Monkey Times

Picking on others

When Mom was in Jr. High, she was jumped but a group of girls in the restroom. She was new to the school, and alone. To this day, she can't use a public restroom without worrying.

I want my friends to know this. I won't leave you alone to fend for yourself in the Jr. High bathroom of Dogster. I am NOT a moderator, but I know the rules of Dogster. We are all here for love and happiness, NOT to be picked on and feeling excluded.

If you feel picked on, and are thinking of leaving Dogster, please, I urge you to contact HQ. You can email them at dogster@dogster.com, or even call them at 1-866-404-3647. There are rules to Dogster.

Like a playground bully, picking on others is just mean. If you are the "picker", stop. Think about what your words do to others.

If you feel you want to pick on someone, take a week off Dogster. Just push away from your keyboard and go outside and play with that dog you are pretending to be.

I might be at the bridge, but I do know ALL of the dogs up here would never want anyone to feel like that.

Hugs to the universe,
Sammers

Airmail to Sammy

This is the letter Mom sent to me. I got it just hours after she released it!

April 1, 1997 to April 4, 2008
Our loving son, Samuel Jacob,

Can it really have been a full year since you went on your final journey? While we felt, at the time we were releasing you from your Earthly body, our hearts still hurt for the emptiness we feel without you.
So much of your life was happy, but the last years were not. They will be the ones that taught us so much, and make us cry. You endured so much pain for us, and always with a smile.
Yes, dogs DO smile.
You definitely taught us that.
I still miss lying next to you on the bed. Sometimes I want to pat the bed to ask you to lie with me. I miss the way you cuddled me up tight-tight. Never again will a baby lie on our chest and take our jaw into their mouth with the love you did. You made us laugh and cry so much. And though we have done our best to honor you by moving on, the void will never be filled.
I sometimes wish I was still trapped still at home, taking care of you, than to have all the freedom we have to explore. Those months, and hours upon hours we spent together were priceless.
How proud we are of you, son. We always will be.
You have come to me in dreams, dear boy.
I hope it was my glimpse into heaven.
Please, wait for us.
My only hope is to be able to hold you once again, in heaven.
So many friends have been sending their love to us, and to you. You touched so many people. You made us proud, so very proud.
We love you, Monkey Boy!
Now and Forever,
Mommy & Daddy,
Mickey, Sara, Baby Cat, Wally & Jenny

My 1st Bridge Birthday!

Today is the day!

Mom woke at 4:30 this morning and went outside to wish me a happy birthday! She promised no tears today. She said that today she will simply be grateful for the fact I as born and that's all. She said, "tomorrow, maybe I'll let them come, but for today, thank you for being in my life".

So, I'll take what I can get!
Thank you all so much for the love you are sending me! I lap it up like raspberry tea! LOVE IT!

Thank you my friends!

I want to thank my very sweet friends for helping Mom this year.

My sweet "Almost-Twin" Muffin sent me the sweetest Teddy Bear with an adorable memorial pillow for Mom to snuggle with. It means the world to us.

My pal Willie started a thread about me. Remembering Samuel Jacob on 4/4
Thank you, Willie. You are a doll and I love you.

Thank you to all my friends that have sent me messages of love and support to Mom. Thank you for tagging your photos Remembering Samuel Jacob"... as looking at the stroll makes Mom feel all the love you all seem to still have for me.

Tomorrow will be the first birthday since I left. While that will be a sad day that Mom can't kiss my face and give me a "special" meal, harder still will be Saturday. She will celebrate the day I was born, as my family feel it was certainly a blessing I was in their lives.

Again, thank you all. Thank you for the gift, threads, posts, pawmails, and rosettes. I love you all... forever. And you know, love never dies.

A dream

I had a dream about you. I woke, sadly. Had I stayed asleep, you would still be in my arms. Was that my peek into heaven? Was that what awaits me when I make my final journey?

You were there with your legs, and just as happy as ever. I remember holding you, and kissing you, yet you were able to be alone.

You have been on my mind so very much over these past 12 months. I know you will continue to be there... as it keeps you close to me. I just look forward to the day I can think of you without tears.

I will try to let you play more on Dogster, soon. It is time to let you be remembered by your friends. But I worry new friends won't like you or know you and your spirit. It is up to me to teach them all about Monkey Love.

It is time to let your Dogster friends have you back. I love you.

Your ALMOST twin's birthday

As you know, you have been scaring the bejeebers out of Muffin! Bowling with Arthur in the Bridge Bowling League! I know it sounds like thunder, but Arthur told her what you two were up to!

Well, Muffin's 12th birthday is on Sunday, and we hope she knows how much we love her! I hope everyone that reads this diary entry sends her some love for her special day. Being your almost twin, it would be like a gift to you!

I love you, Sammy. I know you see my tears, and would prefer me to smile while thinking of you. Maybe later, sweetie. For now, I continue to mourn our loss...

I did a bad thing last night

Baby boy,

Last night, we were driving around and I had Jenny in my lap (as she refused to sit in the back after her Lowe's Trauma/Drama). She was so happy to be sitting there, she looked up and took my jaw in her mouth, just like YOU used to do.

I took her into my arms and hugged her and closed my eyes... and the tears began to flood, sobs ensued. When I closed my eyes, I was pretending I was hugging you, my boy. I hugged her like it was my last chance to hug you... one gift.

When I opened my eyes, I felt so guilty. Was that wrong to remove Jenny from my heart and mind for those fleeting moments? Was it wrong to dream of holding you one more time?

I love you, angel. Watch over our pals, please. You have a huge list of those you are protecting, but Mia, Sassy & her family, Miss Molly, Damon, Marjorie Mason, Levi and the Tater Tot family are on the top of the list.

Send them our love, baby.

Yesterday, as I mowed the lawn, I could barely see where I was going from the tears... smiling through those tears remembering how you used to run from window to window to watch your Daddy or me when we were mowing. You wanted to keep your eyes on us, just in case. I felt those eyes, still... I know you are near. Yet, I miss you more. Isn't it supposed to get easier with time?

Hard days

It is a sunny, warm winter day today. These days pull my heart like the chain that continues to connect us between heaven and Earth.

These days remind me of the worry I felt when you got your hip replaced, and the panic I felt when I got the call the next day saying your implant failed and you had to go back in and have it redone.

These days remind me of a year later, on your Daddy's birthday, when you were so very happy to see him, you jumped up to greet him and broke your leg, and the screams that followed. I pray, one day that sound comes out of my head.

These days remind me of waiting to hear of how your 9 hour surgery went to fix that leg, and of waiting to see you come out of the hospital to pee, hiding in the car so you didn't hurt yourself.

These days remind me of when the few days later, when the plate failed and our trip back up to Davis, praying this wasn't the end. It reminds me of waiting, once again, to know if you were going to make it. 6 hours, waiting... and then trying to save your life while you recuperated.

My love, I will never forget you and all you endured for us...

I love you.

2 years ago....

Dear sweet Sammy,

I wish today could be a happier day. It is Daddy's birthday. But since 2 years ago, I can only think of the pain and sounds you made when your leg broke so badly... Just giving your Daddy happy birthday kisses!

I love you, my son. I will never forget you. I do wish I could forget that day. Those sounds will be heard for the rest of my life.

Pepe is here with us....

My pack's good friend, Pepe, has come to the bridge! I'm so excited to see him, but Mommy is so very sad for his family down on Earth. He lived a very long life, but sometimes that only makes it harder to let go. His Mom and Dad worked so hard for so long to keep him healthy and going. They would be so pleased to see how well he is! His ol' blue eyes are once again liquid brown, but still filled with love.

Welcome to the bridge, dear friend...

Warm Winter Days

Sweet Sammy,

I have had you right in the front of my mind so very much lately.

Last night, as I was trying to fall asleep, I desperately wanted to pat my legs to have you cuddle me like you used to. I knew you couldn't. You hadn't for so very long since your wrist went bad, and I always missed it. You would lay on my legs and snuggle up so close, but not too close. God, I miss that.

They days are bright, sunny and warm. They remind me of the time we spent at UC Davis, waiting for you to get better. It should be a time of happiness and feeling good in the warmth of the sun. It just feels painful and I feel tense and afraid. Things seem to be going well with the little ones, and for Daddy. It scares me. God seems to knock me down when things go well. Like I'm being punished for it, somehow. I can't enjoy our new family, for the tears don't stop. I have nightmares every night, feeling impending doom. I miss you and Bernie so much. I miss you every minute of every day. I know it was your time, but I still feel robbed. You were, in my opinion, a young dog. Bernie was a "baby", and I lost you both.

The pain of loss burns my soul. Makes me not want to move.

Yesterday, I spent all day cleaning the house, doing chores, trying to stay distracted. Yet, when I sat down, it just flooded back. Like the tide that is held back, once it breaks, the damage seems worse.

My beloved son, I will love you forever. I pray I see you again, very soon.

Raven has earned her wings

My very good friend, Raven, has just joined me up here at the bridge. She earned her wings gently. Her Mommy gave her a lovely day of rides in the car, walks on the beach, and good food and treats. When she came home, she went to her favorite corner in the house and waited there for the doctor to come and help her cross. What a gift to be able to go at home, with her beloved Mommy, and sent so very gently? I'm so very happy for her. But we are all sad for her Mommy. I showed Raven my favorite little place to be able to look down at our family so we still feel close. But gosh, did any of you know that Raven can run?! I can barely keep up with her! She doesn't even need her new wings to fly!

Please, if you can, send this family all the love you have. Her Daddy was a true hero. Please read her page to learn more about that, and send her love.

I want to snuggle you...

Last night or early this morning, I woke up and turned onto my side. My heart wanted to feel your body snuggled up to the backs of my legs. I wanted to feel the perfect pressure of you snuggling in so very close, but not too close. Your body fit perfectly behind my legs... and I slept so soundly when you did that.

It has been so long since you could do that. Before your leg broke, before your wrist surgery. It has been over 2 years. But still, my heart wants it.

Baby, I love you. I miss you. I feel you close, but so very far away. You deserved to live so much longer.

Please, watch over Raven & Miss Molly. They are both not doing very well. I know it will be a matter of time before they meet you at the bridge, but in the mean time, please help their pain, and the pain of their family seeing them hurt.

You will be forever in my heart.

Your Stroll...

I just looked at the stroll that our friend OTTO started for you when you passed.

Remember Sammy J

And to see how many have left the messages of love and remembrance on it made me cry like it was yesterday.

I miss you so much, my son. Little Jenny is wearing your blue e-collar they gave you when your leg was amputated. You hated it so much. But you were such a good boy, you didn't really need it. But she does. And when I see her in it, I tear up and say a word of thanks to you.

God, this Christmas is hard. I knew it would be. But how can so much change in only one year? I knew deep down that last year could be our last and was determined to make it a good and happy Christmas. I'm glad I did. Now I have happy memories of us. I didn't waste it. I tried not to waste too much time missing you before you were gone, but it was hard. I knew for so long how limited our time was. But I'm glad I did because each and every day I had you, I knew it was a blessing.

I do not regret having you in my arms so much. I don't regret kissing you too much.

I did a load of towels today and had the urge to toss them on the floor for you to roll in them. They were nice and warm and clean, just like you loved them. It is hard to fold towels when you can't see them.

I love you.

My friend, Raven is very sick. She has cancer. She is on her last leg of her very turbulent life. Today she has open wounds where the tumor is, on her little bottom. She has cancer of the anal glands.

Please, for me, send my friend as much love as you can. Please, light a cyber candle for her at Raven't Candles.

Thank you for your help, and Raven, I love you my friend...

Our Rusty

Our very good friend, Rusty, came to join me at the bridge this morning.

We got an email from his mommy saying this:

It is with a broken heart and tear filled eyes I am sending this email to let you know I said goodbye this morning to my sweet, beautiful Rusty. He took a turn for the worse last night and I couldn't allow him to suffer any longer. I wanted him to die with dignity.

He was my best friend and loyal companion for one third of my life. I am trying to find comfort in knowing he lived a long life filled with love. I only hope I brought as much joy to his life as he brought to mine.

Sweet dreams my beautiful boy. I miss you dearly.

Nothing will ever replace your love and devotion to your Mommy, but you are free of the pain of Earth, and surround by love and light.

You will always be loved by our entire family. You beat so many odds, and fought so darned hard, my friend. Now you can rest, my friend. Take deep breaths of heavenly air, filled with the scent of happiness and love. Grizzly is so excited to meet you, finally. He had a special connection to you, as I did.

May peace be with your Mommy and sweet Missy.

Welcome to the bridge, my friend. Welcome...

The snack bar is officially closed

It was hard to do, with the wonderful memories we have, but we officially closed the "snack bar" out back. The 4 almond trees you used to love to be under, and snack on the ripe almonds have been cut down and removed. Mickey will miss eating them, but more so, I'll miss cracking the nuts for you, and feeding them to each of you, one at a time. You would bark at me when it was your turn, staring at me with your intense eyes... boring into my brain that you needed one. And your ever present smile. No one that knew you will ever forget your smile.

The almonds were getting moldy, and I was scared Mickey would get sick. I can't lose my last boy-dog, so I agreed to have them removed. The memories will be with me forever. But to see them gone just reaffirms you are missing from my life.

I love you, Sammy.

You are with me...

I felt you. I did. I smiled through tears, and I felt you.

You were walking next to me, dear son. I could almost hear your collar jingle.

We were at Grandpa's ranch, setting some crawdads free that we found in the canal near the house, into your favorite pond. And we walked. Bernadette was there, too, but far ahead of us. I felt I couldn't catch up to her. But not you, dear boy. You were right next to me, looking up at me with love. I felt you, baby. I did. I love you. I miss you so. My fingers ached to touch you. My arms to hold you, once again.

We poured your grave marker last night. I didn't turn out as nicely as I would have liked, but it is the color of your fur, terra cotta, and it is nice. I just wanted it perfect.

I will always love you, baby. Thank you for joining us tonight, and letting me feel you. My heart thanks you.

Additional Guilt not necessary.

I got a beautiful rosette from someone I'm sure was just being sweet, but it left me with a guilt trip and a half.
It was a heart sent anonymously:
“Just thinking of you when we saw this little April baby. Please just check him out, you may know some one who can take him-he only has 10days left!-: http://www.dogsindanger.com/dog.jsp?did=1219971253582”

I volunteer at the Merced County Animal Shelter, and it is a high kill shelter. I see pets, daily, that deserve a home but can't find one. To show me another just hurts my heart.

Please, in the future, d0n't send me links of dogs in danger. I know they are there. My heart is broken. I am holding on by the very tips of my fingers to life. I don't need more guilt.

Thank you.

Missing my Monkey Boy... so much

Sammers,

Today, I miss you so completely. I miss you every day, but today, you feel close. You feel like you are ready to bark at me. I always felt when you wanted me before you left... and now, I feel it again.

We have your marker granite and the metal-photo done for your grave, sweet boy. We want it to be perfect for you.

Can you show me you are here, sweet boy? Can you tell me I'll see you again?

I imagined you laying on Daddy's chest this morning when we woke up. Remember how you used to wake him? Kisses while being held down? Oh, how we loved that. Special Monkey Morning Kisses.... No one will ever replace you... not ever.

My great big ginger colored monkey boy

I love you

Samuel Jacob's Obituary

Samuel Jacob Gonzalves
April 1, 1997 through April 4, 2008

Sammy was probably born on April Fool’s day 1997. We say that because he was our clown. He always made us laugh and smile, no matter what.

Our darling boy, Sammy, passed to the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of his loving family. Until the end, he was brave. Through the pain, he tried to make us happy.

He was our sunshine. Even when his body was breaking down, he still made us laugh and appreciate every single moment. Sammy taught so many people to live life for today. Tomorrow is not a promise. In the last 2 years of his life, he struggled with joint disease, amputation, surgeries and finally, spinal disease. He was given the best of care from Dr. Klingborg and his staff.

He will never be forgotten, as we try to emulate his bravery.

Sammy, may you now rest and be free of your Earthly body. All your legs are back now, sweet boy. Run and be free. That’ll do, Sammy. That’ll do.

We love you,
Mommy (Jacqueline), Daddy (David), & Mickey (your buggy brother)

Our GEORGE UNDERWOOD!!!

Hi, pups!!

Its me, Sammers, from up at the bridge!! Guess what? My pal, George Underwood is in a contest!! Could you please help him? If he gets the mostest votes, he can win big bucks, and not have to be put into the work houses making sweaters using his fur!

Please, VOTE FOR GEORGE!

He is on page 6, and when I last checked, he was number 3 on that page. The contest is going on through the end of September, so please, vote often! He is a super cool guy, and spreads love and happiness to all!

His pawmails and rosettes always made Mom feel better though my fight, and after I lost... and this is the least I could do let him know how much I appreciate it!

Oh, this is the email he sent me!

Hi, it's me George Underwood and oh boy do I ever have a favor to ask. You see, I have entered myself in the 98.1 Kiss FM Top Dawg Contest and I'm beggin' for your support; by way of a daily vote on the contest website. Although I'm really not a "contest" joiner I've found myself unable to resist the lure of the $10,000.00 grand prize (that's ten thousand cold hard bucks) awarded to the pup with the most votes (durin' a one week period **which started today**) Now really think about it, if you had the opportunity to win a friggin' $10,000 buckaroos wouldn't you humiliate yourself and beg too? Just think about all the stuffies & treats you could buy yourself!



Below is the contest web-page and I can be found in Gallery 6 as Pup #3. You simply need to go to the site and click the "Vote" tab that corresponds with Gallery 6, you'll click my picture (in a skull & cross bones shirt) and enter your email address. You will then receive an email from the Kiss FM to confirm your vote for yours truly.



http://www.981kissfm.com/pages/top_dog_2008.html?feed=29 4830&article=4265201



Oh and holy cwap promise not TO LOOK AT THE OTHER ENTRANTS cuz you might find that one pup in 500 that's "almost" as cute as me ! BOL (that's Bark Out Loud for you Non-Dogsters.. lol).



Thank you so much for any votes you can throw my way…..



Signed,

George Underwood

The Dreamer

Please up those prayers...

Mr. Jim, Sassy's Daddy, is VERY sick. He was just diagnosed with lung cancer, and diabetes and the entire family is devastated.

If you can, please light a candle for my friend. Sally, Sassy's Mom, is always the first person there for you when you need a hug or a shoulder. I wish I could do more, but if you can...

Sassy's Daddy's Candles

Please light one of these, and remember, they only stay light for 48 hours. We must keep the healing light surrounding him, with our love.

Sally was the first call Mom made my last day. Sally needs us. Jim needs us, and in turn, Sassy needs us.

Please, help me help them. They mean the world to me.

Please pray for Jim...

Sweet Sammers,

One of your biggest cheerleaders ever, Ms. Sassy, needs your help. Her Daddy is VERY sick. Tomorrow morning, he has to have a CAT scan, but they are pretty sure he has lung cancer, and from Sassy's Mom, it sounds like it could be the last stages of it!

Oh, Sammy! You know how I feel about your Daddy? Well, Sassy's Mommy feels the same way about Jim. I would be more than devastated in her position...

Mommy needs you to watch over him, for your pal's sake. What would Sassy do without her Daddy? Can you even imagine?

If you can, please light a candle for Mr. Jim. Sassy's Daddy's Candles

Your Truck

Well, my baby boy, its gone...

Last night, we sold your truck. Mom cried the whole way home. She remembers you sticking your nose in the air vents to get a great sniff while driving... and the nose prints on the windshield when we arrived at our destination.
She remembers the horrible trips we took to UC Davis and other places... just to save your life.

Oh, my son, I miss you so. I found that old training collar we used to teach you to heal... which you excelled at! You did even BETTER without the leash and collar!

We got enough out of the truck to finally pay for your vet bills. 5 months, to the day of your passing, we have paid you off... full circle, I suppose. It was your truck, so how better to use the money for it?

Your granite marker will be ready next week, so we will be spending a lot of time getting it ready to set with your photo marker.

Baby, I love you... and I always will. My special boy. My MONKEY BOY!

Hard days...

My sweet son,

I had such a horrible day yesterday, and it seems to be overflowing to today.

I was singing a song for you, and was bawling so hard, I looked like an ugly teaky idol.

I put the song on your page, and just bawl and bawl... Because we did have joy, we had fun we had seasons in the sun...

I miss seeing you laying in the grass under your big tree, smelling the cool evening air. You must be close, because it hurts so bad right now. Like a knife in my heart, just twisting.

Promise me you'll be there when I go, Son. Wait for me.

I still can't think of you running, my boy.

Last night, I was trying to sleep. You were heavy on my heart.

I was trying to remember all the wonderful times we had together, exploring Grandpa's ranch, the beach, the mountains, and all the times we took you to the High School.

As long as I thought of you walking, I was fine, but as soon as I thought of you running, my entire body got tense and my stomach felt like it was in knots.

Baby boy, I still can't think of you running. I want to run and grab you in my arms and protect you... Even now, just typing this, I'm in tears. I hope, one day, I will be able to remember your joy of running free... but for now, please, just come to my memories with your wings. I'm still not ready.

I love you, son... I miss you so much it hurts. My arms ache to hold you, and protect you.

Stay near, baby. Keep reminding me of your joyful spirit, kay?

Love,
Mommy

Your Marker....

Sweet angel boy,

Your marker has been made, and they are shipping it today. Finally, when I visit your grave, I'll see your photo and smile through tears.

So many people donated to make sure we had the funeral and marker we wanted, and helped pay for some of your medical bills. We can never thank them enough, but I pray we can grace them with the love they sent us.

This is one of the markers that will be on your grave

My monkey boy... I miss you so. I wish I could kiss your sweet face again. But that would never be enough for me, now would it?

Forever, my son....
Mommy

Part of my soul is still missing....

Sweet baby Monkey Boy,

I miss you so much. I still cry often, and just walking around the back yard hurts. We have been trying, beloved. But how can you feel right when part of your soul is missing?

I said your name today. I was talking to Mickey & Bernadette, but your name came out. I smiled through the tears, and prayed to God you are o.k. and know how much I love you.

Yes, life is going on, and I am trying to make new memories with your brother and sister. But my sweet boy, it is still so quiet. No one howls, barks are rare, and kisses are fewer. I guess I didn't realize what a kisser you were. I miss kissing your pink nose and looking into your eyes, so filled with life and spirit.

We visited your graves last night. To think of your broken body just beneath the grass made me burst into tears. You were so much of my life and my reason to get up in the morning, and now.... I know, in time, it will hurt less. I don't want to rush time, because that is all I have with Mickey & Bernadette, but at the same time, I want these tears to dry up and smiles replace them

My boy, you taught me so much. And I will never, ever forget you.

My precious son.... I love you.

Lalla....

I learned this morning that my good friend, Lalla, a tripawd friend, has passed away. It was June 2, and I didn't even know and I feel horrible for not being there for her Mommy, Sasha, when it happened. Lalla was a good friend to me, and was right there when I lost my leg, telling Mom I was gonna be o.k. And even though she lived a gazillion miles away, we felt her in our heart.

She wrote a comic strip in tribute to me and I am so touched.
Tri-sticks

Mommy used to tease me because after I lost my leg, my butt atrophied and I looked like I only had half a butt, so that is where the joke came in.

I was called half-fast for some time, too!

I pray Sasha feels that Lalla and I are together, now running like the wind you feel on your skin.

Love,
Sammy

Please, Sammy, send me a message?

Sweet Angel,

I need some help, and I am asking you to send me some kind of sign.

Daddy is considering selling your truck. We don't use it any more, because of the price of gas, and with it only getting 9 miles to the gallon, we can't afford it... but, sweet boy, it is YOUR truck! It still has your snot in the air vents where you used to sniff as we drove, and all your nose prints are still on the windows. I can't bring myself to clean them off.

Am I being silly to want to keep this piece of machinery? Is it time for me to let this go, as it isn't you, but the memory of you I treasure? Won't the memory be with me anyway?

We went to the ranch again, baby. Mickey was so good, and even tried to swim. Bernadette was as much a fish as you and Grizzly were. You would have been proud of her.

Mickey is still looking for you in the car. He is doing better, but misses you so much. We heard a bark that sounded like you, and his little ears pricked up and tail whipped over his back, so happy! But we had to get him into the car so he didn't run away, trying to find his beloved.

I love you, baby boy. I always will....
Mommy

Candles and thanks...

My dear friends,

I read my candles every few days, trying to be sure not to miss any... Some of the messages make my Mommy cry with love, others make her giggle (like the roast beef from Muffin).

But my time is done. While I love that you all keep my candles lit, you don't have to. I am sure other dogs need your love, and your prayers kept me going for much longer than anyone expected. Your love kept me going.

I can never thank you all enough for your support of my Mommy. She misses me more every day. But your love and words have given her strength. The gifts and messages are treasured.

But please, don't feel you must light a candle for me. I am at peace. I don't hurt, and your prayers are being reflected back to you. All that love you are sending me is bouncing right back at you. The site was never intended to be my candle site... it was supposed to be for all dogsters. Maybe now, it can be.

I will continue to read the candles, but, please, know you don't have to light them or me. There are a few pups that religiously light for me. Otto & his angel kitty Miki, who started the thread, Muffin, River, Flicka/Lucas/Pam, Baxter and MacKenzie, Sarge & Rocky, Godiva, Sawyer, & Haze (the Plott'n Pibble Pitties), Darla Mae, The Tater Tots, and Sam. Thank you all.... and everyone else that stopped by to "flick their bic" and light a candle for me.

I love you all. I am here, with you, where you don't see me or hear me. But you know I'm there. I always will be.

Love,
Your Sammers

My pals....

Mommy hasn't been on much lately. She misses me so much, and is trying to spend quality time with Mickey & Bernadette. Now that they can go, they are.

She looks back on my photos and is seeing smiling faces and happiness, but still, feels empty.

Otto, you keep lighting those candles and reminding Mom of what is important. Muffin, you keep Mom's heart in the sunshine... thank you.

Sassy writes to Mom and makes sure she is still o.k.

I want to thank each and every one of you for sending Mom love, and my brother and sister, too. You are all wonderful.

Your "Hotwheels"

Sweet Sammy,

We got down your chariot last night, and seeing it again tore our hearts out once more.

I spent all morning cleaning it, and getting it ready to return to Doggon' Wheels. I got all your hair off the saddle, and the belly strap, polished up the tires and packed it all up.

I put a note on the card I put in the box. It said:

To whom it may concern,

This cart is being donated to you, with love. It is in the spirit of my boy, Samuel Jacob.

Sammy was a special boy. He trained us well, and was more devoted than any dog I have ever known.

Please, read Sammy’s page on Dogster… and with this cart come a piece of his spirit. One too big for his body… You will see our Sammy using his cart, and getting treats!

Please send us a picture of your baby using the cart: A sign of the circle of life.

Love,

Jacqueline & David

Sammy’s Website:

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/322527


I put it on a card with your photo on it, in your cart. Sweet baby, it was all I could do to take it to the place that has those BIG BROWN TRUCKS you hated so much. But it will be donated to a pup that needs it, and cannot afford it. We have been so blessed to have so many friends that helped us get you that cart. I thought it best to pass that love on.

Baby boy, I love you. I miss you. Forever,

Mommy

Post Script:
I got your Momma's Day card you asked Willie to send, and the Forget Me Nots he included. It means the world to me, and Willie is such a wonderful little fellow... between him and Muffin, something tells me Yorkies are some great little pups!

I love you, my son.

Sammy's Epitaph

Samuel Jacob Gonzalves
“Sammy”

April 1, 1997 to April 4, 2008

Each day, we thank God you came into our lives. What a clown you were. You made us laugh, you healed our hearts, and you loved us completely. You were such a character, climbing all over us; we had to call you our “Monkey Boy”.

You were completely devoted to us. We know you would have walked through fire for Daddy, and you lived through hell for us. When we were told you wouldn’t survive on three legs for long, our hearts were crushed, but we never gave up on you.
You didn’t either.

You were loved by people all over the world. Your story touched people, and our love inspired them. Your strength and spirit showed us how much you loved life. Your rides in the truck and car, your “walks”, your food, and your family. You loved us all.

You loved people to pay attention to you. You either were so adorable, with your sunglasses on in the car, waiting for someone to look at you and see how adorable you were. Or you would bark and bark until they stopped and said how wonderful you were.

The house is so silent now. No barking, no howling, just a bitter quiet. We know you are no longer in pain, but the pain in our hearts will never end. Mickey is beside himself with loneliness, missing his knight-in-shiny fur. You were his everything. You were exactly what he needed. What we needed, too.

You are once again whole. You have your leg again, and you can run!
Run with Kody & Grizzly; bark at Astro with Grizzly. Snuggle with them all.
We will see you again, beloved son.
Your job is done here.
That’ll do, Sammy. That’ll do.

Forever in our hearts,

David (Daddy), Jacqueline (Mommy)
Mickey (fur-brother), Bernadette (fur-sister)
Sara, Wally & Baby (your cats)

How can it be a month?

Another Friday comes, and reminds me it how now been a month since I last kissed you. How can that be?

Your friend, Remo the Red (Now turning white), is very sick, sweet Sammy. Remember when we first came on Dogster, and we went for that walk? We saw the star his furbling, Honey Bunny, shined down on us? We cried and missed her. Well, now her brother needs your help. He is very, very sick. We know it is only a matter of time before he joins you, my son, but please, my only prayer is he has no pain. Let his pawrents know they are doing the right thing, no matter what. They love him like I love you. Their hearts and spirits are open and pure.

Please, my son, watch over your Daddy as he journeys home. Fly under his airplane and support those wings, so he comes home to us again.

Oh, dear Sammy. It is still so quiet here. There are no more howls. Only once in a while do Mickey & Bernie bark.

I dreamed of you the other night. You were doing so well. You only had 3 legs, but they were healthy and strong. You moved around like a young boy, filled with life. I woke in tears, wishing I could stay asleep and stay with you. Promise me you will be there for me when it is my time.

Dear, sweet, funny Sammy. You are my heart. You took my heart with you when you left. There will never, EVER be another Sammy.

I love you!
Mommy

Can it really be 3 weeks?

Dear, sweet Sammy,

Can it really be 3 weeks since I kissed your head? Since I smelled your breath and felt your warm kisses on my face?

I don't think of your last day, my brave boy. I think of your life before your body began to abandon you. I think of the days you would run around, barking and playing. I think of your eternal smile and your will to live. How tender you were with Mickey, as if you knew he needed your strength.

I sit in your car and remember you with your sun glasses on. I smile at the memory of you at a stop light, looking into the car next to us until they looked at you and smiled. Then you were o.k. We could drive on...

I had no idea how many lives you touched. But the love I feel when I am here, on Dogster, is helping me keep going. When I have a bad day, I remember your bad days, and how I would sing to you to keep you happy. That Prius commercial, with the man saying, "Ba, buh, buh Ba buh, buh buh..." I sang it to you over and over, and your little nubby would wiggle and you would give me a kiss. Was it to kindly tell me to shut up? Or was it because you knew how much I love you? I hear that commercial now, and I burst into tears.

Willie and his Mommy did a special tribute to you.... so very sweet. It touched my heart beyond words.

We had special times, you and I. A bond that will never, ever break. I miss you, my heart. I know, one day, I'll have you back in my arms again.

I love you, son. I always will.

Tagged by Otto

I was TAGGED by my amazing friend, Otto!

Seems like a new game of tag is going around! This one’s a little bit different so pay attention. BOL Don't forget to send a pawmail or a rosette to let your fur fiends know you've Tagged them and that they can find the rules in your Diary.


Name 4 jobs that you have:

1. I ate the bottom of the romaine lettuce heads for Mom.

2. I protected my family, and never EVER let anyone follow any of them by putting myself between the stranger, no matter how much pain I was in.

3. I barked my fool head off until the left.

4. I made sure they knew what time it was. Be it tea time, Breakfast, Dinner or time for DADDY to come home!



Name 4 places you have lived at (or stayed at):

1. With a rancher, we think. The abandoned me, so I don't give them a second thought.

2. At Uncle Paul's house while I was de-flea'd and dewormed before I came home.

3. With my Mommy and Daddy in Atwater, CA

4. In the hospital at UC Davis in California... tooo many times!



Name 4 places that you have been:

1. Marina Dunes, CA

2. Pismo Beach, CA

3. Dodge Ridge Ski area!, CA

4. UC Davis... cwap! AGAIN!!!



Name 4 places you'd rather be:

1. Home, in my Mommy's arms, kissing her tears away, and eating her tissue, so she can't cry any more.

2. In my Daddy's truck, sitting next to him, navigating for him.

3. At the beach. ANY Beach!

4. Chasing sompin's!!



Thank you Otto, for remembering me, and tagging me. I will love you, furever!

Love came in a box....

Yesterday, Mom & Dad made the decision to promise Mickey & Bernadette to make new memories for them, and still honor my memory.

So they went to my favorite place, Monterey! It was very windy there, on account of my wings. I was right there with them, all day! You can read the Roo Crew diary to get a play by play.

When they got home, it was late. Then, Mom got Baby Cat in for the night, and found a box on the front porch. It was from Sassy's Mommy, Sally. She opened the box, and it was full of Wally's favorite toy! Packing Popcorns! BOL!

While Wally was in the box, she found another box inside, and a couple of envelopes! In one envelope as a heart-shaped magnet with my photo it in! Mommy immediately kissed it and put it on the fridge. She has kissed it over and over since. It was made by Maria & Sara NPC.
Then, Ms. Sassy sent Mom a photo of every pup that sent love to me, through her. There were some photos that Tinkerbell made of me with my brothers, Kody & Griz, up in heaven. They were beyond beautiful. Mom wishes she could put them on my webpage...

See, Sassy put a diary entry asking for help giving me this gift. In the inner box is a photo/memorial album, for Mom to put all these photos in. And there was one more envelope. She opened it, and inside was a sympathy card. Now, this card was signed by Sassy's Mom, with a sentiment in it so kind and tender, Mom had to have Daddy read it for her. And, inside the card was a gift beyond imagination. How? Why? Is this real?
Words just seem so minimal to say "thank you" to those who have given so much to our family when all we ever wanted was prayers. Prayers which were given so freely and so often.

I love you all... now and forever.
Sammy

I just read a diary entry from my friend, MIA. She is a good friend, and her entry touched my heart. Please, if you can, send her love...

I miss you, my son....

Sweet Sammy,

Friday was beyond difficult. I didn't expect it. I cried, non-stop, all day. I kissed your photos, and went to your grave, and just had a total break down. It was as if it really, really sunk in. Maybe my mind was trying to be fooled, thinking you were in the hospital, and while I was very sad, I think, on some level, I expected you to come home. So did Mickey.

On Friday... My world crumbled under me, all over again. I'm still not on firm ground. I trudge through the day, as if I'm walking hip deep in the ocean surf. Feeling the pull of the water, but still trying to move forward. All the while, I feel like I just want to swim out into that blue, and just go. But I have Mickey & Bernie to take care of. So, I keep moving... keep moving forward.

I know you understand this. Yes, there are moments of laughter, but it is almost forced. There are moments I forget you are is gone. But then it floods back.... hard.

Life goes on, dear boy. But right now, right this moment, I would give my life to be with you again. Whole and complete. But I know, if I did that, I would never be with you. And I would abandon your brother and sister. That would not be fair. So, I live on, to honor you and your memory. I will live the rest of my life to honor you. I love you, Sammy. Now and forever...

One week.....

Today marks one week since I left Mom & Dad.

The gamut of emotions Mom is feeling is overwhelming. One moment, she forgets I'm gone and expects to hear me woof, the next she is crumbled on the floor in the Monkey Zone, crying, and the next, she feels some strange relief to know my pain has ended.

The wind has calmed at home. I have settled in to my place up at the bridge. Not only do I have my leg again, but I have the tail that was docked when I was only a few days old. It is beautiful and wags often.

The brook at the bridge is calm and deep enough for me to swim in. The water envelops me like a hug from my Mom I can no longer have. Peace reigns here. I am at peace.

Yesterday, Dad went to go pay my final bill. Dr. Klingborg came out and talked to Dad. He told Dad thanks for making the right decision for me, and for helping me go gently. He made a donation in my name, to UC Davis. How sweet is that? That Doctor always did right by me. He always had my best interests at heart.

I just got the prettiest garden stake for my grave from Muffin and her Mommy. It means the world to me. It is a pretty angel with a heart. On the heart, is my name and my year of birth and parting. Thank you, Muffin... I love you, dear, dear friend.

Lucy's Mom called my Mommy yesterday, too. How sweet is that? She is worried about my Mommy, while Mommy is worried about Lucy!

Sweet Angel Candy sent me this poem, to help Mom feel better. It is so very accurate.


I stood by your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,
You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly
as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,
I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times,
your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today,
Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house,
as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you,
I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired,
and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be,
so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty,
"I never went away."

You sat there very quietly,
then smiled, I think you knew,
in the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile
and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless,
I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you
to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you
and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you,
there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out.
Then come home to be with me.

Shooting Stars....

I sent Daddy a shooting star last night. He looked up at the sky, and saw it... I had to give Daddy a gift.

Please forgive me for not sending thanks sooner. I have to respond to over 300 messages of love... and Mom is having a hard time coming on. I know in time, it will be easier, but for now...

They come to the cemetery every day. They light candles, water my plant and flowers, and sit there and cry...

Mom is working on my epitaph. It is so hard to write for her. It has to say something to those who read it to let them know all about me.
One part of it is going to be, "MORE SPIRIT THAN HIS BODY COULD HANDLE"
That will be on the granite marker. But on the metal photo marker, she will put the special message to me. She did it for Kody, Grizzly & Astro.

I love you all, and please, don't forget me. I am right next to you now.

Making wind for my Mommy

Thank you, my friends, for running with me, and for all the lovely tributes you have written for me.

I am doing so much better! I can watch over Mom & Dad, and bark all I want, and no one plugs their ears! I am chasing squirrels (aka beeps) and digging like crazy for gophers (aka sompins) and just feeling sooooo good. I don't hurt! I really don't! I cuddle with Kody & Griz when I get tired, and I get all the food I want!

I'll let Mom type now:

Dearest friends,
How can I ever thank you for all the love you have given us. Now and as long as we have been on Dogster, we have felt like you are all family.
To Otto & Karen, thank you for the beautiful plant. It is on Sammy's grave.

Sassy, Sally & Jim, thank you for the beautiful flowers. I have them high up so Wally can't eat them. I smell them as I walk through the house, and feel the hug that was sent with them.

Dr. Klingborg, Sammy's primary care vet, sent him a beautiful arrangement too.

I have received cards from Rusty & Missy and their Mom Wendy, and one from the Brew City Pitties, and their Dad, Chad. And so many pawmails, emails, rosettes that I will do my best to respond to quickly.

I wanted to share one thing. The day Sammy made his journey something magical happened. We were driving away from the cemetery to go home to make arrangements for the funeral the next day when I looked up to the sun. It was a partly cloudy day, where you see the blue sky between the striations of clouds. I looked at the sun and I saw something I haven't seen in all my 42 years. There was a rainbow around the sun. Now maybe this is a normal phenomenon, but I felt it was a message.

His funeral was beautiful. Family came, and though it was small, it was right. He was buried with Kody & Griz's caskets touching his casket. It was a very hard day, but I do know he is free of pain.

Last night, to help Mickey & Bernadette feel a little better, we went for a long walk. We walked past a business that makes foam figures. David, Sammy's daddy, glanced toward the business as we walked past, and inside was a street sign. Now, mind you, this place doesn't make street signs. But Sammy wanted to get a message to his Daddy that he is with us always. The sign was TRIPOD Way. There is no Tripod Way in Merced County.... Tonight we will go by again to see if it is still there. If it is, we will try to take a photo of it.

My heart literally hurts. My arms ache to hold him. It is so quiet in the house. No one barks, no one howls, it feels empty in here. My right arm begs to have the weight of a belly strap in it. I know he doesn't hurt any more, and that is the only way I am getting through this.

In the past 8 years, I have had to bury 4 of my beloved. Too many. But each of them have taught me a lesson. I wouldn't do a thing different. I wouldn't trade a day of this pain to not have them in my life. If I didn't love them as much as I do, it wouldn't hurt this badly.

So, with that, I embrace this pain, knowing it is only temporary. I will begin to make my diary of happy thoughts. Like the fact he would get his hackles up and growl just to smell a skunk from a mile away... He hated skunks. So many memories. I hope to share them all with you. As he was YOUR Monkey Boy, too.

Thank you all for being Sammy's friends & family.

I am now an angel.... I can run again...

Dearest friends,
I tried... I really did. I had such a wonderful day yesterday. Sassy sent me a gift box and I did something I hadn't done in years. I romped! I did!

This morning I tried to get up to go out, and it hurt. I was able to, but came back in and took my pain meds. Then I started to cry. Oh friend, it hurt so bad. My back gave out. My entire body was shaking with pain. Mom tried to calm me and massage me, but every time I moved, I whined and cried.

We decided to go to the vet. This time, it wasn't going away like before. When we got there, I screamed in pain just to move. Dr. Klingborg looked at me, and Mom knew by the look in his eyes, it was time. They could have left me there with an IV of muscle relaxers, but it would happen again in another day or so... So he left them for a few minutes. Mom and Dad cried, and tried to talk to me, but I didn't want to look in their eyes. I was hurting too much. Mom asked if I wanted to go home, and I tried to get up, and SCREAMED like I did when my leg broke. They knew it was time. Dr. Klingborg gave me an IV catheter, and gave my my final medicine. As the fluid went into my body, it burned; I cried. Dr. Klingborg warned them this might happen. He stopped and waited for a few seconds, then continued... And I went in the loving arms of my father... while being kissed by my mother.

My funeral is tomorrow morning at 10 at the Franklin Pet Cemetery...

Daddy dug my grave himself. He is so lost without me. Mommy sat with my body even though my spirit was gone. Mickey & Bernadette were there, too. Mickey is very lost right now.... I'm worried about him.

I have such a pretty casket... and Otto, thank you so much for the beautiful plant. It was at the door when Mom & Dad came home.

This is so hard for me to be gone from Mom. She really doesn't know how she is going to go on.

Thank you all for the love you are sending. I don't hurt any more. I have all of my legs, and I'm playing with my brothers again!

In Loving Memory of Samuel Jacob Gonzalves . . .

Sweet Goodbye


You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So, looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see, in you, the magic, that will
Once more, make me whole
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done
For it’s the only way.
That strength is why I’ve followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years….
My partner ‘til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You’re giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.

So, one last time,
I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

Please, don’t despair my passing
For I won’t be far away.
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory, I’ll stay.
I’ll be there, watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories, I’ll run,
…. A young dog, once again.

In Loving Memory of Samuel Jacob (Monkey Boy) ... left in the arms of angels, Friday morning, April 4, 2008.

Love, Auntie Alison

I had a GREAT Birthday!

Thanks so much, you pups! You made my birthday just pawfect!

I had such a pawsome birthday! This morning, I woke up so happy! I rolled over and rubbed all over the bed, making my happy grunting sounds! Then I popped up and snuggled Daddy, got my tea, and then RAN (well, in true 3 legged Monkey style) down to go out! Dragged Mommy the entire way!

I really did well!

Mom has lots of work to help me thank everypup for my pretties! Sassy sent me ZEALIES for a present! How sweet is that?

My Sadie Lee threw a heck of a birthday bash for me! It was a super duper fun time!

Love you all!

Today is my birthday!!!

I'm 11! I made it! I'm 11!!!

How cool is that?

I'm having a resty day, but Daddy is coming home early and we are going to go to the cemetery to visit Kody, Grizzly & Astro's graves. Astro went to the bridge 4 years ago, tomorrow. Mommy needs to type her letter to Astro. Then we will send him the letter via air mail.

Does anyone know what it means if you have a tremor or constant twitch in your thigh? I have been having that for a long time, and it bugs me. I'll be laying there, resting, and my leg is twitching like I have a jumping bean in it!

I am so lucky to have so many pals. I have tried to thank everypup, but if I missed you, I am soooo sorry.

The love of my life, Sadie Lee, is throwing me a pawsome pawty, so I gotta go.

I love you all!

Happy Birthday to me! I made it!

One more day!

I pawmise, this is no April Fool Joke!

I'm going to turn 11 tomorrow!! I am so happy! For me, it is a huge accomplishment, because 15 months ago, I was told I might have to go to the bridge within months... or less.

But with all the love and devotion Mom & Dad have given me, I am making it!

Now, mind you, I am having a lot of pain, but I'm not ready to go.

Yesterday and Saturday, Daddy was out of town in the morning, so I was really mad at him. But yesterday, when he came home before noon, I didn't snap out of it. I was down all day. Mom was worried. My eyes didn't sparkle, and I just didn't want to do anything. I even refused my pumpkin meds at lunch!!! Maybe I had a tummy ache, but I did eat my kibbles in my post potty treat (5 kibbles in 1 cup of water). Maybe I had a headache?? Dunno, but after dinner I got better.

I'm kinda pouty this morning, too... but I'm going to go lay in the sun. I gotta rest up for the pawty tomorrow!! Yipee!!!

Love you all!
Sammers

UPDATE:

O.k. I must be doing better, 'cause I just took Mom for a toodle all around the back yard! My back leg kinda gave at a couple of points, but we were in the way back of the yard, and there are these mean pods from the eucalyptus tree that might have hurt my paw.
Mommy is happy I'm feeling better. Must be all those birthday wishes I keep feeling from my pals!

I hurt myself....

When Mommy & Daddy talk loud to each other, I get so worked up, I hurt myself.

Do you do that?

Mom & Dad aren't allowed to have an argument. I just won't have it. Grizzly was the same way, and when he passed, I took over that job.

Last night, they were talking loud to each other, and I jumped up on Mommy, and tried to kiss her. I barked, and spun, and did whatever I could to get her attention. I know it wasn't fair, as Mommy has the right to be angry sometimes, but just not around me. Problem is: She is never not around me.

So, today, I am moving very slowly. My eyes are not sparkling, even though Mommy apologized to me, and she and Dad made up. Mom is going to give me extra pain medicine today. She is giving me more heat packs, and massaged me almost all night.

I didn't need this. I guess I never do, though, do I?

Please, say a prayer for my friend, ,Lucy. She is having her remaining eye removed today. It will help her with pain, but still, we pray the surgery is easy, and she pops back to being our Lucy, quickly.


Please forgive us if we haven't responded to any rosettes or pawmails. We are working on it.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

21 years! AND MORE!

Today is Mommy & Daddy's 21st wedding anniversary! I wish they could go out and have a nice dinner, but they won't.

But they will be getting some great take-out, and watching a nice movie. Something about puppies, probably! BOL!

Thanks to everypup that has sent them a anniversary wish! You are all so sweet!

Now, you all have to know that my very good pal, Muffin, is going to turn 11 on March 29! Please, please, please, drop by her page and give her extra love! See, both she and I were told we would never make it this long! Phooey on those humans, huh?! Three cheers for Muffin! Hip, hip, hurray!! Hip, hip, hurray!! Hip, hip, hurray!! Yay, Muffin!!!

Love you!

Slightly better today... Buggy bad.

Hi, everypup!

Well, I'm just a little better today. My eyes are sparkling more, but I'm still having a hard time moving about. But that's o.k. I'll persevere like always. I'm too stubborn to not be ok. One of my pals, Elvis, suggested I go to the vet about everyone smelling my paw. He said his Mom had a pup with the same kind of thing and it ended up being the big "C" word. He was so sweet to write to me and worry. But if it is cancer, I can't have any real treatment, as I am already on my "last legs"! BOL! If it gets worse, we'll go to the vet to get stronger pain meds.

But my poor Buggy brother, Mickey, has a really bad tummy ache again. He keeps stretching out, and doesn't want to curl up like he usually does. He was outside for a long time yesterday and ate too many old almonds. His poop is full of undigested almond pieces. I know he'll be o.k. but this morning, he kinda whined/whimpered while trying to get comfortable. Mom checked his tummy for any kind of hardness or lumps, but he was o.k. She gently massaged it, and it seemed to help a lot.
He ate his breakfast like he hadn't eaten in a week!

Mom has cut back our Dogster time to one hour a day, and in that time we try to catch up on everything.

Love you all!
Sammy

Lucy... Poor Lucy

My very good friend, Lucy, has been a very brave Basset Hound.
December 14th, she was diagnosed with glaucoma, then, just before Christmas, she lost her right eye to glaucoma. She was doing pretty well, but every so often her remaining eye would spike in pressure. She was scheduled to have a laser surgery to help with this problem, but God had other plans. On Saturday, the pressure in her eye spiked, and she immediately went completely blind. I just can't imagine. I know she felt pain with that spike, and then to see only darkness. It makes me so sad to know she will never again see a bird fly, never see another butterfly flit by her nose, nor will she see the love before her. But I do know, she will smell it all with that wonderful nose of hers, and hear everything with those huge ears. I know that sight, for a basset is the last sense they use. But I'm still sad for her and her Mommy.

Mom found a poem for her...


Poem about a Blind Dog
by Sherrill Wardrip

I cannot see you Mommy, when you cuddle me so near.
And yet I know you love me, it's in the words I hear.
I cannot see you Daddy, when you hold me by your side
But still I know you love me when you tell me so with pride.

I cannot see to run and play out in the sun so bright
For here inside my tiny head it's always dark as night.
I cannot see the treats you give when I am extra good
But I can wag my tail in Thanks just like a good dog should.

"She cannot see. The dogs no good" is what some folks might say
"She can't be trained, she'll never learn She must be put away."
But not you, Mom and Daddy You know that it's all right
Because I love you just as much as any dog with sight.

You took me in, you gave me love and we will never part
Because I'm blind with just my eyes, I see you in my heart.


Please, send love to my pal, Lucy.

Sammy

Do my feet stink?

Dang, am I tired of hurting. You know, today is Friday, and I'm due to have a big weekend with Dad. But they are forecasting rain tonight & Saturday...

So, all of the fur-faces, both dogs and cats, in the house are taking turns sniffing my left paw. Front one, of course. The back one is long gone. Wally, the rotten cat, has been the most persistent about it. He sniffs, and wrinkles his nose, and makes this funny face when he is doing it. Mom shoes him off. It has been happening for about a week, so it isn't something on my foot, we don't think. Mom rubs my paw/leg, and I don't react. In fact, I close my eyes, and relax. Mom was worried the plate in my wrist may be getting infected. But that would cause pain, and fever. I don't have a fever, and although I'm limping profoundly, wiggling my toes, firmly manipulating my entire leg doesn't cause me any real pain. In fact, if Mom does the same thing to my right paw, I pull it away and try to get up. So, why are they smelling it?
Does it stink?

More of the monkey saga next week.

Love to you all...
Sammy

First I was half-fast, and now I'm Rice Crispies???

Hi, my pals!

It's a little rainy today, so my bones are feelin' it, and my back is making a lot of noise. So much, Mommy is singing that jingle to me! Snap, crackle, pop! Rice Crispies!!

Does that mean I get some?? NO! Nuttin'! I get nuttin'!

I didn't let Mom exercise today, cause I just didn't wanna lay in the bedroom that long. Tonight we are going to Costco to get food, but of course, NONE for me! Doggone it! I love my car rides. Gives me a reason to get up in the morning, you know? We are going to take back those rawhide Retriever Rolls we got from there since it messed my system up so much. Mickey & Bernie-duck has soft poos, too. Must be the richness of them?

Tax time is here, and they have to pay the stupid government! Mom doesn't understand why she can't write off my medical bills! I mean, I am her son! But ol' Uncle Sam said, "nope".

Now, I wonder if any other pup has this:
When I hurt or am stressed, the lids around my eyes goes from pink to deep red. That is one way Mom knows when I'm not doing well. It goes away while I'm resting, so we know it isn't allergies. It is REALLY bad when I go to the vet. Then my nose gets really red, too.

Anywho, love you all!
Hugs and cuddles,
Sam

Runs....

Hi, puppers and other readers!

What a glorious day it was yesterday. I did a "walk" around the back yard yesterday, but I had to stop every 20 feet or so, lay down and rest for a while. I enjoyed it! The blossoms on the almond trees are falling apart, and the petals falling around me like snow. Light pink snow...

I had terrible runs yesterday. I chewed a retriever roll from Costco after Daddy tore it apart for me. Then it tore me apart. I'm doing better this morning, thank goodness. So, my insides are back to NORMAL! wheeehoooo!

Mom is making her happy sounds for me, trying to be sure to keep up my spirit. It works so well. Between the sunshine, the warmth, Mom singing to me and making happy sounds, and my evening rides in the car during the day light, my spirit is bright and shining, even if my stupid body isn't!

You pups are just the best sending me love. I love you all sooo much!

Very bad days....

Mommy is trying to not worry, cause I know I have my good days and my bad ones. But the past days have been painful for me. We know my back is hurting, but I just popped my right wrist. I was trying to move, and Dad thought I was trying to lay down. My wrist made a loud popping sound and I kinda fell over. I didn't yelp, and I am using it, but very gingerly. None of my limbs are swollen, so that is good.

When it was my medicine time, I didn't even lift my head to take my pills. Mommy is sad, and VERY worried.

My eyes are showing some of my pain now. I know it isn't as bad as I've been, and Mom sure prays this is one of those bad days I'll get over.

Please understand if I don't get on Dogster for a few days. I'll try to update my diary. I just need to rest, I think.

Love to you all...

Sammy

Poppin'

Take a pillow. Any pillow. Now flick it with your finger.

Hear that sound? That is what my back sounds like when it pops. AND OOO, boy is it poppin'. Mommy jokes that she thinks I'll start poopin' Jiffy Pop popcorn soon!

Other than that, I'm doing o.k. Limping still, but that isn't stopping me from having a good morning!

Mom has been sitting with me in the back yard. But the almond blossoms are really getting to her. See, when you live in Merced County, if you don't have allergies when you come, don't worry... you'll get them!

Bernadette & Mickey have been playing quite a bit lately, and I sure want to join in!

OH! I forgot to bark, yesterday we were in the back, laying on an old blanket when I looked towards the fence, and there, on top, was a rotten old BEEP! (aka: Squirrel) I jumped up and started running off, to kill it. Mom, and her old body, tried to get up quickly to catch me, but NOPE! Good thing I listen pretty good, 'cause she yelled, "Sammy, NO!" and I stopped. Begrudgingly, but I did stop.

I coulda probably killed that darned Beep. I have in my younger days, you know.

Love and light to you all!

Sammers

Goathead weeds!

OUCH!!! I stepped on Goatheads yesterday!

We were doing our Sunday car ride. Mom & Dad drive around subdivisions nearby, looking at all the empty houses in foreclosure. It is so sad to see how many people have lost their homes. Our area is one of the top 3 cities in the country in foreclosure. Our community is empty. So sad.

Well, Mom & Dad just look at those houses and thank God. "There, but for the Grace of God, go I" is a favorite saying here at home.

So, we were driving and driving, and I had to pee!! So I got really agitated, and demanded to go. They stopped at a beautiful house, but they had let the weeds take over. So, I got these horrible thorns called goatheads or puncture vines, in EACH of my paws! OUCH! They got them out immediately, but my feets still hurt. Bernie-Roo got them in one of her paws, and she is limping a little. Mom got out the flashlight and tweezers, but there isn't anything in there... just a puncture wound.

Today is a "resty day". Daddy works until late tonight, so it's my day to rest. It is going to be gorgeous here today. The weather man expects near 70 degrees today! WOW!

Enjoy life, cause tomorrow is not promised. Kiss your loved ones often.

Fwippies!

Oh, am I paying for the "fwippies" I did when Mom got home. I call them Fwippies, because my good friend, Rudy Patudy, would call them that. I surely don't flip, but I wiggle all over the place, and with only one leg, I often fall over. When I catch myself, I often pull muscles in all my legs, and of course, my back.

Well, I did sooo many fwippies when Mommy got home, now I'm paying for it.

I'm super happy, and I have ALMOST made it through February without breaking anything... only 2 more days! Yipee!

I am taking my Robaxin almost every day. It sure does help me. I only take one dose a day, not the 3 a day I was prescribed.

Mom just emailed Dr. K to see if I can keep going on the Robaxin this way. I sure hope so. I like feeling good!

Hugs to you all!

My back, and Mom's back home!

Well, Mommy is back from her visit to Auntie Alison's. She had a great time, and we got our Daddy 100%, but oh, boy! Am I feeling it!

When Mom got home, I wiggled myself into a frenzy. Now my back is popping really bad, and I can't get comfortable.

But don't you worry. My eyes are still sparkling, and I'm still smiling, so Mom knows this is just temporary.

Please, say a prayer for my tripod pal, Lucky. She lost her leg in her fight against cancer, but it has taken over her lungs. Her Mommy posted that she will probably be taking her final journey to the bridge today. I am very sad. We were tripods about the same time. She did sooooo well. I never expected to lose my friend. I am very sad about that.

Also, my good friend, Bonnie Blue has taken her final journey to the bridge. She was lucky enough to have been found by a wonderful family, but her leaving still saddens me.

Well, I have to rest today.

Sending love and light to you!

Sammers

Mom is gonna abandon me tonight!

This morning, we got a late start. I didn't get my pain meds until 6:37 am, so I'm moving rather slowly. If I don't limber up in the next 30 minutes, Mom is gonna give me my Robaxin.

Then she decides she is going to leave to Auntie Alison's TONIGHT until Sunday! This is a HUGE test for Daddy. He has to be just a Daddy this weekend. No being a gardener, no being a taxidermist, no being a housewife! All he is allowed to do is be a Daddy (take care of us fur-faces), a cook for himself and us, and once a day he can be a litterbox cleaner. Oh, and he can be a pharmacist for me!

Its rainy today. Maybe that has something to do with my owies?

Oh, can I ask for a prayer in advance? On March 4, my good pal, Lucy, is having laser surgery on her only eye. Her Mommy is really scared, understandably. If you could reserve some prayers for her on that date, and if you don't mind, the days before, that would be pawsome! She has to have a tiny hole put in her eye, to help her be able to stabilize the pressure from the glaucoma. She sure is a sweet doggie!

Love to you all! I won't update my diary until Monday, so please don't worry!

Hugs to you all!
Sammers

Half Fast???

Today, I was laying there, minding my own business. Mom came over and started loving on me. She was rubbing my back, then my right hip, then my butt ( I LOVE my butt rubbed). She started laughing.

Now why was she laughing?? I don't know! I was laying down, totally still... but she started saying I was "HALF FAST"?? I know I've slowed down, but Half Fast? Whaaaa???

She giggled saying that since I lost my leg, my butt looks like I only have half of my back end... so does she mean something else???

*Gasp*!!

Naw, I bet she meant I'm just Half Fast.
;-)

Not my Arthur!!!

I typed the below post before I knew that my best bully buddy, Arthur, suddenly passed to the bridge yesterday. I am beyond sad. Please understand I didn't know when I typed the below.


After a wonderful weekend, and showing Mom that I'm still Sammy, through and through, and even though I'm hurting, this dog is not ready to go anywhere!

My spirit is full, intact, and probably more complete than it was before I got my hip replaced. My body is older than my spirit, but it won't stop me.

Mom said several times, that if I could have my last day as good as this weekend was, I will be going to the bridge one happy pup!

Of course, I'm sore, and moving slow (Daddy went to work, so I have to pout) but you know, I'll take it!

Yesterday, while laying outside, we saw one of our almond trees had it's first blossom. You know spring is coming when you see that! That is probably one reason I'm doing so much better! It was 66 degrees yesterday! Today they say it will rain, but not so cold.

I can't thank my pals enough for praying for me, lighting candles, and just reading my diary. Thank you all sooooo much!

So, that was my post from first thing this morning. I don't know what to say to make losing Arthur and Gracie Jane right. I don't think its possible. But I know that my bully buddy left on his own terms. His Mommy came home from work, and he ate, took some deep long breaths, and told his Mommy it was time. She called his Daddy, to say they had to go to ER to save Arthur, but Arthur had his own idea. True Bully to the end, he chose how, when and were he would take his final journey. Rather than be in a cold vet clinic, he chose to be on his bed, with his beloved Mommy and take his last breath. Graceful and just like him, he left on his own terms. He lived that way, and died that way. May we all be able to do the same. Go with our loved one with us, surrounded by love.
Godspeed, Arthur.

Another GREAT day!

Well, pups! I did it! I had a great day, with the next day not being horrible!!!

Daddy is off today, because of President's Day, so I got to do lots of stuff! I was laying in my big bed out front, watching both Mom & Dad work in the yard! Mom hasn't been able to do that for over a year!!! We used to spend every weekend in the yard, pruning and weeding, and I would lay there and supervise.

Yesterday, not only did I got to Ms. Nancy's, I also went to the cemetery!!! I love going there! It is like a huge dog park, with lots of things to pee on. Mom worries, because there are vases that are empty and laying in the cement headstones. But I did really well, with Mom's help. I laid down on a towel and watched them clean up Kody, Grizzly & Astro's graves, putting new silk flowers out, and lighting a new candle. It was so great! I went on several walks out front, and bopped away from Mom without my belly strap a few times! BOL! She ran after me, but off I bopped!! Like a REAL Tripod!! I did it a few times, today, too! Not as gracefully, but still pretty quick!

Anyway, today we went to Foster Freeze and got an ice cream cone! We always think of Little Bit when we have them! Kody was a great ice cream cone eater! He would pretend he was going to lick it, and like some kind of alien, he would all of a sudden have these teeth all in the cone! He once ate a small cone in one bite! AND he didn't even have a brain-freeze! I wonder if Little Bit got brain freeze?? I bet at the bridge she gets all she wants now!

We heard wonderful news! Our pal, Precious, is doing sooo much better!! We are beyond thrilled!
Stryker is home with Auntie Alison, and is doing really well, too!

All in all, a GREAT day! A Fabulous weekend!!! Mom is smiling too big. Hurts her old face! I hope it doesn't crack! BOL!

Daytona & Tummy!!

Daytona starts in 20 minutes!! Waahooo! Big time NASCAR fans in this house!

This morning, I decided I felt good... so I went for a walk over to Nancy's house (with Daddy holding the belly strap)! YIPEE!
I went into their house and saw Phantom. We call him Tummy. Tummy is part of our pack. He lived with us for a while and when his sister died, he stayed with us a lot to relieve the grief. He followed us home again!!! He stayed for a little while, and we were all so happy to have our Tummy home again!

I am super tired, but happy! YIPEE! I am having a happy Sunday!

A very sad day.... Gracie Jane is gone...

It should have been a happy day... My book came. It is a book of stories about tripawds, and I'm in it. Mom was excited when the UPS guy came and left it on the porch. Then we went out back to lay in the winter sun. It was so warm and nice. Even though my back is giving me pain, I'm so happy... and then we come in, Mom gets on Dogster and our day goes from happy and bright to filled with tragedy.

Yesterday, we were shocked. Our friend, Gracie Jane passed to the bridge. She was so tiny, and fairly young! Only 9 years old. Her trachea collapsed. Her parents tried to save her, but she would have had to live the rest of her life in an oxygen tent, and a little social butterfly like Gracie Jane would have never been happy with that.

We are so sad, and sorry for her family. It feels impossible she is gone. When we go to her page, we hear her song, "Amazing Grace", and Mom can't see the screen for the tears that just pour out of her face.

So many of our friends have changed their main photo to her tiny face. Our favorite photo of her is when she is looking at the camera and saying, "Mornin' Momma!"

We can't imagine the pain her family is in. She wasn't supposed to go. There was no warning. No clue. Her Mom wrote a post, telling us to appreciate our pups, and go and cuddle. Good advise.
So, for a few days, we are going to log off Dogster, and thank God for the days we do have with our family. We have to live TODAY. Not yesterday, cause we can't change that. Not tomorrow, because no one promised us tomorrow. But TODAY. All we have.

While we didn't know Gracie Jane very well, that didn't mean we didn't love her.

Please, love your pets, no matter the age, or species. Love them as if today is all you have.

I was the anonymous Monkey Kisser

Yes... I admit it. I was the anonymous Monkey Kisser!

Monkey Kiss

If you saw this feller in a rosette, it was me. BOL! I added a little message to this picture... but yup! It was me! :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!


Today, I'm agitated. I have been barking and carrying on. Mom doesn't know what I want, other than to be allowed to lay at the "snack bar" and be fed almonds.

It is really windy and cool here today. We have several almond trees in the back yard, and Mickey goes out there all the time and runs to the "snack bar". That's what we call it, 'cause the trees still have nuts on them, and the wind is knocking them off. We lay under there, when we can. Mom "harvests" the nuts, and takes them to a rock and cracks them for me. Mickey is great at cracking them all by himself. He never eats any shell, but he leaves all these shells all over the snack bar that hurt my paws. Mommy gets mad at him.
Anyway, I have been insisting on sitting out there and be fed almonds like some kind of Greek God! BOL!

Unfortunately, it is too cold, and my legs are hurting. I'm walking like I have an almond shell stuck between my toes (even though I don't).

Mom gave me another of the muscle relaxants today. My heart rate has been just fine. From a low of 70 to a high of 84... nothing like it was last week. So, the vets were right. It must have been pain. Mom didn't even know I was in that much pain!

So, the good news is: I have my spirit and my smile back. The bad news is, I'm still hurting and worrying Mom. When I get agitated, I'm on my way to hurting myself worse.

Just got in from a good almond fest, and I'm upside down in my little bed, pleased as punch with myself.

BOL! I love it when I get my way! Mom & Dad have made sure I am being indulged. We don't want me to be sad, right?!

Stryker, Auntie Alison's kitty, is still in the hospital. They are waiting for the biopsy results before she can come home. THey hope that will be tomorrow. She ate a little, and is getting snitty with the staff, so we know she is feeling better! BOL!

Precious Michelle is home from the hospital, too! She is starting to eat, and even though she is doing a Stevie Wonder impersonation, we just know she is gonna make it! Keep eating, Precious! We love you!

A very special message. To Sadie Lee.... I love you, sweetheart. Happy V day to you, my love.

Wally & Cousin Stryker

As you may know, my Auntie Alison's kitty, Stryker, is in the hospital. She is hooked up to an IV, because she was dehydrated. She has been having vomiting for quite some time, and so they are finally going to do an endoscopy. Hopefully they will figure out what is going on with her. Please, say a prayer for her. Auntie called Mom and was in tears. She hates seeing her in pain. She had just come home from visiting her at the vet. While she was there, Alison was brushing her, and Stryker seemed to be enjoying it, but within a few minutes she started heaving and vomiting. Soon, she began growling/groaning in discomfort. They gave her some reglan(spelling?) for the tummy, but they said it would take an hour to take effect. Poor Stryker. She is only 12. I know most kitties have the most problems at that age. Seems if they get past that, they live a long time. I hope she can survive.


Wally... well, Wally was being a whining Wally, so Mom put a figure 8 harness on him, attached a light weight retractable leash to it, and took him out back for Daddy to take care of while she was cooking. About 15 minutes later, Mom saw Wally running like a wild cat in front of Dad! The leash was chasing him! Daddy was laughing, and didn't think much of it, until he thought about Wally trying to jump the fence with that attached! He got up to get him, but Sammy (who was laying down in his big bed outside, enjoying the warm day) got up to help. Daddy knows Sammy has to take precedence. So, Mom RAN out, and found Wally. The leash was wrapped around the base of a privet tree. He was panting, his eyes very wide. He was panicked! Mom took the leash off, and picked him up, took him to the house, and cleaned his feet. He was filthy. Then Mom put him down, and he wouldn't use his right front leg! OH CWAP! NOW WHAT??

Mom started lecturing Dad! Why did you not just hold onto the leash? Why wouldn't he just do that??? Poor Wally!

Mom touched his wrist, and he did a whining growl. He was hurting. Mom had some pain meds Dr. Klingborg gave us for him, and had 3 doses left over, so she shot it in his mouth, and kept an eye on him. He rested, and when he woke up, he tried to walk, but didn't want to put much weight on it. Darned it, DADDY!

Well, super long story not quite as long, he is o.k. today. When, oh when will Daddy learn??


I just got up out of my little bed, and tried to get up on the sofa. Mom told me off. She said the word I hate! NO! Phooey!

We continue to pray for Precious Michelle. If you would, please light a candle for my friend.

Thank you all!
Sammers

I got a Rosette from MUFFIN

Diary Pick of the DAY??

OMD! I just got an email from HQ, saying my diary was picked for the day! How pawsome is that?

Well, Mom got a call from the TRIPAWDs website lady, and they have included me in their book about tripawds! There is going to be a story about me and pictures! I'm going to be even MORE famous! BOL!
If any of you are interested in buying a copy, I'll tell you how to get one. ;-)

I had a REALLY good day yesterday! Even though I was hurting like a big dog, it was fun. But, true to form, I over did it. It was a glorious day here, so I was in the sunshine, enjoying it.... Ah, how I love my sunshine! Mommy is starting to call me her Son-shine! BOL!

We went on several rides in the car, too! One was for almost 2 hours. I got treats, and barked at people with dogs! What fun!! My back is still crackling like some kind of paper sack, but my eyes are bright, and my smile is there!

Auntie Alison's kitty, Stryker, is in the hospital again. She just can't stop vomiting. Poor thing. She ended up dehydrated, so she had to stay there. We are waiting to find out why she is so sick. They did tests back in November, when she was hospitalized for the same thing, but they didn't find anything conclusive. Since she was better, they let her go home, thinking it had passed. Poor little kitty. She is only 12 years old.

I'm still praying for my good pal, Precious Michelle. She is very ill, and Mom is really worried. She isn't eating. If she doesn't eat, she can't survive. This is what she says about her illness:
She doesn't have a stomach tube, but she has an IV, anti-nausea shot, steroid shot, and antibiotics. They were not going to try to feed her until tomorrow because she has been through so much, and they want her calm for her heart.
They took x-rays, but the tech had not looked at them yet. They said she was taking it all quite well, and seemed comfortable. We can go see her, but we all agree that's a no-no. They don't want her riled, and she would be hysterical if she saw us, and we did not take her. We have not been out of her sight at all since this started.
One of us is with her at all times. How spoiled do you think she will be?? I feel better that they are actually calling me and keeping me updated, and she is taking it well.
____________________________________________________
Gig (Precious' Mommy) is drained and now has the chance to cut loose with her tears and emotions. She held back while Precious was home in order not to stress her. She sends her deepest love and gratitude to you all for caring as you do. I am living proof of the Power of the Paw does work so don't give up because we aren't. Thank you all from deep within my heart and theirs.

Then, the latest update I have:

Precious must be feeling the outpouring of love. The vet said she was some better this morning, a bit more alert, and a little more color.
Her anemia count is coming down more every day. It was 34 Thursday, 31 Friday, and 25 today. They are adjusting her meds to help this.

The doc said the good thing was it was regenerative, which means her body is trying to help itself. They were getting ready to try to give her food, and I'll call them in another hour or so, and see if she held food down.

The vet commented that she actually had more hope for recovery today than she did yesterday. She still cannot stand, but she can walk better. I guess the standing must make her more dizzy than moving.

I feel so bad that Precious is riding this roller-coaster, and there is nothing more we, as her parents, can do. One minute I feel Precious is such a strong little girl that this will not beat her, and the next minute I'm telling myself that we have to accept what the Lord gives us. He may have given us Precious for 8 years, I don't know. But at this moment I feel she will fight with everything she has to stay with us!! Thank you for all your love, we really appreciate it.

Any love you can send her way is appreciated.

I love you all! Thanks for reading my diary!

Hugs and cuddles,
Sammers

UPDATE!

Please, pray for my good friend, Raven, too.
This is what her Mommy wrote:

Raven's mom here.

Raven was in an accident and had a "mid-shaft humoral fracture". It happened Saturday afternoon. We took her to our local emergency vet, where she was made comfortable, and we had to drive her 4 hours South to an emergency clinic with an orthopedic surgeon. Apparently, having a broken arm that needs *plates* put in is not considered an emergency because her life isn't in danger!!!!

First we were told that she'd have surgery first thing Monday. Then we got a call an hour later saying that it wouldn't happen until TUESDAY!! That's almost 72 hours of being pumped full of nasty drugs because the surgeon is too lazy to do TWO surgeries on Monday instead of just one.

At least she is quite stable and appears to have her pain managed. I, however, could use some of that Diazepam they gave her for the drive down!


This sounds too much like what I went through last year. Please, send her love and prayers. Thank you!

Last night I scared Mom... again.

I had an o.k. morning yesterday. Not great, but not bad.

After lunch, I was stiff, and was laying on the bed while Mom exercised and showered. Then we went to the living room to get on Dogster while Mom's hair air dried. Auntie Alison called, so Mom went up to the bathroom to curl her hair while I slept in my little bed.

Well, she put Auntie on speaker phone, which is fine, but Auntie started squealing saying hello to her Shelby dog, and I heard it. Mom & Auntie sound very similar, and I thought it was Mom squealing, so I got out of my bed to go up there. I was kinda in a panic, and rushed to get up there. Mickey and Bernadette knocked me around a bit, getting by me, and by the time I got to Mom, I was barely able to hold myself up. Mom hung up on Auntie, and got me back down to my bed. My back was crackling so bad! From my shoulders to the middle of my waist, it was like there was a paper bag under my skin. Mom knew it was my back. She decided it was early enough in the day to try my new muscle relaxant Dr. Klingborg gave me. So, she got out the Robaxin and gave me the dosage. It was about 3:30 or 4. She watched me like a hawk and got out the stethoscope to keep an eye on my heart rate to make sure it didn't sedate me too much. I was doing MUCH better! I was resting, but not out of it. When Daddy finally came home, I went out back, and did my "thing". I wasn't lumbering like a bear!

By 7:30, Daddy said it would probably be time to give me my Tramadol, which I usually take at 6:00. Mommy was waiting, cause she didn't want me to be too drugged, and wanted to see how I did on the new meds alone.

I went out at 8, and did really well! Growled and barked at the smell of a skunk, and came in to get my treats. At 8:15, Mom decided to check my heart rate. Not sure if she is glad she did or not. It was over 140 beats per minute!! OMD! I was laying down, almost asleep, but I was breathing rapidly. Oh, what had she done??

She hadn't had one of these "Oh, CWAP" (love you Rudy Patudy) moments in a long time! Not since I had my leg amputated. She checked the heartrate again, 15 minutes later. It was too fast to count. She called the emergency vet to see if this was a normal side effect?? They put Mom on hold to talk to the vet. She talked to them about all the meds I am on, and they said it is probably from pain. The meds would do the opposite.

So, Mom tried to calm down. She listened to my heart every 10 minutes and it began to go down, very slowly. When it got down to 100 bpm, Mom felt better.

We still aren't sure why it got so high. This morning, I'm doing GREAT!! Mom isn't going to give me that drug. She is scared the pharmacist gave me the wrong medication. She will call her vet later today to bug him, too! BOL!

Please continue to pray for Precious Michelle. She has got to eat, or she won't make it! She is in the hospital now, and it is very grave.

UPDATE:
As of 12:45 pm today, my heart rate is 58 beats per minute. I'm resting, and I came in 15 minutes ago from a trip around the back yard. Hmm... I don't get it. Why did it go so high last night? Oh, well.

Praying for Precious!

Me and Daddy hurt

Yesterday in the late morning, I scared Mom.

I was doing normally sore stuff. I decided I wanted to go walk-about in the back yard, but something happened.

I was as far away from the house as possible, and my back leg decided it was done. My paw knuckled and it started to collapse. My back end was trying to "lay down" but Mom had my belly strap, so I couldn't. I was in the shade, so Mom encouraged me to move out of that area, into the sunshine. I did, and my leg moved, but it couldn't, or wouldn't, hold my weight. I laid in the sunshine, and Mom was kinda panicked. What happened?

After a few minutes of rest, I got up with her help, and got into the house. I had feeling in my paw, thank goodness, but my back leg just wasn't working right. My other legs were weak, too.

Nothing in my paws, so Mom just got a heat pack and put it on my back, thinking something was wrong with my spine. It was early, but she gave me my Previcox, and called Dad, to get his opinion. Should she give me the muscle relaxers? He said to use her best judgement. She didn't... she decided to wait and see if the Previcox helped, rather than fill me with meds. It did work. I was able to stand again, but even today, I'm weak.

Mom remembered, on Monday, Dad took me outside and I slipped. He caught me with the belly strap, but we think I pulled my groin muscle and probably my back too. To make things worse, Daddy really hurt himself. That same day, Monday, he was getting me wood, and he slipped and fell on his lower abdomen which hurt his back badly, and his intestines and ribs. He went to work anyway, using a heat pack, capsasin, and it did help, but by lunch he decided he needed some medicinal help. He took his pain meds he has for his bum knee... but he rarely takes it... and it made him REALLY sick.

So, it was Bernie's birthday yesterday, but Daddy wasn't up to giving her the love. Even my precious car ride was cut short so he could stop on the way...if you know what I mean. :-(

Today, I ask for your prayers for my friend, Precious Michelle. The vets say she is in the first stage of heart failure, but now she is on hunger strike. Her Mommy is so very worried about her, and so are we.

Our bully buddy, Arthur is doing a little better, and wants to thank every pup for the prayers! I told him to believe in the power of the paw!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

UPDATE!:

I just saw my walking in a cart video is a top rated video!! BOL! WOW!!! Thanks! Too bad I refuse to use it! *snickers* I have those humans wrapped around my paw!

One year.....

Today marks the calendar year since I broke my femur and was rushed to emergency then to UC Davis to try to save my leg. But we celebrated my rebirthday yesterday because it was during the Superbowl that my leg broke.

It was a weird day. Mom & Dad were treating me like blown glass, not just regular glass, like normal. Mom was so stressed she ended up getting sick with a fever. Daddy went to the ranch to get some firewood, and slipped on the wet wood, and hurt his back, so they were both down yesterday. Probably for the better, since they weren’t going to let me do anything, anyway.

Today is Daddy’s 42nd birthday! But he has to work all day, and even through lunch. And tonight, instead of coming home, he is going to dinner with his Mommy & Daddy. He looked so handsome going to work this morning.

I did a few long walks in the back yard. I’ve stopped my maniacal eating of grass, so that is good. The muscles in my back leg seem strong. But the muscles in my shoulder, especially on my left shoulder, are atrophying. Not much we can do about it. I’m still strong enough to keep myself moving.

Oh! I won a contest! Sharna, my friend, had a contest up in the Plus Fun forum. It was called “Cuddle Pup 08” and I won first place! If you don’t have Plus, and you can afford less than $20 a month, I strongly urge you to get it! It is fun, and there are more forums up there with contests and just lots of benefits! More than worth the small fee. *I am not being compensated by Dogster HQ for this message*

Love and light to you!

My buddy, Arthur

Hiya, pups!

I have another prayer request:

My bully buddy, Arthur is really sick.

This is what happened, in Arthur's words:
I have not good news unfortunately. Mom and Dad had to take me to the ER vet tonight. Mom took me out for my walk to go potty tonight (which was the first time in forever that I went out for her) and when we came back in, I was panting real hard. At first Mom thought I was just cooling off, but noticed that I just wasn't getting any better. Dad was at work, so she was calling him, and he was suggesting listening to my heart and seeing if I was "seeing her". Mom listened to my heart and it was super fast. I was seeming kind of dazed and was walking real slow when I got up. When I laid on my bed, I was panting a ton and my tongue was out kind of funny---that freaked Mom right out. She tried to get me out to the car, but couldn't lift me, and I wouldn't go. Finally she just had to wait for Dad, who was now flying home after Mom had talked to him a few times. He was able to get me out to the car, so we could go to the ER. They got me on a lidocaine drip and said my heart rate was high, but then got lower, but then went back up to 280 bpm. When they got me on a monitor, they saw I was having arryhthmias on and off too. I'm staying the night and will see the cardiologist when she gets in tomorrow. Then they'll be able to see what the whole situation is and see if it's my same heart condition and if it's just progressing. They did say that my heart is about the same size as before and that my lungs are clear, so I'm not in congestive heart failure. Mom and Dad got to see me before they left, and I was actually all up a wiggling about. I even gave Mom some slobber kisses. Mom and Dad are praying for no late night phone calls because it wouldn't be for anything positive. So they should hopefully just be hearing from the cardiologist tomorrow to see what the deal is and what comes next. We're hoping for just some adjusted meds. Mom's got to go to work at least for part of the day, which she is not happy about. She's kind of a zombie right now, but wanted to let you know what's been going on tonight. Can you share with Winston for me? Mom visited in the B&A Group tonight for a little while which really helped. I even had a party pic. Mom will keep you posted when she hears something. Please take care and give Rocky and your mom big hugs for me.
Love,
Arthur

So, I ask you to please transfer your prayers from me to my buddy. Thanks.

I had a good night, last night! Mickey had a case of the super zoomies! He got me so worked up, I played with him for a little while! Mom kept hold of me, and Dad was gone, so it was all under control, and super fun!

Hoping today is as good!

Love you all!
Sammers

UPDATE!!!

Hi guys,
Mom heard from Dad who talked to the cardiologist. They found that in addition to my heart condition that is in my heart's lower chamber (Mom didn't realize it WAS the lower chamber), now I have an issue with my upper chamber too. I don't know the specifics of it, but it causes rapid heart rate (it's still getting high) and arrhythmias (which I'm still having even on the lidocaine). SO, they are going to try me on an additional medication to see if it can stabilize my heart rate. I will need to stay overnight again, even if it does work. They're supposed to call Dad around 5-5:30 to tell him if the medicine seems to be working. If it doesn't work--then it doesn't work. And it would not be a good thing. If it does work, I can probably go home tomorrow and hopefully continue pretty much I have been this last year, still with my same good quality of life. So PRAY, PRAY, PRAY that the new medicine works.

Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and prayers, and for being there for us last night. We couldn't get through this without you!!!!

All my love,
Arthur

Please pray hard!!!

Still pluggin' along...

Just a quick note.

I'm still doing the same, weak in my legs, but strong in spirit.

Seems like I am losing my balance when I'm moving around with the belly strap.

Mom is pretty sure it is my back... But isn't willing to give me the new meds yet. She looked up the side effects, and though I'm only on a quarter of the dosage, she says, unless I'm having one of my spasm attacks, she doesn't want me on those drugs. I'd probably just fall, anyways!

So, February is coming and Mom is nervous. On Monday, it will be a year since I broke my back leg. We hope this year is better. See, it's Daddy's birthday on February 4th, and he got a lousy gift last year.

Love ya!

Sammers

Sooo many Bones & Sassy is DOG OF THE WEEK!!!

My very good pal, Sassy has been chosen as Dog of the Week! She is so deserving. You see, if you look at her page, you will take hours and hours to see all of the "pretties" she has given to others! She and her family have kind hearts and give and give. Many of you have lots of pup pals, but I bet every one of you have Sassy as one of them! She has nearly 4,500 pals! If you aren't a pal of Sassy's, you are missing out!

Sassy is also a wonderful pup because she has a fighting spirit like me! She goes to the doctor tomorrow for tests, and won't get her results back until Wednesday. She was super sick this past fall, and we thought we were going to lose her. Her Mom didn't give up on her, and we never will, either! She is spunky, sweet and, well, SASSY!! BOL!

Please stop by her page and give her some well deserved love!

Now, I have to say thank you to the "secret" bone giver. I love you, beyond words, and can't believe any paws could press the f5 button that many times! I have over 250,000 bones!! So many, the bone depository shortened the amount to 250k! BOL! Thank you, bone giver! You know, I love you!

I'm doing o.k. Typically after having a weekend with Daddy, I'm stiff, sore and tired. Mommy had the nerve to go get her hair done, and left me alone with my Daddy. I loved it, but true to form, he left me outside, under a small blanket, in the cold, while he did his stuff. He was so lucky our neighbor wasn't outside. Mom wasn't very happy with him, to say the least, about taking the chance he did. But, with the prayers from Dogsters, and all the wonderful angels looking out for me, I was o.k.

Right now, as Mom types, I'm upside down in my tiny bed, letting my belly get some air! BOL!

I love you all! Hugs and cuddles,
Sammers

Foster Puppies!

ACD Puppies

Yesterday afternoon, the Volunteer Rescue Coordinator from the Merced County Animal Shelter, Sharon, called Mom.

"I need help! I'm desperate!", She said.

Mom answered, "do I need to add you to the desperate dog list?" Mom posts the dogs on the list to be euthanized, desperate for a home.

Sharon laughed, "yeah! Probably! I have 2 litters of puppies, and I only have 1 person that can take them. Would you be willing to keep one of the litters of five 8 week old puppies over night? They are going to rescue in the morning."

After finding out all the specifics, she said, "Yes, I'd be happy to help".

So, long story short, we had these puppies for 17 hours, and Mom was attached! They were happy, wormy, and adorable! Mom put on the TV for them, so they didn't feel alone, and she had an intercom on, so she could hear them...

What piggies they were! They ate 2 small cans and 5 cups of kibbles! WOW! They ate like sharks! They had been dewormed before they got here, so the poop was very interesting.... *don't ask*

Anyway, they were picked up this morning at 8:30, and are on their way to the Milo Foundation. Milo. Praying they have a very happy life.

The one with brown boots, Mom named Apollo. He was super shy at first, but with love and encouragement, he sure came out of his shell!

I'm doing o.k. but still very stiff and limpy. But that is o.k.

Love you all!

Sammers

The Day After... BOL!

Hi, everypup!

Just got a call from Dr. Klingborg! My urine is just fine, too! Yipee!!! So, that about covers it!

Oh, and my poo is all back to normal. It took 26 hours for me to go again, but when I did, it was A-o.k.! Mickey is fine, too!

I'm really stiff and sore, but I'll be fine. These Dogster prayers are just AMAZING!!!

Well, that is about all that is happening today. Sending Love and Light to you! Yes, YOU!! ;-)

Tummy issues... well, at least South of that...

This morning, I woke Mommy up with that look again. The one that says, "MOM I need to go eat grass, and I need it NOW!" Thank goodness Mom understands.

I practically dragged her outside like a big ol' grizzly bear, lumbering along and only peed? Hmmm... that seems like a weird reaction to peeing?
Then it hit. I had diarrhea. Not just a little soft, or runny, but like water! And I squatted all over the back yard. It just kept coming! Finally, Mom convinced me I was done, and took me in to clean me up. She used 3 huggie wipes on me, and I settled down to sleep.

At 5:00, for some reason, the fire alarm on the house went off. Mom thinks it is because the humidifier was directly under it. Ooops! Guess we woke the neighborhood, not to mention the fire department! BOL! Mickey freaked out. He hates the sound of alarms and just knew that thing above him was a problem.

By 6, it was time for my meds, so Mom got up and gave me a bunch of pumpkin to help firm me up... and I did o.k. I was really stiff getting into the morning snuggle position. Daddy looks so cute in this photo taken a couple of weeks ago.

I got my heat pack twice, and when it was time to get up for breakfast, I did a weird stretch. Mommy laughed at me.

I ate my breakfast really well, and then insisted on going outside immediately. As soon as I got out there, it all started again. Basically, I was pooing water! We aren't sure if it is the new rawhides I have had over the past 2 evenings from Costco, made in Brazil, or if its all the treats Dad gave me at the vet yesterday. They were the vet's, not ours.

Mom called Ms. Nancy, our neighbor, and asked her if they had any Pepto Bismol. She offered all kinds of tummy things, but Mom said, "No, thanks. We need the diarrhea especialest" but she didn't tell her for whom. She didn't want me to be embarrassed! BOL! Thank goodness, Mr. Bryan found some and she brought it over for me! While Mom was shaking up the bottle, Mickey decided to empty and refill the contents of his tummy. (YUCK!) She wondered what that sound was, but didn't check. Then she saw the slime he left. Eeewww!! Mickey and I both got a dose of the yucky stuff! This stuff tastes like peppermint, not at all nice like the horrible Mylanta! Mickey even spit what he could, out on the carpet! BOL! Now Mom has a patch of orange from the pumpking Mickey puked, and a patch of pink from the Pepto! BOL!

No word yet from Dr. K about my test results...

I'll update as soon as I know.


UPDATE!!

The Results are IN!!!!

I'm perfect!!!! My BUN is slightly elevated, at 42, but NONE of my other numbers are elevated, so Dr. said I'm GREAT!!!!

Yipee!!! Dr. said for Mom to keep doing what she is doing, and as long as I don't break anything, I could be around for a LONG LONG time!!

My vet appointment today

Hi, everypup!

First off, let me thank you all for the prayers and get well wishes. I'm doing much better! I just know it is all the love and prayers you are sending my way.

I went to the vet this morning. Dr. Klingborg is such a nice fellow, and I walked right in there, and said "Hello" to a nice little Chihuahua mixed pup. He was scared of me, and his Mom said, "ooo, poor doggy" but I didn't care. I had Mom & Dad all to myself!

I had to get weighed, and that wasn't so bad! I was somewhere between 46 and 48 pounds (Its hard to get a good weight on me because of my balance), and that is really a good weight! Did I ever tell you pups that I used to weigh 90 pounds??! I did! When I was young, back in 2000. Mom put me on a diet and within a year I lost 30 pounds... I was pretty regular at 55 pounds, but once I lost the use of my leg, my weight went down, so my other legs didn't have to work so hard. A good low weight is very important for arthritic pups.

So, I walked down the hall into the exam room. Daddy brought my fuzzy blanket with us, so I could be comfortable laying on it. Mom told them I was just there for a checkup and to have my blood tested.

Dr. K came in soon after, and looked at Mom & Dad with a little fear in his eyes. Mom was immediately worried. "What is he seeing", she thought.

Then I got up to say, "Hello" or "don't you poke me" (Mom isn't sure which) and Doc was surprised at how well I was moving! Now, mind you, I'm not doing my best, but he was really happy with me! He said he saw all my spirit and that I am in no way ready to go! YIPEE! He looked at my teeth, and said they were beautiful! And my heart and lungs sounded great!

He talked to Mom about my legs, heartworm, where to put my belly strap to make me happiest, and Mom & he talked about her posting his articles on the Roo Crew page. He is very happy she is!

Anyway, instead of taking me back to the back room, the "nurse" Tim, came in and sprayed my neck with alcohol, POKED me with a needle and took out my blood out of my neck. It is always so much easier for them to get it that way, rather than the leg. I mean, I don't want to see that, and I don't need them pulling one of my remaining legs to get blood!

I was a good boy! Daddy gave me a bunch of kisses and lots of pupcorns! YUM!

Tomorrow we will get the results of the tests, so I'll let you know about that. But with my back hurting, Dr. K gave us a prescription for Robaxin, a muscle relaxer. It doesn't work fast, but will help me the best with my other meds. Dr. said that I'm doing so well, he doesn't want Mom to up my Previcox yet. He said if I'm having a bad day, give me more Tramadol instead. It is easier on my system. If I have a really bad spasm, like that day Mom thought I was having a seizure, then she should give me the Valium she has from last year. He said he doesn't want me on it often, as it will make me loopy, and seem too "out of it", but if I'm in extreme pain, do it!

Mom mentioned my itchiness, and he asked a question: When was the last time I was bathed?! What was he inferring?? BOL! I don't stink, but I do have kinda oily fur...

After that, they took me to Costco, for some chews, and then home. Mickey and Bernadette were sooooo happy to see me! They sniffed and sniffed.
But then all went horribly bad!

Mom was up in the bedroom, and I just got this really bad feeling..... Like impending doom. And I was right.

Mom got the bathroom set up for a BATH! They locked us in the bedroom while they methodically bathed and dried us each! I was first, then Bernadette, and Mom finally bathed Mickey.

Dad got the wood stove super hot to dry us quickly, and it was fine after I was done. I wanted to run zoomies, but couldn't...

Anyway, it was a pretty good day until then!

Still not a good day....

Well, just so you pups can see what Mom means by seeing it in my eyes:
Bad day for Sammy
Another Sad Sammy
Looking forlorn out side

There is just something wrong... While I was happy this morning, and barking and beggin' for tea, I was out back doing my morning constitutional, and something popped. Not sure if it is my back or one of my legs... but as you can see, I'm droopy and Mom hates it. I keep moving from bed to bed, just not able to get comfortable. She wants to up my dosage of Previcox, which the vet said we could, but we are going to get my blood tested on Monday, and will wait until those results before we try it. Don't want to get a bad result because of it, and if all is well, then we will know why something changed, when we do the next test.

I'm trying, I really am.

Its been too many days of droopiness for me. Usually, I'll be hurting, but not this droopy. I have a few moments of perkiness, but it is usually begging to have or do something. Food, tea, car ride... but when I get in the car, I lay my head down on my paws, and don't even look where we are going.

Mom is just beside herself. She's praying it is something small, like an itchy ear that is driving me nuts... but that wouldn't be doing this to my legs.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how I am doing... but we are praying it will just take time again.

Please pray for Sassy Girl, who has just bee diagnosed with epilepsy, and for Daisy Mae, the Doxie, who just had spinal surgery.

Sending love and light to you!

Sammers

Tough times again...

Yesterday wasn't a good day again. I was moving slowly, and was only willing to take 2 or 3 steps and stopped. Mom couldn't tell exactly what was hurting.

My right wrist is still bending more, I am licking the plate in my wrist, and she is thinking my knee may be strained.

Mickey desperately wanted to play with me last night, but I simply wasn't up to it. I was up to barking and making sure everyone paid attention to me, but to get up and play wasn't going to work.

Mom put the chest harness they got from UC Davis on me, just so she could take some weight off my front legs, and to catch me if I stumbled again.

Mom is seeing things she knew was coming, but no matter how long, it isn't easy to see. So, she had a breakdown. She just couldn't hold it back any more, and went into another room and just cried. I could hear her, so I was upset, but when she came back, she told me what a good boy I am, and wasn't crying on me, so maybe it was something else? Dunno....

Last night, I got up at 3 to pee, and walked like an ol' grizzly bear, but got the job done, and went back to bed. Then again at 5:30, I asked to go out again, so Mom took me down to go out, but by the time I got to the door, I was exhausted and just laid down in one of my little beds. That worried Mom. I haven't done that before. Then it was time for my pain meds.

I am doing a little better now, but I am still moving very slowly. Mom was massaging me, and found that when she massaged my back leg, above and below my knee, my entire leg would start to tremble, as if it was spasming. As soon as she stopped touching it, it stopped. Very weird.

So, this could be another few bad days... or it could not be. We still have an appointment to see Dr. Klingborg on Monday, but we also know there isn't anything that can be done.

The good news is: The sun is shining today, so I will be spending some time outside, snuggled in blankets to be warm, soaking up the rays!

Sending love and light to YOU!

Love you all!

Monday blues

Hi, puppers!

I KNEW I shouldn't have posted I was doing well. As usual, I hurt myself. Several times....

First, on Friday night, I was feeling o.k, but not great. It was kinda warm in the house, and when its hot, I nest. I try to dig in my bed until I find a cool spot (or until Mom gets the hint and opens the door). I do this pretty much every night.

Mom was helping me, holding up my back end, so I didn't tumble, which helped, but my front leg got stuck on the side of the bed, and I fell over. It scared me. I didn't cry or yelp, but the look in my eyes, it was obvious. I laid there for a few moments, afraid to move. Mom helped me up, and got me into another bed, where she sternly told me to "lay down and stay there!"

She put the other bed back together, and came over to me to give me a massage and check me out. Nothing was broken, but I was certainly sore.

The next day, it was pretty obvious my front legs were hurting, and my back was very stiff. I'd been resting, but I was hurting all over. My ears were back, my eyes weren't sparkling... but when I saw Daddy, my nubby would move. We went on a couple of rides in the car, for which I was very excited, but I just laid there... Didn't even lift my head up to look around.

Yesterday morning was the same way. I was "droopy" and had to be convinced to potty.

By noon, I was feeling a little better. I had my Previcox (NSAID) and Mom took me into the garage to lay in the sun on one of my beds. I was watching Daddy work (as usual), and soaking up the warmth into my back.

After about an hour, I was getting a little restless and wanted to pee. I convinced Mom to take me out front to do so, and I started toodling down the driveway. Then I looked back at Mom and kept walking down the road to Ms. Nancy's house! I got all the way there, and peed on their tree like crazy!! Wheeee!!! What fun! Then Mr. Bryan came out of their house to give me love (Mickey & Bernie had to tag along). Then, I forget I was a tripod and tried to pee on another tree by lifting my back leg!!!

I wasn't ready to go home, so Mom helped me toodle on up the road a couple of houses, and convinced me it was time to go home. I was getting tired. I started back across the street, and stopped in the middle of the road. Something was wrong. Mom called to Dad to help. He told Mom to pick me up and he checked my paws to be sure I didn't have a small stone in there or something, but nothing was there. She put me down, and I took one tentative step. Stopped, thought, and decided it was o.k. and went the rest of the way home! See, when you only have 3 legs, you can't lift your paw if you have something in it.

Mom said I had enough, and took me inside, so she could exercise. She got us pups on the bed, closed the door so we were safe in the same room as her, and got on her bike. Then Mickey heard something. He yapped. Mom said to stop, cause it was nothing. Then the door chime on our alarm system went off. That ALWAYS means Daddy!! We all got off the bed, and 'ran' to the back door. I was actually doing pretty well, until Bernadette bumped me pretty hard, and I fell down. I tried to catch myself with my front legs, but my back leg went far to the outside, and that tripod just doesn't work. Down I went. Not a peep out of me, but Mom could see I was shaken and hurting. She told us all off for getting off the bed, and grabbed my belly strap to get me down to the living room.

I laid down in my bed, and pouted.

Today, I'm sore, but o.k. I sometimes just forget that I only have 3 legs!

There's a Cat in MY WAY!

We are doing o.k. but last night, I did an owie, and I’m paying for it today.

I was trying to get on the bed, as usual, and once I got up there, Mom let the belly strap go. But I froze. Sara was in my spot, and my front legs kept going, but the back one didn't... so I ended up kinda falling down with my back leg stretched out too far... Hard to describe, but sufficed to say I’m hurting.

It isn't my fault! Its the cat's fault! I'm just polite. She is always in the bed I want to be in. I get up and bop over there, and just look at her. Mommy, being Mommy, watches me, and if she sees Sara, she tips the bed over and dumps her out. (Sara doesn't like to be picked up)

Then I bop into it. But Mom couldn't dump out the bed in the bedroom! And Sara didn't move.... So I didn't know what to do! I wasn't expecting here there. I just froze and kinda crumbled. It was so embarrassing! I was humiliated in front of my CAT!

I'll be o.k. ;) I just prefer worrying Mom.

Mickey seems to be a little better. Mom thinks he slammed into a pole on the patio trying to chase Bernadette out back. We are going to keep an eye on it, though.

Sending love to all my pals!

Hugs,
Sammers

Still doing o.k. and boppin'!

This morning, I am doing o.k. still. I went for a long walk in the back yard this morning, and enjoyed the cold morning air. But when I got in, I was licking the plate in my wrist. Mom tried to feel it to see if there was something on it, but I got mad and pulled it away and kissed her to ask her to stop. So, as well trained as she is, she did stop!

Yesterday was a good day. I rested all day, and Daddy worked over lunch, but my legs felt good.

I gave Mom a "heart smile" again. Here's what happened:

After we had our dinner, we were chewing our rawhides. Mom started making their dinner and was cutting potatoes in the kitchen. Well, I hear a knife and the cutting board, I have to check out to see if I might get some romaine lettuce hearts! YUM! Well, instead of just boppin' straight into the kitchen, I bopped into the entry way, and through the back way of the kitchen, carrying my chew, just in case. Bernie was following me close, in case I dropped my chew. Mom saw me, smiled and said, "No, Baby. It's just potatoes. Go lay down"
So, off I bopped, back into the livingroom, layed down and continued chewing.

This might seems like nothing to you, but to Mom, it was everything she prayed for. I was being Sammy. And she didn't have to panic and grab me, she just continued on making dinner, and I took care of myself, happily!

She started with happy tears and said a prayer of thanks. All she ever wanted was for me to be able to be a Sammers again... and I am! A modified version, but I'm still Sammy!

My vet visit has been bumped back to the 21st now, cause Daddy has to work on the 14th, but off on the 21st. Poor Mickey has to come with us. He keeps getting these pains. We aren't sure if it is his tummy, or this thing on his side that we can't decide if its a cramp, fatty tumor (he is a pudgy bug), or something worse... He ain't gonna be happy about it!

Love you all!

Scared to say anything

I'm almost scared to tell you this: Yesterday was a good day!

I rested really well in the morning and by noon I was ready for a LONG walk around the back yard. I peed on a bunch of trees that needed it, and sniffed and even cleaned my feet!!

Daddy had to work over lunch, so I was a little peeved that I didn't get to see him.

At night, I demanded my dinner, and even came into the kitchen to yell at Mom. Daddy just laughed! Then he had to go to another meeting, so I pouted. But only for a little while. I played with Mickey and chewed and barked and was just happy! Mom was folding clean towels fresh from the dryer, and I just had to roll in them! I even tried to do it IN the basket!!

By the end of the day, I had gone on 6 long walks around the back yard. I was sore and tired, so I slept very well... until about 2 am. Then I had to pee again. When I came back in, I tried to JUMP on Dad!

This morning, I'm still doing great! I have demanded my share of the tea the folks are drinking, and gone on a long walk.

After doing so badly last week, Mom is very happy to see this.

Only bad thing is: Wally got outside and jumped the fence this morning at 5. Mom let Bernadette out to pee, and Wally snuck out. Not fun to look for a rotten cat when you are half asleep!

So, I am reluctant to tell you how well I'm doing, as with my roller coaster life, I know a valley is coming... But you all are praying so hard for me, I HAVE to let you know!

Oh, and I was featured on the Tripawds website again!
Arthrodesis and the tripod

I love you all!

Sammers

Puppy Video!

Mommy was working on transferring all our home videos to DVD when she found my first video as a puppy! It was about 2 weeks after they found me/kept me, and I was probably about 5 months old at the time. Not fully grown, and lots of puppy energy!

I am still very happy, but sore. So sore I look sad, until Mom & Dad make those precious happy sounds for me, and then I get wiggly and make MY happy sounds!

Mom is seeing how great I was doing before, right before her eyes. Yes, it was years ago, but you just don't appreciate how much things have changed unless you can look back and see it.

So, this is our Pup-lick Service Announcement:

Don't forget to take photos and videos of your beloved pups! They get old fast, and are gone before you know it. And all you have left are memories!


Mom was watching a video from 1992, when Kody & Griz lived in another house with Mom & Dad. They were getting their dinner, and OMD! They got sooo much food! It was CRAZY! No wonder they were overweight! Dad used to be sure their dinner bowls were full! and it was more food than both MOM & DAD ate! Golly!!

Right now, I'm in my little bed. Dad found a new little bed for me, and I love it just as much. So now I have one by the sliding glass door and one by the kitchen counter. I can be close to the cool or close to the heat. I just have to bump Mickey and the cats out of the bed I've vacated. Oh, those crazy furblings of mine!

I would appreciate if you could drop by Pebbles Conway's page. She is scared that since she is at the bridge, pups are forgetting her. Just a message or a note would mean the world to her!

THANKS!

Stay warm, safe and happy!
Sammers

Storm's abrewin'!

Today, there is a storm coming. They expect gusts of wind up to 60 miles an hour!

It's kinda cold and damp, and the rain is expected to be here tonight for a few days.

I'm still doing o.k. but my boppin' has caught up with me. My legs are hurting, and I had this brown crud between my back toes. Mom put the Betagen on it, and it went away within 24 hours (maybe it was dirt, but it smelled like popcorn) I had been licking between my back toes for a while, and that's why Mom checked. Under the brown is pinkish/red and irritated, but not so much I'm willing to go to the vet early!
When Mom put the Betagen on my toes, I kicked Dad! HARD! But it was cold and wet and stung a little!

My bones are sore, too. But heck, that is to be expected when a glass monkey plays and runs all over the place with his Dad!

Please, I ask you to send special prayers to my good friend, Lucy. She recently had her right eye removed because of painful glaucoma, and now Lucy is losing sight in her left eye. Her Mom gave her the emergency kit medication and will take her down to the eye vet at 5pm today. Obviously, her Mom is distraught.

If you have any words of advise or want to send love to her, please do.

Thank you all!

Love,
Sammers

New Year, New Hopes

Hi, all!

Mom decided that today she would transfer all our old camcorder tapes over to DVD, in case the camcorder dies. She started with April, 2006. It was a tape of me walking in the back yard, only 8 weeks after I got my hip replaced. I looked so fat!

I was doing so well, too! They took videos off and on of me walking and getting better. Then came my wrist issue. Lots of video of me trying to walk. It was painful for Mom to watch, knowing what was happening inside. She didn't know then. She was told to encourage me to use the leg, to get used to it. But, while you can see it hurts me, I never cry out. I was such a good boy.

Then comes the videos of me trying to get around on my busted leg. Mom knew I leaned when I walked then, but to see it on tape made a huge impact. I am doing SO much better without that darned thing. I was doing everything I could to NOT use that leg... and no wonder with it dying inside!
They have video of my using the cart in the back yard, and how badly it fit! BOL! I looked like I had NO tummy!

It just got too much for Mommy to watch, so she turned off the TV and let it just run by itself. It hurts her to know what I have been through...

While I know it is just temporary, I'm having a little bit of a bad day. My back hurts, and I just don't feel very perky. Plus I had to pout because Dad went back to work!

Bad Daddy!

What a wonderful weekend!

OMD! PUPS! (And kitties) I had a GREAT weekend! I really overdid it, and somewhat sore, but Mom & Dad are still in awe at how well I did!

I have been super happy, up and bopping around and just loving being alive!

Last night, after Mom fed us, she was putting away our "buckets" (that's what Dad calls our elevated trays) and one slipped off and almost fell on my. I up and got away from it! My eyes wide, just knowing if it fell on me, it would be bad. I moved like a pro! Mom was worried for me, but didn't make a fuss, just told me how smart I was for getting out of the way.

My cousin, Shelby, has been limping. Auntie Alison is really scared. Shelby is her first born, and like all of us, hates it when her babies are ill. Mom is pretty sure Shelby pulled a muscle in her shoulder/neck area, or maybe has a pinched nerve. They are taking her to the vet in Sacramento today. Mom was able to get Auntie through yesterday, but since she isn't better, time to see a professional.

I want to also wish any one and everyone that is reading this diary, a very Happy New Year. I pray you all feel as happy as I do.

I love all my friends, and my special pals that keep lighting candles and praying thank you! The pawmails of love and support are always welcome!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tomorrow is Sassy & Rusty's wedding!!!

Good morning every pup! (and kities)

We are so excited about tomorrow! Only 26 1/2 more hours until Sassy & Rusty get married!

I have some news for you.

Yesterday, I decided I wanted to be a dog. So, I was one.
I was doing too well. Making Mom scared. Last time I was doing this well, I dislocated my wrist. I am doing even better than I was a year ago, before I broke my back LEG! We aren't sure what is happening, but I am super happy.
Mom is always afraid it is the good before the bad, but she is trying to just be thankful for these good days. My time at Christmas, being allowed to be a dog, meant the world to our entire family. Mom was exhausted, but in a very good way. Not one tear this year!

I still limp, of course, but I’m so much stronger! I have even gotten myself in the playing stance for Mickey! Do you have any idea how hard that is when you are one leg shy?!

Oh! My physical therapist that moved to Texas wrote to Mom to see how I was doing! The last time Mom wrote to her, was the day I started boppin’ That was July 22! Soooo much has happened since then!

I love you all!

Happy New Year!

Christmas Miracles

Merry Christmas, everypup!

Well, I made it another year! I am doing o.k., too!

Thank you so much for all the love you have given me, and my family, today, yesterday and forever!

I will get back and tell you all about this holiday season and how busy we have been! Gosh!

Today is Grandma's house (its her birthday today) and we have had lots of visitors and gone lots of places.

If I'm doing well enough today, Mom & Dad might take me for a walk at Grandma's. Well, not a walk, but they'll let me explore the front yard! I have to wear my coat though. >:-(

Mom said she will try to get photos so she can share with everypup!

I love you all, and wish you all Christmas love!

Sammers

2 long walks!

So, today I am doing a bit better! I was even up to walking all the way around the back yard, TWICE!!

Mickey and Bernadette are being very good dogs, but Mickey must have worms or something, because he is always hungry! Crazy dog!

It has been raining here, but not so cold. Last night, I scared Mom. I refused to eat my dinner standing. I sat down. Mom was so worried, she even took photos, so she wouldn't forget. Me sitting to eat

But that seems to have passed. I think what happened, is when I had my "fit" and bopped around, crazed, needing to eat grass, I hurt myself. I wouldn't stop, no matter what Mom did. She tried to get me to stop, so she could get some shoes on, but I followed her, panicked. But as soon as I got that Mylanta, I stopped. By then, I'd hurt myself, and didn't even know it. Ever heard of anyone hurting in a different way, they forgot how much pain they were causing themselves? Well, that was me.

I'm still shaky and weak, but doing better.

My good pal, Lucy is out of surgery! She had to have her eye removed, but I bet she will feel bunches better now!

Tonight, Shiloh has to starve! they are gonna do an ultrasound on him tomorrow, so he can't eat after 8 his time! Poor guy!

Please send them both lots of love!

Thanks, everypup!

Love,
Sammers

Doing a little better.

Sorry for the delay in posting.

I have been doing so very well this past weekend, Mom was a little reluctant to post, because when I do, I seem to have a bad day immediately.

But, since she didn't post and today I had one of my weird "fits", she figured it couldn't hurt!

I have fits. That is what Mom calls them.

My eyes get really wide and I'm desperate to go outside and eat grass. I'll do anything to get to that grass, and I'll eat and eat like I'm mad.

Now, as scary as that sounds, it really isn't. I have, what Mom is guessing to be, Acid Reflux. When I get heartburn, it hurts! It really hurts. I'll do this over and over until it goes. I swallow over and over, too, and sometimes my tongue sticks out a little.

Today, when it happened, Mom gave me a dose of Mylanta as soon as I came back in. It worked! I stopped immediately. I'm so glad Mom knows what to do, sometimes.

So, we are going to try to remember to stay out of the mall. And we'll stay safe and sign Christmas cards.

If you wanna talk to us, we will check in, now and then, but I doubt we'll post until after the mall is empty from the holidays.

Hugs,
Sammers

Please Pray for Lucy & Shiloh

My pals, Lucy (also known as Fa, la, la, la, Lucy) and Shiloh are having some health problems.

Please drop by their pages and give them some love. Even just a PPR or pawmail to let them know you are thinking about them? Thank you all so much.


I'm having another bad day. I'm peeing often, but other than that, I don't get up much. I think I'm peeing more because I'm having a hard time holding my position to pee, so I can't empty my bladder. I have tripped/fallen over while peeing too often lately.

I hope it is only my arthritis, as it is really bad. Mom compared my elbows yesterday. It makes her so angry. There is just nothing she can do about it. So frustrating.

Because of that, I'm not too happy today. Maybe I will be when Daddy gets home, but he is under so much stress at work, he doesn't play with me or give me my usual attention. He just wants to lay on me, and I hurt too much for that. So I have to bop away. And my bops aren't very attractive any more. I mean, I hurt, for goodness sake! If I can make it through this winter, I will be doing good... Warm weather can get me out of the house and laying under my tree. I miss my tree.

Oh! got great news from Sharna! our pal, Sunshine Nellie is doing GREAT! She doesn't have cancer after all! Isn't that just the bestest news??!

So, please pray for Shiloh and Lucy, and let them know you are thinking about them.

Hugs to you all!
Sammers

Oh, BOY! Am I trying hard!!!

>:-(

Auntie Alison just left...

WE had such a nice visit. I even gave her kisses, although, when she first came, I forgot I was a tripod, and tried to take her slippers off. Scared the fish out of her! BOL!

But I have been resting and trying to get better. This cold is going right through the plate in my arm, so when I go out to pee, especially in the morning, it feels like I have ice in my bones. All my arthritis is hurting and swollen.

But, I have been taking Mom on bops all around the yard, trying to stay strong and keep my brain happy. Lots of sniffs and the like.

Mom has been so melancholy this year. Last year, she was told I would only life a few months, even weeks... and that I would never make it this long. If I can make it, Mom has promised me to make this Christmas a wonderful one, with no tears. It will probably be my last, and she regrets wasting my previous one as a basket case.

I am still enjoying my rides in the car, but can't seem to hold my position well any more. Lots of pops and creaks in my bones and joints.

But enough whining. Enough "Poor Me". My Dogster friends have sent me such love and support. How can I ever repay them?? George Underwood sent me a beautiful rosette with such a kind sentiment, it made Mom cry. That little guy, with the underbite has such a way with barks...
And the Fabulous Conway Sisters, the family of my dogster wife, Sadie Lee, who have been through such tragedy of late, sent me a wonderfully sweet rosette!
Sweet Mia sent me one, too! And the cutie, Oliver with his beautiful sister, Millie sent me some super sweet rosettes!! How sweet! huh?
My very good friend Sassy sent me a sweet rosette, too! Aww...
And SOO many more pawmails and candles!


So many more have sent me their love and pawmails of caring. Thank you soo much. I love you, and my Mother doesn't know what she would do without your support.

Hugs to you all,
Sammers

Ouch.... bum legs!

Hi, everypup!

Had a pretty o.k. weekend, but my legs are really playing me up. That plate in my front wrist hurts like crazy when it gets cold, but if Mom puts anything on that leg, I refuse to walk... and my other wrist is causing me a lot of pain, and my back hock is too... I'm poppin' and creaking and it all just plain HURTS!

Mom has been putting my coat on me when I got out for more than 5 minutes, and I'm o.k. with it, but am really happy when she takes it off.

I have an appointment on January 14, 2008, for bloodwork and a checkup... but we know what is happening. It isn't avoidable, but we can be sure everything else is o.k.

I have been having a sore throat, and my bark doesn't sound right. The lump in my throat isn't any larger to Mom's fingers. My cough is better though. We have a humidifier on all night long, so that makes me happy.

Auntie Alison is coming down for a surprise visit for a couple of days! Mom is worried for me, but I'm a good boy. I'll be o.k.

I love you all! Please understand if I don't write for a couple of days.

Sammers

Good mornings and bad afternoons...

Hi, everypup!!

I'm doing pretty well, but I keep licking my wrists (getting normal for cold weather) and now I'm licking my missing leg??? Mom pressed my empty hip-cup to see if that was bothering me, and picked and pulled apart my hair to check for bruises, leaking wounds (evidence of bone infection) or anything else that could be bothering me.

It's weird. Sometimes I'm doing GREAT, and moving all around, and then in an hour I can barely move. I even lose my balance and fall over! I'm really happy, and have been going on my rides every night, to look at the pretty lights!

Bernadette about gave Mom a heart attack last night. We had our dinner, and we were chewing our nightly rawhides. I chewed off a knot on mine, and kept working on the middle, when Bernadette swiped the knot from me. All of us were chewing happily, being good dogs.

Then Daddy came home. He didn't drive in, but stopped in the driveway (he was on his phone and couldn't have us barking in the background) and Bernadette tried to swallow the knot so she wouldn't lose it. But it got stuck! Mom was telling me to sit and stop (I didn't want to, darn it!) and she tried to get the rawhide out of Bernie's throat. She couldn't reach it! She knelt down and Bernie was beginning to panic. She was gagging and her eyes were bulging!! Mom started to panic, too! Where was Daddy? Why wasn't he in yet?? Ooh, Bernie!!

Bernie tried to crawl under Mom, into her lap, and Mom could feel the bulge of the chew in her throat. But it was too far down to reach, and I was barking and excited about Dad, trying to get Mom to help me, and forget Bernie.

Finally, thank DOG, Bernadette got the chew down. She was immediately relieved (Mom wasn't) and she scurried over to get her duck to quack it for Dad, with her nubby wiggling. Mommy was still frantic, heart rate and bloodpressure was certainly elevated! But Roo was fine, and still is. But guess what?! The knots are gonna get thrown away now. Silly duck! But I'm glad she is o.k.

Rough Weekend

Hi, everypup!

Unfortunately, this weekend was a rough one. Mom is frustrated, cause she can't figure out if it is my back leg, my front legs (either one) or my back??? I just seem like I hurt. My back is poppin' and my legs seem to give out of my when I move... but don't anypup worry. I'm as happy as a monkey up a tree!

Daddy started his new job today. It was a very busy weekend for us. Daddy jam packed it full of stuff to do, but we never got around to doing the stuff Mommy needed to get done. But that's o.k. We got to do the things I wanted to do! BOL!

We went to the cemetery to visit Kody, Grizzly & Astro. We went for many rides in the car/truck, and even barked at some bovine! Mommy calls it "cow tipping", but they just stop chewing and look at us, they never tip over.

Mom took some video of me boppin' around and even being taken potty, but I asked her not to post it, cause I don't post video of HER peeing, right?

Still staying prayers for Pebbles. Please, if you want to give her a gift that costs more than 1 zealie, could you make it a star, so it will stay on her page forever? Her Mommy would feel so wonderful to be able to look back and remember this time of love and support. She has so little time left. I know, when it is her time, she will let her Mommy know.

Prayers and love to her, and love to you all!

Happy Holidays!

Happy but limpin' and coughin'...

I'm still super happy! Daddy is coming home early today, his last day at the yucky job!

I'm limping a lot today, and my right wrist seems very painful. AND I'm coughing a little. Not a deep cough, but more like I have something in my throat. Mom is going to fire up the humidifier for me. I think I did the same thing last year.

Oh, I think a tiny little breakfast item left me a bunch of bones! Thank you, to the secret bone giver!!

Please, could every pup pray for my sister-in-law, Pebbles. She is her family's heart, and Mommy Amber is devastated. Any and all prayers for her are appreciated.

Got to talk to a wonderful friend yesterday! It was so much fun! We IMed back and forth, for a while... It was nice to chat like that!

Love you all!!

Sammers

Mommy left, so Daddy was bad....

Mommy had a dentist appointment this morning, so Dad stayed home to watch me.

Mommy was only gone for 2 hours. From 8:30 to 10:30 am. In that brief time, Daddy let me lay in the back yard in a little bed (not my favorite little bed) and went behind the Monkey Zone to get some firewood. I got out of my bed and laid on the cold concrete. Daddy didn't tell Mom.

She came home, and Daddy left for word... and just now, at 12:30 pm, it happened again. I got a really bad cramp. My entire body was shivering, and my front left leg was going up over my head. My eyes were big, and I was scared.

Mom was taking photos of Mickey & Bernie, and didn't notice at first. I mean, I was asleep on my little bed, in the house.... just like normal. But she glanced back and saw terror in my eyes. This time, Mom didn't panic. She's seen this before. She went to me, and told me she loved me, and rubbed my tense muscles. My neck was tight and the muscles between my front legs, on my chest were so tense, they felt hard. She massaged, and gave me kisses, and I tried to get up. But my front legs just didn't wanna work. My back leg was good, but not the front. She got me to lay down again, and I gave her sweet kisses. Then Mickey started barking at a noise. It helped me go from scared to alerted... and within a minute I was o.k. and up and barking to go outside to explore the noise.

Mom did good, all alone, and I did o.k. because Mom didn't panic, but you know what? Mom is still shaking as she types. She hate seeing me hurt like that. She knows I'm scared of that kind of pain. Bad things happen when you hurt.

But I'm o.k. Mom called Dad and told him. He now promises he won't nag at Mom to let me outside in the cold any more. He thought I'd be o.k. He was wrong.

I'm asleep now, on another bed, next to Mickey. It exhausts me when that happens. Mom does wonder if it could be a seizure, but doubts it, as my back leg works when it is happening.

Not that it matters. It is so hard for a vet to know without seeing it.

Anyway, I'm o.k. Love you all!

UPDATED:
Doctor K responded to Mom's email asking if he thought it was a cramp or a seizure. This is what he said:

Almost all seizures in dogs are 'grand mal' seizures that involve the entire brain-- so these dogs are not conscious or aware while having the seizure. It definitely sounds to me like you are describing a pinched nerve or cramp. Dogs tend to react the way Sammy has-- some alarm and anxiety related to the acute pain.


When a dog has had a seizure, his brain is 'tired' after the seizure and they tend to stumble around like they are sleep walking-- but they don't fall asleep soon thereafter.

WE LOVE our vet!!!

Another GREAT day!!

Today, Daddy worked in the Monkey Zone, and since Mommy needed to help him, she let me lay in my bed out there. I had to wear Daddy's warmy flannel shirt, but I was in the sun, breathing the crisp air, and enjoying life!!

I am still doing great! Mommy keeps reminding Daddy that I was doing this well on his birthday, and just because I am feeling good doesn't change the fact I'm still a glass monkey.

That being said, thank you all for the continued prayers and candles!!

Daddy is starting his last week at his yucky job, so he is in a great mood! YIPPEE!!!

Love and snuggles to you all!

Sammers

Christmas Decorations and being a TOOT!

Today was a BABY DAY!!! All day long, I got to be with my Daddy! We got up and had breakfast, then I dragged Daddy back up to bed to wake up Mommy! Oh, she was so happy to see me! I gave her kisses and we had tea and read the newpaper in bed! My favorite thing to do on the weekend!

Then we got up and I insisted we go for a ride! So, I dragged them into the car, and we went to the cemetery! I got out, and toodled around the place. I peed and sniffed on pretty nearly everything.
Then something scary happened. Mickey pooped a little mucusy blood. Mom wasn't too scared, as she remembered Grizzly doing that a lot. Last night, he had a REALLY bad tummy ache, after Daddy let him chew way too many rawhides. (He is fine as Mom is typing, so don't worry..)
We got back into the car, poo in toe, just in case he got worse, and back home we went.

Mom dragged out some old videos... of Kody & Griz. She is trying to save them to DVD using our computer, so it takes time... and there are a bunch of tears, too. Happy tears, to see them so young and healthy. And sad tears, because they know they can't touch them and kiss them... Anyway,

Mom made Dad some breakfast, and I wanted to lay outside! So Dad got my BIG bed, and put it in the garage while we watched him wash the car. Then he planted some crape myrtle seeds, and trimmed up a bunch of stuff... pretty soon it was lunch time, so I got to help with that ( or at least drool over it) and then we started to decorate the front yard for Christmas! Mom told Dad, "Nothing on the roof this year! We can't afford for you to fall off!"

I spent all day until 5 o' clock out there!! I saw Ms. Nancy's bestest friend, Maurine, and her 2 corgies, Trudy and Pearl. I saw the cutie patudy across the street. His name is Benji and he is about 5 months old. He is a Yorkie! Awww....
Then I saw neighbor Gary & Deniece (yes, that is how she spells it) and their big black lab/Golden Retriever mix, Missy. Missy is the dog that scared Bernadette when she was a puppy. Bernie HATES her.

So, I did a lot of boppin' with Mom's help, and lots of barking and stuff like that. Ahhhh, Heaven!

By the time I got in, I was exhausted! I had my dinner, and my meds, but I was not going to sleep! Daddy left the room, just to put something in the laundry (yes, it is a rare thing, and something that must be seen to be believed!), so I had to find him. Then I started barking and yelling.... yup! It was time for my night ride! So off we went.
Think I'm spoiled?? Naw. They just want my time left here on Earth to be happy.
When we got back, Daddy had work to do in the Monkey Zone (Daddy's workshop way out back), but I couldn't come. Mom said it was too cold, and time for me to rest. Daddy went to get changed into some warmer clothes, and I RAN (with Mom in tow) down to the living room, and JUMPED on the couch!! Mom caught me mid-air, and laughed, but said, NO! Bad Monkey! And made me lay in my little bed. >:-(

Dad walked away from my pouting face!!!!!

Mickey & Bernadette were chewing (Mom only let Mickey chew for 5 minutes, so he didn't swallow anything other than spit.) I spied Daddy's slippers, right by the door.... and I got up, bopped over to them, and gently picked one up with my teeth... and carried it back to my bed. I'm still laying on it while Mom types. I haven't done that in over a year. Really!! OVER a year! And Mom was the only one that saw it.

It was, over all, a VERY GOOD DAY!

Post Turkey Day!

Well, Daddy is sad....

Mom didn't do a turkey, so this morning, he didn't get his bubble and squeak.

This is a traditional English breakfast, after Christmas dinner, or any large meal. You take all your left over veggies. ALL of them, including potatoes, and cut them up into small pieces. Get some left over turkey and cut that up, too! Oh! Don't forget the stuffing, too! Then you put it all into a fry pan, with some butter and get it all warmed up and slightly brown. While that is sizzling, you crack some eggs (depending on how much you are making) and beat them. I know, sounds cruel, but they need a good beating. Anyway, you pour this egg over your already sizzling fry pan of yummy left overs, and it starts to bubble... and you stir it all together. As it fries, it bubbles and squeaks!

Serve hot with a cup of tea! YUMMY!

Last night, something happened.... something Mickey & Mommy never thought would happen again. Instead of playing lay-down-playing with Mickey, I wanted to rough and tumbles with him!! So, I got into the playing stance!! Now, that might not sound like anything big to you, but it was HARD to balance that way!! Poor Mickey didn't know what to think! He looked at Mommy and said, "is he gonna eat me??" Mommy popped up off the chair and went to help me. I was soo happy! My nubby was wiggling, and I just felt like trying it. Well, it didn't last long, as I remembered my back and legs don't always feel as good as my spirit does!

Anywho, I am loving this wood stove going. Takes the chill off the air, and that helps my bones!

Daddy is going to be back soon... and I wanna be ready to have a Daddy day!

Love to you all!

Sammy

Happy Thanksgiving...

Hi, everypup!!

Well, Daddy is sure keeping me and Mom busy and our lives full of changes!

Yesterday, we needed to get some firewood, so Dad got out the TRUCK! I was so excited, I tried to RUN to it! but I hurt my right wrist. :-(( We put my BIG bed into the front seat so I would be comfy, and Mickey & Mom sat in the back, and Bernie in the WAY back... She loves to go through the window between the cab and the back. We have a camper shell, so Mom lets her, but only when we go slow.

We went to Uncle Kevin's house (Daddy's brother) to get the wood. He lives at the ranch, that used to be where Daddy's Dad (he calls himself Papa, but I don't like him since 2 years ago at Thanksgiving when he threw a fork at me) lived. Anyway, I digress. We used t go there and run and swim, and play!! But with my legs, and because I hurt myself, Mom said, "No way!"

But I was SUPER happy! I was smiling from ear to ear! When we got home, I was hurting quite a bit, but didn't want to miss anything. So they took the big bed out of the truck and I laid in it in the garage, while Daddy worked.

We almost lost Wally yesterday. He got out of the back yard (not new) but this time, he crossed a very busy street and was in someone's back yard. They had a dog, and he was trapped. Stupid cat!


I could barely beg from Daddy at dinner. My leg hurt soooo bad. We went to bed early, and I rested really well. I turned over several times, but it seemed like as the night went on, it got better and better. By morning, I was feeling much better!

So, today, we started out slow... Daddy got up with me (so Mom could sleep a little longer. Bernie was up often peeing last night) and took me out and gave me my morning meds. The back to bed for an hour. Up again for breakfast and our morning cup of tea and to read the paper! IT WAS HUGE!! No WAY I could have ever carried that!

We decided to get in the car and go visit our angel brothers' graves at the Franklin Pet Cemetery in Merced. When we got there, we begged and begged, and Daddy convinced Mommy to let us out and say "hello", too! I was sooo happy! I even forgot I only have 3 legs, and tried to lift my right leg to pee on a pole! Oops... And, true to form, I hurt myself again. I "ran", with Daddy in tow, over some very sharp rocks, and it sure did hurt! So, because I cried out, Mommy got angry. Straight into the car we went, and they finished cleaning the graves and lighting the new candle.

We came home, and I rested a lot. Then, a few hours later, I was feeling much better, so I went on a long walk around the back yard! I tried to insist on laying down and eating some almonds, but Mom vetoed that.

Right now, I'm in my little bed, resting. Daddy is on his way to Grandma's for turkey dinner, and we are staying home.

I sure hope every pup is having a super duper Thanksgiving day!

You all know, I'm thankfull for all your love and friendship, and for life, itself!

May you all feel the love I have for you!

Sammers

Daddy's gone... >:-(

Well, about 30 minutes ago at 5:00 in the morning, Daddy left!! He is driving all the way up to Sacramento to fly to Phoenix.

His Grandma is very old, and they think she had a stroke a month ago, but she has recovered. It made him realize how brief his time with her is, so he is going to visit. Mommy packed him to bags. One with clothes and shoes. The other with guilt. BOL!

Grandma and I have a special bond, on account of our bones. She has had 2 knee replacements and one hip replacement. But lucky for her, they are doing just fine for her! She is 87 years old and still bowls on a league!! BOL!

Daddy starts his new job on December 3... but can't take the time off between jobs I was hoping for. He can only take this week off, and much of that will be away from home. Today until Tuesday, Arizona; Thursday, Grammy's for turkey. But the good news is, he will get a pretty good check as his last one because he is cashing in as much of his vacation leave as he can, and we are going to use it to help pay for my vet bill credit card!!! Wooohooo! It should be down to about $10,000 after that!

It is super foggy here right now. I'm very worried about Daddy driving in it, but he is a good driver. He drives slow in the driveway (from Rainman).

Nikita Sophia, a VERY good friend of ours, who has been one of the kindest in all the world to me and my family, has a Mommy that is in the hospital. Please, say prayers for her, and her family. :-(

Welp, pups, it is 5:30 am and I want my breakfast and my 6:00 pain pill!! BOL!

Love to you all!

Sammers

I's be a married man!

Just a quick note:

Last night, Sadie Lee and I got married at the club. It was on a whim. No preparation, no brides maids or groomsmen. No Best Man. Just she and I, heart to heart. Sassy officiated the wedding...

Please, any love or congratulations, send them to the bride. I mean, after all, she does have to put up with me now! She deserves the gifts!

I couldn't wait another minute. Who knows how many more tomorrows we will have? I wanted to start NOW!

I am doing o.k. Very stiff and sore, but it is probably just a bad few days. My right side is bothering me... and Mom is reluctant to up my meds. If I'm still this bad tomorrow, she will give me another dose of pain medication.

Daddy is leaving to his Grandma's in Arizona, so she will be alone to take care of me until Tuesday afternoon. Please wish her luck! BOL!

I am the happiest pup ever, since I have my bride! If you wanna congratulate me, please just drop me a pawmail. I already know I am one lucky DUDE!

Love to you all!

Sammers

Stryker is HOME!!!

Auntie Alison's feline daughter, Stryker is home!! She had to spend a couple of days in the hospital, but is home now! They still aren't exactly sure what happened, but she has to take Pepcid every day for a while. Poor little kitty...

I had a really good night last night! Mr. Bryan and Ms. Nancy from across the street, came over for Chinese take out, and I got lots of love and attention. Mommy finally explained to Ms. Nancy, that she won't be on baby sitting duty any more for me. It isn't Ms. Nancy, but because, IF, God forbid, something happened to me while Mom was gone, she would never forgive herself, and it is just too much to ask of anyone else. Mom asked her, "can you imagine how you would feel if for some horrible thing happened while we were away??"
Ms. Nancy answered h0w it would ruin the friendship. Mommy said she hoped that wouldn't happen, as she knows anything would be an accident. But that is too much responsibility for Mom to comfortably put on anyone other than Dad.

I am doing really well today. As usual, my legs are stiff, but I sure am happy! Can you believe it is almost 1 year since my first wrist surgery?? Sooooo much has happened since then!

Oh! I made a new pal! Little Miss Contessa Blue!! She is a beautiful Chocolate lab, with a very loving family! Please stop by her page and make her feel welcome!

Love to you all!

Sammers

Monday Veteran's Day

Today, Daddy is off work to honor veteran's day. We would love to have gone to some parades, but Mom is too afraid I would be trodden on.

So we stayed home and Daddy went to dump some brush. We are going to have to cut down all our almond trees, cause Mickey is allergic to the nuts! And every time he goes out, he finds some in the grass (Daddy has raked and raked, and knocked his nuts but Mickey still finds some!) and munches away.

Mom took Wally & Sara to the vet for vaccinations, and Bernadette had to go too, for a refill of her Prion (PPA). You would have thought Mom was taking her to the electric chair! Without Mickey and I, she is a great big ol' wimp!!

So, Doctor K looked at her first, and said she had great ears, eyes, heart, lungs, but she is still rotten (I added that last part! BOL!)...

The cats are fine. Then they spent the rest of the time talking about ME!!! Dr. is looking forward to seeing me, without an appointment, that is! He said his is very happy with what Mommy is doing for me, and to keep it up. He said that when my orthopedic issues settle down, I will be ONE FINE DOG!! Hear that, Sadie Lee?? BOL!

We are chewing our rawhides now. Doc said that was the BEST way for us to keep our teeth clean. He said Pizzles are too hard, and Greenies just don't work for gulpers like us...

He said the cats are eating the right food for them: Iams for Fat Cats. He doesn't sell Iams. He never told us to feed that to the cats. But he is a great vet and doesn't push us to do anything... just let the cats be cats and the dogs be dogs.... He is great! I wish you all had such luck with your own vets. It makes me so sad to read all the stuff about bad vets.

Seems like my doggie friends are doing well, so I am happy about that, but Auntie Alison's kitty, Stryker is in the hospital. She has been vomiting for a few days, is dehydrated, and her stomach and upper small intestine are "angry". She is 12 years old, and otherwise, very healthy. She lives in Orangevale, and goes to the same vet that amputated my leg. I'm sure she will be fine, but if any of you could pray for her, I would appreciate it.

Love and snuggles,
Sammers

Bernadette?! Engaged to Bruti??

OMD! Bernie is knocking me over with her wiggling butt! She got a beautiful engagement rosette from her beau, Bruti. And she said, "YES!"

A VERY dear friend of Mom's gave her a little nudge to remind her to update my diary.

I have been doing pretty well, but for some reason my arthrodesis is bothering me. It could be the cold, or just normal pain, but any time I'm not myself, Mom worries.

I'm pretty happy, but have been acting weird. Not painful, we don't think, but just off.

Mom has been trying hard to keep up the house, and stuff. She has been neglecting the computer. Sorry, pal!

Well, it is chilly, and Mom needs to vacuum. Almost time for Daddy to come home for LUNCH!!!

Yipee!!

Love to you all!
Sammy

What a GREAT weekend!!

Hi, EVERYPUP~!

OMD! I had a great weekend!

Mom's new thing about letting me stand on my own when I'm still is making me very happy!!

Even though it is cold, and I'm stiff, my morning hot packs and massages are helping!

We have been doing my car rides, and yesterday we drove past my favorite walking park! I was barking and wiggling! I thought we were gonna go explore, but Mom said "No" . She isn't willing to hurt me for a few minutes of walking. So we went to the pet cemetery to visit Kody & Grizzly & Astro's graves. I had a ball! I pee'd all over the place, and even pooed on Kody's grave! BOL! Hey! I was just marking our territory! BOL! Dad cleaned it up, and shook his head at me.

Mickey has been a very good boy, but dang! He is constantly eating the almonds that are falling off the trees! He is so good at shelling them, he brings them to me after he cracks them! What a good brother! Bernie has been a little bit goofy. She has been wiggling her butt in my face so much, and kissing me! Grr... I mean, a guy can only take so much from his sister!

Well, another weekend gone. *sigh*

Love and cuddles to everypup!

Sammers

Almost 10,000 views!!!

Wow! I am almost at 10,000 views!! I broke the 1,000 pals milestone!

I'm so blessed!

This morning, I seem to be doing a little better. Mom has come to a decision about my welfare. She wants me to be strong, but doesn't want my legs to break down. So the new house rule is that when I stand, I get no help. I have to balance myself, and use my muscles, but if I move at all, I will get help. When I eat, I usually have Mom or Dad holding me up, taking the weight off my legs. But Mom stopped and thought, if not when I'm standing still, then when?
So now, I get to eat unmolested, and I'm happy! They still stand over me, with one of their legs on either side of me, in case I lose my balance. And when I am done, the belly strap is there waiting.

I have been coughing a little bit. Not deep or productive, but rather like I have something caught in my throat. It has been more than a week since it started. Every time I eat anything, I cough. Sometimes a piece of rice flies out, or a kibble. But I am an inhaler! I don't chew my food at all... just suck it up like a vacuum! BOL!

Mom wants me to be seen soon, in case it is that lump in my throat. But she thinks it may just be my barking and being noisy! I cough once, and then I'm done.... but I do it after each meal or snack.

Anywho, it is time for my blood work, and the dumb cats have to get vaccinated again.

Love to you all! Happy Friday!

Mommy left me for 55 HOURS!!!

Mommy left me!!! She went to Auntie Alison's! She hasn't done it for a year, but Auntie has been beggin', and Dad said he would stay home with us, so she left!!

Oh, boy, THAT won't happen again! She said she was miserable the entire time, and when she got home, I can barely move around. Mom is freaking out. My ears are back, my head is down, and all my legs, and even where my leg isn't , hurts.

Then we had an earthquake miles away last night. It was near San Jose, but we sure did feel it! She thinks it was a message that she was naughty for leaving her boy! BOL! Nothing like the Earth cooperating with me in my attempts at a guilt trip!

Mom will not be leaving me for her own amusement fir the rest of my life.

Daddy dressed up today! Mom bought him a really good sailor costume! He looks so handsome! We don't dress up, cause it makes us mad and sad, but we also don't get any treats. Grizzly used to dress up and go door to door trick or treating in our court. The neighbors always had dog cookies right next to their candy bowls for him.

Mom has lots of catching up to do. Her leg feels so much better!! Now it is time for her to work.

Love to you all!

Huggles,
Sammers

Battery dying!

So, Mom is trying to be good and sit in the comfy chair, but the battery only lasts a few minutes.

Update:
The kitties we wanted to help have been missing. We went to feed them last night, and there is no sign of them. People in our area are scared of cats, and it is close to Halloween, so we pray nothing bad happened to them. I have heard bad things about people and cemetery cats.

Update 2:

My legs are the same. But last night I toodled all the way to the way back and dragged Mom under some trees! BOL!

Update 3:

Daddy took that new job. We pray he will be happier! Even if it means a little less money in the long run, you can't put a price on happiness!

Love to you all!
Hugs and cuddles,
Sammers

Fleas??? That darned cat!

Good Morning EVERYPUP!

Hope everyone is safe and happy!

I had a great night! I chased Dad's shoes (while on Dad) and was basically a fart! I kept barking and carrying on. Hey! I wanted to PLAY!!!

We got out my favorite lovey (Thanks Sassy) and lay-down played! I wanted to jump up and run with it, but Mom closed the door so I stayed in the room.
>:-(

Wally came into the house yesterday with fleas!! So we are going to be medicated today. Mom hates the idea of putting poison on us, and only does it when we have fleas. She is convinced that is one reason so many dogs get cancer these days.

I just came in from my noon pee, and I fell over! (embarrassed!) I was in the middle of it, and lost my balance. I tried to catch myself, but my fused wrist wouldn't let me. Mom had my belly strap around my chest waiting for me to finish, so it helped a bit, but I was irriated! *Umph!*

So, I'm back in my little bed, being pouty. But perked up as soon as I got my noon meds (previcox)! I love pumpkin! We get our meds in pumpkin! YUM!

We are praying for our friends in Southern California! We are 5 hours North of the fires, but Mom's Grandma (Nanna) used to live in Saugus before she passed away 10 years ago. Her house has been burned down. Sad, but very happy she wasn't using it any more!

Hugs and love to you all!

Love and the wheels

Today Mom is finally listening to me. She knows I'll never willingly use my wheels.

As much as I love being able to toodle, I hate the contraption and almost panic when they strap me in. That together with the fact my front legs need more support than it offers, I have convinced Mom to contact Doggon' Wheels, and see if we can return it.

My back "heel" is sure hurting me, and my front legs are too, but I'm resting bunches. Mom has this little baby blanket that she drapes over my back when I'm laying in it to keep the chill from my back. I snuggle down and nappy most of the day.

Then when Dad comes home, all heck breaks loose! BOL!

Mom has learned to stretch me perfectly! As soon as I get up and feel her hand on my chest, I stretch those front legs out, to make sure they are long and strong! Then I arch my back and get that stretched out, and finally, my poor ol' back leg. I usually stretch that out myself while I'm in my bed upside down! OOo! I can get to be a really long pup!

So love to all our pals, and loved ones far away!

Hugs and cuddles,
Sammers

oh
P.S.
The cats don't have a rescue that will take them. So we are going to offer to have them spayed and neutered and unfortunately have to send them back to the cemetery. The shelter has kittens that were borne there this spring and have lived 6 months in a 24" by 18" cage! There are no rescues that want more cats, and we will NOT send them to the shelter.

So, Mom is going to get them to a lady that goes to Fresno every week. There is a place that does low cost spay/neuters, and Mom is going to pay for them to be spayed and neutered. Even though we don't have a bunch of money, we have to do something. Apparently, the female is pregnant again. She can't be more than 18 months old!
Cemetery Cats 1
Cemetery Cats 2
We are going to have it done next Tuesday, and unfortunately, have to release them back to the cemetery the next day.

Anyway, our goal today is to not get too attached to the cats. We have our fill of them with Wally!

If you know any one that would be willing to adopt them, please pawmail me!

NASCAR Racin' Sunday!

We are sitting in the living room, watchin' Jeff Gordon lead the race! Yipee!

We have a special connection to Jeff Gordon, number 24, NASCAR hero! The man that used to live across the street from us is Jeff Gordon's Dad's brother! YUP! Jeff Gordon's uncle used to live directly across the street! He got us hooked on NASCAR, and of course, Jeff! But we have lots of favorites. Just not a big fan of Robbie Gordon, cause he whines a lot. Too bad he didn't win... But his teammate, Jimmy Johnson did! :-)

We went to the human cemetery today, to visit Daddy's Uncle Dan and Grandpa John. While we were there, two black and white kitties were there! Someone apparently dumped them off yesterday. They were starving and super cute! Mom stayed in the car with me while we all barked at them. Luckily, Mom keeps kitty treats in our cemetery basket, just in case. So Daddy gave them some, and they decided they really liked Daddy. We called our friend, Sharon, and asked if she could help us rescue them. If she can't find someone to keep them until they go to rescue, we will be keeping them here until then. They will stay in the Monkey Zone, so they will be safe, as will Wally & Sara.

So, when we got home, we spent some time out front while Dad planted some oak acorns (thanks for giving us the rosettes! I hope they grow!) I hiked my belly on some bushes and peed like a big boy! I always love that! Then I got my treat of water and 4 kibbles when we came in.

Dad had to get ready for church. I was put on the bed to wait. When I got up to go to the living room, I leaked a bunch! But I just went pee?? Mom was scared my back was so bad I was becoming incontinent! Oh, no! Not another problem!? Just in case, Mom said, let's take him outside. Dad said, "No, he just went out front! He should be empty!" And was really worried about me. Mom insisted and took my belly strap. She walked me out back, and I got about 10 feet before I peed an ocean! I am FINE!! Just too much water! BOL!

Right now, I'm resting in my little bed, watching the race and waiting for Daddy to come home. Once the race is over, we will be going to the pet cemetery to light a fresh candle for Kody and Griz and Astro. Maybe we will see Handsome again! He is a really sweet cat that the cemetery has adopted. That is the reason for the kitty treats! for that Handsome cat!!!

Hugs to you all!

Sammers

Mommy is on Doggy Duty!

Hiya, puppers!!

Well, Mom is on Doggy Duty today! They were invited to a good friends' wedding, but with Mom's surgery, they knew she wasn't going to be up to going. So she convinced Daddy to go (she remembered what it felt like at their own wedding when almost no one showed up) and is feeling so good, she got on her exercise bicycle for an hour!

I layed on the bed and watched her. She was slow, but careful. I just layed there watching her, listening to our neighbor dog, Missy, make a darned fool of her self! (Sounded like they were pulling her ears!) Her Daddy came home and she always sounds crazed if she can't get to him.

Bernadette climbed into an old dog bed on top of a pile of pillows! She layed there and slept. She looked like she was sleeping on the side of a cliff! She has been a bit of a pain lately. She keeps kissing me on my nose. In obedience school, Mom was told that was a passive/aggressive behavior, and that she was pushing me. Mom watches her closely, and tells her to stop all the time. Bernie knows I'm not doing great and probably wants to be top dog.

Mickey snuggled close to me. When he gets cold, he seems to think I'm his hot monkey water bottle! BOL! I do love that little Bug. He is so devoted to me!

I am doing pretty good. The cooler weather is making my muscles a bit tight and my bones creak, but I'm super duper happy, and having good days!

The lump in my neck/throat is still the same size, so that is a good thing. We are going for our evening rides, too!

Daddy got offered an new job!! He is thinking long and hard about taking it. He has been working for the County for 17 years, so leaving it is not easy, but moving to the city would make him head of all building in the city! He is a really good guy, and is the rare kind of person that can think on both sides of the table. If he takes it, he will be happier (cause he has some bad people at his work now) but they are worried about something to do with retirement?? Whatever that is! BOL!

At any woof, Mom is going to be on more often from now on, and I am going to keep being a tough puppy!

Oh! Hi, T!!!

Love to you!

Sammers

Doin' good, and so is Mommy!

You should all be very proud of Daddy!! He is taking really good care of me! I am, of course, getting my way all the time. Which makes me VERY happy!

Mom is coming along great! She isn't using her crutches any more, and has cut her pain meds down to 1/8 of what the doc told her to take. They went in and shaved off the part of her cartilage that was hurting her, but she keeps looking at me and saying, "Dang, you are one tough pup!"

I skinned my rub wound on my left wrist, by laying down on the bricks out back. It bled a little bit, but I licked it for a few (Daddy didn't notice) and it stopped.

As soon as we can, Mom will be on more often, but it still hurts a little bit to sit at the computer for long.

We want to thank every pup for the love and support you keep giving us.

We LOVE YOU ALL!

Monday and Daddy is coming home!

Good Monday Mornin' everypup!

Just a quick pop in to see such wonderful news! Yipee Rusty! He is eating like a little cocker piggie!

We have lots to do today, gotta get the house ready for Daddy to come home this afternoon, and Mom wants to pre-cook some meals for Dad so he won't destroy the kitchen while she recouperates from her surgery tomorrow morning.

I am doing pretty well. We had hoped I would have done better with Daddy gone, but my back leg is weak and when I pee I have a hard time holding the position. Poor me! But my spirits are really high. We all know our Daddy is coming home!

So, love to you all! have a wonderful week!

Friday with the girls

I am updating my diary as Auntie Alison is working out.

I'm doing pretty good, but my back leg seems to be bothering me the most. I am now beginning to lick it on the bottom joint (where a human's heal would be) and if Mom tries to touch it, I pull it away.

No car rides for me, and Mom is being very careful to make me rest. I'm not very happy, cause my knight in shining armor isn't here (aka Daddy).

Mickey and Bernie are doing great, and the cats are cats.

Daddy will be home on Monday. Auntie will be leaving Sunday morning.

Thank you all for my pretties! How very sweet of you!

Days will be better when I get my hu-man back!

Daddy's leaving! >:-(

Today, I'm really sore. My legs hurt a lot and my eyes show it. My ears are down, and I'm kinda pouty.

Mom thinks it is because I know Daddy is leaving tonight. I did see him pack his bags, and move them outside.

While we were on our drive this morning, Mom asked Dad when we should take me in for my bloodwork. Daddy said something that surprised us both. He said, lets just let him be. What are we going to do if they find something? He is right. If they did find something, my life is going to be short anyway with my legs, so why put me through it? Mom has to admit, she would rather have me taken by something other than my legs breaking down.

It is going quickly, as I have written before. I have my good moments, and mostly, I'm happy. But I can't do much any more. My toodles are getting shorter and shorter, and while my muscles seem like they are getting stronger, my joints are bending more. Sometimes, I forget what I am doing, and hurt myself. It makes Mom very frustrated, as she knows I will pay the price. If I sit up too long, my front legs hurt a lot. If I lay down too long, my back hurts, and if I stand too long, my back leg hurts. So, I'm darned if I do, and darned if I don't. I won't let anyone touch my front legs any more. Mom used to check for sore spots, but when she does, I pull my legs away and struggle to get up and away. So she just leaves me alone.

Auntie Alison is on her way down from Sacramento (actually Orangevale), and will be here about 2 ish... so Mom won't be on the computer while she is here. Please don't worry about me. I am having a bad day. Blame Dad! BOL!

Good times and bad days...

Hi, everypup!

Daddy has been home a lot this weekend, and I am paying the price. He is trying to train in taking care of me. But he doesn't want to "control" me, as Mom puts it!

We went to the grocery store in MY TRUCK on Saturday night! Oooh, I was so happy! But Daddy took a long time in there, and I refused to lay down, cause I couldn't see out when I did. Mom tried to get me to lay down, but NO WAY! My back started to cramp and my front legs were extremely exhausted by the time Dad came back.

Yesterday, I was just as bratty, and of course, hurt myself! I was riding in my car (we call it the Roo Crew Mobile) and was standing up when I saw a pup! I had to go GNUTZ! I'm o.k. but today I'm having a hard time getting up from laying down. Anyway, Mom was helping me stand up, and supporting me, when she felt a new lump. I have lots of fatty tumors, all over my body, but this one is different. It is deep and right near my throat, where my thyroid gland is. It is kinda small, about the size of small bird egg. When she thought of it, she did remember I have been coughing a little, but not for any length of time. She told Dad. He said, no more surgeries. No more prodding. If it is something, leave it be, and give me time.

I love my Dad. Mom, too, but Dad "gets it."

Dad is going away on business Wednesday, and won't be home until the next Monday. Auntie is coming to visit while he is gone. I hope I'll be able to rest!

Love to you all!

Sammy

I'm BACK!

Well, once again, Dogster prayers worked!

While Daddy was out of town, I rested really well. Daddy came home yesterday, and of course, I went GNUTS (that means super nuts with a capitol G) when he came into the house!

First thing on the "to-do" list was a ride in the car! So, off we went. I was soooo happy! We even went again in the evening to the pet cemetery to light a candle for our brothers at the bridge. I didn't get out, cause Mom said I needed to rest. Dad protested with me, but she was very firm with her answer... NO!

I am resting again today, but I have to tell you all, I'm doing so much better! Mom is making me rest, and I'm not spinning and being dumb any more. (well, at least for today).

Dad leaves for his trip again on Wednesday, but Auntie Alison will be coming to visit, so I'll be able to take my nightly trips!

GREAT NEWS! Ms. Sassy's test results are back, and she does not have cancer!

Bad News: Mr. Rusty is still very sick. Please, send all your prayers for me to my pal, Rusty and his Mommy.

Also, please pray for my very good friend Gonzo's family. They are very special, and could use extra love right now.

HUGS!
Sammy

UPDATE:

Mommy just found a new itchy spot for me! I was standing, and she started itchying the area around my belly button! Oooh! I felt so good! My back leg tried to help, and my sides twitched bunches! When she finished, I shook off and gave her a bunch of kisses!

Doin' better!!

Today, I'm resting. Dad is out of town, and I'm not up and boppin' around.

Now, mind you, I am still hurting, but not as badly as I was Saturday and Sunday.

I was up to trying to find the sompin' in the down spout during one of my trips out back, but I was careful and didn't let myself get hurt.

Mickey Bug is doing better too. I'm pretty sure he just had GAS! BOL! What a BABY!

Sassykins is having her surgery today, and should be out by now. We are praying hard for her in this house!

Rusty was doing better, but now isn't eating again, and not feelin' so hot. Please pray for him.

Miss Molly, a VERY sweet pup, has been having some tummy issues, and may have IBD. Poor gal! My big brother, Grizzly had that.

Please, pray for them all!

Hugs to you!
Sammy

Sunday update

Hi, every pup!

First let me say, I'm doing better today...

Now for the news:

Yesterday we had Daddy in training. Mom let him take me potty and stuff, so he could get used to helpin' me around. I felt pretty fiesty, so I RAN out back, and Daddy didn't listen to Mom. She said, "David, you have to control him, cause his brain doesn't know he is hurting himself!" (How DARE she say that! I mean really!)

I ran back to the Monkey Zone (a metal building I helped Dad build years ago) and watched as he emptied 2 mice from the traps (Mom was crying, cause she is a softy about fuzzy things), and took Dad all the way around the back yard! I was running, so Dad had to run to keep up! Then I wanted to lay in the shade of the back patio, so Mom was left to watch me while Dad picked toadstools up.

I was 1/2 on and half off my blanket (Mom was trying to keep me off the cold concrete) getting ready to chew a rawhide. Mom moved me back off the concrete onto my blanket and that is when it happened. We still aren't sure what it was, but we will try to describe it.

I was lying down on the blanket and my ears went back, my head down, any my front legs came up above my head. I didn't make a sound, and Mom thought I was choking or even having a stroke! I couldn’t stand up, but I was struggling like I wanted to! Mom SCREAMED for Dad, who came rushing over, and asking Mom what was wrong. Nearly hysterical, she kept saying she didn’t know!

Dad picked me up and carried me into the house. My legs wouldn’t unbend. The elbows were bent as far as they could be, but my back leg seemed fine. When he got me on my red bed, I started to tremble: I was scared! Dad firmly told Mom to calm down (now that is a reversal! Mom is usually the one that says that to DAD!) and he started to massage my shoulders and back. I never made a peep, but my ears were still back. My legs started to relax a bit, but not much… Dad kept massaging me for about 20 minutes, and the entire time I trembled. Dad thought I was cramping from running with him then laying down on the cold concrete. Mom is still a little worried I may have had a seizure. She has never seen one before, but I didn’t foam and after I wasn’t super tired or anything.

About 30 minutes after the “episode” I was trying to tell Mom I was sorry, and gave her kisses, and even tried to walk a little. My nubbie tail was wiggling, and they got me to lay down in my little bed. I did, and put my head down and rested, but I didn’t sleep…

They noticed over the past few days that my neck seemed thicker than normal. Kinda like I was a fullback! So, I am getting regular neck massages and heat packs.

We still don’t know for sure what happened, but thank goodness Daddy was here. Mommy is on a new medication that makes her really emotional, just started Monday of last week, and she would have been a basket case if Daddy had been away. Daddy leaves tomorrow for a few days for work again. So I guess I had good timing. Also, it was kinda a wake up call for Dad to listen to Mom. I really can’t do the running my brain thinks it can! BOL!

Today, I am still limping more, and tender, but happy as a dog with 2 tails! I don’t even have one! BOL!

So, it scared the bejeepers out of them, and Mom took a few hours to calm down, but all is o.k. I’m still here, folks!

Love, Sammy

Friday and I fell off the bed...

Oh, what a beginning to a day.

I was doing pretty well, got up and peed, then came in to snuggle with Dad. I had my breakfast and meds. Then Dad left to work, and Mom took me outside. I did my doody and we all went up to the bedroom so Mom could have her shower. When she was done, I popped up to go to the living room, and my hind end gave out. I fell off the bed... While our bed is only inches off the ground, as we took away the bed frame and the box springs, it wasn't a long fall, but any fall for my old bones is a dangerous one.

I got down to the living room, but my back leg just was acting off. I don't know if it is my knee, hock, hip, back or just a pulled muscle. The area behind my knee is really firm, like I have a huge muscle back there! Mom rubs it, but I get mad and move away.

My wrists are funky still. When my left wrist went bad, my paw went in, and I kinda looked bow legged. My right wrist, now getting worse, it doing the opposite thing. My wrist is bending inwards, and my paw more towards the outside of my weight bearing. When I sit, my elbows are way far out, and I have the appearance of a cool bulldog. Too bad I'm a cow dog. But, as Mom has said over and over again, there isn't anything we can do about it, so we are going to "just keep swiming,
just keep swimming,
swimming, swimming,
just keep swiming!"

Mom loves Ellen Degenerous. If you don't get it, watch Finding Nemo! Ellen is the voice of Dori and she sings that!

Rusty is home and finally ate something. Please, keep praying for this pup. Can you imagine not being able to breathe? Now that is scarey!!!

Hugs to you all!

Wednesday 6.5

Today started out great! I woke up with a huge stretch and rub, and then I had to pee. But getting out the door wasn't an easy endeavor. My back leg kept semi-collapsing under me.

I did my duty, and came in, but didn't feel like snuggling Daddy this morning. I think I hurt his feelings... :-(

Then Mom made me rest all morning, and helped me move from bed to bed. When Daddy came home for lunch, I was so excited! I got up and did my monkey-pup things, barkin' and carrying on! He said it was a great welcome!

Then, out back, Dad took my belly strap to practice for when Mom has her surgery. He tried really hard to get it right, but I was hurting. My back leg was too far back, and so too much weight was on my front ones. I sat down to beg off Dad, but my front legs just looked weird. Mickey got close to beg, and I snapped at him (not for the food, but because he almost stepped on my front paw). I felt bad after, and let him lick my spot on Dad's plate. Our tongues even touched, and whiskers were tangling! BOL! See, I'm not at all food aggressive, but step on my foot, and... well, just don't do it!

Bernadette has been smothering me with kisses. That would be fine, but I do have to breathe every now and then.

I just tried to get up to adjust my position, and I got one step boppin' before I fell down. Mom rushed over to me and got me back into my bed... but she is worried.

She called the vet, and sent him an email, asking about other options. Seems I can take another 1/2 of a Previcox, but they have to watch my stool (poo) for blood. I can also have more Tramadol, which Mom tried, but it doesn't seem to do much for the joint pain. Mom tested it on herself (per her Doctor's prescription for the same meds) for her hip and shoulder, and it didn't do much for the pain... just kinda made her feel woozy.

At any rate, I'm resting again, and probably not going to be using my cart any time soon. I wonder if I'll ever use it? Oh, well, if not, we will try to find a good home for it.

Rusty, my very good friend is super sick. His lungs are messed up and he is in the emergency room. If you could find it in your heart, I would appreciate your sending him as much love and prayers as you can.

Thank you!
Love,
Sammers

Monday 7

O.k. on a scale from 1 to 10, ten hurting the worst, today I'm down to an 7! WEEEEE!! I'm getting a little better!

Just got back in from playing with Mickey!! I feel pretty good tonight! I'm limpin' like a big dog, but I'm super happy and barking my fool head off!

Mom even called me a treat slut, cause I keep beggin' for them! Mom had to plug her ears cause I'm barkin' so much. I don't want anyone to worry too much about me, kay? No matter what, I'm happy...

I had a good rest this weekend, and lots of love and hugs from Mom and Dad. I was having a hard time even riding in my car, cause the corners were making me have to balance, and that hurt my legs. I got to lay on a big soft bed out front to watch Daddy winterize our house. It was nice to lay in the sun for a while.

I fell over last night, just sitting up... I was so embarrassed! I just kinda went forward, and couldn't catch myself! BOL!

But tonight, I am super happy, and I forgot I couldn't run, and wanted to rough and tumble with Mickey. Mom got me to lay down and I kinda wrestled with my big teddy bear, and Mickey. But Mom has a headache now from my barkin'. Oh, well! Too bad for her!

Thank you all for the pawmails, rosettes and stars! I even got 2 anonymous ones so I can't even thank the pups! But I will here.

Prayin' really hard for Rusty. My pal is super sick. He has been coughing for a long time, and he finally went to a different vet that sees something in his lung. The other vets, for some reason, never saw this... and now that mistake may cause him his life. Please, pray for my pal... He is super sweet, and is my very dear friend. He is Sassy's fiance. Sassy is still very ill herself. To lose Rusty would be a very hard blow to us all.

Friday, and Mom is having a breakdown!

First off, let me bark I am not any worse! :-)
But:
Last night, Mom had something that she describes as a breakdown.

She doesn't want to get into details, but please understand that she is having a hard time right now emotionally. She usually is a positive person and able to see the bright side of things. She is trying to keep me up, her parents up, Daddy up, and keeps praying for all our very beloved pals here...

But last night, something kinda snapped. She is posting on my diary because she doesn't want to panic anyone thinking something happened to me, but she really isn't good company to anyone. She probably could put on a brave face if she had to, but she is tired, frustrated, physically hurting, and guilty. All together, she is constantly on the verge of tears and is trying hard not to yell at us, the cats, and Dad. She did yell at her Mom, and Wally... and now feels terrible for doing it. More guilt is not what she needs.

So, this being said, she appreciates all the love she has received from all you Dogsters. But she doesn't feel like she can keep up. She is so far behind in the thank you's and responding to pawmails, etc. Please, understand, she is trying. You are all doing everything to make my page beautiful! and the pawmails of love and support mean the world to me. I love getting pawmails, and reading from my pals, but Mom was raised to respond to correspondence, and feels horrible if she doesn't. Please don't take it the wrong way, in no way do we not want to be written to... Mom is just having a hard time right now, coping with me, the rotten kitten, Daddy, her Mommy, and Mom's own pains. It will pass, as all things do.

For a few days, Mom promises to update my diary, but probably won't participate in the forums or our special groups. Please don't forget me or my siblings. We won't be far away... but for now, Mom needs a break.

I'm sorry. I love you all.....

Thank you to my support system

I have received so many pawmails, ppr, and pretties for my page, I have to thank you all so much.

Magnolia & Scout and Millie & Oliver are my bestest cheerleaders! Each and every day I get some kind of love from one or all of them. They never fail to let me know I am not alone in this.

I did see that Magnolia started as special thread in the Get Well forum for me! not only there, but in the candle lighting thread and also in my Pals Group!

Thank you!

There are so many others that read my diary and are sure to send support and love, so very often.

It all means so much to me.

Grey Skys

All day yesterday, I rested. Mom put on my padded chest harness to help lift my front end, to take some of the weight off my wrist, and I was not getting worse.

Daddy came home, and she lifted me up a bit so I didn't hurt myself. I was a good boy and laid down on my red bed to get Daddy love. I love my Daddy.

Later we went for a ride in the car. I was so happy to go. Daddy wanted to go visit Kody, Grizzly and Astro's graves, so to the cemetery we went. I wanted to get out so bad, but Mom wouldn't let us. She opened the windows, though. On the way home, Daddy thought I could do with more car time, so he went the long way home. Mickey and Bernadette saw some cows, and went GNUTS! And Mickey stepped on my back leg. I yelped and snapped at him. Mommy threw off her seat belt and covered me with her body to protect me. Now you have to know Mommy isn't a small woman, and she whacked Daddy's shoulder with her butt! BOL! I was o.k. but Mickey was really upset.

We got back in, and rested some more. Then Mommy talked on the phone with Ms. Sassy's Mommy, Sally. Poor Sassy is feeling pretty good, considering, but her Mom knows her time is short... and that is beyond sad.

After their conversation, we went to bed. I slept deeply all night long. By morning, I got out to pee, and did pretty well! Mommy was really happy to see how well I was moving. I was still tentative, but my ears were up again! A big sign of discomfort for me.
Got back in and had my daily pain pill, glucosamine/chondroitin and thyroid pill. I snuggled into Daddy's lap for my morning massage! LOVE IT!
I got out of bed again for my breakfast and did well.... then it was time to do my other potty... I felt like walking this time! I did the long walk around the back yard. I started to slow way down and began to put my ears down. Mommy told Dad, "time to go back" and on my way back in, we had to go through the almonds that fell after yesterday's wind storm. And, of course, I hurt my right front leg. Mom hadn't put my harness on me yet, so she couldn't do much other than encourage me to be careful and guide me to the areas with the least nuts. Dad has to go to a business meeting today, so he won't be able to rake them up until tomorrow night, and Mom can't do it cause she can't leave me alone in the house that long.

I am so sorry to not have better news, but it does have some promise. If I was able to get even a little better, rather than worse, then it is a good sign.
I feel like my having a down day is letting everyone down. All my cheer leaders and support system... I hope I haven't upset you.

I love you all...
Sammers

Bad legs....

All day yesterday, I was hurting all day. Just to move from one bed to another hurt. Mom helped me, and massaged me all day... deep tissue massage for my back (my sides kept twitching a lot when she rubbed) and she put hot packs on my legs and back.

I seemed to be moving better, but still very tentative in my steps. No running for me. Then, last night, while Mom & Dad were trying to eat, I was trying to beg from them, and I was trying to bop from Mom to Dad, hoping someone would give me some food. Then I yelped. I yelped loudly and sat down, my ears back, my eyes wide. I hurt myself. Of course, Mom dropped her salad, and rushed to me... I was trying to tell her I was o.k. because I don't wanna be taken to the vet again!

Since then, I keep licking my right wrist... and Mom can't touch it. If you can imagine, on 3 legs, you can't limp. You just can't. You walk slowly, you kind of have a weird swagger, but lifting up the leg/paw simply is out. So you sit... you lay down... you try not to move.

Mom is very worried about me. I don't want to pee or poo right now, cause it hurts. We are praying it isn't anything permanent, and maybe it will just be a strain on my joint. But that right wrist is bending even more... and once it goes, we have to chose if I should be hacked on again, to fuse that wrist, or be allowed to walk freely at the rainbow bridge.

It would be easy to say, yes, do the other wrist... but can you imagine me walking around with both of my legs stiff like boards, not able to bend anywhere but my elbow and try to bop around like that?

Right now I'm laying on the floor holding my right wrist up, with my ears back... Dad says, we know he is hurting, but there really isn't anything we can do about it other than drugs.

I hope this is just a bad few days. I knew I was going to pay for those spins. From now on, if I start to spin, they are going to actually pick me up. Not a great idea, because it hurts my back, not to mention Mom & Dad's backs.

I am so uncomfortable, I keep nesting in my beds, trying to get them comfortable. Mom holds me up so I can do it and not hurt myself.

Also, I have gained some weight. I have to lose at least 5 pounds... but more like 10. It must be because I don't need the calories any more to heal, so the food I'm eating isn't being burned off.

My very good friend, Sassy is in bad shape. She is waiting for the results of her leg. It is probably cancer, but it is so aggressive, amputation my not be an option. Please send her your prayers.....

Missed you all!

Hi, everypup!

Gosh I missed you all so much!

We had a great weekend with Auntie Alison, even if I did miss Daddy terribly!

I went into Auntie’s room on Saturday morning to wake her up! Now, you have to know, I just don’t do that. I walked up to her, and gave her a good morning kiss. As usual, Mommy was helping me around with my belly strap.

Every day, Auntie drove my car while Mommy held me and protected my leg from the minions. But for some reason that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more. I barked, spun myself, and even hurt myself and these silly women couldn’t figure out what to do with me! Mommy even had to yell at me to stop it, as I was on the verge of breaking a leg!

Then Daddy came home. I went GNUTS! I was so happy to see him, I cried and barked and even howled!! Then Auntie left to go home. :-(

So, I’m really hurting now. I am happy, and all, but I don’t wanna pee because my back hurts. Last time I went, I even grunted afterwards, getting out of the position. My back is crunching like toast, my legs are bowing more and my shoulder is pulled away from my body which happens when my elbow and fused wrist hurts. But don’t you worry! I’ll be fine with some rest!

OH! Today I got a card from Sadie Lee!! She sent me a card with the sweetest salutation in it! And her Mommy sounds like she is getting a little better! Oh, how we pray for her!

I have to thank Magnolia, Scout, Otto and Sassy for starting a group, just for me. It is called, Samuel Jacob’s Pals. I have to post in there to thank every pup for all the love they are sending.
It makes Mommy’s eyes water to see all the love and pals that have joined! Thank you so much for creating the group, and to all who have joined!!

BAD Kitty!

Anyone wanna adopt a horrible red headed DAT? He is part dog, part cat. The BAD part of him is cat!

He is destroying our house! He jumped on top of Daddy's safe and knocked EVERYTHING off! Breaking most of it! He has destroyed important documents that were up there to keep them away from him! He put a hole in the wall with the things he dumped off, and Mom is LIVID! Just wait until DADDY sees what he did! Maybe he will finally agree this is ONE rotten dat!
We thought he was rotten because he was bored. You know, from being an indoor cat and all, so they let him out this morning in the back yard for like an hour (the longest he has been out since we adopted him). Did work. He was WORSE! Mommy was in the shower, and when she does that, she has to close the bedroom door so I stay on the bed. Good thing she did, or I could have had a huge dictionary dumped on me! Mommy got dressed and opened the door to see what Wally had done... and promptly put him in the laundry room until Daddy gets home.

Wally is always doing stuff like that! He knocks Mom's crystal candlesticks off the dining room table, eats every single electric cord he can (all of them are doused with Dawn dishwashing liquid so they are all sticky) and any shoe laces you happen to leave out. He rips apart our couch, area rugs, and window screens! He is the most destructive kitty EVER! And we have tried all the things to make him stop. We trim his nails every week... We have clawing trees and scratch pads for him... we did the aluminum foil on the table (by the way, makes a GREAT toy for him! He loved it!) and the tape! He just tip-toed around the stuff! Mommy did the can with coins. He ran about 2 feet, stopped and came back. She tried the spay bottle with water, then had to add white vinegar because he thought it was another game!

Anyway, Mom is ready to let him out front and close the door! She hasn't yet, but....


I'm really sore today, but really happy too! Daddy is coming home early from work. But I'm worried. He has his bags packed. That means he is going away. Maybe he will take me, too? Auntie Alison is coming over for the weekend to help Mom with stuff. She lives way up in Sacramento.

I am limping badly, but with only 3 legs, it is hard to know which leg hurts. I am licking the plate in my left wrist... so maybe that is where it hurts worst? That worries Mom. But then again, EVERYTHING worries MOM! BOL!

Huggles to everypup!
Sammers

Praying for Amber Conway, and We will never forget...

Today is the day Amber Conway has her surgery. We are praying very hard, but we know she will be fine. She HAS to be!

Today is also the first time September 11 has fallen on a Tuesday. The same day of the week the attacks happened. That kind of made Mom remember all about what happened that horrible day.

So, we bow our heads in prayer for our new friends, and for the families of so many affected by September 11, 2001 including the troops and their families. If it weren't for that attack, I doubt they would be fighting this war.

I am doing better today. Mommy spent extra time this morning massaging me and putting my heat packs on me. She had stopped because it was so hot, but I need it now. I'm still limping, but it isn't nearly as bad.

Thank you for all the love and prayers. I am sure this won't be my worst day, and we think if you don't have bad days, you won't remember how wonderful the good ones are! Since my hip replacement, I have had my good days and my bad days. I guess I have to expect that to continue.

Love to all my pals!
Sammy

UPDATE: 11:15 am

Uncle Paul (not really my uncle, but I love him like he was) just broke the rules. He came over without calling first, and got Mickey and Bernadette all in an uproar. He even stopped at the front window to put his hand up to let them sniff him through the window. I bolted up and tried to RUN to the window, forgetting I was missing a leg. I kind of fell down, and bruised my butt and my pride. I'm limping more now than I was yesterday. I'll be o.k. but I sure wish people could read. Mom has a HUGE sign on the front of the house to prevent this... and Uncle Paul knows. He feels really bad he hurt me, but Mom is still upset. People forget I'm still fragile because I have been doing so well.

*sigh*

Maybe I'll have to take an extra pill today... :-(


UPDATE: 7:38 pm

Wonderful update! Mommy gave me an extra dose of my pain meds, and I feel so much better! I was really playing hard with Mickey, but Mommy held me so I didn't try to run or stand up! AND I tried to take Mom's slippers while they were on her feet still! AND another FIRST!
The first time since before my first wrist surgery in November that I tried to heel Daddy! We were out back just now, and I tried to grab Daddy's tennis shoe in my mouth (heelers do that) and knock him down! Mommy was holding me by my belly strap and my collar, so I didn't hurt myself, and Dad didn't even know what happened! But Mom told him, and said it was BAD (even told me I was bad) for doing it. My wrist could have been broken from the plate in there if DAddy had fallen over on me. Mom wasn't laughing, but she was happy in the inside that I was doing it.

So, I'm doing better. Thanks for the well wishes!

HUGS!
Sammers

Seeming a bit sore today, but still boppin'

Today is a sore day. Mom isn't exactly sure what is hurting, but it is obvious something is. It could by my front legs from being in the cart yesterday, or my back leg from boppin' too much, or my spine? I have been boppin' but my back leg seems weak.

Whatever it is.... I'm a little droopy today. But that is o.k. I can rest and get all better!

Maybe I'm just pouting because Daddy has to go out of town for the weekend, leaving Friday and coming home Monday night. >:-(

But whatever it is... Mommy is worried.

Mommy's surgery is scheduled in San Francisco on October 16, at 11:30. It is a really easy surgery (or so the doctor says), so not to worry.

Raven, our dear, dear friend is on our hearts today and every day. Her loving Daddy passed away on flight 93 on September 11, 2001

Please pray for our my BEST GIRL, my finance's Mommy is having MAJOR surgery tomorrow... So please pray for Amber Conway, the Mommy of Sadie Lee, Morgan, and Pebbles! Together they are the Fabulous Conway Sisters!

Oh, on a funny note: I tried to pee on a tree at lunch... Mommy thought I was just sniffing... It happened again! Oooh! I am really getting peeved!

;-

Whoops, I did it again!

I just got in from peeing! I did it again! I tried to lift my right back leg to stand on my left one, to pee! Problem is, I DON"T HAVE A LEFT BACK LEG! BOL! So, I ended up being really peed off! Mom couldn't move the belly strap away so I peed on it!

I did my cart again. I'm getting frustrated with it, though. We didn't try the balls yet, as Mom hasn't painted them, and Doggon' Wheels suggested we put the side clamps all the way down. But, sadly, that didn't work. I just need to have less weight on my front legs, so we are gonna put the balls on the back of my cart to weigh it down. That should do the trick!

Well, time to go eat!
HUGS!
Sammers

Visited the Pet Cemetery

Today we went to the pet cemetery where Kody, Grizzly and Astro are burried.
It was so nice to go there and pee and drag Mom all over the place. Then I laid down between Kody and Grizzly's graves and enjoyed the morning air. A fire truck went by and Mickey and I howled!!

Ms. Linda, the owner of the cemetery came out of the office with a little blue velvet bag. It held the cremains of my busted up leg! So, I have my LEG BACK!! Also the hardware that was in it... I'm doing so much better without it, Mom wasn't even sad!!

Daddy and Mommy cleaned the grave markers and said prayers, then some people came into the cemetery with their own little dog! He was so cute! Mickey and he wanted to play, but the humans were afraid of Mickey (black dog fear, silly people), so he pouted and wanted to go home.

We packed up and got back into my car, and drove around barking at cows and stuff! What FUN!

Daddy is outside working his batooty off. But that's o.k. We get to watch sometimes!

We are nappying now, because we didn't sleep much last night! There was a SKUNK in the back yard in the middle of the night! So Mickey and Bernadette had to keep us all awake barking just in case it broke into the house! Well, you never know! Did any of you see "Over the Hedge"? It could happen! BOL!

Oh, did you all hear? Rusty proposed to Sassy last night! It was so romantic! And this all on top of the news that SASSY DOES NOT HAVE CANCER!! Isn't that a miracle!?

Hugs and love to every pup!

Bark atcha later!
Sammers

I'm being a MONKEY BOY!

OMD! I can't believe it!

I am acting like such a MONKEY! This morning, Daddy was taking too long getting out of bed, and I had to PEE, so I bopped around the bed, and off the bed, and back on the bed! It is a good thing Mom had Dad put the mattress directly on the ground and put away the frame and box springs! I only have 6 inches to clear that way.

Mom was gone all day yesterday. I missed her bunches! I only peed once.

On her way home, a big, beautiful, chocolate lab ran out into the highway! She didn't see it until it was about 10 feet in front of her. She had to swerve to miss him, because stopping would not have worked, and speeding up wasn't gonna work either. She missed him, and he ran behind the car, just being missed by the tailgaiter behind Mom. That pup had an angel on its tail!

She got home and I went GNUTZ!!! That is nuts with a G! What am I gonna do when she has to have surgery?? Eeekkk!! Daddy will be in charge! *gasp*!

Mom thinks she has sympathy pains for me! BOL! It isn't even one billionth the problem I had. It is actually a funny story how she got to this point!

In June of 2004, Mom had a VERY good (now former) friend over... but she got very drunk (the friend, not Mom). Mom was sitting on one of our bar stools, and the friend wanted to HUG Mom, and knocked her off the barstool, right onto the ground, landing on her hip. She had a HUGE bruise on her bum for a couple of months! She went to the Doctor, but they didn't find anything. Did an MRI and lots of test, but nothing... Finally, just a few weeks ago, she knew I was doing better, and decided it was time to fix herself. It is her right side: Mine is the left.

She had another MRI done, but still nothing, so her local doctor sent the MRI to UC San Diego, who told the MRI place how to do the scan properly. She went back the next day and they found an anterial labral tear in her hip. Not any big deal. Just arthroscopic surgery to fix, and to grind down the bone a little because it was bad for so long, she now has cysts in the bone.

But the doc says she will be fine! Come and go surgery, 2 days on crutches and then riding a stationery bike and some walking. Daddy has to take time off to take care of me! BOL! Please, don't worry about Mom. Just wanted to clarify so people know it isn't serious. Well, not for her, but it is for ME! She isn't gonna be able to help me for DAYS! EEKKK!

Planning on having a really great weekend!

love to every pup!

Too many visitors!

Today, Daddy had to go to lunch with someone from work, so we had Mommy to ourselves for quite some time!

Then 2 big trucks came to cut down our old almond trees out front. THey have been attacked by ivy (the trees, not the trucks) and are dying (again, the trees, not the trucks) and they were super noisy! But I was able to ignore them after a while. Then Ms. Nancy called. She needed some advise, and wanted to see us, so she came over... and while she was here, Uncle Paul called, twice, and came over to give Mommy his GPS tracker for her trip tomorrow (so she doesn't get lost), and Auntie Alison called from Sacramento (Orangevale actually).

Then Mom felt it was time to try another first for me. The first time she was able to have a shower without Daddy babysitting me! It was the last of the big steps! Now she knows if he has to go away for work or something, we will be o.k. together. Just like old times!

I did really well, but kept my eye on Mom. I was on the bed, and through the mirrors, I could see her... Mom kept telling me what a good boy I was, and to stay-stay. I did! YIPEE!

Dale Bo's Mommy is having back surgery tomorrow, so please, say a prayer for her!

Mommy is taking a trip (first time away from me since my bad legs) to San Francisco to see a doctor. I'm nervous to be away from Mommy, and nervous cause Daddy sometimes forgets I'm still a glass pup.

Mom won't be posting tomorrow, so please don't worry about me. I'm fine.

Hugs to you all, and love to our Sassy girl!

UPDATE:
8:30 pm

Another FIRST!!!

First time since probably January, I nestied (that means I dug in my bed to make it a nest).

Mom had to get up from the computer to help me balance, but I made happy grunting sounds, and tossed my head as I was doing it!

Mommy is sooo happy!

Demanding CHEWS!

I have been doing so well, and I have learned a new trick!

When it is dinner time, Mom gets out our little trays we eat off of, our bowls ready, and the signal to Dad to help me is 3 loud taps with the spoon on the side of the bowl. I immediately pop up and go towards Mom, who is on her way to my tray! We meet in the middle and so I spin Daddy, cause I turn direction VERY quickly! BOL! It is so much fun! Daddy doesn't use my belly strap in the house, so his hands are on my belly. BOL!

As soon as I'm done eating, I lay down and precede to bark... for my chews! And not just any chew! It has to be either a bully stick or some of those 4 inch rawhide sticks! Today I just started to do it after breakfast, but I have been doing it after dinner for a long time!

We are now sitting in the back of the car all alone! Mom started to sit in the front seat, but is ready to pop around and help me if I need it. We haven't tried going "cow tipping" (when you drive up to a herd of cows and bark until they move) like that yet, because Mom is afraid Mickey may step on my front leg.

Welp, bark atcha later!
Sammers

UPDATE:!!

When DAddy came home, I was sooo happy! I went up to the bedroom with him, to get him changed, and then when he was done, Mommy got my belly strap on, and I went straight for the toy basket!! I grabbed the BIGGEST teddy bear we have ( once that was bought for Grizzly so it is old) and I romped with it down to the living room and started trying to wrestle with it!! I was sooo happy!
Daddy had to help me carry it down (he had to run to keep up!) so I didn't trip on it, but I didn't even know, cause I covered up my eyes!!

I got to chat with my girl, Sadie Lee, today too! That must be why I was soooo happy!
:-)

Praying for Sassy

This morning began a roller coaster of emotions...

First thing we woke up, and stood in the line to get on the ride. At 8:45 (the time of her appointment) we were on the ride, going Clunk....clunk....clunk..... up the first ascent. Let's pray this will be a kiddie roller coaster and not a free fall...

To try to get our hearts in a happy place, we went for a ride in the TRUCK!!! I got to be in the front seat, and the Minions and Mom sat in the back! Dad drove as usual!

Then we got me in my chariot. I didn't do as well today, but they didn't put my wrist brace on me, so that could be it. Seems like I need more weight taken off my front end, so Mom has an idea:

She is going to buy 2, two pound lead fishing weights. She will paint them blue so they look nice, and hang them from the back of my cart! That way it will counterweight my front end and help me! And if it doesn't work, no biggie!
Webster gave me the idea to have Mom put extra on it so I can to Pop Wheelies! BOL! GREAT IDEA!!!

I toodled down to Ms Nancy's house and back, and PLOPPED in the yard. Whitey, Mom's adopted ring necked dove sat above me and cooed.
Ms. Nancy came over to say hello, and so did the other neighbors! Everyone wanted to see the cute ol' dog in the cool wheels! I got lots of attention and love, not to mention JERKY TREATS for walkin'! How cool is that?

Then we came in, turned on the computer and wait for word on our Sassykins.

Just went outside to pee, and tried to lift my right back leg! BOL! But I quickly remembered that was a no-go, so I tilted my hips and swung my back so I could direct me wee... Success!
Then I dragged Mom through the low trees in the back yard! BOL! She was covered with leaves and spider webs! What fun!

Did a LONG walk, and found a lizard to say "hello" to. He left me a gift! the tip of his tail! WOW!



Daddy went to church to light a candle for Sassy, and ask the congregation to pray for our friend.

We got word that little Muffin is home and resting! YIPEEE!! That was good news!

Hugs to all,
Sammers

Why is Mommy crying?

I am being such a good boy. I'm behaving like a monkey boy, and listening when I want to... but Mommy keeps crying!
I even jumped up on her to steal her snot rag (aka tissue), but she didn't laugh. She just smiled and petted me and told me I was a good boy.

I just laid down next to her and slept.

Mommy is super sad for Sassy. We are praying really hard for a miracle!

I got to go for a ride in the car with my minions and Mommy only last night! Daddy was gone, and Mommy had to go somewhere, so she packed us up and off we went! I did really well, too!

Today is a quiet day here. Kinda sad, but at the same time we are loving each other to the fullest!

Won't you kiss your baby for Sassy?

Toot!

I am editing this entry because too many of my friends are VERY sick, and I need you all to pray for them.
First, Sassy. She is VERY sick and needs our love.
Next, Little Muffin had to have an emergency hysterectomy due to a uterine infection.
And Rusty. He has Mom's heart, cause he has the same illness Grizzly did.
There are sooo many other pups that are TRUE friends of ours and are VERY sick. Please pray for them all. Mom has 7 candles burning in the fireplace for each of them.

Now for the old stuff Mom typed about me from this morning:
I was a REAL Toot last night! It is our special name for when you are a real BRAT!

Daddy was late home, and it was so hot, Mom didn't want to cook. So she went to the store and while she was out, picked up some take out.

When she got home, I greeted her with wiggles and woofs, and kisses! Mommy was soooo happy!

They sat down to eat, after they put my bed between them (I have them well trained) and I begged and begged! Daddy gave me a noodle (from the chow mein) and Mommy got really mad at him. She said that wasn't going to stop me from begging, only make me learn how well it works! BOL! Dang it, MOM! SHHHH!!!

I wiggled off my bed, so Mom got up to move my butt back, and I thought she was helping me! I JUMPED up on Daddy's lap (mind you, they were both sitting on bar stools at the counter) with my front paws! Mommy basically picked me up and MADE me sit! But they were both laughing, and telling me what a bad boy I was....

Later that night I was playing with Mickey! What fun! Oh, how I wanted to run the zoomies with him, but I didn't. Just did some lay-down playing with him.
When we were done, I laid down and dozed off, until the unthinkable happened! Mommy and Daddy were snuggling on the couch watching Mom's favorite, Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel, and I just had to say something.
At first it was a low grumble, then it got louder... and my nubby was wiggling... The I barked while laying on my side! Mommy was giggling at me, cause all my life I did that whenever they hugged! I wanted the attention! I haven't done it in a LONG time! But I did last night!

Finally, we just got too sleepy so we went to bed and put on Grizzly's Cold-Cold Air Machine! It is a window AC that we bought for ol' Griz. Mmmm! Nice cold air all night!

Slept really well, and this morning woke up and STRETCHED!! I think I'm longer now! BOL! Then I got myself situated into Daddy's lap while he read the newspaper and drank his tea. I did that all my life until November... Now I can do it again!

All of these things I am doing like I used to! The only thing missing is our long walks at the industrial park.... but with practice in my cart, I think we may be able to do that this winter!!

Did I tell you guys I was mistaken for a Brittany again??

I was in the back seat of the car, and our neighbor that has 2 Brittanys came over to say hi, and she asked when we got a Brit?

Mommy looked puzzled and said, "This is Sammy!" BOL!
She knows me, too!!

Maybe she needs glasses! She said I have the same face as her pups!
Silly lady! But she has the same name as our duck girl... so we like her.


Well, Thanks for all the love!

Now a favor:

Please, send your love and prayers to Roxy, Muffin, Katsumi, and Rusty? Thank you!

Doin' good!

I am doing TOO WELL!!

I tried to jump onto the couch last night! Right in front of my Daddy!

Ooo! We were in sooo much trouble! Both Daddy and I!:))!

Now Daddy agrees we need to keep those ugly pillows on the sofa for a while! We keep them there to stop me from seeing a clear spot to jump up on! BOL!

Oh, and Mommy thanked God this morning! Her prayers were answered!

It was really early, and Mom couldn't sleep, so she was in the kitchen making a cup of tea, and Bernie & Mickey came down to beg for some (we all love tea). Next thing you know, here I come, boppin' down the hall! All alone! Just like I had 4 legs! I mean, I wasn't moving like that, but I keep forgetting I don’t have 4! I wiggled all over and told Mom good morning like I used to! It made Mom cry and get on her knees to thank God. All she ever wanted was for me to be able to walk again. And I am!!

It is SUPER hot here! at 4:30 this morning, it was 80 degrees, with high humidity and thunderstorms.

Today, it is supposed to be over 108 degrees and humid! Eeek! PLUS we may lose power because California is in a Stage 1 power alert! (they call it a Flex Alert)

So, prayers we keep the AC going and they don't cut our power!

Hugs to everypup!

Sammy

Up the MEDS! I'mna be rollin' soon!

Hi, every pup!

I have received so many loving well wishes and rosettes, ppr, and candles! Thank you sooo much! I do read them EVERY day! They mean so much to me and Mom.

Well, I have to up my meds back to 1 pill twice a day. But that is o.k.! At least we tried! It just is too much for my back and my poor old back leg, too.

Mom went to the human vet yesterday for her results of her MRI. Daddy was left in charge of me, and gave me part of his sandwich and gave Mickey some of his Mountain Dew! OOOOO Mommy was mad! That crazy pup was bouncing off the walls and chasing the cats all over the place!

Today is a quiet day. TV is off cause of the crazy heat, we are on a "flex alert" meaning the state's electricity is low and we could lose power at any time! Oh, joy! 108 degrees with no AC? You have got to be kidding me??

So we are doing our best to stay cool without using too much electricity! BOL!

On a sad note: Stubby's girl, Inky, is going to go the bridge now. She is so old and hurting. But I think poor Stubby and his sister, Magnolia are hurting too.

Roxy is having a bad day, too... and we haven't heard from our buddy, Sunshine Nellie! We are so worried about her!

Please, dear pups, say a prayer for them, and if possible, can you please light a candle for them?
Hugging you all!
Sammy

The Golden Rule

Hi, everypup!

I was just reading a thread in the PLUS forums, and it made me so sad.
DOTD

There are some pups, that I really thought were my friends, putting down the Dog of the Day, and Dog of the Week pups. Saying it is a popularity contest. That makes me very sad. I have been honored with both, and I didn't pay for it, or ask for it... and I am beginning to think I am resented for it. I received some rosettes when I was chosen that hinted at favoritism towards me...

I am sorry if anypup resents me for that. Please know that our feelings have been hurt more than once in some of the forums. We have been totally ignored or a very hot thread has completely died as soon as we posted.

But don't you worry. I KNOW who my real friends are. I know who loves me, cause I love them back.

I just want to ask one thing. Please remember the golden rule! Treat others as you would like to be treated...

Hugs,
Sammy

They cut my pain pills in half!

Today is the first day they cut my pain pills in half! Now I only get 1/2 in the morning, and 1/2 at night.

My back is sure letting us know, cause it is poppin' and crackin' just like it used to! We hope it is going to just take me some time to adjust.

When I have moved from one bed to another today, I have been having a really hard time balancing (probably the back) and my only back leg is not landing on the paw, but on the entire hock... Like it lands from the paw to what would be the heal.

If it doesn't work out, then it is easily fixed by giving me the meds again. We just really would like to cut me back as much as possible.

Hugs to everypup!

Sammy

UPDATE:

Well, I'm not doing well at all with the 1/2 pill for both morning and night, so we are going to try 1 pill in the morning, and 1/2 at night, cause I'll be sleeping anyways.

Daddy gave us all "heart smiles" tonight! Heart Smiles is when you feel your heart happy and full of love.... and your heart smiles!

On our nightly drive, instead of looking at homes, and dreaming, Daddy took us to Foster Freeze!
Mommy hopped out and bought us a small vanilla cone! We all 4 shared it! (Mommy didn't have any cause her butt is too big)
What gave us the heart smiles was that before Kody passed away, the Bears (Kody and Griz) and I used to go in the truck with Mom and Dad at least twice a week to get a cone, and Kody would always pretend he was going to lick it, and at the last second, he would open up his big mouth and bite the entire top of the cone off!! He once got brain freeze from it! BOL!
Well, each of us had our turn to do what Kody used to do to the cone.

In fact, Mickey did it so well, she had to pry his mouth open so he didn't eat the whole thing!
It was just a small cone, and between the 4 of us, it wasn't much, but Mommy is ready for the consequences of it tomorrow! BOL!

Big heart smiles!

Butterfly wings!

I got this in a pawmail!

I asked Kadie to make you butterfly wings..cause i think that pups and mom that have so many trouble and pull toegether and be happy ..like you and your famliy are very speacial ...and deserve to be honored and that is what me and Kadie think butterfly wings are for ..Angels On Earth..and you are one to me....i hope you wear these proudly ..as pround as i am the send them to you ..from Kadie and Me(Daisy) hugs and love stay strong..
It was from Daisy !!

Thank you both, sooooo much!!

Mommy was reading back on my diary, and discovered something chilling!

I sometimes howl in my sleep. Not often, maybe 5 times in my life, but it always precedes something foreboding. I howled in my sleep 2 days before Kody died, the day before Grizzly died, and the night before I broke my leg... It isn't a normal howl, as I do that whenever I hear sirens. This howl is deep, and gives Mom and Dad chills... I don't lead up to it with the barking as I do when I'm awake... and I don't act happy after. I just lay back down and go to sleep again. It kinda scares Mom that I may be warning her of things...

Oh, last night, Daddy was getting my rawhide ready again, and the wrench slipped off the bone and made a cracking sound. I went nuts, once again. I cry and whine and try to climb up on Mom to get away from the sound... I never did this before I broke my leg. I also did that when Daddy was working in the yard and broke a branch. So I must remember breaking my leg and the sound it made.

BUT, I'm doing GREAT! Tried to kill Mom this morning! I was running out back, with Mom in tow holding my belly strap, and I went between a tree and the little fence around our doughboy, and Mommy just didn't fit! I was at full bore, and about dislocated Mom's arm! BOL! Good thing Daddy was close, cause he was able to take me from Mom before I got pulled back! BOL!

Then I tried to dig after a gopher, and toodled all over the back yard!

Fun, fun, fun!!!

Video of me walking in my cart!

Mommy finally got the computer working and was able to video me walking in my cart!
Toodling along with Mom and Dad

You can see Ms. Nancy's house (the yellow one), and how much I hate my wrist brace!

Then you can see how I terrify Daddy by trying to lay down while still in my cart! BOL!

I was fine, just tired and DONE!

I'm doing great today! Enjoying Mommy and Daddy and trying to get Bernadette to stop kissing my NOSE!

Hugs to you all!
Sammy

Still doin' good!

Well, pups, things are going GREAT!

My back still pops, and creaks, but without any other signs of problems, we aren't worried about it.

My left elbow has moderate arthritis, but nothing that is slowing me down, yet. When I stand, my elbow bows out to the left, and my shoulder pulls away from my chest but it doesn't seem to bother me. My right wrist is still bending as much as ever, but when they put my wrist brace on, I whine and it seems to hurt me more. So I don't have to wear it. (I have them trained so well)

My right back leg is getting stronger, but if I bop too much, my "heal" touches the carpet while I move. So Mom does her best to not let me bop much.

So, because I am doing so much better, Mom is going to cut back my Tramadol to 1/2 a pill every 12 hours.

I did it again! I just did a long walk in the back yard, and TWICE I peed like a BIG BOY! I tilted my pelvis and bent my back and directed it where I wanted it to go! I think I've got it figured out now!

I want to say a special prayer for Sadie Lee's Mommy, Amber.

OH! Buggy "killed" a opossum last night!! Well, at least he THINKS he did!

Hugs to all!

Night Playing!

Well, I'm doing so much better than I have since December! Even BEFORE I broke my leg!

I have been playing at night with Mickey, and last night I scared the bejeebers out of Mom, cause she was helping me around (with the belly strap) and I felt like playing with Mickey. I did a playing stance and barked at Mickey, then up and ran, dragging Mom behind me. Then I did a quick turn and started another direction, right towards MOM! She almost fell over, and had to jump and turn herself to miss me! BOL! That was about the most fun I've had in MONTHS! And Daddy saw the whole thing!

They keep talking about trying to control me! Now that is a laugh! But they are scared, after my leg break, that I'm so fragile and made of glass... and don't want to cause me any more problems.

But you pups can rest assured, I'm living my life the best way I can! And all the while, with Mom in tow.

Huggles,
Sammy

UPDATE::: 8:00 pm

After we went for my night ride, we were out front, sniffing where the neighbor's rooster had been, and for the FIRST time since I had my leg amputated, I lifted my left side (tilted my pelvis) and peed on a bush!! Oh, Mommy was so proud of me! She called to Daddy to tell him, and he cheered me on!!

Small things mean so much to us now!

Auntie Alison's gone... >:-(

Hi, Everypup!

I'm super-duper sad. My Auntie Alison left last night to go home to her children, Shelby, Ginger and Stryker, but when she left, they tricked me! We all left at the same time, but she went in her car, and we went in ours... and she didn't come back home!

Mommy said she would be coming back in about a month to stay the weekend while Daddy goes away on a business trip!

Anyways, weird things are happening! Wally, the dat (part cat, part dog) is stealing the meat defrosting in the sink, and Mickey is chewing his toe nails!

Mommy says we are all nuts, but we all fit like a glove together.

Nothing else new. Just trying to catch up on all the Dogster love!
HUGGLES to all!

Sammy

Hot Wheels and Auntie Alison!

What a GREAT weekend!

Just popping in to write in my diary, cause Auntie is still here and we wanna spend as much time with her as possible. She leaves tomorrow night... :-(

Yesterday morning, we went to the cemetery to visit our angel brothers, and I enjoyed it so much! But I accidentally lied down in a little fire ant pile and got 3 bites.

Then that night I got into my hot wheels, and went for a toodle! Auntie Alison video tapped it for us, but we have to get a cable to be able to download it for anyone to see. I did pretty well, but when Daddy wanted me to walk on the grass, I immediately laid down. It could have hurt my back. Daddy hollered at Mom to help me! They took me out of my cart, and I finished my toodle!

Bernadette had to have a bath this weekend! She found a dead bird in the back yard, and rubbed all over it! YUCK! We had to call mosquito control, cause it was a blue jay, and we have West Nile Virus here really bad. In a couple of weeks, they will call us back to let us know if it tested positive.

Well, I'mna go play with my brother again!
Hugs to every pup!

Gonna be playing with Auntie this weekend!

Hi, pups!

Auntie Alison got here today! I was soooo happy to see her, but Bernadette was even happier!

She will be staying with us until Tuesday morning, and Mom has her MRI early Tuesday.

I am doing pawsome, but very worried about my pup friends. Nellie, our Dog of the Week, had a scary thing happen, when she almost died when she was sedated for xrays! How many times was I sedated?! It really struck home!

Otto is home, YIPEE! but haven't seen much of that good looking gravy colored dog! Muffin (please say a quick prayer for her, she just may float away cause of the floods in Texas) warned he may eat some of the roast beef she left me on a candle salutation. But that is o.k. I like to share!

Magnolia and Stubby have been pawsome looking in on me and sending me lots and lots of love, as have so very may pups!

Katsumi, one of my newer pals, is having a hard time with her leaky chest (now that sounds weird, huh?) but she is happy and ready to play!

So many more of my firends are o.k. but I sure wish they were all the picture of health! I'm getting there with all the love and prayers you have all been giving me! I only have 7 more days of antibiotics, and I should be done forEVER! I have been on some kind of antibiotics since the end of November, so I will be nice to stop rattling when I walk. BOL!

Hugs and love to all!

Sammy

Playing Pups!

Oh, puppers! I just have to tell you what a great night I had! Not only did I toodle in my cart, but last night, just before bed time, Mickey and Bernadette started to play inside, and then Mickey started to yell at Mom to join in. She did! She played toes with him (grabbing his little tootsies to make him pull his feet away) and made him spin by pushing his face away very gently.

Well, I decided I wanted to play! So Mom got my special lovie that Ms. Sally & Sassykins sent me, and I had a blast! Mickey decided it was time to play with me, and bopped me on the head with his little paw, and immediately flipped over. I arched my neck and put my ears back and whined! Ooooo how I wanted to run and do the Basenji 500 with him! Mickey took off like a shot and ran all over the living room and kitchen! Then he crashed back into the big bed! My whole body started to wiggle! Oh! Please Mommy? Can I please run too?

But Mommy knew that was a bad idea, so she got Mickey back over to me and we did our patented lay-down-play for about 15 minutes!!

By the time we went to bed for the night, I was exhausted and snored REALLY loud!

This morning, I was stiff, and my back leg muscle was really tight. Mom put a heat pack on it, and gave me a good massage.

Daddy was able to stay home for an extra 15 minutes so I was sure it was Saturday! But NOOOOO, he got in the shower and left. >:-(

Auntie Alison is coming to stay the weekend tomorrow! I hope that means extra love! But I think Mom may go out with her and try to get some recreation. She is kinda worried, as Daddy just doesn't know how to tell me "no".

Sunshine Nellie is Dog of the Week! She so deserves it!

AND, OTTO is home! Oh, I missed my brown buddy so much! He was super cool and sent me 3 post cards while he was gone. All with pictures of places I would love to go. Isn't that just the sweetest thing? So typical of Otto!

Well, hugs to all!
Sammy

MONKEY DAY!

Today is a MONKEY DAY!

I got up this morning and had my normal morning, until we went to the living room to wait for breakfast to be served by the maid (aka Mom), and we heard the garbage trucks come down the road, so I bopped to the window with Daddy scrambling behind me to try to catch me to no avail! It was funny, cause I over ran the bed, and my hind end, being lighter than I have had for 10 years, got way high when I put on the breaks!

Daddy & Mom were laughing, feeling much better about my running now, cause Mom asked Doc K about it and he said for them to let me go at whatever speed I want, as long as it isn't going up and down things.

Then Dad went to work, and I put him on a GREAT guilt trip! He had to pack an extra bag to handle it! BOL!

He came home early, though! Then Mom left to go to the doctor about her leg/back problem... but she wasn't gone long.

Anyways, after Dad went back to work, I tried to get back into my little bed, and while all my legs were in it, my butt didn't quite make it! So I had my legs and head in the bed, and my butt on the carpet... and looked at Mom and said, "Can you quit laughing and give me a hand????"

I have been bopping all over, and barking like a crazed dog! Tonight, as long as it isn't too hot, we are gonna use my cart again! Yipee!!!

Hugs and kisses to every pup!

UPDATE: 8:00 p.m.

We got me into my cart after my evening car ride! I did the walk from our garage to Ms. Nancy's house and she was there waiting for me to tell me how wonderful I am!
On the way home I was really tired, and the cart was waggin' from side to side. I got mad, and just stopped walking. But Mom helped me keep it straight, and on I went back to the garage again! Of course, it helped that Dad had a new container of PupCorns! We just bought them from the vet on Monday!

I'm super-duper tired, but happy as a dog! ???

WOW! Ouch!

Good morning every pup!

I woke up this morning sore as HECK! I couldn't even get outside cause my legs are so sore! My face is a little swollen today, too, but we all know I'll be fine.

I am going to be laying down a bunch today, cause my back leg just can't seem to hold me up today... I think I probably pulled some muscles when Mommy got my yesterday! I was so happy, I didn't think about what I was doing to myself! Plus, I was still under some anesthesia!
I have to take antibiotics for 10 days now... but that is o.k. cause I get them in pumpkin anyways, and I LOVE pumpkin!

I can't thank every pup for all the love sent yesterday! I got a bunch of new pals, and you know, you can NEVER had too many pals!

Oh! I found this GREAT site for three legged dogs, and I wrote to them and asked for some advise, so they put me on the website!!


Tripawds, Sammy's Page

If you are a tripawd pup, and need something, please go there! Bunches of stuff!

Well, time to get my beauty rest!
Hugs and wet noses to all!

Sammy

Diary of the DAY and Gummy Boy

WOW! Mom just logged on to let every pup know about my tooth escapade, and we find out I've been blessed with being chosen as Diary of the Day!

I'm such a lucky pup!!

Well, I had to the vet today to have my tooth removed and wasn't too worried, because Mickey and Bernadette were with me. I bopped around the waiting room, and got on the scales a couple of times! I'm 46.4 pounds! Can you believe that 7 years ago I was 90 pounds! O.k. so I'm cheating a little with having one less leg, but hey! I think that is good!

Doc K took a look at my tooth and said there was a abscess trying to get started, and that it was a good thing we got me started on the antibiotics.

Then Mickey got his vaccination. We thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head they got so big when Mommy let them pull him away from her. But Doc K looked into his eyes and ears and felt his belly (said he was a couple of pounds beyond optimal weight) and gave him his rabies vaccination. We decided to forgo the other vaccinations until next year, as we aren't exposed to anything now we are home bodies.

Then Doc K looked at my hip/pelvis and said I was healing VERY well! He said he would start my surgery in about 30 minutes, but probably won't be ready to let me go home until 2.

A big man, vet tech, came in to carry me out, as they were afraid to let me bop in case I slipped. You should have seen my face as they carried me away. Mommy burst into tears as soon as they closed the door behind me.

They went home and waited. The vet tech finally called at 12:15, saying I was done and waking up, but couldn't go home until 2... >:-(

So, I got cheated out of breakfast, and probably won't get lunch! But I'll be ready for a good dinner tonight! Mommy said she may make scrambled eggs for me! If the vet says it is o.k. that is.

Well, I have a bunch of pawmails, pprs, and very sweet rosettes and stars that I need to thank every pup for.

THANK YOU, HQ for making me Diary of the Day!!!


UPDATE:!!!

I'm home! I'm home!! I'm HOME!!!

When Mom and Dad came into the office, they immediately heard me barking my fool head off. They said I started barking 5 minutes after I got out of anesthesia, and never stopped! That was over 1.5 hours ago! My voice was hoarse, and when Mom came into the room where I was (they had to move me into the holding area, because I was disturbing too many pups) I was in this very little cage with no padding. I saw Mom and started to scream with happiness! She came, she came! They opened the cage door, and Mom had to hold me tight so I didn't hurt myself, but they way she did it, I couldn't kiss her!

Try as I might, I couldn't turn myself to get her! I was squealing and carrying on, and Mom couldn't get the strap on me! So she just had to keep holding me that way!

Well, they finally got me in the car, and got me home. I had some canned C/D, and a bunch of water, and then my eyes got really big! I hadn't peed since 8:30 this morning! EEKKK!!!

I got in the back yard, very sloppy like, cause I was still kinda drugged, and peed like I hadn't peed in days! WHEW! I felt better. I came back in, and Mom got me into my bed and I am asleep, but as a bedtime story she told me all about being chosen for Diary of the Day and all the love and prayers sent for me today!

THANK YOU! It worked! I made it through yet another surgery! I hope it is the last one! They polished my teeth, and checked my ears, and my pedicure is perfect! All this for a mear $445.94!! Wow! Oh, that includes the antibiotics that I have to be on for 10 days.

Well, time to rest and get all better! Tomorrow we will be better and on a roll in my cart!

Hugs and love to you all!
Sammy

Happy, Yet Sore, Sunday!

Wahhoooo!!!

What a morning!

Daddy worked in the yard this morning, so I got to lay in my big bed out there until he was done.

Then they put me in my new saddle for my hot wheels, attached the cart and OFF I WENT! I walked down the driveway and down the road to Ms. Nancy's house! Daddy said it was about 150 yards!!! I was exhausted by the time we were done, but my brain just wanted to get into the car.

But Mom said, "No". I was so sad... she made me come in and lay down in my little bed. Daddy finished one last chore, and came in to sit with me while Mommy did something secret. Daddy turned up the TV really loud so I couldn't hear.

Then Mom came in and put my tummy strap on. Daddy attached my collar AND leash! What was gonna happen?? I was sure we were going for a ride in the car, but Mom said no. We went out the door and Mickey went ballistic! He saw a strange vehicle in the driveway! It was MY TRUCK!! I was so excited, I pulled Mom to the truck and though she tried to hold me back, I scrapped my nails on the concrete and tried to jump into the front seat! But Daddy caught me and and lifted me into the front seat.

We went to Uncle Paul's Daddy's house to get our riding lawn mower that is 14 years old. We are going to try to sell it. While we were out, we saw a bunch of cows, and horses and even one DOG!!

By the time we got back home, it was time for my Previcox (NSAID), so I got that together with my Pepcid AC and crawled into my little bed. That was 2 hours ago, and I haven't moved since. I'm upside down with my belly in the air, and I couldn't be happier!

Mommy and Daddy are very worried about my surgery tomorrow, even though it is only a tooth extraction. I have to be put under general anesthesia, and I've already been under far too many times this year.

So, today is a GREAT day!!

Happy Sunday to everypup!

Amber Conway & Oprah!

My angel's Mommy, Amber Conway, is very sick. Please, everypup, any prayers you are giving to me, please pray for her.
This is what we know:

" Girl's Daddy writing here

Amber wanted to let you know that she is sorry her and the girls haven't been here for a few weeks. She is pretty seriously sick right now. As much as she may want to be here, she needs more than anything to rest. Me and the pups are doing our best to take care of her. We all send our love to all those of you who are ill yourselves. The 4 Conway girls will be back as soon as they possibly can

Amber knew you would be worried. I guess I see why she loves this place so much. She has some serious medical problems, and one that has gotten out of control. She may have to have surgery to take her thyroid and lymph nodes out. Right now she is too weak to even sit up. The last few days have been considerably worse. I will send your love

I have to be off to work, but if you want to show your love or support, please write. I will show her anything that comes in. Phone calls would probably wear her out a little too mush. Thanx so much for caring about her. Please do pass this on"

Please, pray hard for her... She is the Mommy of the Fabulous Conway Sisters.
On Oprah today Christine McFadden was on. She is a vet with our vet, Dr. Klingborg! They are the only 2 vets at the office! How about that?


Tonight is a big party for Sassy! Can't wait to blow off some steam!

I got my new saddle today. Tomorrow we are going to try it out!

We have had 3 people come to the door today, and one time, Mommy wasn't ready and I jumped up and twisted my right front leg. I got myself to the window, but when I sat down, I lifted my paw, and didn't want to put any weight on it. Mommy was scared I had dislocated it like I did my left one. Since then, I have been laying in my little bed, upside down (like I like to do) so we don't really know how bad it is. But it isn't swollen yet, so we have hope it is o.k.

Daddy is coming home a little early so Mommy can go to the cyber party for her very good friend! SASSY!!!

BONES!

Hi, Everypup!

I checked my page today, and I got like 1877 bones! How on Earth did THAT happen? Well, thanks!!

Got an e-mail from Dr. K about my tooth. He is scheduling me to have it removed on Monday, but said I'll have to be left there for 4 hours! OMD! AGAIN??

I got in lots of trouble this morning. Daddy didn't go to work at his usual time, because our well broke and we had to have someone come fix it. But they were late. I saw Daddy wasn't dressed for work, so I just KNEW he was staying home! It HAD to have been Saturday! I barked and carried on to tell him it was time for my weekend car ride, and I started trying to run around the dining room table! Mommy got so mad at me, because several times I almost crashed. I dragged her behind me, and now her back is really hurting. But she said it wasn't so much her pain, but the fact she knew I was going to hurt myself if I weren't careful.

So, the man fixed the well, and now the "well monster" is alive again!

Did I ever tell you about the well monster?

When we first moved into the house, the well scared Grizzly. The sound of it hissing would make him run. Until Mom and Dad taught him about the well monster. We told him to get them monster, and kill it! He quickly learned not to be afraid of the sound, and in fact, sometimes he would be laying inside and hear it and "run" into the garage to kill it! Even on his last days he would kill the monster. His barking would make spit marks all over the galvanized metal, and eventually burned it with little pock marks from his spit. Mom and Dad hold that water tank dear, as it reminds them of Grizzly and the Well Monster.

I'm resting in my little bed, acting totally perturbed with Mom and not letting her touch me or cuddle me.

Hoping today is low on pain and high on happiness for all!

Sammy


UPDATE! AT 4:03 pm. I have 4771 bones! And every time I look more bones appear! Thank you, bone giver(s)!
At 4:05 pm. 5179!!! Holy COW! YUM!
4:16 pm 5264! There are some pups out there with bloody paws from pressin' the F5 button so much! THANK YOU! I pawmise to lick your paws!

5633 at 4:52!

And now I know who it is! Thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! I love you!

O.k. Pillow's Gotta Go!

First off, Mom's heart is racing! I just heard the neighbor's garage door closing, and the sound made me JUMP up off my little bed and FLY over the black pillow that I use to rest my precious head. This is one of those pillows you use in bed to sit up, with arm rests. I took advantage of Mom, as she was on the phone to the bank. I ran to the front window, with Mom chasing me, trying to catch me while trying to sound calm on the phone. I made it to the window without breaking anything! But Mom was angry.

THEN, I got moved back into my bed, and I tried to jump into the barkalounger! I haven't tried that in a while! Mom is gonna have to watch me or put something into the seat!

Dad got in trouble last night for letting me run around the kitchen without my belly strap. Now Mom is in trouble with herself! BOL!

I had a great night last night. I got to lay in the back yard and enjoy the weather, and Mom and Dad took me for a ride. But I'm getting really bad about demanding my rides. I want to go every morning and at noon when Daddy comes home for lunch, and then again as soon as he gets home after work. But I only get to really go at night after Daddy and we eat. But I refuse to wait for Mom to eat... and she just can't sit there and eat with me yelling at her. So I always get my way!

My legs are sore, but I'm doing o.k. We sure wish I didn't have to have my tooth removed, cause I really do seem to be doing so well... but I do.

Mickey and Bernadette are being good pups, but Bernadette is buggin' me all the time trying to suffocate me with her tongue.

Well, time to rest and get even stronger!
Bye for now!
Sammers

Playing with the Buggy

Last night we were laying under my big tree, enjoying the unusual cool weather! I just got a whim and wanted to play with Mickey! I arched my neck and ponked him with my feet (while laying down). He wagged his tail and proceeded to flop over for me to sniff his wee-wee. He didn't know what to do! It has been so long since I wanted to play!

I made my little playing sound, and ponked him with my nose on his tummy! He waggled his tail and shot up! Ooo! I wanted to chase him, and would have, if Mommy didn't have my leash and belly strap in her hands. She said no running for me, cause I'm still made of glass! But I did get to play with Mickey, the bug! Soooo much fun!

In the middle of the night, Bernadette got to have some excitement, but I slept through it.
Here is her tale Varmint Hunt

This morning, I rubbed and got a good massage from Dad, but there is pus coming out of the "blister" looking thing above my broken tooth. Yuck! Mom took a photo of it, just so we can compare if it is getting worse. She called the vet, but he is on vacation. Another Dr. that is there (we don't know her) said it was o.k. to give me the Clavamox I had left over from all the other antibiotics I was on with my leg.

I'm getting really good at turning over in my tiny bed! Mom just stopped typing to watch me.

I hope it is cool today like it was yesterday. I felt like I was living on the coast with Ms. Sassy!

Hugs and kisses,
Sammy

No tooth pulling this week....

Mom called Dr. K's office this morning, and found out he is on vacation this week. So we have an appointment on Monday the 13th @ 9:20 am for me to be seen and Mickey to have his rabies vaccination.

I'm really sore this morning, but I still tried to convince Mom that she could take us for a ride in the car. She said no, that Daddy has to drive so she can hold me and protect me from Buggy and the Duck.

Hugs to all!
Sammy

STINK BUG!

WARNING:

If you use Rescue Fly Traps, please, PLEASE do not leave them on the ground as you replace an old one with a newer one!

Mickey, the bug, was immediately attracted to it, and RUBBED on it! He smells like a dead fish! He rubbed his face in it, and his whole body! YUCK!

Mom used huggie diaper whipes to clean his face, and then sprayed perfume on him. He is tollerable now, but still pretty rank.

Bernadette noticed and rubbed on the ground after Daddy took the traps away. She wasn't as bad, but stinky still.

Now our house smells of fresia flowers (the perfume Mom used) and dead fish.

YUCK!

Cwap!

Oh, Cwap! (I had to write it like that since Rudy Patudy was chosen as DOG OF THE DAY! Congrats, buddy!)

The diary entry was messed up, 3 times, so I have to retype it all.

At any rate, my tooth is gonna have to be pulled this week.
Hugs
S

UPDATE:

This morning I was angry. Daddy pulled out the car to wash it, and I wanted to get in it! But Mom let me lie in the garage and watch him! After he was done, Mom cut his hair for him, and got it all over me (cause they have to be close to me)! Now I have red hair with black highlights! YUCK!

I am sore, as expected, but happy. I so enjoyed my trip to the cemetery. And today is a resty day.

Then Mom did my morning check on my tooth. Tooth looks the same, but the gum above it has a boil looking thing. It is about 3mm wide and red and swollen. It almost looks like a fire ant bite, but we only wish that is what it is. So, I’m going to have to have it removed this week, as soon as Dr. K. can do it. Mom and Dad are very worried; because this will be the 6th time I have been under general anesthesia in a year, not to mention the multiple times to be sedated for x-rays. At my age, being under that often is not a good thing. But as long as I’m under they are going to have my teeth cleaned, any questionable teeth pulled, and my ears looked at good. Plus, I will have a good pedicure, too!

So, yet another saga for Sammer. Mickey is due for his rabies vaccination, so maybe I will drag him in with me and they will mix us up? Naw, he is too little and black to be me. Plus, I love him, ad wouldn’t want him to have his toofers pulled.

Love and huggers to you all!

Sammy Jake

Rubbin' in the pillows!

Thank you so much to my Dogster pals that read my diary and send messages of love and hope to me! It means the world!

I AM having a better day! In the middle of the night, I needed to pee, and had a really hard time holding my position, so I only 1/2 peed... and came in. When I got on the bed, something in one of my legs "popped", and Mom was worried. But by morning (5:45) I stretched my body out really long and rubbed my face in the pillows that Mom surrounds me with. I got up to have my meds and breakfast and did MUCH better. I'm still sore, but not as unbalanced as I was yesterday.

Mom is pretty sure I pulled a muscle that runs behind my leg/knee. It is REALLY hard and relatively swollen compared to Mickey and Bernadette's.

Daddy worked on cutting down some of the dead trees in the front yard this morning, and the Minions and I got to lay in the garage and watch. They had to use a rope to take them down, so Mickey freaked (he hates ropes and chords and loose leashes) ! Mom had to open the car door so he could hide in there while they were working. I wanted to lay in there, too, but Mom said I was better in my little bed they brought out for me.

The flies were HORRIBLE! I spent the entire time biting them! Good thing they didn't bite me back! WE use fly traps, but those are out back and we were in the front yard. Our neighbors have chickens and pigeons and they don't clean up after them, so the flies are happy.

This afternoon, if it isn't too hot, we are going to go to the cemetery. If it gets too hot, we will go Sunday.

Upside down in my little bed again. Just got my NSAID and enjoying the relief!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Hugs and kisses,
Sammy



UPDATE:

First off, I did a silly thing and about gave Mom a heart attack. Mickey heard something outside and started to bark his fool little head off... so I jumped up from my bed and JUMPED OVER a HUGE pillow! The kind you use in bed to sit up? I don't know what they are called, but I jumped over it! I did o.k. but my legs were so full of adrenaline, I didn't know what I did. Mom did! She hollered at me, and put the belly strap on me to help me stand after that. Geepers, MOM! I just wanna be a normal dog! We are sure I will pay the price tomorrow and the next day, but I don't care. I am a DOG for goodness sake! I think Mom forgot that.

I got to go to the cemetery!! It was so nice! A little hot, but it was like the old days! I got to pee on the grass, and lay by my brothers' graves, and there was a little kitty that lives there now!

I also chewed a whole rawhide bone! Mom thinks I'm trying to break out that piece of tooth... and I do need to keep my other teeth clean. No sign of infection... just a little red.

Oh! What a GREAT day!

Not a Monkey Morning :-(

I woke up this morning at 5:30 to go pee, and had a hard time getting out of bed. Once I got outside, I was positioned to pee, and couldn't hold it. Mom tried to help me, but it just didn't work.

I had my breakfast, and stood for it, but Daddy held me up. I can't bop this morning, because one of my legs isn't happy. We aren't sure which one or ones... but something isn't right. Bernadette and Mickey keep sniffing my rear paw... maybe that is where it is? Maybe it is my back? It has been crackling more than usual.

We are praying it is just a muscular problem, and temporary. I mean, I have really been pushing myself, so a sore muscle is very likely. But for me to not want to potty is scary for us.

I did have a great appetite for breakfast, so it isn't THAT bad! But my ears are back and my eyes show pain. Maybe they will up my drugs for today... we will see.

Sorry for not a great report. We really wanted a better weekend, cause we were going to visit the pet cemetery to say hello to Grizzly, Kody and Astro. I love going to the cemetery! It is like my own private dog park!

Well, I'm laying on my back, belly up, and ready for rubs.

Hugs and love to you all!
Sammy

Groin Pull

Well, I tried to play and be happy, and forgot I only have 3 legs. I pulled a muscle, I think. I'll be o.k. but tonight when I had my dinner, my rear leg was bending more than usual, and I was having a hard time just standing there to eat. Daddy usually helps me, but tonight he had a meeting, so Mom did her best. After I ate, I kinda slowly bopped over to my little bed and lay down. I did enjoy Mommy cleaning my face with the dish towel. It feels so good to have my face rubbed, but those ears are still buggin' me.

Saying prayers for the people who were hurt and died on the bridge in Minneapolis. How tragic it was to watch that all day today.

Oh! And Doggon Wheels are still trying to help me use my cart! They are so amazing. They are making another saddle a little smaller for me. They have to custom make them for amputees. They are so very nice!

My tooth is getting worse, but for some crazy reason, I still want to chew on it! Mom checked it this morning, and it is broken in a way that she is surprised the piece doesn't just break off? Weird!

Bernie is biting Mommy for attention, so time to sign off for today!

Love to all!

My worst Nightmare! An ITCHY Left EAR!

I'm totally bummed. The one thing I was worried about happened. My left ear is driving me crazy. I have a droopy left eye, and my ear is dipped too. Trying like crazy to tell Mom how much it is bothering me.

So what does she do? She puts drops in my ear! WHAT??!!

After she took off with the bottle I tried to scratch my ear, with my PELVIS!! It was the saddest thing you ever saw. I tried to put my ear on my pelvis to scratch, and it just didn't work... So I shook my head and whined.

Mom tried to help me, but it just made it worse!

I lay on my left side and try to rub, but with my boney pelvis, it isn't the best feeling thing. Mom promises to teach me to rub on the couch like Grizzly used to do. I think I can do it, but learning is gonna be hard. I've always been a grass rubber!

This morning I got my meds in the glue Mom made!! I haven't had this new flavor! It is venison steak boiled down with white rice, carrots and fresh garlic! YUM! Mom puts it in the food processor to make it look like dog food. I still only get my C/D in my bowl, but a spoonful of glue was GREAT!

The gum around my tooth is starting to get redder... Mom checks it twice a day. She doesn't want me to have surgery to remove it, but she would rather have that, than an infection from it!

Well, Time to go watch SHARK WEEK!!

Love you all!

Sammy

Doing o.k. but hurting

Good morning every pup!

Well, I'm sore today. I am doing o.k. but my wrist, the right one, is really sore. I guess I dragged Mommy around the back yard one too many times.

Mommy learned how to help me stretch while standing yesterday, but Daddy tried to do it, again... and I cried. He accidentally pinched my wee-wee because of my belly strap.

Mommy has had a long time problem with her back/hip. She was able to ignore it for a long time because she was so busy helping me. And as long as she rests, it seems to be o.k. but now I am mobile, and she has to follow me, she is hurting herself. She should go to the doctor, but she is afraid they will want to do surgery, and then who will take care of me?

She can't exercise because it makes it worse, and the more she weighs, the worse it is... aaah!! circle of doom!! BOL! She tried to swim last night, but it only made it worse. Goofy Mom! Does she have any idea what pain really is? I'll tell her about pain! BOL!

It is hot, hot, hot here! So much so, I don't even want to lay under my big tree!

My girl, Sadie Lee, is not gonna be here for a while, cause her Mommy needs some time to get better. But we are working on setting the wedding date!

Oh, I love her sooo much!

Well, time to go and take a morning snooze!

Hugs to all!

TIRED!

WHew!! Am I tired from the weekend! It was so super-duper good though!

Daddy taught Mommy how to help me stretch out, and Mommy taught Daddy how to help me pee (where to put the belly band so I don't pee on it or lose my balance), and Grandma G and Uncle Paul came over last night!

I found out a special Angel reads my diary... which warms my heart. I hope that angels knows we think about the angel every day!

So, Sadie Lee and I are setting our date for our wedding. It will be in September, so we have plenty of time to have our cyber parties!

Well, I'm upside down in my little bed again, transcribing to Mom. I think I'll get some shut eye again.

Hugs and love to EVERYPUP!

Sammy Jake

I REFUSE!

Today, I have been told I will be getting a bath! The first one since before Thanksgiving!

So, Mommy, the Minions, and I layed in the front yard while Daddy worked on the yard again. Then they decided they wanted to try me in my hotwheels again. They got it all together, and put me in it... and Daddy had Jerky Treats! So I went to him, but I didn't like it. At one point, I even cried a little! Mommy freaked out a little, and checked to see if it was adjusted right. Then they put me back in, and I tried to lay down before they got me clipped.

So they took me out. I would much rather have Mommy cart me around! So, it looks like I may not use my cart. They are going to try again tomorrow... and maybe they need to adjust the leg hole. My entire leg and some of my belly goes through it... We'll do a temporary adjustment because soon, my leg is gonna be really big again!

Please, pray for my friend, Daisy Mae. She is sick. I started a Thread in both Plus Friendly and Get Well for her.

Thank you!

SAMMY

Happy MORNING! It's a MONKEY DAY!

I have been doing SOOO well!!

I'm still on only 2 pain pills a day, and I've been doing goofy things! Things I haven't done in MONTHS!

This morning, I made happy grunting sounds, and rubbed upside down on the bed!

Then I came to the living room and chewed a RAWHIDE! On my busted tooth, too!!

I'm happy, and silly and doing REALLY well! Even if my back leg is tired, my spirit is super!

Mom and Dad say I'm doing so well, they are considering giving me a well needed bath! EEkkk!!! I haven't had one since before Thanksgiving!

It is Friday, and I send all my love to my pals! Thanks for the candles, pawmails, rosettes, stars and PPR!

Your prayers really are working!!!

Sleepin' and Boppin!

Today I am doing really well! So well, in fact, that Mom is going to try to cut back my pain meds by one pill a day! So, instead of 3 times a day, every 8 hours, we are going to try twice a day, at 6 and 6!

I was trying to sleep in my little bed, and kinda had an overflow issue!
Too big
For My Bed

I'm trying to look like Zoe!

I was getting ready for Daddy to come home and Mommy caught me Boppin' around!

As you can see from the video, my back leg isn't up to it. I don't know if that will ever change. So, Mom helps me with my belly band.

Love and smiles!

Sammy

Sticky this morning!

Hiya, pups!!

Well, it RAINED last night! Very unusual for us, and the air is super clean! But sticky...

I am kinda hot, so I'm laying in my little bed, belly up trying to get a breeze on it!

My tooth isn't really bothering me yet, but I refused cold pumpkin this morning... So Mom zapped it for a few seconds to get the chill off it.

We are so worried about Otto! He is in England, and it is really flooding there! I hope his Mommy is o.k., as I know Otto is a great swimmer!
Prayers to him and his Mommy!

Well, Mom has some phone calls to make, so be back later!

Hugs,
Sammy

UPDATE:
At lunch, I was begging from Daddy, but he wouldn't give me any, so he let me steal his papertowel. I tried to bop off to tear it to little bits, and I kinda fell down. I was trying to lay down, but lost my balance and boom....

I didn't cry out, but my ears were back and my eyes were wide. It hurt... Mommy and Daddy went to me and fussed me a bunch. Mom helped me into my big bed, and I layed down and checked my boney pelvis... My ears stayed back for a long time. I really scared myself bad...

Looks like nothing is really wrong, but I learned a big lesson. Don't try to lay down like I used to.
Dad learned a big lesson too: I'm not able to do the things I used to, no matter what I say.
Mom learned that just because Daddy says he will watch me, that doesn't always mean he will help me... he will certainly watch me, though! BOL!

Mom gave Dad a well deserved guilt trip. Said to him, "you don't want to be on duty and have him break a leg, do you?" If that did happen, that would be it... and we all know that.

I'll bet I'ma be evenmore sore tomorrow after that.

>:-(

UPDATE #2

Mom just took me out front to wait for Ms. Nancy to come over.

I went up to a tree, and lifted my right back leg to pee on it! Good thing Mom had the strap on me!! I would have fallen!! As it was, I peed on myself pretty good!

I guess that is a good sign, as I forgot I didn't have the other leg! BOL!

I don't STINKING believe it!!

Enjoying my after dinner chew and my molar fractured! and GUESS WHICH SIDE! My left one! On the top! It broke right down the middle!
Broken tooth 1
Broken tooth 2
Broken tooth 3
hard to take a photo with one hand and hold my lips back with the other...

Why?! Jeez! What is going on! Mom heard it, and I dropped my rawhide... Blood was coming out of it, and there was a bloody line. When she tried to touch it, it moved...

Another anesthesia??!! I think we are going to change my name to Murphy. As in Murphy's Law!

Then Mom goes outside to bring in the laundry, and notices the plants are dying. She tells Dad and he goes out to try to fix it and falls into a rose bush. Owch!

Finally, Mom is fixing Dad a burger and drops a bottle of ketchup which breaks and gets it all in the floor (epoxie aggregate) and under the fridge!

GREAT!

O.k. it is so rediculous, we are almost laughing. Almost...

Goin' for a ride in the car!

Well, I am sore but happy!

This morning, I demanded a ride in the car. And it worked! I just barked my head off, and poof! I'm swept up and put into the back of the car! And now that my leg is gone, Mickey and Bernadette got to go with us!

I was so happy! I saw cows and horses and Mickey never got yelled at, because he didn't try to step on my leg! Cause it was gone!!

I sure do hurt, but not in a bad way. In a way that I could be getting stronger!

I love all my pals, and I have gotten more donations to my bills!

I want to give thanks to those who have donated, but I understand not all want everyone to know of their generosity. I love you all!

So far, I have received enough donations to have paid for my cart and all of my medications for the past 5 months!!! Can you believe that!??

Thank you, Dogster friends!

I want to put a little license plate on the back of my cart saying: "Paid for by Dogster Friends"... (((hugs))) to you all!

It's BACK!

Last night, it came back! My smile!!

Mommy was so happy she cried and squealed and gave me treats, and lots of hugs and kisses!!

We tried my cart this morning... Hot Wheels, as Daddy says.
Smiling in the cart.

I don't know how well it worked, as I was exhausted by the time they took me out. I toodled down the driveway and back! We are sending the photos to Doggon' Wheels to see if we need adjustments. I tried to potty in it, but wasn't comfortable enough yet.

I was laying in the garage watching Daddy do the lawn like I used to last summer! I really enjoyed it, and Mommy sat with me and the minions. I'm really tired now, so I'm fixing on sleeping for the rest of the afternoon... in the cool of the house on my many beds.

Dad told Mom the truth... ???

Daddy came home early from his meeting. Mom was watching "As Good As It Gets" with Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson.

Daddy says the character, Carol reminds him of Mom now... worried about her child and not getting out. Looking tired and crying too much.

I'm not sure if that is a compliment, as Helen Hunt is a beautiful woman, but not particularly in this movie! BOL!

I'm tired... Still sleeping... Bopped from bed to bed 5 times today so far, but once I got my foot tweeked under me and cried... and then I kinda lost my balance when I was trying to lay down. Good thing Mom insisted on giving me lots of pillows!

Happy NEWS!

I have the most wonderful news! I AM getting better!

Daddy had to go out of town today for a meeting really early. He left at 5:30 am, so he set Mom up for the day in the living room. He even got out our breakfast stuff so we would be ready.

Well, as soon as he left, Bernadette started nagging Mom to get up, so she did… and brought us down to the living room (sleeping on the bed is sooo nice! The cold-cold air machine [also known as a window air conditioner] is in there, and we can snuggle all night long).

Mom got us out to morning potty, and came it to feed us. As usual, we were all famished, so we inhaled our breakfast. Mom didn’t like the idea of the food being left out until Dad came home, so she went to the fridge to put it away. As she was coming back into the living room, I decided I didn’t want to lay on my orthopedic bed any more, but rather my little bed, so I got myself up and bopped over to the little bed, and layed myself down on my left side!! That is HUGE!! Mommy was so proud of me, she squealed like a pig and gave me lots of hugs and kisses and even got the little green brush out and gave me a good scratching! Then she called Dad. O.k. so he had only been gone for 30 minutes, but it was big news!

Mommy was so mean though. She said, “guess what you missed? Neener, neener, neener!” and told him! It was all filled with love and hearts and praise!

My eyes still aren’t smiling, but if I get some freedom to move from one bed to the other, that will make me bunches happier!

Last night, we all (well, not the stupid cats) went in the car and just drove around the area where we live. I got to see cows and horses and cats and dogs and I loved it!! We are probably going to get me in my cart this weekend! Won’t that be great!? Sammy + cart = freedom!

The new antibiotics (well the ones left over from before the amputation) are working! My owie has a nice deep red scab on it, and I really wanna lick it. Nothing else is leaking from it and it looks sooo much better. The redness on my belly is almost gone, too!

I haven’t even checked my pawmails or anything… I just had to tell you all about this!

Love you!
Sammy

Looking better but still depressed.

Well, my owie definitely looks better, and my wounds are healing well now... but I am definitely depressed. My eyes just don't have any of the sparkle they used to, and I don't smile for Mom any more.

My front right wrist is really giving me problems, so we are going to work on my using that brace they bought me before. Even if it only gives me slight relief, it is some. They reason they haven't is because they were scared I'd trip with 2 stiff front legs.

We will be going for a ride in the car tonight, to help my spirits, and this weekend, we are definitely going to try my cart. I really need to be up and about... and the cart should help my front legs, too.

I love you, my dogster friends!

Sammers

Going to the vet at 10:20 today. Infection?

Can you believe it? I have an infection now! Of all things! This is what it looked like last Thursday, before it started to leak Seroma

And this is what it looked like last night Open wound....

I guess the 5 months on antibiotics for the bone infection that never was has made me antibiotic resistant! GREAT!

We have to get a culture and sensitivity of the fluid. It hurts and is getting red.

I will update you all as soon as I get back on this diary entry.

Love you all!
Sammy

Update:

Just got back from the vet and got all 29 staples removed. I was so tired by number 20, I kinda snapped at the tools the vet was using... I didn't make a sound, and didn't touch him, but I turned really quickly to my scar and made Dr. K jump! BOL! After that, Mom let me move to another position and I let him take out the last 9. The hole in my belly is going to stay until I stop leaking. He said it doesn't look like an infection yet, but to keep an eye on it. I am going to finish the antibiotics they took me off of when I had my surgery.
I enjoyed being at the vet for the reason I got to visit with other pups, and Mom let me bop around the waiting room. I really liked that.
I'm sleeping now, as it took a lot out of me.

But the happy ending is, I don't have any more staples, no stitches (if it doesn't get better by next week, he wants to put a drain tube in it) AND it got to go for a ride in the car!

Thanks, PUPS!

Love Tagged

This is the new game on Dogster called Luv Tagged- you are to choose 3 special pups that mean a lot
to you and explain why- I have been tagged by:Ziero, Daisy Mae,

oh and you are not supposed to choose a dog that
tagged you- yeah right- we'll see-. So in no particular order-I have chosen EXTRA, cause I know I'mna get tagged again! BOL!:


Sadie Lee- The love of my life. Sadie Lee was brave and told me long ago she had a crush on me… and from there, I fell in love with her. Her family is full of love, and her mother risks her own health to help other pups. Sadie Lee is the example of the kind of pup I want to be.

Beatrix- one of our first dogster friends, Beatrix always makes me smile with her French Cookie Monster accent. Beatrix has never had a negative thing to say to any pup, and is always full of love

Otto- Otto is a pup that has the biggest heart, and is often misunderstood. He is passionate about his work, and his mother is always thinking of others, even in their own times of need. The love and devotion Otto gives is one in a million.

Sassy- Who couldn’t love Sassy?? She gives and gives, and keeps on giving. She is quick to send love and light to all who are ailing and will cry and laugh right along with you! Her heart is as pure as the driven snow.

Magolia & Scout (aka Stubby)- A pair of pups that are the epitome of the Dogster way of life. They send love and light to all who need it. Never a negative word is uttered by these pups, and they have never let a day go by when they didn’t touch base to see how I am doing!

Rosalita Lolita (Rosie)- A passionate little pup with a heart bigger than she is! Rosie is always quick to be there for pups when they are in need, and quick to try to help answer questions. Rosie loves every pup, but has little tolerance for stupidity and cruelty. For that, we love her.

Rusty- This fellow is a newer friend to me, but a very special one. He reminds us of our angel brother, Grizzly, and his gentle nature and gentlemanly ways with his girl, Sassy made us love him even more!

Sophia the Pink Princess- She is always writing to me, and sending me candles and rosettes making me feel extra special! I love her! Such a sweet girl!

Gonzo- My good friend, when he went to the bridge recently, I was saddened as if he was of our very own pack. He was one of the first pups to be our friend, and we will always love him and his family.

Baxter and MacKenzie- Sweet pups that send love and light wherever they go. They make you laugh and smile and just simply make you know you are special to them!

Depressed today

I was doing pretty well yesterday, and got to go for a ride in the car. But this morning, I feel depressed and Mom says I feel like I have a fever, but the thermometer says 101.6 degrees. Dad just went to the store to buy a new one, and will bring it home at lunch.

My ears are back, and my eyes don't have any sparkle in them today.

If I have a fever or some kind of infection, that could be why. I hope it is something easy to take care of.

I got tagged by several wonderful pups, and I promise I will carry this on, this time... We are working on it right now.

Love you!

DRaining and healing

I have been a real drip all weekend! This little wound in my belly just keeps flowing with pink fluid, somewhat like strawberry juice. It looks so yummy, I keep thinking it will taste good, and keep trying to lick it.

My front legs have been hurting, but today I feel a little better. On Thursday at 4:40, I go to the vet, yet again, to get my staples removed, and if necessary, get some stitches in my hole.

I got to go for a ride in the car yesterday, just around the neighborhood, but it was sooo good for my spirit. One of the only times I have been for a ride and it not be for a vet visit. Mom and Dad said they are going to take me again tonight! I am so excited! Poor Mickey and Bernadette can't come, as they may step on me. Mom said she will let Daddy take them after we get home.

After my staples come out, and my leaker heals up, I can get in my cart and get rolling! I would do it sooner, but these staples aren't very comfortable, and the saddle will rub it.

So, we are washing my tummy with a solution of Betadine diluted in pure saline to a nice iced tea look! That way it doesn't sting, stain, and keeps the towels looking better! BOL!

OH! I forgot to bark! I stretched out for the first time since I lost my leg! It felt SOOOO good! We are sleeping in the bedroom, and with my bum leg gone, it is so much easier for me to get up and down from the bed now. WE still have it on the ground. No box springs or frame. Just a matress on the ground, and we put pillows around the edges and frame it with the exercise pen so I don't tumble out. Dad took down my exercise pen in the family room, and I am much happier. I move from bed to bed in the living room. I have 6 down here. Most are beds from Kody and Grizzly that Mom never had the heart to get rid of. We never needed them before, as I always slept on the couch or recliner. I'm sure glad she didn't. They went to Kmart and bought a convolution pad (egg crate pad for a twin bed) and cut it into the size and shape of the old beds. It gives me extra support and padding, and waaay cheaper than a new orthopedic bed at $5 a piece!

Well, Mom has to start charging her computer battery, as she isn't in the enclosure, and has to stay with me where ever I lay. It will limit our sessions to 1 hour a time (old battery) but it will give me a chance to bark at everyone!

Maybe in the evening, she can plug in and I can bark then.

I love my dogster pals! They are so super special!

Leaking and limping! BOL!

Well, last night my swelling went and started leaking. That isn't a bad thing, really. All night the pressure has been draining from my owie, and it is driving me crazy! It tickles while it dribbles. Mom puts a clean cloth below it to catch the fluid, but tries to not touch the owie, as it looks like a small hole in my groin (OUCH!)

That feels better now, but I'm limping a little more.

Yesterday, as I was trying to get more comfortable, I tweaked my front left leg and it made a popping sound. It could have been my toes, my elbow, my shoulder, but whatever it was it scared the bejeebers out of mom. She thought my wrist fusion broke. It didn't.. but I'm sore today. What else it new?

Mom is all teary eyed. She just doesn't know how to react. All her life, she has struggled to maintain the household, and not taken help from her parents or mother-in-law. Times have been tough, but they always seems to have enough to get by, somehow. Until I had my total hip replacement... and after that, life was never the same.

My friends, Otto, Magnolia and Scout (aka Stubby) asked if they could start a fund raising effort for me. I'm not sure about it, as I would hate to lose any friends due to this. Magnolia said if she could get 25,000 Dogsters, out of the over 300,000 to donate only $1, it would be easy... Such a sweet thought. Otto and Magnolia said they were going to do it anyway, in a way that pups can know where the money goes.

I am so scared to even consider that kind of help. I have seen so many pups be angry with needy pups, and the last thing we want is anypup to be angry with me. I'm just not sure how to feel about this... I would so love the help, but at the same time, feel very awkward receiving it. How can I ever thank Otto and Sassy? How can one pup repay that kind of generosity?

But the gifts from Otto and Sassy will help us pay for Sammy's medication! What an amazing, generous gift! I still can't believe it.

Thank you, my dogster friends.

I told you I was the KING OF COMPLICATIONS!

Well, Mom was worried about my red bump (see diary entry before for a photo), and sent the photo to our local vet.

He said he thinks it is a pocket of infection, and to stay away from heat and put ice on it instead.

He said because of the swelling, he is worried it will break open in a couple of days to drain. This will make me feel better, but the skin down here is so thin it won't heal quickly. He doesn't think another surgery is in my best interest (and we all agree), and just wants Mom to keep an eye on it and try to keep the swelling down.

I bopped across the room, too! I was hurting, and I couldn't get away from the pain, so while Mom was typing I got up and bopped out of the enclosure and about 7 feet away. Mommy screached, "Sammy STOP!". Well, I did, but I didn't want to. I was trying to get to the hall to lay on the cool tile (that hasn't been there in a couple of years, since they took out the tile) Mom said I had to lay on soft stuff, and took me back to another bed. I layed down there and slept for an hour, then I got up again (no bopping) and Mom took me out to pee and back into the enclosure. She wrapped around me and we took a nap for about an hour...

Mom is sad again. She knows I'm hurting and with my complications... doesn't want me to continue my trend. I have had every single complication for a total hip replacement there is other than the ultimate complication: Death. Let's hope I don't get that one for years.

Well, updates will be coming.

STill working on thanking everyone!

1 week out, and a seroma again

Good Thursday to every pup!

Today, I'm still hurting, but alive! I have an ugly seroma or something on my tummy/groin area You can see the little wound on my old scars above it.

I have a weird twitch on my left shoulder, which bothers me. It may look like my heart beat, but it doesn't match my heart.. ... and I keep trying to get comfortable laying down. I despirately want to lay on my left side, but this seroma won't let me. I tried yesterday, but I couldn't get up, and skinned the already thin skin on my old scars. It started leaking fluid, which helped the swelling there, but the lower one is still bad. It looked like this TIGHT SKIN before.

I am trying my BEST to catch up on thanking everyone for all the love, support, rosettes, stars, pawmails, and postings! Mom finally got the computer working again, so today is a busy day!

I will update as much as possible.

Love to you all!

Sammy

Computer problems and update

Dear Dogster friends,

First of all, I have to thank Otto's Mom, Karen for the donation to Sammy's medical bills. What a kind and surprising gift. I was shocked to see the email about it. Thank you so much, but it wasn't necessary. You are a dear, dear friend...

Yes, we have to add over $2,125.00 to our total for the past 18 months. I pray we are over these expenses now, as our Visa is maxed out! BOL!

For all the rosettes, stars, pawmails, pprs, and love, thank you!

My router is broken, and until I get it fixed, I have to be in a separate room from Sammy to post. Please be patient with us for our responses.

Sammy is doing better. I'm kind of glad we didn't have internet access for the past couple of days, as it was a very difficult couple of days.

Yes, he is a tripod now. He definitely knows his leg is gone, and is saddened by it. Sometimes he looks for his leg to scratch it, and I think he is suprised to see it is missing. His stump muscles move as if he is trying to move the leg, which makes me sad.

Seeing him as he is now, is shocking to say the least. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this.

Well, he is on his way up to the room, so I have to go. I'll try to work on the router tonight so I can update everyone tomorrow.

Love to you all!!!

Jacqueline
Sammy's Mom

I'm getting better!

Hi! PUPS! THank you all so much for all the love and support you have sent me!

I am getting a little stronger, and not whining as much. I even did something I haven't done in months! I turned over from left to right without having to sand up!! Mommy cried.

I am a hurting pup, and all like that, but I will be stronger and in less pain soon.

Mom can't type long, as she needs to keep her hands on me. Hard to do that and type.

Love you all!

WE are going home tomorrow!!

Hunger Strike! THANK YOU For making me Dog Of Day!

Well, they took me off my morphine drip, and said I can go home after 12:00. Mom and Dad had the Doctor take a photo of me in my kennel so they could see me without my seeing them!

The doctor said it was a good thing the leg was removed, as there was no bone really left. I was walking on the plate only.

I have a Fentinyl (sp?) patch for pain, and I am "bopping around", said the vets.

So, at 2:00 ish, Mom and Dad are coming to take me to Auntie Alison's house. Mickey and Bernadette will wait there with Cousin Shelby and Ginger.

We will stay there for a couple of days, and if all is well, take me and my family back home.

They did save the leg for Mom, and she will take it home to be cremated, so I can be burried whole, when my time comes.

This vet said, if my right leg gets strong enough, she doesn't see why I can't learn to walk alone! HOw about THAT?!!

Thank you all for the pawmails, rosettes, stars, and all the salutations on the threads!
I will try to catch up and thank everyone!

Mom's lap top isn't working at Auntie's, and she doesn't want to monopolize their computer.

Love to you all!!

Sammy

Sammy is out of surgery

Mom here:
HI pups!!
Sammy survived surgery... All I know is the amputation was successful.

It has been a very long day, as the AC in the waiting room at the hospital was broken, and it was 109 degrees outside.

Staff were wondeful, facilities were brand new and very nice. Saw lots of pups, and Mickey and Bernadette we angels.

Sammy went in at 10:30 for the consultation, and they agreed the amputation was in order. At 4:00 pm he went into surgery (we waited in the waiting room with the little ones the entire time), and we heard at 5:30 he was out, recovering and having a "bear hug" ( a warm air machine) . Tomorrow morning, after 9:30, we will be getting another update.... and until then, no news is good new, they say. They said he will most likely be in the hospital for 2 nights. :-(

I love you all!

I don't have the energy to read all the wonderful messages you have all sent. I will try tomorrow.

As of now, I am exhausted from the heat and stress. Time to go to bed and dream of having my monkey back in my arms.

Scheduled Amputation

O.k. As of today 4:30, we have scheduled my amputation at Sacramento Veterinary Surgical on Thursday, July 5, 2007. At 10:30 am I will be having a consultation, and some more xrays for verification. Then that afternoon, I will be having my leg amputated. They think I will be there from 24 to 48 hours after surgery, depending on how well I do with sedation and recovery.

Does anypup remember when Mom said about the magic of 3 in our family? Well, I guess I'm going to add to that... being that I'll be a tripod by this weekend.

Tomorrow will be a quiet day for the 4th of July, and the next day we will drive 2 1/2 hours north to Sacramento. Mom and Dad will stay with Auntie Alison (Mom's sister) while I'm up there.

I don't know how much we will be on line on Thursday and Friday, but we will be on tomorrow.

Paws crossed this helps me, finally.

Thank you, everyone, for all the love and support you have shown me!

Daddy is fighting it...

This morning, I am still just as happy, and being a monkey.

Dr. K called. He said he would be able to get me in today at lunch, or tomorrow at lunch. He would prefer to get it done sooner than later. Daddy is freaking out. He is staying, "I'm not ready to take him in and have his leg ripped off".

Dr. K said that without my bad leg, I won't be doing any WORSE than I am now. And maybe, just maybe, I could be doing a little better because I would have less weight to be dragging around and less pain.

Dr. K said he could easily do the surgery, and it would take about an hour. He would have to figure out how to do it, because of my femur being pretty much ruined, they usually leave a little bit of the leg bone for cosmetic reasons. Our problem is: The office is deserted over night. Mom doesn't think it is a good idea for ANY pup to be left alone in a cage all night long. What if one of my legs got stuck between the bars of the cage? or if I fell trying to turn over?
Dad thinks I should come home that night, but Mom isn't ready to take that kind of responsiblity after such a major surgery.

So, they are kinda arguing about it. Not fighting, just not coming to the same conclusion, and they both want what is right for me.

Doc says my risk factor for this surgery on a scale of 1 to 10, is 5 to 6. Just because of my age.

So, within a week, Iwill have 3 legs. I will most likely have it done on Thursday, unless we can figure something else out.

Mom did research, and found a clinic that has 24 hour care, and has great surgeons, but it is 2 hours away... Dad thinks it is a mistake to get me in a car and drive that far, both there and back. Auntie Alison lives only 5 or 10 minutes away from there, and they could all stay with her while I'm there.

Well, it is still early. Things could change....

Thanks for all your prayers, candles, pawmails, PPR, rosettes and stars!

I love my Dogster Friends sooo much!

Leg has gone bad, and will be amputated as soon as Doc can- do it..

This morning my leg bent in the wrong place. It is bending about 3 inches above my knee and it is starting to swell. I only hop on my right leg, so it is time, already... 6 months... never happened.

Things always happen quickly for me, and not in a good way.

Mom sent an e-mail to Dr. K to tell him what happened, and ask what to do next. Should I have breakfast tomorrow? How long will I be at the vet after? How long is the surgery?

Mom was trying to get me to another vet that has specialists there for my surgery, but this leg won't wait... And Dr. K knows me and knows what I need, I think.

What a horrible time of year to have this happen. Everyone is on vacation this time of year... and no one wants to work on the 4th of July.

Trying to rest now, and still happy but hurting.

It is so hard to see this happen so quickly. And there are so many questions I have. And as usual, the post op scares the hell out of me.

I wish I knew if Dr. K does epidurals. That would make me feel better. They do them at UC DAvis, but I honestly don't trust them any more. I know amputations are a fairly simple surgery, and would they have some first year student do it?

Mom is probably panicking. And it is only 11 am and too early to start drinking.

I am sleeping now, and Dad went to church to pray. Mom has given up on that, as it sure doesn't seem to have worked. I know God is answering her prayers, but just not the way she wanted them answered.

*sigh*

Life is just too damned short to be going through all of this. They sure did fight a good fight, though. $25,000+ for nothing... They wish they had NEVER started this with my first hip replacement. At least I would be on the same pain meds, but have a leg to stand on... and the other legs wouldn't be as bad as they are.

But as usual, hindsight is 20/20.

Limping badly, not using leg

Today is a bad day. We are all praying it is from my xrays, and not something worse.

I'm limping horribly, and hopping on my back legs, not letting my left leg touch the ground... A bad sign.

If this doesn't improve in the next couple of days, we will be forced to do the surgery to amputate my leg sooner than we ever expected. But we aren't going to jump the gun just yet. It could be muscle pain from the xrays, and them pulling my legs to get them in the right possisition. Let's just pray that is the case.

Mom and Dad are talking about my future, and sitting under the big tree in the back yard smelling the air with me. They keep trying to cover up the tears they have, as they know this is probably my last summer with them, but are aware we are lucky I am even here this summer at all.

We tried my carpal brace on my right front leg this morning, hoping it would support my hopping better, but I hated it. As soon as it came off, I chewed my carpal pad and my leg was shaking. There is no way I can be a 3 legged dog, but with Mom's help, I may be able to be an assisted dog for a few months after my amputation.

If only my other legs were better, this would be so much easier. But as you regular readers know, nothing for me is easy.

*sigh*

Well, I'm going to take a nap now, and run in my sleep. That is the only way I'll ever run again, but at least I have that much.

Hugs to you all,
Sammy

Blood Test Results

Doctor K called us this morning to tell us my blood test results.

My BUN was at 29, and my other renal numbers were normal. My potasium was elevated, but he said that it wasn't enough to worry about. It was probably caused by muscle trauma (my beat up leg) and that it wasn't to the point we needed to do anything about it.

The only thing that we do need to change it the amount of Soloxine I take. My T4 was 6.5, and he said they like to have it between 3 and 6. So I will be taking half of what I am taking now starting today.

Mom asked if there was anything detrimental about our waiting to amputate. He said he does not want to wait until a traumatic event to amputate. ie: my implant failing or worse. But he wants to wait for Dr. Sams to see the xrays from yesterday to see what he has to say.

I have been feeling happy, as Mommy is singing to me, and giggling at me, and making sure I know life is good.

Thank you for the prayers and love you have sent me.

Not good news... :-(

We just got back from the vet, and it isn't good.

There basically is no bone left. I am walking on the implant in my muscles.

There is no sign of infection, which is a good thing, but the doc says he isn't going to put a date on it, but probably 6 months until I have to have the amputation finally.

Mom and Dad are devistated, but at least there is no infection.

My pain is not horrendous, and I have my spirit!

Time to get my wheels goin' and get me used to them.

I wish I had better news, friends. I don't...

I'm a super hero!!

Someone sent me a rosette with me being a super hero-unicorn!

Tomorrow I'll need to be a superhero!

Mom has doctor appoitments all morning, dentist at 8, orthordentist at 9:45, regular doctor at 11:45 (non of which she has been able to do since I got hurt in November), and then I have to go to the vet at 2:20 for my recheck.

Please say a prayer for me.... I need to have a good one again. I need to know I'm getting better.

Thank you!
Sam J

Thank you for the prayers and well wishes

Well, tomorrow is the day of my recheck.

I want to thank Poncho for making me smile in worry. Even in their own fear, they wrote to me and wished me well while sweet Poncho had surgery! Poncho and Muskwa's Mom gave me a gift I needed and love...

My candle is still lit.

Thank you also, to Sassy for understanding why Mom is the way she is.

So many more pups write to me, send me PPRs, Rosettes and Stars.

THANK YOU!

Without you all, Mother would certainly have gone mad by now.

Chariot Adjustments

Today we did some more adjustments to my chariot. It is closer to correct, but when I get out, I am sore, and my tummy had little red spots all over it.

I did really well, and even walked 20 feet in it, but I was pretty nervous. Good thing Mom was right there to help me. Daddy tempted me with hot dogs! YUM!

Then, to get me used to the saddle, they took me out of the cart (Daddy calls them my “Hot Wheels”) and took me for a bit of a walk around the back yard, just using my saddle and the straps. I HATED IT! I sat down, and looked at my bum like I had a fly buggin’ me or something! I would walk for about 20 feet and lay down. Then they would get me back up again by telling me “Let’s get a Sompin!” and up I would get! Oooh, I was so mad!

Now I am back inside, in my bed. I’m really sore, and licking my legs and tummy. Mom is worried I may have over done it again. But she doesn’t think I broke anything… just sore muscles. That isn’t always bad, but I sure would enjoy ONE SUNDAY without pain!!

Anyway, I had visitors yesterday. Grandma and Grandpa (Mom’s folks) came over with Jesse, a fat little border collie mix. He got all his hair shaved and he looks sooo pudgy! He hid it well with all the fur. Poor kid, though. He runs and gets to go on walks a lot, but they feed him table scraps (they swear they don’t, but we have seen it.)

Oh! I forgot to write and tell you that I bit Mom’s throat Friday night!! Now, as bad as that sounds, it is a play thing I have always done. First she “bites” me, then I “bite” her… I LOVE it! I don’t do it with anyone else, and when I was healthy, I used to knock her over and lay on her to do it. It made her laugh, and I never ever hurt her. It looks kinda like when a wolf pup is greeting his mom…. Not like an attack in any way. Hard to describe but it is a special bond we have. Trust me, it isn't a dominance issue. (besides, I can't knock her over any more). Neither of us ever thought that play would ever happen again! It is one of the things Mom mourned the loss of a few weeks ago! So we are ecstatic I am still willing to do it!

Since the toys Sassy sent us, I have been playing every night!! It is usually at about 8:00, and we have finished chewing. The house cools down, and I start to growl a low grumble then BARK! That is their cue! Play with me!! Yipee!

I still itch like a big dog, but my po-po feels better (the fire ant bite is almost healed already!)

Well, we are gonna watch the race today and then take a snooze. Oh, and we have been sleeping MUCH better since we moved back into the enclosure at night. Guess we can sell the bed and make it into a game room for Dad?! BOL! NOT!

Hugs to all!

Sammy

Officially not having a monkey day...

Oooh, what did I go and do?

My leg hurts, and it makes a lot of noise when I walk.

Mommy even got out her stethiscope to see where the sound is coming from.

I can't seem to get comfortable, too. I layed down with Mom, but couldn't stay there for very long. I had to turn over after about an hour.

We have an appointment on the 28th (Thursday) for a recheck and xrays here at Dr. Klingborg's... and we all know if something is wrong, there isn't much they can do to fix it... so we are again hoping it is just a bad day or two.

Maybe the wire around my leg has slipped or something. If it were just the noise, we wouldn't be too worried, but the fact I don't seem to want to use it much is another indication.


So:

Today is not a monkey day... :-(

Maybe it is all the happy dancing I've been doing since Sadie Lee said YES!

|:|

Creaking and poppin'

Last night I had a lot of company!

Uncle Paul came over first, and then Mr. Bryan came over. It is so nice to see my friends! They always pet me and scratch me just where I love it!

My ears have bee very itchy still, so any help is appreciated!

Well, my last potty before bed last night, something Popped! Not sure what it was, but since then when my leg moves, it makes a crack-pop sound. I don't act painful, but it does worry Mom.

We tried to sleep in the bed again... for the last time. Every 30 minutes, Bernadette was chasing the cats or Mickey was barking and going ballistic for the sompin outside. We don't know if it is a cat, opossom, or fox, but he is sure it is SOMPIN!

So, once again, no sleep. At 4:30 I convinced Dad to let us sleep in the enclosure... but it took a while to get settled and Mom ended up never getting back into bed.

So, I had a great breakfast! And I did my sit-to-stand really well! Although I only did 10, I was standing unassisted and even sitting down without much help at all!!!

I went for a long walk in the back, and did my morning constitutional. Still poppin' and creakin', but it didn't slow me down, so that is a good thing!

We are gonna try to get some naps in today. I wanna lay on my left side, so we have to wait until I lay on my right for Mom to be able to lay down with me... it is a logistical thing... To be able to spoon me properly, she needs to be laying on our left.

ANyway, love and hugs to everyone!

GRR Itchy EARS!

I am going NUTS!!! My ears itch! My right one I can handle, but my LEFT!?!

I can't scratch it! My front leg doesn't bend at the wrist any more, so I can't use that, and my back leg is still not able to get that high! All I can do is droop my ear and shake my head and whine to Mommy to help!

She tries. She does all she can, and puts my drops in my ears... but I need my foot!!! GRR!!!

She just gave me 1/2 of a Benedril, so I think I'll get a nap in with mom...


Oooh, they itch! Rosalita Lola "Rosie"! Would you help me with your cute little paws?? Please?!

Sompins and sleepin'

Last evening I did something I have only done 2 or 3 times since February 4, 2007... I peed standing on my LEFT leg!! Of course, Mom was holding my belly strap, but I felt good enough to do it, and held it!! Mom was SO impressed!

I was doing so well, Mom and Dad decided it was time to try to sleep in the bedroom last night! WOW!

We were sleeping with the little airconditioner going, all enjoying being together again in the bed...

Then the SOMPIN came.

Mickey went NUTS! Bernadette wasn't far behind. At 11:30, after being in bed for 1 hour, we were up again, searching for the sompin. Usually it is a big house cat, a opossum, skunk or the pretty fox that lives in our neighborhood.

Whatever it was, it was gone, but Mickey spent the rest of the night on alert. And every 15 minutes or so, BErnadette tried to wake me up by licking my nose. Mom was getting cranky, and Dad slept through it all!

Again, at 3:30, Mickey went NUTS!! He started this bark/scream like he would die if he didn't get out to catch this sompin!

THAT woke Dad up! He helped get them out while Mom strapped me up and we went out to pee. Of course, there was still nothing in the yard.

Hollard them all back in and got all comfy and cozy... for about 30 minutes! MICKEY!!! SHUT UP! Mom said. This happened every 30 minutes until I finally got tired of it, and got up at 5:45. I pretended to need to pee again, but went out the bathroom door and straight to the sliding glass door to the living room. Peace and quiet at last! They all settled down, but it was time for Mom to get up.

I think I'll make her sleepy today...

She gets really cranky when she doesn't sleep.


Oh, Congratulations to Shiloh! for being Dog of the Week!!

If my Sadie is reading this:

Love you, beautiful!

SHE SAID YES!!

Yesterday was a big day...

I finally got the nerve to ask Sadie Lee to marry me. I sent it to her in a star, so it would be with her forever. I was so nervous. Her Mummy has been sick, and I didn't know when the next time I saw her would be! I still haven't seen her! But she sent me a pawmail saying YES!

I was so excited when I hear, I literally walked across the room, UNASSISTED!! I had to find Daddy to tell him! Daddy was shocked, and Mom was scared! I walked 10 feet alone! Of course, when I got there, I sat down and was kinda shocked I did it, but I did!

This was first thing this morning, before my pain pills and my NSAID! That is how happy I am!

I have a "ring" (actually a necklace) picked out... I just have to find out what size. Jezzie has sent her a pawmail to find out, in secret like. I hope Sadie Lee likes it!

I know it won't be a quick marriage, as her Mommy, Amber has been so busy, and not well. And I would really like to be able to walk down the isle with her... not roll.

I'm so happy!!!!

Thank you, Sassy!

Sassy sent me a package today.

It is full of real bones (3), stuffed animals (3), some cookies!, some tennis balls (probably not for me, but Bernadette & Mickey!), and a beautiful necklace for Mom!!

Well, I chose a white sheep stuffie! I started to squeak it, and play with is, and rub on it, and made my happy sounds! I haven't played with a toy in MONTHS!!

Oh, thank you Sassy! What an amazing gift!!! This weekend, we will lay in the grass and enjoy the bones!

You are the BESTEST!!

From Sad to Sore to a Monkey Day

Saturday morning started out very sadly. My friend Gonzo passed to the bridge suddenly, in his mother's loving arms.

She was so kind to pawmail me to let me know of the tragedy, even deep in her grief. For that, I am forever grateful. I stared some threads for all the pups that loved him, and were touched by him. It was the least I could do to help his mother, and all the other Dogsters.

I had a really bad day on Saturday. I wasn't using any of my legs right, and seemed to be getting MUCH worse. Mom felt my hip (or lack thereof) and the bones felt different. Hard to describe, but things just had been moving around and that shouldn't happen the way they feel like they are.

Daddy and Mommy had a bit of a "tiff" because of it. Daddy says Mom is overreacting every time I start to limp. She didn't think so. All she said was, "something isn't right", and off Daddy went on her. So, from now on, she won't be saying anything to Dad. If he wants to know how I am, he can find out himself.

Then yesterday, Mom decided to up my pain meds back to 3 times a day. I did much better that way, and even tried to lift my left leg to pee! That is always a good sign. I still am limping severely, and won't put weight on my back leg, but Mom isn't giving me the weight right now. She feels I need a chance to get better before she pushes me again.

I am still super happy, even through the sadness of lost friends, and missing Otto in England.

Otto, if you are reading this, please have some Marmite toast for me, kay?

I'll probably do better during the week, as usual, and get worn out on the weekend, because I have to stay close to Daddy, and he won't stay still!

Oh! Mommy won an argument. Daddy wanted me to go out front with him but Mom said NO. If I can't even use my leg, I have no business going out front. Daddy finally agreed after much whining. I guess that is where I get it, huh?

My good buddy Gonzo is an angel now... :-(

My sweet friend, Gonzo has gone to the bridge suddenly. He had a terrible seizure and died shortly after in his mother's arms.

He was far too young to die! Why?! Why did he have to be taken? I can't imagine the pain his family is feeling. I know the pain his mother is going through right now. The shock, the anger, the denial, the begging for this nightmare to be over...

Please, if you are reading my diary, for me, send my pal Gonzo some love.

Thank you!
Hugs
Sammy

Not a very Monkey Day...

Had a pretty good yesterday, but just a little monkey day. Today I'm really sore. Not wanting to move much. It seems like it is both my back AND front legs.
Mom is a little better, and Dad is fully recovered from his surgery last friday.

It was time to refill my Previcox, so I have to add another $311 to my tally. I'll be getting my antibiotics in the mail, too, so I'll add that in when I get it.

We are going to see our local vet, Dr. Klingborg, on the 28th for updated xrays.

The heat is getting us all down. You don't get a break from it during the day, and the air conditioning really hurts all our arthritis... so you are darned if you do and darned if you don't.

Bernadette is bugging the heck out of me. All last night she kept licking my nose as I was sleeping. I guess she wanted to get me up to go out with her. I just wanted to sleep! Jeepers, can't an old pup rest? Mom kept her away as best she could when she woke up. I was a good boy, and tried to ignore her as best I could, too.

Hoping we will be at George's party tonight. Love to all the super-duper pups out there!

Oh, and extra love to Rio... we hope you are doing well.

Hugs,
Sammy

It finally caught up to Mom!

I'm having a little bit of a Monkey Day! Not a big monkey day, more like a spider monkey day.... but a monkey day all the same!!

Yesterday, Mom felt weird. She had various things that just didn't feel right.

We think all the worrying, work, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise has finally caught up with her. She either had a panic attack or maybe is starting to have asthma. Her chest hurt (heavy feeling), her back hurt (like her kidneys were mad for being dehydrated), she was dizzy (and nothing to do with the bottle blonde), had a fever (it was 100 degrees here, but she had a coat on all day), and felt nausiated. WE took a long nap yesterday together! YAY!!!

Grandma came over and brought Mom and Dad dinner, so Mommy didn't have to cook. She really is a sweet lady, even though I bark at her like crazy.

After dinner, Mom had to lay on the sofa while Daddy was put in charge of me. Oh, boy was that a mistake! As soon as Mommy nodded off to sleep, Dad got up and left me alone in the kennel. He tried to straighten up his desk, and plug in his cell phone.

Mom just happened to hear it, and looked at me. POP! I was up again! I almost tumbled over, but Mom hollered at Dad! Ooo, she was mad! She can't even take a nap on the couch and trust Dad to take care of me! Grrr!

Today, I am doing better! Mom is a little better too. She doesn't feel chilled, but still aches.

So, here's to having a BIG Monkey Day today!!!

Hugs to all my pals!

Love ya!

Sammy

Don't you just wish?

Sometimes I wish Mom could speak to me.

This morning I had a terrible itchy left ear, and I couldn't scratch it (still not moving the leg that much) so I did all I could to explain to her what I needed. It was only about 2 hours... Jeepers!! I tried to rub my head on the pillows, nope she didn't understand. I tried to wiggle my ear... nope still no luck.

Finally I moved my back leg/paw like I was trying to scratch my ear, and she saw it. Nice long scratching ensued! Yay!!! I wonder what people without arms do it? How do they scratch their ears or noses for that matter?! You never appreciate things until you can't do it.

I am really sore this morning, but I'll be o.k. Last night at about 9:00 I felt so much better, I even walked from my bed to the pillow, unassisted! That is much faster than we expected. But this morning, I'm back to walking with a HUGE limp and not putting the leg down at all. I just need to rest again..

Mom sent an e-mail to my physical therapist that moved to Texas. She was so proud of me, she just had to brag.

Well, I had a half of a Monkey Day! Half is better than none!!

Thanks for all the candles, prayers, wishes, pawmails, rosettes, stars and love!!

You are amazing pups! And THANKS for reading my diary!

Had a Monkey Monday, and a Sammy Tuesday

Well, after a LONG weekend, and having many Monkey Days, I am finally having a bit of a Sammy day.

I seem to be so much better since my FCE episode! Yesterday I did something that scared the heck out of Mommy, but she tried not to panic.

Mommy was in the kitchen, scurrying to throw away a banana peel, having left me in my bed. When she turned around, I was standing up, having moved 5 feet from where I was laying! Instead of running to me or yelling (her knee-kick response, typically) she said, quietly, "Sammy lay down" and I did! ALONE!!

I repeated this 4 times yesterday! Of course, Mommy was in the enclosure then, and had her hands on either side of me, in case I started to get off balance. I was so proud of myself, as were all of us!!

The last time I did this was at 10:00 at night. I was really tired after a trip around the back yard (with the belly strap), so when I moved from the bed to the other sleeping area, I didn't use my back leg at all. We are not panicking, as I used it this morning when I had the belly strap on. I think I was just too tired to put weight on it! But then again, I just went out at 9:30 am, and did everything I could to not put weight on it. I'm sure I'm just tired.

I am still doing my sit-to-stand, and enjoy that a bunch! We haven't lowered the level, though. But I practically jump up when I'm done sitting to get the treat.

We haven't been using the cart, yet. Still trying to get is properly adjusted, and I'm so scared of laying down when I'm in it (I tried that the first time I was in it), so no rush...

I hope you are doing well, and enjoying life!

Hugs and thanks!

Daddy's still home, but Otto is leaving...

I had a good weekend, but Daddy wasn't great. He is still recovering from his surgery and as of this morning, still peeing blood. He called the doctor, and they said it was o.k... but it sure is scarey!

I'm doing pretty well. I'm still not using my leg to stand on, but Mommy is making me use it more when I'm walking around. I'm limping badly on my front legs. This weekend we had lots of company. Grammy (Daddy's Mom) came over twice, and Ms. Nancy and her family came over last night. Iwas sooo happy to see everyone. Ms. Nancy accidentally kneeled on my left front paw (the one with the arthrodesis) and it kinda bruised it a bit. I didn't cry out, but because of the wrist being fused and the arthritis in my elbow, I couldn't really pull it out from under her knee. She felt so bad!

I just came in from laying under the big tree. I'm so happy and loving it.

OH! Something else, this morning at 4:15, I got Mommy up to go pee... I layed back down on my left side (which I rarely do in the middle of the night) so Mom had to change the blanket and pillow so she could touch me. I woke up at about 5:30 and got up and tried to get back into my sleepin' spot to lay on my right side. Mommy woke up and gasped! THEN SHE PUSHED ME DOWN! I was so mad! Hey, I was standin' here! But I got up again and went to find Daddy on the couch. Every time I woke up I had to go find him... always in the same spot about 15 feet away from me, within sight, but hey! He should be on the floor with Mommy and I! He said maybe tonight we will be on the ground.

I'm exhausted from all the toodling and workout Mommy is giving me, so I'mna nappy now.

Today is the day Otto leaves to go to England! >:-(

Hopefully this week will be a good one, and I can keep saying I'm doing well!

Mommy is almost afraid of saying I'm doing better because when she did on Friday, I hurt my paws and had a slight set back on Saturday.

But how about a code? If I say its a MONKEY DAY then you know! :-)


Love you all!
Sammy

Dogfights and Daddy

I am going to update my diary, but stay off the forums this weekend. I'm so sad to read postings from pups I consider friends. I'm sure they are angry with me for asking them to just live and let live. I hope not, though.

Daddy left at 6:30 am for his surgery to remove kidney stones. This is the first time he has ever had a surgery that Mommy hasn't been at his side, but she has to stay home to take care of me.

I seem to be doing better today, still! I even tried to stand on my LEFT leg to pee!!! How about that?!!

I want to post special thanks to the Fabulous Conway Sisters for always being there for us, and for just being so special. For the Star, for the friendship and for all the love!

Thank you to Jezzie for the pawmails and star!

My good buddy Otto is going on a long trip to the homeland (England) and I will miss him. I hope he got the birthday present we sent him!

I will post more, maybe, when Daddy comes home.

Love to all!
Sammy Jake

6:17 pm PDT

Daddy is gently snoring on the couch and I lay next to the typist (mommy) chewing my rawhide bone.

Daddy is doing better.. he still hurts and is vomiting because of the shot of morphine they gave him before he came home. His color is coming back though, and the very dark circles under his eyes are less. He peed out about a half a dozen bits of stone, in with the bloody urine. He has to strain it to take them in... They still look large to us but they are smaller than the last one he passed, which was the size of a piece of rock salt! OUCH!

I'm having a really good day! My leg seems stronger, and I'm just as happy as can be to have my Daddy home!

Bummed he won't sleep on the floor with us, but we understand... maybe tomorrow night?!

Hugs and love to all!
SJ

Going to be off Dogster this weekend, so don't worrry...

I am about the same... maybe slightly better, or maybe just wishful thinking.

I do know I have a tummy ache, because I have these tummy bubbles rumbling around in there. Mommy keeps trying to knead my tummy (always helps her when she has that problem), but I don't want to keep my leg up that long.

Mommy had to go to the store last night for groceries, and left me with Daddy... He did fine, until she got home, and I popped up when I saw her and went nubby mad! I even tried to JUMP UP ON HER!! I'm a Crazy dog!! I am so used to her holding me up, I am dependent on it. I don't think Daddy had me so good and I kinda tilted over. Since then, the lifting of the paw is back...

I'm still happy, though!

I am going to be off Dogster until Monday. There are too many dogfights now, and it is upsetting to see my doggie pals in some of these arguements. I just love every dog so much. So, I am going to bury my head in the blankets and wait for it all to be over.

I love you!

Sammy Jake

Dr. Sams called

Mommy typing here:

Dr. Sams called us yesterday evening.

He is such a nice doctor. He is worried about Sammy, and definitely feels that something is wrong, but doesn't feel it is too terrible...

He said he is concerned he won't put weight on the leg, but said that he doubts it is a failure of the plate. He said it would look exactly the same as it did when his plate failed before, either at the top of the leg or at the knee, or if it was in the middle, the leg would bend in the middle of the femur...

He was glad to know the temperature is still normal, and he is still happy and eating well.

Dr. Sams wants us to encourage him to use his leg, as much as possible. He doubts it would cause any damage, and unless we let him run down the sidewalk (Oh, what we would give if that were even an option) he should be fine... although in some pain.

He said to give him more pain meds for a little while as we had cut back a lot since we saw him last. If he doesn't get better by Friday, we should take him to our local vet to have one xray taken. He said to have him laying on his side, and therefore, should not need to be sedated.

Problem is: David, Sammy's daddy, is having surgery on Friday morning to remove kidney stones. I am worried about both of my guys, and know I can't take much more... I may go insane...

Back to Sammy:

Mommy, that isn't a long trip!

I had such a great time at Otto's party yesterday, but woke up this morning with a heck of a headache!! Wow!!

I'm still very sore, and not putting weight on my bad leg... and the front ones are really tired from taking up the slack.

Doggon' Wheels sent us e-mails on how to adjust my wheelchair. We are going to work on it tonight, and use it tomorrow, take more photos, and make sure it is right. Oh, boy were we off in the adjustments! I have 4 different e-mails to go by! BOL! Well, we tried!

Please know how much I appreciate the love, candles, pawmails, PPR, Rosettes and Stars, and all of the prayers and well wishes they contained.

Love to you all!
Sammy

Still not using it

Today started out no better than yesterday, and as the hours pass, it is starting to get a little bit worse.

I refuse to put my weight on my left leg, so I lean to the right as far as I can in the sling. So far that my legs go under Mommy's feet when I walk.

I can't hold the position to pee very long, so I half pee now, but more often. And when I do go out, I lay down soon after I pee to lick my leg, and my tummy.

Mommy called Dr. Sams yesterday at 10:30 am, and no answer so she called again today at 9:30, and left another message. We know they are really busy as they were closed for a week, and probably going nuts to catch back up.

While I was laying down, Mommy gently brushed the back of my leg with her hand, and I pulled my leg up away from her. Very unusual for me.

I want to lay on my left side, but can't for long. Then when I lay on my right, my elbow, now raw from laying so much, hurts.

Mom seems to think it could be the cup that used to hold my hip implant. Maybe the wire around my leg is loosened or the screw that is usually in the hip cup could finally have injured my pelvis.

It could also be my spine. Maybe my sciatic nerve is still hurt, making me not want to use the leg. The problem is: If I don't use it, the bone will die even faster. I HAVE to bear weight on it for the fracture to heal.

More pain meds isn't helping me with the pain.

So, the good news:

I'm still happy and talkin' (as long as you aren't messing with my leg), I am eating and drinking, and pottying... I just really, really hurt.

It is possible the leg was never infected, but the blood supply to the bone could be bad, and make the bone die. So, the implant could easily come loose, and they say the pain from that would be unbearable. If that happens, they will have to amputate... or I would die.

For now, the thought is to just keep me going until we talk to the vet.

Thanks for the prayers and love.

Calling all angels!
Help me with this one
Don't leave me alone.....

3 A very important number...

Hi, friends:

Momma is going to type here, cause she feels all full of emotions and needs to get it out:


Hi, wonderful Dogsters,

Sammy is still bad, not using his back leg at all... as if it really hurts him to put weight on it. He doesn't want it messed with, but he will let me rub it, and examine it. Not sure what is going on there.

Here is what has made me so full of emotion. In our family 3 is a very magical number. I am the 3rd child of 3. Every house I lived in as a child had the address with a number 3, and still my zip code has a 3. I married my husband on the 3rd week of the 3rd month. I have 3 dogs, and 3 cats. We have 3 cars, and 3 credit card bills. I was born on the 3rd of the month. And Many more, but I think you get the point.

Tonight, we were laying under the big tree, and something happened that I have never seen. 3 airliner jets (like 747's, and miles above us) flew over our home. All in a row, leaving vapor trails. Mickey wasn't even afraid. The vapor trails stayed in the sky for over an hour... never moving. No other planes crossed them, nor did any other fly while they were in the sky at all.
Photo of the 3 lines

We ended up having to go in before they were gone... When I took the photo, they had already been there for 45 minutes.

I feel this is a sign. I think God if finally saying, things will change now. I think Sammy is at he worst, and he will get better... and if not, then he will be joining the 3 angels in heaven: Kody, Grizzly and Astro (yes, another 3)

Not a great weekend

We tried my new wheelchair again Saturday. We were going to try to use it when I felt really good, so I had confidence in myself, but that wasn't going to happen.

My back legs are very week this weekend. My right leg is bending badly because it is trying to take the weight from my left. I don't want to put ANY weight on my left back leg. When I move, with the belly strap, my left leg isn't moving forward right... again. When I'm standing still, I refuse to put any weight on the leg at all, and when I do come in from pottying, I start licking my "hock" of the left leg. Mommy cried a lot on Saturday because of this. She is mourning the loss of part of me. She didn't cry around me, or over me, but ran away from me as soon as Daddy took over, and just broke down.

I heard Mommy yell, "Enough, GOD!" I think she is just at her wit's end. I was doing so well, and now I won't even put weight on my leg, and she knows I'll never sit at the front window to see Daddy come home, or climb into my favorite chair to sleep... She has known this for some time, but it really is sinking in now... and it hurts her for me.

Even with my pain and discomfort, I'm happy! I was allowed to lay under the big tree in the back yard, and smell the air and eat lots of fat carpenter ants! YUM! (I only got about 3, but it seemed like more!)

Mommy is praying lots now, and changed the music on my page to be, "Calling All Angels", cause I need their help now.

I still don't have the other signs of infection, such as fever or drainage. Just pain.

We upped my dosage of Tramadol yesterday, to see if it helped, but it didn't.

Maybe I have a pulled muscle. Daddy thinks I may have a hairline fracture of my hock. We are going to call Dr. Sams tomorrow, and see what he says. I'm sure he will want to see us, but a 6 hour car trip is not what I need. I need to rest...

Thank you to all my friends for the prayers, candles, rosettes and pawmails. It really does help Mommy to read them, and in turn, it helps me, too!

Love to all,
Sammy

Stiff and limpin' again

Well, Daddy came home early today for a longer weekend.

Since yesterday, I have been limping a bit more. Today my right back leg is very weak, and both of my front legs are sore.

Mommy is worried because of my limping, but she knows I have to have my bad days to make my good days look better.

I was so happy to read Sadie Lee is feeling a bit better today. :-)

I took a long nappy with Daddy this afternoon, too. I love that.

But when I woke up, I could barely walk (with assistance as usual). Mommy is so worried, but like I said, we have to have bad days to appreciate the good ones.

Bernadette and mickey wanna play, so they typist has to go...

One Step forward, and only one back!

Well, I had such a fabulous day yesterday! I was feeling really good!

The only exception was a bit of the runs, but we are pretty sure it was because of the vitamin E Mommy gave me. We stopped it, and within 24 hours, I'm back to normal!

This morning, though, I am either stiff or sore... and limping pretty heavily. We don't know which leg is hurting me, or if they all are, but it isn't horrible. My elbow on my left front leg is sore (I keep licking it, where the arthritis is), and my right wrist hurts, too. They are trying to get me used to my carpal brace, but I hate it!
My left leg is hurting, of course, but we expect that. I also seem stiff in my right hip area. I have had some mild displasia in that hip, which could be getting worse with my over-compensation. But there isn't anything anyone can do about that. Mommy is pretty convinced it is arthritis all over my body, and with them cutting back on my Tramadol (pain meds), I'm beginning to feel my old bones. I'm still on Previcox (NSAID), which helps a lot. I take it at noon, and my 2 pain pills at 6 am and 6 pm.

We lit a candle last night for Sadie Lee. She is very sick, and we are terribly worried. It was supposed to burn all night long, but the flame was flickering, and Mickey kept waking up barking because of the movement of shadows. Mommy had to blow it out at about 2:45, but relit it at 5 am. It will burn until she is well again. We have it on the wood stove, right next to me, so we can watch it. Please, say a prayer for Sadie and her family.

Thank you to all the pups that continue to worry about me. I know I'm tired of being unwell, so I'm SURE you are all tired of it, too!

Hugs to all!
Sammy

Changed my forum Motto to "Praying for Sadie Lee" from "Living Life for TODAY as a Glass Dog..." I got my priorities!

My Sadie Lee is sick!

Last night, I had a very good night! We had visitors, and I enjoyed barking at them! I got up twice and took 2 steps unassisted! Oh, boy was I feeling good!

Then this morning, I get on Dogster and find out my girl, Sadie Lee is very sick!
http://www.dogster.com/forums/Plus_Friendly/thread/412221Or http://www.dogster.com/fo