Buddy Love

This is Buddy.

He's been with us for about 6.5 years, and on this earth for about 8. If you count in dog years, he's older than anyone else in this house by a fair margin.

Buddy has been here in the thick of things. For awhile, it was just the three of us - Buddy, me, and Husband. He formed a fast bond with Brandon from the weekends he was here, and later when he was here all the time. He was here to greet Lucy the day we brought her home (gave her a big 'ol sniff while she was sitting in her car seat in the driveway). Over the years he has gone from tolerating her to forming a bond with her, too. He takes her bossing like a champ!

Buddy is pretty gentle. He rarely barks. The most noise he makes is when he bays at sirens, which is hilarious. He likes to be by his people but doesn't really like to cuddle - he'd rather roll over and let you scratch his belly. He gets a little too friendly with guests sometimes, but his soulful brown eyes usually win them over.

Over Thanksgiving, I had Buddy boarded at our vet's office because he had a lump on his belly that I wanted checked out. While they were at it, I asked them to check a bump on his neck, too. I'd had him in for that particular bump a few months prior, and it was diagnosed as an allergic reaction.

When I went to pick him up from boarding, I knew something was wrong. The staff, who love him and are always very friendly, were unusually quiet. The doctor wanted to talk to me in an exam room.

The lump on his belly is just a fatty mass, she said. No problem, lots of older dogs get them. The thing on his neck...that was called a mast cell tumor. Cancer. Surgery would be needed to understand its stage and if it had spread.

I held it together while I was there, because Lucy was with me. We collected Buddy and headed home. When I told Husband, I lost it a little bit. I wasn't ready to lose our dog.

We scheduled the surgery, and in the meantime I had all but convinced myself he was fine. He seemed perfectly normal. As the day approached, however, I grew more anxious. I did alright dropping him off, but picking him up was not easy. He was groggy and pretty out of it, and had a sad looking bandage on his head because they couldn't get the "cone of shame" on him - he freaked out. They sent us home with 2 painkillers and a sedative, and said "try again tomorrow."

When I brought him home, Lucy helped it sink in. She was very concerned when she got a peek at his incision, which was kind of Frankenstein-ish, I have to admit. As we sat on the floor petting him while he was so obviously disoriented and drugged up, I looked over at her and saw big tears running down her face. "I don't like Buddy to be like this," she said. "I don't either, Honey," I told her, as my eyes filled, too.

The following day, I worked from home to keep an eye on him. Even on the highest dose of sedatives, he wouldn't get near me if I was holding that damn cone. I had Husband try to help when he was home for lunch. No dice. That dog became a bucking bronco if I even l laid my hand on the cone. The bandage wasn't staying up, and wouldn't keep him from scratching at the stitches. We needed another alternative. Enter the donut.

He is tolerating it, and it does keep him from scratching. But he's definitely not thrilled.

Friday, I got the call that the labs were back. The tumor was a Stage 2 out of 3, so what they call "intermediate." The extra tissue they took all around the tumor was clean, but usually for Stage 2 the next step is to biopsy a nearby lymph node. We had already done that, and the lymph node was also clean. So for the moment, our puppy is cancer-free! However, the Stage 2 diagnosis does make it more likely for the cancer to reoccur. Also, any other bumps we find (anywhere on his body), need to be checked right away, because now he has a history.

What a relief. This whole experience has made me really face the reality that one day we'll have to say goodbye to our furry baby. It will break Lucy's heart, and I dread that day. But it will also break mine. He is my first dog, too. It's true what they say that dogs become part of the family. It would just be pretty boring around here without our pup, so I'm glad cancer has seen fit to leave him alone for now.

He is recovering fine so far and doesn't seem to be too bothered by pain. The biggest challenge we've had aside from the cone situation is some doggy diarrhea from one of the meds, which hasn't been fun for any of us (I can attest to this personally, based on the pleasure of a 4AM clean-up). Today, he bayed at some sirens and I got tears in my eyes laughing at him. "That's my boy!" I told him. It was the most normal I've seen him since Tuesday.

Bay on, Bud.

Summer Weekend Warriors 7/19: Wedding Time!

Woo-hoo! Saturday was the wedding of Casey (Husband's cousin) and Gina. To prepare, Lucy and I got pedicures - her first.

Yes, my five-year-old got a pedicure. It's really quite ridiculous when I think about it. Yet, she was tickled pink and I am a sucker. I've learned to just accept it (though this is definitely a special treat thing...I don't even get them very often myself!)

Then on to the wedding for a good 'ol time with the whole family.

Notice anything different about Husband?

Siblings.

Grandpa Lee and Miss H.

I got to meet this sweet babe, Rayen, and had the privilege of holding her when she actually had her eyes open.
Just a total little pumpkin. Got my baby fix. :)

Sunday we were so tired we stayed in most of the day playing Legos and dressing the dog in a tutu. Who am I kidding, that's practically a regular day around here.

Oh, Buddy!

Today is Buddy's adoption birthday. We've had him for FIVE years now, which makes him about 6 1/2 years old...so he's older than all of us if we're talking dog years. At his last check-up I found out that he'll be considered "senior" when he turns seven. How time flies.

Buddy is doing alright, he's still a pretty needy guy in terms of having to be near someone all the time. He drives Husband a little crazy. :) But he really is a good dog and pretty well-behaved. He doesn't get the attention he once did, although the constant affections of a certain preschooler are probably quite enough for him. Lucy is usually up in his business, but he is either growing more tolerant or just resigning to the fact that he can't avoid it. She loves her some Buddy, and he doesn't seem to mind.

He still loves tennis balls and his big bone, and we are convinced he's part cow because he really loves to munch on the grass in the backyard. Buddy loves his walks and get super excited whenever somebody puts their tennis shoes on. He sits in the window for long stretches at a time, and is mostly silent but can hardly contain himself when another dog walks by. "Friends? Friends. FRIENDS, MOM!! DID YOU SEE?!" He shows similar enthusiasm when we have guests, and is often relegated to his gated area downstairs in response to his unwanted advances.

Overall Buddy's nature is gentle and playful, and those big brown eyes get me every time. Now if he would just stop peeing in the flowerbed and attacking the back door when he wants in, we'd all be more apt to give him those belly scratches he likes so much.

Happy Adoption Day, Bud!

Feels Like Spring!

Today it was over 70 degrees! We had a fun time playing on the deck in the sunshine. It's so nice to be able to play outside. Lucy loves it.

You mean there's no sand in here?

Action shot, throwing the ball! (which Buddy popped last weekend)

Buddy, catch!

The best part about all that play and fresh air? Great naps!

"Lucy, Give Buddy a Kiss"

Careful what you ask for, Mama...

Happy Birthday, Budders

Today is Buddy's adoption day birthday. We brought him home 2 years ago today...Husband tried to convince me it was 3 years ago, but good thing I have this blog to help me remember things!

Buddy has enjoyed having Brandon around this year, and goes nuts over the chance to rollerblade or run with him. But, of course, the biggest thing to rock Buddy's world this year was our little Lucy. Lots of people ask me how he does with her, and I have to say, he has been amazingly patient and tolerant. He quietly allows her to climb on him, wave her hands in his face, and even pull herself up by grabbing fistfuls of his hair. His defense mechanism is usually to lick her (which typically sends her into a fit of giggles) or if he really can't stand it, he just walks away. He generally likes to be around her and of course, he's always around to catch the food scraps she drops on the floor! Lucy adores him and lights up when he walks into the room. We really couldn't be happier about how well they get along.

Happy Birthday Buddy...I'm sure Lucy will share her birthday cake with you this weekend!

A Girl and Her Dog

She doesn't mind when he licks her ears. He doesn't mind when she pulls herself up by grabbing fistfuls of his hair. Both like to stare out the window.

It's a friendship built to last.

And We're Off!

We officially have a crawler! Lastnight I got home and Husband said "you just missed it..." but I was quickly rewarded with the sight of our little one finally figuring out how to work those arms and legs together to get where she wanted to go. She would only go a few strides lastnight, but already today she's looking like a pro.

It's funny how she has spent weeks pulling herself up to her hands and knees, and bouncing like crazy without going anywhere...and then all the sudden she just figured out how to make it work. I am just amazed at all of the development that is taking place, and I know there is more to come!

Along with the inevitable baby proofing, comes the realization that the dog and his toys are no longer safe. Enjoy!

Opportunist

Brandon got up to go to the bathroom, and look who wasted no time taking his spot...

Good thing he's willing to share!

Blessing of the Animals

This afternoon Brandon and I took Buddy to church. Why, you say?

For the Blessing of the Animals.


Our church does this annually as a way to recognize our pets as God's creatures and to acknowledge their importance in our lives...as beautifully expressed in this prayer:

God, our creator, help us to love all creatures as our kin, all animals as our partners on Earth, all birds as messengers of praise, all small beings as expressions of your mysterious design and all frogs as voices of hope.

(I'm not sure why frogs got singled out, but it's a nice sentiment). Buddy was reasonably well-behaved with all of the other dogs and a few cats, and Brandon and I thought it was pretty cool. Since Lucy was born Buddy probably hasn't gotten as much attention from me especially, though he has had a close friend in Brandon since Brandon moved in with us. But it was nice to take some time out to celebrate our furry friend. In preparation, he even got to go to the groomer yesterday to get a bath and the full spa treatment. :)

While cruising the web today, I found this video through another blog. I thought it was pretty special; please check it out: God and Dog. Give your puppers some special attention tonight if you have one.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

OK, so I missed Buddy's birthday by one day. I had to go back to my first Buddy post to confirm, and it was May 25th of last year when we brought him home. We don’t know exactly when Buddy’s official birthday is, so this is the day we will celebrate. He is currently enjoying a belated birthday rawhide. Here’s a little bit about our mutt, in “his” words:

My best features: my wrinkly forehead and my big brown eyes

Favorite toys: I love to play tug-o-war with my rope. I also love tennis balls and balloons.

Favorite food: carrots, peanut butter, bananas, and recently a raw T-bone steak. My dad was not too happy about that one, so I haven’t had any since.

Favorite activities: eating, rollerblading with Brandon, running along the fence with my neighbor girlfriend Maggie

Favorite people: I LOVE EVERYBODY. I want to play with everybody and show everybody how cute I am. But Brandon is probably my best bud.

Most endearing quality: (according to my mom) I know when people aren’t feeling good, and I stick by them to make sure they’re OK.

Least endearing quality: (according to my dad) I try to push people off the couch if they’re in my space.
What makes me happy: PEOPLE! FOOD! PLAY! I’m pretty easy. I also like when somebody rubs that special spot behind my shoulder blade. Oh yeah.

What makes me sad: I get kind of mopey when any of my people are gone for too long. I usually show them how much they are missed by chewing on things that belong to them.

What puzzles me: Toads. What’s the deal with those things? And they don’t taste very good.

Special talents: My farts can clear a room.

Best part of my day: when dad comes home and lets me out of my crate, and when mom comes home and we walk to the mailbox (and I stop to water the pine tree).

We love you Buddy!

GoodSearch

I just ran across a search engine which allows you enter a charity, and for every time you search, about a penny is donated to that charity. Over time this can add up! Check it out at http://www.goodsearch.com/

If you don't have a particular charity you are interested in, consider supporting Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of Minnesota (Monticello, MN). This is the organization from which we adopted Buddy, and they are going through rough times right now, like so many charities. Because people can't take care of their pets anymore due to job loss or simply tighter financial conditions, their requests to take in dogs and cats has doubled to more than 100 requests per week. Animal shelters are also having difficulties and are asking Homeward Bound to take in pets so they can avoid massive kills. HB is in desperate need of financial and in-kind contributions of supplies, etc. Other shelters and rescue organizations are having trouble as well, so check out an organization in your area too!

My Tender-Hearted Husband

While watching the characteristically lesson-laden last few moments of Little House on the Prairie...

Husband: [fake sniffle] Almost makes me tear up.

Me: Yeah right! I don’t know what ever makes you tear up.

H: Buddy’s farts. Tickling you so much that you tear up.

M: I was thinking of something sentimental and touching.

H: Those are sentimental and touching. Especially Buddy’s farts. Those are very touching.

Lucky

Saturday morning turned out to be quite eventful. When I got up, Husband said, "put on your shoes and grab your coat, we're going to take Buddy for a walk." I loved the idea, as it was a beautiful morning, and Husband rarely wants to take walks with me. Brandon decided he wanted to go too, and Buddy was SO excited. With all of the subzero weather lately he hasn't been walked like he should. So we all headed out and were having a perfectly lovely time in the near 40-degree weather.

Toward the tail end of our walk, I turned to head toward home, but Husband led us down to a little wetland/marsh area. He took Buddy onto the ice, and then walked out and we had Buddy run between us. I stayed near the shore; I never have gotten my head fully around the whole lake ice thing (don't get me started on Minnesota's favorite winter pastime, ice fishing). Brandon stayed with me for awhile, then decided to venture the other way and have Buddy run to him. This progressed for a while, all of us laughing. Brandon started to head in, and all of the sudden Buddy meandered off the other way, and then suddenly dropped from my sight. He had fallen in an unseen spot of open water.

Oh, the calamity that ensued. To our knowledge Buddy had never been in the water before. Brandon was the closest one to him, and I kept trying to tell him to lay down on the ice, but he wasn't sure what to do. Instead of laying down he was kneeling and Buddy was flailing around in the water. Tears came, I couldn't help it. I was worried about both of them, even though I knew the water wasn't very deep. Husband sprinted over and took control of the situation, telling Brandon to lay down on his belly and pull Buddy up, and telling me to stay where I was, because I kept wanting to walk toward them. Buddy kept trying to swim toward me rather than Brandon, but finally he got close enough Brandon could grab his collar and pull him up. It was only about a 30-second ordeal, but it felt like forever. Buddy's swimming (or at least treading water) instincts kicked in, and Brandon and Husband did a great job. I was a blubbering idiot. Once the tears start these days, it's hard to make them stop.

Needless to say, I was the only one visibly shaken by the ordeal. Husband and Brandon were concerned but relatively unaffected, and Buddy acted like he was having the time of his life. When we got home Husband administerd Buddy's first home bath, as he stunk to high heaven of swamp muck (a smell reminiscent of my unfortunate kayaking incident a couple of summers ago). After a few barks at the hair dryer, he did let us blow dry him, but it took an hour and all three of us to get him fully cleaned up. All in all, no worse for the wear, but we learned a valuable lesson...and we all definitely had to work a nap in that day!

Friday Night Entertainment

Appreciation

I had some nice quality time with "my boys" this weekend. Brandon was here after two weeks off, and it's safe to say, he was missed. We all had a few meals together, which doesn't always happen, and I always value that time. The in-laws came over lastnight for dinner, and it was really nice to see them. Right now I am sitting on the couch with Buddy curled up at my feet.

Life is good.

Taking Time to Breathe

It's been a busy few days. Here's a recap:

On Thursday, Husband and I took the afternoon off and went to see Wicked at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Minneapolis. I bought the tickets months ago (they are very difficult to get) and he agreed to go. While having lunch before the show, he asks me, "Is this a musical?" Apparently he was unaware there was singing involved. I was a little nervous he wouldn't like it, but he did! You can read his side of the story here.

Friday afternoon, my friend Kristy and her 4-month-old daughter S came from Des Moines for a visit. It was so much fun to see them both, and to have a baby in the house! S has grown so much since the last time I saw her, and is a good little baby. Kristy and I got to catch up and just hang out until she left around noon on Saturday.


Saturday afternoon I tried to keep tabs on the Hawkeye game, but unfortunately missed the exciting finish because I was getting ready for a little party at our house that night. How exciting that we beat the unbeaten Penn State!! When I caught wind of it shortly after the game ended, I ran downstairs to check and did a little victory dance.

Saturday night I hosted a Lia Sophia jewelry party at our house. It's quality jewelry, but it was more an excuse for me to get some ladies together and have some people in different "groups" meet each other. It was a lot of fun, and I'll be getting some great free stuff for hosting!

Sunday I was beat, and pretty much did NOTHING the entire day. It was a cold, rainy afternoon and a good day to stay curled up on the couch and watch Lifetime movies and laugh at Buddy staring down the birds in the front yard. Brandon made chili, and the Vikings beat the Packers, so the men in my house were in good moods.

That's the past few days in a nutshell. I'm still tired but we had a lot of fun!

Irony

A few weeks ago I took Buddy in for his final test for beginner obedience class. He’d been doing great in class and toward the end he was the only dog who stuck all the way through, so we got a lot of personal attention. By the end we were teaching him things that are part of the intermediate class.

All he had to do to pass was sit, lay down, stay for 30 seconds, walk with a loose leash, and 1 trick of our choice. He decided he really didn’t want to lay down that night, but eventually got there, and did the rest with flying colors. We also did 4 tricks (because he is awesome and super smart) and the trainer just ate it up. She complimented me on my progress as “pack leader”, and said there is a noticeable difference in Buddy’s demeanor since the beginning of class. She thinks he’s a very smart dog and even recommended that he could be a therapy dog if I am willing to go through the training to get certified.

I know I’m biased, but I get real satisfaction out of hearing (and experiencing) that he is smart. When we adopted him, we heard repeatedly from the shelter volunteers that “he isn’t the brightest bulb,” and “he’s really sweet, but he’s not the smartest.” They named him Meatball. I know he just passed a beginner class, but I’m really proud of our pup!

So I was flying high on this canine accomplishment, but was quickly brought back to reality about 2 days later when I came home to this:

I HAD PURCHASED THIS RUG 5 DAYS PRIOR. I thought it would be heavy enough to deter him from dragging it off. Apparently I was wrong, and apparently it’s also fun to chew on. There were reminders of this little indiscretion all over the yard.

He might be smart, but he’s still obnoxious. We start the intermediate class next week.

An Evening With Miss H

Last Friday night we had a visit from our niece, Miss H. My sister-in-law told me that all week long, she was so excited to come to "Auntie Jess and Buddy's house." Her uncle wasn't too impressed by that.

Miss H was all about Buddy. I taught her a few commands so he would learn to respect her, and although I think the dog was thoroughly confused at times because of the string of commands she would fire off, over time I'm sure they will both get the hang of it. For awhile there Miss H thought Buddy needed to rely on someone else to tell him what to do...all the time. I had to convince her that sometimes, Buddy can just sit, or walk into another room, or do something all by himself. After awhile she caught on.

She is also very into "make-up" right now, and toted along a whole arsenal of lip glosses and chapsticks. After the application of about 6 layers of different lip lubes (and completely cracking me up with her faces in front of the mirror), she was satisfied and I assured her she was quite beautiful. Saturday morning I also painted her fingernails (alternating dark and light pink, with press-on rhinestones, of course). She's all girl and all fun!

Why Dogs Should Not Go Unsupervised

So yesterday I spent my vacation day completely sick. Due to the alternating nasal dripping and nasal stuffiness, I was required to keep tissues with me at all times. I was downstairs and we didn't have any tissues down here, so I grabbed a roll of toilet paper.

Every time I picked up that roll (which was a lot), the dog snapped to attention and stared me down. What was the fascination with the TP? Then I remembered this:

This is why we hide the TP.