5 YEARS

This blog was never supposed to be overrun by the dogs, so here is a note on MW and myself. And if you only care about the dogs then scroll down to the post below for an update : )

Yesterday, September 27th was our FIVE year Anniversary. WOW! I thought it may be fun to recap the last five anniversaries.

The Honeymoon- A week long stay on the island of Kauai and a brief stay on the big island and Waikiki. Aloha!!

1 Year- We packed our bags and hopped on Ryan air for a (belated) anniversary trip to Scotland. We drove as far north as Inverness before heading back to Glasgow to meet up with a friend MW had met in Bosnia that works with the British Army. We spent an evening bar hopping like locals and getting a real taste of Scotland.

Year 2- MW was in Tikrit and I was living in Schweinfurt- more specifically Eltingshausen. Luckily, Rachel Bellard took me out to eat at the Luwenzahn so we could celebrate! Now that is what friends are for!

Year 3- MW planned a surprise for this anniversary. We went to the castle in Wurzburg for dinner and stayed in their "honeymoon sweet" with a gorgeous view of the city! Oh how I miss the beautiful German countryside.

Year 4- Being back in America we took to NYC and saw RENT on Broadway and stayed at the Hilton Times Square!

Year 5- Last night we found a great new restaurant nearby that had not only excellent food, but also a great atmosphere! We also discovered a love for a new bottle of wine. It is the Marietta Old Vines Zinfandel Lot 43. If you like Red Zinfandel this is a MUST TRY.

All in all these are great memories that I thought would be fun to share. I love the excuse to reminisce about our travels... Let's hope for a return to Hawaii in '08!!

I know photos would have made this post better, but I have a plane to catch. Check for wedding photos early next week....

wobbly legs

Our little big man is really working hard. He is now walking on carpeting and grass. It is both sad and adorable to see. I don't really feel sad when I see him walk considering where he was three weeks ago, but at the same time you can see his frustration in his face. Today he impressed me by walking on the deck for the first time. Another surface he can control his little legs on. His right foot is scraped, so I am forever cleaning up bloody foot prints on the carpet, but it is all worth it to see him walk. I tried a baby sock on his foot- it is what the vet recommended- but after a couple of steps it slides right off. I am trying to keep him off the pavement and brick since that scrapes his foot the worst.
Bailey has really taken to the water! He can hardly stand the excitement of going swimming. I love seeing him so happy. I am leaving in about an hour for the airport and am sad to separate from him. Yesterday I left him for 6 hours, which is the longest he has been alone since the accident and when I got back he was just overjoyed and excited and falling all over the place. He did not know what to make of being alone without his beloved Sam.
Speaking of Sam. That lucky lady has gone on Holiday. She has left for the mountains of TN for ten days. Lucky dog.
Hopefully, when Sam gets home she can come back home to stay with us. We miss her.

That's all on the pup front.

Swimming like a fish

Just as we suspected Bailey took right to the water. He pretty much fell into the pond yesterday he was so excited to swim. At first he did not realize he could float so easy so he was scared, but once he realized all he had to do was propel himself through the water there was no stopping him. He got to be the Lab he was born to be for a minute yesterday. Swimming and fetching just like the good old days. Here are a few photos of his adventure. You can really tell from this photo that the water was not so clear. Back in July he swam in this pond and it was crystal clear- yesterday to our surprise we found a lot of algae. He smelled a bit like mildew last night! I couldn't hose him when I got home since there are water restrictions and our shower is up a flight of stairs. Today the smell has worn off and he smells like his usual dog self again.

So happy to fetch.

I was thinking- when did this blog become all about Bailey, but then I remembered that this injury has taken over my entire life. Did I mention that MW sleeps on the couch next to him each night since he can't stand to be alone downstairs? He is so loyal and would drag himself around until he got to us despite any injury that may take place. It is the same determination that is healing him so well that would have him spending the entire night trying to get up the stairs.

Interview number three tomorrow....

A floatation device

To my surprise there are a ton of doggie life vests out there! So, my buddy has a new jacket!!!


Here he is modeling the outift. Isn't it adorable? It is hard to tell from the photo, but the reflectors are a line of reflective dog bones.
Here he is thanking us for his new swimming device

Tonight will be the test! He is going to get a chance to try it out in the open water. I can hardly wait!

Baby Steps...

Yesterday was the best day yet in Bailey's recovery. He managed to stand up and start walking! It was not exactly a sturdy or balanced walk, but he was able to get up and shuffle around about fifteen feet or so- the furthest since the accident. He is only able to walk like this on the carpeting where there is good traction. The wood floor is still much too difficult to try and walk on. We are THRILLED with his progress and strength.

The little big guy had his two week check up today and passed with flying colors. Our next method of physical therapy you ask? Swimming! I am going out today to get him a life jacket to start building strength!! I am very excited for him that he has made it to this point in only two weeks. He has such determination and drive- As soon as we get the vest and take him swimming I will get photos of him- I am sure he will look adorable with his life jacket on! I am hoping I can get a bright orange one.

I have a third interview for the same position this week. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I really would like this position.

This weekend I am heading north to NH for a wedding. I am very excited, but sad that MW has to stay behind to care for the pup. Anyway, photos of that event are sure to show up early next week. Lots of things happening.

Take care everyone!!!!!

What I am up to

I did not want to post photos of the blue room until I was done and it became the "black and white" room , but the painting has been put on hold until the dog is a bit better. Since I have been trying to be home with him as much as possible I have taken out the sewing machine and entertained myself for hours! I made some very boring curtains for the garage which I will spare you, but I also have been working on my vision for the blue room. It started with two headboards...

I decided I on a black and white theme and plan to paint the walls a light gray. So, imagine gray walls instead of blue as you look at these photos.

I had black fabric from the IKEA in Furth for ever now and finally put it to good use. I picked up some ribbon at WalMart and voila! And by the way, to stuff them- I was frustrated how much pillow forms cost, so I bought the cheapest pillows I could find at target and cut them to size. They worked beautifully and only cost 2.72 for one of the big pillows and two of the small ones.
In case you are wondering the ribbons are sewn into the seems and then I used no sew iron adhesive to hold them in place tightly.

I picked up black sheer material for 2 dollars a yard at a local fabric store and used the existing white curtain rod. I tied the curtain to the rings and hung them- Note: sewing sheer is very slippery!
I am missing a bed skirt because target sold out of them. I am waiting to pick another one up. only 14.99 and the comforters were buy one get one half off at Linens N Things- I bought down alternative and it is super soft.

I have some artwork plans for the walls as well- I may hang them now even though the painting is not done since I am not sure when I will paint.

Anyway, this is a bit of what I have been doing in the house.

And as for outside...
Let me just throw this out there. I started my day chasing a squirrel. Since I am the rear legs of the lab and he started running forward- I followed. It was interesting trying to stop him once he started really going. Interesting....

Since fall is here so is the yard work. Lucky for me I like it. Not so lucky for me is the MW does not. We really are different. I like to organize everything including the yard and he could just keep it all in a heaping pile....Embrace the differences.

Theme Song

Everyone has one, right? At least I think we all do. About seven years ago there was a remake of a song that played in my head over and over during a tough time. I declared it my theme song back in 2000 or 2001. Just recently I was talking to a friend about having a theme song- it was a funny sort of conversation, but I said we should both rename our blogs to what are theme song is. Well, I am almost convinced it is a good idea. What do you think? I know- you need to know what my theme song is. Are you ready? Don't laugh too hard. It is..................the remake of "Stayin' Alive." Hey, I didn't pick it, it picked me!!! Let me know if you think this blog should be titled Stayin' Alive, Chapter 3. On to the pup update: He is ready to run if only his back legs would cooperate. He gets on his sling and tries to take off. He does not like sitting still and will not put up with it much longer. He is determined as anything. He is motivated and driven and I have no doubt he will walk again it is just a matter of when. His left leg is moving in a walking motion and carrying a little weight when we walk him. His right leg is starting to swing a bit, but often swings into his left leg wiping out his back legs hard work. He is trying very hard though. He can stand up on his own however his balance is not usually good enough with his back legs to stay up. Either way he could not do ANY of this ten days ago. He is trying so very hard and I am very proud of him. On the home front I have been sewing!!! I will post photos of one of my many projects later.... Hope all is well in your worlds....

A mini reunion

Saturday we were fortunate enough to have puppy care and went to the Army vs. Wake Forest game in Winston-Salem. We met up with old friends and had a great time! Here are some of the shots I took.

Yesterday we had a relaxing day hanging out with the pup. He is making progress. He is even standing up on his own at times- although he is not very steady. We are really impressed with his progress and hope to see him walking again soon. The most exciting thing is that on Saturday he began wagging his tail a little bit! If anyone knows a labs tail they know it is the clearest indicator as to what they are feeling- with out the wagging tail it is hard to know....

On the job front- it looks like I will have a second interview with a company this week....at least I am interviewing these days. It took a long time just to get people to call. Hopefully, one of these interviews will amount to something. Ideally, the one I am interviewing for a second time this week. It seems like a good match. Keep your fingers crossed.

Home Sweet Home

Last Weekend

He is home!

We picked our boy up today and brought him home. He is currently sleeping in the family room on his bed. He looks peaceful. We have only taken him out once since he got home, and I am not sure I can do it by myself. I am nervous because he is heavy and I have to hold up his back part of his body. His little feet will drag if I don't hold him up. Anyway, he is here and we are educated on how to exercise his legs etc. Now all we need is prayers and hope.

48 hours later

Monday morning has arrived and nearly passed and I still have not heard an update on Bailey. I am trying to be patient- but am going to call if I don't hear anything by noon. I am prepping for bringing him home. His bed and blankets have all been washed and are in the family room waiting for him. I am so anxious to hear how he is this morning. I am going nuts trying to wait!!!! I will post an update on his health later- and great photos of him swimming last weekend.

Bailey

What a surprise it is to have spent most of the weekend at a doggie hospital. Thankfully, such a thing exists, but still this whole thing is a shock. After an extensive evaluation by a vet and a neurologist vet it has been determined that Bailey has a spinal chord injury. While running one of his discs in his back shot pieces of the disc into his spinal chord injuring it. There is no surgery that can repair this condition, just medicine, steroids, and a will to live- and lots of love. Bailey is currently paralyzed from the waist down, but has some feeling in his toes. He is unable to move his rear legs at all. The neurologist believes that he has a good chance of recovering to a decent quality of life- with that said his odds are 90% that he will walk again. After about 18 hours of IV steroids and pain medication Bailey is able to move his left leg slightly although I did not see this when I visited him today. MW did see him levetate his leg at one point. This is a huge advancement from yesterday when he had no movement. We visited him today and he seemed much more like himself and not quite as in shock as he was yesterday. His back legs are sort of just dangling and he is clearly confused or frustrated with the situation. As for us, we are trying to figure out how we are going to bring a dog home that can not walk. Amazingly, there are many devices available to assist with this. For us, we are going to construct a sling to hold up his back legs for him as he walks with his front legs. We are also going to try and create some sort of a wheel chair for his rear legs- We don't know how long it will be before he walks again. We were told 3-4 weeks to 3-4 months. We don't really know. For now this is a day by day situation where we are trying to determine what is best for our dog. For all you cynics out there who are reading this and thinking we must be crazy for caring so much for our dog there are a few realizations I have come to. (and you must not know me and my dogs very well if it comes as a surprise what lengths I am willing to go through for them) One, there are truly very few people in this world that I love more than my dogs. Bailey was a gift to me basically the day I moved out of my mom's house. I have never spent any long amount of time away from him - he has been a partner for exercise, a pillow for crying and most of all he was there in Germany while MW was in Bosnia, Iraq, or Graf. He has been a rock for me. The other thing- As a pet owner I owe it to my dog to give him the best quality of life possible. Until it is evident that I am unable to do so I will try. And lastly, money is no good to have in the bank if you have misery or sadness in your heart. The bottom line is Bailey is part of the family. We love him and will do whatever we can to help him heal. He has proven to be strong through many other trying times and we do not doubt him now. Bailey is expected to be released from the hospital tomorrow.

Sad Saturday

Today started out with a BANG!

Bailey is currently at the vet while we wait to hear his prognosis.

He was running around this morning and all seemed fine in the world. He of course took his tennis ball out with him and despite the vet telling us to not play ball with him we through it for him. Not throwing the ball for this dog is like taking away his one true love in life. So, MW through the ball, a gentle toss, and what should have been a simple fetch ended terribly. Bailey wiped out, which he does often with his lack of grace, and instead of jumping back up to retrieve the ball he lay back and winced in pain. His two back legs had completely failed him. Unable to move, MW picked him and took him to the front door ringing the doorbell to get my attention. I came running out to see Bailey laying in MW's arms- I instantly thought he had been hit by a car again- Although this time was different the wretched pain in my gut was the same.

We rushed Bailey to the car, MW layed in back with him trying to keep him stable as I drove quickly to the vet. We carried him in and they immediately took him to the back....they then said they were sedating him and would x-ray his legs. In the meantime we should go home. So, I came home and now here I am. ANXIOUS AS HELL and just yearning for my baby. We have no idea if his hip is broken, dislocated, or even if he is paralyzed. We don't know anything- just that my baby boy is hurt- and BADLY.

Please pray for him. He is only five years old and is heart is so young.

What the week was all about

We returned from TN on Monday to find that my mom's preconstruction home is sheet rocked! It looks great- (photos to follow once MW returns home with the camera chord).

Tuesday we were both exhausted from the relaxing weekend in the mountains. (again photos in a bit)

Wednesday I started on operation redecorate the blue room- actually it has been an ongoing process, but the curtain was made on Wednesday. I am buying paint this weekend and once it is done will post the changes.

Last night we volunteered as a family, at a local shelter providing dinner and dessert and serving it to approximately 30 people. It was a good experience and I think we will do it again.

Sometime in the night Wednesday our air conditioning died on the second floor. It is still 90 something during the day here, so it is quite problematic. We woke up TH morning to an 83 degree room. Last night at "bedtime" it was 88 in our room. Needless to say the sleeping has not been great. The AC repair man is here now and we have a 425 dollar repair needed- the only good thing is when we closed in April we bought a one year home warranty- So, cross your fingers we can claim this. I am hoping in a few hours the upstairs will be restored to its cool temperature- that being anything below 82 degrees.

I had an interview today- that is all I will say, but please keep your fingers crossed that something comes up soon. I am really tired of interviewing and even more tired of being unemployed. I never thought it would be so difficult to find work here. I am frustrated and tired- at least I had an interview though- that is half the battle.

Photos to follow later. Happy Friday.