A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are at Sunday already where has the time gone. I know, I know. We had our wonderful cousins over for a visit yesterday. In the morning, my daughter was here until sometime around 10-10:30 a.m. and from early in the morning I was preparing for the visit. I spent the morning doing some cleaning, baking and food prep. I was able to have most of the meal or at least the fussy stuff completed before they arrived. The COUSINS were arriving at 1:30 so that meant that I had to be done and have time to get ready, not ball gowns or anything like that but just get freshened up and put on some eye makeup and change my clothes. I elected to wear blue jeans and my new fav sweatshirt, my only sweatshirt. But I love it so much, I wore it. Everything went pretty much to plan. I was not as happy about the end result of the biscuits but they were okay. I made the gingerbread cake and the peanut sauce and cleaned up the kitchen, main floor bathroom, looked after the Alvin, did some laundry and a few other things on my list. Luckily I was finished before they arrived so I had a few minutes to just snuggle with the Alvin on the sofa. I feel like yesterday he was making progress. Oh and his sister more easily got his medicine into him! Just today, tomorrow and Tuesday left for the medicine so I have to just hang in there. Back to the visitors. They arrived pretty close to 1:30 and we were over the moon happy to see them. Actually it felt like a long time since I had seen them and was shocked when L had done the math and said it was 2019 before the pandemic. YIKES. I guess I really did not see many people over the last three years. Anyway, they were here and we were going to get caught up. L had a brain tumour removed last June 2022 which I knew about and she is doing amazingly well. Although she joked about her memory, it is still better than mine, lol. Her husband, W had a bad car accident in February 2022, I believe. He is doing well. Both are seeing different types of therapists to help in their recoveries. They are both retired which has helped. I am so grateful that they are on the way to be “fully” recovered. We talked about family, politics (yes, a bit), food, work and retirement and life in general. There were stories about family history. Lots of laughter. We had a great visit. Drank two pots of coffee over the course of the afternoon and early evening. I administered Alvin’s medicine while they were here and it went a sight better than this morning and gave him his supper at the appropriate time. Perhaps I am overthinking and just need to give it to him. Anyway, I popped the chicken into the oven and continued to visit. In between set the table for supper. When the chicken was almost finished baking, I put on the peas to cook and the rice. Heated the peanut sauce in the microwave. The menu: baked chicken breasts with greek spice seasoning, rice, homemade peanut sauce, green peas, biscuits and cucumbers. They both loved supper even the biscuits. Dessert was also a hit and that was the gingerbread cake with real whipped cream. I was so happy and relieved. They left just after 7:30 p.m. – what a great visit. I am so happy that we had this wonderful visit.

After they left, I finished cleaning up and doing the dishes. Why would one stop to do dishes when you can visit. That was my thought process anyway! We had a quiet night and I watched a movie. Which movie was it, I just forgot. Gave Mr. Alvin his medicine around 10:00 p.m. and got most of it into him in a decent amount of time. We came down stairs about 3 or was it 4? I honestly do not remember, the time is mushing together. Outside for a pee (him not me, lol). Then back inside to the sofa. I should have set the alarm because we overslept the scheduled time for medicine. So then he did not eat until almost 8:00 a.m. Just, maybe five minutes after the medicine, he started to fuss and threw up. Not vomit but a bit of foam like liquid. Not much. Just a bit. So I made the decision to just go for it and give him his breakfast. I cut back on the amount of rice and gave him the normal amount of chicken. So far so good. He is resting in the hallway while I write this post. Sorry for the babbling but I am quite tired. One of our friends is coming for coffee at 10:00 a.m. so that will be nice. I think this afternoon, it will be just nap time. The sky is overcast. I was thinking as it is so nice out – that we should go for a walk but then I was thinking perhaps not. He is a bit wobbly these days so I do not want him to slip but I will see later. Today is the last day of chicken and rice, the bland diet. His medicine is finished at end of Tuesday. Monday and Tuesday, I slowly reintroduce his regular food back and then Wednesday back to his regular food diet. I hope it all goes well. I have been thinking that perhaps I will just go to the office on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is a tricky day and without knowing how he is going to react, I cannot take the chance of something happening while I am away. But I am going to try and go to the office on Thursday and Friday. Life in the fast lane.

I am grateful that so far Alvin has kept his food down.

I am grateful for my daughter, son-in-law and grand-pups and family.

I am grateful for my cousins coming to visit. L asked if she could have a slip of one of my plants and as luck would have it, I was starting a few so I sent her home with some.

I am grateful for good food, my good health and fingers crossed Alvin will keep improving.

I am grateful for all my friends.

Gratitude is what keeps me going.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it certainly is a great day and a New Year.

Today is my little sister’s Birthday, she turns 61.

I turn 63 in August.

Happy Birthday to my darling sister.

Alvin and I wish her the best of days.

 

The sun is rising and wiping away the night sky.

The reflection of the sun’s rays are settling on a neighbour’s house and it looks so beautiful.

It cooled off a bit over night but still is warm considering it is February.

Yesterday Alvin and I walked to his regular appointment.

He had the bordetella (which I thought was a needle but was a drink), an exam, ears checked (he has an infection in his left ear) and nails trimmed.

The Vet administered medicine for Alvin’s ear.

Get this, only once and it will remain active for up to a month.

How about that?

Other than the one ear and a bit of tartar on his teeth.

Which by the way I do brush and by the way our Vet says are in good condition.

He has most of his teeth.

Which is a good thing for canine or human.

According to the chart at the Vet he is approximately 65 in human years.

Actually older than me.

Go figure.

He still has the heart of a pup, like me.

Also like me, sometimes our bodies are not that of a pup or young girl!

Oh well.

 

Looking out of the office window, the sky is a light powder blue.

So wonderful to have the morning sky brighten so much earlier than say one month ago.

 

Well my daughter, Alvin’s sister is coming for pancakes in a little bit.

So I should get dressed and get some housework done.

 

Wishing you a great day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, it is Saturday morning.

The office window is open as I key/type these words and there is a coolness to the air.

Humphrey the Cat is out on his deck.

He heard me when I opened the window and we made eye contact.

Then he was crying.

Perhaps for Alvin as Alvin was looking through the fence to see him earlier this morning (just a few minutes ago, actually).

 

News on the Alvin front.

We ended up going back to the Vet yesterday as there was no change in the pooping situation.

OMG, “did I really type that “pooping situation.”

Yes, I most certainly did.

ARGH.

Anyway, back to the story.

Our appointment was for 3:30 p.m.

The Doctor had said that would be taking bloodwork and if he pooped to bring in a sample.

ARGH, that would not be pretty.

So I gave him his third small meal of chicken and rice a few minutes before leaving for the appointment.

On the walk, he found a nice patch of green grass and did his business.

Not the business that I would have hoped for but he did and I did have to scoop it up.

A sample without grass for the Vet and then cleaned up the rest including pulling up some grass.

I had Alvin’s water bottle with me and poured some onto the remaining so that it would run away or so I hoped.

Not much fun cleaning up diarrhea.

Not much fun at all.

 

At the vet, she checked to ensure that he was hydrated etc.

First up was having the blood drawn ….. I opted to stay away during the procedure.

Guilt washed over me and I kept looking out from behind the door to see what was going on.

The staff are so lovely with Alvin.

Then I heard a yelp, a cry and my heart broke.

Then one of the girls said as I came out from behind the door …. he only cried when the needle was coming out.

I did notice that they took the samples from his main artery in his neck.

That would be painful.

He also had some damage done in that area when he was a puppy before I rescued him.

But it does not seem to have done him any harm.

I am grateful.

Dr. K informed me that it would take about one hour for her to check the bloodwork and then she would call me.

He would likely require “antibiotics.”

The poop sample, well it has to be sent outside of the clinic and we would not have any word until next week.

We take for granted how much the cost of blood tests etc. are in Canada as we do not pay for them.

If you have a pet – then you know that everything costs a lot of money and this was no exception.

I was grateful that for this second bill this week, I still had enough money to pay for it all.

I had been concerned about what I had left in my bank account after this bill.

So off we went for home.

Glad to get home.

First thing – checked the bank account and was pleased to see that I had made a mistake and remembered a lesser amount, whew we are okay.

Enough money for groceries etc.

Just in case he needs more chicken breasts.

Collapsing on the sofa for a moment.

Catching our collective breath.

Waiting for the call…..

About 30 minutes later the phone rang and it was the Clinic …. Alvin would need antibiotics and I could come back and get them anytime before they closed.

So I grabbed his harness and off we went.

I figured that the results must have been in so decided might as well speak to the Vet in person.

Dr. K said that the bloodwork was normal for Alvin and in addition to the antibiotics, I should pick up some Imodium to help with the diarrhea.

Off we went home once again.

Gave him his last small meal for the day and ALL his meds.

Alvin’s BF’s Mom had sent me a FB message and I replied to her.

When I had mentioned about going to pick up the Imodium, she sprang into action offering to go pick some up or perhaps coming to get me and we could go together.

But ended up she had some and brought it over for Alvin.

What a thoughtful Mama, Teddy has and WHAT a great friend we have.

I am over the moon grateful.

It took a bit of time to message everyone with the results thus far.

I am still going to see the glass half full.

Our evening was quiet.

I actually had one of my “birthday drinks” a canned drink …. PALM BAY …. don’t remember the flavour …. over ice and it was nice.

Watched the second GHOSTBUSTERS movie.

Enjoyed the evening.

WE HAD a GREAT SLEEP last night.

We both slept until a couple of minutes before the alarm at 5:00 a.m.

Then to the sofa until just before 8:00 a.m. –  fed Alvin and gave him his pills – all three.

Will give him some imodium shortly and then go for a walk.

I do need coffee but that will wait for now.

 

So our saga continues but at least there is / was some good news and I am certain that the pooping situation will rectify itself shortly.

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Always live your life in a kindness mode with respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of January, 2017.

Guess what day today is?

It is a very special day in my household.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was on this day seven years ago that I adopted my handsome wonderful companion, buddy and friend.

So we are celebrating his “8th” Birthday as we are not exactly sure how old he is ….. how great is that.

He can be any age, really.

So today we are saying No. 8.

Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis.

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together thus far as much as I have ……

Love you Buddy with all of your quirks.

I love watching you bury your chew treat in the back yard winter or summer.

I love watching you searching for something by putting your whole face in the snowbank as if you could see in there all the while I know the power of your sense of smell.

You are so funny and always make me smile and laugh.

I want to post some photos from over the years and also my blog from April 2010 written about our first days together.  The other night I was reading some of my older blogs and came across this – oh so many memories.

Alvin, the story begins …. Chapter 1

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Last night my daughter Amanda was over to watch the Golden Globes with me.  We both love to watch the award shows.  Avatar won for Best Motion Picture and James Cameron for Director.  Sandra Bullock for Best Actress in a Drama.  We had supper and enjoyed the evening.  Over the past few weeks and months we had been discussing the possibility of me “adopting” a dog. Why not, I thought.  This past eighteen months has been chalked full of firsts for me.  I have always loved dogs.  We had checked out the Humane Society’s web-site a few times but the smaller dogs went fast.

On this day, I was taking care of my “O” my neighbour’s cat.  This is one of those cats that is definitely an one person feline.  I had been around her a little bit and knew what to expect.  Deep down, I believed that she would get to “love” me or at least like me.  LOL.  Anyway, I made sure that I had my legs covered, and also carried the “cat toy” …. mouse on a stick supplied by O’s Mom for protection.  The first day, O jumped, swatted and hissed all in one smooth motion.  Oh, this is a cat that has a heart condition and takes medication for it.  Crazy.  Anyway both of us got through both visits that day.

Back at home, my daughter had sent me the link to an animal rescue web-site so that I could check out the doggies.  There was one in particular that she thought fit the bill.  He was so cute.  His story very sad.  So I went onto the web-site and “fell in love” (so cute), before I knew it I had contacted these folks about adopting this dog.  It was important to act fast as all of the smaller dogs were adopted quickly.

By evening, I was contacted by a gal from the rescue society.  She told me that there had been lots of interest in this puppy.  So she was going to contact her superior to see about making the next move.  Someone would call me the next day.

Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Another successful visit to “O”‘s house.  One would never know that she had a heart condition.  I am so grateful that each morning it is getting lighter, earlier and earlier.  Spring is on the way.  Big news this morning.  Received a phone call from the foster Mom of a little dog.  Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  We are going to see him tonight.  The whole family is going.  It is important that Elton and Penny like this possible new addition to the family.  I am going to run out to the nearby “Bone & Biscuit” store and pick up some food and toys, just in case.  I want to be prepared.  Oh, have to get some treats, too!   I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time.  This could be my very first dog.  Wow, this has been a year of firsts for me.  But I am so grateful for all of them.  We are going after supper, and it is a bit of a drive from here so will write all about our visit tomorrow morning.  YAY.

DAY “1” – Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Guess what happened last night? It was crazy.  Took us a little while to find the place because it was out in the country. But we did.  We were introduced to this cute little guy.  His name is Alvin.  He is a cocker spaniel mix.  Puppy.  They think that he is about one year old.  Has a black & white coat with the most handsome brown eye-brows.  Elton & Penny seemed to like him well enough.  He has a sad story but is blessed to have such great foster parents.  I know that he is going to have a great life.  So no looking back.  Okay, get on with it.  I know.  I am too wordy sometimes (okay, LOL all of the time).  Arrangements were made for me to adopt him last night.  He is on antibiotics and other medicine.  Whew.  Hard to believe – it happened all so fast. One minute we were trying to find the place, and the next we were on our way home with three dogs in the car.  He was so stressed, the poor little guy.  Thank goodness for the “blue blanket” that his foster parents had given him, as he was drooling so bad the whole car ride home.  When we got back to my house – it was surreal.  It was late when we got back so once I introduced him to each room of the house, and he had some water and a bit of food, it was off to bed.  I had no plans of him sleeping in my bed but I felt so “sorry” for him that he ended up there.  He was so stressed that neither of us got any sleep.  I was reminded of my first night home from the hospital with Amanda.  I kept imagined that he stopped breathing, which was crazy !!

It was an early morning considering neither of us slept much last night.  He has to be fed every three hours, and has medicine so I am busy.  Also first full day of looking after “O” next door.  Should mention that I made my first mistake with Alvin.  After he ate his first meal today I thought that I would send a quick e-mail to Amanda.  I thought that he would be like Elton & Penny and that I would have a few minutes before he needed to go outside.  He did not make it.  First lesson learned.  I do not have much carpet in the house and he did manage to miss it.  Thank goodness for that……

Guess what happened when I got home from feeding “O” in the morning?  It actually started when I left the house.  Alvin stood at the living room and cried.  Sounded like a baby’s cry.  Separation anxiety, I was told later.  I made a quick trip next door as I couldn’t bear him crying.  When I got home, I unlocked the door and faster than a real “bolt of lightning” something black and white passed me.  I twirled about and almost fell on my “butt”.   Thank goodness that I had my boots and coat on as I did not have time to grab them.  I ran down the steps,and down the sidewalk as he got nearer to the street.  Man, puppies are quick.  Just as he was about to step onto our busy street, I bent over and swooped him up.  My heart darned near jumped out of my body.  I was so scared.  What a first day !  This was only the morning.  The rest of the day went fairly smoothly.  Lots of feedings, administering medicine and pooping.  Thank goodness he is trained.  As he is not neutered it will be awhile before we can go on walks.  So it will be playing fetch for exercise for a bit.

Oh, the life of a pet owner…….

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin and his buddy Penny, oh the memories of the two of them.

Resting on the deck ……

My favourite photo of Alvin ….. laying on his belly at the top of the stairs …. looking like he has no body….

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Looking out the office window …. which was our temporary bedroom at the time.

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Winter …

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin and Me …..

One summer day – our adventure.

Alvin and Elton playing tug-o-war and then checking out the Christmas gifts.

Alvin and the newest additions to our family …. Baby Milo and Aspen.

Always waiting on his Momma….

I could post a million photos of my boy but will end here.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Here’s to many more happy years together.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday Boy of course ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of March, 2016.

One day until it is officially SPRING.

Most of our snow/ice has melted here in Edmonton.

On the streets where the lawns face any direction except north the snow has completely melted.

Unfortunately our lawn faces north and remains partially covered in snow and ice.

The temperatures have been hovering about the 4-9 mark depending on the day.

The sun is shining this morning and that is always nice to start your day with sunshine.

 

Alvin had his “TEETH CLEANING” and nail trim yesterday.

We got dropped off yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m.

Alvin’s Doctor’s receptionist went over the paperwork and I signed where applicable.

Without much fanfare she took him to the back room of the clinic and I left.

I thought I would hear him bark but he did not.

I paused outside the clinic and tried to see through the window to the back …. just in case he needed me.

But he did not.

I guess he is a big boy now.

I did stop at the convenience store and pick up a lotto ticket ….. a win would be nice (more than nice).

The walk home felt strange.

The last time I left him at the Vet was 2010 when he had the CHERRY EYE SURGERY.

A long time ago.

When I got home ….. I had some water and toast ( as he was fasting overnight and in the morning, I did not want to eat or drink, that would not be fair).

Put on a pot of coffee and plunked myself down on the sofa.

With all those hours as pick up was to be about 4:00 p.m. – I could have …. should have accomplished many chores but alas I did not.

I did not even drink the whole pot of coffee ……

Approximately 1:00 p.m. the phone rang and it was Dr. Karen …… she told me the cleaning was over and that they had to pull “ELEVEN” teeth.

I almost fell off my feet ….. 11.

She explained that 9 were incisors and they are teeth that are barely rooted in small dogs.

It appeared that with grooming hair had got stuck in and around these teeth.

I do my best to brush his teeth but it is difficult to get back and all around.

He had two others and one was a main grinder / molar.

But all in all – he will not be slowed down eating as he has the majority of his molars which is good for a dog of his age.

She said that he was doing well and that someone would call me when it was time for him to go home.

It was near 4:00 p.m. and I just could not wait any longer ….. yes, I called.

The young lady on the other end of the phone said he was ready to go …..

I told her that I would be there right away.

Donning my jacket and shoes and his jacket …. I was out the door.

When I got there they had to go through the after surgery information.

Soft food for two weeks.

No brushing his teeth for two weeks.

That means no hard treats for two weeks.

Only soft foods.

They said no running up the stairs for today.

He has dissolvable stitches they said.

There might be a bit of blood from his mouth and that was normal.

and then there HE WAS ….. he jumped up and kisses me …… he did not look as though he had just had surgery.

I was so happy and relieved to see him.

We collected his antibiotics and painkiller, instructions and the receipt of the bill.

The total was just shy of $1200.00 ….

We are so lucky to have benefits and can stay awake to have our teeth cleaned.

 

He walked home with no problems.

I am happy to report that he drank a good amount of water upon his return home.

He had to wait until 7:00 p.m. to have 1/4 of his normal amount of food (had to be softened as well).

The hard part is softening his food.

I was told to put some warm water over his food and wait for ten minutes.

It takes quite some time which was hard for Alvin….

Last night he was so happy to eat as it had been since supper Thursday night.

The longest time in the world for Mr. Alvin that is for sure.

Anyway he kept the supper down no problems.

Had lots to drink with no problems.

He was kind of whining later last night so I was thinking that perhaps the pain medicine was wearing off.

Oh and the stairs …… HE RAN UP just as he usually does.

This morning I hid his medicine in pieces of bananas as he was so hungry, and could not wait for his food to soften.

I was thinking of picking up a few tins of food when I go to the Vet this morning as you see I forgot his blanket, his blue one.

I took it to the vet yesterday as I wanted him to have a piece of home with him….

They said he only whimpered a bit in the kennel ……

It has been a long long time, years in fact since he was in a kennel.

It is good to have that done.

 

Well time to get this show on the road…..

Breakfast for me, coffee, pick up the blanket and somewhere along the line some bananas as we had the last one earlier this morning, laundry and cleaning.

 

Special Hello to: my great niece …. I did not forget your birthday …. it just was not a good day for us.  Happy Belated Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of May, 2015.

Waking up to a brand new world for Albertans.

After 44 years of Progressive Conservatives in government we have a new party leading the way, the New Democratic Party.

Perhaps a change will get us back on track.

Also woke up to SNOW ….. yes, SNOW.

I could hardly believe it and then my thoughts went back to last night and there was just something in the air.

Confirmed this morning when I looked out of the window.

“Oh, and when my friend and I arrived for bootcamp we were surprised to see a POLLING STATION.

They forgot to tell us….. oh well.”

On mornings like these it would be nice to just let Alvin out to do his morning constitutional and then go back to BED.

But that is not happening this day as I am off to work.

Yes, I have not forgotten to go and see Miss Aussie, she needs some attention, food, water and medicine.

Oh, and our new Premiere is a WOMAN.

So on this Wednesday I am grateful for the moisture even though it is not clear and requires me to carry an umbrella.

I am grateful for change in our government, which I believe to be a good thing.

I am grateful to be ahead of schedule this morning.

I am grateful to be alive and in good health.

I am grateful that Alvin loves to be on my lap while I write in my gratitude journal before breakfast.

So this is a “GRATE”day.

Well I have to add a couple of items to the outdoor apparel before leaving to see Miss Aussie and for my walk to the bus.

I hope that you have a grand day …..

Special Hello to: all of the Mothers out there this is our week …… we are grateful for each and every MOM.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 5th day of May, 2015.

Well the sky is overcast as it approaches sunrise.

Perhaps we shall have some rain today.

That would be nice.

Last night I learned some valuable lessons.

The husband of one of my friend’s came over to fix one of my bathroom taps.

It took him all of about 90 seconds to fix it …. really.

I was slightly embarrassed to say the least.

I was pretty sure that I had tried at some point over the past “months” to turn the end of the tap.

But it was pretty easy for him ….

No doubt … he is stronger than me.

Anyway ….. check …

Another item off of the “TO DO” list.

There were a couple of other items that I need to fix and one of them again I have found will be a quick fix.

Just a trip to the hardware store and voila … done.

So if you ever think that there is something that you cannot do …. think again.

I have learned not to put things off because I think that I cannot do them.

Just try a little harder … that is my new motto.

I am so happy that my bathroom tap finally has the proper water flow.

I did learn that the tap has a water saver gadget inside and it was plugged.

So in six months …. guess what I will be doing.

I think that this spring … I am going to make a list of all the things that need to be looked at …. all of the things that need to be done on a six-month or annual basis and then if I do not know what to do …. I will ask “M” …… no longer am I going to wait.  The time has come.

Well the time has come …. time to go and look after Miss Aussie …. she needs her medicine and breakfast and then come home give Mr. Alvin a hug and snuggle for a minute …. grab my lunch and umbrella and head off to the bus to go to work.

So on this Tuesday …. I hope that you will do something you have been putting off …. it might just be easier than you think.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE ????

Always, Carol and Alvin

Alvin, the story continues …. Chapter 2

Day “2” – Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Second day of being a dog owner.  I knew it was going to be work but not quite this much.  The experience is much the same as having a child.  They eat, poop, sleep and bite your feet for the halibut (okay perhaps that last one isn’t quite comparable).  We are basically on his schedule.  I eat, poop, sleep and curl my toes under so that he cannot get at them.  He has SHARP teeth !!   What a life.

Day “3” – Friday, January 22nd, 2010 –  7:12 a.m.

Well, we are up 20 minutes earlier than yesterday.  At this time he is playing so I thought that I would take advantage, and do some writing.  Last night Amanda, Steven, Elton & Penny came for supper.  The puppies all played quite well.  The kids gave Alvin a toothbrush (subtle guys)  LOL.  When we were growing up our dogs did not have their own toothbrushes.  In fact, most of the time they did not even come into the house.  Now they get the best dental and veterinary care.  I do draw the line at “flossing”.

I will say that Alvin is a good “pooper”.  OMG, I never thought that I would say that.  He usually lets me know when he has to go outside.  As it is winter time, I have shovelled some of the snow away around the deck so that he doesn’t have to climb through the snow banks.  He sure is a cute little guy.

Played fetch – definitely working on his playing techniques.

Oh, have to cook fish for “O” today.  He likes his fish.

Day “4” –  Saturday,  January 23rd, 2010 – 7:35 a.m.

We were up at 7:00 a.m. this morning.  Pretty good.  Last night started out Alvin wanting to sleep with me but ended up on the floor.  Probably a good thing as I do not want him to roll off the bed during the night.  WOW, doesn’t this sound crazy.  Likely the first “guy” in the history of the Earth to be relinquished to the floor….. LOL

It is so sweet when I am out shovelling the walks and Alvin is watching me through the window.  He still has separation anxiety.  Funny, even when he can see me.

Day “5” – Sunday, January 24th, 2010 – 7:45 a.m.

Yesterday was fun.  Alvin was in a “nippy biting” kind of mood.  When he wants to play he nips at my pants, slippers or whatever he can get to.  Perhaps I am giving him the wrong signals.  Like for instance, just a few minutes ago I was sitting writing and I told him to get his toys —- then it started, the biting. Lesson learned only mention toys when I am ready to play.  YIKES.  He always has his eyes on me.

Last night I was watching the last twenty minutes of a movie, and he went over to the upstairs steps (10:00 p.m.) and waited.  This was his way of telling me “time for bed”.  He wanted to go up.  So we did.  Guess who is the “pack leader” – – er, I guess not ME !!!

So cute – before bed, he hid his bone by the night table.

Day “6” – Monday, January 25th , 2010 –  7:40 a.m.

Another good sleep.  I am so grateful.  Alvin is eating the  new “wet food” and really seems to like it.  Have to figure out our “play” time.  According to the dog whisperer they should have exercise (walk) every day.  As Alvin has not been neutered or has had his shots yet, I want to keep him in the house and back yard.  Will check with the Vet on Thursday.  His check-up.

Day “7” – Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 –  7:39 a.m.

Another good sleep, thank goodness.  I must say that it is nice to be getting up early.  Alvin has his night and early morning routines down pat.  Sure lots of snow.  One of the neighbours got stuck last night so I helped push him out.

The kids are coming over tonight.  Time to start planning Amanda’s 30th Birthday party.  Hard to believe that she is almost thirty.  Where has the time gone?

Day “8” Wednesday, January 27th , 2010  7:47 a.m.

Yay, another beautiful morning.  Up at 7:30.  Alvin peed, then ate and then pooped.  How strange to be recording the bathroom habits of a dog – my dog no less.  He is playing by himself for the moment.  Alvin sure loves his toys. The street outside  is busy with school buses.  We have a great many children in this neighbourhood.

Day “9” – Thursday, January 28th, 2010 – 6:55 a.m.

Good Morning.  Trying to be a better “pack leader” …. not working out so far.  I just cave and cannot follow through.  I know, consistency….. and follow through.  Puppies are just like little kids.  Alvin is eating well.  Very rambunctious this morning.  Played tug-of-war and fetch for about 15 minutes. Today is Vet day.  I am hopeful that he will receive a good check-up.  With luck, I hope that his infections are healed, and that he is on the road to being completely healthy.  Also would be great if they would give him his vaccination and microchip, today.  I have to book the appointment for him to be neutered. Sounds strange.  Maybe he will settle down after the surgery – that is what I have heard anyway.  I do not know as this is the first dog that I have ever owned.  We had dogs on the farm when I was growing up but they did not go to the vet and rarely came into the house.  Today, I am grateful for his pleasant nature.

Day “10” –  Friday,  January 29th, 2010 – 7:41 a.m.

Another beautiful morning here in Edmonton.  I am so grateful for this weather. Alvin is doing great.  We had his first Vet visit yesterday.  Was an interesting adventure, kind of scary.  His ears are okay, and he had blood work taken to check for anaemia, and anything out of the ordinary.  One major concern is that there is irreparable damage done to the main artery in his neck (throat area).  Usually they take blood from there as is less painful and easier but in Alvin’s case, it had to be taken from a smaller vein in his leg.  My poor little guy.  I felt so bad for him.  Thank goodness I was not in the room at the time.  I would have fainted.  It was bad enough listening to him whimper from another room.  At this time he is playing with one of his toys, as I am writing this.  The Doctor said that he would call with the blood work results.  On our way home from his veterinary visit he threw up in the back seat of Amanda’s car but luckily I had him on a blanket.  He did great, all in all.  The Vet said that they would book his surgery for another day and he would be neutered, vaccinated and place the microchip all at the same time.

I am grateful that Alvin put on weight and seems to be adjusting to his new life.

Sometimes I wonder about things – the things that he does.  Like for instance, he just scratched the red floor rug.  What does that mean?  When he just sits and stares at me, what does that mean?  If only I knew his language, so we could stop wasting time.  He loves to bite my slippers and me.  I believe that – that is his way of getting my attention.  We have not been able to go out for walks and I think he has a lot of pent up energy.

Time to sign off for another day.  We are getting on and it will get easier as the days go by.  Hard to believe that it is Day ten.  Where has the time gone.

Day “11” – Saturday, January 30th, 2010 – 6:30 a.m.

This beautiful Saturday morning starts a bit earlier than usual as someone (not me) has to be pee!  Guess Who?  He managed to wait until I made the bed, washed my face, put my hair into a quick pony tail and got dressed.  No time for a shower.  Got him outside just in time.  Now he is patiently waiting to eat. Meanwhile as I write this entry little Alvin is playing with one of his toys and running around the main floor.  Yesterday, I did have some emotional moments but thankfully had Amanda and Sonja (my neighbour) here to offer positive thoughts.  Honestly, I had no idea what it would be like to have a puppy.  I quit smoking only a few months ago and it still plays havoc with my emotional state. But it is getting easier.  I did it on my own.  YAY.  Also not being able to get out of the house has been difficult.  Thank goodness for the girls who have eased my mind and helped with Alvin who by the way as good as he is, can be a handful. Oh, what a life.  But I am grateful everyday despite the odd moment of despair.   When I think of how he must have looked and how he felt when they found him, my heart almost breaks.  But he has a great life now, and is healing and learning.  Really what more can anyone hope for or want.

Day “12” – Sunday, January 31st, 2010 – 7:15 a.m.

Up at 6:43 a.m., another early morning.  Amanda slept over on Friday night which was great.  I needed a break.  Puppies are a handful.  She stayed with the little guy while I ran some errands.  So great to get out of the house.

Yesterday was one of those days when he just would not stop barking or biting.  It was a most difficult day.  Today is a new day and I feel more calm.  Alvin is more quiet today.  YAY.