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.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That is a gorgeous photo of the two of you. I am so hoping that you get answers that you can easily cope with X

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Sherri  - I hope you had a wonderful birthday yesterday.  I love this photo of you and Winston - it has LOVE written all over it!  You just got to hang in there, keep positive and your dreams will come true!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm sorry Sherri but sending hopes and hugs that Winston gets better soon.  Wonderful photo of you two.  Wishing you good health for your birthday, Winston.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I'm so sorry Sherri and am hoping for the most positive results. What a beautiful photo of you and your boy. Sending you hugs and hope for your birthday wishes to come true. <3

[Lynda Kamrath]

Happy Birthday!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Smelly ears sounds like an yeast infection to me, but I am not a vet.  My dog has had them and they clear up pretty quickly.  They are, however, very contageous.  I actually got a vaginal yeast infection from my son when he was a baby.  I asked the doctor how in the world that could happen and he said "Do you wash your hands every time you change a diaper?" which I had to admit I did not.  Well, that is all it takes.  So, don't let this ruin your enthusiasm, but maybe wash your hands frequently when handling your dog.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Sending you and Winston hugs and prayers.... 

[Sheila & Finnley]

Sorry to hear about Winston's chronic infection, as well as his other health problems. He will rally through it all, and so will you. Don't give up your dream, it will still happen, just a little delay ! Sending you happy thoughts, and positive vibes!

P.S. Happy Birthday

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It breaks my heart to read this....I so understand all you've been through together.  I'm sending prayers and so many positive thoughts that this is just another "bump in the road" and that your Vet will find a "less difficult" answer.  Don't give up on that dream just yet.  HUGS!

[Becka]

Happy birthday, Sherri--thinking good thoughts for you and Winston!!!