Throwback Thursday - Halloween

 Angels Loki and Gemini - 2009

Angel Gemi and Hailey - Halloween 2010

Mischief Monday -The Annual Day of Torture - by Zaphod

Dear pals,

You know I am a very good boy, so I don't understand why sometimes the Lady does the most horrible things to me. Last week, I was excited to go in the car with just her! But then I realized, no good was coming from this.

I had only thrown up a little, when we arrived at our first destination, Day Camp. I showed Lady my displeasure by peeing on a post in the store (even after she had me pee on 100 things outside of it). I tried to jump into her arms before being led to the back.

When Lady returned 87 million hours later., I was in a playroom, standing by the door. I was so excited to see her. Camp gave me a good report, so Lady was pleased I was not embarrassing, but is sure I just spent most of the day standing by the door. I don't really play with other dogs. 

This is when the day got worse. Lady took me to the V-E-T for my annual checkup. While waiting for my turn, a stranger with a cane approached. I did my best guard duties by moving between my Lady and her and trying to push my Lady away. As you know, I don't like walking sticks or canes. I don't remember why. Lady thinks it is because I was hit when I lived with the dragons, before my brave escape. At any rate, Lady told the stranger I didn't like sticks, so she hid it and kept petting me (which I tolerated). Lots of people were interested in me in the clinic, which Lady thought was weird because clearly I was stressed. Most of them were cat owners, so you would think they would understand pets being stressed at the clinic. 

Checking the peemail outside

Finally, it was my turn. I weigh just over 78 lbs. It is perfect. I seem in good health. At about age 8, I have another year or two before I have to move to senior food. Dr. W, swabbed my ear and looked at it under a microscope. My ear wax is yeasty.  He diagnosed "allergy ear" and gave Lady a heavy duty cleaner with cortisol. I have to clean my ears 2 times a day for a week, then once a day. Dr. W. said he hopes we can get to cleaning them every 2-3 days, and that may be the best we can do. I tolerate the cleaning and hate to admit but my ears are much better. I was brave for my shots too.

Waiting my turn

Lady was talking to one of the vet techs who she had not met (or didn't remember meeting), but had been at the clinic for 13 years. Lady said, "you must remember my first dog, Loki." She said "Of course I do." Loki had immune mediated hepatitis that caused psoriasis of the liver. He had 11 months of intense treatment before going to the bridge at age 8. They still talk about his case and his file still exists. He died over 9 years ago.  That is how weird a thing he had. 

So in the end, I got treats, and shots, and pets, had to protect my Lady and then we got to come home.

It was a very tiring day. I don't look forward to it next year.

Your healthy pal, Phod

14 Years Of Dogs

Wednesday marked the 14th anniversary of when our first dog, angel Loki, entering our lives. He was a surprise Christmas gift. Those first 10 days were crazy difficult - he was up all night, I was studying for exams - I admit I wanted to send him back.  But since then,we haven't looked back. Our house has always had at least one dog and for about 12 years of this 2.

This week we will try and remember what it was like to live in a dog-less house and to celebrate all the loving and fun memories they have helped us create.

Angels Loki and Gemini

Remembering

Today we are taking the time to remember a lot of love.

First, we were devastated to hear that Goose was called to the bridge yesterday. We send our love to his mom, Michelle.

Second, we remember our Loki. It was 5 years ago today he died. He was such a great pup, and really is the one who turned me into the crazy dog lady I am. I can't believe it has been 5 years. It seems both so long ago and so recently. 

Loki, the winter before he died. He was so happy, even in illness. 

Thirdly, today would have been Gemini's 10th adoption day. Her loss continues to be the wound that won't heal in my heart. I hope I live long enough to find peace with her death.

My angel Gemini. 

Round Robin: Caring Critters - Auto-Immune Disorder

We are participating in the Round Robin Caring Critters hosted by Heart Like a Dog. Tomorrow, go to Travels with Barley to learn about Lyme Disease. 

I would like to share with you the saga of our first dog, a Loki and an auto-immune disorder.

It started in 2006 while I was working overseas for 3 months. I didn't know it had started as my husband didn't want to stress me out while I was away. Loki, who was about 5 at the time, had become very ill. He stopped eating. He had to be force fed (and by this I mean they had to shove food down his throat). Blood work determined that his body had attacked it's own red blood cells. We put him on a drug cocktail (sorry, just recently I got rid of all his medical records, but it included drugs to boost red blood cells and drugs to suppress the cells that were killing them).

Loki went into remission until 2009. In spring 2009 I could tell something wasn't right with him. My vet was on sabbatical, so I took him to one of his partner's. This vet brushed my concerns off and I let it go because my vet was back in a few weeks. A few weeks later I took Loki back to the vet and he took my concerns seriously. [Note: our vet happens to be a very close family friend]. Even if our vet wasn't a friend, I would have kept taking him back until I got answers. The lesson is, if you think something is wrong with your pet, trust your instincts and find a vet who will take you seriously. 

Loki around the time he was diagnosed in 2009

Our vet did a bunch of tests (blood work, ultrasound, liver biopsy) and it was determined Loki had immune mediated hepatitis causing cirrhosis of the liver (try saying that 5 times fast). The cause of this was unknown and it is rare. To find the treatment, our vet used online vet forums and talked to vets all over the world.  He determined that at best, Loki likely had one year of life left. His body was attacking itself and at best we could slow it down and keep him comfortable. To do this, we used a drug cocktail that was adjusted at least once per month (more often toward the end). After about 3 years, I got rid of the records, but it was as many as 15 pills a day. It was very complicated and we had a chart (as some pills were to be taken every 2 days), a pill cutter and a pill container. I know there was steroids and immune suppressors. The best side effect of the cocktail was Loki's fur became puppy soft. It was great to snuggle such a soft boy, and he was very snuggly. 

During all this blood work, tests etc. etc. Loki remained a positive happy boy. Going to the vet was still one of his favourite things to do. He was often so excited he would pee on the floor (a habit he had all his life!). I think he only grumbled once during blood work and the tech was shocked as he was normally so happy! 

About 5 months before he died, running at a favourite park. He doesn't look like a dying dog at this point.

After several weeks on the drugs, Loki improved and he lived quite comfortably for the next 9 months. We did everything we could in that time to give him the best quality of life with the time we had left with him. At the 9 month mark, we started to see the decline. Our monthly trips for blood work became bi-weekly.  Loki underwent another ultrasound which showed the disease had progressed. I had opted to not to put him through another biopsy, because it wouldn't give us any useful information, we all knew he was dying. 

During the last 11 months of his life we had such contact with the vet, Loki's HUGE file was never filed. It was either on the vet's desk or in a special place they keep files for animals who are receiving a lot of care. Everyone in the clinic knew us. If our vet was not in and we called, other vets were hesitant to answer our questions/make suggestions, because this was rare and complicated. Either we or they would call our vet at home.

When we could see the end coming, we gave him his fav food.
 We wanted him to have it while he could still eat.

Around the 11 month mark,  we could tell the end was coming and one day Loki had the best day he had in weeks, followed by the worst night. About 5 am he gave me the look, and we knew it was time. We called our vet and set up for a time that evening to have him euthanized. We had made a promise to him that as long as he was not suffering, we would do everything in our power to keep him alive. However, when the time came, we would make the very difficult choice to say goodbye. We didn't want him to suffer one day more than he had to. It was a very emotional experience for us and the staff at the clinic. We were blessed to have such amazing, loving care for him. 

If I could go back, there is nothing I would do differently about his treatment. I know our vet went above and beyond to try and find the best treatment in the world for him. His suffering was minimized. We have learned since, that his case is still used at the clinic as a teaching case. I hope his case can help others. 

I also understand that not everyone would be able to make the same choices we did. It was very, very, very expensive to give Loki those last 11 months. A rough calculation at the time showed we spent about $10 000.  His drugs cost at least $500 a month. We are blessed that we could give him this time. 

I also learned the stress taking care of a dying pet can be. In the moment I didn't realize the emotional toll it was taking on me. It was only after his death that I realized the stress we had all been living with. I should have known the stress it was causing because our other dog at the time, Gemini, actually developed a stress disorder. She developed obsessive drinking (she drank over 8 cups of water a day, which was too much for a 15 lb Lhasa Apso mix) and peeing (she started peeing everywhere) and her fur started to fall out. She also underwent a lot of tests and in the end it was stress. While this wasn't great, it was much better than the alternatives our vet was testing for (Cushing's syndrome for one). One of the lessons we learned is that everyone in the house is very effected by the illness of another member and everyone needs some extra TLC. 

Thank you for reading our long journey. Even with the stress and the cost, I would do it all again to get those 8 years with our Loki. 

Gemini (left) and Loki - best friends

Excitement and Best Friends

We interrupt our regular post to say that the world has gone crazy in our house today.

You see, our Aunt C and Uncle D are expecting their first baby, our human cousin and Aunt C went into labour in the wee hours of the morning. So now we are all waiting for this baby girl to arrive. We fear it will be a very long day for us!

Our house is in extra chaos because the Big Guy (Lady's dad who refuses to be called a grandpa to dogs) our Grammie and their 2 labs (Tendra and Barley) are currently packing up and driving to stay with us. They live 650 km away or about 400 miles, so it is a big drive. They will be arriving later today.

Life will be chaos, and hopefully all good chaos and we will do our best to stay up to date. At least if we are gone for few days, we will have lots of adventures to share. 4 dogs in the house, now that could be fun (Lady is hoping Man will see that 3 could be do-able).

Please send all your good thoughts to our Aunt C and soon to be human cousin for an easy and safe delivery! Please send good thoughts to Uncle D. He is gonna have to deal with a cranky Aunt C (whom we love very much, but when she is cranky, look out!)

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Today Ranger has organized Best Friend's Day.

The best friend's (besides the cats and in my semi-chaotic state this morning I can't find a picture of them together) in our house were Loki and Gemini. While Loki disliked Gemini the first few weeks she was with us, they grew to be the best of friends and they were always snuggled together. As I have said before, Gemi was so connected to Loki that when he got sick, she got sick too. It was just the anxiety of knowing he was sick (we had everything and then some tested). That was her love and she mourned for his loss greatly (she would sit and cry).

Gemi and Loki - 2009

Remembering

Today is a day of remembering in our house.

Today would have have been Gemini's 9th Adoption Day.

Today is 4 years since Loki died.

We remember them with a mix of smiles and sorrow, laughter and tears.

Gemini and Loki, best friends

A favourite Loki moment:
Once while visiting my parents, he ran away to the neighbours. As I was calling him, he clearly went and hid so I wouldn't find him! What a monkey!

A favourite Gemini moment:
Gemi was a fairly obedient girl, although she had her own speed, extra slow, or "Gemini speed". When we put her in agility she did all the tasks but at the slowest speed anyone had ever seen. When on an off leash walk, she would get further and further behind.

Wordless Wednesday - Blast from the Past - Angel Loki

Black and White Sunday - Christmas 2009

Angels Loki (his last Christmas) and Gemini

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Reminder: We are hosting "Make the old cats laugh comedy hour" as part of this party. Submit your best joke (pictures if you wish) your name and the name of your blog to leeandphodATbellDOTnet by December 27th.  There will be a prize for best joke (it will be awarded January 3rd). 

To my dogs at the bridge

Dear Loki and Gemini,

It occurred to me the other day, that you may be sitting on your spots on the mantle wondering "WTF?" The lives of the dogs who live with us now live very different lives from the ones you both lived. When you were with us, you ate good food; You got lots of walks and play time; You had ample toys; There were always treats in the house; You got dressed up less.

The changes in the house started when Loki died in 2010, and I realized how short my time was with each of my dogs. It changed when I met Hailey, a dog who had very different needs then either of you. It changed as I started blogging and a whole world of dog products opened up to me. It completely changed when Gemi died in 2011.

Gemini and Loki

Now, while I am always on the quest to find the best food (to help keep Hailey and Zaphod as long as I can), the dog treats and toys have taken up 2 cupboards and a box, toys are purchased more often (in part because they don't last as long now), I want you to know something. Even though Hailey and Zaphod have more stuff, they do not have any more love than you had. The stuff is just stuff. Some of it is stuff you would hate (Gemi, I can see you looking at a puzzle and saying "A princess does not work for her treats, hand them over woman"; Loki, I imagine the look on your face if I dressed you up as often), I know there is stuff you would love. I wish I had known about it these when you were with me.

The love I feel for Hailey and Zaphod is different from my love for both of you. Loki, you will always be my first dog, and my special little guy. Gemi, you will always be my princess.  I just wanted you to know that even though I was slightly less of a crazy dog Lady with you, I didn't love you any less.

Missing you both every day


Your Lady

Mischief Monday - A blast from the past

Today's post isn't about the current dogs mischief, rather it is about a dog named after the Norse god of mischief, Loki, and our angel Gemini, and what I am sure they would have called mischief.

The following pictures were taken Loki's last Halloween - 2009. He died in May of 2010. At the time these pictures were taken, he was dying. (For those of you newer to the blog, Loki had immune mediated hepatitis that caused cirrhosis of the liver). Halloween would have been about 4 months after his diagnosis. To give us the extra time with him, he was on a crazy drug cocktail, that we adjusted every 2-4 weeks. Loki took all this like a champ (and for the record his suffering and discomfort were very, very low once he got diagnosed and we started treatment). He was a friendly, joyful, not obedient, pup. To reward this, I decided to dress him up for Halloween. His face (and Gemi's) show how they felt.

Loki the spider and Gemi the Lady bug

"Princesses don't do costumes"

"I swallow all my pills. I am good at the vet and this is what I get?"

Feline Friday - Blast from the Past

This picture is from almost 4 years ago. It is of Nin and our beloved Loki. Lo and Nin were good friends and often curled up together.

I will see you in my dreams

I have been blessed (and cursed) with the ability to have amazingly clear dreams. The blessing is that the good dreams are so good and real and enjoyable; the curse is the bad dreams are also so  clear and vivid and can stay with me for days and weeks. In my dreams I see colour, I smell things, I taste things and I feel things.

Occasionally I have dreams with Loki and Gemini and this week I had a dream with our little Loki in it.
My crazy dream went something like this.

Loki was still alive but our Gemini was not [which made me mad because I should at least be able to save her in my dreams, but I guess my guilt prevents this]. He was alive but he was having a 3rd serious health problem. [Loki had an autoimmune disorder and he had 2 'crisis' before dying]. He was at the vet. Our vet had called and talked to the Man and said they needed to keep him for another day.

I decided to walk to the clinic and get cat food [FYI we live 60 km from the clinic I would not walk there]. I arrive and the reception area is more like an airport, there are like 50 people waiting in line. I manage to race to the front of a new line as they open it and order my food. While I am waiting for them to get it, it occurs to me that I could visit Loki while I was here. So I ask if I can do that and they say no, it is too busy. Then I decide I will do something unfair. I ask to speak to the vet. I say I have questions about Loki and I know he is here and I can wait. I know if I ask him if I can see Loki I will get to. [The joys of having a friend who is a vet! I do have some post dream guilt for manipulating this relationship to see my dog, but I think all true dog lovers would].

This picture was taken of Loki in July of 2009 shortly after his liver biopsy. Loki was always an amazing sport at the vet,  I believe in all the tests, blood work (at times bi-weekly) he only growled 1 time and everyone was shocked. He loved the vet and the clinic. However, what he didn't love was me dressing him up and taking pictures of him, so this is why he was very unhappy with me.  I think in the context of my dream he is thinking, you couldn't even dream me healthy, thanks!

While I was waiting they bring Loki out in our cats crate with a big stack of meds to take. I was now very confused because I thought he had to stay. The receptionist said they got the test done and he could go home. They explain that he will need a lot of medication and are worried that we won't be able to handle it. I laugh because in Loki's last year of life he was on as many as 15 pills a day and we had charts and pill storage containers and pill cutters to keep it all straight, so we had done this before. Of course I have walked so I call the Man to come and get me. While I was waiting the vet comes out and I ask why he didn't let us know Loki was ready to come home. He said he sent a new "plasma" email and he guessed it wasn't compatible with our email so we didn't get it. At any rate, he was ready to go with all this medication.

While I never got to hold Loki in this dream because he was in the crate, I got to see his big bug brown eyes and his soft puppy fur (a side effect from the drugs he took when he was dying). It was nice to have that time with him, even if it was only in my dreams . . . . . .

Have a happy Saturday

Happy and Sad - We Remember - by the Lady

I have found in my life that there are many days that signify both good and bad things in my life. Today is one of these.

May 12, 2005: This signifies the day I defended my Master's thesis and escaped a toxic thesis adviser, and more importantly, Gemi's Adoption Day. She was a gift from the Man for finishing my Master's. 

May 12, 2010: This is the day Loki died. 

So today we remember the joy of bringing a new puppy home and the pain of saying goodbye.

Gemi, Aunt C, Loki and Lady enjoying a sunset at Grammie and the Big Guy's

Black and White Sunday - Loki

I was going through my pictures last week and came across this picture of our Loki who is at the rainbow bridge.  This picture was taken 5 months before he died. At this time, he was fighting his autoimmune disorder and was on a crazy drug cocktail. Besides allowing him to live, this cocktail gave him puppy soft fur. It was a nice side effect.  All those snuggles while he was dying were of a very soft pup. You can see how soft he was!