A New Year 2023

Good Morning ALL! Hello. I am sorry but I haven’t posted for a couple of days due to Mr. Alvin being “sick.” I guess it was just after a few hours after we went to bed on Monday night (to work on Tuesday) when he woke up and needed to go outside and that is where it started. He had to pee, so I let him outside. Most of the time I go outside with him and sometimes I just let him out and watch him from the back door. The next time he went out a few hours later, I went with him and and realized that he had diarrhea which was filled with blood. More blood than poop. I almost started to cry. That is never a good sign for anyone. Last time he had major surgery after I spotted a drop of blood in his pee and that was February of 2021. My heart fell to my knees. We were up and down, (no sleep) and then I sent a text at a reasonable hour to my Manager explaining and advising that I would not be working Tuesday. As soon as the Vet Clinic was open I called to set up an appointment. The irony was that I had an appointment for today, this afternoon to have his nails etc. done (regular). The soonest we could get in was noon which was good as I needed to find a ride to the vet. I was very lucky that one of my friends and nearby neighbours was off yesterday and was very happy to give us a ride. Then the waiting. I think the waiting is the hardest. Every time he went outside there was blood, some 24 hours later there is still blood but it is becoming a bit less. We were picked up just before noon and off we went. I totally forgot to take a mask with me and had to ask for one inside the clinic. The vet requires all humans to wear one while in the exam rooms. I explained everything and showed the photos that I had taken to the Clerk at reception desk before we went in to wait in one of the two exam rooms. Not long later the Vet Assistant came to retrieve Mr. Alvin. Then the waiting. Actually, it was not too long. So long story short as honestly it is a blur. The blood was red and not tarry which is good and there are a long list of reasons why, he was eating and drinking water and no blood in his urine, also good. He had lost a bit of weight which was good as he had put on a couple of pounds. The first thing she said we needed to do was to put him on medications to stop the diarrhea, he would need Probiotics and Fibre (age). I asked about all the blood in his stool and she said that she had seen more. For now, not to worry, we need to get his stool back to normal. He also has to go on a bland diet (chicken & rice) for a few days. So that is that. He does not seem to be in any pain. Although I would say not quite his old self. My friend picked us up after I got the medications, instructions and paid the bill. Then we were off to the grocery store as I needed rice, chicken and Metamucil (fibre). So here we are. I am not working today as I had little or no sleep again last night. I hope that over the next day or so, he is back to normal. If not, there will be more tests. Fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers.

I need coffee. On the upside my Ricki’s order arrived yesterday and the 5TB external hard drive for my photos. YAY.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. I really need coffee this morning – a bit late. With not having to work, I was able, we were able to get a bit of sleep.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? It is Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 and it is RAINING here in Edmonton. The grass has changed a few shades of green already since the rain started.

Unfortunately this post will be short. On our noon walk yesterday, Mr. Alvin began to limp (his right hind leg). We stopped right away so that I could check and see if he had stepped on a stone or something. Nothing.

We got home and when I attempted to help him onto the sofa, he cried. He has cried about four times since noon yesterday. Limping along he has managed to take the short jump off the deck or else go up or down the three steps to the grass area to go to the bathroom. We had an okay sleep on the sofa but he really wanted to come upstairs and it took me quite some time to convince him to sleep on the sofa. But we did. He happily ate his breakfast this morning and even managed to get down to the grass to pee and back up. I helped him onto the sofa got him comfy and gave him instructions to stay while I ran upstairs to wash and quickly get dressed. All of a sudden I saw him, the little guy had managed to get all the way upstairs with a sore hind leg. I guess mind over matter.

Today was/is his regular appointment to get his nails trimmed, anal glands and ears checked. So timing for sure. I am going to call the vet this morning and see if he should come sooner or if they even can get him in sooner. He does not appear to be in constant pain (I am sure that he is) but dogs are good at masking their pain.

I always make sure that the boy is okay and well looked after.

Time to head back downstairs. He is becoming restless.

I will keep you posted.

Could be a sprained or pulled muscle, he had a neck one last summer. I know how easy it is for that to happen.

Have a great day.

Continuing to live with respect, kindness, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of August, 2017.

TODAY is the birthday of one of my dear friends.

Happy Birthday “V” from me and Alvin ….

 

What a busy wonderful past week plus this has been.

I have seen family and friends that I have not seen for awhile.

It has been great.

Yesterday, Me Alvin had his teeth cleaning and thankfully he had no extractions.

I was so grateful for that …..

Once he woke up they tried to take him outside for a bathroom break but all he did was cry for his Momma and to come home.

They called me at 1:30 less than 2 hours after he had his teeth cleaning and nails trimmed.

I left right away and am grateful that the Vet is only a 5-7 minute walk from our house.

He was happy to see me as was I ….. he wanted to get out right away.

It was hard to contain him …..

Once paid the bill and received the post dental care sheet we were on our way.

He had no side effects.

Pretty much ran home.

Drank water ….. jumped onto the sofa …..

I only gave him a portion of his food for supper as directed by the Vet.

He clearly wanted more so I gave him some carrots.

Glad it went well.

 

Last night I was invited for dessert and tea to the home of a friend and neighbour.

Another friend was there as well.

I had left Alvin at home and my other friend had her dog there so I decided to go and get Alvin.

At first he was a bit excited but calmed down soon which was good.

My friend made the most delicious treats.

It was like having the High Tea at the Hotel Selkirk – Fort Edmonton Park.

We had egg salad on croissant,  cucumber on cream cheese on croissant and, garden tomatoes on cream cheese.  So good.

She also had chocolate dipped strawberries on a bed of cream cheese & mallow with blueberries.  WOW, good.

Mini vanilla and chocolate cupcakes.

AND this so good fruit lemonade and TEA.

They gave me gifts on top of the beautiful treats.

I was going to take my camera and then decided not to ….. wished that I had.

It was so sweet and so thoughtful.

 

So today getting things ready for more company.

So lucky.

Friends coming from out of province to go shopping at West Edmonton Mall, and to attend a Metallica concert here in Edmonton.

My daughter and I are meeting them later on in the afternoon for coffee and to visit.

They will stay with me and Alvin for the night.

So excited to see everyone.

 

I had better get going.

What a great vacation I am having.

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday, the 20th day of December, 2013.

Well guess what …. it is SNOWING again.

I must admit that I am not surprised.

Seems like it is warmer out as well.

Sure is coming down now.

I am listening to Christmas music and when I heard “I am dreaming of a white Christmas” ……

I had an idea to rewrite it as it does not apply this year …..

More like “I am dreaming of no more snow for Christmas as we have enough” ……. thank you.

 

On this 20th day of December and only 5 sleeps till Santa arrives.

Did you bake something special for Santa?

He likes chocolate chip cookies, I seem to remember.

Well time to get my day rolling ….

Mr. Alvin has a vet appointment to get his shots, nails trimmed and an exam.

He has been restless all morning so perhaps he knows.

He really likes the staff ….. just not getting his nails trimmed….. he can be such a DIVA.

Then I have a Christmas party at my friend’s house down the street.

Tonight I work at the store and that is one full day.

Perhaps in between there will be time for cleaning a bit otherwise it will be tomorrow.

Have a great day.

Thank you for reading.

Special Hello to: my sister and nephew who are on the road again …. safe trip ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton, the sun is SHINING and it is SATURDAY.

I am so grateful to have had yesterday, today and tomorrow off from work.

I did work a three hour shift at BBW last night but otherwise I am at home to spend time with Alvin, have coffee with my girls, relax a bit and get some house and yard work done and I also want to go out and do some trash picking in our neighbourhood.

So here it is Saturday morning ….. I NEED COFFEE – EEE  ( I can smell it as it just finished perking ).

I figured as I was over the moon about my weekend that I would share that with all of you.

I am so blessed to lead a pretty charmed life.

I have the best of family and friends, who no matter how far I wander they keep me in their hearts and minds and I LOVE THEM VERY MUCH.

I always meet wonderful people.

I have the “most best” companion and friend in the world and that is Mr. Alvin, my little dog.

Who yesterday had a visit at the vet to have his nails trimmed, the “sac emptied” and then I asked to do an extra cleaning of his ears.

I felt for the little guy and he likely knew that as he cried even before his nails were trimmed.

In fact, at one point the young lady went to get an assistant.  So then Alvin had two people and me in the room and they filled his belly with treats.

I think he deliberately played us all ….. he is in fact one smart puppy dog…..

So I am glad that is done for now.

OMG, the sun is shining so brightly.

I feel incredible at this moment.  Like I could conquer the world (not in the take over sense of the word) …. but more like “anything is possible” …..

So on this day I shall endeavour to do the possible and the impossible ……

I will keep you posted.

Have a wonderful day, and I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are and most of all “that you are surrounded by all those who love you.”

I am going to post some photos over the next while and try to be more diligent when it comes to doing that …. I promise.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to:  everyone who loves you…….including me..

Always, Carol and Alvin