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.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So strange to read this this morning as just yesterday I was thinking about you and that I had not seen you on here in awhile.  I just chocked it up to the fact that I'm not on as much as usual.  So sorry to hear about Winston.  Fingers crossed that the Vet is wrong and you can continue with your dream.  Wonderful picture of the two of you.  Happy Birthday!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Good to hear from you, hoping for the best for you and Winston

[Stephanie and Ragley]

That is an absolutely beautiful picture of the two of you. Prayers for sweet Winston

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

What a beautiful picture of you and Winston.  I am so sorry to read about all the illness Winston has had and now this new challenge.  I hope things turn out better than expected and your business thrives along with Winston.  Prayers and hugs to all of you! He is a beautiful Doodle with a very sweet, sweet face.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear about Winston. I hope the results show that he can be readily treated. You will get the business started sooner or later and I hope you can enjoy your BD anyway. What a lovely photo of you two.best wishes to all of you.

[BG and Gavin]

Oops, third of all, that is a beautiful picture!!!

[BG and Gavin]

Oh Sherri, I have been wondering about you!  First of all, Happy Birthday.  Second of all I have my fingers tightly crossed that things improve with Winston without expensive intervention and that you are able to put your new skill set to use in a profitable way.  Hugs! L

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Birthday Sheri! I'm sorry to hear that Winston is having so many health issues. I really hope you get good news from the vet. Winston is so lucky to have found you and it's hard to believe it's been three years already. We miss you around here but I wish you all the best and hope that everything works out the way you want it to. I can see your love for Winston shining through in the picture. Hugs to you both and Sophie too.