Another year older

Candle #11 has now been added to my birthday cake;) It seems like yesterday I was just a young pup. I was humbled to be remembered by lots of old and new Dogster pals. They sent p-mails and rosettes throughout the day in my honor. I have some of the best friends and they never forget me. It's been an interesting year with my medical issues, but I'm feeling good and hoping to stay that way for a lot longer....

Feeling good

It's been 2 years since I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and I thought my days of running and jumping were over. Well let me tell you about the day I had yesterday. We've had beautiful weather and yesterday was a bit cooler, so we've been back to daily walking again. Last night we went to the school yard where Chester and I can walk in the fenced in tennis courts. Mom took off my lead and did I get excited. I actually ran and ran and tried to chase Chester and ran some more..... On seeing my back profile when I walk, it's noticeable how much more bow legged I've become. I bunny hop if I have to but I can still walk - and boy do I love those walks. I'll never be able to jump on or off the beds, but that's ok. Mom still picks me up to sit on the couch and once in awhile I manage to get up there myself. Last night was like magic to me and my moms were so delighted to see how good I felt. They thought I might be hurting more today but I'm not. Life is good and that's the way I hope it stays for me!!

A visit with the eye specialist

Several weeks ago my groomer Jennifer noticed a small blood clot on the iris of my left eye. Mom is surprised that she didn't see it (especially since she cleans my eyes every day). The clot was small but just the way the light in the grooming van was shining on it, it was more visible. We made a trip the next day to our vet and he checked all my pressures, etc. Everything looked ok, so he was stumped. He recommended the eye specialist, so that's where we went this afternoon. The diagnosis is a "corneal stromal hemorrhage". It's probably been there for awhile but will clear up in a few months on its own, and the help of an antibiotic ointment. It could have come from a scratch or abrasion. The really good news is that my cataracts are very minimal and my eyes are better than we thought! *Sugar does a mini Bichon blitz in excitment* Since I'm turning 11 years old in a few weeks, I'm not a "spring pup" - bol! Most of the eye problems are coming with age, but that's ok with me. As long as I age gracefully I'm happy. Thanks to all my pals for your love and concern. I wish all of you a Happy Easter!!!

The Rainbow Bridge has another angel

Yesterday was a sad day for Dogster. We learned that we lost our dear friend Noah. We've been saddened so many times the last few years with pals that have gone to the Bridge, but we felt a special friendship with Noah. He had his share of disabilities (he had diabetes and became blind) and overcame the hardship he endured before he was rescued by his faithfully devoted family. Noah and his brother Clay were some of the first dogs we became pals with almost 4 years ago. Noah was always there for everyone and we felt a special love for him. He was a Bichon like us and he loved to ride his daddy's Harley. His mom was devoted to him and to her we send the biggest Bichon hugs we can wrap around her. God bless you Noah. Your family gave you the final gift of love and released you from your suffering. We will miss you but know that you're riding that big Harley at the Bridge and able to see it now......

Until we meet one day we send you our love,
Chester and Sugar xoxo

A double honor bestowed

Chester and Sugar have had a double honor bestowed on them this week. The BLC (Bichon Lover's Clubhouse) group honors a different dog each week and features photos on their main page. This week we're honored to be the first brother/sister chosen to be in the spotlight. WOW!!! We're so excited that we're off to do some serious Bichon blitzing. Zzooooom...........

Check it out:

Bichon Lover's Clubhouse

I'm honored today

Wow, I've been chosen as royal member for today in the PDPC (Princess Divas & Prince Charmings) group!! Guess I'll make mom give me extra treats today - being royalty isn't easy you know ;) I'm off for a long royal nap now........zzzzzzzzzzz

A visit from the tooth fairy

Yesterday wasn't a very good day for me :( Chester and I both went to have our teeth cleaned. I've always had a problem with my teeth, since I'm not a good chewer and I'm also a fussy eater. I don't even like it when Mom tries to brush my teeth. Well, long story short I had my choppers cleaned up. The bad part was that I had 2 bad back teeth that had to come out. Of course in true diva fashion, I cried and wimpered all the way home. Even this morning food doesn't even interest me - not even my favorite yogurt or hamburger! I heard Mom on the phone talking to the vet and she may have to put those icky pain and antibiotic pills right down my throat if I don't eat them on own! YIKES! All I want to do is sleep and not be bothered. It's been a rough year for me with all of my health issues so I'm hoping that this will be the end of it and I can get back to being a happy healthy girl again. Have a great day everyone. Now I'm off again for a nap......

Oh my dogness!

I can't believe it. Dogster has again chosen me as one of the daily diary picks for today. What a welcomed surprise! Now I know today will be a good day - and especially since I'm going back to the vet .........

Still having problems ........ :(

I'm going back to the vet again tomorrow. Even on the Proin, my incontinence hasn't eased up. At times it evens seems a bit worse :( There were a few days where it seemed like I was doing better too, but now I'm back to square one. Mom isn't convinced that the cortisone is the cause. She's getting frustrated and really wants to get more answers. I even have another sore on my tail that's opened up. I've managed to chew on it when I can, so we're hoping it hasn't gotten infected. Let's hope I can get better soon.........

good news, bad news

Well I had my follow up visit yesterday with my favorite Dr. Anita. I rarely get nervous when I go for a vet visit so this time was no exception. Mom was *supposed* to get a urine sample from me before we arrived, but guess what - I'm too quick for her! Since I've been feeling a bit better, I don't have to go out quite as often. When I do go out, I don't like Mom following me around with that little saucer under my bottom. You have to get up pretty early in the morning to fool me! Unfortunately the dr. had to extract a sample from my bladder with a needle, but I was a good girl and didn't even complain ;) Now for the results - I'll give you the good news first - my urine sample showed no more protein or red cells and the pH was no longer high. The bad news is that I have still have a significant amount of white cells that they sent in to be cultured. If any bacteria grows, it will show whether or not I have a resistance to the Clavamox antibiotic I've been on. If the culture is negative, then I'll still have to be on the bi-monthly Clavamox. Dr. Anita still thinks that the sudden incontinence was due to the cortisone shot and it may take another few weeks to get out of my system. I'm slowly getting back to normal and haven't had any *accidents* in the last few days. I still have to sleep in the crate at night and I only have to go out once during the night now. It may be another few weeks before I can sleep with Mom in her bed, but for now the crate is working out ok for me. I really don't seem to mind. It's right next to Mom's bed so that I can still see her. It's been a big help to Mom so that she doesn't have all that extra laundry to do too. Oh, that hot spot on my tail is completely gone. That nasty thing was what started all of these problems :(( I go in to get groomed next week so that I can feel all fresh and clean again. The dental I was due to have has been postponed now for a few months (that's fine with me - bol!) Dr. Anita wants me to be completely back to normal before I go in for the teeth. Thank you again to all my pals who have had me in their thoughts and prayers. You've all been the best pals I could ask for!!!! I'll keep you all posted later........ xoxoxoxoxoxo