Porter update

A lot has happened since Friday's vet visit. On Saturday, Porter developed a bladder infection. The vet called in a prescription to Walgreens. It was a funny feeling when I went to pick it up. I gave them my last name for pick-up and they said, "Is this for Porter the dog?" Apparently, that was not the first dog prescription they've had.

The doctor wanted to see him first thing this morning to do blood work. On top of the infection, he has become very lethargic with a smaller appetite.

The doctor said the swelling in his knee has increased. We now have pain medication to give in addition to the antibiotics he was prescribed on Saturday. He said we should know in the next three days if it's helping. We should also know by next week if we need to take the leg or not. Did I mention that it IS bone cancer? It is.

I'm happy tonight. He had at bit and we played fetch (I threw he retrieved). He seemed a bit more active. He's napping now. What a rough life for a dog who I still consider a puppy (less than 2yrs old).

I'll let you know next week what we find out.

I needed to read something funny

Pet Diaries: Dog vs. Cat...

The Dog's Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

------------------------------------------

The Cat's Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Jerks!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

Porter update

this is an older picture of Porter

It isn't a torn ligament. The doctor looked at the older x-ray of Porter's leg and noticed part of his bone appeared to be 'moth eaten'. Anyone who knits or loves wool knows what that means.....holes. He wasn't sure if it was the arthritis or signs of cancer. He took another x-ray to rule it out prior to surgery and said there was more.

He did not need the surgery. When he was put under, the doctor found that he didn't need the surgery after all. However, when I was at the vet's office, he told me it was either an extremely form of arthritis, or bone cancer. The doc said if he were an older dog he would say cancer for sure. Problem is, Porter isn't even two. He did some more research and found this type of cancer is common in large breed dogs from the ages of 7-9 with another smaller spike in dogs 1.5-2 years old. Translation....Porter. He said he's pretty sure it's cancer. Yuck.

There were lots of options given to us as to what to do next. We have another x-ray scheduled for him in May. If it shows even more 'mothing', which we think it will, we have decisions to make. We can let it run it's course, amputate the leg (he's currently not using it, the muscles have begun to atrophy, and it hurts him), and/or chemotherapy.

I really don't want to think of these things.

Poor Little Porter

I took Porter to a different vet today. His limp is still there, his knee is swollen, and now he has a 'lump' by his hip. He does have arthritis but the doctor is sure it's a torn ligament in his back right knee (I don't know how to spell which ligament, so I'll leave it at that). He hasn't gained the lost weight back. The doctor will be performing the surgery on Thursday. He'll take another x-ray to see what changes have occurred in the knee and to rule out (hopefully) bone cancer. He says he'd be a fool not to check for it and rule it out just to be safe. Since I went to high school with him, he is also being helpful with the repayment as we just got over paying the ENORMOUS vet bill last month. Needless to say, this will be less expensive (surprised, but not complaining) and I am VERY happy with the new vet. He gave me so much more information, answered all of my questions, and NOT ONCE did he say there was nothing more he could do. I'm happy that we are getting somewhere, sad that Porter's put up with this for two months, and relieved that things aren't up in the air anymore.

I'll let you know what we find.

What was I thinking?

Anyone who knows me is aware of my 'hobby addiction'. Those who don't...you'd better sit down. I'm not sure if one calls it crafting, but here are the things I enjoy doing in my spare time (sometimes, I do them with friends): knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, crochet.

You read it correctly, that last word was crochet. I was looking around on ravelry and found the cutest crocheted animals. I thought they would be perfect for my new baby niece. Long story short, I went out last night at 9pm and purchased some crochet hooks and the following:

I really like everything in the book. My sister would like the owl, I want to make the turtle. There is also a very cute apple with a little worm coming out of it. I thought that would be a super cute gift for my teacher friends.

(We'll see how this actually turns out.)

Ask and ye shall receive

I apologize about getting to this so late. I was at a friend's house finishing up the top of a quilt that I was commissioned to do. (not too excited about the colors, but it's not for me so I can't complain...shh, don't tell)

The following are pictures of what I was up to this morning (and part of this evening). Not to bad for the *first* hank.

*NOTE* First being the first hand I am going to use. My first 'batch' that I spun is tucked away in my craft room to be laughed at in the future.

water after 'bathing'

Hanging to dry. I 'slapped' it on the cushion box prior to hanging to get some twists out.

horrible close up, you get the idea

The finished hank. I twisted it up this evening.
(the pink is the acrylic I used to tie the yarn together
before taking it off the niddy-noddy)

close up

closer up close up (bad color)

Did you hear that giant sigh?

That was me finishing entering my report cards. It took me longer to enter comments than it did to prepare for parent/teacher conferences. Now I can focus on the important things...yarn.

I'm going to set the twist in my hand spun yarn today. I promise pictures to come! I'm VERY excited about this. VERY excited...

Now that's talent!

I was thinking and just don't know what to say about this...