saying goodbye...

Monday, May 19, 2008

The day has finally come that I had to say good-bye to my sweetest baby dog Carli Ann. She had two great weeks, but the last three days were not good at all. The cancer began to win...she continued to gain fluid in the gut, the legs and finally in the lungs. This morning, she went to heaven. Carli was 7 years old and was my most wonderful companion, my dearest snuggle dog and my running buddy. She lived a lifetime of love, both giving it to anyone she met, and receiving any love that people would give. Her time with me was so very short, but her impact on my life has been great. Carli has shown me many things, clearly God had a purpose when He brought her to me. I will miss her terribly, love her always, and do my best to learn from her sweet ways.

I thank all of you who prayed and walked this two month journey with me. Your love and support have lifted us up and I pray that you continue to do this as I begin to heal from her loss.

Spring Week

Friday, May 16, 2008

It has been a typical New England spring week again. The weather has ranged from 77'F to 37'F...sunny and totally blue sky to grey and pouring rain. My flowers are looking pretty good despite the weather craziness.

Carli has been very good this week. It is clear that she does not like the crummy weather days though. Her legs have stayed very good, while her belly seems a touch full again. I think that she might need to get another tummy draw later in the week. We shall see how it goes. I hope that she can conquer the belly issues.

A Good Week

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Another week has come and gone. Carli has had a pretty good week. Her back legs are now normal size with little to no fluid build-up. That is great! Her belly has not grown, so that is also a very good bit of news. She acts pretty normal, sometimes unhappy and slow, but generally pretty much her old personality. She cannot jump up on the bed, go down the stairs or run around though. Those things are ruff to watch, as she is still a young dog and has a young dog's mind and desire. I know that she is not in pain - so that is good. We have been blessed with a good week. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. They are felt by both Carli and myself. Happy MOTHER'S DAY to Martha, Teresa and Jayme (yes, you are a doggie mom and that really counts!!!).

Slow and Steady

Thursday, May 8, 2008

It has been a slow and steady week thus far. Carli's health seems to have stabilized. Her legs are not swollen anymore and she seems to be about the same belly size as last weekend (when she had the fluid removed). Yes, we measure her belly three times daily. Clearly mommy needs to get a life!!!

For now, we are happy that she is happy and staying healthy. Thank you for the prayers and keep praying for healing. Hugs and happy spring!!

Good Day

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The sun came up this morning and we all seemed happier. Carli jumped up and bugged me to get her the pills and then her food. We were amazed that her back legs seemed much less swollen. Clearly the fact that she peed 5 times during the night might mean that the diuretic is helping at this point. She was much more happy today and we went for a short drive, sat outside in the sun and took a nap, then enjoyed hanging out with mommy. It was a good day!!! Hopefully we will have many more like it!!

Spending time...

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Today we saw the vet again. We had 3.5 liters of fluid taken out of Carli's belly and some blood work. The results were - terrible. Her liver enzymes are higher (bad sign) and a protein in her blood that keeps fluid in the veins is lower. She is now getting some swelling in her hind legs. The vet is a wonderful doctor and we talked for about a half hour on Carli's long term outcomes. She told me, "enjoy the days that you have left with her", "spend time, play, snuggle and just be there for her as she continues with her disease". Not the news that I have wanted...not at all.

So, we snuggle, we sit together and we give her lots of treats. I ask that you pray for all of us at my house...Carli, the other dogs, Carrie and myself. This process has been rugged... but we are going to just snuggle our way through it.

Tulip Time in Connecticut

Thursday, May 1, 2008

We have had tons of rain lately and cold temps. Last night we had another frost. My tulips are doing pretty well despite these weather obstacles. Today I have had two cars stop and people took pictures. How funny is that!!?? They are older folks driving around looking at people's gardens. I chatted with one of the couples. It was pretty fun!! I thought that I would show everyone the updates gardens. Not HOLLAND, but not bad for New England.

As a quick update on Carli. She is still riding the health roller coaster. Her belly is filled with fluid - on Monday the vet took 1.5 liters from the belly to make her feel more comfortable. Bloodwork shows liver enzymes elevated, but they don't know why exactly. Could just be her low blood protein, could be the meds she is on right now, or could be cancer. I vote for the first or second option. Thanks for all the prayers - I can feel them. Keep them coming as we are not out of the woods yet. You can see her cute pink bandaide and her big ole' belly!!! She is a couple liters up!!!