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, 

30 days of Thanksgiving... Day 3

Happy Sunday, loves! As I am home today resting up for another work week (and trying to get my voice back), I am getting a lot of snuggles from Stella.  She is my rock and my girl.  Everything I do is for her.  It's really crazy how much I live to provide for her.  Most people would think I'm crazy for loving a dog so much and for spending so much money on a "pet".  Stella is not just my pet.  She is my best friend, my companion, my rock, my everything.  I love her more than I've ever thought I was capable of loving someone.  I love Josh SO much, but Stella is different.  I can only imagine the love I have for her to be somewhat the same as when I have my own children.  I know that she relies SOLELY on ME.  I must feed her.  I must provide her water.  I must walk her.  I must buy her food.  I must take her to the doctor.  She can't do any of this by herself because she is obviously, a dog.  I love having all of the responsibility, but at the same time its a feeling that scares me.  What if I mess up?  What do I do?

When I turned 16, I got a shih-tzu, named Snickers.  He is still around, but my Mom has become his "mommy".  Even though he was mine, my Mom took care of him for the most part.  I never learned responsibility from him.  But, with Stella, it was different.  I was living on my own with my parents 20 some hours away.  She was mine.  I was responsible for her.

I love my Stella B with all of my heart.  I would do absolutely ANYTHING for her.  I don't ever want to see her in pain.  I want to give her the best life she could possibly ever have.  So, TODAY, I am thankful for Stella B, my whole world.