"MERRY CHRISTMAS WISHES"

December 25th, 2011

PHEW ... getting ready for the holidays and making sure I was going to be on Santa's "nice" list ... I am "DOG" tired!  It is hard work following Jewel from the garage, up the ramp and into the house and then back out again.  She went Christmas shopping and that required lots of trips to get all the "special surprises" inside.  So, being the social girl I am, I had to follow her every step and make sure she and the goodies got inside safely.

On the other hand, I think I've been duped ... you know how I can be a "donkey" when I don't want to do something?  Well, Jewel and Mercy have figured out that I have a special liking for "stuffies."  So ... they put one out in the field so I can see it and I am off at a dead run to get it.  Jewel has to run past me and get the "stuffie" before I get there and hide it in her coat.  Then I follow her everywhere just in case it falls out!  (And who's getting the exercise here?)

So fans, that means I'm up and really moving ... getting stronger every day!  A far cry from almost 5 months ago when I took my first steps with the support of the harness and 2 people holding me up.  It's a miracle really!

Speaking of miracles ....

Check out the before and now ... yes, it is really me ... now that's a WOW!

So, I also got the results of the culture" at the vet's.  The good news is we now have a good idea why I keep getting those nasty bladder infections ... I have the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which causes the vast majority of UTIs.  The "ouch" news is that I have to be on medication for 30 days and it is almost $500!

 

And to the true spirit of Christmas, a Secret Santa (and another one of my angels) heard about the cost and paid for my medications ~ I am truly blessed!

The 16th of December was a busy, busy day!  Jewel, Brook and I went for my acupuncture and chiropractic appointment number 3 with Harmony.  I really like to go there 'cuz there are other animals coming and going all the time and I am so happy to see Harmony!  I also really, really like having everyone laying on the floor with me and giving me lots of love.  Wait ... is that a stuffie on the table in the room?  Anyway, since I'm not into the "pop" from the chiropractic tool Harmony even gave me a manual manipulation this time.  It was like a day at the SPA!

Later, Mercy and Jewel took me to the vet for the "big weigh in."  And I walked into the clinic (slick floor and all) just like a real dog and onto the scale.  The scale there doesn't have the 10th's like at Joy's but it kept going back and forth between ... drum roll ... 104 and 103, 103 and 104 ... so the girls called it 103.5 and took me for a PLAIN hamburger (no bun!) and we went and saw the Christmas lights at the farm nearby.  What a wonderful life!

I hear there is another “weigh in” coming soon  … and everyone is hoping for an even “lighter” end to 2011.  And that being said, remember to do your part to prevent holiday weight gain in your 4 legged family.  (Here’s a great article - http://www.pawnation.com/2011/12/21/prevent-holiday-weight-gain-in-pets/ ).

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!  I hope Santa fulfilled all of your dreams and wishes.  I know he did mine! 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved

"UNDER THE WEATHER"

December 2nd, 2011

REALLY?  Well, I am officially on bladder infection number 5.  Off to the vet we went again.  The girls had decided it is time to do a "culture" to find out what is going on and what antibiotics I am resistant too.  I just got over the last one and BAM!, here is another one.  Besides feeling icky, I am leaking everywhere, which is really upsetting me since I am SO "potty trained."

I so love being with everyone in the house.  I would see the other dogs hanging out on the couch and I decided it was time to join them.  So, up I go, onto to couch ... and sing my own version of "We are family."  "We are family ... all my brothers and sisters and me.  Get up everybody and sing."

You should see me go up and down the ramp from the house to the yard.  I can really move when I want to.  Jewel will hear this "thump, thump, thump" and guess what, I'm waiting at the door to be let in. 

Yup, I'm a house dog and I am part of the pack!

Jewel, Brooke and I went to see Harmony for appointment number two of acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. I get to cuddle with Jewel on the soft bed while I am getting treated.  I'm not to sure about the loud "pop" of the chiropractic tool.  It doesn't hurt, it is just an unnerving sound.

Three months ago I had no "reaction" when the docs or the girls would pinch between my toes of my left hind foot.  Now, I am jerking that leg back!  So much progress in such a short time!

Now for the big "weigh in" update and more success stories!  I weighed 107 (on the nose) at the vet's the other day.  That's 20+ pounds since those "singing angels" picked me up at the vet's back in August.  I am heading down to the 100 pound mark - how COOL is that?

I hear I am inspiring other dogs and people ... who would have ever thought?

Brooke just told me that Chevy, her rescue boy has lost 7 pounds!  And Tipper, a Jack Russell Terrier mix who they see on their walks, who was abandoned and adopted by a wonderful couple, has lost just about 1/2 of his body weight.  He started at 41 pounds and is now 22 pounds.  He looks like a completely different dog!  He has so much more energy and is so much healthier.  WAY to GO, guys!

See, anyone can do whatever they put their mind to ... and always remember that there are "inspirations" and angels everywhere.  Keep up the good work everyone!

Heading off for a nap.  Hoping to be up and feeling much better soon!

~ Summer

© Summer’s Journey – All Rights Reserved