Cherokee's Story

Happy 15th Birthday Cherry!!

"Angel in the Sky"

By: Jennifer Adkins


There is a star in Heaven
and on it is a place,
that's been reserved for you since birth
a place meant for your name.

This star has watched you through the years
but it could not stand alone,
it rested high on angel wings
awaiting your trip home.

You slipped away, I held you close,
your soul flowed through my heart,
I felt your last breath through my tears
I felt your pain depart.

Tonight I looked up to the sky
and there for me to view
was one lone star shining bright
your name was shining too.

You were my angel on this earth,
you're my angel in the sky.
Wait for me, someday you'll see
our names shine side by side.

Happy Birthday Sweet Monkey Butt!!!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

2 years ago!!

"Teach Me How To Breathe Again"

By: Lindsay Eckert, Copyright 2000

Constricting pain,
Blackness, Death.
Two years now to the day,
And I still haven't exhaled that breath.
The breath I took when I knew it would be the last time
The last time I ever smelled your fur.
I simply cannot let that go,
The last memory I have of you.
The last living part of you on earth.
To exhale would mean vanquishing a soul.
Sitting, blue in the face, eyes rolling back into my head, thinking
"Really? Two whole years?"
Two years is quite some time.
730 days
17,520 hours
1,051,200 minutes
SIXTY THREE MILLION, SEVENTY TWO THOUSAND MINUTES
3,784,320,000 seconds.
But compared to it all..
how long is that really?
Two years is a split second in the history of the forever,
Yet those two years are a long time when you cant breathe
When you want to die
When you want to cease existence.
But I will keep holding that breath,
If I let it go, we both die.
A person can forget a lot in those short simple two years.
The sound of your tags hitting the metal bowl,
How utterly amazing your ears felt every single time
The wet doggy smell that would remain
no matter how much shampoo we used
Two years it's a long time.


Dear Sweet Cherry,

It is almost hard to believe it has been 2 years since I last petted your fuzzy ears. I miss you every day!

Love,
Mommy

6 Years ago, we learned what IMHA was!

Sept 10, 2002

Wow Cherry, it was 6 years ago tonight that Daddy and I picked you up from Mt Laurel Vet just thinking they would give you a prescription to make you feel better. Never could we have imagined that when we got there, they said we needed to take you to U of Penn for a blood transfusion or you would die. They had copies of your records and a referral and off we went.

They said it was IMHA. All we could say was what is that?? They explained that for some reason your immune system was killing off your red blood cells and depending on the cause, they might be able to fix it!!

You needed to stay there for 5 long days!! So many tests!!! They were able to rule out cancer/tumors, tick borne disease, poison and not vaccine related since you were on a 3 yr series and actually were due for shots. They shaved you and poked you and you were brave through it all!!

The first 24 hrs they had you hooked up to IV's to keep you hydrated. Started all the tests and did xrays and an ultrasound.

The 2nd day was the transfusion and the start of prednisone. You looked so pathetic in your stall!! I was happy to lay down next to you and rub your furless belly!!

On the 3rd day when Vet called to say they tried 29 different foods and you turned you nose up at them all, we told her that you never ate plain dog food. She got a pound of turkey lunchmeat and was thrilled you ate 3/4's of it before you needed a nap. The steroids had kicked in!! When I got there to see you, you were standing up and your tail was wagging!! It was like night and day!! You looked better already!!

Day 4 showed some blood in your urine and needed a 2nd drug cyclosporine, and they wanted to keep you one more day to make sure you would be ok on both drugs. It was so cute when Daddy and I came to see you that you came and said hi to both of us, ran back in the cage for your chewie, and started to run for the elevator!! How you howled when we left you behind!! But we knew you would be home the next day!!

Day 5 You came home along with a million pills to take!! We needed a chart to keep it all straight!! It was the start of your 6 month recovery!!

Thanks to the Vets that gave us 4 & 1/2 more years with you!!

Happy Birthday Cherry! Love, Daddy

Dear Monkey Butt,

I still think of you every day. I know your going to the Bridge was for the best. You gave us all you could before moving on. Your picture on my
computer helps me get over missing you. As long as I keep thinking
of you, you're not really gone, really. I think of all your little
quirks and behavior that made you unique. You were one special pup.

Since it's your birthday today, I'll be thinking of you more. I hope
where ever it is you are, you are happy. I look forward to the
possibility of seeing you again sometime, somewhere.

Cherokee, you are forever in my heart and in my mind.

Love,
Daddy

Dear Friends

Dear Friends,

Once again we are humbled by the out pouring love and support from all of our Dogster Friends.

It means so much to have so many to lean on. Thanks for thinking of us on my Bridge Anniversary!! We will thank each of you for the gifts you sent me real soon!!

Tons of hugs!!!

Love,

Cherry & Mom

PS - To all of my sick pals, please keep fighting and get better!!!
To everypup, please give your pawrents an extra hug from me tonight!!

From Postal!!

Today I received this from my sweet Doxie Postal #525378:

My dearest sweetest angel I never had the pleasure of meeting you on earth but because of you our Mommies met and I did get to meet her ..She is a wonderful Mommy and I know that even though tomorrow will be hard on her that you will hover near her and help her through this day as will we ....Cherry you are my angel above and I know you protect me and Specky and Mommy and DR and well you protect a lot of people ..You are special to many but always hold a place in our hearts ..WE love you so much baby and your Mommy and Spuds too..Happy Anniversary baby and one day we shall meet up at the bridge and run and play .....I LOVE YOU SO MY SPECIAL ANGEL GIRL


On the Other Side of the Bridge

As I flew over the Rainbow Bridge my heart was heavy to be leaving, Leaving behind my beloved family and I swallowed a sob as I heard them grieving.

I kept looking back to keep them in view, trying not to look ahead, when suddenly my wings spread wide and strong, no longer feeling dread.

I looked around as I flew so high, seeing a wondrous place, Birds were soaring high and free with grandeur and heavenly grace.

The sky is so blue and the grass is so green with seeds to stun the mind, And here I'm told I can eat all I want, without worry as to their kind.

And Mommy, dear Mommy, you know how hard I tried, to get well for you and how hard you cried.

On this side of the bridge there is not one sick bird, Because, Mommy I'm told your prayers were heard.

And God lifted me up and helped me to fly, over the Bridge and soar to the sky.

He said I should wait here, that one day I'd see, My Mommy come running to give scratches to me.

I'll wait for you Mommy, I'll watch for your face, And forever we'll share this wonderful place..

AUTHOR- JUANITA MARCH, 2001

Thank you Postal, Spazzy, Speck and DR!! We love you!!!

Cherry and Mommy

52 weeks ago!!

Dear Sweet Cherry,

It's been 52 weeks since you took you last breath and yet it seems just like moments ago, you were pawing at the door to go out or come back in. I heard fire sirens today and could imagine you singing along with them. It nearly broke my heart not being able to hear you sing with them.


We think of you every day and know you are pain free at the Bridge with all of your Angel pals.

Love you Monkey Butt!!

Mommy


The Tears Still Flow
by tina hecathorn

A year has come and passed,
But the tears still freely flow,
God wanted you more than I,
I knew I had to let you go,
You are His dog now,
But I too will come home to stay,
Then once again I'll hold you,
In the same familiar way,
Until that my time comes,
May God keep you near,
Whispering how I love you still,
With each and every falling tear,
For when I take my final breath,
And walk through Heaven's Gate,
I will see you again my cherished friend,
Behind Heaven's walls where you wait.


The Day You Went Home"
By: (Oldworld Stones Copyright 2005)


A heart of gold stopped beating
Two shining eyes at rest.
God broke my heart to prove
He only takes the best.
God knows you had to leave me
But you did not go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day he took you home.

Christmas tag

Thanks for tagging me Scooter!

This is what you have to do. Listen up because it’s different than usual.

You have to write a letter to Santa Paws with 5 requests in your diary.

Then you have to give whoever tagged you 5 bones or treats.

Then tag 5 more cats or dogs.

Dear Santa Paws: This Christmas I wish for the following things:

1. All pups to have a warm home and loving family like I did.

2. All pups to have wonderful food and tons of treats.

3. I wish for a peaceful and painfree life for Pebbles!

4. No more pups suffer from IMHA and Cancer.

5. For Everypup and their family to have a safe and Happy Holiday!!

Love,
Cherry

I'll pass on tagging more pups, as Christmas is a busy time and pups need belly rubs!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!

I've been Turkey Tagged!

I have been tagged, what fun!!! Isis tagged me!

Because it’s Thanksgiving time, there is a change to the rules. Each player needs to tell seven special things they are thankful for. Tagged dogs must post the rules in their diary and their 7 things. Then choose 7 pups to tag and list their names. Let them know by pawmail or rosette that they have been tagged and to read your diary for the instructions on how to play.

1. I am thankful for the time I had with my loving family!

2. I am thankful for every walk I ever took!

3. I am thankful for the chocolate covered pretzels, mint chocolate chip ice cream, cookies and all of the other wonderful food I got over the years!

4. I am thankful for all of the Wonderful Vets who gave me the additional time I got with my family!

5. I am thankful for having so many wonderful Dogster pals!!

6. I am thankful for all of the fire sirens and hot air balloons I was able to howl at!

7. I am thankful to be able to have so many wonderful Bridge Angels to keep me company while I wait to see my family again!!

I tag:
1. Paris # 308107
2. Karma # 154194
3. Charlie # 409705
4. Kadie # 405394
5. Postal # 525378
6. Jeb # 330320
7. Benji # 550158


Thanks Isis for including me!!

Thanks for a wonderful year Dear Friends!!

Thanks for a wonderful year Dear Friends!!

Wow! One year ago, Mom brought me home from my first hospital stay and discovered Dogster.

The love and support was instant and it helped ease Mom's fears of handling my illness and the care I needed. Never did we expect such a wonderful place to exist. It has been a wonderful place to keep my spirit alive!! Mom and Dad thank you for that!

We will never be able to express our thanks for everything all of you have done for us this past year! From welcoming us so warmly, to the Daddy count down, all the ups and downs of my illness, my going to the Bridge, to finding Spuds for Mommy.

Dog of the Day and Bridge Angel of the Week are Honors that we will hold close to our hearts and treasure forever!

For all of the laughs, tears, hugs and love we have received from too many to ever list each and everyone of you. I hope you all know how much you mean to us and how we will never forget any of it or you!!

There have been heartbreaks for so many, those others still fighting each day for their lives and those who have made it through some rough health issues of their own. We have cried and cheered for each of you and knew that you did the same for me. So many of your stories that we have cried through and the ones that made us laugh until we cried. Thank you for sharing them with us!

To those we have met and to those yet to meet, you are all a wonderful bunch and we are so glad to call you friends!!

We can only hope we have touched your hearts as you have touched ours.

Know that I will be watching over all of you!!

Love,
Cherry & Mom

It was nine months ago

Wow, now that I can really count, today is nine months ago Dear Cherry you went to the Bridge.

It was actually one year ago today, you were taken to VSDS for the first time. I knew you had to stay so they could try to help you, but I was so afraid I would not get to see you again. Thankfully they managed to give us 3 more months, even though it is never enough time, I am glad for each moment of the roller coaster ride we managed to go on together.

When I woke up this morning, the weather reminded me of your last day on Earth. It was a bright clear sky with a chill in the air. It still seems like yesterday. Your spirit is around, I feel you watching over my shoulder each and every day.

On today's walk with Spuds we saw a deer and the 3 of us just watched each other for a good 5 minutes. While I squatted down next to Spuds, the doe seemed to look above her as if there was another presence that she was watching. I love to think it was you with us on that walk, and when the doe looked back at us she took off all of a sudden as if spooked. I figure you were ready for the chase that you loved to do so much. I hope you enjoyed being in the woods today, cause it sure felt like you were there today.

Enjoy all of your wonderful pals at the Bridge and keep watching over us! I will love you forever Monkey Butt!

Love,
Mommy

Tag for Blue - Shared with Me By Griffen

A friend of mine is missing. His name is Blue - officially Yukonwind's Doobie Blues.

I still believe that he is alive and I still believe that he will be found. I have to believe... what would I do if I were missing? Would my humans look for me... would they still look for me after 2 months? after 6? Would other people help them or would they be all alone too? Would someone find me and try to make me theirs? Would I wonder searching for food and shelter? I'd be scared... this I know

Blue is alive, I feel it, but he's scared. He wants to come home and he wonders if anyone cares... if anyone is looking for him.

My humans live many miles away. They have never met Blue or Blue's humans but they are trying in any way to help... help spread the word, help find blue.

So... why help strangers, why help find a dog you don't know?
For many reasons, but mostly because they know that this could just as easily be me. How helpless would any of us pups, kitties or humans feel? Who else could we turn to who would truly understand? We do this because we put ourselves in the shoes of Blue and Blue's humans and because we've come to know that even as strangers, we'd be there for each other...

We do it for our own pack. We do it for the friends we've made here - we do it because we know if any one of us is in need, we will be there for each other.

We do it because Blue needs us... and we all have something to offer, we can all help and add to a sum that is so much bigger than just one.

Please help us - please post this in your diary. Please click here to go to WhereIsBlue.com and help us get Blue home!! and share it with your friends, ask your humans to share it with there friends. Please pay this forward - we would do the same for you.

Blue, a black and white Siberian Husky (4 year old male, brown eyes, microchipped) has been missing since May 8, 2007 from Brighton, MI.

Dogster page: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/620507

Website : WhereIsBlue.com

E-mail: inform@whereisblue.com

Telephone: (313) 550-6095
Reward offered for his return, no questions asked.

Permission and gratitude for cross posting. Thank you!

BEING LOST -- FROM A DOG'S PERSPECTIVE

The gate was left open
one bright sunny day
So I thought I would go,
explore, run, and play.


Seeing new things,
this is such fun!
But where do I go,
now that I’m done?

Was it back this way,
or maybe that
Where is my home?
I want to go back.

I have on my collar,
it’s red, white and blue
But, I don’t have my tags
to give someone a clue.

A man comes and gets me,
puts me in his truck
He’s taking me home,
Oh, what luck!

Wait a minute,
this isn’t my home
I’m stuck in a cage,
scared and alone.

People come see me,
so I wag my tail
I love the attention
I get in this jail.

The food is okay,
and the bed is too
But I really miss home,
yet what can I do?

I miss my yard,
my bed, and my ball
But, I miss my master
the most of all.

Where is my master?
It must have been weeks
I know he will come.
He really loves me.

Then someone takes me
down a long hall
I’m confused and uncertain,
I stare at the wall.

I feel a prick,
things start to go dark
I think of my master
and me in the park.

I’m going to sleep now
with him on my mind
Little do I know,
my fate has been signed.

I pray when I wake,
he will be there
Holding me close,
stroking my hair.

I’m sorry I strayed,
who knew the cost?
But it doesn’t have to happen
when dogs get lost.

Lisa Williams

This poem is dedicated to the "stray" animals that do not get reclaimed.

Dear monkey butt

Dear monkey butt,


I miss you monkeybutt. There is a dog staying at our house for the weekend and his name is Baxter. He is a little boy full of muscle and doesn't even notice. I miss you more than ever and hope you are enjoying yourself at the Bridge. I hate coming home to Mt. Laurel knowing you aren't there anymore. You are my one and only monkeybutt. I love you and miss you more than I ever thought possible. -

Your sister
Alecia

8 months ago

Dear Cherry,

It is hard to believe that I last petted your fuzzy ears 8 months ago Monkey Butt! I miss you telling me how you feel about things. You always had something to say!

You are tucked in a very special corner of my heart and will always be there! I hope you are having fun with all of your pals at the Bridge until we are together once again.

Love,
Mommy

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday woo woo!
Happy Birthday woo woo!
Happy Birthday dear Daddy!
Happy Birthday woo woo!

Have a Happy Day Daddy!

6 months

Dear Cherry,

My sweet Angel Puppy, I can hardly believe that it has been 6 months since you went to the Bridge. I still think of you each and every day and say goodnight to you each and every night.

I really think Spuds understands each night when I kiss your picture that you are still very much alive in my heart and knows all about you. Daddy thinks of you as much as I do. We miss your woo woos and arhoos. You sure knew how to tell us what you wanted.

You will always be our Monkey Butt, Sweetie Pie Pup. Enjoy all of your pals at the Bridge until we are all together again. I know Paris, Gussie, Champy, Sparkle, C & B, Griffen, Griffin, Farrah, Flash, Karma, Tucker, Ahmal and all of the others will be romping with you. Hugs to all of you wonderful Angel pups!

Love,
Mommy

I've been Tagged by Summer Love!

I was tagged by my friends Postal and Toby Lee. Here are the rules of the game. Make a diary entry, giving 5 pawsome facts about yourself. Choose 5 pals to tag and list them last. Post the rules of the game. Send your pals a pawmail or rosette telling them they have been tagged to play the game. Write 5 facts and tag 5 friends.

1. I got a Friendly's Ice Cream cake for my birthday every year!

2. I once chased a bunny in our yard and couldn't stop and hit the fence, saw stars too.

3. I voiced my opinion often! Woofs and Aroos were my favs.

4. I liked the one recliner on the sectional and waited for someone to open the foot rest so I could get real comfortable.

5. I had IMHA when I was 8 and my red blood count dropped to 8. U of Penn saved my life!

I tag:
1. Kayla #598296 - Love your new page!
2. Meemo the Magnificent # 590530 - Tucker and I are happy to see you in your new home!
3. Petunia Grace # 139449 Also an IMHA pup, RBC go up!
4. Ruffian # 241137 - who is always giving us reasons to laugh
5. Webster # 441532 - who is just such a sweetheart!

Luv 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 they mean so much, and you're not supposed to choose a dog that tagged you.

Woo Hoo! I have been Luv tagged by 3 more wonderful pals! The Roo Crew, Lucy & Holly!

My next 9 tags are as follows:

Zoe Dingo - A real sweetie who always checked on her "Monkey Butt" aka me, during my illness. She cheered me when I chased deer and was going through her own cancer treatment at the time. Love ya my MD friend!

Karma - For showing me how to pee on trees! For having Troop and Mom help Mommy through February and sending the care package for the trip to SC! Hugs to the CA family members!

Jeb - For all of your sweet growling that is really so adorable. For opening up your home and sharing it with Spuds. For sharing your Mommy with all of us! Hugs to the SC gang members!

Buffie - For sharing those cookies with me. For checking on me and being there when I wasn't doing well. Hugs to the Italy bunch!

Griffen - For welcoming me at the Bridge and always having the BBQ sauce! For all of your hugs and allowing me to show you all you may have missed out on! For keeping Spuds package safe! Bol! Glad we are together! Hugs for the BBQ sauce lover! Hugs to Mom and Morgan too!

Paris - For all of the wonderful breakfasts you make at the Bridge! For having Jovi as a brother that we get to pick on! For sharing you Mom with us! Hugs to the NY family!

Gussie - My favorite drinking pal at the Bridge! Love all we get to do together at the Bridge including wing whacking those earth pups! Love to the IL gang!

Charlie and Buster - 2 of my newest pals at the Bridge. You boys sure know how to party and make us laugh! I love to hover with both of you! Hugs to the NS gang!

Willie - A tiny pup with one of the biggest hearts on Dogster! Always chanting for those not feeling well and jumping in to offer a paw to hang on to if any pup needs it! Love you Willie and Mom!

I've been 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 and you're not supposed to choose a dog that tagged you.

I was tagged by two wonderful pals Daisy Mae and Shiloh! By the way their entries about me made Mommy cry happy tears! I have to choose 6 pups, and it is hard to pick! These are only a few that have touched our lives in a special way, and there are a ton more!

Benji - A very special pup who allows his wonderful sister to post mostly on Dogster but is just as special! This entire family means so much to me and Mommy! From the wonderful laughs, to the shared tears, all of the wonderful fun and pictures that brighten so many here! The wonderful Birthday surprise that we can never fully express how much it touched our hearts.Thanks so much for all you have given by being you and a great pal! Love you all!

Elsie - My favorite Nun! Being there for Mom even though your Mommy was going through a rough time of her own. For helping to get Spuds to Mom, For introducing me to Toby! For worrying about others while dealing with Sophia's health issues. For keeping an eye on Spuds and Roxie! For those special things that make us closer than family! For being my Furever pal! Love to the Fla. Gang!

Roxie Doxie - For you and your Mommy hopping on a plane to pump gas for my Mommy and being a great friend! For being there and helping Mom through the month of February. For the times when out Moms shared some drinks, ok, a lot of drinks! For the special gifts you have given, and being you! Love to the Doxie gang in Boston!

Charlie - For always checking on me when I was so sick. Offering a kind word and a shoulder to lean on when I wouldn't eat. Just letting Mom know you were there helped so much! Won't hold it against you I never got to taste the wonderful pound cake, but I watched Mom enjoy it! For being there for others even when you were sick yourself! Love ya my little pal in MD!

Champy - For meeting me at the Bridge and having a wonderful thread so we can keep in touch every day! From the wiggle butts to the games and food and the snuggles at the campfire. So glad we are together at the Bridge! Oh and Girls rule! BOL! Love you Sweet Champy!

Sparkles - For being so sweet and giving Mommy the beautiful picture frames and special Angel that surround my ashes and makes Mommy smile when she sees the one you made too! I hope your leg heals for you so you can enjoy life! Pray that your Daddy is healing too! Just for being a special pal that I don't let know enough how special you are! Hugs to the Tennessee Gang!

For those that have not been notated at this time, doesn't mean you are not special, cause all of you that are special to me are in my heart and I hope you feel my Angel wings watching over you!

Bridge Pup of the Week!

Dear Mommy and Daddy,

I hope you saw that I was selected to be the Bridge Pup of the week this past week! Woo Hoo! It was a surprise and an honor! Thanks so much A Team for selecting me! Thanks to all of the pups that sent me such beautiful Stars and Rosettes! My page looks so pretty and nicely decorated!

This honor came after my big surprise Birthday party at the Bridge! It has been a super busy month here! We have been hovering over so many pups and their families. My pal Paris celebrated his 3rd Anniversary here at the Bridge. Guess what Mom and Dad? He loves the boneless spare ribs like I always loved! We had a great party for him too.

I have really been hovering over Rio, he isn't doing well, but I really am not ready for him to join us at the Bridge just yet. I hope he can stay with his family for a bit longer. Gonzo, Gabby's brother managed to sneak in here at the Bridge so we have been giving him hugs to welcome him. He is even DOTD today.

I am really doing ok here, I have so many pals keeping me company.


Oh, Daddy Happy Daddy's Day too! Hope you are keeping cool in Abu Dhabi!

Oops, gotta go bunny alarm just went off!

Love,
Cherry

Happy Birthday To Our Puppy Angel!

Dearest Cherry,

Happy Birthday Puppy Angel!

We so wish you were still here with us and enjoying your Friendly's Mint Chocolate Chip Birthday cake! To hear you sing with us always made us laugh and how excited you were knowing you would get some cake.

Your woowoos and aroos are always in our minds and you will always be in our hearts.

Enjoy the party at the Bridge and make sure you read all of your wonderful Stars and Rosettes that so many of your pals have sent.

You have touched so many hearts, even ones that have not met you yet. You will be forever in our hearts!

Stephen called for your Birthday too and know Alecia is thinking of you on her trip. You will always be our Monketty, Monkey Butt Puppy!

Spuds and I had ice cream in your honor and hope you have all of the ice cream you want!

Love You forever,
Mommy & Daddy
Stephen & Alecia

PS - Spuds says Happy Birthday too!

I've been tagged

Hi pups! My pals Ruffian, Roxi, Anabelle Lea, Sassy, Dante, Kody, Champy, Sarge, Oso the Mexichemo Pup, Otto, Jerry H and Molly tagged me and now I'm it. I get to choose 7 of my pals to tag.

Here are the rules:

Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their Diary the rules & their 7 pawsome facts. Then choose 7 dogs to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to bark them a pmail that they have been tagged and to read your Diary, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

Here are 7 fun facts about me!

1. I loved chocolate covered pretzels, it's how I learned all of my tricks.

2. I howled with the fire sirens hours at time.

3. I barked at hot air balloons when ever I saw them.

4. I sang Happy Birthday woo woo with my family everytime they sang, well I wanted cake too!

5. I would bark at any visitor until they would pet me.

6. I had an attitude, had to get my way or I ignored you.

7. I got animal crackers for dessert everynight after dinner.

I Tag:

1. Charlie
2. Rudy
3. Griffin
4. Clover
5. Shiloh
6. Buffie
7. Zoe Dingo

Happy Birthday Alecia!

Happy Birthday woo woo!
Happy Birthday woo woo!
Happy Birthday dear Alecia!
Happy Birthday woo woo!

Happy Birthday to my furless sister! Have a piece of cake for me!

Gotta go, bunny alarm sounded!

Love,
Monkey Butt

9 weeks

Hi Mommy and Daddy,

It's been nine weeks since I came to the Bridge, and I have been so busy here meeting so many pups! We have been romping around like I did when I was a puppy!

I know you still miss me so much and I do miss you too, but at least I get to look down at you. I see all of my pictures looking all nice in the livingroom and Mommy kissing them each night. I wish you weren't so sad at me not being there, cause here I feel so much better. I know one day we can be together again, so I will keep busy with everypup here until you join me.

Daddy, I know you didn't want another pup after me, but I think you really will like Spuds. Elsie ( my pup the nun pal) helped me get Spuds to you. He is cute, but not as cute as me and just a bit different, so you won't confuse us, not that you ever would.

Daddy, don't be sad when you get home in May. My spirit will be around, and I will wrap my angel wings around you so you know I am there.

Gotta go, the bunny alarm just sounded!

Love,
Cherry

It's been one month!

Hi Puppy Baby,

I can't believe it's been a month already since you have gone to the Bridge! I hope you are enjoying yourself and know we still love you so very much! Please be happy and enjoy being cancer free! I know you are there with a bunch of wonderful Bridge pups and you keep each other company! Enjoy bacon each and every day!

Every time a breeze blows, I know it's you sending me kisses!

Love you forever Cherry!

Love,
Mommy

St. Paddy's Day

Hey Daddy,

This morning I floated over Mommy while she was talking to Stephen, and she told him how I was dressed for St. Paddy's day. Stephen says, it's a bit early for that, isn't it in April? Yesterday was just Fat Tuesday.

Mom trying not to choke on her coffee said, It's Easter that switches days, not St. Patrick's Day". She also told him if he sees people at work with dirt on their foreheads today, not to try to wipe it off!

I got my squirrel today! It came as a star from Zoe Dingo, but it is just for me!
I can't believe how many Stars and Rosettes I got! Mommy started to thank everypup for me, but still has a long way to go!

Daddy there are so many pups up here and we have fun every day! Try not to be sad, I am having fun and know you will see me again. I am watching over Mommy, it's easier that flying back and forth. When Mommy comes to see you in a week, I will hover over there!


Gotta go, bunny alert just went off!

Love you,
Monkey Butt

PS - Stephen, St. Paddy's Day is March 17th!!

It's been a week without you.

Dearest Monkey Butt,

It has been a whole week since I last held you! Please know that Daddy wanted to be able to see you again! I do thank you for fighting as hard as you did and giving us a chance to cherish a few more memories. Mommy and Daddy still miss you so very much, each and every day!

I look at your blankie and feel my heart get heavy. I know you are in a pain free place, and hope you are happy and are not missing us as much as we miss you. My only fear is that you feel that we forgot you! Just remember we always came back together, and we will one day again. I hope you have found you fur mommy Cheyenne and she is there to love you like a Mommy should, until I am there to take you care of you again!

All of your pals here at Dogster miss you too, along with so many of the neighbors. Stephen and PJ both have mentioned about you and them on the trampoline. How you would jump up and bounce with them until they got too wild! I remember how you would love to lay on it even in the hot sun, or as you got older and wiser and would nap in the cool grass under it!

A day doesn't pass without a tear for you yet. I may smile as I cry, cause I am remembering a special moment, or how you would do certain things. Funny, now when I find fur on my outfit, I just leave it instead of brushing it away. I do dread the day that I do not find a bit of fur somewhere. You always left plenty around!

I do still have some special cotton balls from you! Those I will always have, but now like to see a piece of you appear through out the day, brings a smile and maybe a tear or two. You will always be our number one furball!

I miss your soft fluffy ears! You never minded having them rubbed, but how hard you would try to hide them when it was time for a cleaning! Even though you hated any type of grooming, we managed it some how! I hope you are enjoying no more baths and ear cleanings!

May you be having a great time until we are together again, and if I could send you a postcard, I would!

Just know Mommy and Daddy, Stephen and Alecia will love you Forever! We will be together again!

Love you Monkey Butt and your fuzzy ears!
Love,
Mommy

Wings!

Dear Mommy and Daddy,

I just wanted you to know I have officially become am Angel 1st class! I got my wings!

Muskwa and Griffen are teaching me how to maneuver in them, so it still feels like a roller coaster! They say it takes a day or two!

Hope you are feeling less sad about my leaving, because I am having a lot of fun here at the Bridge!

There are so many pups here and so much to do! Bacon with BBQ sauce for breakfast everyday!

Daddy, Griffen never got BBQ sauce before and tends to hog the bottle, but does pass it around when we ask!

Don't worry about me, I have tons to do until we are together again!

I see the bunnies, gotta go!

Love Forever,
Cherry

Happy Valentine's Day Sweetie!

To my precious Puppy Baby,

Happy Valentine's Day Puppy! Mommy and Daddy and everyone else misses you so much! I hope you are enjoying yourself at the Bridge!

I know you were ready to leave us, but I still was not ready for you to leave. Please know that I would have held you forever! You have our hearts and we will forever love you!

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

With Love, Daddy

Dear Monketty,

I'm so sad you’re gone. I feel a great emptiness inside. To not be able to look into your blue and brown eyes again, sometimes it’s too much to bear. I always looked forward to seeing you, and going for the walks I enjoyed as much as you. The ear scratches, the belly-rubs, and the stomach pats. Tug-a-puppy, bouncing on the trampoline, and running laps through the house. I know I will never hear another siren or see another hot-air balloon without imagining hearing that howl of yours. I never minded when you were front-door/back-door puppy. You had your reasons. I can’t believe it’s all over. I try to stay positive, not cry, maybe tomorrow. You’re deep in my heart and always will be. I know your leaving was for the best, to end your pain, but the selfish part of me never wanted you to go. The happiness you brought me and our family will never be forgotten.



When it’s my time to go, I hope you’re waiting for me on the other side of that door, as you had been the last 12+ years. I’ll be seeing you in my dreams. Good-bye Monketty.

Love forever,
Daddy.

Our Dear Sweet Cherokee

From my favorite forum:

Cherry peacefully started her journey for the Bridge tonight 2/11 at 615pm.

I spent a few hours with her this afternoon before Alecia got there, and after Alecia had some time with her, Dr Kim gently and peacefully helped her to the Bridge. The entire Staff were extremely kind, and Tammy the one receptionist (who so loved Cherry too), stayed with us for most of the afternoon. They didn't want to intrude, but I know from the last few months they have loved her so much too. I was happy to share Cherry with them.

Cherry let me know she was ready, and said her good byes. With the gentle, loving and caring way they treated her, eased my mind that we were doing what was right. She didn't want to go for a walk when I got there, just wanted some belly rubs and that was her letting me know, she wanted to run free. Free from the cancer and infection and everything else.

I am of course broken hearted, but also glad she is now at the Bridge pain free and running with all of the wonderful angel pups there.

I am fine, crying and sad, but know deep down it was because I love her so very much, it is how it had to be. I thank Clover and Dale for being able to share their love and help me know it was because of love that I had the strength to do the right thing.

It is a sad time, and I have tears streaming down my cheeks, but please do not let it hang heavily on any of your hearts, cause now we have another special angel watching over all of us!

Thank you for all of your love and support! I will thank each and everyone of you who have sent pmails, Stars and Rosettes!

Love,
Jeannine

Dog of the Day!

Hi Mommy and Daddy,

Did you see I am Dogster's Dog of the Day? It is such an honor!

I know that I have always been your Dog of the Day each and every Day! Please don't be too sad right now, I am free of the cancer and running around meeting a bunch of other pups, and there are some humans here too that know me! Of course I will miss you until we are together again. So, I will be a bit busy trying to catch a bunny! There are tons of bunnies here! I just don't know where to start!

Just wanted to let you know I have made it to the Bridge and will be smiling down on you! I need to go potty, and now I get to do that all by myself again! Then get myself a bunny!

Love you Mommy and Daddy! Give kisses to Stephen and Alecia for me!

Love you forever,
Cherokee

PS - Yes, Stevie, I helped you score that winning shot last night! It was a great game!

Cherry has become an Angel

With a piece of our hearts our Dear Sweet Cherokee has become an Angel.

With having a bad turn last night, Cherry was done fighting. She has been a tremendous fighter, giving us a few extra months from when she was first diagnosed, and has been through a lot! She never complained and enjoyed every walk she managed to squeeze in. She went peacefully at 6:15pm today.

She will always be our little Monkey Butt!


We Love you Cherry and hope All of your Angel Pals are showing you a great time. Enjoy yourself until we are together again!

Love,
Mommy, Daddy Stephen and Alecia

To all that have send us wonderful Stars and Rosettes, I am totally overwhelmed and touched. I will get to thank you all over the next few days!

Cherry's Update

Hi, Daddy.

No great news at this point. Mom actually talked to the Vet and said she wanted to bring me home for a few days, but they said to wait to decide that tomorrow. They want to keep me on fluids overnight and see.

Stephen, Christin and her Mom, Karen were with Mom to visit me today. We went for a little walk, and then I got all kinds of petties! They agreed with Mom that if I'm not improving, I should go home for a bit, as long as I can. Mom and I are still holding on to a thread of hope that I will get better, but Mom is also praying for the strength if I don't.

Mommy said she would talk to you tonight, and she gave me kisses and petties from you!

Love you Daddy!

Monkey Butt

Mom here:
For all of Cherry's Pals:

I really wanted to be able to say she is better, but can't right now. She is stable and not in pain, that is the only and main positive at this point. We are taking it it day by day. Thanks for all of your support! I can't even express how much you have helped me through everything!

Update for Daddy

Hi Daddy,

I am staying in the hospital for a day or so to help fight my infection. You can call Mom for a full update, but I haven't puked for over 6 hours, so I am doing better! Just doing the IV thing and ready to come home quick.

Love,
Monkey Butt

Just call me stubborn!

Daddy!

Mommy called me stubborn! I am drinking and doing the IVs, but do not want what Mom is cooking for me! I keep trying to tell her, get rid of my infection, and then we can talk about food! She said Friday can't get here soon enough! She keeps bothering me while I am all nice and comfy on my bed, trying to get me to eat! I have become a pro at spitting it out at Mom! I nailed her glasses with a piece of chicken! She didn't think it was to funny, but I did.

I still want to go out, but since it so cold, she won't let me stay out for more than a few minutes! Oh well, what can I say, she does have to open the door still. Daddy, do you know there are things called doggy doors? Some of the pups here on Dogster have them! Mom said no way, but maybe you can tell her to get me one! She is shaking her head no! She also wants the computer back, so I will stop for now.

Love you!
Monkey Butt

Levels are good!

Hi Daddy,

I got rechecked today, and my levels are back in the good range! I do have an infection brewing, and should know by Friday what will get rid of it! I did get more IVs to help flush out the infection, until we get the test results, but not a big deal at this point! I haven't really wanted much food, but am drinking and plus the IVs am doing fine.

Saw a 6yr old boy Husky today at the Vet. He was carrying on like a monkey! When Mom said she knows those monkey noises, the Mom and Dad looked at her strange. Mom said to them, that it sounds like monkey noise, and Teddy made them again, and they said oh my gosh, never realized it does. Mom looked at me and we both thought, now who is more strange!
We also met a nice lady who has a cat that is 20 yrs old! They will have to put it to sleep in a few days, Dr. Kim said they could wait a couple of days, but her system is going down, but they could go home for their goodbyes. I sniffed the cat, but didn't scare it. The lady was petting me the whole time while she waited for them to let her know about her cat. She was sad and needed to pet someone, so I figured it should be me!

Mom is about to do another IV now, she thinks she is a pro now! So I need to lay down for her!

Love,
Monkey Butt

Mommy is silly!!

Dear Daddy,

Mommy is just so silly! She went to go into the jacuzzi and covered me with her towel saying it would keep me warm, I think she just wanted to keep her towel warm! So she was soaking in the cuzzi when all of a sudden she jumps up and starts making girly noises! Here something hit her and she didn't know what it was. Turns out one of the pillows got loose and swam into her! Then when she got out and reclaimed her towel, I left a bunch of fur on it! She spit out fur a few different times!

She did ok with the IV bag today. I did move the first time, and the needle came out and squirted her in the face! BOL!! She said she had enough saline for her contacts, and didn't need anymore! The rest of the IV went in fine. I also have been drinking pretty good today, she should be draining me a lot more yet tonight! I ate some pork roast a couple of times today and had a bit of applesauce.

Alecia and Renee stopped in for a bit, and Mom gave them some pork to take home, I couldn't believe she was giving them my food!

Ok, that's the highlights, Mom says time for a draining and then bed!

Love you Daddy,
I will write more tomorrow!
Love,
Monkey Butt

Update for you Daddy!

Daddy,
I am back home and full of fluids! The tumor did not spread, just a kidney infection, and just a minor one. I have a new antibiotic and Mom has 2 IV's to give me this weekend. She still has to give them to me even if I drink a lot on my own, just to help flush out the infection. As soon as we got home, I drank almost 3 cups of water on my own, plus some water on the way home! She will be draining me a lot tonight!

They gave me another stitch, and the drain is closer to my belly, and might not shake as much this time. They also took out the staples in my belly since it was all healed nice and tight. They flushed out my bladder too! I was bouncing rompy puppy when I left and am happily laying down on the front step. We will have my levels rechecked on Monday, and if they are normal again, I will have chemo next Friday. I just have to listen to Mom when she says to drink more! She says she isn't ever bored with me around!

Alecia and Renee were still here when I got home, and they will be back tomorrow when they leave Amanda'a. Boy, them getting ready to go out causes a lot of commotion!

That's about it, so no need to worry, I am doing good!

Love,
Monkey Butt
PS - Mom says she wishes you were here to do the IV thing!

Today's appointment

Hi Daddy,

I am at the "spa", but will not be doing the actual chemo today. White blood counts are high, and kidney enzymes are a bit high. It's not a big deal, but will not do chemo when the numbers are a bit whacked and the fluids should straighten it out. Guess I should have drank more like Mom said.

I am getting mega fluids today, my stitch redone again, they are flushing my bladder, and just checking things over all. It seems that I have another infection, and my immune system built up against the clavomox, so I will be on a different antibiotic, and having a urine culture to figure out which one I need, blah, blah, blah. Mom can at least have a few hours without me and cook something good for my dinner! I just hope that Alecia and Renee don't eat all of the pork roast!

I will be back home later, but I am doing fine overall!

Oh, Daddy, I have a Valentine. His name is Toby! He thinks I am cute! His # is 243550 if you want to see!

Don't worry about me Daddy, Dr. Kim is on top of things! Mommy will update more later!


Love,
Momkey Butt

Doing good

Hi Daddy,

Mommy and I are doing good. It snowed while we were walking last night, but not much snow at all. It was gone when the sun came out today.

Mom won't let me hang outside too much, she keeps saying it's too cold! I come in for a few minutes, and then just bug her to go back out!

Well, you asked if there were anymore vet visits, not just yet, but my stitch came loose again. Mom is going to see if the tape will keep it where it should be and if I can wait until Friday's appointment.

I have been eating and drinking good, and passing my daily amounts!

Christin did get her RX300, but I haven't gotten to see it yet! Maybe next week Stevie will let her drive again!

Alecia and Renee are going to be here for dinner on Friday. Alecia gave Mom plenty of notice so she can make them a good dinner! They are going out for Amanda S's 21st birthday! Hope they don't bring that cat here for the night!

Mom said we still won't have a weekend to our selves for at least 2 more. The net weekend we will have a house full for that King Tut thingy they all are going to. At least it is closer than the one you and Mom went to.

I am just glad it is quiet during the week, a pup needs all the attention sometimes.

That's about it, Mom will let you know if she decided to take the extra trip to the Vet, but i am hoping to wait until Friday. I will try not to shake my butt so much!

Night Daddy!
Love,
Monkey Butt

PS - Do you like my new picture? Muskwa made it for me, isn't it cool?!

Ears got flushed vs Daddy's driving

Today I think I will toss a coin between getting my ears flushed out and Daddy doing the driving. Daddy tends to make me use all four paws to brace myself going on turns. Now, Mommy laughs at me and tells Daddy he needs to go slower, he says he wasn't going that fast( yea, well if he could have seen how my legs were braced, he might have thought differently!). Thank goodness it's a five minute drive to the Mt Laurel Vets!

The Tech who came to get me for my ears was so happy to see how good I looked. She was there back in Nov. went they sent me to the hospital. Well, she told Mom and Dad that my ears hadn't been that bad, my ears have been worse, and there wasn't any infection. My ears now smell like the vet's office! Mom said the medicine smelling ears are better than my cruddy ears!

Then she let Dad drive home! I was at least smart enough to plop down on the blankie instead of watching the road. That way I only needed my front paws to brace myself!

I did get a morning and evening walk today, and had some good snacks and a big dinner. Mom even gave me apple juice, she said I should drink a bit more. So, it was a busy day, and I need some more sleep! Good night to all!

PS - Daddy didnt really drive that bad, Mom and I just like to tease him! BOL!!!

# 5 Chemo Treatment & Go Jags!!!

Today was Chemo treatment # 5! Mom and Dad took me to my appointment, and I left them in the waiting room to have an ultrasound done around 1:30. I was all done a little after 3pm. I came running out of the back, almost dragging Alex my Vet Tech! I was bouncy and ready to go! Daddy put me in the truck, and Mom had a surprise, it was an Oreo Cyclone from Dairy Queen! I scarfed that baby down in about 5 minutes! I then had Mom keep filling my water bowl, it is a half hour ride home, and a pup has got to drink!

Dr Kim told Mom and Dad, that she is happy with the ultrasound results. My tumor is 1.6x2.8cm(need to figure out the conversion). It is blocking where my pee would go into the urethra, but that is fine. I have the tube in me anyway, might as well use it. Dr Kim said that it is good where it is at, since it hasn't moved to any other part!!! She said it can stay there, and even grow a bit, and there would be no change in me. So the chemo is doing what it should, and the tumor isn't spreading, so she said she is really happy with the results so far. I just probably won't pee on my own again. My kidneys, spleen, liver, pancreas, GI tract, and lungs are all good and clear! My lymph nodes are clear of any swelling!!!! Also, they did not shave the little bit of fur I have managed to grow back!

The only bad thing they had to report is, my ears are just gunky(Mom and Dad each cleaned one this morning)! So, on Monday, I need a deep flush done at my regular vet. I usually have this done every so often anyway, no biggie. Mom said if that was the only bad thing, she would take it gladly!

So my really good pup pal, Charlie is Dog of the Day and another good pal, Samuel Jacob, is Dog of the Week! I can't believe I have such famous pals! Isn't it just so cool?

SJ, hopefully will get a good report on his health Monday, like I did today! Zoe Dingo had computer issues, so we don't know how her cyst removal went this week!

My pal Harley should be getting snow today! (He is also a Bears fan!) He's a cutie! Another pal, Yippy (in Co), I haven't talked to yet, hope he can still make it through all of the snow they have! Yippy said I could have all of their snow, we just didn't figure out how to get it here! Just when will it snow in NJ?

All in all we think today was a really good day! I need to get some outdoor time, (lay on the deck and watch for bunnies!) So I will stop for now!


PS - Stephen - Hope you are winning your Flag Football tournament in FLA!
Go Jags!!!!

Cyclophants!

Stephen and Christin,

Did you see what caught me? It's a Cyclophant! It's been capturing a lot of pups who now need therapy!

The Forum it was in said "Those that need therapy", I was going to sign Mom up, but that was just to suck us in! I thought I could keep saving my pals, but then I got caught! So now I am napping on the Cyclophant and in the morning, I will try to get Mom to a good Therapist!

Maybe if it snows here she will be a bit better( or have something else to do!).

Mom and Dad say Hi!

Talk to you soon!

Love,
Cherokee

Midnight Run

Well, Last night Mom and I were a bit bored(BOL) so we went for a midnight drive. We went to the Vet Hospital to have one of my tube stitches redone. I didn't have anything to do with it, really I didn't. Dr. Motley said it was the tissue healing that had something to do with it. He gave me a local and stitched up real quick!

Mom didn't have too many snacks for the ride home so I would sniff her ear every so often to see if she was hiding anything! She said since I am just getting back into eating like a horse, she didn't want to over fill me. Daddy got me some good treats when I got home!

Mom's making turkey for dinner tonight, which is good since I have just about finished all of the pork! Dad even hid my pills in food, and I didn't mind. I love sweet and sour sauce! Just wanted to update real quick, I need to do floor patrol for any thing Mom may drop! Hope she drops a lot of turkey!

Feeling better!

I am finally feeling a lot better! Uncle Mike was over for dinner tonight and Mom make yummy pork roast! I scarfed down the first helping so quick, Mom told me there was more and to relax. So I got a 2nd and 3rd helping! Dad also gave me 2 rolls, that didn't have a chance to make crumbs. Dad said that I was acting more like the puppy he is used to seeing.

Uncle Mike didn't seem to grossed out when my tube was being drained, he just asked a bunch of questions. Told me I was lucky to be that loved!

Daddy has been taking me on a bunch of shorter walks, but we should go for a long one by Saturday. Tomorrow, I am probably going to the Vet's to have a stitch replaced. The one stitch that keeps the tube from swinging everywhere is still attached to the tube, but not to me. Mommy taped it to my belly, but thinks it should be fixed. I just can't seem to stay away from there! It's not a big deal, but you know how Mom is. She is waiting for th Vet to call back right now.

I don't think I will get a camel hump tonight, since I have been drinking pretty well on my own. Daddy should be happy not to have to stick me, he always says sorry when he does. I don't really feel it, so he shouldn't feel that bad. I know he is only helping me. Stephen and Christin will be here tomorrow, and Mom is making a turkey!

Guess I will catch a nap just in case we need to go for a ride.

Happy New Year!

Well, I am starting off the New Year on IV's! Actually I have only had half of one so far today. I did drink some on my own and had a bit of tuna for lunch. Alecia and Gareth didn't really want to see Daddy stick me, but laughed when Dad stuck himself first! He used some of those words Mom would have said! Mommy was laughing the hardest. Just yesterday Mom warned Dad to becareful with the needles because they are sharp. Dad told her they aren't sharp, Mom said yes, I know I got my leg and my finger. Dad kept saying how did you do that? Mom says just being careless. He told her he is careful, that was until today! Mom has only stuck herself 2 times in 2 months, Dad is 1 out of 2 days.( Mom is winning that era)

I ate a tiny bit of cream crease with cheddar cheese, (Mom drugging me again, wanted more cheese, so I spit out the pills a few times. ), so my belly stays settled.

We had invaders here today. 5 of Dad's family came over, and Mom made a bunch of snacks. I actually checked out my options, but didn't see anything I really wanted. I went back to my blankie and made them come and see me! Got my share of petties and was happy to see them go!

Dad is taking me on a short walk! Gotta go, can't miss this!

Daddy's Home for 1 day and we go to the Hospital!

Well, Daddy got home Saturday afternoon, and I was so excited! Alecia and her friend Gareth were here too! We had pizza for dinner! Mommy, Daddy and I went for a walk, and had fun. When we got back, I was really, really tired and so was Daddy, so we took a nap. Mom showed Daddy how to drain me, and he said looks easy enough. Just to make sure he was watching, I woke him up around 4 in the morning and he drained me. I decided to wake him an hour later and wanted to go out back to toss up all of the food in my system. Mom said that wasn't good and to knock it off. We went back to sleep for a few more hours. I decided I wasn't hungry and didn't even want to drink. Mom spent most of the day trying to convince me otherwise. She even went as far as squirting water into my mouth, I just kept spitting it back at her. Daddy kept telling me I really needed to drink, but I didn't want to.

So at 5pm, Mom had enough and called the hospital to let them know she was bringing me in. Dr Mara was there and my favorite Vet Tech Jen. They gave me a quick ultrasound to make sure the bladder was ok and talked to my oncoligist Dr Kim. Jen gave me a bowl of water and I thought maybe if I start drinking now, but they decided to hook me up to an IV anyway and give me a fill. Mom and Dad got a lesson in how to give me IV's. Mom kept making icky faces and Dad said they could handle it. They were watching as Jen told them she was making me into a camel! (It's not halloween, I don't need a costume for New Years!)So, They fill my back area with the fluids and then the fluids absorb into my body. They said not to worry if the hump moves around, it's just settling. Then did a check on my kidneys to make sure they were ok too. Dr Mara also snuck in a shot before I left to help settle my belly. Dad was just happy that I didn't have to stay. So Dad and I slept on the drive home.

So now me and my hump are chilling on my blankie with Mom and Daddy! Happy New Year everyone and everypup!

Dad's almost home!

Hi Daddy,

I wanted Mommy to update my diary so you have something to read at Heathrow.

Chemo wasn't too bad today, except they super hydrate me and there is only so much I can hold at a time! I was acting like monkey puppy on the drive home! I spilled my water that mommy had for me right on to my snacks and boy were they mushy when I stepped on them! Mom thought she finished the wash for the day, but I didn't want her to be bored! She just loves to wash the big blankies!

I am still getting the Daddy Stars and Rosettas! When you get here you can help figure out who is sending all of them, or maybe they will let us know!

14 more hours and I should see you! Mommy baked some cinnabon cookies for you! They are really good, I checked just to make sure she made them right! Mommy also washed all of your warm clothes so you can take me for a walk as soon as you get home!

Mom said after you know how to drain me, she is getting drunk! You know how she gets, so you just might be nursing 2 of us!

Ok I am signing off, I hear cookie tin movement, that must be for me!

Love you Daddy, and see you real soon now!

Love,
Monkeybutt

Day after Christmas

Dear Daddy,

It's the day after Christmas, and all is calm again! Stephen and Christin left at 7:30 tonight. Boy, am I tired! I have been rompy puppy since they got here!

I got all kinds of puppy treats, and have been enjoying the all! Wendy C. ever gave me puppy gingerbread cookies shaped like a cat and a mailman! Christin has been taking pictures and soon we will get them on my page. Mom hasn't figured out the video on to the computer yet, but maybe by the time you get here. 4 more sleeps and 1 chemo before I see you!

I have been eating tons of food and walking. No, I am not fat yet. Stephen says I look great and got plenty of petties from him! Mom showed him how to drain my tube, but didn't make him actually do it. Christin kept me in the extra treats!

Stephen slept in my room and had the door closed so I couldn't get in, so I just slept on yours and mommy's bed this morning.

Well, not much else, I want to hang out front until it's Momma's cuzzi time, (just in case some puppies walk by, maybe even a kitty).

Is Alecia behaving?

Love you Daddy!
Monkey Butt

ps - 5 days/4 sleeps!

Mom's Baking Cookies!

Hi Daddy,

Mommy is making cookies today! I am the official taste tester, and loving it! I will try to save you some, but Mommy said she will make more right before you come home, if I eat them all.

How's Alecia? What are you going to be doing this week? No shopping for Alecia right? Mom said she does get a small Mango stop, since she didn't get to in London.

Mom and I found out one of my pals that is sending the Daddy stars and rosettas. Her name is Sassy, and she just so sweet! I hope we can find out the rest so I can let you know. Mom and I think we know a few more, but they haven't confessed yet.

Mom didn't take me for a walk yesterday since it was raining most of the day. We went this morning to make up for it, and will take another one in a couple of hours.

Are you sure about your Christmas List? You just want to be able to take me for walks? That won't be a problem at all Daddy, I can do that for you! I can't wait for you to get home! 7 more sleeps before I see you! I'm doing the wagamytail butt dance just for you!

Mom said I need to visit the squirrels for a while, so she can make more furless cookies. Tell Alecia I love my bed, and will share it with her when she comes home! See you real soon Daddy!

Love,
Monkey Butt

PS - That's 7 more sleeps to go!

Help me! Did you see what Mommy did to me?

Dear Daddy,

I don't know if I can wait 10 more days til you get home. Did you see what Mom did to me? Not once, oh no she went nuts! Laura even helped for a few! Alecia did too, but those didn't turn out, which may be a good thing since Alecia had a few drinks(oops, maybe I shouldn't have told you that)!

Alecia must have been drunk(oops again), she asked me to sleep with her upstairs. So, I ditched Mom and slept upstairs. (Alecia was trying to claim my bed) Didn't anyone tell her that is my room now? She's here only a few nights a month, so she doesn't need her own room. I will let her stay in my bed when she does. The nerve, what is a pup to do?

Back to the pictures, Daddy make sure you look at all of my pictures! There's some pictures of us hunting for deer and down by the creek! Do you like my belly ring(tube)? (thankfully mom didn't put antlers on that too!) It looks like the tube stuff that was in my neck 4 years ago, but this one doesn't leak!

So, Dad do you think I look fat in the pictures? Mom wants to cut back some of my meals! First she puts antlers on my head and then she threatens to take food away! 10 more days, I will try to hold on, but hurry! If she puts those stupid things on again, I am going to have to call Stephen, he should help. Oh wait, Stephen would bring Christin and she will say how cute I am, and want to take pictures too! I need to think of a better plan. If you can maybe just tell Mom not to do it again, please Daddy? Please, I'm begging! I'm begging as I would when you're home and eating. You know how I put my cutie pie puppy face through the chair, on your lap, whimpering til I get some food and you try to act like you never feed me from the table when Mom is there? That's how much I am begging you to ask Mom not to do this to me again!

Ok, I need another nap, just recapping this picture nightmare wore me out! The stress of it all! Will I ever recover from the flash attack?

I Love you Daddy!
Monkey Butt
10 more days!

Hanging out with Mom

Hi Daddy,

Yeah, Mom is still slacking with the diary updates. She has been putting up the Christmas Tree and doing other stuff for Christmas.

My belly is still doing good this weekand Mom still has been feeding me all of the food I want! I was called a total piggy after I wolved down dinner so quick. It was so yummy, mac and chesse with chicken and puppy food. She had to go the store and restocked my supplies today, just to make sure I didn't run out. I think she even got stuff to make cookies! I finished the mint chocolate chip ice cream ( HAHA Stevie, it was mine, all mine and it was so good too), but she said we will have a different flavor tonight.

I haven't seen any presents for me yet, so Santa better come through for me. What do you want for Christmas Dad? Mom said you haven't told her yet. We can't shop for you if we don't know. I hope you at least told Santa, otherwise what will you open when you get home?

Yesterday was more of a Mommy weather day(70F) than a Husky day, but it's colder today(45) and I like it. Mom makes me come in every so often, because she is worried that my belly might be cold since my fur hasn't grown back yet. But it isn't, her hands are cold againist my warm belly!. So I come inside like the good puppy I am and wait about 10 minutes before I want to go out again!

We are going for walks each day, and we go for about 40 mins. now. Mom tries to keep me at a slower pace, but that depends if I see something or not. I have been sniffing tons of deer tracks, they are everywhere but where I am! It's just not fair! There are even tiny prints, I like the ones that are closer to my size. Maybe you can help me catch one!

Dad, don't tell Alecia this, but I took a 2 hour nap on her bed! She didn't make the last time she slept in it, so Mom and I fixed it before I got comfy. I wanted to to give her a furry bed for Christmas, but Mom said she was sure Alecia would find plenty of fur in the house. She has such a fluffy bed even without my fur, ahhh sweet puppy dreams!

Alecia is coming home tonight, so I hope she doesn't make me get a pee paw again. You will see her in 3 days, don't let her talk you into too much shopping (mom wanted me to say that). She asked if dinner would be waiting for her, and I said, as long as mom doesn't let me near it, should be here. I keep checking for the plate, but no luck so far.

Well, Mom wants to do more on the tree, so we need to go for now.

Love,
MonkeyButt

PS see you in 11 (10 of your) days!

Yeah Dad, mom's slacking

Hi Daddy,

I tried to get Mom to update the diary, but she was trying to get other stuff done.
14 more days until I get those belly rubs!

We haven't seen any more deer this week, but somepup on dogster said they were Santa's reindeer! Do you think Santa will still come even if I chased them? I just wanted to say hi, but they ran before I could.

My chemo treatment on Friday went well. Mom brought some treats for the people at the hospital(chocolate covered pretzels!). Mom wishpered in my ear, mine were at home. I think she was afraid that they would freak about me eating chocolate, little do they know, any trick I learned was when Stevie had those pretzels! Mom met a chemo pal of mine, Max. He is really cute and likes to sniff my tube. Alex (the meanie who is always poking me with needles) told Max to sit and leave my tube alone. Max sat and hung his head and gave me his sad puppy eyes. Both mommies were laughing. Alex asked me to sit, and I gave him the you have got to be crazy look, and tried to go to Max. He told mommy I am not always in the mood to listen. The nerve, he didn't have any treats for me, so why should I? So he can poke me again? My friend from behind the desk, Tammy had come back to to say hi to me, and give me petties!

I guess mom was too tired last night to update, but she did bring me out front
to see Santa this morning! He just came by on the firetruck! Yes, I howled to him! Wendy came and took a picture of me and mommy too. Mom said, gee thanks. (She isn't dressed yet, but at least she had on her red jammies!)

I saw your note in my guestbook, you must have figured out how to use it. Have you read all of my stars and rosettas yet? Someone named anonymous keeps sending a daddy countdown each day! It's so cool! I have so many pals and bones now!

Boy, I need a nap after all that excitement! Mommy will talk to you tonight!

Love,
Monkeybutt

Chased 2 Deer

Hey Daddy,

I thought today was just another boring day, but when momma and I went for our walk, there were 2 deer almost right behind the fence! We chased them, but mom wasn't keeping up. I told you she is out of shape! We chased them almost to the park. Mom didn't want them to get to close to the road, so we went to the park instead.

On the way back home, we saw one of them going back towards our house! I thought it wanted to go into our yard, so we ran after it. We lost track of it before we got home, and the yard was free of deer, darn.

Whew, I needed a nice long drink! Mom hung up some lights out back while I chilled on the deck. She finally fed me, and then we heard some noises from the woods. I told mom it was the deer, but she said we were done running for the night.

So I am back to chilling on the deck, with a nice full belly and looking out for the bunnies now. I'm going to get one yet!

Oh, and since Alecia is back at school, we have had no more tube/bowl/pee problems. Told you it was Alecia's fault! I just lay on the blankie like a good puppy that I am, get drained and get extra treats for being so good!

Love,
Cherry
ps - 18 more days!

Not much new (12-12-06)

Yesterday and today have so far just been nice, normal, quiet days. I have been feeling really good so far this week and eating a lot too!

Mom and I are walking each day and adding a few more minutes each walk. Mom doesn't want me to work off any weight she is trying to put on me, and tries to keep me from running on the walks. I think she is just out of shape after a month of no walks. I keep telling her to keep up.

Nice clean blankie for me to sleep on, a full belly and an empty bladder, must be nap time.

I'll update later if there is some excitment here , but not looking good anything exciting will happen.

Dad it really was Alecia's fault! I'm innocent!

Dear Daddy,
I don't care what Alecia tells you, but it really was her fault! I am just a cute innocent puppy, why would anyone want to blame me?

Here's what happened:
Mom was draining my tube and I was laying on my blankie like a good puppy should. Mom was almost done when Alecia came home from shopping.

Alecia had bags making all kinds of noise and I got so excited! I jumped up and my paw landed in the bowl. (Yeah the pee bowl) It splashed all over my blankie, and then I ran to inspect the bags.

Ok I will fess up to being the one leaving the pee paw trail to the front door. I only put that paw down 5 times on the rug. It was only one paw, it could have been all four! But Dad just keep in mind, this has never happened before, so it has to be Alecia's fault. When Laura comes to visit, she knows to give a warning so I don't get up during the process. Geez, what is a cute, innocent puppy like me to do? Ignore Alecia? Ignore the bags that might have had food in them, or even a present for me? So it has to be her fault, makes sense to me!

Alecia did wash my paw after this happened. Mom cleaned the rug and had to wash my blankie. Mom thanked Alecia for all of it, instead of using her favorite words( those bad ones). So, if Mom didn't yell at me I'm in the clear right? Well, that's my story and I am sticking to it!

So don't take her side,no matter what she tells you! I'm the innocent one really I am!

Mom took me for a walk after that which should prove I wasn't in trouble. Alecia took a nap, she got worn out washing my paw, she is a lightweight!

Right Daddy doesn't it have to be Alecia's fault?

Love,
Cherokee
The Cutie Pie Monkey Butt that you love so much!
20 more days, can't wait!

Still waiting for the snow!

No snow yet. Mom said it is cold enough, but it is sunny, no signs of snow.

My pal Buffie was im'ing me today. She is having some problems with her liver and throat, and has a sore paw from blood tests too. She has to be on a diet, but loves chocolate and hot dogs too! I told her I would eat some for her. She even lives in Italy, I am not sure where that is, but mom says she and daddy and stephen have been there ( another trip they didn't take me on).

Mom swears by the end of the weekend, she will have more pictures on my page, so she took a few to finish the roll of film. Daddy remind her when you call so you can see how I am doing! (21 to go!)

We took another walk (25 mins.), mom saw the fox, but I could only smell him. It was driving me nuts! Too much excitement, need another nap with my full belly.

Go for a ride, but I rather walk!

So mom fakes me out with the leash today.

I see it and am thinking cool another walk! She has the nerve to say, come on lets go for a ride! I kept trying to let her know I wanted to go out back for a walk, but she had the leash and the keys! Crud, it means the Vet. Ok, but when we get back I want my walk, and I don't care how cold it is, I want my window open!

Dr Kim is waiting at the door? Oh she saw me coming she just wants a simple blood test, you mean I don't have to stay? I needed a tube cap adjustment while I here, no biggie. Come on mom let's go! Geez, have to wait for the results. Waiting, waiting, take a walk outside, waiting. Laura(not the neighbor) is at the desk today (she loves to take care of me!) got some petties. Robby the cat is napping, not even fun to play with. Here's Alex, with the verdict and it's good! White, red and platlets are all good, see you! OK next week I'll spend the day again.

Finally home, and on our way for the walk! Haha, mommy is freezing, it's so windy. I hate to go potty in the wind.

So mom moved the baby gates! I had to made sure no one moved the other sofa. Yup, still where it should be. I just might sleep on it tonight!

Have I told you that I love to play out back ,paw the door, run to front door, 10 mins later, paw to come in so I can go to the back door? I played a few rounds tonight. Laura(the neighbor) played with me too! Mom made me stay in for a while. When she wasn't looking, I decided to make sure all the beds upstairs are where they needed to be, got caught coming back down. Mom just shook her head, and told me to be careful. I was fine, she is just a worrywart! The tube is fine mom, I haven't even licked it today, none of the stiching came out. It's still hanging.

Maybe she will go in the cuzzi tonight, she needs it. I can score some extra bisquits when she does! I'm going to take a nap just in case. It's been a busy day!

22 more Daddy!

Did she say Walk? 12-7-06

Mom made me a deal today, if I ate my breakfast and lunch and didn't puke, we would go for a walk!

We did! the woods are still there! My goodness, so much sniffing to catch up on! Deer tracks! Bunny, I am after you, where did you go? I am actually doing a slight gallop I am so excited! Mom said it would be a short walk, so we need to cover as much ground as possible! Come on mom, hurry! Running in the woods is great! Do we have to go back? Ok if you promise we can do this again tomorrow, I'll go back in. I could use a drink too.

I still prefer broth over water, but at least I am drinking and eating and not puking. Daddy would be so proud of me! I can use a nap, not use to all of this excitement.

Hey Dad, did you see all of my pals on dogster? I am also getting tons of bones! It's just so cool to be on dogster, and mom is not playing snood as much!

Mom's having a bad day!

So I was nice and let mom sleep for 5 whole hours last night and guess what? She just can't handle it. I got a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast which was yummy, but them mom spilled some coffee and started saying words I can't repeat.

My mid morning meal was tuna, but I don't think fish like nuts, so I puked it back up. Now my water tastes funny in all of my water bowls, so I won't drink any. Mom made me broth. You know this tastes so much better than water! She also added tiny stars and bits of turkey, heck with water I only want broth!

Oops, mom broke something on the fridge, and she is saying those words again, I'll take a nap for now, it's safer on my blankie. Wait why do you need to stick that there? I am fine no fever, can't you just believe me mom? Told you, just because I puked, you don't need to start poking that thing under the tail. I don't need a stick to tell you I'm fine.

Daddy's on the phone better make it quick, I'm hungry! That's right tell daddy how good I have been about not chewing the tube.

Mom finally went to get me more broth, oh no, she spilled it everwhere! She is saying those words again. Looks like she got the bottles of meds, cool now she will throw them out! What, just rinse the bottles and back on the counter, but it's trash night. Darn looks like the meds will make it.

Still waiting for the broth, I better talk to dad, and tell him mom needs reinforcements. Boy she has made some real messes today. Now if that was me, well you know what would happen, yup just lick it up and call it a day! Well, except for the mess mom made with ink today, that would have turned my tongue black and freaked mom out completely.

Hey, is this the tube I shouldn't chew? Go ahead turn your back mom , and I will just slide out of your sight. Maybe if I just lick it a bit, no mom I swear I wasn't touching the tube! Not that collar, please don't!

Fine be that way, if I have to wear this stupid thing, I want to go out front.

I think mom does better with less sleep, hopefully she has a better day tomorrow!

Messing with mommy - oh what fun!

So, last night mom attempted to put lights out front, went to get me some water, and I figured a few of the solar lights would look better in the middle of the yard. Mom didn't agree and had the nerve to say I better knock it off. So I knocked off a couple of tops off the solar lights right in front of her, next thing I knew, we were done for the night and back in the house. We usually have more decorations out there, maybe she couldn't find them.

I thought I could earn some brownie points by only waking her once during the night. She just doesn't like opening the door when it is cold. I don't get it, I just take my time so I don't trip over anything, and mom's teeth make this funny noise. She thinks I must like her teeth doing that, because I take even longer to stroll back in. I'm cute, so I should be able to get away with this right?

So I eat breakfast this morning and had ice cream too! Mom gave me some snausages, and I ate really well. Then lunch I didn't want to finish and went for a nap. OK, so I asked for more food, just couldn't keep it all in, you know when you burp, and the food is right there? Well, after a few of those, I thought it would be best to go see the backyard, good thing too, yup I puked up the last stuff I picked at. Mom startes with the on no, we are not starting this $@#@ again, and shoves something down my throat, I'm so mad at this, I go back to sleep.

She did her best not to panic, but kept looking in on me. So when she start to have dinner without me having mine, I figured it was time to get up and demand some food. We started with some milkbones, mom said hopefully they will take care of the acid in my belly, I don'tknow what she was talking about, I wanted them to fill my belly. She put me on rations, I have to wait to see if they stay where they should. She's just lucky I am such a smart puppy to know what she really means, "stop begging"

She said the meds seems to have settle things, I just want some food! Good, tuna for me! Mom says to relax again, I guess I just might for now, just don't open the fridge without me!.

Oh Daddy, of course I rule the house, you told me I could! Mom's been pretty good at opening the door for me, you might want to give her a raise!

Monday Monday

I'll start from last night, just in case daddy remembers to read this.

Mom and Laura went in the jacuzzi and remembered the biscuit toll fee. I guess they were happy I still wanted more food, they each gave me 2 full ones! After that mom made pizza for Laura and me. They kept me up until 2 am, making sure my tube was totally drained, then mom and I went to sleep on the sofa again.

Since my belly was full and my bladder wasn't I let mom sleep until 7:15 this morning. She seemed happy about that. We had breakfast and brownies, did my backyard tour, and wanted brunch, yep she caved in Dad. Don't worry, I am not getting fat yet, the shaved belly takes inches off of my waist! Did the lunch thing and hung out on the deck for a bit.

Mom isn't letting me stay out too long, since it is so cold, even though I want to(maybe you can help me with this Daddy). I have been really good about leaving the tube alone, so the collar's been off all day. I also convinced mom if I can't hang out back that much, let me back in the diningroom, which is where I slept until dinner time! Yep, I am eating like a horse, and even giving some attitude, and claiming back the house one room at a time.

Mom says she is putting lights out front, but keeps changing her mind because of the cold. She is such a wuss. It's husky weather without the snow! Mom said it was even chilly where you are, that must mean it is below 60 degrees there.

Daddy, I'm glad mommy doesn't leave for work anymore, she doesn't need another job, because she told me today I am becoming her new job. Can I help it I want to eat more? She doesn't mind and says I have to look better before you get here. Maybe the fur will be growing back by then! I can't wait for you to be here, mom isn't the morning person you are.

Oops, gotta go, she has lights in her hand, I think she needs my help!

It's Sunday!

Well, so far so good today. Mommy is still keeping a close eye on me, but says all is good.

Last night Laura came over after work again. She wanted to help drain the tube. She made some chef boy ardee and I was so impatient, I think I got more than she did. I made a bit of a mess woth the sauce, mom is still finding it on my fur.

When it was bedtime, I figured I wanted to sleep on the sofa with mommy, I spent enough time on the blankie. She opened the recliner for me and I even got to have the collar off. Mom warned if I left the sofa, collar was on, so I stayed where I was. Since the collar was off, I let her sleep for 3 hours. She made me come back in, I did, but the got her up in another 3 hours. She must have dozed back off, because I got to stay out for about a 1/2 hour. My water dish slightly froze, but I still got to the water so she wasn't too upset.

Had a brownie again, but made mom put on extra frosting, it seemed too dry. Breakfast was good and got drained. Mom said I could hang out back for I bit, so I think I will before she changes her mind. Catch you later!

Day after round 2

Well, we got home after 11 pm last night. Mommy was there to get me, but they were draining me before the ride home. They pumped me full of fluids, and then wanted most of it back before I left, what a bunch of indian givers they are.

Dr Kim and Alex were nice when they weren't poking me with stuff, and told mommy I might want to go out a bit more often tonight. Mom has this all set anyway. We use an alarm clock just in case mom doesn't wake up from my nose in her face, but most times I wait for the alarm, less time waiting at the door.

My pal Tammy was working last night too, she would come back and see me when mommy was away and helped to make me eat. She has 2 huskies and thinks I am so adorable!

Anyway, 40 minutes of pumping my tube, I was good to go, hardly let mom say goodnight before we were out of there. I rested on the ride home since it was too dark to see anything exciting.

Laura came over to see me when she was done working. She was complaining it was cold, I thought it just was husky weather minus the snow. So after a small snack, and tons of water, out back for one more squat, mom drained me the rest of the way and we went to sleep. Mom said I could go out again in 3 hours. Well, I beat the alarm by 8 minutes! I did the usual once around the yard, and then mom drained again. She doesn't seem to mind, and I was just a bit tired to complain too much.

Slept about 4 hours, and mom made her coffee, and drained me again. Gave me turkey for breakfast, and a brownie. She said I was such a good girl for taking all of my meds, she gave me a few animal crackers. I guess she didn't sleep enough if she thought I took my meds so easily.

She said she is thinking of changing my name to pee factory, I don't think so. See if I will answer to an embarassing name like that.

I also figured out that if I don't come right back in, I can get more cookies. Who said moms are hard to train?

Had raviolis for midmorning snack, ham and cheese for early lunch, turkey and cheese for dinner. Wonder what is going to be for dinner #2 tonight.

I also slightly chased a bunnie. Mommy didn't know if she should be happy or mad that I was running. She said I'm not acting sick, and I better stay that way.

All of this eating and drinking makes for nice naps, but someone needs to tell mom to relax. If I move she is checking out why, she even forgot she moved my water bowl closer and and almost totally freaked out before she realized I was drinking and not puking.

She reminded me I am not to puke, so don't even think about it, and I haven't been. I don't want to go back to the vet until next friday for a blood test. We might even go to Dr Moore's office since it is just a test and no drugs or chemo.

Round 2?

So mom took me for a ride and I told her to update this while I am visiting the Vet.

I am due for the 2nd round of chemo today, but have to wait to see if my blood work says it's ok. Mommy said she would stock up on all of my favorite foods while I am out, and clean all the furballs I left around the house. I think she is going to be bored without me to feed, and drain all day. I should be home after 9 tonight, and hope mom found the time to wash my blankie, I got a bunch of crumbs from a cupcake on it and made a bit of a mess, but it was yummy.

Yesterday I got to go out front. Mom was raking the leaves and I got to watch for other puppies and cats. Some neighbors said hi and I enjoyed the extra attention. Mom thinks I am feeling pretty good, she went in to get me more water and I decided to get into her flower garden, and plopped down in the dirt! She caught me and of course I got tangled on the lights. I stayed out of there the rest of the time, otherwise I would be back in the house. I don't want to push my luck, since I am still in the collar.

Well, we will update my status after I am home tonight and I can tell you if I meet more new friends.

Just another day at home - 11-30-06

So far so good today. I have been eating what ever I can. Laura even gave me a popsicle last night, yumm!

I am stuck in the no bite collar, since I didn't hold up my side of the deal with mommy. She said if I didn't try to chew the tube, I didn't have to wear the darn thing. Well, I am a dog and of course I wanted to chew, so back in the collar again. If I keep giving her the attitude, she might change her mind, but she said I must be feeling better if I am this way. Just can't see how she didn't fall into the guilt trip like I though she would.

I am getting 5 small meals a day, and loving every last bit. She is stil hiding the meds in the ice cream, but that's ok, I love my ice cream! HaHa Stevie, I'm having your favorite and you can't hold it hostage!

Mommy is keeping me in the kitchen and family room for now. It's fine, my blankie is blocking the trash closet and mommy said we need to rearrange my sleeping area. Looks like I will be back in the dining room aka my bedroom real soon.

Well, gotta go for now, it's lunchtime! Animal crackers for dessert! It's good to be the puppy!

Back Home!

Mommy and I both came back home last night. She really missed me while she was away. I made her really happy when I ate some tuna and vienna sausages ( got a few animal crackers too!). We walked all around the front and back yards a few times before we went to bed.

I took my meds both times today without even knowing it, and had more tuna and sausages, even some moist and meaty. Jen from the hospital ratted me out that I was eating plain dry puppy food. We are having meatballs for dinner, can hardly wait! I'm just going to take a nap on the deck since the weather is so nice.

We are just happy to have more white blood cells, no fever and eating and drinking with no issues.

PS - those darn bunnies were interfering with me going potty. I had to decide to chase them or empty the bladder (bladder won so far), but they now know I'm back!

Doing a bit better 11-23-06

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am doing a bit better. I actually had lunch and dinner today.

Mommy and the kids are going to see daddy for 4 days. I am going to stay here and get a bit stronger before I go home. Hurry up Tuesday I want to go home!

Still in hospital

Alecia and Mommy came to see me last night, but I wasn't really in the mood to chat. My white cells were almost not on the paper., way way down. We went for a short walk, and they tried to get me to eat. I just am not up to it yet. I just needed a nap.

When I got up, they poked my paw again. They keep telling me my white cells need to get higher, so why do they keep taking them? Need a nap after that.

Stevie and Mommy are here! We went for 2 short walks, it is raining again and mommy didn't want me to be too soaked. They tried to get me to eat food again, but my belly is kind of full from the bags I have hanging around.

There's a new puppy here who might have cancer too. Her mommy is really upset, and came to see her too. I didn't get her name yet, because she had a biopsy today and is tired too.

Well, the doctor came in and told mommy my white calls are just about to the low end of normal. She is really happy and told me all I have to do now is start eating real food again, maybe tomorrow I will. I'm going nite nite, it's been a long day.

Highlights from the past my first few years!

Mommy and I have been talking about some of our favorite memories, we thought to share some of them.

The 1 st time in my new home: (July 1994)
When it was time to leave my puppy mommy, my new mommy's mom brought me to her work, it wasn't too bad in the car, but decided I like non moving land better. All of my mommy's friends at work were holding me and petting me and loved my eyes (1 blue & 1 brown), then I had to go in that moving thing again. We got out of there and mommy didn't open the door, she pushed a button and told me to wait a sec. All of a sudden the door opens and there is Stevie & Alecia! They came to see me at mommom's house. They were so surprised to see me and we started having so much fun.

They had picked the name Cherokee for me. My doggie mommy was Cheyenne and I have an aunt dakota and a sister shawnee. The kids said their school will be lenape, but I never saw him.

I had my own bedroom with my own washer and dryer! I didn't miss my puppy brothers and sisters, they always bothered me. I don't know if my new daddy is as happy as everyone else, because he was busy with coaching Stevie's baseball team. Mommy said we would go the next day to see it (that darn car again).

So my 1st month in my new home, we went to baseball just about every day. Stevie and Alecia puppy sat me while the parents were at work, and we did cool things. They tried to build me a wagon so I could go for a bike ride, but Stevie kind of nailed it to the kitchen table. Mom wasn't happy that night.

We walked and ran in the fields out back and had lots of fun.

September came, Stevie's birthday (CAKE!!!) and something called school and I got a crate. The crate wasn't too bad, I got treats, had a fan and prefered to have the tv on. This is when daddy and i became great pals. He felt bad for me and decided we would have lunch together every day. Daddy also started taking me on runs, this is so much fun! Most days are like this, and I just keep on growing.

When stevie gets home each day, I fill him in on the oj trial and have snacks! One time he made chef boyardee and left it on the table, so I just helped myself, yummy!

Alecia always leaves things on the floor for me, I like the tissue box the best. I can make such a mess with them. I tried to eat some of her scrunchies, but throw them up in bed with mom and dad.

I got one of the stuffed animals once, and swallowed the eye. It didn't want to come out on it's own, but the vet said it should in a day or 2, so we went outside every 45 mintues so I could try. It was pouring rain the whole night and I had tried to keep dry, but the wind wanted to soak me. So we went out, got soaked, got dried, all night long, without success. The next day it finally left me, and daddy even gave me a bath, some else I don't like.

The kids brought home these cases that had instruments in them, a sax and violin. I love to howl with them! Mommy said we could only do this until she got home from work, so that's what we did. We also had drums for a bit.

After I got fixed (didn't know I was broken), daddy closed me in the bedroom and not my crate, I tried and tried to dig my way out, but only shredded the rug, mommy said it's ok, it was daddy's fault, so I never had to see a closed door again., but they got a gate and all was ok. I was a good girl and didn't go in a crate anymore, but slept all day on mommy and daddy's bed.

My first birthday! I got strawberry short cake - good stuff!

The big wooden picnic table needed some adjustments, so I figured I could help. I chewed the corners really good and daddy would finish it with a saw. Wood is great when those nasty teeth come in, but they drew the line when I tried this on the computer chair. They tried this sticky stuff thay said I wouldn't like, but I loved to lick it off and then chew. The chair lost our battle, and the new one didn't have any wood, need to find something else.

We had this super big snow storm! the piles are so big that when I stand on them I am almost as big as daddy!. Daddy made sure I could find some grass, so I could go potty. Yes, I am spoiled and loving it. Stevie and his friend Andrew and I played tackle in the snow, and would hold my leash and I would pull the snow tube. Snowballs are great! Everyine tosses them to me and I catch it than flatten it, or maybe just eat it.

Daddy took me to the hockey court so I could run free, but daddy hurt his back and we had to go home. He stayed on the sofa whinning all afternoon. Mommy, Alecia and our friend Amanda were laughing at him when he tried to get up, so I figured I could help him. I tried jumping on him, but he didn't want to play. The others just laughed more, and soon all of us were all rolling on the floor.

We were moving to a new home. Daddy said I will now have my own yard and no other doggies will bother me like the mean one who tried to beat me up. Well, since we are leaving this place, maybe the window sill can be trimmed, the corner is pointy and gets in the way when I check to see if any one is home yet. Mommy told me I could stop helping, and she would pack all of my things and not forget any toys.

Wow, my new yard is great! not too much grass, but a lot of pine needles that stick to my fur. There are all of these bunnies that come for a visit, but leave before I can catch them. One of these days I might catch a squirrl, it just might fall out of the tree yet. There are dogs on both sides of us, but they bark too much so I run back and forth ( I'm no fool, they can't get through the fence). There are these big trees we are getting rid of. I get to grab branches and chew! All of the wood I want! I even help daddy dig in the dirt, it's great! I have rechecked the dirt to make sure there isn't any wood left, but mommy and daddy said I didn't need to do this, sure I did, I liked it!

Wow, daddy and I take long runs the the neighborhood. It's so much fun! I love my new home. So much to do and see and discover! We ar now really close to Amanda and her family. I love to jump up on her mom and give kisses! When I jump on people, they ask if I want a bath( are they fools?), I tuck my tail and try to find that human handbook to help me out. Her daddy Brad beeps his horn and waves to me and calls out Cherry( my main nickname),if I am out front! There are a lot more kid friends here, PJ, Pat, John, Erica, and Laura! Someone is always coming to see me, and we always have good snacks to share!

So, we are getting a pool. I don't know about this, just looks like a big bathtub, we don't need any extra tubs around here. Daddy put me in it! I swam for the steps and found the first patch of dirt and rolled into a big mudball! That should show them, no more pools, wait now you are giving me a bath? We need talk some more about this, no pool=no dirt, just don't give me a bath please! How about if I don't take up as much room on the bed, will it save me from baths?

day 5

OK, I am going for a car ride. Mommy said I may have to stay over night, but need to get better so I will eat.

Mommy has to leave me here again. My white blood cell count was way too low. Mommy will visit me tomorrow again. I have an IV for fluids and other things to get me better.

It's not so bad here, but everyone keeps telling me I wasn't suppose to be here for 10 more days. At least they give me special petties. Some other puppies are here too, so I won't get too lonely.

I need to rest and get better!

Mommy seemed sad whe she left, but gave me extra hugs and kisses and said she would bring me something really good to eat tomorrow.

White count go up!!!!!!!

Day 4 after chemo

I am not feeling too good today. Just want to rest, food not smellling good to me. My belly is upset and mommy gave me pepcid, by it doesn't seem to help too much.
Vet said if I don't get any better by tomorrow, I need to go visit them. I saw them enough last week, so I am trying to do better.

I am at least drinking and don't have a fever. I'll just hang out on my blankie and see what tomorrow brings.

Day Three after Chemo

So at 3 am I needed to check on mommy, I didn't see her for a few hours and decided we needed to go out back. (Mommy has been sleeping downstairs, just in case I need her. I'm not to climb steps because of the tube in my bladder. )

Well, mommy empties my tube every few hours, but I surprised her 2 days ago and figured I would help her empty my bladder. I figured I would help her this morning. She said it was cold out, I still have plenty of fur to keep me warm, I think she needs some more of mine it might help. So after our walk, she said we had to go to back to sleep.

So when she got up around 7, she made her coffee, and me a cheese omlet. Didn't want it, figured I see what else she would make me, it's good to hold out a bit.

Finally we decided on breakfast sausage, that was good, but then came the meds.

Mommy and I had a better day, I even had 3 neighbors visit today, Laura - but she always comes over , (Daddy says it's her 2nd home to raid the fridge and she slips me stuff too!.) Her parents Dr. Joe and Mary also came to see me. Dr. Joe said I looked good and alert (whatever that means). They didn't bring their dog with them, Patches was mad and barking out back.

So we are doing ok today, we even talked to daddy today. He thinks it was funny I helped wash the floor, mommy didn't seem to agree with him.

So I will keep on chilling tonight and keep the paws crossed no one wants my temp.

Oh and by the way - -my mommy and I are thankful for all of our pals and well wishes. I think this stuff is helping mommy deal with our problem, even though she cries when she reads us some of the stories. We all are great dogs and must have great homes if our mommies and daddies are in dogster! Happy Paws Dreams tonight!

Day Two after Chemo

Today wasn't as good as yesterday. I didn't want any food. Mommy kept trying all kinds of things I love, but maybe tomorrow.
Mommy was probably stressing both of us out! I was drinking, just not hungry and just wanted to chill.

In the afternoon, mommy had to take my temperature, I just hate when she does this. It was a bit warm she said, it was 102.7. Then she told me we would check it again in a little bit. Well, 2 hours later, and not wanting to drink, it was 103.4, mommy said it has to go down the next time, cause if it keeps going up, we might have to visit the vet again.

6:30pm on no, my temp is now 103.7, mommy is calling the vet. They tell her to take the temp again in 2 hours and call them again. I just don't get why everyone wants my temp, or isn't there a better way to take it? Geez, I guess I need some ice water and cool off somehow.

8:30 - ok, I'm at 102.9, mommy and the vet are glad. She doesn't need to check again as long as I take my meds and keep drinking.

If it's not one thing, it's another.

I took 1 of the meds, so we will see what tomorrow brings.

Hopefully, mommy will relax and not check on me all of the time, or try to slip some meds in me.

1st day after chemo

I have been home from the hospital for 21 hours now. My mommy is really happy I am back. It was a long 5 days away from home, and not all of them good. The Vets told mommy I have bladder cancer ( TCC ), and it isn't totally fixable.

Mommy and Daddy want to keep me longer as long as I don't mind, so we all said go for it.

I have a tube in my bladder since Tuesday and it that needs to be drained 3 times a day, and can go for short quick walks right now. They also gave me a chemo treatment yesterday before they let me come home.

I was wearing this awful lampshade thingamabob that was making me nuts. I kept hitting things last night before I went nite nite. I just wanted to make sure no one took any of my things while I was gone.

This morning I used the lampshade thingy and my water bowl to help mommy wash the floor 3 times! The floor is nice and clean I must say. So while I was taking a nap mommy brough home an innertube (she must have forgot I don't like the pool). It so far is better than the lamp shade, and is almost like a pillow.

I don't look forward to the pictures I know my human sister Alecia will want to take. She doesn't always get my best pose. My human brother Stephen and his girlfriend Christin are in Maryland( they are the 2 holding my ice cream hostage in my picture), but have been keeping in touch.

My daddy is away working and we hope I can see him in January.

My mommy has been feeding me chicken and cheese today and it sure is yummy. I know she slipped a few drugs in "my dessert", cause I found one (I won that battle). We will see how she tries to hide it next.

I also have her getting me ice water, figure if she will treat me like a queen, why not? I think if I get better for a while, she won't mind all the little extras, so I will cross my paws and keep on fighting.