20 August 2012

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
08/20/12

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'...

35 comments:

Teddy Bear said...

No leash to find a leech! Haha, we love it.:) We are so glad you're doing a little better but are still concerned that you collapsed. We hope that all the meds and the hand held massager will help you tremendously. You are always in our thoughts and prayers, dear Suka.

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Finn said...

Oh Suka, we have been thinking about you. Glad you are feeling a bit better but we wish it was 100% Please keep us updated, ok? And go find that leech - there's one out there!

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Suka, we've kept our paws crossed for you hoping you'd feel better soon. I hope it worked. We don't like it when our furiends aren't feeling well. We'll keep the prayers coming.

Mary Lou said...

Suka....
Please understand that even though I only commented on this Blog once, that we still checked up on you!! Every day!! ;)
I tried to "woof" 'No leash to find a leech' seven times. I messed up on the fourth try!! Then, I laughed at myself!! ;-D
Get better.... I beg of you.... ;op
Love, Raelyn.... And Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! We have been bad n sooo behind on our blog reading ... but we always LOVE to see a comment from you. Sending you Lots of Golden Prayers and Healing Thoughts. I say bits n pieces of tasty chicken treats ... might give you comfort. Sending you Lots of Golden LOVE n Hugs. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

The paws!

Woo SO had me at the paws!!

I hope woo khontinue to improve BUT not without a string - woo khan't go kruising around Kansas -

There are some real khrazies there!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: But if woo do, go to OP KS, woo will be safe with them!

Lakeland adventures with Lola and Milo said...

Hi Suka. I just popped over to see how you're doing. I hope you're feeling a bit better.

I never stop thinking about you.

Lots of love,hugs and kisses. You've got a lot of good friends looking out for you.

Your best pal Sheba.

rottrover said...

Thanks for the update, Suka! We will continue to keep paws crossed for you and your human!

-Bart and Ruby

Dachshund Nola said...

Thanks for the update, my furiend! I'll still keep all my paws crossed for you
Nola

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Yes, Suka, Khyra is right - you would always be welcome and safe here, but we much prefer you come with a leash attached to your Mom.

We are going to remain hopeful that maybe you just need another round of antibiotics or a stronger one. Feel better, pal. We are thinking of you.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

TimberLove said...

Harrroooo dear Suka! Thanks for the update, RARA says not to be worried- sometimes he does the circling thing too. We will keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers,

RA, Isis & Nanük

Scrappy Angel said...

you have been in our thoughts.

i have an enlarged heart, but so far the meds are working.

it is so hard to wait for new like this. i bet you are all just worrying. whay ever the outcome, please know we are all out here loving and supporting you.

Jack & Moo said...

We're so happy woo are feeling better - our momster's been off blogging more than she's been on all summer... just too many things to get done, or so she says.

Anyway, we'll addd our Sibe vibes & crossed paw prayers for your recovery.

Jack a-roo & Miss Moo

White Dog Blog said...

Moderation, dear friend! Puff, who has heart issues too has found that to be the most effective tool for staying healthy and happy. It is ok to go for a LITTLE walk but early in the morning or at night when it is not too hot. And always lots of water to drink and a nap after. Avoid extremes and be careful when winter comes and you have cold humid air...not good. Keep those joints moving a bit everyday but don't overdo. We are so glad you are feeling a bit better and are continuing to send White Dog healing energies and positive thoughts. Know you are loved by so many.

Anonymous said...

Glad you're feeling a bit better Suka. Sending you lots of POTP to help steady your feet and ease your breathing. Crossin my paws that the diagnosis doesn't come back with the Ugly heart disease my furiend.

Waggin your way pal,
Roo

Bailey Be Good! said...

So, so happy that you are feeling better! I was so worried about you! You have such amazing friends!! :)

Woofs & huggies, <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

WFT Nobby said...

Suka
Thanks for the update. We're so pleased that our wonderful dog blogging community came through with some many helpful suggestions. And that all this has raised your spirits, even though you are still having problems.
Now you must try to take good care of yourself, and make sure you get plenty of rest and don't go wandering too far and worrying K.
Love and hugs from Scotland,
Gail and Bertie.

As Aventuras de Billy said...

Hey suka!
Não sei se passou pelos olhos de minha mamãe e ela não leu... mas eu não estava sabendo que você estava tendo probleminhas de saúde!
Amigo, estarei aqui orando por você!
Para melhorar logo..o mais rápido possível!!!
Gosto muito de você e não quero você com dificuldade, ok?!
Deus estará te vigiando!!! Vou pedir para Ele!!
Lambidas!

Kirsten (peacefuldog) said...

Lots of love and healing and cool noses and frito paw smells your way Suka. You always bring such joy with your insightful posties and inspirational art and words. Sending that joy and light right back to you my fuzzy friend.

Remington said...

You rock, my friend! I hope all gets better soon.... You are in our thoughts and prayers....

bbes tribe said...

Suka and Mom, Thank you for the update! You are still in our thoughts and prayers. Glad some things are better!!! Hoping that maybe more or stronger antibiotics will continue to help. You have some wonderful furiends helping to care for you. Those who offer good advice and send things that might help even more.
Take care our friend and are sending you our love.
Ernie,Sasha,Chica,Lucas, and Rosie

Anonymous said...

Hey Suka, Jet here.

We deeply appreciate the update here at Casa Jet. As we said before, we send unlimited Jetty kisses, JJ hugs and love, support and comfort from Mom.

So glad that you have received all those helping ideas and products. :)

You are living with grace and dignity Suka, we admire you greatly.

Murray's Mouth said...

Aw, well wishes being sent to you!

How Sam Sees It said...

We are just meeting you sweet Suka, but we are saying powerful prayers all the same!

Sam

Donna said...

I hopes u gets even moar betterer!!! :)

Parsley said...

Hugs Suka and K! Sounds likesomething weve seen first hand. Our Henry had heart disease. He was put on LASIK and it helped. He is no longer with us but those meds gave us quality time. Best wishes, crossed paws and prayers!

Mary Lou said...

Suka....
Oh my goodness!! I forgot!! Thank-you for becoming a Follower of my Blog!! I truly appreciated it!! Curse my short-term memory loss!! ;op
~Raelyn and Rose

Berts Blog said...

WE were gonna suggest the motion sickness pills too. They really helped our sweet Jamie withher balance.

thank you for the info for dougal on the honey. We passed it along to Dougals family and they were excited to try it.

They had used the sugar method but honey seems so much easier to work with. I'll keep you posted.

We are sending much love your way. Take it easy, let your body heal.

Much Love
Bert and My Vickie

Lovable Lily said...

More Power of the Paws being sent your way! Keep getting better my furend.

Hugs,
Lily Belle

haopee said...

Oh Dear Suka,

We are truly glad that a lot have sent their support and love to help you recover. We hope that your good condition will get better and best.

That's really sweet of Siku and WDA to send you a medicine goody pack. Always remember to keep yourself looking positively in the outlook of life.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

Unknown said...

Saw your post on Roo's POTP site. Sending well wishes your way, get well soon!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I came to check on you... and wanted you to know I sent more healing bubbles in the sky for you.. so be sure to go look.
I think of you everys day.
love
tweedles

Ruby said...

Suka, I'm glad your feelin' a little better! I've been thinkin' about you, and keepin' good thoughts and AireZens comin' your way.

Kisses,

Ruby

FiveSibesMom said...

Suka...we are so glad you are feeling a little better...we were hoping that dreaded cough would go away...please keep us posted on how you are. We think of you everyday! And those Moments of Beauty...we think you are the most beautiful one! Husky hugs! Stay strong our beautiful friend...we are all just sayin'....! ;-)

bbes tribe said...

Suka, we are SO happy to hear you are doing better. Still gonna keep paws crossed and good thoughts for you to keep on improving. Love the pics of you with paws crossed. All blogger furiends are wonderful and supportive huh? All were with my knee surgery too. All of us who need POTP do feel better with the support form our blog furiends.
Tailwags
Ernie