny afternoon not that long ago. 

And if the flowers didn't, seeing and smelling the freshly baked pies on the inside certainly did! I treated us to an apple and peach pie that was worth every penny spent! 

To keep me distracted, and to keep me going, there is of course the dogs. 

We are catching up on vet visits. First up was our outdoor kitty, White Boy, and our boy Jack. 

White Boy who has a wild and feral side to him, spends most of his days outside, and comes inside at night. He is living life on his own terms and so having him up to date on vaccines while he lives his life is important.  

I don't post much about Jack. He always does what he's asked and there is no doubt his heart belongs to Carl, which is of course totally okay. He can be a bit growly towards the other dogs when they get too close to him, but he is very much respected by the other dogs. And they say that dogs don't judge, but trust me, Jack judges -- Just look at his expression. I see it mostly when I'm not getting the meals fixed fast enough. 🥰

We did pass a bit of a milestone a few days ago - We've had Noodle for a year. And what a year it has been for him. From a grim diagnosis ...

To finding out that it wasn't bone cancer, and that his surgery was curative. I still don't know what Noodle's story is going to be, but I'm grateful that he is enjoying life and feeling good. I love how straight and tall he stands now on his 3 legs. 

Two of our foster boys - Jack Jack and Marley--  also went for vet visits, and both got a pretty good report. We'll just stay the course with them as well, and see where it goes. 

~Marley says hi!~

~Jack Jack says hi too!~

I hope all of you are doing well in your lives. Thank you all again for your friendship, support and cheering us and me on! You all are the best! I'll be back very soon! 

A Trip to Tennessee - Part Two

Even though this visit to Tennessee wasn't going to be like the others, going there was still about bringing dogs along too. And because when going out of town for even a few days, it helps to take two or three dogs to lighten the load on the 'left-behinder.' 

~The cats are always left-behinders~

For us, or me, it does take some thought to decide which dogs travel well and can go with the flow and not mind or become confused about being somewhere else for however many days -- And their loving a fun adventure is a bonus. In past years, those decisions were always easy. This time deciding who would go to Tennessee, really wasn't. 

~Daisy ~

After a lot of thought, I decided on Daisy. Even though when we were there in August, she seemed a little confused about why we were there - However, having Todd there did ease the anxiety I know she felt, and I thought that having Ree there with her would do the same thing. So, I'd decided that both my girls Daisy and Ree would come with me. 

The day of the trip, our boy Max knew what was happening when I got out my suitcase that morning. He even stood for a long time by an empty cooler in the kitchen and watched me intently as I filled it along with a few bags of groceries. 

Then as we were packing up my van in the garage, and getting Ree inside, I looked at the open door to the house, and there stood Max... He was trying to come down the steps into the garage -- something he doesn't usually do because he has never liked steps and has trouble going down them. But when Max looked at me, I knew in that moment, he was expecting (hoping?) to be taken along. I instantly felt a bit of guilt and sadness because I'd decided against taking Max because he seemed so worn out during our trip in August. At the very last minute, I changed my mind and took him instead of Daisy. 

I have to add that there was also another reason for that last minute change of mind. 

The next day Max was going to be 15 years old. Fifteen. A humbling milestone for any dog. Of course Max is a bit slower than he was this time last year, he doesn't see as well as he once did and he forgets/loses his way sometimes. And I don't have to say that of course we don't mind any of this for a single second. Helping Max with whatever he needs, is what we are here for. 

~Max on the night of his 15th birthday~

Max did so well on this trip. I'm glad I decided to take him along and celebrate his birthday with him. And because I live in the real world, at least part of the time, I know it may be our last trip and birthday together, which made and makes every day and every moment with Max one to be treasured and savored too. 

We've had Max for almost 8 of his 15 years. He's a good packmate, devoted family member, companion and friend. ❤

A Trip to Tennessee - Part One

You all know that one of my favorite places to getaway to is eastern Tennessee. Longtime friends own the cabin where I stay, and for me, it's a perfect place to relax and recharge and escape to. And because guests are allowed to bring dogs makes it a big bonus too. The cabin books up pretty quickly, so when I plan a trip there, it needs to be at least 5-6 months ahead of time, depending on the time of year. 

~The cabin in summertime~

At any rate, in September, I made a reservation to go to Tennessee in early April for a long weekend. And as you know, my brother passed away in January. Months before he died, my brother made me promise him that he would be buried in Kentucky next to our parents. Sister in Law knew this as well and she decided that she wanted to go to Kentucky in late March or early April. I didn't mention to her that I had another trip planned -- I felt strongly that it was not about me or my plans, it was about her and what my brother's last wish was. 

Well, Sister in Law decided she did not want to go to Kentucky (long story) to bury my brothers remains and she has asked me and my 2 brothers to do it instead. Of course we needed to get together and Tennessee is just about the same distance for the both of us to travel. So, I invited her and my nephew to come to the cabin. It worked out pretty well. Sister in Law also brought with her things that had belonged to my parents, Grandfather and Great Grand Father too. 

~My Grandfather's pocket watch, a treasured family heirloom~

I really tried my best to make our getting together as pleasant and positive as it could be. And looking back at it now, I think I was able to do that. It was what it needed to be, even though it left me emotionally drained. I'd mentioned beforehand to my friends (cabin owners) the change of plans. They knew I'd probably be worn out afterwards, and they thoughtfully (and unexpectedly) gifted me extra time at the cabin after Sister in law and Nephew left to go back to Florida -- It was exactly what I needed. I used those two days to relax and nap, and nap some more and having lunch with "E&G" (owners of the cabin) lifted my spirits. I could not be more grateful to them for all they did to make my visit end on a positive note.

~I took Sister in Law and Nephew to see a view of the Smokies~

**On the flipside of this trip are the dogs I always love to have with me in Tennessee. Todd was always great fun to take there, and I knew I was going to miss his not being there. And who I really wanted to take to Tennessee was Ree. I knew she'd love being at the cabin as much as Todd did. 

However, Ree is terrible in the car; she barks at everyone she sees, and is just too antsy and won't settle down. After a lot of overthinking, (something I do best!) I decided to remedy any anxiousness by giving her a 'doggy downer' for the 8 hour drive. It worked like it needed to. Now don't get me wrong, Ree still barked, and a few times needed to be told to 'settle down,' but I know it wasn't as bad as it could have been had she not been medicated. 

~Ree - my backseat driver~

But once when we arrived at the cabin, Ree could not have been happier. She had a great time! 

She loved all the new smells and hanging out on the porch....

She loved seeing and barking at the Llamas ...

Ree loved chasing and barking at the squirrels ... This is where I tell you that when I let Ree out to chase a squirrel off the porch railing, another one ran into the cabin .... EEEKKK!!! I managed to trap it in the bathroom, and when I gathered my courage, I chased and swept it back outside with a broom.   Whew ..... squirrels  ....... And right afterwards, this squirrel was there taunting me and Ree. 

Ree was totally exhausted -- She was a great diversion and conversation starter with Sister in law and Nephew. 

I've decided that Ree is the new generation of our dogs that will get to enjoy the cabin. 

But Ree was not the only dog I brought with me on this trip to Tennessee. There was one more of our dogs that has previously enjoyed being at the cabin. I'll tell you about that in my post tomorrow. 

I hope your week is off to a good start -- Thank you as always for your blogging friendship and stopping by!

A Foster Home for (New) Max

How can it be that we are now celebrating Easter? We can all agree that it is late this year, but now, here it is. 

I'm still finding a lot to keep me busy and trying to stay focused where it's needed - There are a lot of days where that's a real challenge. 

~Virginia Bluebells are in bloom~

To begin, thank you all for sharing the loss of our sweet girl Lily. She was truly a unique and fun girl. I really do miss her and her fun friendship. 

And speaking of friendships, you'll recall that in March we welcomed a 14+ year old senior boy named Max. He was so nervous and unsure those first several days with us. We were also unsure if he was going to be staying with us, or going to another foster home. Regardless of what his story was going to be, his nervousness began to pass, as he started to trust and respond to us. Max was also getting along with our dogs, which was a good sign. Max did however find it great fun to chase our outdoor kitty, White Boy, but this wasn't anything that I was too worried about. 

~Max and Noodle - Where's our treat?~

Of course it always helps to know any newcomers overall health, so I made a vet appointment for Max. It was a mixed bag of results from confirming a leaky bladder, to arthritis and having giardia (a microscopic parasite that causes diarrheal illness and is found in contaminated water, food, soil, and surfaces). Of course medication and supplements helped and helps to manage all of that.  

~Max at the vet - love the smile on Max and the Tech's face~

However, there was still that lingering issue of Max's going to another foster home or staying with us. I thought about it a lot (really) but I know I don't even have to tell you what was decided because you probably already know...

Max will be staying with us. I felt that it was unfair to put him through the stress of another change at this time in his life -- Especially when he was doing all the things to let us know he was settling into a new life and routine and he seemed happy. 

And I loved that he was no longer 'hiding' in our extra bedroom away from all of us, but choosing to be with us and he even began choosing to sleep in our room with all of us at night -- He is even playing with Jack-Jack and Marley -- It was all that and because he had already found his very own place in our hearts. 

Good-Bye to Our Spirited Girl Lily

For a few weeks I knew that our girl Lily was not doing well. She was struggling to get to her feet, her appetite was off, and I could see that her fun and very effervescent sparkly spirit was fading. 

~My favorite photo of Lily ❤ ~

As always, I feel like we are accompanying them on their life's journey and we let them set their own pace. On Tuesday morning, I knew it was time to say goodbye to Lily. 

Lily came to us in March of 2023 from an overwhelmed working single Mom of 2 young girls. I reread the email that she sent to the rescue, and my heart still goes out to her. I hope she's been able to find the needed balance in her life.  

Hello, I am inquiring about giving up my golden retriever. This is really hard to even inquire about as I don’t want to give her up, but she is being neglected from love and care that I know she deserves. She is 11 years old. She can barely go up the 3 steps to outside.....  She was my world for about 5 years, then I had kids. Now I’m divorced and a single mother. I don’t have money to take her to the vet, for medications, even to have her groomed. I am too busy to brush her, to love her, to care for her. I am too busy. I barely have enough time to see my kids as I work full time. When I am home, I don’t want to see the dog I want to see my kids. I feel so badly for her. She has arthritis so she needs medication probably, that I can’t afford. She is disheveled, overweight, and never taken on walks. I am so guilty about all of this. She does deserve better.

Lily did struggle with two bad knees that made her getting around a challenge. And, as if that wasn't enough, in the fall of 2023, she was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. She was taken to the holistic vet and we started giving her two different Chinese herbs to boost her red blood cell count and overall health. 

They herbs worked for Lily. Her last visits to see the holistic vet showed improvement and gave us an extra year and-a-half with her. 

Birthday celebrations with Lily! 

Despite what may have been going on on the inside, Lily's bright spirited soul and her ever constant smile and quirky personality always made me smile and laugh even on my hardest days -- She really did the silliest things....🥰 But I am beyond grateful that we had the chance to share our lives with Lily and to know and love her-- And I'm equally grateful and thankful to the rescue for always being there for dogs like Lily and providing for their care no matter what their diagnosis. 

It's 4 days since Lily left and of course I really miss her. I miss hearing her opinion and howling at all hours of the day and night. I look forward to the day when she can tell me some of those things I tried but just didn't understand, when we meet again at the rainbow bridge. (Photo below, the day we met)

Max Arrives at Golden Pines

With losses always seem to come additions. And we have a new one at our house. This past week we welcomed another Max to Golden Pines. 

~On our way home!~

Max turned 14 years old in December. He was given up by his family because they felt that their move about 800 miles away would be too much for him --they even considered euthanizing him. But they instead contacted the rescue. With only 2 days before their move, there was a little bit of a scramble to get Max picked up. And since I live just over the border of West Virginia from where Max lived, and I was available, I had no problem agreeing to take Max temporarily until another foster home can be found. ~I know, I know, "temporarily" is something I've said before.  🥰

Max is a really nice boy. But on Tuesday night when I finally got him home, he was really nervous and shaking. We put off the intros to his new packmates and settled him into our spare bedroom for the night, and for Wednesday when I was at work. It's now Friday and he's still unsure about everything, but is doing well as we're slowly getting him used to the rhythm of our household.

Of course I don't know what this chapter of Max's story will be, or where it will be spent. He does have a few concerns as far as his health is concerned. But until all that is sorted out, Max is just fine with us - And I can't help but grin because we now have a Jack, a Jack-Jack, and Max and a Max. How confusing is that for these four boys? 😊

My Brown Eyed Brother

You all are the best! Thank you to those who stopped by to check on us, and see how we were/are doing. Honestly, I think about blogging every day. And your checking on us gave me the needed nudge to get a post that I've been thinking about, written and posted. 

I will start by saying that I feel very lucky, and blessed. I'm grateful for my blogging friendships, and for my friendships that I have in my life. I'm also grateful for my family, in particular, my brothers. I was reminded of that when my oldest brother Steve passed away a few weeks ago. I do not have a sister, only brothers - Two of which have now passed away. With each of my brothers, throughout my adult life, I have been lucky to have different, but good, continued relationships with each of them. But of my 4 brothers, my oldest brother Steve was the one I was the closest to for years. I think it was because we were very much alike - It even became a family joke that it was because we both had brown eyes like our dad, while my other brothers had blue eyes like our Mom. 

Because Steve and I liked and disliked many of the same things, we always had great fun when we got together. He worked hard at his job with a commercial printing company, working 3rd shift which lent itself to our talking on the phone multiple times during the week while he was going home in the mornings, and I was on my way to work. Unfortunately that changed when his health started to decline during the holidays. It became very difficult for him in a lot of different ways. But I did my best to stay in touch and be a cheerleader for him. Some days I felt like I succeeded, other days, I know I didn't. 

I'd hoped to go to Florida to visit my brother to try and lift his spirits. A friend who travels to Orlando regularly told me how it could be done in a day, for less than $200. She knew it all, right down to where to park at "Dulles International Airport."  The plan was to leave early morning, fly nonstop, arrive by lunch time, spend the afternoon with my brother (and catch up with my sister in law) in the hospital, and take the last flight home in the evening and be home by 11 o'clock. I was all in and bought my ticket. Sadly my brother passed away the day before I could put that plan into motion. 

I am of course heartbroken at what is a sad loss for our family. But within my grief is my gratitude and thanks for having four good, kind, caring men to call my brothers. I love being their sister. And I'm grateful for my two younger 'blue-eyed brothers' that cheer me on when I'm feeling down, up or anyway in between - Just as I try to do for them when they need it. Together we have shared the loss of our oldest brother. I know this grief and the ache of this loss will ease for the 3 of us as life goes on without Steve as part of it.  But we will always miss him because he was our brother.

Thank you again friends for thinking of us! Your checking in gave me the needed nudge I really needed to get this post written. It wasn't easy because I just wasn't ready to share another loss that is felt deeply and personally. But I feel better having shared this with you, and I am looking forward to telling you our new-news.  Stay tuned! 

A Snow Day!

We were treated to one of my most favorite things last week. A snow day. I always find myself wishing for them - I missed out on snow days as a kid because I grew up on an Army post, and our schools were never closed -- but we were always so hopeful! 

~Ree~

So now, as an adult, I obsessively watch the weather reports, totally consumed with excitement and hoping for the projected snowfall total to increase. The magic of a snow day has truly outlasted my childhood—I feel it as strong as I did when I was a kid. 

~Milo, really loves the snow!~

So, when we got the snow - about 6 inches - that was predicted, I got to stay home from work! And so of course I pulled out my snow boots, and mittens, and the dogs and I played in the yard. And below, you can see that Jack-Jack (Pony) played with my mitten. 

I felt the magic of a snow day span through decades, and land in my lap. 

~Enjoying the snow, Lily (front), Daisy and Jack-Jack~

I savored it as long as I could.

~Daisy~

Because it was back to work the next day. At least our parking lot was plowed. --Can I confess I was hoping it wouldn't be? 

But I'm hopeful for another one ...... Sooner rather than later, which may come on Sunday. Stay tuned! ❄

~Jack-Jack aka Pony~