So I'm up early, as I usually am, and go to let the dog back inside. I spy him lying out on the deck with his nose stuck between two of the balusters, his muzzle resting on the bottom rail and his eyes closed.
"Oh, I have got to get a picture of this." I pop into the other room and grab my DSLR out of my bag. When I come back, something has alerted him and he has his head up. I stay out of range, figuring he's going to settle back down, and I wait.
While I'm waiting, I look through the camera to see something that's out in the pond and realize that this lens is not going to get the shot I want. I'm waiting anyway and go back into the other room to get my longer lens.
When I return, Teddy is back into position. Perfect. I slowly, ever so slowly, step-by-step make my way carefully across the living room to the french doors that lead out to the deck. His eyes look closed but you never know. I raise my camera to my eye, set the zoom, frame the shot and press down gently on the shutter to set the focus.
For some stupid, software-related reason, the built-in flash pops open, making a nice, solid clicking noise as it stops. I have just enough time to think, "No! He'll see the flash and I want more than one shot," before the sound of the flash opening registers in his little brain and he pops his head up to look straight at me as if to say, "Did you hear that? What was that?"
One of those wonderful, rare, Kodak moments... gone in a flash.
Showing posts with label Pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pets. Show all posts
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Saturday, May 09, 2009
The Hardest Thing To Say Is Goodbye
This is Sam Cody. He's my sister's dog. As I've mentioned before, we never had dogs or other animals growing up so Sam Cody is one of my sister's first dogs.
Several years ago, Sam Cody ended up with a herniated disc in his neck. It causes him pain at times in his shoulders and legs. I don't know if they've done surgery or they couldn't do surgery or it just wouldn't do much good if they did. I do know he's been on steroids and other anti-inflamatories for a few years now and it has become increasingly difficult for him over the last several months.
My brother just called an told me Sam Cody's back legs gave out this morning. He simply couldn't move them. He eventually recovered but that is probably the sign. I haven't heard anything definite but I'm 75% sure they'll take him in and he won't have to hurt anymore.
This is my sister's first loss of a pet. I've been through about six for various reasons. Some are easier to take than others but it always sucks. Especially those that you haven't come to accept quite yet.
We'll miss the Cody Bear.
Update: I received a two-word text message from my sister, "It's done." :(
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Guess Who I Found
TuckerThis is Tucker. He was our second dog. Tucker came to us after being abandoned with several of his siblings. He was with us for several years but was, unfortunately, wired up wrong at the factory.
Tucker was fine around us or when we were present but he would dig out of the yard and chase people. It finally came to a head when he charged a girl walking to school, a police office and then an animal control officer. Prior to that, I had no idea he was flat out mean when we weren't around. It was a sort-of reverse territorial thing. You could hop our fence and probably play with the dogs all day but if he were outside the fence, watch out.
Luckily nobody was hurt but I couldn't run the risk after that. The only good thing about it was that he was euthanized on our terms, we weren't forced into it and there were no lawsuits.
I still miss you, Tucker buddy.
Tucker was fine around us or when we were present but he would dig out of the yard and chase people. It finally came to a head when he charged a girl walking to school, a police office and then an animal control officer. Prior to that, I had no idea he was flat out mean when we weren't around. It was a sort-of reverse territorial thing. You could hop our fence and probably play with the dogs all day but if he were outside the fence, watch out.
Luckily nobody was hurt but I couldn't run the risk after that. The only good thing about it was that he was euthanized on our terms, we weren't forced into it and there were no lawsuits.
I still miss you, Tucker buddy.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Yes, I'm Still Working Through It Despite The Lack Of Tears
I'm still good with our decision - hence the lack of tears. Although, if you keep me on the subject too long, they will come.
I was making grilled cheese for lunch today. I found it odd that nobody came to me begging for a piece of cheese. Anabelle doesn't care for American and Teddy didn't know I was doing it. Making a grilled cheese hasn't been that quiet in many many years.
I was making grilled cheese for lunch today. I found it odd that nobody came to me begging for a piece of cheese. Anabelle doesn't care for American and Teddy didn't know I was doing it. Making a grilled cheese hasn't been that quiet in many many years.
Monday, March 23, 2009
It's Okay... It Really Is
Being minus one cat is an adjustment. I cleaned out the litter boxes this weekend and only set one back up. There's only one food bowl on the counter. Beyond that, I see movement out of the corner of my eye and expect it to be Niki. When I headed toward the kitchen I took a step toward plucking her from under the blankets purely out of habit. Plus Anabelle is such a different cat. She's much more independent.
Sure, I miss Niki. But I'm okay with it. I actually feel glad for her that she is not hurting anymore. Almost 20 years is a long run. Even if you utilize the flawed 7 to 1 ratio, that makes her damn near 140 comparative years old. That's old in anybody's book.
I cherish the time we had together. I'm glad we chose each other.
Sure, I miss Niki. But I'm okay with it. I actually feel glad for her that she is not hurting anymore. Almost 20 years is a long run. Even if you utilize the flawed 7 to 1 ratio, that makes her damn near 140 comparative years old. That's old in anybody's book.
I cherish the time we had together. I'm glad we chose each other.
Friday, March 20, 2009
La Femme Nikita
We just got done at the vet. Niki didn't make a sound on the way there (she's usually quite vocal) and was content to lie in my arms.
I looked at some pics I have of her earlier today. They confirmed that we made the right choice... And maybe later than we should have. She looked so comfortable lounging on the bed or sitting on the floor.
I know it is a necessary fact of life... But it still sucks.
Of course, having another kitty to love on @ home softens the blow a bit.
I looked at some pics I have of her earlier today. They confirmed that we made the right choice... And maybe later than we should have. She looked so comfortable lounging on the bed or sitting on the floor.
I know it is a necessary fact of life... But it still sucks.
Of course, having another kitty to love on @ home softens the blow a bit.
Mobile post sent by UncleBubby using Utterli.
Replies.Wednesday, March 18, 2009
It's Time
I have watched Nikita deteriorate over the last few weeks. She has lost more and more body mass. We thought it was that she was no longer eating the dry food so I started feeding he more of the canned food throughout the day. That's been going on for a couple of weeks and she hasn't put on any weight. If anything, she's continued to lose weight.
Her 'absent seizure' episodes have also become more frequent. She will be sitting on your lap and, unless you jostle her or physically touch her, she doesn't react to anything.
She's never been able to see very well but it has obviously gotten worse. She seems to recognize large objects (like people and furniture) but small objects like treats and food elude her. On top of that, her hearing is going... either that or she just doesn't give a damn anymore, could go either way. And, according to the vet the last time we boarded her, she can't smell so well either.
I haven't heard or felt her purr in weeks. The way she walks, it is obvious that her hips hurt and probably pretty bad at that. She doesn't react to stimuli the way she used to (i.e. she used to 'bark' and bite if you touched her hips, now all she does is growl... a little). She ceased being my cat quite a while ago.
The tipping point (you'll get the irony of that in a moment) was that I am seriously afraid she will hurt herself and suffer... I can't have that. With her gait being off because of the hip pain and her difficulties with balance (see, there's the irony) she sometimes falls off of the counter or the back of the sofa and it is happening with greater frequency. She actually does pretty well but she will often lean out to get closer to whatever food (she thinks) you have and will fall. Even when she jumps down on purpose, she generally recovers poorly and when she falls, her back legs are usually to the side (that's gotta hurt). I am concerned that she is going to break something when she falls. I am also concerned that she will get caught up in something, if she falls into the sink or the dishwasher for instance, panic and hurt herself that way.
I called the vet and discussed it with her. We have an appointment on Friday after work. The hitch in the plan, though, is that she no longer has a means of disposing of the remains. She (and the vet hospital where I work) used to rely on the local animal control office. They have ceased offering cremations. The closest option is a vet in another town (Chandler) who will pick up and return the remains after cremation, if that's what you want... for a nominal fee. If I go that route, the whole thing is going to cost me about $136. The other option is to take her body with me and, I suppose, bury her in the back yard. I'm not sure I would be able to handle that, though. Maybe I can build (or get) a small box as a coffin and take her with us that way. I don't know. We'll see what Friday brings.
Her 'absent seizure' episodes have also become more frequent. She will be sitting on your lap and, unless you jostle her or physically touch her, she doesn't react to anything.
She's never been able to see very well but it has obviously gotten worse. She seems to recognize large objects (like people and furniture) but small objects like treats and food elude her. On top of that, her hearing is going... either that or she just doesn't give a damn anymore, could go either way. And, according to the vet the last time we boarded her, she can't smell so well either.
I haven't heard or felt her purr in weeks. The way she walks, it is obvious that her hips hurt and probably pretty bad at that. She doesn't react to stimuli the way she used to (i.e. she used to 'bark' and bite if you touched her hips, now all she does is growl... a little). She ceased being my cat quite a while ago.
The tipping point (you'll get the irony of that in a moment) was that I am seriously afraid she will hurt herself and suffer... I can't have that. With her gait being off because of the hip pain and her difficulties with balance (see, there's the irony) she sometimes falls off of the counter or the back of the sofa and it is happening with greater frequency. She actually does pretty well but she will often lean out to get closer to whatever food (she thinks) you have and will fall. Even when she jumps down on purpose, she generally recovers poorly and when she falls, her back legs are usually to the side (that's gotta hurt). I am concerned that she is going to break something when she falls. I am also concerned that she will get caught up in something, if she falls into the sink or the dishwasher for instance, panic and hurt herself that way.
I called the vet and discussed it with her. We have an appointment on Friday after work. The hitch in the plan, though, is that she no longer has a means of disposing of the remains. She (and the vet hospital where I work) used to rely on the local animal control office. They have ceased offering cremations. The closest option is a vet in another town (Chandler) who will pick up and return the remains after cremation, if that's what you want... for a nominal fee. If I go that route, the whole thing is going to cost me about $136. The other option is to take her body with me and, I suppose, bury her in the back yard. I'm not sure I would be able to handle that, though. Maybe I can build (or get) a small box as a coffin and take her with us that way. I don't know. We'll see what Friday brings.
Friday, March 13, 2009
How Do you Tell?
My cat is 19 years old. The vet calls her "ancient" and that's not a bad description. She appears to have Feline Cognitive Disorder (kitty Alzheimer's). She has very little body mass (she's skin and bones) despite eating well. She has some pain in her hips that doesn't prohibit mobility but you can see its effects. If she's in deep sleep she sometimes has problems with incontinence. And she doesn't hear, see or smell so well anymore.
She was the first domestic animal I ever... acquired (you don't own cats). I just wonder if I'm hanging on to her for selfish reasons. I just can't tell if her quality of life is to the point that it's better to ease her pain. With the dogs, it was easy. They stopped eating. When they went downhill, they went quick. Nikita has been working toward this point for at least three years.
I remember my mother-in-law's cat, George. I saw him in a similar condition and was shocked because it was such a dramatic change from what he had been. But in my eyes, Nikita has gotten there gradually and, while I notice the difference and it is significant, she still seems like she's hanging on. Obviously, if it had happened overnight, I would know. But how do you tell with a cat?
She was the first domestic animal I ever... acquired (you don't own cats). I just wonder if I'm hanging on to her for selfish reasons. I just can't tell if her quality of life is to the point that it's better to ease her pain. With the dogs, it was easy. They stopped eating. When they went downhill, they went quick. Nikita has been working toward this point for at least three years.
I remember my mother-in-law's cat, George. I saw him in a similar condition and was shocked because it was such a dramatic change from what he had been. But in my eyes, Nikita has gotten there gradually and, while I notice the difference and it is significant, she still seems like she's hanging on. Obviously, if it had happened overnight, I would know. But how do you tell with a cat?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Miss Conception
It's been a different kind of week at work. Before I get too far, I need to clarify a few things. I work for the veterinary school (Center for Veterinary Health Sciences) at Oklahoma State University. I am not a veterinary student, technician, orderly, assistant, nor doctor. I don't deal with the animals... at all. I fix computers and classroom equipment.
On Monday, a story was published in The Daily O'Collegian stating that the wife of billionaire OSU benefactor Boone Pickens was withdrawing a $5 million donation to the vet school. This money was being withdrawn because of "barbaric" practices at the school. I'll let you read what it said, then I'll be back to tell you the reality of the situation.
Point number one: There was never a donation from T. Boone Pickens or his wife that was slated specifically for the vet school. There can be no withdrawal of a donation when there is no donation to withdraw. My understanding is that the possibility of an unspecified donation has been mentioned to the vet school but any such donation would be contingent upon the dean supporting a political agenda, on behalf of the whole of CVHS, that Madeleine Pickens is strongly involved in. The dean has repeatedly declined to meet that requirement on the basis that the issue itself does not fit into the mission of the CVHS.
Point number two: The school buys dogs used for live surgery training from a USDA licensed broker. I do not know the licensing requirements for these brokers or those that specifically breed dogs for research purposes but I would imagine that any "les strict" guidelines, if there are any, would be because these brokers are not breeders. As such, any guidelines relating to the breeding of the animals would not apply to them. Again, I don't know the requirements and that is just speculation on my part. I do know, however, that the brokers are licensed by the USDA.
Point number three: If you know anything about research and the extremely strict guidelines that must be followed in regards to any live animal research (i.e. there are guidelines that specify how a mouse is and is not to be euthanized prior to feeding it to a snake), you know that the allegations Mrs. Pickens makes in the article are preposterous and, frankly, impossible. Before this article appeared, I didn't even know we had a live surgery training program much less how it functioned. I do know that if we operated it as she alleges, we would have been shut down a long time ago. I have been told that the procedures involve abdominal exploration, spay/neuter, and a couple of other similar and less-invasive procedures. No bones are broken. No organs are removed. As one state representative and OSU CVHS graduate said, "Our training is designed to prevent animal suffering, not create it." (Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing)
Point number four: "...all veterinary colleges are under strict guidelines regarding the use of animals in teaching and research. At OSU, our animal facilities and protocols are regularly reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), industrial partners, and the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association." (copied from a letter to constituents by Michael Lorenz)
Although the are some unattractive aspects to the surgery program at OSU CVHS, the students I have heard from have said the experience is invaluable, utilizing cadavers does not provide the same level of training, and even those who get emotionally involved agree that the unattractive aspects are a necessary part of the process.
If you have any questions about the story, the allegations, my comments or the program, please email me. If I cannot answer your question or address your concerns, I will find someone who can.
On Monday, a story was published in The Daily O'Collegian stating that the wife of billionaire OSU benefactor Boone Pickens was withdrawing a $5 million donation to the vet school. This money was being withdrawn because of "barbaric" practices at the school. I'll let you read what it said, then I'll be back to tell you the reality of the situation.
By Jaclyn CosgroveAnd now, as Paul Harvey says, the rest of the story.Published: February 23, 2009The wife of OSU alumnus and billionaire benefactor T. Boone Pickens plans to send a letter today to the OSU veterinary school dean to inform him she’s taking her money elsewhere.
Madeleine Pickens said in an exclusive interview with The Daily O’Collegian on Friday that she made the decision to move her $5 million donation from the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences after a veterinary student informed her of practices Pickens calls “barbaric.”
Pickens said she has learned the veterinary school buys dogs from breeders who have to follow less strict U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines; OSU then uses animals for surgical training procedures.
“Right now, when they buy these dogs, they bring them in, and they do a surgery, put them to sleep, do the surgery, wake them up, next day, put them to sleep again, maybe take out a kidney, wake them up again, put them to sleep again, maybe break a leg, fix it, wake them up again and then they kill them,” Pickens said. “That’s barbaric. That’s what you did years ago. Medicine has changed.”
...
“I’m very much focused on OSU changing its ways with the vet school, and I’m hoping that students get involved in this and say, ‘You know what? We have an opinion, too, and we don’t agree with this,’ she said.
Point number one: There was never a donation from T. Boone Pickens or his wife that was slated specifically for the vet school. There can be no withdrawal of a donation when there is no donation to withdraw. My understanding is that the possibility of an unspecified donation has been mentioned to the vet school but any such donation would be contingent upon the dean supporting a political agenda, on behalf of the whole of CVHS, that Madeleine Pickens is strongly involved in. The dean has repeatedly declined to meet that requirement on the basis that the issue itself does not fit into the mission of the CVHS.
Point number two: The school buys dogs used for live surgery training from a USDA licensed broker. I do not know the licensing requirements for these brokers or those that specifically breed dogs for research purposes but I would imagine that any "les strict" guidelines, if there are any, would be because these brokers are not breeders. As such, any guidelines relating to the breeding of the animals would not apply to them. Again, I don't know the requirements and that is just speculation on my part. I do know, however, that the brokers are licensed by the USDA.
Point number three: If you know anything about research and the extremely strict guidelines that must be followed in regards to any live animal research (i.e. there are guidelines that specify how a mouse is and is not to be euthanized prior to feeding it to a snake), you know that the allegations Mrs. Pickens makes in the article are preposterous and, frankly, impossible. Before this article appeared, I didn't even know we had a live surgery training program much less how it functioned. I do know that if we operated it as she alleges, we would have been shut down a long time ago. I have been told that the procedures involve abdominal exploration, spay/neuter, and a couple of other similar and less-invasive procedures. No bones are broken. No organs are removed. As one state representative and OSU CVHS graduate said, "Our training is designed to prevent animal suffering, not create it." (Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing)
Point number four: "...all veterinary colleges are under strict guidelines regarding the use of animals in teaching and research. At OSU, our animal facilities and protocols are regularly reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), industrial partners, and the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association." (copied from a letter to constituents by Michael Lorenz)
Although the are some unattractive aspects to the surgery program at OSU CVHS, the students I have heard from have said the experience is invaluable, utilizing cadavers does not provide the same level of training, and even those who get emotionally involved agree that the unattractive aspects are a necessary part of the process.
If you have any questions about the story, the allegations, my comments or the program, please email me. If I cannot answer your question or address your concerns, I will find someone who can.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Anabelle & The Christmas Tree
Our cat, Anabelle, discovered the shiny bits of the Christmas tree. I had my phone handy and captured this:
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Missing You
The temperature in Stillwater, OK is a brisk 55 degrees. The air has an edge to it - not quite cold but not quite warm. Teddy has gone outside a couple of times since I came home just to be outside. It reminded me of how much J.D. used to love weather like this - and how much comfort the cold air seemed to give him right before he left us.
I got curious and wondered how long it had been. I looked back at my blog. Yesterday was one year.
A lot has happened in the last 366 days. There has been so much that it's almost hard to comprehend. Has it only been a year? It seems like this much can't possibly happen in so short a time.
I wouldn't say we are in a better or worse position than we were a year ago... just a different position. We're hanging on to what we have, cherishing the moments we are blessed to have with each other and all of our critters that are still with us in body and spirit.
I really don't know why J.D. passing has affected me so. Maybe it was where we were. Maybe it was how I handled his illness (that is something that still bothers me). Maybe it was just one more thing.
But with each passing day we become stronger. We remember the ones we love who are no longer with us and we keep moving forward... but not away from their memories.
I got curious and wondered how long it had been. I looked back at my blog. Yesterday was one year.
A lot has happened in the last 366 days. There has been so much that it's almost hard to comprehend. Has it only been a year? It seems like this much can't possibly happen in so short a time.
I wouldn't say we are in a better or worse position than we were a year ago... just a different position. We're hanging on to what we have, cherishing the moments we are blessed to have with each other and all of our critters that are still with us in body and spirit.
I really don't know why J.D. passing has affected me so. Maybe it was where we were. Maybe it was how I handled his illness (that is something that still bothers me). Maybe it was just one more thing.
But with each passing day we become stronger. We remember the ones we love who are no longer with us and we keep moving forward... but not away from their memories.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A Double Shot of Me(me)
I am up this morning a bit earlier than I wanted to be thanks to a persistent tortoiseshell cat and a short-legged dog. Oh, yeah, the ancient critter (the other cat) came along, too. I know I haven't been around much lately. It's not that I don't want to talk to you or that I don't have anything to say. It's just, well, you know the story - day to day, by the time I get to where I can blog, I just don't have the energy or inclination.
I have much to talk about, actually, but a lot of it I cannot share here and some of it I cannot share yet. Suffice it to say that life is taking a more positive turn lately and as universal satisfaction (that is, satisfation with the universe and the direction the ebb and flow of it is taking me) increases, however slightly, stress follows an inverse, although not necessarily proportional, trend. [Good Lord, I sound like Kevin now!]
What I can share is that I have been ill but functional for the past 3-4 weeks. I have been experiencing some abdominal pain. It has ranged anywhere from simple pressure to cramping or sharp pain. Thankfully, it has never had me doubled over. I have been poked, prodded, scanned and medicated. The closest diagnosis anyone could come up with was diverticulitis but the CT scan was not conclusive on that point (it did, however, rule out apendicitis and probably a few other diagnoses). The good news is that I appear to be on the down side of that and on to recovery. I'm still a little tentative and I'm still avoiding nuts and things with seeds (i.e. tomatoes - I miss them), but day by day, I am moving closer to normal function (I will spare you any details - just trust me and say 'thank you').
Since I haven't been around much, and I didn't think I was going to have quite this much content this morning, I am going to share a couple of memes I got off my sister's blog.
In a Word Meme
Answer
In.
One.
Word.
Only.
(It's Harder than you think)
Where is your cellphone? pouch
Describe your significant other? significant
Your hair? leaving
Your mother? compass
Your father? center
What is your favorite gadget? computer
What did you dream last night? Shredding (tires)
What do you prefer to drink? Tea
Dream car? Mustang (1967)
What room are you currently in? Office
Your ex (if you have one)? Firey
Your biggest fear? drowning
What do you want to be in 10 years? boss
Who did you spend last night with? wife
What are you not? confident
The last thing you did? fed
What are you wearing? shorts
Favorite book? Heinlein
The last thing you ate? Pizza
Your life? Improving
Your mood? optimistic
Your best friends? absent
What are you thinking about right now? time
Your car? sporty
What are you doing right now? blogging
Your summer? wearisome
Marital status? fulfilled
What is on your TV right now? Off
When did you last laugh? yesterday
When did you last cry? Yesterday (I can’t help it – Stargate: Atlantis was sad)
School? returning
Tag yourself but leave a comment so I can see.
Foundin My Inbox On My sister’s Blog
I have much to talk about, actually, but a lot of it I cannot share here and some of it I cannot share yet. Suffice it to say that life is taking a more positive turn lately and as universal satisfaction (that is, satisfation with the universe and the direction the ebb and flow of it is taking me) increases, however slightly, stress follows an inverse, although not necessarily proportional, trend. [Good Lord, I sound like Kevin now!]
What I can share is that I have been ill but functional for the past 3-4 weeks. I have been experiencing some abdominal pain. It has ranged anywhere from simple pressure to cramping or sharp pain. Thankfully, it has never had me doubled over. I have been poked, prodded, scanned and medicated. The closest diagnosis anyone could come up with was diverticulitis but the CT scan was not conclusive on that point (it did, however, rule out apendicitis and probably a few other diagnoses). The good news is that I appear to be on the down side of that and on to recovery. I'm still a little tentative and I'm still avoiding nuts and things with seeds (i.e. tomatoes - I miss them), but day by day, I am moving closer to normal function (I will spare you any details - just trust me and say 'thank you').
Since I haven't been around much, and I didn't think I was going to have quite this much content this morning, I am going to share a couple of memes I got off my sister's blog.
In a Word Meme
Answer
In.
One.
Word.
Only.
(It's Harder than you think)
Where is your cellphone? pouch
Describe your significant other? significant
Your hair? leaving
Your mother? compass
Your father? center
What is your favorite gadget? computer
What did you dream last night? Shredding (tires)
What do you prefer to drink? Tea
Dream car? Mustang (1967)
What room are you currently in? Office
Your ex (if you have one)? Firey
Your biggest fear? drowning
What do you want to be in 10 years? boss
Who did you spend last night with? wife
What are you not? confident
The last thing you did? fed
What are you wearing? shorts
Favorite book? Heinlein
The last thing you ate? Pizza
Your life? Improving
Your mood? optimistic
Your best friends? absent
What are you thinking about right now? time
Your car? sporty
What are you doing right now? blogging
Your summer? wearisome
Marital status? fulfilled
What is on your TV right now? Off
When did you last laugh? yesterday
When did you last cry? Yesterday (I can’t help it – Stargate: Atlantis was sad)
School? returning
Tag yourself but leave a comment so I can see.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Found
It's another meme.
1. Are your parents cousins? Um, No, my family tree does indeed "fork"
2. Have you ever done hard time? No
3. What's the weirdest job you have ever had? Maintenance @ an industrial park – total deviation for me
4. Do you snort when you laugh? No.
5. Look like anyone famous? Homer Simpson – in shape, not facial features
6. Do you collect anything? Keychains, Star Wars, Star Trek, and, inexplicably, coats, MP3 players (I’m up to 3), and laptop bags and backpacks.
7. Have you ever worn or owned leather clothing? Jacket
8. Can your momma still whip your butt? OH yes and with just words.
9. How many siblings do you have? 1 of each, both older
10. Most pets you've had at one time? 3 cats, 2 dogs and a love bird
11. Thing that freaks people out most about you? My temper – It is extremely rare that I lose control of it but if I do, I terrify the people around me.
12. Guilty pleasures? Bubblegum pop (music)
13. Formal wedding or elope? Formal
14. Favorite Oklahoma musician? Vince Gill
15. Most annoying celebrity at the moment? Britney
16. Have more than 1 driver's license? No (isn’t that illegal?)
17. Ever scream at the top of your lungs? Yes!
18. Sing to your pets? yep.
19. Secret ambitions? To be the best at something.
20. Do you like the song, "Happy Birthday?" Not particularly
21. Ever barfed in public? Probalby
22. PDA? It’s a Palm m500 – I just upgraded from an m105.
23. Do you return your grocery cart to the store? yep
24. Are you a good tipper? 10 – 20 % depends on the service.
25. Would you strip publicly for any dollar amount? Probably not.
26. Are your pets neutered? yes
27. Are you? nope
28. Do you watch or have you been on "Cops?" watch only.
29. Do you talk to anyone daily? My wife
30. Hero's? Yes, many but for different reasons
31. Lie about your age? No because I can never remember how old I am.
32. Fallen down in public? probably.
33. Ever dislike a total stranger because they LOOK like someone you
genuinely dislike? Can’t say that I have
34. Ever done something so petty to someone else that you'd NEVER
come clean? Not now but I may have in my youth…I really don’t remember.
35. Anything TOO embarrassing to talk about? Would I tell you if there was?
36. Would you run for public office? No
37. How many times a day do you use the "f" word? Not daily but at least once a week.
38. If a man pees sitting down, is he less of a man? Not if the toilet seat won’t stay up
39. If you were to come back as an animal, what would it be? A raptor (i.e. an eagle, hawk, etc.)
40. Most unfavorite food? Most organ meats
41. Money being no object, what extravagant thing would you buy? A big, honkin’ fast computer
42. Family member you wish you weren't related to? Na. They are all crazy, but they are mine.
43. Profession you'd be great at but didn't realize it until it was way too late? Voice actor
44. Do you think that everyone is beautiful? Yes, in their own way.
45. Are people stupid or ignorant? Stupid is forever, ignorance can be fixed
You know the drill, tag yourself and then leave me a comment so I can come peer into your personality!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I Was Late For Work, But I Don’t Care
I was on my way to work as normal this morning. I was heading to where my carpool buddy lives. I was almost to his house when I saw what looked like a cat in the middle of the road. I was saddened as I assumed it was a victim of traffic flow and shocked when it looked up at me with a look of absolute fear as I passed it down the middle of my car.
Well, I stopped immediately. This was a little kitten. It looked barely old enough to be out on its own. Ten weeks max and that may be a high estimate. I performed what had to be two illegal U-Turns and pulled up right next to the petrified kitten, blocking her from potential injury by oncoming traffic, and put on my hazards.
Well, I thought she was petrified. As soon as I opened the door to get her, she took shelter under the car. I looked, changed positions, looked again, and looked a third time. I couldn’t see her and thought maybe she had scampered off into the grass. By this time, there was a car behind me so I got back into the car.
Just in case, I pulled ahead v e r y s l o w l y and angled off to the side when I knew she would be clear. Sure enough, there she was, still hunkered down in the middle of the road. The car behind me saw her and did the same thing I did when I first spotted her. She was still unharmed.
Before the light turned green and the semi truck started to pull forward, I ran out and scooped her up. I checked her very quickly when I got her back in the car and there didn’t appear to be a scratch on her. On her own, she crawled up and rested on my left shoulder as I drove to my buddy’s house.
We leave for work at 6:30 in the morning. The animal shelter is not open at that time. The only thing we could think of to do was to drive 20 minutes back to my house, place her in one of my spare cat crates and ask my wife (very nicely) to take her over to the animal shelter for us.
From what I could see, the kitten was unscathed by the experience. She wasn’t even terribly shaken once I got her out of harm’s way. The wife said she was very quiet and ate a little bit before she took her to the shelter. I would have kept her but we have enough difficulty getting my 19-year-old cat and my 2-year-old cat not to fight. Plus we simply cannot afford to adopt another cat and take on the immunization costs, declawing, etc. As cute and docile as she is, I am sure someone will give her a good home.
I saved a life today. What have you done?
Well, I stopped immediately. This was a little kitten. It looked barely old enough to be out on its own. Ten weeks max and that may be a high estimate. I performed what had to be two illegal U-Turns and pulled up right next to the petrified kitten, blocking her from potential injury by oncoming traffic, and put on my hazards.
Well, I thought she was petrified. As soon as I opened the door to get her, she took shelter under the car. I looked, changed positions, looked again, and looked a third time. I couldn’t see her and thought maybe she had scampered off into the grass. By this time, there was a car behind me so I got back into the car.
Just in case, I pulled ahead v e r y s l o w l y and angled off to the side when I knew she would be clear. Sure enough, there she was, still hunkered down in the middle of the road. The car behind me saw her and did the same thing I did when I first spotted her. She was still unharmed.
Before the light turned green and the semi truck started to pull forward, I ran out and scooped her up. I checked her very quickly when I got her back in the car and there didn’t appear to be a scratch on her. On her own, she crawled up and rested on my left shoulder as I drove to my buddy’s house.
We leave for work at 6:30 in the morning. The animal shelter is not open at that time. The only thing we could think of to do was to drive 20 minutes back to my house, place her in one of my spare cat crates and ask my wife (very nicely) to take her over to the animal shelter for us.
From what I could see, the kitten was unscathed by the experience. She wasn’t even terribly shaken once I got her out of harm’s way. The wife said she was very quiet and ate a little bit before she took her to the shelter. I would have kept her but we have enough difficulty getting my 19-year-old cat and my 2-year-old cat not to fight. Plus we simply cannot afford to adopt another cat and take on the immunization costs, declawing, etc. As cute and docile as she is, I am sure someone will give her a good home.
I saved a life today. What have you done?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
I Still Miss Him
When we moved to Idaho our cellular contracts were expiring and the service provider was not available in our area anyway so we got new cell phones. Being the person I am, I read through the manual for my new phone and tested out all of the different features, including the camera.
One of the pictures I took was of JD, my dog who passed away shortly before we moved back. It was a pretty good picture. It was well (enough) lit and captured the brightness of his personality quite well.
As much as I liked the phone I got - decent camera, slim design, comfortable to use - it wasn't loud enough. I have a slight hearing loss and I found myself saying "What?" a lot when using this phone. After about a week or two, I took it back and exchanged it for the phone I currently have. When the exchange was done, I asked the representative if she knew how we could copy a couple of pictures off the old phone, one of them being the pic of JD. She was very helpful in utilizing the bluetooth capabilities of my first phone, my new phone, and her phone (as an intermediary) in getting that accomplished.
I didn't realize how important that picture would become to me.
Almost immediately, I set JDs picture as the background on my new phone. It was nice to see my puppy dog whenever I looked at my phone and made it easy to show off a picture of one of my "kids" to others. Now, because of the bright expression on his face, it is a constant reminder of the wonderful companion we had and the time we were lucky enough to have with him. I also managed to transfer the picture to my Zune and he is the background on there as well.
We were in a PetsMart over the weekend and we came across some memorial markers. The wife was looking at them to mark the spot where we'll bury his ashes. I was overcome and struggled very hard to hold it together and not become a blubbering sack of emotion right there in the store.
I wasn't ready for him to go and I miss him so much my heart aches every time I think about it.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Down To The Nitty Gritty
This may be my last post for a while. In a few minutes, I will be packing up the computer. I may be able to post over the next week or so if the wife allows me the privilege of using her laptop but there are no guarantees. When we get home, I have no idea how long it will be before we set up access at the house. Money will be tight so I'll have to wait at least until the first paycheck comes in.
Everything seems to be going well. JD's ashes came back yesterday. Picking him up was a bit emotional for us again because we miss him so and he was taken from us so quickly. But he's here with us now and we're all going home together. What I have left to pack is some of the forgotten items that get pushed into corners and a few of the last minute items (like the computer). I was considering having a couple of guys come in on Monday and help me pack but I think I'll be able to get it all. The only question is whether I'll have enough boxes but that's easily enough remedied.
On Monday, the wife, the critters, and I are moving out to a hotel. My mother-in-law will be flying in early evening on Monday. She's going to help me with some of the last minute cleaning before the carpet cleaners come in on Tuesday afternoon and she will help with the driving.
I'm picking up a 26' truck and a 6x12 trailer from U-Haul some time on Wednesday. I'm hoping it's the morning because I have the loading crew scheduled to show up ~3:30. U-Haul is supposed to call me before 5pm on Tuesday to tell me where I can pick up the equipment. I'm a little concerned because I may have given them the house number but we probably won't have any phones hooked up after Monday. Doesn't matter, if I don't hear from them, I'll call them on my cell phone.
Late Wednesday night (like, 11:30pm), my brother is flying in from Kansas City. He drives a delivery truck for a living so I'm going to let him manhandle the U-Haul back to Oklahoma. I'm hoping to check out Thursday morning. I still have to call the management company to arrange that. I believe we can just drop off the keys but I want to do the walkthrough with them if I can. Regardless, we hit the road on Thursday and will be back where we belong by Saturday evening.
Everything seems to be going well. JD's ashes came back yesterday. Picking him up was a bit emotional for us again because we miss him so and he was taken from us so quickly. But he's here with us now and we're all going home together. What I have left to pack is some of the forgotten items that get pushed into corners and a few of the last minute items (like the computer). I was considering having a couple of guys come in on Monday and help me pack but I think I'll be able to get it all. The only question is whether I'll have enough boxes but that's easily enough remedied.
On Monday, the wife, the critters, and I are moving out to a hotel. My mother-in-law will be flying in early evening on Monday. She's going to help me with some of the last minute cleaning before the carpet cleaners come in on Tuesday afternoon and she will help with the driving.
I'm picking up a 26' truck and a 6x12 trailer from U-Haul some time on Wednesday. I'm hoping it's the morning because I have the loading crew scheduled to show up ~3:30. U-Haul is supposed to call me before 5pm on Tuesday to tell me where I can pick up the equipment. I'm a little concerned because I may have given them the house number but we probably won't have any phones hooked up after Monday. Doesn't matter, if I don't hear from them, I'll call them on my cell phone.
Late Wednesday night (like, 11:30pm), my brother is flying in from Kansas City. He drives a delivery truck for a living so I'm going to let him manhandle the U-Haul back to Oklahoma. I'm hoping to check out Thursday morning. I still have to call the management company to arrange that. I believe we can just drop off the keys but I want to do the walkthrough with them if I can. Regardless, we hit the road on Thursday and will be back where we belong by Saturday evening.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Insert Title Here
My brain is scrambled. I have so many things going on right now it's hard to keep on task. I'm trying to pack. I'm making arrangements for the trip home. I'm trying to figure out all of the travel and relocation logistics. I'm planning the route and mapping out gas stations, pit stops and lodging. I'm trying to do normal things like laundry, dishes, etc. I'm trying to clean (at least somewhat) as I go. I'm dealing with some family issues that randomly require my attention and with which I must balance my chores to keep from appearing crass and uncaring. I'm taking care of pre-employment duties. I'm answering phone calls from family and employers. And in the midst of all of this, I'm trying to process the trauma of losing a beloved pet and trying to keep an eye on the remaining dog to make sure he's dealing with it okay.
It's no wonder I feel like my time is so fragmented that I'm surprised I get anything done and I feel like there should be four of me.
One bite at a time.
It's no wonder I feel like my time is so fragmented that I'm surprised I get anything done and I feel like there should be four of me.
One bite at a time.
Monday, October 15, 2007
He's Gone
Tissue Alert!
Jack Daniel passed about an hour after I wrote my last post. We had gone to bed about 10:15 and heard him cry out around 10:30. I rushed to his side but there was nothing I could do. I don't know if he was aware of my presence or not, but I hope he was because it was the only thing I could give him.
There is a 24-hour vet hospital on the far West side of town. We just returned from dropping off his body. We will be bringing his ashes home with us. Had I realized it was a 24/7 clinic, I might have brought him there sooner so it didn't have to be like this. I feel very sad and somewhat guilty right now. We are both very raw from this.
When we returned home, Teddy was whimpering at the door. I knew he wanted his brother back and was upset that he'd been taken away. He went toward the back door but only stayed out a few seconds to confirm that JD was not in the back yard. He made a search of the house and kept coming back to me as if to ask where I had hidden him. He made a big effort of sniffing the blanket JD had been on. I was sad that I could not bring his brother back to him.
Jack Daniel passed about an hour after I wrote my last post. We had gone to bed about 10:15 and heard him cry out around 10:30. I rushed to his side but there was nothing I could do. I don't know if he was aware of my presence or not, but I hope he was because it was the only thing I could give him.
There is a 24-hour vet hospital on the far West side of town. We just returned from dropping off his body. We will be bringing his ashes home with us. Had I realized it was a 24/7 clinic, I might have brought him there sooner so it didn't have to be like this. I feel very sad and somewhat guilty right now. We are both very raw from this.
When we returned home, Teddy was whimpering at the door. I knew he wanted his brother back and was upset that he'd been taken away. He went toward the back door but only stayed out a few seconds to confirm that JD was not in the back yard. He made a search of the house and kept coming back to me as if to ask where I had hidden him. He made a big effort of sniffing the blanket JD had been on. I was sad that I could not bring his brother back to him.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Letting Go
I've been advised that the Prednisone could be causing JD not to eat. True enough but I skipped it today and he has still refused everything for over 48 hours.
When I take him to the vet tomorrow, I intend to talk over the possibilities with her. Unless she can come up with something miraculous, I will have to make the decision. The wife and I talked about it this afternoon. Even if he started eating again and we got him stabilized, there's a question as to whether he would last to go home and what effect the trip would have on him.
He's very weak at the moment. He's having trouble getting up, then has trouble walking. I know it is because he is so weak due to lack of nourishment. I wish he would eat something.
When I take him to the vet tomorrow, I intend to talk over the possibilities with her. Unless she can come up with something miraculous, I will have to make the decision. The wife and I talked about it this afternoon. Even if he started eating again and we got him stabilized, there's a question as to whether he would last to go home and what effect the trip would have on him.
He's very weak at the moment. He's having trouble getting up, then has trouble walking. I know it is because he is so weak due to lack of nourishment. I wish he would eat something.
I Think It's Time
I'm about to go to bed. Never mind why I'm up so late.
I just checked on JD. He's been outside most of the day. For some reason, he prefers the coolness. He has preferred to stay outside since last night, either lying in the shade or lying on the cool concrete. I think the cooler temperatures make his hardship easier to bear somehow. Even when he's inside, he prefers the linoleum to the carpet. Of course, he used to enjoy lying on the ceramic tile in the house in Oklahoma and he has always liked the rain. But I digress.
JD hasn't eaten anything in over 24 hours. He drank a little water this morning but has since refused everything I present to him. Obviously, his stomach has been upset. I've given him dramamine but it doesn't seem to affect his appetite anymore. I don't know if he'd just rather not eat because of his tummy troubles or if he's preparing himself to move on to whatever is next. I'm going to discuss it with the wife in the morning but if he survives tomorrow I think I will be calling the vet on Monday to help ease his suffering. My tears come now in empathy, not at the prospect of losing him.
Teddy has been adjusting. I think he would rather JD were around and things were as they always were (so wouldn't we all, I think) but he seems to be weaning off the dependency. I know he knows there's something wrong. As in all things with him, though, the happy continues. The only time I've ever seen him down is when he had Kennel Cough. He's been through the ingestion of several Singulair tablets and even a bout of serious tummy troubles one night but neither of those have slowed him one bit.
Life goes on, despite this. I served my last shift at the PT job this evening and have the packing and planning and cleaning to look forward to. I'll get into more detail on that later. For now, I will let sleeping dogs lie and take my cue to go to bed and get some rest. I'm going to need it.
I just checked on JD. He's been outside most of the day. For some reason, he prefers the coolness. He has preferred to stay outside since last night, either lying in the shade or lying on the cool concrete. I think the cooler temperatures make his hardship easier to bear somehow. Even when he's inside, he prefers the linoleum to the carpet. Of course, he used to enjoy lying on the ceramic tile in the house in Oklahoma and he has always liked the rain. But I digress.
JD hasn't eaten anything in over 24 hours. He drank a little water this morning but has since refused everything I present to him. Obviously, his stomach has been upset. I've given him dramamine but it doesn't seem to affect his appetite anymore. I don't know if he'd just rather not eat because of his tummy troubles or if he's preparing himself to move on to whatever is next. I'm going to discuss it with the wife in the morning but if he survives tomorrow I think I will be calling the vet on Monday to help ease his suffering. My tears come now in empathy, not at the prospect of losing him.
Teddy has been adjusting. I think he would rather JD were around and things were as they always were (so wouldn't we all, I think) but he seems to be weaning off the dependency. I know he knows there's something wrong. As in all things with him, though, the happy continues. The only time I've ever seen him down is when he had Kennel Cough. He's been through the ingestion of several Singulair tablets and even a bout of serious tummy troubles one night but neither of those have slowed him one bit.
Life goes on, despite this. I served my last shift at the PT job this evening and have the packing and planning and cleaning to look forward to. I'll get into more detail on that later. For now, I will let sleeping dogs lie and take my cue to go to bed and get some rest. I'm going to need it.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Direction Of The Wind
It's about 20 minutes until 2 am. A little less than an hour ago, I awoke to the sound of a dog scrambling from under the bed and trotting out into the hall. I snapped out of bed to find JD at the back door. He was throwing up so I let him out. It took me twenty minutes to convince him to come back inside. All he wanted to do was lie in the grass, with the remains of the rain dripping on him from the roof.
I lay back down myself after feeding him a dramamine and getting him back inside. Our rest was to be short lived. I just let him back out for the same reason. I am surprised because Friday seemed to be a very good day for him. He ate probably 1/3 - 1/2 of a can of dog food in two sittings, he drank water - not as much as he should but he drank, and he moved about much better than he did on Thursday.
There have been a lot of tears in this house over the past 48-60 hours but I'm not crying now. He obviously doesn't feel well and I am heartbroken to see him this way but I think I am beginning to accept the inevitable. Each time I walk past him, I check for signs of life - a raised head, a quick flick of the tail, or even just breathing.
The sign on the church down the street reads, "No act of love is ever wasted." I have to wonder if my attempts to make him more comfortable and to bring him home are an act of love or selfishness. I wonder if he would be doing better if I had the other medicines*. I wonder if the vet suggested the medicines just to give me something to do to feel as though I were helping. I wonder - and doubt - if he will make it two more weeks to get home.
Why did this have to happen now? Why did this have to happen where there is no one with whom we have created trust to help us? Why does it have to be so difficult to make any adjustments in this crazy town? I firmly believe that the universe tends to unfold as it should, I just wish it would stop unfolding on me for a little bit.
-------------------------------
*I didn't get the other meds yet because the vet clinic is on a professional retreat until Monday and we would have to start from scratch (sans the x-rays, I have digital copies of them) to get them from another vet.
I lay back down myself after feeding him a dramamine and getting him back inside. Our rest was to be short lived. I just let him back out for the same reason. I am surprised because Friday seemed to be a very good day for him. He ate probably 1/3 - 1/2 of a can of dog food in two sittings, he drank water - not as much as he should but he drank, and he moved about much better than he did on Thursday.
There have been a lot of tears in this house over the past 48-60 hours but I'm not crying now. He obviously doesn't feel well and I am heartbroken to see him this way but I think I am beginning to accept the inevitable. Each time I walk past him, I check for signs of life - a raised head, a quick flick of the tail, or even just breathing.
The sign on the church down the street reads, "No act of love is ever wasted." I have to wonder if my attempts to make him more comfortable and to bring him home are an act of love or selfishness. I wonder if he would be doing better if I had the other medicines*. I wonder if the vet suggested the medicines just to give me something to do to feel as though I were helping. I wonder - and doubt - if he will make it two more weeks to get home.
Why did this have to happen now? Why did this have to happen where there is no one with whom we have created trust to help us? Why does it have to be so difficult to make any adjustments in this crazy town? I firmly believe that the universe tends to unfold as it should, I just wish it would stop unfolding on me for a little bit.
-------------------------------
*I didn't get the other meds yet because the vet clinic is on a professional retreat until Monday and we would have to start from scratch (sans the x-rays, I have digital copies of them) to get them from another vet.
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