| Published 12/31/09 |
| The last quarter of 2009 was met with more bad news for Serena. In addition to her congestive heart failure and blindness, she has now been diagnosed with bone cancer in her left rear leg. She is currently being treated with pain medication that seems to help her remain mobile without experiencing too much discomfort. Due to her age and her heart issues, surgery to remove her leg is not an option. We are monitoring her closely to ensure that she won't be allowed to suffer should her leg become too painful. |
| In the picture on the left, the tumor on her left rear leg is visible on the inside of her leg toward the top. She still manages to find my slippers though! |
| Another cancerous tumor appeared on Serena's shoulder in November. In spite of the danger of surgery, we had no choice but to remove this tumor as it would have killed her sooner than the tumor on her leg will. It was a risky surgery met with her blood pressure dropping dangerously low on two occasions during the surgery. Serena's will to live is very strong at this point, and she managed to survive through the surgery and recover fully. The tumor was successfully removed although she did have to return two days later to have a blood clot taken out. |
| We received some additional bad news for Angel. On October 19 Angel had to be rushed to the Emergency Clinic because she was having difficulty breathing. She was placed in an oxygen chamber and given high doses of Lasex to remove the fluid from her lungs. She remained in critical condition for two days. On the third day she was taken off of oxygen and the doctors did an ultrasound of her heart. Her heart is leaking in two places. She was released from the hospital with medication. However, one of the vets at the ER said her prognosis wasn't very good. Her life expectancy was only about two months. Once again, on November 19, she was taken to the Emergency Clinic with the same problems. She only stayed in the hospital for two days on this occasion. Again, she was released with additional medication. We have now set up a makeshift oxygen chamber in our home using a crate and Plexiglas along with a portable oxygen tank. When she shows signs that her lungs are filling with fluid, I immediately give her extra doses of Lasex and put her in the oxygen crate. So far, it seems to be working. On most days, she is her normal "devilish" little self. Her "two months" ran out just before Christmas, so we are praying that she will stay with us for a long time and thankful for each day she can give us. |
| The pictures above were taken when Angel returned from the hospital in October. She lost a lot of weight and was down to just 6 1/2 pounds from her normal 10 pounds. The pictures below are of Angel as her appetite was jump-started with homemade bones from my friend, Cheryl. THANK YOU CHERYL !!!!! |
| Angel showing off her big belly as her weight begins to increase |
| I guess things do happen in "three's". While Serena was having the tumor on her shoulder removed and Angel was in the hospital for the second time in November, Amber was also in crisis mode. While racing up the three stairs from the family room to the living room playing "tag" with her brother, Max, Amber hit the top step head first very hard. This resulted in her dislocating a disc in her neck. The disc was damaged and rubbing against her spinal cord near the top of her neck. She was in extreme pain and surgery was required to remove the broken disc. She has since recovered completely (but still tries to race up those stairs) GGGRRRRRRR! |
| I believe that DeeDee still comes by to visit us through her daughter, April. Normally, April's ears flop over, but when they stand up straight, she suddenly takes on the personality of her mother. It never lasts for very long, but it is very noticeable when it does happen. |
| Since my last picture page, the latest incident where we believe DeeDee came to visit us involves thunderstorms. DeeDee was terrified of thunderstorms and would always run and hide in the pantry with her face toward the wall. The picture on the left is DeeDee hiding during a storm. April, on the other hand, was never afraid of storms or anything else for that matter. A few months ago we had a thunderstorm while April's ears were up and DeeDee was visiting. April immediately ran to the pantry and hid with her face toward the wall. The picture on the right is April. This happened only once so far. A couple of storms after this one brought no reaction from April. (Guess DeeDee wasn't here for those storms) |
| This concludes the news items that have occurred since the last picture page. *** We have room for some candid shots of everyone else! |
| Dusty joined our family in February of 1996. Her age was estimated at 2-3 years old. This would make her my oldest at 16-17 years old. Dusty has no apparent health issues and is expected to live another 100 years! |
| Amber and Max looking for trouble! |
| Reno with that famous Eskie grin |
| April and Benji *** Time for haircuts again! |
| THE JACK RUSSELL BUNCH |
| Tucker |
| Rusty |
| Holly |
| Sarah (Fuzzy Wuzzy) |
| Bailey |
| Jennie |
| Serena in Action |
| Serena still needs her slipper! |
| Angel -- Before |
| Angel -- After |
| Nolan and Rylee came to visit. April would sure like to have one of their cookies! |
| April having a "DeeDee" moment. Usually she won't go near this bed she shared with her mother. |
| Bailey and her Christmas ball. She has had this ball with her since Christmas morning! |
| CHRISTMAS KISSES |
| Angel received lots of kisses! |
| Jennie had kisses for Rylee's doll (after I made clothes and a blanket for it) |
| Angel only had kisses for her bone! She has returned to her normal weight once again. |
| Waiting to begin the "Pre-Wash" cycle! |
| A COUPLE OF VIDEOS CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO CLIPS ***** (CLICK ON THE "BACK" BUTTON ON YOUR BROWSER TO RETURN TO THIS PAGE) |
| Reno wants the ball --- Bailey won't share the ball --- Reno gets angry! |
| LOSING BOTH DEE DEE AND TARA DURING 2009 WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR OUR FAMILY. IN ADDITION TO THE LOSSES, WE FOUND OUT THAT WE MAY ALSO HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE TO SERENA AND ANGEL VERY SOON. THIS PAST FALL WE ADDED A FEW THINGS TO OUR PET CEMETERY. I HAVE INCLUDED SOME UPDATED PICTURES OF THE CEMETERY AND THE NEW MEMORIAL STONES. YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT OUR BABIES AT THEIR FINAL RESTING PLACE BY CLICKING HERE. **** THEN CLICK THE "BACK" BUTTON ON YOUR BROWSER TO RETURN TO THIS PAGE |
| PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO VISIT THE FIRST PICTURE PAGE FOR 2010 |
