Well, just where did the time go? I've unintentionally gotten behind here with the latest of "As The Foot Heals" featuring our canine buddy, Carly and her humans. Now I'm going to try and sum up her emails as simply as possible since I was delinquent with the daily blogging. Some days ya feels like it, other days not so much?
Anyway, no excuses offered for the yesterdays, today is today so let's get to it. Carly tells me that they are all now sleeping in the big bed upstairs nightly and Mom is still managing to go up and down the stairs via her butt. Having her foot remain in the "rags", as Carly describes the protective bandaging, she still endures the occasional stabbing pains. The pains are severe enough to cause her to "yelp", as Carly terms it, however, as time goes on, they are lessening each day.
Much to Carly's delight her Dad made some pudding with bananas and little cookies the other day. Mom got to lick the bowl which meant so did little Carly. Her Mom is worried about gaining weight since she can't exercise currently, so by sharing the bowl-licking treat she won't gain any pounds. Carly is always so willing to help whenever possible, including sticking by when Mom suffers through a heat wave. Seems the medications she takes while recovering makes her break out in a sweat.
One of Carly's concerns now is the way her Mom moves about the house. Originally there was a wheeled cart for her to use but Dad took that away. Rumor has it Mom couldn't "drive" it very well and was probably a menace when up and about to anyone in her path, particularly little Carly. She does manage to announce the word "beep, beep, beep, beep" over and over so as to warn Carly to get out of the way. Even that's not a fool proof system since occasionally Carly becomes more preoccupied with what Mom is trying to say, than actually understanding she needs to get out of the way. A tad bit of miscommunication? All's well now since a better cart was located and steers much better than the first one.
Carly reports the nights are getting better now since the rag-wrapped foot hurts a little less consequently making it easier to sleep. The occasional nightly trips to the bathroom have been uneventful as Carly escorts Mom and her wheeled cart each time. Of course, little Carly still requires the fanny boost to get up on the bed but Mom and Dad are both very accommodating. They know Carly needs to keep Mom warm at night. Speaking of the butt-boosting routine, Dad has come up with a solution by bringing in an "auto-man" (another Carly term) and placed it at the foot of the bed so she can climb aboard herself. Carly has her routine for making Mom feel better by laying down on the bed belly side up for petting and her tail going thump, thump, thump the whole time. Carly definitely knows she's appreciated and so grateful to have been adopted by such loving humans.
Now as much as Carly understands she is loved she still occasionally has cause to wonder about it. Such as the day Dad took Mom out to lunch and left her at home. Mom needed to see how she'd do with her wheeled cart in the outside world since she's facing many weeks yet of recovery time, plus it was a treat to get out of the house a little while. Unfortunately it was a time for Carly to be left behind. Carly knows they'll be back but she does fret a bit. In Carly's mind why would they choose to leave her behind when she is such an important member of the team? At any rate she soon remembers she has a perfect place to sit and watch for them to return in the upstairs front window. She can survey the entire neighborhood from up there and play guard dog as she awaits their return.
So I'm going to close at this point and blog more updates tomorrow, where Carly will bring even more details regarding the actual surgery and Mom's trip to the doctor for follow-up.
It's time to say good-bye to the month of September and we'll see ya next month!
Sister VC
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
CARLY'S KODAK MOMENTS?
Here's another update from Carly and can you imagine how excited she is to have finally regained her position on the big bed? Life is good again.
It's me, Carly and I have some good to report. Last night we all went up to the big bed. I love the big bed!! Getting my human mom up the stairs took a lot of work from my human dad. She had to go up on her butt. She has a BFF who told her it was the way to go and it seems the nurse told her the same thing before she left the operation place. She went halfway up by lifting her butt step by step using her arms and her good leg. It seemed to be a lot of work because I was really cute and yet she couldn't relax enough to even give me a smile. My dad suggested she try crawling up on her knees so she went up the last half of the stair case that way. It certainly didn't look any easier to me. Getting her up on her good foot at the top of the stairs was also not easy. She took a shower in the big shower in the bathroom off the big bedroom but the shower and the toilet are difficult in there as the door is small and maneuvering is difficult for her. Tonight she plans to try and shower in the other bathroom upstairs as well as use the toilet in there. The room is bigger and allows her to turn her wheeled knee-ly thing even if the shower itself is smaller. She normally only takes baths so this seems to be a real stressor for her. After she showered my dad got her settled into the big bed. I was at first afraid to come upstairs until my mom called me. I got up on the big bed next to my mom and she gave me a slow massage like she did every night before she had this surgery. It was wonderful and I showed her how wonderful it was by not moving away from her all night even when she got all leaky again. I don't know why she keeps doing that since she's not exercising. It really bothers her so my dad gave her a fan that would just blow on her. After that she was able to relax and I think it was because I gave her my belly to rub. I try everything I can to make her feel better. I think the foot with all the rags on it is feeling better since she hasn't cried out in quite awhile and was even smiling today. I think she's better because we all got to sleep in the big bed. This morning getting down the stairs was much easier than getting up the stairs. She scooted down on her butt. My dad held up her ragged foot so it wouldn't catch on the stair. I kept right beside her and she petted me whenever she'd take a break from sliding. I helped! Your friend, Carly.
Congratulations Carly! You must have really slept like a baby last night back up on the big bed. I'm glad you exercised caution and waited until invited once the folks made it to the bed.
That had to have been quite an ordeal to get Mom up those stairs and I'm glad you could help, along with dad, of course. However...c'mon...you knew I'd go here...I'd love to have had a secret camera to catch all that stair climbing on video. Maybe install it in a cap on dad's head or in a pair of eyeglasses and not only would it be funny...you'd be an instant Internet Sensation! We could call it...'Carly's Candid Camera'. Or how about..'The Guiding Foot' or maybe 'As the Foot Heals'? 'All My Toes'?
Now granted, Mom won't find this the least bit amusing. Not at this point anyway. I fact, I'm pretty sure she'd ve-toe it from the get-go, pardon the puns. But it would sure be funny to the rest of us...and eventually her too...hopefully? But then that's me...Sister Wise-Ass!
Seriously, it could be a daily documentary, a progress record in a daily video clip...see how fast she can take the stairs each day. Is she faster going up or coming down? With her sidekick there, rolling around and being cute....we're talking instant hit....sorry, I smells opportunity here little buddy. But hey, do what you will. I'm just sayin'...this could be fun. How about taking side bets on her timing? How many minutes between take off and landing? Is her timing better AM or PM? How long before she gets butt-burn? Sorry, it just keeps coming.
Okay, well at least things sound as though they are beginning to improve so as long as you watch your manners things should continue to go smoothly. Just don't be leaving any more calling cards in Dad's office, ya hear?
Keep me posted on progress, Sister VC
It's me, Carly and I have some good to report. Last night we all went up to the big bed. I love the big bed!! Getting my human mom up the stairs took a lot of work from my human dad. She had to go up on her butt. She has a BFF who told her it was the way to go and it seems the nurse told her the same thing before she left the operation place. She went halfway up by lifting her butt step by step using her arms and her good leg. It seemed to be a lot of work because I was really cute and yet she couldn't relax enough to even give me a smile. My dad suggested she try crawling up on her knees so she went up the last half of the stair case that way. It certainly didn't look any easier to me. Getting her up on her good foot at the top of the stairs was also not easy. She took a shower in the big shower in the bathroom off the big bedroom but the shower and the toilet are difficult in there as the door is small and maneuvering is difficult for her. Tonight she plans to try and shower in the other bathroom upstairs as well as use the toilet in there. The room is bigger and allows her to turn her wheeled knee-ly thing even if the shower itself is smaller. She normally only takes baths so this seems to be a real stressor for her. After she showered my dad got her settled into the big bed. I was at first afraid to come upstairs until my mom called me. I got up on the big bed next to my mom and she gave me a slow massage like she did every night before she had this surgery. It was wonderful and I showed her how wonderful it was by not moving away from her all night even when she got all leaky again. I don't know why she keeps doing that since she's not exercising. It really bothers her so my dad gave her a fan that would just blow on her. After that she was able to relax and I think it was because I gave her my belly to rub. I try everything I can to make her feel better. I think the foot with all the rags on it is feeling better since she hasn't cried out in quite awhile and was even smiling today. I think she's better because we all got to sleep in the big bed. This morning getting down the stairs was much easier than getting up the stairs. She scooted down on her butt. My dad held up her ragged foot so it wouldn't catch on the stair. I kept right beside her and she petted me whenever she'd take a break from sliding. I helped! Your friend, Carly.
Congratulations Carly! You must have really slept like a baby last night back up on the big bed. I'm glad you exercised caution and waited until invited once the folks made it to the bed.
That had to have been quite an ordeal to get Mom up those stairs and I'm glad you could help, along with dad, of course. However...c'mon...you knew I'd go here...I'd love to have had a secret camera to catch all that stair climbing on video. Maybe install it in a cap on dad's head or in a pair of eyeglasses and not only would it be funny...you'd be an instant Internet Sensation! We could call it...'Carly's Candid Camera'. Or how about..'The Guiding Foot' or maybe 'As the Foot Heals'? 'All My Toes'?
Now granted, Mom won't find this the least bit amusing. Not at this point anyway. I fact, I'm pretty sure she'd ve-toe it from the get-go, pardon the puns. But it would sure be funny to the rest of us...and eventually her too...hopefully? But then that's me...Sister Wise-Ass!
Seriously, it could be a daily documentary, a progress record in a daily video clip...see how fast she can take the stairs each day. Is she faster going up or coming down? With her sidekick there, rolling around and being cute....we're talking instant hit....sorry, I smells opportunity here little buddy. But hey, do what you will. I'm just sayin'...this could be fun. How about taking side bets on her timing? How many minutes between take off and landing? Is her timing better AM or PM? How long before she gets butt-burn? Sorry, it just keeps coming.
Okay, well at least things sound as though they are beginning to improve so as long as you watch your manners things should continue to go smoothly. Just don't be leaving any more calling cards in Dad's office, ya hear?
Keep me posted on progress, Sister VC
Sunday, September 18, 2011
CARLY CONFESSES
By the sounds of this latest note from Carly, life just hasn't gotten any better on the home front. Poor doggie has had to fess up and admit she acted in error big-time. Read on about her plight...
Dear Sister Very Catty,
It was another horrible night until about half way through. Then it seemed the drugs caught up with Mom. I tried to cuddle her but she just kept leaking fluid like she does when she exercises. She had the big ceiling fan and a little fan both turned on her and yet she kept leaking. At least it doesn't stink like she does after she exercises, but I still had to keep leaving the couch from time to time. Then I'd feel sorry for her and go back.
Today I got told I did a bad dog thing. I didn't ask to go out and I didn't just go out the doggie door. Instead I peed and pooped on the carpet in my Dad's office. He didn't beat me but I knew I did wrong, so as soon as he saw it, I immediately slinked towards the door. I know they don't beat me but I can tell that when I make these kinds of mistakes it makes them angry. I don't know why I did it. Do you know why I do such things? I just want us to go back to the big bed at night. Signed, Carly
Carly, Carly, Carly!
What is wrong with you? Have you no shame, girl? I told you things weren't always about you. Right now it's Mom's healing time and you are strictly part of her support team. All you have to do is stay out of the way and be available for petting. How many times do I have to repeat myself?
Now as far as Mom's odor...the pain pill & muscle relaxer cocktails she's taking are probably giving her the sweats. Just turn off the Beagle half of your nose and ignore it. She's been through hell...lest we forget she also endured the trots from the other pills she had to take. The woman's a mess so you're going to have to exercise some genuine concern here. And for crying out loud, what the hell were you thinking leaving the double "P" combo in your Dad's office...on carpet, no less??!! Have you lost your mind, dog? Why did you do it, you ask? Maybe subconsciously you're trying to make this about you or just maybe that Chihuahua-type spitefulness is coming through because you want to be back upstairs, back to normal, back on the big bed. Am I close?
Now straighten up and fly right...Mom and Dad are depending on you!
Amen! Sister VC
Dear Sister Very Catty,
It was another horrible night until about half way through. Then it seemed the drugs caught up with Mom. I tried to cuddle her but she just kept leaking fluid like she does when she exercises. She had the big ceiling fan and a little fan both turned on her and yet she kept leaking. At least it doesn't stink like she does after she exercises, but I still had to keep leaving the couch from time to time. Then I'd feel sorry for her and go back.
Today I got told I did a bad dog thing. I didn't ask to go out and I didn't just go out the doggie door. Instead I peed and pooped on the carpet in my Dad's office. He didn't beat me but I knew I did wrong, so as soon as he saw it, I immediately slinked towards the door. I know they don't beat me but I can tell that when I make these kinds of mistakes it makes them angry. I don't know why I did it. Do you know why I do such things? I just want us to go back to the big bed at night. Signed, Carly
Carly, Carly, Carly!
What is wrong with you? Have you no shame, girl? I told you things weren't always about you. Right now it's Mom's healing time and you are strictly part of her support team. All you have to do is stay out of the way and be available for petting. How many times do I have to repeat myself?
Now as far as Mom's odor...the pain pill & muscle relaxer cocktails she's taking are probably giving her the sweats. Just turn off the Beagle half of your nose and ignore it. She's been through hell...lest we forget she also endured the trots from the other pills she had to take. The woman's a mess so you're going to have to exercise some genuine concern here. And for crying out loud, what the hell were you thinking leaving the double "P" combo in your Dad's office...on carpet, no less??!! Have you lost your mind, dog? Why did you do it, you ask? Maybe subconsciously you're trying to make this about you or just maybe that Chihuahua-type spitefulness is coming through because you want to be back upstairs, back to normal, back on the big bed. Am I close?
Now straighten up and fly right...Mom and Dad are depending on you!
Amen! Sister VC
Saturday, September 17, 2011
CARLY'S CATURDAY UPDATE
Well, while the recuperating goes on poor little Carly is beside herself. She definitely hates seeing her human in pain and yet there's not much she can do for her. I've learned from my inside source that the pain pills prescribed for Carly's Mom haven't helped much. She could take one every 4 hours but it takes an hour before it kicks in and seems to wear off after 2 hours. Not good. I should mention that Carly's Mom is a nurse so she knows the scoop. She evidentially saw the x-ray where a new arch has been installed in her foot and it really hurts like hell. Due to the arm still being very sore she is continuing to use the wheelchair. I'm thinking she might have been better off not seeing that x-ray?!
Since her original pain pill didn't work she continued enduring sharp, stabbing pains and consequently hasn't slept in 2 nights. So last night the pain meds were changed to something that makes her so groggy she can't keep her eyes open, yet the sharp, stabbing pains continued. Then today the prescription was again changed and will be given on a gradual, decreasing dosage over the next few days, every 12 hours with a muscle relaxer every 8 hours. Perhaps some foot muscle was behind the shooting pains? Now the poor gal feels like a drug store but the surgery she went through was huge and the doctor predicted that ordinary drugs probably wouldn't do the trick. Here's hoping tonight it kicks in so she can get some good sleep.
And now we have an update from our ace reporter, Carly....read on...
Hi, it's me again, Carly, your little canine friend. I haven't been able to write for a while because my typist (aka Mom) just sits around and cries. Those rags she has wrapped around her foot must really hurt. I know they stink. Her toes are sticking out and there's a smell of old blood coming from out around her toes. The rags are also really hard. I stepped on the bundle of rags yesterday and it was really hard. I don't think that hurt her but it's hard to tell, she's been crying out from time to time.
She's on a lot of medications that make her kind of goofy so my human dad is keeping control of the pills for fear she'll hurt herself.
Today is much better though. She actually slept last night for several hours and the times where she cries out with pain seem to be getting shorter and farther away. My Dad also has been able to sleep in the big chair that lays back. Because both of them slept I was able to sleep. I miss the big bed. I'll be glad when they go back upstairs. Since my Mom has had this big bunch of hard rags on her foot, my Dad has been taking me for an evening walk as well as the morning walk. I like to walk.
I told you about the chair with wheels she's been using, well this morning she tried to use this other wheeled thing that has a shelf for the knee of her ragged foot. She didn't do too well with it. She has horrible balance and my dad was afraid she'd fall so he took it away from her. I tired to walk along with her and to tell the truth I was also afraid she'd run over me. I try to curl up with her but when she cries out it scares me so I have to leave. She's not very good with the belly rub when that's happening either. I'm not complaining because I'll always let her rub my belly to make her feel better but she's not very good at pettin' the belly so I don't think it's helping her much. Back to you Sister VC.
Hello again, Carly!
You poor doggie having to watch your poor Mom go through all this pain. You deserve some extra treats for hanging in there with her, that's for sure. I'll put in a good word for you.
Now didn't I warn you to stay away from anything Mom goes near with wheels? It just won't end well for you. I'm glad Dad took away the wheelie cart for now. Maybe later Mom can try it again but she should stay on her butt on that couch until she's feeling better. I have another friend who had her bunion removed last Monday along with some bone spurs and she's still mostly couch bound herself. Now she has mastered the wheelie cart but she also went through a similar surgery on her other foot about 6 weeks ago.
Good grief, Carly...don't your paws hurt just thinking about these two humans?
Don't fret over the stinky rags on Mom's foot. No doubt next trip to the doctor for follow-up and they'll be changing that old one to whatever they need to put on it next to keep it protected. Just try and avoid that area for now.
Her petting abilities may be limited because the pills she's on now probably almost knock her out. So you may find her petting you and falling asleep mid-rub. Hang in there! Sister VC
Since her original pain pill didn't work she continued enduring sharp, stabbing pains and consequently hasn't slept in 2 nights. So last night the pain meds were changed to something that makes her so groggy she can't keep her eyes open, yet the sharp, stabbing pains continued. Then today the prescription was again changed and will be given on a gradual, decreasing dosage over the next few days, every 12 hours with a muscle relaxer every 8 hours. Perhaps some foot muscle was behind the shooting pains? Now the poor gal feels like a drug store but the surgery she went through was huge and the doctor predicted that ordinary drugs probably wouldn't do the trick. Here's hoping tonight it kicks in so she can get some good sleep.
And now we have an update from our ace reporter, Carly....read on...
Hi, it's me again, Carly, your little canine friend. I haven't been able to write for a while because my typist (aka Mom) just sits around and cries. Those rags she has wrapped around her foot must really hurt. I know they stink. Her toes are sticking out and there's a smell of old blood coming from out around her toes. The rags are also really hard. I stepped on the bundle of rags yesterday and it was really hard. I don't think that hurt her but it's hard to tell, she's been crying out from time to time.
She's on a lot of medications that make her kind of goofy so my human dad is keeping control of the pills for fear she'll hurt herself.
Today is much better though. She actually slept last night for several hours and the times where she cries out with pain seem to be getting shorter and farther away. My Dad also has been able to sleep in the big chair that lays back. Because both of them slept I was able to sleep. I miss the big bed. I'll be glad when they go back upstairs. Since my Mom has had this big bunch of hard rags on her foot, my Dad has been taking me for an evening walk as well as the morning walk. I like to walk.
I told you about the chair with wheels she's been using, well this morning she tried to use this other wheeled thing that has a shelf for the knee of her ragged foot. She didn't do too well with it. She has horrible balance and my dad was afraid she'd fall so he took it away from her. I tired to walk along with her and to tell the truth I was also afraid she'd run over me. I try to curl up with her but when she cries out it scares me so I have to leave. She's not very good with the belly rub when that's happening either. I'm not complaining because I'll always let her rub my belly to make her feel better but she's not very good at pettin' the belly so I don't think it's helping her much. Back to you Sister VC.
Hello again, Carly!
You poor doggie having to watch your poor Mom go through all this pain. You deserve some extra treats for hanging in there with her, that's for sure. I'll put in a good word for you.
Now didn't I warn you to stay away from anything Mom goes near with wheels? It just won't end well for you. I'm glad Dad took away the wheelie cart for now. Maybe later Mom can try it again but she should stay on her butt on that couch until she's feeling better. I have another friend who had her bunion removed last Monday along with some bone spurs and she's still mostly couch bound herself. Now she has mastered the wheelie cart but she also went through a similar surgery on her other foot about 6 weeks ago.
Good grief, Carly...don't your paws hurt just thinking about these two humans?
Don't fret over the stinky rags on Mom's foot. No doubt next trip to the doctor for follow-up and they'll be changing that old one to whatever they need to put on it next to keep it protected. Just try and avoid that area for now.
Her petting abilities may be limited because the pills she's on now probably almost knock her out. So you may find her petting you and falling asleep mid-rub. Hang in there! Sister VC
CARLY'S REPORT-SURGERY DAY
Here we have Carly's first-paw experience with her human Mom's foot surgery. We'll undergo her Mom's ordeal through Carly's reports as her human Mom recuperates following some pretty intensive work done on her poor foot. The surgery was predicted to be about three hours long and instead it was almost four hours. That couldn't have been fun on anybody. We've also learned that a stop was made on the way home to pick up a wheelchair. Carly's poor Mom had her right arm extended the entire time she was in surgery and it allowed the arthritis to lock up causing the biceps muscle to spasm. So currently her arm hurts worse than her foot, but then that leg is still numb from the knee down. Now the dread of that numbness wearing off is upon the poor lady...yikes...okay, let's see what Carly has to tell us.
Hi, it's me Carly again. The good news is that I think you were right and they aren't planning on getting rid of me. The bad news is that this whole home and family has been turned upside down. Yesterday after my human mom took me for an early walk, it wasn't even daylight yet, both my humans left. My human dad came home after a few hours and took me for another walk. I was sure glad because I had to poo and I kept forgetting I can go out the doggie door and I didn't want to poo in the house (that got me in trouble once although trouble wasn't bad as in they just scolded me, they don't beat me). After that he left again and they didn't come home for the longest time. I was beginning to fear they'd left me instead of them kicking me out. When they came home my Mom was in a chair with wheels and her foot had the weirdest clothes on it. Usually these humans wear something called "shu's" which are hard and hurt whenever they accidentally step on my feet. They don't mean to do it but I think they are just clumsy. Anyway, instead of a shu she had a bunch of clothes wrapped around her foot. It was HUGE. It's at least as big as I am. I'm not a big dog since I'm a Cheagle but it is still a huge bunch of clothes she has on her foot. I don't know why she has that but apparently she's not able to walk with it. Does that make any sense to wear something that you can't walk in? I'm glad dogs don't have to wear foot clothes like that!
All she did all evening was lay around on the couch and then at night neither one of them went upstairs to the big bed. Neither one of them slept much although I dutifully cuddled up to them so they could relax. They both petted me and kept me warm up against them. When we all sleep in the big bed I sleep between them but with my human mom sleeping on the couch and my human dad sleeping in his big chair that flattens I didn't know where I was supposed to be so I just went back and forth. Then in the middle of the night something called a "block" "wore off" and my mom literally cried in pain. None of us got any sleep after that. To make things worse she is taking something called an "ant-tee-by-otic" which is giving her the runs. I know what the runs are and it wasn't good. She was constantly in the bathroom and since she can't stand with those clothes on her foot my dad had to help her to and from at first but then she caught on to how to scooch on one foot from the wheeled chair to the terlit seat so she felt like she had some dig-nut-ty.
I can walk under her wheeled chair so I could check on her. I am very careful when I walk under the wheeled chair though because the wheels are big and I am small. I don't know if she's as clumsy in the chair as she is when walking in shus but I'm not taking any chances. I hope she takes off the foot clothes soon so she can take me for a walk. Thanks again for reassuring me that my humans were not getting rid of me. I was really worried, Carly.
Dear Carly,
Things don't sound too fun at home right now and consequently you've got your work cut out for you. Your number one job is to stay out of the way. Use caution under and around that moving chair...they can be very dangerous, especially to those of us with a tail. Besides, remember your Mom on those crutches? Reviews aren't in yet on how well she drives a wheelchair so watch out. If it moves, you move.
Your other mission is to remain available at all times for petting and rubbing sessions. Mom's gonna need this therapy for weeks to come and you're the dog for the job.
Bummer them antibiotics kept Mom on the "go"...I hope her doctor found something better with less "activity" for her. That had to be quite unpleasant but when one has to go, one has to go.
Now Carly, be patient...this healing process is gonna take awhile. Honestly, if I was you I'd be glad that foot was all wrapped in bandages...it's probably not very pretty under there and you really do not want to look. So get Dad to take you for walks and let Mom rest for now.
Your pal, Sister VC
Hi, it's me Carly again. The good news is that I think you were right and they aren't planning on getting rid of me. The bad news is that this whole home and family has been turned upside down. Yesterday after my human mom took me for an early walk, it wasn't even daylight yet, both my humans left. My human dad came home after a few hours and took me for another walk. I was sure glad because I had to poo and I kept forgetting I can go out the doggie door and I didn't want to poo in the house (that got me in trouble once although trouble wasn't bad as in they just scolded me, they don't beat me). After that he left again and they didn't come home for the longest time. I was beginning to fear they'd left me instead of them kicking me out. When they came home my Mom was in a chair with wheels and her foot had the weirdest clothes on it. Usually these humans wear something called "shu's" which are hard and hurt whenever they accidentally step on my feet. They don't mean to do it but I think they are just clumsy. Anyway, instead of a shu she had a bunch of clothes wrapped around her foot. It was HUGE. It's at least as big as I am. I'm not a big dog since I'm a Cheagle but it is still a huge bunch of clothes she has on her foot. I don't know why she has that but apparently she's not able to walk with it. Does that make any sense to wear something that you can't walk in? I'm glad dogs don't have to wear foot clothes like that!
All she did all evening was lay around on the couch and then at night neither one of them went upstairs to the big bed. Neither one of them slept much although I dutifully cuddled up to them so they could relax. They both petted me and kept me warm up against them. When we all sleep in the big bed I sleep between them but with my human mom sleeping on the couch and my human dad sleeping in his big chair that flattens I didn't know where I was supposed to be so I just went back and forth. Then in the middle of the night something called a "block" "wore off" and my mom literally cried in pain. None of us got any sleep after that. To make things worse she is taking something called an "ant-tee-by-otic" which is giving her the runs. I know what the runs are and it wasn't good. She was constantly in the bathroom and since she can't stand with those clothes on her foot my dad had to help her to and from at first but then she caught on to how to scooch on one foot from the wheeled chair to the terlit seat so she felt like she had some dig-nut-ty.
I can walk under her wheeled chair so I could check on her. I am very careful when I walk under the wheeled chair though because the wheels are big and I am small. I don't know if she's as clumsy in the chair as she is when walking in shus but I'm not taking any chances. I hope she takes off the foot clothes soon so she can take me for a walk. Thanks again for reassuring me that my humans were not getting rid of me. I was really worried, Carly.
Dear Carly,
Things don't sound too fun at home right now and consequently you've got your work cut out for you. Your number one job is to stay out of the way. Use caution under and around that moving chair...they can be very dangerous, especially to those of us with a tail. Besides, remember your Mom on those crutches? Reviews aren't in yet on how well she drives a wheelchair so watch out. If it moves, you move.
Your other mission is to remain available at all times for petting and rubbing sessions. Mom's gonna need this therapy for weeks to come and you're the dog for the job.
Bummer them antibiotics kept Mom on the "go"...I hope her doctor found something better with less "activity" for her. That had to be quite unpleasant but when one has to go, one has to go.
Now Carly, be patient...this healing process is gonna take awhile. Honestly, if I was you I'd be glad that foot was all wrapped in bandages...it's probably not very pretty under there and you really do not want to look. So get Dad to take you for walks and let Mom rest for now.
Your pal, Sister VC
Thursday, September 15, 2011
MORE PRE-SURGERY CARLY JITTERS
In my attempt to catch up with Carly's notes I'll be posting several times. This one came in late the night before the surgery and it's no wonder she's a worried little pooch. Read on...
Hi Sister VC,
I understand you say not to worry but you also have to know....they gave me a BATH today and I didn't even rub in anything! She said she was doing it because she needed me to stay clean for quite awhile. Don't forget the Hue-mane Society gave me a bath before they put me up for adoption. It's hard not to be scared. She does say I'm silky and soft when I'm clean so maybe it was to make her love me more? She did let me up on the big bed and gave me a rub but she seems to be having some kind of anxiety too because she can't sleep. She thinks it may be because they told her nothing to eat or drink after midnight. They usually let me sleep in the big bed between them or down on one of their legs. If my Mom is having foot pain, do you think they'll let me sleep on the big bed if I stay on my Dad's side on his legs?
You may be right about something going on with my Mom's foot. She was trying to walk on one foot with two long sticks she called "crushes". She said that she wishes she was 20# lighter so it wouldn't hurt her arms so much. She also tried to go up and down the stairs. It was pretty funny. I think she must have some balance issues. I kept laying belly up 2 steps in front of her. She laughed and said I wasn't helping. I was just trying to show her that I'm a good dog so she won't ever want to get rid of me. I also think it helped her because she was laughing.
We had a storm again tonight. That's like four nights in a row. The humans seem awfully glad to see the wet stuff even if it comes with all that lightning and thunder. It sounds like you like it also.
From your friend, Carly
Hey Carly!
Well, I can't say I blame you for being nervous about the goings-on at home, but don't go paranoid on me here. You are NOT going back to the Humane Society or anywhere else. Erase that thought once and for all. These humans are 100% stuck on you and consequently, you're stuck with them.
A BATH for no reason, however, could be a legitimate concern. Sounds like it might be your last one for awhile too, so better think twice before you roll in anything. On the other paw you could consider yourself having just entered a bath-free zone and roll away to your heart's content but remember, you roll in it, you wear it. If Mom doesn't like what you smell like...well, little buddy, you'll be in deep shit then.
So Mom tried out some crutches, huh? I bet that was some good entertainment along with your cute clown routine on the stairs in front of her. You do realize you were taking your own life in your paws don't you? See, my human has known your human for many, many moons and frankly, can't see the crutches thing. Nope, can't wrap my paws around that. Take my advice though and if she attempts this feat again...git the hell outa the way. You do not want to end up at the bottom of the heap.
I'm also betting against her making it up those stairs for awhile either so just hang out wherever and try to not get under foot. Sorry you had to endure another storm and here I was all excited to finally see some rain. Isn't that the way it always goes?
Okay, I see there's more mail from you so stay tuned, I'll be back.
Sr. VC
Hi Sister VC,
I understand you say not to worry but you also have to know....they gave me a BATH today and I didn't even rub in anything! She said she was doing it because she needed me to stay clean for quite awhile. Don't forget the Hue-mane Society gave me a bath before they put me up for adoption. It's hard not to be scared. She does say I'm silky and soft when I'm clean so maybe it was to make her love me more? She did let me up on the big bed and gave me a rub but she seems to be having some kind of anxiety too because she can't sleep. She thinks it may be because they told her nothing to eat or drink after midnight. They usually let me sleep in the big bed between them or down on one of their legs. If my Mom is having foot pain, do you think they'll let me sleep on the big bed if I stay on my Dad's side on his legs?
You may be right about something going on with my Mom's foot. She was trying to walk on one foot with two long sticks she called "crushes". She said that she wishes she was 20# lighter so it wouldn't hurt her arms so much. She also tried to go up and down the stairs. It was pretty funny. I think she must have some balance issues. I kept laying belly up 2 steps in front of her. She laughed and said I wasn't helping. I was just trying to show her that I'm a good dog so she won't ever want to get rid of me. I also think it helped her because she was laughing.
We had a storm again tonight. That's like four nights in a row. The humans seem awfully glad to see the wet stuff even if it comes with all that lightning and thunder. It sounds like you like it also.
From your friend, Carly
Hey Carly!
Well, I can't say I blame you for being nervous about the goings-on at home, but don't go paranoid on me here. You are NOT going back to the Humane Society or anywhere else. Erase that thought once and for all. These humans are 100% stuck on you and consequently, you're stuck with them.
A BATH for no reason, however, could be a legitimate concern. Sounds like it might be your last one for awhile too, so better think twice before you roll in anything. On the other paw you could consider yourself having just entered a bath-free zone and roll away to your heart's content but remember, you roll in it, you wear it. If Mom doesn't like what you smell like...well, little buddy, you'll be in deep shit then.
So Mom tried out some crutches, huh? I bet that was some good entertainment along with your cute clown routine on the stairs in front of her. You do realize you were taking your own life in your paws don't you? See, my human has known your human for many, many moons and frankly, can't see the crutches thing. Nope, can't wrap my paws around that. Take my advice though and if she attempts this feat again...git the hell outa the way. You do not want to end up at the bottom of the heap.
I'm also betting against her making it up those stairs for awhile either so just hang out wherever and try to not get under foot. Sorry you had to endure another storm and here I was all excited to finally see some rain. Isn't that the way it always goes?
Okay, I see there's more mail from you so stay tuned, I'll be back.
Sr. VC
MORE CARLY CONCERNS
My 2nd email from Carly arrived day before last and reads as follows:
Dear Sister:
I'm glad to hear from you. I'm mighty worried. Not only did it storm here again this evening but tonight I overheard my human mom say she has to get up at 5:00 tomorrow morning so she can take me on our last walk together. I'm really worried. Whatever it is she plans to do she has to be there by 6:30. She said she can't eat anything after midnight so she'd like to stay up eating everything in the kitchen until then but I want her to go to bed early with me. She always gives me a slow gentle rub down as I go to sleep. I will miss that if whatever she does tomorrow at 6:30 means I'm not going to get to sleep in their big bed anymore. I'm very worried! Today they cleaned the big tin can and took it back to the storage place. I got to go with them. I saw a bunny there twice and I just want to chase one but the rope they always tie to me so they won't get lost always stops me before I get very far. I hope they don't take me out without the rope and get lost. Your friend, Carly
Hello again, Carly,
So you got another storm, eh? Not too much one can do about Mother Nature so you'll just have to bear with it.
I happen to know that your Mom is going in for some foot surgery. Poor girl has managed to break her foot in about every place imaginable at one time or another and over the years it's hurt her more and more. So she has a doctor who has a plan to repair things so we're going to go through her experience together, ok? You'll write me about her progress and we'll share it on the blog. Maybe that will help you get through all of these temporary changes.
Now whenever one has a surgical procedure they are not allowed anything to eat from midnight on...that's so they don't throw up and asphyxiate themselves while on the operating table. Besides, who wants to clean that up, right? Oh, and let's not mention the fact that your Mom normally wouldn't be eating after midnight anyway so I imagine your belly rubbing time is safe.
As far as your hanging on to that valuable piece of real estate on the big bed remains to be seen unfortunately. You'll just have to wait and see how Mom does once she gets that foot back home. Hopefully, she'll be woozy awhile and maybe not notice you being there but you better be extra careful and steer clear of her foot. It's nothing personal should you have to stay off the bed, but merely a precautionary measure to protect Mom's boo-boo foot. Just focus on that bunny you spotted earlier and don't worry about it. I know you have your own pillows, etc. so hang there until Mom is better.
Remember, these are just temporary changes until Mom is fully healed so be patient. Now I see you've sent in another email so I'll answer next blog.
Sister VC
Dear Sister:
I'm glad to hear from you. I'm mighty worried. Not only did it storm here again this evening but tonight I overheard my human mom say she has to get up at 5:00 tomorrow morning so she can take me on our last walk together. I'm really worried. Whatever it is she plans to do she has to be there by 6:30. She said she can't eat anything after midnight so she'd like to stay up eating everything in the kitchen until then but I want her to go to bed early with me. She always gives me a slow gentle rub down as I go to sleep. I will miss that if whatever she does tomorrow at 6:30 means I'm not going to get to sleep in their big bed anymore. I'm very worried! Today they cleaned the big tin can and took it back to the storage place. I got to go with them. I saw a bunny there twice and I just want to chase one but the rope they always tie to me so they won't get lost always stops me before I get very far. I hope they don't take me out without the rope and get lost. Your friend, Carly
Hello again, Carly,
So you got another storm, eh? Not too much one can do about Mother Nature so you'll just have to bear with it.
I happen to know that your Mom is going in for some foot surgery. Poor girl has managed to break her foot in about every place imaginable at one time or another and over the years it's hurt her more and more. So she has a doctor who has a plan to repair things so we're going to go through her experience together, ok? You'll write me about her progress and we'll share it on the blog. Maybe that will help you get through all of these temporary changes.
Now whenever one has a surgical procedure they are not allowed anything to eat from midnight on...that's so they don't throw up and asphyxiate themselves while on the operating table. Besides, who wants to clean that up, right? Oh, and let's not mention the fact that your Mom normally wouldn't be eating after midnight anyway so I imagine your belly rubbing time is safe.
As far as your hanging on to that valuable piece of real estate on the big bed remains to be seen unfortunately. You'll just have to wait and see how Mom does once she gets that foot back home. Hopefully, she'll be woozy awhile and maybe not notice you being there but you better be extra careful and steer clear of her foot. It's nothing personal should you have to stay off the bed, but merely a precautionary measure to protect Mom's boo-boo foot. Just focus on that bunny you spotted earlier and don't worry about it. I know you have your own pillows, etc. so hang there until Mom is better.
Remember, these are just temporary changes until Mom is fully healed so be patient. Now I see you've sent in another email so I'll answer next blog.
Sister VC
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