Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well it is a good day. The sky is overcast and there is a bit of a breeze. Second day where the temperatures have been on the cooler side. Which is a wonderful reprieve. Still feels like summer which is great. Not that cool for sure – perfect break. As I look out of my office window I sit in awe of the huge tree which is across the back lane from my house, it is so massive that it covers the rooftops and garages of some of the houses behind it. I never really took note of it before but now I have and looking closer it may be two large leafy trees close to each other. Absolutely beautiful. I am running a bit late this morning as I just could not get my poop in a group and just kept setting the alarm a bit later. We were first up just after 5:00 a.m. which is a bit later than usual for Mr. Alvin. Outside and then back to the sofa for a bit until breakfast time. Not too many days now until my vacation. I kind of wished that I had taken two weeks but I like to keep some in my pocket so to speak, in case something comes up. Oh well, I am taking 6 days which is good because I will go back on a Tuesday and not a Monday which is always nice giving me three short weeks in a row.

Yesterday my daughter came over in the late morning to help me get a urine sample from Mr. Alvin. I had tried once when he went outside but no luck. I decided that a small round margarine container might work better. When I took my lunch break we both went outside and she patiently followed him around keeping low and close and she got lucky on her first attempt. I transferred the sample to a glass jar for transport to the vet. We had a little visit and she had some of the apple crisp that was in the fridge from the previous night. I filled up some water bottles for her and then she was on her way. Oh with parcel in hand to post for my friend Val’s birthday.

I had no idea of how long it would take to hear back from the vet so just carried on with the rest of the day. After work I decided we should get out for a walk as it was so nice. Not too hot. Just perfect for me and Alvin. We walked over to our friend Pauline’s house, she was not there at that moment so we just walked around their backyard admiring the flowers for a few minutes before heading back home.

Once home, I checked my phone and found that the vet’s office had called. I called back as I had not been able to check my voicemail recently. Another story. The receptionist said that Michelle, had called but she had stepped out for a few minutes. So we left it at – I would try and access my voicemail and if not able to or if needed to, I would call back tomorrow. I was able to access my messages and listen to Michelle basically tell me that he, being Mr. Alvin would require a change in diet. I was struck by the message. I decided to just wait until today and call the vet and get more details. Michelle said that they would retest his blood and urine in six months. When they are open – I will call back. If only diet change that would be wonderful. I think that Alvin could sense my deep relief as he was very playful in the early evening.

I hope that you have a wonderful day as it is time for me to head back downstairs. Put on the coffee and then start work shortly.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 6 days till 65.

Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning ALL! We had a good sleep last night. Up at 4:30 with a pee break for a little four legged someone. Followed by up at 6:00 for his breakfast and then up to stay up at 8:00. We were out of the house for a quick walk by 8:14 and much to my surprise we got three doors down and he stopped. He was walking very slowly as it was sniffing and such. I said do you want to go home and he turned around and headed back home. Now that was the quickest walk in history. I am very hot as I am writing this upstairs in my office with no fan as it is downstairs. After the “no go walk” we watered the flowers and then I have Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath followed by a shower for me.

I am afraid this will be very short but I wanted to share the results of Alvin’s bloodwork from yesterday’s appointment to the vet. We had our appointment at 10:00, we waited until after 10:30 before we could see her. Alvin had his nails trimmed as I found one of his dew claws was long considering they were just trimmed not even two weeks ago. Then the bloodwork. We were home by just after 11:00. It wasn’t until after 4:30 that the vet called with the news. Alvin has kidney and liver disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Not we are not counting him out of the game just yet. The bloodwork was not conclusive with the stage and I am going to think it is the beginning and would be considered low grade. So with diet and supplements he would/could live several more happy comfortable years. I am keeping those thoughts in my heart and in my mind.

I am feeling so hot and feels like I did not even have a shower. So I must go. Alvin will be feeling even more hot. Thankfully he is still wet from his bath as I did not completely dry him. In a little bit after I clean up downstairs, I will head out to the grocery store for a few things and then I am done for the day.

The last two weeks or so have been a series of ups and downs. I appreciate the support of our family and friends. This is life.

Have a wonderful day. I will be here tomorrow.

Hopefully earlier or with a fan. I already took it downstairs so the fans were all going when he had his haircut.

Coffee time.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 10 sleeps until 65. Oh, I forgot he has to go for more testing. Next step is a urine test. So we know where there is going. Yup, I have to score a pee sample from a dog. Now that should be interesting. The sample has to be to the vet within one hour. No problem, lol. Then likely an abdominal ultrasound.

Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning ALL!. Looks like we are down to the last few days of July 2022. Another super hot day for us here in Edmonton. This is going to be a short post. Already it is hot upstairs although this is a bit later than I usually write and that is because we are making another trip to the vet at 10:00 a.m. this morning. Alvin threw up twice between 2:00 and 3:15 p.m. yesterday afternoon. My daughter left work early to pick up some medicine from the vet, the same prescription he had just over a week ago to stop him from vomiting, I do not remember the name. He is hot again as we went for a short walk. I left it a bit too late. Even though it was 7:45 a.m. when we left and we were home by 8:01 a.m., he is hot. Hopefully I can cool him down. Out with the cool wet towel again. They were a lifesaver for him to sleep with. Thank you to our friend Gillian who came running in the heat when I called after Alvin’s second time throwing up and who has graciously said that she would take us to his appointment. I am so grateful to have such great friends.

Alvin’s BF Teddy did not come as they had an unexpected situation so we will get together later. His Mom and Dad are leaving today to visit family in British Columbia but Auntie Janine is there so as soon as it is cooler we will set up a visit.

I hope that you are well and keeping cool. Fingers crossed all is well with the boy. The Vet suggested he come in for blood work as it has been a year since his last panel was ran. I sure hope that everything comes back normal. Hoping that the events of yesterday were just due to the heat. I am praying, thoughts out to the Universe and to anyone including me that will listen.

Stay cool. Be well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: now 11 days / sleeps until I turn 65. Fireworks!

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well, my little furry sidekick is also on the road to wellness. With any luck Monday’s trip will be the last unplanned vet visit for us for this year. Fingers crossed. Note to all you dog owners out there, it is important to pay attention to your dog when you are out walking. I do not carry my phone and I am always looking to the ground and watching where he is sniffing and this still happened. They are also very good at hiding things, they are dogs after all. I had no idea on Sunday morning when he turned around and headed for home that he was hiding a bone in his mouth, no idea. I was watching him sniffing and did not see him take the bone from its’ spot in the grass and tuck it into his mouth. That is why he headed so quickly for home. He wanted to enjoy his spoils. I noticed that he dropped something on the floor in the house and went over to investigate when I found the bone. I quickly picked it up and threw it in the garbage and then washed my hands never thinking that for the time that dirty old bone was in his mouth, it was spreading bacteria through his body. Because that is what dirty old things do if you ingest them. Even though he did not eat it, the bone did the damage. So here we are. Monday he threw up breakfast, a small snack and then without thinking I gave him more food which left his stomach, as well. The girls at the vet said that I was too hard on myself but I know better. Not my first rodeo. Just not thinking. Anyway, when he did not keep water down, I called the vet, wishing I had called in the morning. It was so hot outside and too hot for the boy to walk on the hot sidewalk so I called friends. Our friend Signe drove us to the vet and our friend Gillian picked us up when we were done.

Alvin had a Cerenia injection to stop him from vomiting. He also had subcutaneous fluids. Sent home with probiotics, antibiotics and more of the Cerenia in tablet form.

He is not quit himself but he is definitely on the road to be well again. Poor little guy. I noticed that he is more quiet than usual. Also yesterday he did not drink much so I played a trick on him and gave him water with his food. He ate it. Chicken, rice with water. The bland diet. Just enough to keep him hydrated.

Our weather continues to be warm but certainly not the temperatures in other parts of Canada and the world. To all those folks experiencing these incredibly hot temperatures, I wish it would cool down and rain. I hope that we are starting to do things that can help to heal our environment before these super high temperatures, record breaking temperatures are the norm. We all have to do our part.

Well time to head on downstairs. I really need coffee this morning. Alvin is patiently waiting outside the office door. There is a lovely breeze wafting in through the office window.

Have an awesome July 20th, 2022.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: well today is the 20th day/sleep till I turn 65 and it is the 20th day of July, how cool is that!

I moved my flowers and plants into the shelter of the house and garage yesterday late afternoon and the storm went around us. Whew!

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are great. Alvin slept till 4:00 and then again till the alarm went off at 6:00. We are up – the boy has been fed – I have put on the coffee – went outside with Alvin and picked up “poop” – did my EVO thing for the office – made bed – brushed teeth – washed and put on makeup – dressed and woke up the girl. Yes, my daughter slept over. So nice to have another human in the house. I think even Alvin slept better. She picked up some groceries for us and food for Alvin from the vet before coming over yesterday late afternoon. I made chicken stir fry and we had a great supper. Dessert was some of Val’s yummy cinnamon buns and biscotti. We watched some television after a brief cleanup. We walked about the trip and I saw her photos and some videos. I think she would have liked more time there as it went very quickly. But they were happy to get home to see their beloved pups “Aspen and Milo.” I hear that Miss Aspen misses her window seat.

Well today is to the office for the day. I have everything all organized for Mr. Alvin. My friend Gillian is coming over during the lunch hour to give me a treat, make sure that he drinks some water, goes pee and has some company. I will turn the television on although it will go into sleep mode after 4 hours. I wonder if there is a way to turn that “mode off.” Nice for him to have some voices or music in the background.

The sky is kind of grey but there does not appear to be a huge wind. Yesterday at noon when we went for a walk, I was eating my hair the whole way. We only walked about halfway. Just too hard to fight the wind but it was nice out, although I did have a light jacket on.

Well I am off to ensure that the boy has a good drink of water and to make sure that I do not forget anything. Have to take the laptop and stuff to work along with lunch, water and coffee and my purse. Lots of things to haul but at least I am not having to carry it to a bus stop.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin & Amanda

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! We did it, today is Friday, January 14, 2022. Alvin and I had a good day although it is quite possible that he may not entirely be on board with that thought. I worked in the morning and took the afternoon off as Alvin had his regular vet appointment and I had the booster vaccine appointment. Alvin’s appointment was for 3:00 p.m. and my booster appointment was for 3:10 p.m. With the Pandemic our vet now has us wait in one of the two exam rooms until they are ready and then they escort the pet, Alvin to the back larger exam / surgery area. I made sure that we left home in plenty of time, we left at 2:30 and as soon as we left the house it started to snow, the wet stuff. We walked slowly and had no issues. The section of sidewalk leading toward the strip mall where the vet clinic is located and alongside the condominiums / apartments had been “sanded” with small pieces of gravel. We were about halfway down this long section of sidewalk with Alvin walking along the edge in the snow and ice and me walking in the middle on the gravel. He crossed over and not long later he wanted to turn around for home, I had to do some convincing to get him to come with me. But finally we were at the clinic. We always have to call when we arrive so that they can come and let us in, new policy for patients. Once inside I went over a few things – my appointment and that my son-in-law was going to pick up Alvin’s food but I was going to pay for it. We were fifteen minutes early so we were placed in one of the two small exam rooms where we sat and waited. Alvin was anxious more so than usual, not sure why. I decided as it was quite warm inside to take my winter coat and scarf off as well as his sweater so we would not overheat. I placed Alvin’s harness back on and we waited. I did my best to keep him less anxious. We seemed to be waiting forever but I think that they had a surgery in the back and that patient was coming out of anesthetic. As we were getting close to my appointment time, I called the Pharmasave to let them know and was told it was okay. A few minutes later Alvin was on his way to the back and I was out the door and onto my appointment. There was no one in the Pharmasave except for me and the Pharmacist. He is so nice. Very kind. I had to complete a list of questions before having the booster. I found out that if you were over 65 and immune compromised, then you had a full dosage of the vaccine and if under 65 and not immune compromised, then half dose. I got the half dose. He is so gentle, I did not feel anything. The Pharmacist allowed me to leave after 5 minutes as I was going to the Vet and if anything happened, I was close by.

Upon my return, I saw the staff and Alvin in the hallway, apparently he was missing his Momma and had been quite anxious, more so than usual.

I spoke to the Vet and poor boy had a bit of yeast infection once again in the usual ear. Not bad infection and she almost missed it as she said there was no smell which usually eludes to something wrong and then requires further investigation. So more meds for the boy.

We, er, I paid for the bill including his food and we were on our way. Thankfully the snow had almost stopped falling and we got home safe and sound. No slips on the ice.

We had a nice quiet evening. Now it is morning.

I wish you a great Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. be care out there, it is icy. Froze overnight. Also I feel good except for my arm is a bit sore.

2021

Good Morning ALL! Alvin had a rough morning starting just before 4:00 a.m. (actually a bit earlier). His ears once again are bothering him so that means only one thing – ear infection. So as soon as the vet clinic opens this morning – I will call and make him an appointment. The poor guy and momma’s poor pocketbook. I had one left of his pain meds so I gave it to him with his breakfast at 4:30 this morning and it seems to have taken the edge off as he has not been rubbing and shaking his head for the past hour and one half. Hopefully it is on the warmer side as we will be walking to the clinic which is luckily close by.

Yesterday was really nice and we had a nice walk at my lunch break. You never know once “winter” begins how the temperature will dip from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. So when we the temperatures cooperate we will walk.

I am sorry my brain is a bit on the sleepy side and I cannot think of what to say this morning. So I guess this will be a short post.

I hope that you all are safe, warm and happy and in good health, of course that goes without saying. We always hope that everyone is in good health.

Have an awesome day.

Continuing to live this day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Morning, I honestly cannot say it is a good morning other than I am breathing. My life feels like it is spiralling out of control. This darn keyboard is not working, press a key and it chugs and hesitates and runs things together making it frustrating and taking forever to write this post. This is only a fraction of my nerves being close to shattering. I had to take half a day vacation to take Alvin to the vet. Originally it was meant to trim his nails, anal glands, check his ears and check the range of motion of his knee and leg but because he has not been sleeping and cries out in pain, definitely something further wrong. Well as it turns out he pulled a muscle in his neck and has yet another yeast infection in his ears. But there was some good news – he has excellent range of motion in his injured knee/leg. Some good news, I suppose.

If i wasn’t so tired, i would feel like a bad Momma but there isn’t anything in the tank, it is empty. Yesterday i was so hopeful with the news thinking that once he could have the Robaxin (which we had left from last year’s neck injury and didn’t have to buy) we, I could have a good night sleep but that wasn’t the case. We were up and down with up being more. Isn’t old age fun.

Well I am beyond frustrated mainly with this keyboard. When i popped upstairs to wash my face, get dressed and brush my teeth – Alvin barked the whole time. I lost it. No physical harm came to him but I did say some unkind words. I cannot pretend that things are good when i haven’t had a good sleep in weeks, actually months.

I apologize for the negative rant but I have to get it down on paper so to speak with hopes that maybe something will change.

Really need that coffee. i just could not go for a walk with Alvin this morning.

If this keyboard / phone was cooperating i could better explain and now I am out of time. Now have to work.

Feeling frazzled ……

I cannot type my regular closing as not feeling it….

Always, Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! It is a rainy morning here in Edmonton. The grass, plants and trees have now had a good soak. Alvin was not happy to be out in the pouring rain which is one of the cons to being a pup. I have towels at the back and front doors for those times. Our tree out front has dropped many leaves and even more turn a golden yellow.

It is the time of year for cooler nights, beautiful coloured leaves, geese flying in formations in the sky making themselves heard as they pass over, moderate temperatures, rainy days and more. Definitely my fav time of year.

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These were taken a few days ago in the rain. I love how the wood on the deck glistens as the rain touches upon it.

Well this looks like it will be a quiet day for us.

A day to read, watch a movie or most likely take a nap as we have had many chopped up sleeps as of late. Alvin has a vet appointment tomorrow so i hope good news. He also needs a nail trim badly. I can hear the rain drops on the house and windows.

Time to go and drink my coffee.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

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

Always, Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! Well another change to our everyday life. Yesterday I took Alvin for his regular nail trim etc. And to check reason for the limp. My friend Iris drove us as Alvin could not walk that far. We basically got in right away for our appointment and with a cancellation our Vet was not rushed between patients, thank goodness. I was waiting in one of the two previously used for patient exam but since COVID now are waiting rooms for the parent/parents only for a few moments when Dr. Karen came in, I could tell by her eyes that something was wrong even with a mask on. She explained in simpler terms that Alvin has a torn ligament between the joints in his knee on his hind right leg. Serious business with best course of treatment- surgery. I almost started to cry. She showed me pictures to explain the two types of surgery that can be done to fix the problem. My heart hurt as I knew this was not going to be easy for Alvin or me. He is on some pain medication while we wait for the surgery to be performed in almost three weeks time. Once the surgery is performed it will be 6-8 weeks recovery with the first few weeks the toughest as he cannot put weight on his leg at all.

We slept on the sofa last night and that will be our new bed until basically the end of September. There was some frustration for us both trying to get comfortable. Poor little guy.

Hopefully the surgery goes well and he recovers as quickly as his surgery in February. Poor little guy.

Our life will be different for some time but different isn’t always bad or easy.

I am grateful to my friend Iris who waited for 1.5 hours while we were at the vet. She also brought me some pumpkin as the vet suggested it as the pain meds cause constipation.

Upon reflection last night and early this morning I realized that I am grateful that this happened now and not in the winter time, that I am working from home and that we are surrounded by loving supportive family and friends.

I hope that you are well. Should you wish to send some positive energy or a little prayer our way, we would be eternally grateful.

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

Always Carol&Alvin ♥️