Six Month Check Up

Yesterday we headed to our local vet for our six month check up. Trojan was diagnosed with a Grade 3 MVD in April. We immediately began healthier food and supplements. So going into the check up, I was really optimistic, especially since her resting heart rate was 18 per minute. 

But after listening, the vet thought it had increased to a Grade 4. That took my breath away. She was then x rayed which did indeed show a slight enlargement of her heart. I sat there looking at the X-ray in dismay.  

Really it has progressed that quickly. Damn heart valve. How could you fail on an otherwise healthy dog. 

So off to the cardiologist we go to determine if mild drugs are needed. Ugh. 

I'm not going to lie, this was a blow. Trojan is my best friend. And while I know that I'm losing her, I won't give in without a fight.  People talk about that once in a lifetime dog...that's my baby girl. 

Week n Rewind: July 30

As we move toward the end of July, I'm reminded how really hot weather slows the pace of life. We've been walking early morning, just to get some exercise, but other than that, it's been slow.

Trojan amuses me. She definitely is not wanting to wake from sleep, not as quick with the draw as she once was. But once up and walking, she's fine. You would never know she has a heart condition.  I'm going to push exercise as long as the old gal wants to give it a go. The hard part for me is leaving them inside. Trojan has always been attached at my hip. And sometimes while we're in the pool, I glance up to see three pathetic looking dogs, wanting desperately to get out. Can't say I boame them

This week mommy was down in DC for a conference. The girls stayed by the door awaiting my arrival. They barked with joy as soon as the door opened.  Each taking their turn to give mommy her kisses. Trojan has a special way of stretching completely out with a longing in her eyes. Her tongue licking wildly. People without pets don't understand how anyone could stand these kisses. I don't understand how anyone could want to miss this love.  They say dogs release endorphins, like humans, when seeing their family. I, for one, completely agree

Funny story of the week. Little Miss Mattie ventured outside one evening after the sun went down. She made her normal check around the fence boundary  (the scheming diva).  As she approached the back fence, she suddenly jumped a foot of the ground, landed and did a twirl. Our neighborly ground hog was also startled...standing frozen. After a brief stare down, the ground hog zipped away. That's when Mattie, feeling a little more brave, began to bark. Now imagine a 12 pound dog, chest out , giving her best bark.  The other two dogs, momentarily looked up, and immediately went back to sleeping. I tell ya, can't Mighty Mouse get some respect around here. 

Week in Rewind: June 15

Here comes the Sun. Pretty ironic song that came on while walking the dogs. Why, you might ask?  Because it's pretty darn wet and cool. In fact, the humidity is so bad that there is a mist level. And Bella's fur, no likey.

Each of the girls has distinctive fur. Mattie has the best and it lays perfectly. Trojan can easily become a big puff ball...I swear when wet, she's half the size.  And Bella, well, she's our wooly monster. Funny that the same breed can have such differences. And yes, we do trim them up in summer...a big no no by some breeders. But honestly, we would never make it through otherwise

So, I was watching 60 minutes on Sunday and the amazing story about dog intelligence and their ability to make inferences. It turns out, dogs are like 4 year olds and each has a different type of intelligence just like humans. I, for one, have witnessed this first hand. 

Trojan has always been very smart and does anything to please. Ask to retrieve the ball, and she's off. Mattie is more of my rebel.  Ask her to do something and you can see the cunning response in her eye

Bella is my problem solver. Screen door shut..watch how I open it

So, when you combine the wit and determination of all three...watch out

It's been over a month now since transitioning to home cooked meals. The girls really seem to like it. Little time consuming on my part, but I attempt to minimize by cooking double and freezing the second. Trojan definitely is doing well...but there are signs more tired...but then again, she is 10 in human years.  She still sparks up when I get home.  And loves her walks. I've grown more aware when she's next to me. Her heart still bears strong...and for that Im thankful.

Week in Rewind: June 11

We are full steam ahead into summer. The first heat wave means early morning walks and dips in the pool.  I still remember the day Trojan accidentally fell in the pool. Pure instincts took over and she doggy paddled to the steps...but not before a few wayward turns. That's when it dawned us...the pups can swim. Ironically, Trojan, my skittish dog, loves the pool. Bella tolerates it. And Mattie is a wet mess.  It keeps them cool on these hot summer days

Notice the red saddle bag on Mattie?  When first looking into the fence, we made sure the dogs wouldn't fit through it. So that first day, we let them out to run loose. And run loose they did, happily chasing each other. That is until Miss Mattie discovered the fences perimeter. She charged to the back and made her way all the way around it...like a prisoner looking for a way out. Which should have been our first clue.  As we watched, laughing that there was no way out, we watched in horror as she simply bullied herself through it. And the next thing we knew, the escape artist was on the wrong side of the fence. Now really, there is only one real option in this situation...pretend like hell that everything is ok (but under your breath cursing luck), casually making your way to her.  So, we proceeded with caution.  As we got closer, that intuitive little monster knew something was up...and off she went.  The little stinker has some serious jets.  She was caught after we dove for her...this after a chase around a neighbor's house three full times.  You want a real work out?  Chase a loose dog through the development in pure panic....at one point, tired and broken, I succumbed to the idea that it was the end. She was destined to live her life outside the confines of her prison. But alas, we caught her.  And the little stinker will forever be destined to wear a red saddle bag...like a prisoner with a home monitor. That will show her!

Week in Rewind: June 4

It's all about the positioning.  The positioning.  No pushing. It's all about the positioning. The positioning. No pushing.

Seriously, it's all about the positioning with the girls, while we are in bed.  Each night, the three of them jockey for the single best spot next to mommy.  And some nights there are multiple maneuvers until that spot is found. Once we settle in, it's every women/dog for themselves...and god forbid if I have to pee during the middle of the night....because it all begins again...and worse, sometimes it leads to a chain reaction of dog potty breaks.  (Nothing worse than a 2am potty break with Mattie suddenly awake and energized.).  Meanwhile, on the other side of the bed, the hubby sleeps perfectly free of the chaos. Just how did this happen???

And don't get me started with the snoring. It starts as a small rumble (like bees making their way to pollen)...but after midnight we gonna let it all hang out. My goodness, who knew three little things could snore that loud.  As for Trojan and that bad MVD, she may snore loudly but that heart rate still slows way down to a nice resting pace. And to be honest, I like her closest to me so can feel that beating heart. Be still my beating heart...and yes, she's not beyond pushing one of those siblings out for prime positioning.

Week in Rewind: May 29

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Lots of walks and outdoor time for our four legged creatures.  Trojan has always been an outdoor dog.  And I love that about her.  She sniffs around the yard with mindful purpose. And this week as luck would have it, found a dead bird near the bird feeder. This, of course, resulted in lots of dog activity around this area. Mommy, completely unaware, watched as they barked crazily. The give away, they went nuts and started rolling over it....which was  when we realized what was going on.  A little too late, the morning showers were ruined. So, back to baths we went...and let's just say that Miss Mattie was not a happy camper.  

Speaking of baths, it's super fun to watch them post shower. They run around like their hair is on fire. Save me..save me..save me. The adreline rush must be out of this world.  This high is quickly followed with subdued sleep.  So, we know get through the craziness and then they are out for hours. 

And how is the homemade food going?  Pretty darn well. They love it. And it really isn't that hard to make. The only nasty part is blending up the chicken hearts and liver, but I'm starting to get used to it.   Can you tell which two are first in line for dinner?