A bitter sweet birthday

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Today's my birthday.  It was to be a time of celebration.  I was planning to reconnect on doodkisses and announce my big news, that I am on a leave from my government job to start my own freelance business.  You see, over the past few years I have slowly built up a new set of skills in web and graphic design, social media marketing, etc.   I was gearing up to offer my services to new entrepreneurs who need help launching their business online.  I want to eventually specialize in helping pet businesses succeed.  What could be better than working from my sofa, coffee mug in hand, Sophie by my side, Winston warming my feet, while actually enjoying what I get paid to do?  I couldn't wait to celebrate all of this with you.  

Except I'm not much in the mood to celebrate.  I just got back from the vet with Winston, with what seemed to me like another routine ear infection visit.  However this time it might be worse than that. I should have known from the awful smell. But honestly, I'm so worn out from all of Winston's ongoing health problems and couldn't face another challenge. We were just there last month for treating some of his allergy issues, and two weeks ago for diarrhea issues, not to mention all the other stuff over the past 3 years (yes, can you believe it, we celebrated our 3rd gotcha anniversary last month!!).  Anyway, it turns out the vet thinks Winston likely has a sort of infection (sorry, I'm terrible at remembering the technical terms for these things) that is not responsive to any antibiotics topical or otherwise, and that it likely won't go away without some pretty drastic, and expensive measures.  He sent some cultures out to be tested and I should know more by the end of the week.

I'm really really hopeful that this is going to be easier to treat than what it seems, but the vet was preparing me for the worse case.  I'm not much in the mood to research obsessively to find all the answers as I usually am at a time like this.  I just want to curl up beside my best guy and marvel at the fact that despite all the hardship, this sweet dog has been worth every minute of our last 3 years together. 

Anyway, that's my bitter sweet news.  Winston has been a huge inspiration in my life and we will continue to be by each others' sides throughout, even if it means me putting aside my dreams for a bit and heading back to my day job, tail between my legs, so that I can afford to deal with whatever is coming.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yay, so you are busy with your new endeavors?  Things tend to work out for the best.  Are you at home more now?  I just love being at home and really ready to snuggle in this winter (hopefully rainy winter).

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What a relief.  I hope this is all you need to do for him. I am so glad you have him because you have made his life wonderful and this would not be the case in his first home.  Thanks again for rescuing him.

[Bonnie and Kona]

What a relief to hear this update

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad! 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

H, thanks for checkign in Nancy. I had drafted a new blog post but didn't realize I had forgotten to press publish.  I will go fix that right away.  

Short of the story, things appear better, we found some medication that he seems to be responding too, so we are no longer considering any surgery.  Yay! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Do you have an update on Winston's tests?

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am just seeing this. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. We all love Winston so much and you for rescuing him. I hope he heals quickly and without the intervention that the vet suspects will be needed. I'm just so sorry. 

On the career front: Congratulations. I hope the money just pours in with the work you love to do. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Hugs to you all.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Congratulations on finalizing your career dreams - even if they need to be put off a bit longer.  I am so sorry about Winston's infection though. He has always been a wonderful, stoic guy. I remember when you first got him.  He was so lucky you found him so that he could have the wonderful he deserved.  Please give him a hug from me and know that my prayers are that once the tests are all in, his infection is more easily treatable than first thought. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Too bad there are no people in the DK calendar--this pic is a winner for sure--so sorry you are going through this--I hope the outcome is easier than they think--fingers, toes, and paws crossed for you!