Well, I take part of that back. There is a physical issue, another dental problem. Looks like a molar that had a root canal and crown less than a year and a half ago ($$$) needs to be pulled; symptoms point to a vertical crack. (I suspect a head-ringing 'upper cut' by Brian's skull when we were playing around. 😖) That will leave me with matching missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw, which pushes the need for at least one implant ($$$$). Financial stress only heightens my dental PTSD. Oy.
This dog o' my heart:
Someone would be grateful to be mistaken for a dog:
As you can see, the sun was shining brightly yesterday – when it wasn't showering; it was one of those variable-weather spring days. I took the shot of the Ram-ada Inn below when I went down to do chores yesterday morning. No, it's not supposed to have a sod roof. :-/
Our temperatures are slowly returning to normal, which means cool/cold nights/mornings and warmish days. Hard to keep the house comfortable in this springtime transition period; it's too cool without a fire, and too hot with a fire. (I'm too frugal to use the furnace, and no one wants to build a new fire every evening if we let it go out in the morning.) I'd be happy to let it go out and just put on more clothes, but my guys insist on a warm house, not just a warm body. Spoiled wussies.
Speaking of warm bodies, I am finally able to wear all my winter clothes again! For years now, my wacky hormones made my internal thermostat unpredictable; the thought of wearing anything I couldn't easily remove was a nightmare, and I rarely felt cold enough to need more than a light jacket. But this winter I've enjoyed turtleneck tops, heavy sweaters, and even cowls. Not this cowl; I sent it back as a birthday present to the sweet friend who gifted me her handspun yarn. 😊
Off I go; I need to make a batch of bread and a double batch of cookies before bedtime.
Good evening from . . .
12 comments:
I am sorry Michelle that you are going through trials and tribulations. I hope the beauty of the world around you does help.
Dog joints - We use Hill's Prescription Diet - Joint Care for our dog. She is young. She was not even a year old when she developed a limp. After MRI (yeah - we're the crazy dog people) which didn't show any thing broken or wrong we were going to just accept it, but when we took her to our regular vet (never skip the regular vet step) she suggested the Hill Join Care food. She said she fed her dogs it and it wasn't just for 'old' dogs. One month after we started feeding her the joint diet, the limp was gone. Okay, end of personal testimony, but we are very happy and she still is fed both the dry and the wet food.
Donna, like I said, I know everyone has them; it's just the downside of living. The beauty around us and the animals who love us are definitely upsides!
Thanks for the advice, Helen! I'll look into. Part of the problem is that we don't know for sure where he's uncomfortable; I think it's his back end but that could be back, hips, legs. An MRI isn't feasible....
At least you tried the hyaluronic acid supplement. Medication often seems to be trial and error, and thankfully you have something else to try. I'm sure Chuckie thinks he ought to be a house cat!
How the ups and downs of our furry family members hit us in our heart - I know how hard this is. I will say that the picture of the 2 dogs with Chuckie was so cute. And sorry about the tooth - I had an infected tooth once that was so painful I could not sleep - it wound up with a root canal and crown. Tooth pain is the worst pain. And dental 'fixes' are so darn expensive. At 72 I am beginning to think if another tooth becomes a problem, I will just have it pulled and try to chew without it. My dentist would try to talk me out of it, of course, but without dental insurance to help with the cost - implants are probably out of my range!
Yes, any pain in the head (your tooth) is nearly always worse than a pain in the butt. And some of our heartaches can qualify as a pain in the butt! No doubt about that. ;o]
We want to do whatever is possible for our older furry friends, but in the same way as financial outlays for us humans, we have no choice but to consider the limits of our means. You know Jackson couldn't be happier, even though getting a little gimpy, than having the wonderful home he does.
I want to put in my vote for Chuckie becoming an indoor/outdoor cat. (Says this woman who has never had an indoor cat in her life!)
Sending hugs.
Leigh, unfortunately there is no 'cure' for age, but I'm hoping to keep Jackson a bit more comfortable. Yes, Chuckie would LOVE to be a house cat!
Elaine, fortunately the current tooth in crisis isn't often uncomfortable (it already had a root canal, after all), but I have had a persistent little abcess on the outer gum and scans show bone loss, so something has to be done. We've never had dental insurance, so I know EXACTLY how expensive dental work is!
Mama Pea, there are so many 'people problems' that I can do little about; I think that makes me all the more desperate to help my animals pals. (That DOESN'T include moving Chuckie indoors!)
It's hard to have a sensitive 'heart' because you feel everyone's pain. But what would so many of us do with your sensitive heart? That Chuckie is a sneaky little guy, isn't he? But barn cats must live in the barn to earn their keep, right? Ah, I can so relate with Jackson. Once they've lodged in our hearts, it's such a sweet and sorrowful thing. Dogs do not live long enough. Sending you a large, economy-sized hug, my friend.
Hugs friend. If anything can help lift some of the burden you better holler!
I love my cowl BTW and with flipping snow showers every morning, it has been seeing a lot of use!
It is so hard to watch our furkids grow old. More white muzzles around here than not. Fingers crossed for the cosequin.
I'm really sorry about the dental stuff. It's spendy and if you don't have dental insurance, it's really spendy :-S I sure hope they can figure it out for you and get you going again.
And I hope that the change in med will help Jackson. Have we been following each other's blogs that long? I mean, it feels like I remember you getting him . . .
Hello Michelle! Its often the limitless connection we have with our furry friends, that soothes our aching hearts. I've noticed my little Jack Russell was not listening to me anymore, then realized that he doesn't hear much of anything. He is so smart that I have him trained with hand signals. I know the age thing is in play, but darn it, I'm just going to make each and every day the best I can for him! Saying prayers for the heart ease :)!
No, dogs DON'T live long enough, Susan – but obviously the pain of losing them is worth the love they give us. I'll take the hug!
I'm so glad it's something you will use, Theresa; the yarn was a joy to knit with. Do you use any supplements on your 'white muzzles'?
A, yes, we've been following each other a long time. :-)
Good attitude towards your dear dog, wyomingheart.
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