Welcome!

Meet Summer ...

A very special dog who has survived all odds.


Her perseverance and determination is proof that no matter what life throws at you; the good and the bad, the opportunities, obstacles and challenges ... anything is possible!

We all need a Summer to remind us that we are not alone. So, sing along ...

"...Call on me brother, when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on. I just might have a problem that you'd understand. We all need somebody to lean on!"

Her inspiration is contagious!

Be one of Summer's fans and follow her "paws-i-tive" journey.

**If you are just joining us, you'll want to start from the beginning with her post on August 8th, 2011, as her journey begins.**


CHA ... CHING!

November 18th, 2011

I thought I felt punky the week before last.  Well of course, I have another one of those ICKY bladder infections.  What is this ... number 4 or 5 since I was rescued in August?  I am really getting tired of them!  And not to mention the visit to the vet, the antibiotics, and labwork is hard on my pocket book. 

But, I am on the mend again and feeling pretty good ... Nope, I'm feeling GREAT! 

Cha...Ching!  I have moved out of my apartment and into the house!  I get to be with Jewel and I am truly part of the pack and pet family!  I have my own "posturepedic" dog bed right in the middle of things so I don't miss out on anything! 

Remember when the girls were discussing options for my rehab and the possibility of acupuncture?  Well, I went to my first "experience" with the "needles and the snap, crackle and pop" with a very special and talented lady named Harmony.  She does acupuncture and chiropractic treatments on pets, just like me. 

We went into this room and all of the humans sat on the floor with me ... now that was a change!  Harmony asked lots of questions about me and the girls answered the best they could, since so much of my past is a mystery. 

Harmony "manipulated" (LITERALLY) my left leg and found there was a lot of pain there (NO KIDDING!) and decided not to do a full exam because of the discomfort it would cause.  (Thank you Harmony!) 

We got to learn about acupuncture and then came the needles ... in my back, left hip and knee, and back feet.  I just wanted to crawl into Harmony's lap and give her kisses!  Meanwhile the girls gave me a massage and tiny bites of chicken.  It really wasn't that bad ... a little strange, but not bad. 

And of course there was another visit to see Joy and hydrotherapy.  I got myself right out of the car and right up to the building to meet another "4 legged patient" who was leaving ... and then I "stopped and dropped" right before the door!  Mercy just picked me up with the harness and deposited me right on the scale.  (OK, she didn't have much mercy for me today L). 

Cha...Ching!  110.8 pounds ... another whole pound down in a week.  And you know the routine ... 10 minutes and another 264 yards in the water on the treadmill.  Joy said I felt stronger even though I didn't really want to be there.  After we were done, I got a "stylish" blow dry and we were on our way back home. 

All of the girls, and especially Jewel say that I was obviously loved at one time because I am such a sweetheart.  I know what some words mean and I have obviously lived in a house before (no potty accidents).  And I was probably loved TOO MUCH "through food."
Speaking of food, Thanksgiving is here and I have so much to be thankful for ... where do I begin?  (Deep sigh...) 

A very tail waggin', sloppy kisses to all of my angels and fans out there who believe in me and have given me a new life! 

On behalf of Ms. Valentine, the other "foster" dogs and me ... We wish you, your family and your pet family a very, very happy Thanksgiving!


Gobble, Gobble,

~ Summer


© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

 

FIELD TRIP!


Friday, November 4th, 2011

Today was the coolest of COOL days!  I knew it as soon as Brooke drove up.  That usually meant we were going "for a car ride."  I was so excited to see her and get going ... look at me go (in the video above)!

We were going on a field trip to St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic School to meet 17 very special kindergarteners!  I SO love "little people" and these "kinders" have the hearts and souls of GIANTS!
The class participates in "Care for God's Creation," an all-year social justice project.  Every Friday is Quarter Day! and the students bring in a quarter for a charity that benefits homeless animals.  This year Pat Mill's kindergarten class is helping ME!!!  (Isn't that just so COOL?)

When we arrived, the kids and their teachers came outside to meet ME (and Jewel and Brooke of course)!  I was proudly presented with a pink heart dog tag with my name on it and $42 (and some change) from the "St. Al's Kinder's."

I got to meet each of the kids, get LOTS of pets and give LOTS of "Thank You" kisses.  It was one of the most special moments since I was rescued.  The girls shared my story; the challenges I am facing and my successes so far.  We also talked about the importance for both pets and people to eat a healthy diet and to exercise.  The best part was when the children were able to ask LOTS and LOTS of questions and share stories about their pets.  (You know ... out of the mouths of babes, they are the BEST!)

Then we were off to see Joy and 10 minutes and .05 of a mile of hydrotherapy.  It was ok ... but I wish I could have just stayed and hung out with the kids!

The scale is still dipping.  Today I weighed 111.8 and I have lost another 3 pounds in 2 weeks.  (The real bummer was the girls stopped at McDonald's ... and they wouldn't even share their French Fries ... so much for being healthy.<g>)

I can hardly wait to head back to the "black pack" so I can share my exciting day.

LOTs of tail wags today!

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved