The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly08/20/12

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

~~ from “The Lion and the Mouse,” a fable by Aesop, a Fabulist (Story Teller) credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop’s Fables, 650 BC – 564 BC

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Kindness begets kindness evermore.

~~ from “Ajax,” a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles, one of three Ancient Greek Tragedians, 497/496 BC – 406/405 BC

I am extremely humbled by the outpouring of well wishes, prayers, crossed paws, and love shown to me by my friends and by strangers. It has been overwhelming and I never expected it. All of that positive energy has helped me to gain strength and has made me feel better, especially in my heart. I am very touched and I give a heartfelt thank you to all.

I want to apologize that it has taken me so long to post an update. I am sorry I left so many of you wondering how I am doing for so long and I appreciate that so many of you continued to check on me. I am very blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life. Now, for the update on my status:

THE GOOD

I am walking better, and for longer distances. I think it is due to a combination of the cortisone shot and the 1.5 teaspoons of turmeric my human gives to me every night. On Saturday I actually walked almost half of a mile up the hill, but then had to turn around and come back home when my human, K, saw I had left the yard. Surprisingly she is still letting me remain unchained (yay!!) but she is watching me more closely so I don't go traipsing around the neighborhood again.

THE BAD

I still have balance issues due to my inner ear. Many times when I first get up I walk in large circles until I can find my balance and straighten myself out. I also don't walk in a straight line much anymore, so it makes it frustrating to get from point A to point B. I sometimes feel very confused about my weird new way of walking. It is also scary sometimes because I have no control.

THE UGLY

Today is the last day of my antibiotics and I am still coughing, albeit a little less. I also still have spit-up occasionally when I cough. And, now I wheeze sometimes when I breathe. Both symptoms do not bode well for me. I won't know until it is confirmed but I most likely have the dreaded heart disease. A few times when K has had to get me from the creek (story in next post) I have collapsed while walking back home and have had to rest for quite a few minutes before I was able to get up and walk again. We are not sure if I collapsed due to my heart or due to pain from my arthritis. Either way, it is scary.

~~ MOMENT OF BEAUTY ~~

Juan Van Der Hamen, Still Life with Flowers and a Dog, circa 1625-1630 (Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain)

Unknown Italian Master, Portrait of Dogs with a Cat and a Rabbit, circa 1650 (Galleria Palatina, Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy)

Back to me...

I never expected or anticipated such an outpouring of concern and kindness when I posted of my condition. But a few of my friends went above and beyond a simple "get well soon" wish and for them I would like to give an extra woof-out: the handsome and witty Mr. Pip, an inspirational survivor of heart disease, who suggested fish oil to give me more energy (and it also helps with arthritis and heart disease)and has shared tips on how he lives with heart disease; the sweet and adorable Amber Da Weenie and the fun and smart Haopee for creating a graphic for me on their blogs and asking their friends to wish me well and cross their paws for me.

Also, the gorgeous and fabulous FiveSibes. They shared great recommendations for some of my issues, such as K-Laser for my arthritis, which is currently helping Gibson, and Dasuquin for my joint pain, which has helped Chloe, Harley, and Gibson. They also put a badge on their blog sidebar for me, and they requested a Paw Circle of Healing for me on both their Twitter account {@FiveSibesMom} and their Facebook. Their Facebook page is very informative and fun so please check it out and "Like" it! You can see the special Facebook post they dedicated to me here. I am very humbled.

And, last, but never least, the beautiful and loving White Dog Army for their extreme generosity. Today I received a very unexpected surprise in the mail from them: Bonine, a motion sickness medicine since I now have balance issues; a large bottle of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, to help with my joint pain; a bottle of natural aspirin-free medicine, to help with my aches and pains; and an incredible handheld precision massager, with infrared light, which I know will make my legs feel so much better. I am left woofless by your bigheartedness and your thoughtfulness.

I am a blessed pup to have such pawsome friends!

Either there is a monster tick growing on my head or Silvius is photobombing me again.

Actually, I wish it was a monster medicinal leech on me. Medicinal leeches were actually used to help cure heart disease back in the day. I could use a monster medicinal leech right about now, and perhaps I should go hunt for one since I am now leash-free. No leash to find a leech. Woof that seven times fast! I'm just sayin'...