Getting back to "normal"....

I thought I'd share a few pics of some of the things we have gotten in rememberance of Percy boy. I still am in amazement at all of the wonderful and kind words from all of my friends....what a wonderful community we all belong to!

Things are getting back to normal. Of course, there is the occasional thought that we forgot to let the dog out, or did anyone give him his medicine....I suppose that will last for a while. The house is cleaned out now....food is gone, medicine thrown away, shampoo down the drain. I did keep his chain, his leash, and a little snip of hair from his ear....I used to love to feel the fur on his ear....it was softer there than anyplace on him. I admit, I have sniffed it once or twice, just to remember. I am going to get a locket and put it in there to have forever.

In other news....

Wee one is spending the night at my aunt's house. They went to the springs today, then to St. Augustine for shopping and dinner. She told me that at the springs she was feeding the fish, and when she would stand still and wiggle her toes or fingers, the fish would nibble on them. She said that she did that for an hour, but then had to leave her "little fishy friends". I asked her where they ate and she said at a British Pub in St. A. It's a new place and she had "cottage pie". I asked her how it was and she said, "Oohhhhh man, it was delicious!" They had coffee ice cream for desert and then went shopping. She said she got some sort of big spider that has bendable legs, and wore it around the town. People were calling her spider woman. LOL. I will take a pic of that tomorrow.  I'm not sure what the plan for tonight or tomorrow morning is, but I am sure it will involve sitting in the sauna that my uncle built (I know, who needs a sauna in Florida?!), and grinding wheat for flour to make pancakes in the morning. (My aunt is one of those "natural" gals. No hydroginated oil for her!) I'm sure they will have a great time, and wee one will not want to come home to do the homework she saved for the last minute.

Betsy decided to color her hair for the month of October. It is a lovely shadeof....black. I hate it. She got the kind that washes out in 20-something washes....but I'm praying it won't take that long. She was insistant that she was going to do it, and I told her I didn't think she would be happy. She adopted the typical teenage 'tude, and did it anyway. And guess what? Mom was right....she looks like:

a. Morticia Addams
b. Elvira
c. Lily Munster
d. The sister from The Incredibles
e. All of the above

If you answered "e" you are correct. I was going to forbid it, but then I thought, what would Dr. Phil say? Pick your battles. This one wasn't worth a fight....and I won anyway, being that she didn't like it. So, it all worked out....lol.

We went to my mom's new condo this morning and helped her paint. We painted the entire living room, and John put up a new light fixture, ceiling fan and curtain rod. It really is amazing what paint can do....it looks wonderful. I think she is happy with her new home. My sister and her husband are here until Friday, which is nice for mom. This way she can ease into her first home she has ever owned without my dad. I know it's hard for her, but having my sister stay with her has made it easier.

John, Betsy and I went to church tonight, and then to dinner. It was strange being without wee one, but I think that Betsy secretly enjoyed it. LOL. No matter how old your kids get, they still like that one on one time with mom and dad. She even hugged me a few times tonight. (Sorry Bets, your secret is out....you do love me! LOL).

Okay, I'm going to get ready for bed....I'm exhausted. And thirsty. I had breakfast for dinner at the restaurant and the bacon was really salty. Mmmmmm, pork products!

Thank you....

You will never convince me that online friends are not the same as "real life" ones. My heart and mailbox is overflowing with the love that I feel from everyone that has written and commented and sent hugs and love via the internet. I have heard from complete strangers, as well as friends I've known for a long time. I can not begin to tell you how much each and every comment/mail/thought and prayer has meant to me today. Losing a pet is never easy, and when that pet is more like a human than some humans we interact with every day, it makes it even harder. But the overflowing of love that I have been blessed with here in j-land has eased the pain, and taken the edge off of my sadness. And for that, I am eternally grateful to everyone. I only hope that someday I will be able to return the love and comfort that has been shown to me today.  ((((My Friends))))

Wednesday night when we took Percy out to do his business, he was unable to stand at all. It was like someone had pulled the rug out from underneath him. He lost the strength in his front legs as well, and was beginning to cry even when laying down. I spent most of the night on the floor with him, trying to soothe him. I would bring him water and he would try to drink, but he was so weak that he would end up resting his chin on the bowl. By the time John and I took him out yesterday morning, he was completely out of it. I had decided at that moment that I was not going to prolong his suffering. It was the very least I could do for him.

I can't tell you how my heart raced as I dialed the phone to the vet. I ended up crying while talking to the receptionist. She was so sweet....she set everything up, and told me when to bring him in. I called John and he agreed to meet me there. I have to tell you, it was the longest morning of my life, lying there next to Percy, knowing what was going to happen. It was a mixture of sadness and relief....he needed to go, but I would miss him so much. I had told the girls to be sure to tell him goodbye before school, "in case". They have taken this so well. Better than their parents! At least on the outside....

All morning I sat next to Percy, getting up now and again to do a few things. He would realize I was gone and try to bark, getting himself all worked up. It was so sweet how when I would come back in and sit with him, his breathing would go back to normal and he would be comforted. When the time came to take him, JB and I put him in the car and I cried all the way there....so much for being the pillar of strength I wanted to be! We were taken into a private room, and spent some time with Percy. He laid there on the table, dozing off a few times. When the vet came in I was crying, holding Percy's little face and telling him I loved him. John was behind me, crying as well. The vet was so sweet....she said that we shouldn't be sad, we had done everything possible for him. She also said that she felt he had a soft tissue tumor because he had gotten so bad so fast....

She explained what she was going to do, and that it would be fast. As she readied him, John said goodbye and allowed me to be the one to hug and caress him as he took his final breath. The vet would whisper what she was doing as she did it, and I just kept talking to Percy, hoping that his last thoughts would be that he was loved more than he could ever imagine. It was so quick and so peaceful....one small breath and he was gone. I have to tell you I cried and cried....but I knew he was better off. I could just imagine my Dad kneeling down, arms open as Percy ran to him. I know he is in good hands right now. I can just see my dad, eating a piece of cake, and laughing as Percy nudges his arm, begging for a bite....

The vet was unbelieveably caring and compassionate. Both of the doctors came in and hugged us both, expressing their sympathy. It takes such a special person to be able to deal with that every day. We were blessed with wonderful care for Percy for the entire time we have lived here.

When we got home, I did the only thing I knew to do....I got my windex, fabreeze and mini vac and cleaned out the car! LOL....John worked right along side of me, sucking up the dog hair. I couldn't bear to see it....I then picked Betsy up from the bus stop. She was obviously upset when she got off the bus, not saying anything until we got home.  When we went inside she asked when we did it and I told her. She has been quiet all evening....I'm thankful she had to work to get her mind off of it. I went into her room and sat with her a while. She loved Percy so much. He was a gift to her from her dad before wee one was born. She named him. I knew she mourned in her own way today.

Wee one did very well. She didn't cry at all. Before school she had eaten her cereal next to Percy, and when I looked in on her, she was on the floor, rubbing his face and talking to him. She knew what was coming. She gave him kisses before she left for school. When I picked her up she asked about him and I told her. She was quiet most of the way home. I laid down as soon as we got home and she came over to me and rubbed my head. She said, "You know mom, he's in a better place now. And he's with Papa so you should n't be sad."  What a kid.

When I woke up from my nap, I heard the mower and John was outside doing the lawn. I went out to talk to him and he was all red eyed. He said to me, "I can't believe I'm crying because I ran over a pile of poop and it reminded me of him!" I have to say, I was laughing and crying at the same time when he said this....he has been so emotional. Percy was his buddy for so many years. He said it will be hard to go to work in the morning, without his usual good bye from Percy. And I don't know what I'm going to do all day without my partner. He kept me company for 12 years as I vacuumed, dusted, did laundry....

We will all miss him so much. I'm not angry that he had to go....I'm thankful and blessed to have had 12 years with him. He enriched our lives in ways that are unexplainable. How could I not be thankful for that? My sadness is that I won't be greeted every morning with his sleepy face, or annoyed by his barking that I would love to hear just one more time. God blessed us with Percy....and for that I will be forever grateful.

 

Percy

The world lost a gentle soul today....and my family lost one of our own. My sweet Percy could not hold out any longer, and we let him go. I know he was greeted at the gates by my Dad, calling to him, waiting to give him a good scratch. I was fortunate enough to be with him when he left this world....I can not tell you how my heart is breaking right now. I miss you my Purdle Wurdle the Turtle....no one will ever take your place in my heart....you were and always will be a part of our family and a part of our hearts....forever.

Wednesday....I think....

Let's see, what is my sleep deprived, stress filled brain going to write today? Probably a lot of nothing!

I forgot that it was an early release day today, but fortunately my neighbor called and reminded me. I just got back from picking Betsy up. It's raining like crazy here....there is a tropical storm warning that should hit tonight, which is making things rather soggy! She also got called from the grocery store that she applied at, so she is going to call back and see if they want her in for an interview. I hope she gets it. It's a slight cut in pay, but more manageable hours and no psycho boss....lol.

Wee one is home today after a night of stomach trouble. Poor thing is stressing so badly over the rain I had to take a Zantac to school for her yesterday. When did life get so stressful for 5th graders?

Percy did horribly last night. He had begun perking up yesterday afternoon, and even walked well. However, it was all downhill from there. From loss of bladder control to absolutely no strength in the hind legs. It's time I think, to do what needs to be done. I am going to call the vet in the morning. He ate 1/2 of his breakfast today, and that was with canned food, something he loves. I got no sleep last night, between sitting with wee one and with him. 

Anyhoo....I am going to go try to clean before my husband gets home from work. I didn't realize how late it was. I steam cleaned my bedroom today so far, and did a load of wash but that was it. Okay, I'm outta here.... 

Not so good news....

John and I picked up Percy yesterday, and when I saw him I knew he wasn't feeling good. He barked and all....but his "smile" was gone. Percy has this smile thing he does when he sees us....and it just wasn't there. The doctor showed us his x-rays and his hip and knee are awful. Arthritis has ravaged him terribly. His disks are bad as well. She told us that he is able to stand, but not take many steps. I was determined to be positive, and once we got him in the van, you could tell he was relieved to be going home. However....

Once we got home, I was shocked. He had absolutely NO strength in his hind legs, and his front legs are, I would say, 30% weaker. She gave us a wheelchair to try, and he can't even stand with it. It's too much on his back. So John put the support on him that we already had, and I rolled up the old one and put it under his hind legs, and between the both of us we could barely get him to the yard. He also has a side effect from the steroids, the "d" word, so it makes it that much harder to keep him "clean" after doing his duty. She did give me medicine for that as well, so I'm hoping it will help.

This morning hasn't gone too well. He refuses to eat, and is breathing very heavily. He did it all evening and all night too. It's like he has run a race and can't settle down. When I looked that particular symptom up online, it said that when an animal breathes like that it's either a respitory problem or pain. I tend to think it's the latter. And when I moved him this morning, the blankets I had him on were wet. I don't think he is able to control his bladder very well.

I know what all these signs are pointing to, and it breaks my heart. But he looks at me with those eyes that seem to say "help me". I have not seen that look before. It was always determination and strength. I will watch him closely for a few days....and pray. It's all I can do for my faithful friend.

Monday....

Well, the weekend is over and today is nice and rainy. I love it! If I can't have cooler weather, at least it looks fall-ish outside. And it smells it inside. I have my candles burning and a huge pot of chicken soup simmering for dinner. Hey, a girl can dream....

I included a few pics of our decorating this weekend. I don't know what happened to the pic of my haunted house, but I'll put it in later. Wee one and I decorated yesterday whilst Betsy and my mom went to the airport to pick up my sister. She is here for two weeks to help mom move. Thank you Lord....now I'll have help with all the painting! LOL. We all went out to dinner last night and had a great time. We ate at our favorite seafood restaurant....which has the best blue crab crabcakes in the world. Mmmmm. We ended the evening relaxing at home....nothing too exciting going on here!

I have not heard from the vet today. I expect she will be calling this evening. I'm looking forward to having Percy home. We all miss him so much....I just hope that he is better today, with the two extra days of treatment.

I did watch DH last night....I thought it was okay. No spectacularly funny moments beyond the paperboy taking a nosedive. And really, who in their right mind would be able to push Mike away if he were kissing you? WHO I ask???? Sheesh. Susan has more will power than I will ever have!

It is so quiet in the house right now....I love it. There is no tv or radio on....just the humming of my Dell and the occasional click from the ac turning on.  I can't wait until it's nice enough outside that we don't need air or heat. My checkbook can't wait either. I was looking for a pool cover at wal mart yesterday, but they didn't have any. I bought the last one there on clearance, two years ago for $15. I was hoping to find another bargain....but alas, no such luck. I guess I will have to shell out the big bucks at the pool supply store. I'll try K-mart and Target first though.

Okay, I'm outta here for now. I have a pile of bills just waiting to be paid....

Friday night at my house....and yes Kim....I know it's Saturday! LOL....

Just a few pics to show you how ever-so-exciting my Friday nights are, now that I'm a middle aged woman.

I just got a call from the vet. She said that Percy is definately doing better and definately not giving up. However, he is only taking between 5-10 steps and that is not good enough for him. So, she proposed that they keep him over the weekend (at no charge....wow!) and continue with his therapy until Monday. She likes the idea of the wheelchair and is going to give us theirs to use along with the one John made, so that we have an outdoor and indoor one. (This is the senior vet I'm talking with now). They said that Percy has such a great attitude and is so easygoing....I know they want him to make it as long as he can. I'm really thankful that we have been blessed with such caring vets. They have been wonderful since we have moved here. I know that they will try everything in their power to help him. So, we are Percy-less until Monday....I really miss the guy, I must say. I haven't visited him since Tuesday. Not because I don't want to....but because it upsets him so much when we leave. He tries to pull himself up and follow us, and that is not good for his back. He needs to lay still. And he just gets so sad when we leave him....I can't stand to see it! But I know that he is getting the best care. They don't even have him in a cage, just on some blankets in the doggie room (since he can't get up anyway.) She said everyone comes in and says hi to him and he loves it....I know he isn't lonely.

Today wee one and John are painting the inside of the tree house. She is painting each section in alternating colors. Neon green and pink....with blue trim. It should be wild! She has settled on the blue indoor/outdoor carpet to match. I can't wait to see what it looks like! I'll take pics later on today.

Betsy is going to vacuum out the pool, and I am going to get my butt off of here and go to the Hallmark open house. WooHoo! There is also a festival/bazaar at the local Catholic church that I would like to go to. Maybe that will get my crafting juices flowing! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!