Duchess

Kyle and Duchess 1996

The photo above was taken one afternoon sitting in our living room.  How this picture has remained in perfect condition, not in any photo album through 3 moves and 14 years, I can't figure out.  It is one of my favorite shots of Kyle.  Look at that face, "Whatcha taken a photo of me for Mommy?"

Then there is Duchess.  Her coat is shiny, ears perky, face dark with a shine in her eyes.  My husband at the time brought her home one day from work.  She had been in an abused home and figured we could take her in.  I at the time, didn't want the dog.  Which is why she became, my dog. 

Duchess always follows me, she slept under my bed for years until her legs and back could no longer handle the contortion she put herself through getting under there.  She is the last one to move from my side when the others go running away.  Always looking back to make sure you are still where she thinks you are.

She would protect Kyle and I from anyone who came to the house.  Which caused a few problems, like the time a kid from down the block was selling candy as a fund raiser.  My roommate at the time didn't lock Duchess up before answering the door, Duchess got a hold of the kids shoe, the kid jumped on my roommates back screaming at the top of his lungs.  It is funny now, but wasn't so funny then as I forked over $125 to buy chocolate bars!

Anyway, Duchess is now 15 years old.  This past weekend she has started to show her true age.  She spent yesterday at the vet having a Senior Work Up.  And, the news wasn't good.  Her pancreas is enlarged, her spine is showing problems and there are two masses on her heart.  On top of that, she has bronchitis.  She came home with us last night on steroids to help with the bronchitis, and to await the final results of her blood work and x-rays. 

We aren't ruling her out just yet.  The last time she had a bad spell, we were afraid that Gracie would be left alone so we got Nico as a just in case.  That was 7 years ago!  But, honestly, I realize we have been graced with her much longer than most dogs.

Last night, her and Kyle hung out.

We will keep everyone updated on her. 

Houdini

J called to check in on Bella today at the vet.  Last night was a big night for her, and he wanted to see how she did.  Here is how the conversation went.

J:  "I'm calling to check on Bella and to see how she did last night."

vet:  "Oh, our escape artist."

J:  "What do you mean by that?"

vet:  "She climbed our 8 ft high fence and tried to escape.  It would have been nice to know that about her."

J:  "We've only had her a few days, we knew she could jump 4 ft, but we were not aware that she can climb a fence."

vet:  "She can be picked up today after 4:30."

J:  "We were told tomorrow."

vet:" No, today."

J:  "Okay, we will be there."

Guess she wanted to go home!

Just a Few Thoughts

Preparing myself to write this post, I discovered that, for the second post in a row I will not have any photos.  I find this funny seeing as I am taking photoshop classes.  Anyhoo....

Bella had to be dropped off at the vet today to start her heart worm treatment.  It was emotional for Bella.  She was shaking like crazy and looking at me with those large brown eyes and telepathically sending messages of "What did I do that you are bringing me here?"

It was emotional for me too.  If you do not understand how heart worm treatment works, I implore you to stay in your happy little place thinking she will get a shot, stay calm for a month and then be healthy. 

Unfortunately, this is not how it works.  Bella will receive a painful treatment and remain at the vet until at least Friday.  She will then come home with us, and be required to remain calm with no exercise or excitement for one month.  The reason?  The increased blood circulation from heavy exercise can push heart worms out of the major blood vessels and into the lungs, increasing the chance of developing congestive heart failure and possibly causing sudden collapse and death.  And yes, that is a direct quote.

I am upset that someone took the time to train Bella, but not the time to give her a $10 a month prevention medication.  Our pets have always been given the best, and in return they have given us their best.  Duchess and Daphne are 15 years old, Gracie is 9, and Nico and Lucky are 7.  Bella is 2.  Every year when that month rolls around that we tote ALL of them in rotation through the vets office and gripe about the bill at the end of it (last year with Duchess and Daphne needing surgery, and then all of their annual shots, it came to somewhere around $1200), we do it because we took on the responsibility to care for these dogs. 

I understand people are giving up their pets in record numbers right now due to unemployment and other factors.  However, there are low cost vaccinations and spay & neuter programs available all over.  And I can't say enough about spay & neuter your pet.  It is healthier for them and can help cut down on all of the unwanted animals out there!

So, I am headed to work with Bella on my mind.  Her and the cats had finally started to come to an understanding that neither was going anywhere and that the cats were not dog treats.  So, I hope you will keep her in your thoughts as well.