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<title>Sweet Sydney's Diary (as typed by her mom)</title>
<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom</link>
<description>Dogster diary for the dog Sydney angel</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Sydney angel &amp; Dogster</copyright>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:20:12 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>Today is my Gotcha Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/650212</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:24:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/650212</guid>
		<description>Mom adopted me from the shelter seven years ago today.  Mom posted a bunch of new pictures of me, an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom adopted me from the shelter seven years ago today.  Mom posted a bunch of new pictures of me, and she gave my fursibs Shakespeare and Lacey chewies and treats in my honor. Yum! At the bridge I get treats every day whenever I want whatever I want. It's not bad, BOL.

Our friends have been remembering us today, and many have sent us sweet messages. 

"Happy Birthday to Sydney. May she romp and play and be the queen today among her friends at the bridge."

"Happy gotcha day up in doggie heaven, Syd! I'm sure life is treating you well over the bridge! You are definitely not forgotten... "

"Dear sweet Sydney.
If you can read this, please know that your smiling face is greatly missed, but today, as on every day, we hold you so very close to our hearts."

"Aw Sydney girl, I'll never forget her Gotcha Day story.  Sweet memories of a sweet girl."

Thank you <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href="http://www.dogster.com/dogs/327468">Angel Tiffany</a>, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href="http://www.dogster.com/dogs/620173">Crystal</a>, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href="http://www.dogster.com/dogs/940165">Kelly Ann</a>, and my angel friends in <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href="http://www.dogster.com/group/Rainbow_bridge_angel_babies-8835">Rainbow Bridge Angel Babies</a>.

Thanks to everyone for remembering me today.

BOL, I feel like I just gave an awards speech!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>RB Anniversary</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/620949</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:23:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/620949</guid>
		<description>On the afternoon of Friday Sept 14 two years ago, my Sydney girl passed to Rainbow Bridge. I miss yo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On the afternoon of Friday Sept 14 two years ago, my Sydney girl passed to Rainbow Bridge. I miss you sweet Sydney.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I get to meet my heart sister</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/583382</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:45:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/583382</guid>
		<description>Mom told me that my friend Gretchen would be joining me at Rainbow Bridge sometime today. Gretchen's ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom told me that my friend <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href="http://www.dogster.com/dogs/25161">Gretchen</a> would be joining me at Rainbow Bridge sometime today. Gretchen's been sick. :(  Gretchen is like my heart sister. Her mom and my mom adopted us a few months apart, and both Gretchen and I were older blind shelter schnauzer girls. So our moms have always felt a kinship over us, and so have me and Gretchen. I'm glad to be able to meet her, but sad for her mom and family and fursibs.  Mom's lighting my candle for Gretchen tonight.  We love you Gretchen, and we will miss you dearly.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Rainbow Bridge Day - My Letter to Sydney</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/443831</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 1 Apr 2008 09:24:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/443831</guid>
		<description>Dearest Sydney,

Actually getting myself to write this is very difficult. I want to stop because j ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Dearest Sydney,

Actually getting myself to write this is very difficult. I want to stop because just thinking about you makes me start to cry. I miss you so much. I miss scratching behind your ears, holding you close while I carry you outside, watching you walk around the house, smiling as you grr at your siblings to get outta your space, watching you sleep all cozy in the big soft beds.... I miss you sleeping on my bed, miss you coming over to the side of the bed and giving that one bark to let me know it was time to pick you up and put you on the bed.  When I was carrying Lacey outside when her leg hurt, it was like I was carrying you outside the last year or so of your life on earth.  Sometimes I think I hear your bark in the house. You had such a cute, ferocious bark. You ruled the house, my smart little girl.  Even though I sometimes forgot you were blind because you never acted like it, it still amazes me that my little blind girl ruled the house. :)  

Heck, you ruled the dog parks sometimes too. I know how much you loved going to the dog parks, getting to sniff all those new smells. It was so neat to watch you bark at the big dogs who'd sniff you, watch you tell them to back off and then watch them walk away. Such an attitude and I loved every bit of it! :)   But when you were ready to go, you'd bark like crazy to let me know yep, we're leaving now whether you and Shakey want to or not. :)   

I still remember that first week I brought you home. My fondest memory of you is from that first week, when I had crated you because I didn't know how you and Shakey would get along, how you'd be in the house... I walked over to the crate and you knew I was there, you started barking and then.. you were wagging your tail and so excited to see me (and probably get out of the crate too!). I can still remember the love and excitement I felt watching you wagging your tail for that first time. I loved coming home to your barking and tail wagging, you would always come right up to me and give me little kisses and wag your whole butt, oh that was so cute!!!  

Sydney, you were so adorable, smart, stubborn, full of attitude,  and one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I miss you so much baby girl. I love you so much and you will always be in my heart.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>IT'S THANKSGIVING TAG!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/387235</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 9 Nov 2007 17:32:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/387235</guid>
		<description>My pal Weazy tagged me! I'm thankful that she did, BOL!

Here are the rules:
Because it&acirc;€™s Thank ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My pal Weazy tagged me! I'm thankful that she did, BOL!

Here are the rules:
Because itâ€™s Thanksgiving time, there is a change to the rules. Each player needs to tell seven special things they are thankful for. Tagged dogs must post the rules in their diary and their 7 things. Then choose 7 pups to tag and list their names. Let them know by pawmail or rosette that they have been tagged and to read your diary for the instructions on how to play.

Seven Things Iâ€™m Thankful For:

1. Iâ€™m thankful that my mom adopted me from the shelter and brought me home with her.
2. Iâ€™m thankful for the wonderful last few years I had with my mom, my fursiblings, and my grandpawrents.
3. Iâ€™m thankful for the emergency vets who gave me two more great years.
4. Iâ€™m thankful for the comfy beds, blankets, and pillows I was so cozy in.
5. Iâ€™m thankful walks, hugs, kisses, ear scratches, treats, and merrick turducken.
6. Iâ€™m thankful that I'm not in pain any more and I can see and run again.
7. Iâ€™m thankful that Shakespeare and Lacey make my mom smile whenever she misses me or feels sad (like now).

I am tagging:
Gretchen: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/25161
Callye: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/628515
Virginia: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/341302
Darth Rudy: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/353503
My bridge pal Jake: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/396615
Lucy: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/561440
Turkey Harley: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/516452]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My wings!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/368817</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:50:29 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/368817</guid>
		<description>Don't I look beautiful with my wings!! My new pal Kadie showed what I look like near all the rainbow ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Don't I look beautiful with my wings!! My new pal Kadie showed what I look like near all the rainbows at rainbow bridge, and our most wonderful sweet pawsome pal Milly's wonderful dad showed what I'd look like outside - which has always been my favorite place! It looks like the dog park I used to go to with mom and Shakey. I had a grrreat time at that park! But when I'm outside here, I can fly! Woof!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Thank you</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/367836</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 23 Sep 2007 10:48:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/367836</guid>
		<description>Thanks to everypup for the Rosettes and Stars and wonderful wishes.  I'm having sooo much fun playin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thanks to everypup for the Rosettes and Stars and wonderful wishes.  I'm having sooo much fun playing with all my wonderful new pals at Rainbow Bridge that I hope I'll have time soon to reply to everypup individually too.

Gotta run, literally, aroooo!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The weekend report</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/363013</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:43:29 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/363013</guid>
		<description>Of course yesterday Sydney was walking ok (compared to previous days) and devoured her steak pieces. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Of course yesterday Sydney was walking ok (compared to previous days) and devoured her steak pieces.  I was like, why am I doing this again?!?  Last night she woke me up with an unfortuntely all too common scared high pitched bark because she was laying on her left side and couldn't get up.  Oh you guys this is so confusing and I want to cry all the time.... I'm trying to focus on what my friend said about never getting better and what the vet said and how I don't think Sydney was able to enjoy her weekend like I was hoping she would....

Anyways....

I promised Sydney a great weekend full of things she used to enjoy. So on Saturday, I took Sydney up to Port Warwick for this pawsome pet boutique Femmes and Fidos' first Yappy Hour. I thought she'd enjoy their Doggie Smoothies cause she's always been food motivated. :)  As we drove there, I had all the windows open so she could feel the breeze - she used to love to stick her head out of the window and feel the wind against her face.  It was almost too hot for that tho, and when I'd look at Sydney laying down in the passenger seat with her head upward and yet panting, I felt so bad... she couldn't really enjoy that.  At one point (at a stop of course), I put her on my lap and tried to lift her up and hold her so her head could stick out the window, but that wasn't comfortable for her and she kept wanting down. Sigh. :(   

We got to Femmes and Fidos, and even tho I had to carry Sydney everywhere cause she can't walk well, I put her down so she could sniff around the grass patch near the store, read some pmail, and leave her mark. (She used to like to go for walks and mark all over, my little alpha girl!)  Sydney can't walk well, but she hates being carried too. Poor baby. :(   (No, I didn't get a stroller because it's expensive and miss independent Sydney would have never been content in a carrying bag!)

We went into the nice, cool, air conditioned store, and the owner, Patty, remembered me from picking up Shakey's bday pupcakes. She is so freaking nice and welcoming and wonderful. Patty gave Sydney some ear scratches. :)   I carried Sydney around the store and let her sniff here and there.  Patty made Sydney a Doggy Smoothie, and I put it in front of Sydney so she could smell that it was there.. I even literally stuck her nose in it a couple of times.  I figured she'd start licking it immediately, but she either didn't like it or didn't know it was there....  :(   She just laid down on the carpet. :(    Patty brought out a big soft doggy bed for Sydney to lay on, and Sydney fell right asleep. Poor baby didn't want her smoothie, and I think the heat wore her out. :(

After staying at Femmes and Fidos for a while and letting Sydney enjoy her nap, we went over to Care A Lot cause I had to pick up food for the two youngins.  I put Sydney in their shopping carts, and man she did not like that.  My feisty independent girl wanted out. 

However, she loved our Chic Fil A lunch/dinner on Saturday and she really, really loved our steak dinner on Sunday, so that's good. :)   I'm going to give her steak (ok, steak strips that you can buy at the store) every day this week.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Thank you</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/362204</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Sep 2007 09:37:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/362204</guid>
		<description>Wow, I'm overwhelmed by the love and support from everypup and their families. Thank you for the ros ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wow, I'm overwhelmed by the love and support from everypup and their families. Thank you for the rosettes and stars and the wonderful wishes that come with them.  I read them all to S ydney as I cuddled with her on my lap  - well, except she's not very cuddly or a lap dog, hee hee.  I told Sydney she has friends everywhere.

I didn't mean to make anyone sad. :(  I just wanted to share everything because I knew you would all understand.
 
I'm taking Sydney on some short dog-related errands with me today.  One of them is to the first Yappy Hour at a local pet boutique (where I got Shakey's bday treats!).  They're having doggy smoothies and what not, and even tho Sydney can't walk well, I can carry her and she can still munch treats. :)     I wish I could just rent a doggy stroller for a day cause they're kinda pricey.  (Thanks for the idea Roxy!)     Then we're going to have chic fil a for lunch and she's going to eat as much as she wants. Tomorrow, steak for dinner!   
 
I'll write more later, like when Sydney is napping and not feeling cuddly, heh.

We love you all.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>It's time...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/361356</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 Sep 2007 07:09:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/361356</guid>
		<description>I feel like I've hit the &quot;acceptance&quot; stage of my grief for Sydney, so I feel sort of ok sharing thi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I feel like I've hit the "acceptance" stage of my grief for Sydney, so I feel sort of ok sharing this now.  

In this diary, you can follow most of the trials and tribulations of my spunky Sydney girl since the day I brought her home. :)   I *think* I babble about her several major health problems.... The latest 'minor' problems that have come from those... her inability to stand up easily from sitting or laying down, her inability to get up if she falls on her left side, and about the other weekend when I had to hold her up so she could strain and properly do her, well, doo doo.  I think that's when it all sort of hit me and the emotions went a bit crazier and I had my first "real" realization. Then I spent like an hour talking to a friend about Sydney and my anxiety and confusion and love for her, and when I said "I wouldn't want to live that way," it also all kinda came to a big realization.   

So as recommended by a pup on dogster, I made a list of her five favorite things to see if she can still do them, and it just added to the conflict: 
Going for walks - she can't do this anymore :(
Sleeping - she can do this but has trouble getting up.  She can't sleep on the dog beds anymore because if and when she falls off, she can't get back up. :(
Treats - still gobbling the treats
Car rides - since this requires sitting, she can still do this, but yesterday I tried putting her in my lap and propping her up so she could stick her head out of the window, and she couldn't do that. :( 
Laying in the sun - since this also doesn't require walking, she can still do it, but she also gets too hot and I have to watch out for that because of her heart problems. She also has trouble getting up. 

My friend also said it seemed telling that Sydney doesn't come to the door to greet me, which is mainly because it's so difficult for Sydney to get up and/or walk far. I go to her to say hi. I also thought it seemed telling that Sydney doesn't wag her tail when I first greet her.  I'm also worried that if I board Sydney during my two week vacation at the end of this month, that something will happen to her then and I don't want something happening if I'm not there.

Sydney's still eating and drinking water, and she's a strong girl. :)  But I just kept thinking of the sad things above.  So... 

I had an appointment with Sydney's vet yesterday about Sydney's quality of life. It really helped to have that objective opinion (and it's also helped to have all of your opinions and experience as well!). She's been Sydney's vet since her congestive heart failure a little over two years ago.  When the vet saw the way Sydney was standing up, kind of leaning, she said it was like she was barely holding herself up, and that she seemed weak.. which can also be because her heart is bad and having trouble pumping blood to all areas. I told her about Sydney's problems getting up, walking, etc.  The vet said that Sydney was very likely uncomfortable and probably in pain, although not a bad pain. She said I could let Sydney linger like that, but....  I asked about Sydney still eating, and the vet also said her golden was eating until the day she put him to sleep. She described the process and it didn't seem that bad. So with all that, the vet concluded that it's time for Sydney. :(   

It's weird cause I expected to be very sad, and of course I am, but I'm also relieved in a way, like the vet's word took a lot of my confusion and stress away.  And of course typing that just made me feel horrible and guilty.  But yet I think I'm ok with it being Sydney's time, and I'm trying to focus on the relief that it will bring to her, that she'll be able to walk ok again.

I haven't made a final appointment yet; I need to check with my mom to see when she's available because I need her there with me.  It's weird too cause I know what I want to do, like I want Sydney's vet to do it, I would like to do it on a Friday so I can 'recover' that weekend instead of being a mess at work, I would like her cremated (not the vet, ha), and I think I might scatter her ashes at the dog park, which is where she loved to go.

Oh my dog, that all sounds so harsh.. but realistic.. but sad.. Oh you guys I feel so bad about being relieved and I'm sad and ok at the same time....]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Love tagged!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/350430</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 12 Aug 2007 07:37:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/350430</guid>
		<description>Rooo! I was love tagged by Finnegan, Reagan, and Oliver!  Thanks boys!  I love all my pals so much!  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Rooo! I was love tagged by Finnegan, Reagan, and Oliver!  Thanks boys!  I love all my pals so much!  I'll send back the love after I take a nap.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>An Anonymous Rosette</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/342569</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:42:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/342569</guid>
		<description>Wow, I got my first anonymous Rosette! Thank you, whodogver you are! Arooo!!!   I'm gonna have to us ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wow, I got my first anonymous Rosette! Thank you, whodogver you are! Arooo!!!   I'm gonna have to use my pawsome powers of sniffing and smelling to sniff ya out.... But first, a nap! BOL]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Tagged by Velvet</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/314072</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 24 May 2007 15:09:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/314072</guid>
		<description>I was tagged by my sweet friend Velvet!

Here are 7 fun facts about Sydney:

1. I was adopted fr ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was tagged by my sweet friend Velvet!

Here are 7 fun facts about Sydney:

1. I was adopted from the Peninsula SPCA on Jan 21, 2003.

2. I could still see a small bit when I was adopted.

3. When I could still see, I would play tug of war with Shakespeare! (Mom, go post those photos!!) 

4. In my first two years with mom, I had two dentals.

5. I LOVE TREATS.

6. I'm not very cuddly or affectionate.

7. I despise being brushed! I'll gum ya!

 

I'm gonna go sleep now, tag ya later. Zzzzzz.....]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Happy Gotcha Day Sydney! :)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/261249</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 21 Jan 2007 07:02:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/261249</guid>
		<description>Today is Sydney's 4th Gotcha Day. :)  On Jan 21st four years ago, I brought her home from the Penins ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is Sydney's 4th Gotcha Day. :)  On Jan 21st four years ago, I brought her home from the Peninsula SPCA. :)  I'm especially glad to have her here today because of her health problems over the last year and a half.  I have to buy her more food today anyways, so while I'm at the pet store I'm going to get her some special yummy treats and frosty paws.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Sydney is ok, but...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/209612</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 21 Sep 2006 04:53:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/209612</guid>
		<description>... her mass bled a little today. Freaked me the hell out. The vet and cardiologist had told me this ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ ... her mass bled a little today. Freaked me the hell out. The vet and cardiologist had told me this was going to happen, but the fact that it was happening just scared me. It had just happened after I got home, I figure it was bumped somehow. I went to nudge her inside and saw the area where I noticed the capillaries and red colorings had stared to openly bleed. So I called the vet, all hysterical of course. I'm sure I flipped out the poor new vet desk girl. By time we saw the vet, the bleeding had stopped. Vet reiterated that there's nothing they can do except surgery to remove it, or we can wait and see and not do surgery and let the mass ulcerate etc. So now that it's had its first bleeding 'episode,' I feel even more freaked out and unsure about what to do. All docs and myself know the mass hurts her. :(  And surgery is very high risk because of her heart problems.

BTW, Sydney is happily eating some Cowboy Cookout. :) She's acting like her usual spunky self still. I'm not..]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Sydney's cardiologist appt today :)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/205511</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:08:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/205511</guid>
		<description>&quot;Sydney looks good today!&quot; writes her cardiologist, exclamation point and everything!! :)  She is &quot;v ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ "Sydney looks good today!" writes her cardiologist, exclamation point and everything!! :)  She is "very concerned about performing anesthesia on her for the mass removal."  Basically she said she wouldn't risk it unless it was life or death; Sydney's heart now is the best it will ever be and she doesn't want to risk bringing Sydney back into congestive heart failure.  So.. her recommendation for Sydney not to have surgery, but if needed, she would be happy to make anesthetic recommendations.
 
So good news, yea!
 
Bloodwork results are pending and she wants to get xrays again in three months.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Thank you Joy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/192556</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 12 Aug 2006 07:07:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/192556</guid>
		<description>Thank you so much to the Dogster Dog Blog for featuring my sweet Sydney girl!!!  She and I are so ve ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you so much to the Dogster Dog Blog for <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=""http://dogblog.dogster.com/2006/08/11/a-tail-of-devotion-for-sydney/>featuring my sweet Sydney girl</a>!!!  She and I are so very honored!!!  
 
Today at lunch I had just opened Dogster's main page when out of the corner of my eye I saw the word "Sydney" - and as I scrolled down, read and clicked on the link, and saw that it was about *my* Sydney, I was so incredibly overwhelmed.  I really did start tearing up at my desk here at work, I had to show all my friends, and I couldn''t wait to get home and tell Sydney about it. And hug her and love her and give her lots of treats. :)  I am so lucky to have her in my life.
 
Part of the Tail of Devotion I wrote for Sydney came from a short story I wrote about her.  After I adopted her, my schnauzer rescue group asked me to write about it so they could post it on their web site.  So many of those words were written right after I adopted her, but in my mind I can still picture when I first spotted her as I walked into the shelter, I can still feel what it was like to hold her for the first time in the shelter.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>My Tail of Devotion for Sydney</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/187818</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 1 Aug 2006 15:51:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/187818</guid>
		<description>When I first saw you Sydney, you were a tiny messy ball of matted gray fur, huddled into the corner  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I first saw you Sydney, you were a tiny messy ball of matted gray fur, huddled into the corner of a cage at the spca. I knew right away you were a schnauzer, so I ran over to your cage. A shelter volunteer let me hold you, and I remember you shivering in my arms as the other dogs' barks echoed through the room. I told you I would get you out of there. I didn't care that you had cataracts, I knew I could give you a happy and safe home. As the volunteer put you back in the cage, I saw gray and white hairs covering my black clothes. You'd left your mark on me. I remember when you went for that first grooming, and you came out of the back all trimmed and pretty, you looked like a real schnauzer and I wanted to cry. You were so beautiful and of course you still are. Sydney, you are the smartest dog I've ever known. Even with your blindness, you've always gotten around well, even if it took you a few days to learn the layout of places we've been and lived. You epitomize the saying that blind dogs see with their hearts. I love coming home to your little kisses, the only time you kiss anyone and the best part of my day.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Sydney's Cardiologist Follow-up</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/165209</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:17:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/165209</guid>
		<description>Sydney is mad at me.  lol

Sydney had a follow-up appointment with the doggie cardiologist today.  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sydney is mad at me.  lol

Sydney had a follow-up appointment with the doggie cardiologist today.  Things went really well (so far, knock on wood). :)  They're waiting on her digoxin level tests and bloodwork; I'll hear about those tomorrow and of course tell you all.   Chest x-rays showed her lungs were clear, yea!  The cardiologist thought that increasing Sydney's lasiks helped her occasional heavier breathing last week.  She says she'd like to get the dosage lessened to 1/2 a pill in the morning and 1/4 at night.  She also recommended another medicine depending on how Sydney's bloodwork came back.  The medicine is Pimobendan - does anyone have any experience with this yet?  It's approved in almost all countries except the US, but it can be prescribed by submitting a form to the FDA.  Many dogs in the US are on it; the cardiologist discussed the pros and cons with me.

The cardiologist also said we should eventually remove the mass on her back (it's large and will likely eventually ulcerate).  Sydney's heart health would have to be monitored etc., and surgery could be done when her heart was at its most stable.  There's no sign of whatever it is spreading anywhere internally ("No evidence of metastasis").

The only negative thing was that Sydney only weight 12 lbs, which for her is on the thin side.  She has no trouble eating (she's a little piggy, hehe) but I guess just keeping the weight on.

Sydney's sleeping very soundly right now. :)]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Sydney's Gotcha Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/112684</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 21 Jan 2006 06:09:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/112684</guid>
		<description>Happy Third Gotcha Day to my furgirl Sydney!!!!!!!!  
 
On Jan 21, 2003, I brought home my sweet f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Happy Third Gotcha Day to my furgirl Sydney!!!!!!!!  
 
On Jan 21, 2003, I brought home my sweet fuzzy little girl.  
 
I'm so excited for Sydney, yea!!!  I'm gonna spoil her even more rotten today. :)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Sydney's cardiologist visit</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/87030</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 26 Oct 2005 09:20:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/87030</guid>
		<description>My baby girl went to the veterinary cardiologist last week.  She got an ultrasound to narrow down he ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My baby girl went to the veterinary cardiologist last week.  She got an ultrasound to narrow down her heart problem, and I (her mom) got loads of information.  

When we arrived, Sydney didn't want to go inside, poor girl.  I think because it was a strange place, plus usually when she'd walk in a door like that, it was to go to her normal vet's office.  So I carried her in, and when we were inside she seemed ok and wanted to wander around and sniff and explore.  The first part of our appointment was a quick physical exam and a question/answer session with the cardiologist's assistant.  The assistant has a blind doggie too, one who was born without eyes, so we chatted about how smart our furkids are. :)

Then they took Sydney back for the ultrasound (echocardiography).  So I went back into the lobby and waited. For the first few minutes, I could hear Sydney barking (there was an echo from the back) - I felt so bad, I was covering my ears and feeling guilty.. :-(   She wasn't getting the ultrasound done at that time, just waiting.

I don't know how long I waited, but eventually another assistant brought Sydney back out; she put Syd and me in a side waiting room - she said Sydney was getting restless and agitated in the back and thought she'd do better in a comfy room with me.  Awww! :-)  More waiting.. but I had a great time watching Sydney sniff around and almost immediately find the door back into the lobby and the door to the outside (it was frosted over and unused, but I'm sure she could smell the outside) - she stood by the outside door and barked, it was so cute, poor girl!  

The cardiologist (board certified specialist in veterinary cardiology!) came in and we talked for quite a while.  She brought in a white board and sketched a heart and explained everything that's going on with Sydney's heart.   She was so detailed and informative that I could draw and explain it now too (but can't over email of course).  I'll try to explain though.  Basically, Sydney's heart problem is on her left side.  The mitral valve (the "border" between top and bottom of heart) is insufficient, so the blood flows from the bottom (ventricle?) to the top (atria?), which it's not supposed to do until the heart muscle makes it.  But because the valve is weak, it flows back up.  When Sydney was in the hospital, it had backed up so badly that it went into her lungs. :(   The cardiologist said at that time, Sydney was a very sick girl. :( :(   She definitely had congestive heart failure.  The cariologist thinks that it seemed to happen overnight because one of Sydney's "tendons" that hold the valves in place snapped and thus wasn't attached to anything and not holding the valve in place.  She said this was a natural occurence, which relieved me cause I was afraid maybe I hugged Sydney too tight or something. :(  But thanks to the good work of the emergency vets giving her oxygen and draining fluid, she got better.  This also gave Sydney's left upper part of the heart time to enlarge so it could 'take in' some of the fluid that was going up and not let it get into the lungs.  

 In summary,  Sydney's left side of her heart is enlarged, and her valve is not very strong.  The cardiologist said that Sydney's lungs are clear (YEA!), and that she seems to be responding very well to treatment (YEA!!!!!).  (She'll be on meds for the rest of her life)

The cardiologist said Sydney could have unsalted pasta or meat to put on weight (Sydney will love that!).  She also recommended fish oil supplements, which you guys have also recommended - so I'll be getting that this weekend.    It freaked me out when the cardiologist was going thro a list of what she thought I should know and she said "oh yah, how long does she have" - that freaked me out cause I wasn't expecting it, nor did I really want to know..   But part of me kinda wants to know, and the cardiologist's answer was 6 months to 2 years - a wide berth.  She told me what to look for if Sydney was going into heart failure again (don't wanna think about that but it's a reality *sniff*), like heavy breathing and coughing.  She also told me how to count her breathing, and that I should do this every day for 15 seconds to make sure she's breathing normally; if it goes over a certain amount to call them. Much of our talk was kinda scary things like that, but I was more level-headed about it than I expected. Whew.  While we were talking, Sydney was wandering around the room and kept barking at the outside door, hehe... She's so spunky and smart! LOL  

On the way home, traffic was crazy.   Poor Sydney was soooo restless, she really wanted to get out of the car and be home. I had to pull over one time cause she was trying to almost crawl out of the window - I figured she had to pee and, well, she did.    She literally would walk into my lap while I was driving!!!!  She really wanted to be in my lap with her head sticking of the window.   Several times she actually rested her head on the windowsill with her head sticking out of the window!  A few times she had her paws on the windowsill with her head laying on her paws!  It was sooooo cute, I really wish I had my camera (not like I would have been able to take pictures since I was driving with a dog in my lap LOL)!  I know it was dangerous, but Sydney had been through a pretty traumatic thing, plus she rarely is a lap dog and I had to take advantage of that. :)]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Girl doggies rule!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/82905</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 12 Oct 2005 09:05:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/82905</guid>
		<description>Congrats to my cousin Cupcake for being a diary of the day last Sunday! She and I get along really w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Congrats to my cousin Cupcake for being a diary of the day last Sunday! She and I get along really well cause we both like to sleep and get loving from the humans.   Girl doggies rule!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Our friends Molly and Allie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/81722</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Oct 2005 04:33:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/81722</guid>
		<description>Arooooo!!!!   One of our bestest friends Molly is Diary of the Day today!!!  Congrats to her and her ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Arooooo!!!!   One of our bestest friends Molly is Diary of the Day today!!!  Congrats to her and her humom, who's one of our humom's bestest friends too.    YEA MOLLY!!!!!

Thanks for all my bones!  Woof!

And a very special Thanks to my pal Allie for my very first Rosette!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Too smart for her own good!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/75671</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 13 Sep 2005 09:03:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/75671</guid>
		<description>I am so smart!  Mom was putting my medicine (yuk!) in cheese, and I quickly realized that and cause  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am so smart!  Mom was putting my medicine (yuk!) in cheese, and I quickly realized that and cause I don't like taking my medicine, I stopped eating the cheese with the pill in it. Haha!  I'll still eat the cheese without the pill though, cause I love cheese!  Oh yah, and I don't like to eat my doggy food anymore (solid gold soft stuff) cause mom started putting the medicine that makes me sorta nauseous in there.  Now she feeds me chicken, YUM!  I am so smart!  Mom says the medicines are supposed to make me better, but I don't like taking them.  I just want the treats!

Oh yah, don't let mom know that I can use the computer.... She told me yesterday I'm too smart for my own good.  I think she's on to me!

Well, time for another good nap!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Sydney's home</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/73144</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 3 Sep 2005 20:07:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/73144</guid>
		<description>Sydney's home!!!  It's so good to have her home and I think she's happy to be home.  She's resting r ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sydney's home!!!  It's so good to have her home and I think she's happy to be home.  She's resting right now.  She still has spunk to her cause she grrred at Shakey, hehehe!   Sydney is an amazing girl. :)]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Sydney is sick</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/73047</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 3 Sep 2005 11:51:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/73047</guid>
		<description>Sydney's mom here.. I  had to rush her to the emergency vet last night because she was unusually lis ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sydney's mom here.. I  had to rush her to the emergency vet last night because she was unusually listless, breathing heavily, and had coughed up blood.  She has a level 6 heart murmur and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.  (gotta stop to cry a bit.. ok, better.) She spent the night in an oxygen cage thingy.  This morning the vet said she was doing much better, her lungs sounded good, kidneys ok... But Sydney will be on meds the rest of her life.  I'm so sad for my furgirl.  But she is resilient and very strong. 

Please send love and prayers to Sydney. She is such an amazing dog.  I love you so much baby girl....]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>No, Shakey, it's *my* neighborhood</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/71065</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Aug 2005 09:09:11 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/71065</guid>
		<description>Sydney's mom here.. she wanted me to be sure to tell you all that even tho Shakespeare marked all ov ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sydney's mom here.. she wanted me to be sure to tell you all that even tho Shakespeare marked all over our new neighborhood on our walk last night, she marked right over him.  Yes, she's the alpha. :)  So really, it's *her* neighborhood.   And her house and her yard. ]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Congrats Bailey!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/58627</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Jul 2005 18:17:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/58627</guid>
		<description>(Typed by Sydney's brother Shakespeare)

Woof woof!! Me n Sydney want to give a bark out to our fr ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ (Typed by Sydney's brother Shakespeare)

Woof woof!! Me n Sydney want to give a bark out to our friend Bailey, who is Dogster's Dog of the Week! Arooo!! Congrats Bailey! Schnauzers rule!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Gotcha Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/17615</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 Jan 2005 18:04:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Sydney angel ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/24125/diary/Sweet_sydneys_diary_as_typed_by_her_mom/17615</guid>
		<description>Since Sydney is blind and can't see to type, I (her humom) will take her dictation (after all she is ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Since Sydney is blind and can't see to type, I (her humom) will take her dictation (after all she is the alpha, yes I know it's really me but don't tell her that).

My humom says my Gotcha Day is coming up soon, on Jan 21st.  She says I've been with her for almost two whole years!  I have at least four times as many beds as that and I love them all.  I can't wait until my Gotcha Day cause that means I'll get lots and lots of food other than that blech dry stuff.  I could eat that good mushy stuff all day, mmmm!

*yawn*  Almost bedtime.. gotta go fluff up the beds!]]></content:encoded>
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