An Addition and Subtraction

With Morty pretty much settled in, mid-July brought the arrival of a new foster boy: a 12-year-old Golden Retriever named Hawk. 

Hawk was surrendered to a shelter along with three other Goldens named Rooster, Wolf, and Rufus, from a legal situation in Maryland. He has a nervous personality, and startles easily at sudden movements or sounds. And as unsure and as nervous as he was about all the changes, Hawk immediately bonded with our other two foster boys, Teddy and Simba, who easily made him part of their all boys club. (photo below, left is Simba, Teddy in the middle Hawk on the end)

~The only and not so good photo of the 3 together~

But Hawk developed one very specific, very persistent and often annoying behavior, he constantly licked Teddy’s left ear.

At first, we thought it was just a behavioral quirk that unfortunately led to Teddy developing an ear infection. We took Teddy to the vet on a Friday, and got the usual round of antibiotics, and we did our absolute best to keep Hawk away from Ted. But Hawk was relentless and laser-focused on that left ear.

By Monday, Teddy wasn't any better. Added to that, both he and Hawk had stopped eating. I was off to the vet with both. 

~Monday Vet Visit~

For that visit, Hawk was given medication and allowed to come home. Teddy however, didn't fare as well. He had a temperature, and so we were sent to a 24-hour (emergency) animal hospital for an overnight stay for Teddy.

~At the 24 hour vet - Waiting to be admitted~

On Tuesday, with his fever down, Teddy was cleared to come home and he seemed brighter. But by Wednesday evening, visible swelling appeared around his left eye and ear. That led us straight to another urgent vet on Thursday and the (new) vet took an x-ray of Teddy's head.

The x-ray revealed a mass near the bottom of Teddy’s left ear canal, pressing right up against his brain. Its appearance strongly suggested cancer. Teddy was in visible pain, and with practically no options, we felt that the kindest, hardest choice was to say goodbye to this sweet boy. 💔

We really think that Hawk had to have been sensing Teddy's mass all along, which would explain why he was so determined to keep licking his left ear. It's the only explanation. We've all heard stories about dogs sensing illness and hidden trouble long before we can, but for me, this experience has changed what I thought was possible.

Teddy and Simba weren't littermates. But their 2017 birthdays, were just weeks apart, and they had been together since they were puppies. 

~Simba on the left - Teddy on the right~

Teddy was the quieter, more serious of the two, while Simba has that same fun confidence, but with a much more carefree and playful spirit. We loved having them as part of our household. And I am beyond grateful for the nearly one year we were so lucky to have them both together. 

In writing this, it reminds me of how much Teddy is missed. He was a gentle, calming and big spirit with a joy, that treated every single day, no matter how routine it may have been, like a new and fun adventure.

~Teddy~

So, as Teddy runs ahead to wait for us, we have welcomed Hawk, who has proven that he may appear nervous and unsure on the outside, but inside he has an extraordinary soul. 🐾

~Hawk~

Thank you Blogging Friends for stopping by again today. 

But don't wander too far, believe it or not, there's still more to tell you about. 

What Morty is Made of

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful blogging friends who have been checking in on us lately! Between navigating the grand adventure of retirement—where every day feels like a Saturday and the days somehow go by twice as fast—and keeping up with the changes in our pack, life has been keeping me on my toes as I've tried to have and keep focus through the highs and lows. 

~A photo from the sunflowers fields I visited in September~

For this post, I'll begin where I left off, and that was with Morty. I really wanted to know what Morty is made of so, I did one of the at-home DNA tests for dogs to identify his breed makeup. I couldn't wait for the results, and I could not have been more surprised when I got them.

The test covers a lot of things, but here is the short version: 

I don't know what I thought Morty was going to be mixed with.  I had thought maybe Beagle was in his mix and Dachshund had been mentioned by someone else. But not the others. 

Noticeably absent in Morty's DNA is any trace of Golden Retriever, Scottish Terrier, or Lab — not that I expected it to be there. 

~Morty and Simba~

But discovering that American Foxhound is part of his DNA leaves me completely choked up. Because as you’ll recall, I applied to foster and adopt Morty right after we lost Kaboodle, our American Foxhound and the dog I had waited so long for. Finding out that the gentle Foxhound spirit is woven into Morty pulls so deeply at my heartstrings, and it feels like a confirmation from the cosmos that he was meant to find his way to us — and that in a small way, I still have the American Foxhound I dreamed of. ❤

But I think it also goes to show how life has a way of coming full circle. 

Thank you all again for checking in on us, 

and keeping up with our ever-changing crew, and sharing in the happenings. 

 

I hope you'll stop back in very soon, because there is a subtraction 

and additions that I want to tell you about. 

So, until next time ....

~A photo from a lovely weekend spent with family in Gloucester VA~ 

More About Morty

Thank you all for stopping by and reading and commenting on what's been happening in my corner of the world. 

To answer a question, Morty arrived at Golden Pines nearly a month ago. 

Not since Todd have we had we had a smallish dog around the house, so there has been a bit of an adjustment in having Morty around - Especially because he's totally blind. Added to any concern was the vague and few instructions I'd received from his second foster home that specifically mentioned keeping an eye on him around other dogs.

I'd been told Morty got along with other dogs - And I felt confident our crew would be fine around him, but I was now worried his terrier instincts might kick in around unfamiliar dogs. Thankfully he is totally fine, and as expected, our dogs have been fine too and they don't mind his bumping or running into them at times. --I wonder if it was the other dogs in his previous foster home that didn't like Morty bumping into them and that caused a problem?? 

Morty has mostly learned his way around the house and yard. We have used a leash and a clicker to teach him the way - giving him plenty of praise along the way, especially when he's outside. 

He’s gotten comfortable enough that he now has full freedom inside the house -- except at night when he's crated. We still use our voice or the clicker to guide him when needed, but for the most part, he confidently wanders around on his own. 

~A new helper in the kitchen~

Along with being blind and incontinent, Morty deals with struvite stones—mineral deposits in the urinary tract often brought on by UTIs. To manage this, and to try to make sure the stones don't return, he stays on a strict prescription diet (no regular treats) and drinks mostly purified water instead of our mineral-heavy well water, though I still make sure he gets plenty of his favorite treat: ice! I'll add here that unlike his last foster home, I don't ration Morty's intake of water, it's important that he stay as hydrated as possible. 

All that aside, Morty is really a nice little dog. He’s a bit of a social butterfly that responds to our talking to him, and his spirit brightens when you give him praise. 

He’s a fun shadow, that is almost always nearby, and that proverbial "little heartbeat at my feet." 

Was it the Cosmos?

I’m a pretty big believer in karma, serendipity, the cosmos and the universe, fate, faith, or whatever it is you want to call things that happen without any real explanation.  And I confess that I often look for those proverbial signs, and I try to follow them.  

The losses of Max, Jack, Noodle and the latest, Kaboodle have totally gutted me. And one morning as I sat alone with my grief, something popped up on Facebook... 

I knew about this particular story that began in the early part of spring - It was a heartbreaking report that happened in a neighboring county involving FIVE dogs that had been found tethered outside, with little to no shelter in single digit temps in early February. Sadly one dog was dead, and was believed to have died from prolonged exposure to the extreme conditions and malnutrition -💔- The (so called) owners were both arrested and charged **(each with 1 count of felony animal cruelty, 3 counts of Class 1 misdemeanors and 6 counts of Class 4 misdemeanors)**

The four remaining dogs were taken to the local shelter for care and for the court case to work its way through the system. In May, the 4 dogs were released from the shelter and they found their way to 2 different rescues. One of these dogs went to a rescue whose Facebook page I follow. 

He had caught my attention because he was a 10 year old wiry-haired terrier named Morty, that weighed about 30 pounds, and was totally blind and incontinent. 

Of course my heart went out to this senior boy.  I couldn't help but follow Morty's journey that was being posted on Facebook, as he went from the shelter to a foster home, and then he went to a 2nd foster home.

The post that I was reading that particular morning was a plea for a 3rd foster home for Morty. It was needed as soon as possible, or he would have to go into boarding. In that moment, I felt like the cosmos was telling me something, so I thought about it for a couple hours (believe it or not, it was that long!) and I applied to foster him. 

After nearly a week, and not hearing anything or from anyone, I thought I must have misread any sign I'd been given. But no, I was not. I received a call from the rescue. And the next day I made the 3+ hour drive - one way - to a place I'm not sure where I went exactly, to pick up Morty, and bring him home. ❤

~On Our Way Home From Somewhere~

Hello and Goodbye to Kaboodle

When I look back and think about Kaboodle, I know that I was really like a kid before Christmas - I was feeling a blend of anticipation and excitement as my nearly 5 year old dream of adopting a retired Foxhound was finally going to happen. 

~The day we met Kaboodle~

Anyone that had been around me from this past April could testify that the arrival of a retired American Foxhound was practically all (!!) I talked about. And as an overthinker, it was all I could think about. 

The day finally arrived for Kaboodle to come to live with us. He was everything I'd hoped he would be. A true gentlemen. He was very social, easy going and affectionate, gentle and graceful too. Kaboodle seamlessly blended in with the Goldens and Labs and with the cats too. 

Yes, there was that adjustment and some things he had to learn, like not to counter-surf, but it wasn't anything we'd not taught other dogs before him. 

~Checking out the fridge~

Carl and I loved him from the start and we both just knew he belonged with us. ❤ 

As a Foxhound, his breed does best with exercise for both his mind and body. And so of course I dreamed and planned the fun walks and places (like Tennessee) where we'd go for him to take in all the new smells and maybe ones he knew too. We took him for walks around our property and I loved watching him stand there sniffing the air and taking it all in. 

As I've already said, Kaboodle completely stole my heart. He even had a heart on his side. 🤎

But as we were getting to know one another things changed as quickly as they began. He'd been so eager at mealtime, and all of the sudden, he was hardly touching his food. And as much as he loved walks, he resisted being taken. 

We were off to the vet, and through the long process of tests and x-rays, a trusted vet felt that Kaboodle had cancer. Any treatment would not have given him a good outcome or prognosis. 

So, after 30 short days, we said goodbye to Kaboodle.  The words from I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables that goes, "There are dreams that cannot be, and there are storms we cannot weather."  could never had been more true. I had so many dreams of the fun and adventures we would have with Kaboodle. But those dreams were not meant to be. 

Its been almost a month now. And I still miss Kaboodle. We crammed a lot of love into the month that he was here. For nearly 10 years, Kaboodle lived the life he was bred for; that of a Foxhound. And he retired to a place where he could dream of those places, and soak up the indoor comforts of a soft bed, and a family that loved and misses him. 

I am beyond grateful to the Foxhound Retirement Program for their kindness, compassion, friendship and support and their dedication and all they do to help retiring Foxhounds like Kaboodle, begin their next chapter, that we all wish could have been longer. We have of course been offered another Foxhound. And maybe, just maybe, in time, there will be another one. 

The Dust is Settling!

Hello Friends!  Thank you, Sallysmom and Stephanie and the others of who dropped by and checked in on us in yet another absence - How kind and thoughtful of you, and it is a perfect reminder of the kindness and friends in the blogging community. ❤

'Tis the sunflower season!

Where to start? I retired from my job on June 10th - My birthday. A perfect day at work, and a nice lunch at an amazing Greek Restaurant that's known for its fresh, modern take on Greek culinary culture. The Doctor that I work (worked?) for, generously ordered practically two of everything on the appetizer, lunch and dessert menu for everyone to try - and I'll confess that I didn't know half of what I was eating, just that it was all delicious! --one page of the menu is below

It was a really nice celebration and a lovely way to end the working chapter of my life.  And I am incredibly grateful for this next chapter. But I have to say that after chasing the clock at work for so many years, adjusting to an open schedule has taken some time. But I am getting used to it and have even adopted a new 'at home' wardrobe. 😊

I found that during the initial 'transition,' I didn't want to leave the house. I just felt emotionally flat.  And when asked by friends how I was doing, I simply said to everyone that 'I just needed the dust to settle on everything.' And I did. I think I was more burned out and tired than I thought. Because I slept. A lot. But after a few weeks, the haze has started to clear, and I am finally feeling better and more energized.

~Ree, like me, not energetic on a hot day~

Of course, no matter how I may be feeling, there are the dogs to keep me busy. And when I wrote my last post I was anxiously and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kaboodle, a retired American Foxhound that I'd dreamed of having for more than 5 years. I will end this post on that note, because I want Kaboodle to have his own post that will be posted shortly. 

The NEW Chapter

THANK YOU ALL for your kind words and sharing the loss of Max and Jack with me. And thank-you for cheering me/us on as a new chapter is about to begin. 

I returned from my 'happy place' in Tennessee Wednesday evening. You know, I’m not one that needs to travel all the time; and the cabin is nothing extravagant.  But it's a needed change of pace with no stress and few responsibilities that gives me the time to breathe, reflect and recharge. It's a place that holds a lot of good memories for me. 

~Daisy enjoying the view at sunset~

And it's always a bonus to be able to take a couple of the dogs along too. This time, it was Ree and Daisy. Ree always loves a fun adventure and sleeping on the couch. 

~Ree, relaxing at the cabin~

And this is the first time that Daisy seemed to enjoy being there too. She rolled in the grass, and even found a place to enjoy the view and the cool grass. 

It all gave me the needed energy for the next chapter that's about to begin.....

My news is that I'm retiring from my job on June 10th. I've worked in dentistry for more than 38 years. It's time. I'm done. I've only been working 2 days a week this year, so I'm hoping the transition won't be too much of a shock. I've been lucky to have a really good, patient and understanding doctor to work for, for the last 20 years.  --Below is a photo of a 'daisy chain' my co-worker made for me a few weeks ago - I tear one off at the end of each work day - On Tuesday the 26th, when I return to work, I'll have SIX work days left! 

And our other news? Well, you are correct if you thought it involved a dog. Because it certainly does. 

On Saturday we will welcome a 10-year old retired American Foxhound to our household, named Kaboodle. 

~Introducing Kaboodle~

I know, a Foxhound is a bit out of the box for us, just like getting a Scottish Terrier was. But I became enamored by Foxhounds more than 5 years ago via a friend who rehomes retiring hounds for a local hunt club. I have read all about them, talked to several people, and I felt and feel like I'd like to have the chance to give a retiring hound a home. I like that they are gentle and good natured and social with people and other dogs - And with a good walk, are laid back, and loyal companions. 

I have waited to add a Foxhound to our household because I felt that welcoming a new breed of dog might not work given how 'selective' Todd and Jack were with the newcomers. With our dog beds getting cold, I felt like the time was right, so I reached out to my friend about getting one. 

We went out to the kennel and met the Hound Master and two hounds that are retiring, Kaboodle seemed to be the best fit for us. Below is a short video I took on our visit to the kennel. 

Kaboodle has been in a transition foster home - which happens to be my friend - for a few weeks, and he's learning all about living inside. We've gone to see him and walk him. I'll add that he's afraid of cats, so that's a bonus - His reaction to cats is something I do worry about. I've been told by several hound owners that they can and do co-exist together. However, we will need to be really vigilant until we know Kaboodle can be totally trusted around them.  

~Kaboodle transitioning to life inside~

~Learning the art of sunning on a porch~

So, that is our news. My retirement and the retirement of a Foxhound named Kaboodle. It is definitely going to be a new chapter for both of us. 

But will it involve just sitting on the porch in a rocking chair? 

Well, maybe and hopefully, just a little bit. 

~At the cabin in Tennessee ❤❤~

A New Chapter

Hello Blogging Friends!

I'd first like to thank those of you who have checked in during my latest absence to let me know you were thinking of us. It lifts my spirits to know we're being thought of and not being forgotten. ❤

It has been a difficult and emotional time for me. Just when I thought I had some renewed focus and energy, life had other plans. Isn't that the way it always goes? 

I'm not sure where to start -- other than to say that it is all almost too much for my already broken heart. 

It began with the loss of our Black Lab Jack. He came to us about 5 years ago at 10 years old with a Golden Retriever named Shelby who passed away about 3 years ago. 

But I'd been worried about Jack because the warmer spring temps was causing his laryngeal paralysis to worsen. He had collapsed twice in a week, and was unable to catch his breath and breathe. Fortunately we were with him both times, and I performed CPR, we got him onto his feet, and even with the help of a floor fan to get air moving around him, we were able to open up his airways and he could begin breathing again on his own. He was put on medication to calm him and help with his breathing, and an appointment was made with the vet for more specific and elevated treatment that we hoped would help. 

However a few days later, as Carl was getting Jack into my van to take him to the vet, he collapsed again -- Unfortunately, despite our best and frantic efforts, we were unable to get Jack to breathe again, and just like that, Jack was gone .... 

Jack's big bossy and alpha personality meant that we really felt his loss in our household. Being a Lab, Jack would never have excluded me when sharing his love and affection. But his whole heart without a doubt belonged to Carl -- He was truly what I called a man's dog. On days that he worked, Jack's routine was to stand by the door, at about the same time each day - 5:30 PM -  and wait for him to get home. They were connected to one another and were great friends. He is really missed by all of us. 

-Jack wasn't one to share, which may explain why he could carry 3 balls at once-

And as heartbreaking as it was to lose Jack and both Noodle this year, the heartbreak continued. Three days later, and just shy of his 16th birthday, we lost my beloved Max. More than anything, I wanted him to make that 16th birthday milestone. But it was not meant to be. 

Of course I knew and could feel that Max's spark was dimming, as he began to slow down and needed our help more and more and was even sleeping longer and longer. It all made me consciously embrace each day and our moments together. 

-My last photo I took of Max-

The day that Max passed away, I knew he wasn't feeling well, and he seemed so tired.... But I ran my needed errands, and came home a few hours later to find him sleeping on his bed. I roused him, but it was easy to see that there had been a change from the morning. He wasn't in any pain or distress, and we opted to let him stay at home, on his bed. And I will confess that I decided to take a quick nap, because he seemed to be at peace and comfortable. I didn't nap for very long, and when I came back into the room where he was, Max put his head up and looked towards me. I knew in that moment he had waited for me to come back, so I sat with him, and talked to him, and a few minutes later, he passed away as the gentle sound of the windchimes on our porch could be heard tinkling in a small breeze.

Of course I dearly loved Jack and Noodle, but my connection to Max was a very strong one, and very similar to the one I'd had with Todd. Max was a constant companion and devoted (and fun) friend to us both. We have so many good and precious memories of our life together. I'm so grateful that Max had a good, long and healthy life, and it was a life of almost 16 years where he was always loved. Max was lucky... And we were beyond blessed to have him as part of our lives for nearly 10 years. 

-Todd and Max in our happy place, Tennessee-

So now it has been well over a month, and I am still grieving the loss of Max, and Jack and Noodle too. It has been too much for this old heart of mine. I have not felt like myself, and have just needed the time for my heart to heal, the best it can, and keep going. And I have to keep going, because a new chapter is about to begin at our house.... In my next post, I will tell you all about it. 

I hope you'll stop back by because I'm anxious and even a bit excited to tell you all about it.