National Dog Day

Yep.  I realize I am a day late.  If you follow me on Social Media-- of COURSE I didn't forget to post a snapshot of my two favorite {fur}babies.

I joked that Hudson is like "HUH? It's National DOG DAY?  I thought I was a HUMAN??!!"

Some days, I swear, Hudson is more emotional in a days work than I am in a whole month.

I SWEAR he's a female trapped in a boys body {SHHH... don't tell Josh that!!}

Regardless of that, our dogs are our HEART and SOUL and I can't imagine our life without them. 

It would be boring.  SO SO boring.  and lonely!

:::Here are our babes:::

 

XO,

Hematoma in Dogs

This past Tuesday, Josh texted me (hello modern technology) that Stella's ear was swollen.  I didn't think much of it.  I asked if it was her ear inside or what part of the ear.  He replied with "her ear flap".  Still not knowing a thing about health and well-being, I just shrugged it off.

Poor Stella has been through more in her short 3 years with me than any dog should ever go through in their whole time here on Earth.

When I got home from work that evening, Josh said she was fine, she just had fluid in her ear, and even jokingly asked if he could stick a needle in there and pop it!  I absolutely, 100% said NOOO!

I still wasn't really concerned (again, that's my naïve self!).  But, I did decide to do a little googling.  I googled "fluid in dog ear".  The results were scary.  Shocking.

Hematoma.

What in the world is this?  Apparently, it's a socket of blood that forms when a blood vessel bursts due to either: excessive shaking of the head, ear mites, ear infections, trauma, or dog fighting (goes hand in hand with dog fighting). 

Well, I knew she didn't have an ear infection.  But, I do know that Hudson (our 64 lb. goldendoodle who thinks he is Stella's size--- 12 lbs) likes to pounce on her and get her to play with him daily.  Stella isn't that playful (she's an older dog, mind you) and our 15 month old puppy doesn't get that.

So, the next day, Stella's ear got even BIGGER.... MORE FLUID= one freaked out dog mama!

I called immediately to our veterinarian and she was seen yesterday.  It is Hematoma.  The only thing they can do is Surgery, to drain it.

What's the problem you may ask?  Stella has Addison's Disease.  It's a disease where her body starts shutting down when she gets put in a stressful situation.  Surgery=MEGA stressful situation.  The last time she had surgery (the only time I've ever known her to have it) was not long before she went into a complete Addisonian crisis and almost died.

My heart is torn.  Right now we are icing her ear 3 times a day in hopes that it will stop expanding.  But, if not, then we will have to explore the idea of surgery.

I.AM.FREAKING.OUT.

Is this how it is with children?  Not sure if my heart can take it!  Do you have any experience with Hematoma in dogs?  What was your experience like, if so?  Give me some tips!

XO,

Friday Faves

High Five, It's FRIDAY!
I'm thankful for a lot on a daily basis, but these are some of my favorites from the week that I'm especially thankful for.


Neti Pot-

Seriously, this is THE.BEST.THING.EVER!  I've been told time and time again about this thing working wonders for Sinus Infections and Headaches, but I was hesitant to give it a try.  The idea of putting something in one nostril to come out of the other one really freaked me out.  After two days of a horrible sinus headache, I gave in and tried it.  The best thing, ever.  I instantly felt cleared out and like I could breathe again and I didn't even think I couldn't breathe in the first place.

So, if your sinuses are acting up, TRY a neti pot.  You won't regret it.


Talk of the Town-

We met with the owner, Penny, yesterday about catering our wedding which is only 3 short months away to the day. 

We ate, talked, and enjoyed the company yesterday evening and really fell in love with the food and can't wait to have everyone else taste it.  It's going to be southern chic and I can't wait!  Nom.  I loveee food


Stella and Hudson-

I think these two could be on my list every Friday because they are basically the best thing since sliced bread.  They complete me.  Stella was actually sick Wednesday night (she got sick about 8 times).  We have yet to determine what caused it, but she was back to her perky self the next day.  Going through sickness is tough, but overcoming it makes you stronger and actually helps your love grow for them.  Poor thing was pitiful.

So... those are a few things I'm thankful for this week. 

Oh, wait--- I started a 30 day Arm Challenge on FaceBook and it's ROCKIN' and I'm so happy!  I can already feel my strength rising and my endurance building.  I've gotta get my arms looking wedding ready in only 3 months!  Wahoo

What are you thankful for today?  This week?  Anything?

 

XO, 

My PiYo Journey

Some of you might know if you follow me via Facebook that I have decided to finish PiYo start to finish.

Josh pointed out that I had not finished a program after I finished Insanity (which was crazy insane ;))

So... since he pointed it out, and it WAS a valid point, I decided right then and there that I was going to commit myself to PiYo!

It's Beachbody's brand new program and I had done it off and on, but kept falling back on The 21 Day Fix.

***UPDATE*** on PiYo:

I'm in my 2nd week! I've just finished PiYo Core (the first time I've done this workout in the program) and I'm IN LOVE with the program!

It reminds me of my dancing/ballet days, because I feel so free and so feminine doing the moves, but at the same time, Chalean (the creator of the program) steps it up a few notches and I get an incredible sweat on!

I look forward to my workouts and I can't wait to see my results at the end!

PS- Josh and I took Hudson and Stella out tonight so they could get some exercise.  We have a huge lot next to us and they just cut the grass, so it was a PERFECT spot to let the dogs run loose!

Huddy had a blast playing but Stella preferred chillin' with her Mama!

XO,

High Five for Friday

Woo hoo!! It's finally FRIDAY!  It's been a great week!

Some of my FAVORITES from the week:

1.  Josh and I stopped by Moe's last night for dinner! I love that they have whole grain tortillas.  It helps justify eating a big quesadilla!  We ended up picking it up and bringing it home to eat while we watched Big Bang Theory.  We are loads of fun.



2.  Stella got a haircut Saturday.  I've been taking her to Petco (where the pets go!) lately and they have normally been doing a great job.  I guess I didn't explain enough about trimming around her face because they barely took anything off.  Regardless, she still looks like a princess!

 

3.  Saturday I went to my sister's to watch the Carolina vs. Tennessee game.  Horrible game.  But, did get to spend time with my nephew.  I love him SO much.  Ashley put him in his bouncer and we got to see him bounce.  He got tired pretty quick and I wasn't able to get the best video of him.  He literally bounces and goes to town! I ended up having to bounce along with him to get him started.  Seeing him grow is amazing.  God is so good.

4.  I took a "progress" pic before working out.  I didn't do so well eating this week (see #1 above).  I had too many cookies from my Stella & Dot party and too much chocolate at work.  Chocolate is the devil.  As are any type of sweets.  It's amazing how far I've come.  I'm still not feeling 100% in my own skin but I'm coming along.  By next summer and swimsuit season, I WILL be able to wear a bikini proudly.  Just wait and see ;)

5.  It's officially COLD.  The high today is in the low 60's but with the wind it's rather chilly out.  Nights have been the worst.  I've had my heat going for a few days now and I've busted out Stella's jacket.  She LOVES wearing a coat and I couldn't get her to sit still for the picture.

How has your week been?  I hope you all have a great and safe weekend!

XO,