Ava's all better!

[Stacy]

Ava wanted me to write to you to say thank you to everyone for being so kind while she was sick. And to let you all know that she’s feeling so much better! She got her staples out last Wednesday and she’s finally done with that silly t-shirt and the awful cone. She finished her antibiotics this morning and she finally got to go for a bath today to wash the surgery stink off. Now she really just gets to be a happy dog and discover all the wonderful things that the good life has to offer. She loves the big bed. She loves it so much that I have to beg for a spot next to her.

We are struggling just a bit with itchy belly and itchy feet. I have her on Claritin, but I think she might have a little yeast going on on her belly. Not really surprising after three weeks of antibiotics. And I was talking to someone today who said that oak mites are bothering the dogs too. I was told that all the dogs are itchy right now. I have bites myself, so I’m not sure why I didn’t think about them biting the dogs. I never want it to freeze, but if that’s what it takes to get rid of those things then bring it on!

Ultimately I decided to send a letter to my vet. I just mailed it yesterday, and I have a very low expectation of any response, but at least I got to say what I needed to say to him. I have a couple leads on a new vet, but I’m finding it really difficult to transition, even though I know we have to. It’s harder than if I had to find a new doctor for myself. Katie needs to go in next month for all of her annual stuff, so I think it will be good to pick one and go in to talk to them when it’s not an emergency. Ava says, please don’t pick me. I’m so tired of going to the doctor’s office!

Now the only thing we have to do is work on taking our Christmas pictures! I get the camera out and no one will even look at me. It’s like the camera comes out and they forget their names. Or they have to come investigate what I’m doing so by the time I take the picture there’s no dog in the frame! I don’t know what we did before digital cameras.

Thank you all again. I was such a disaster. I didn’t even know what to do with myself. And people who don’t love dogs the way we do just don’t get it. I know she’s not a child, but she’s not just a dog either. She’s my family. I don’t know what I would do without any of them. But this big goofy blond dog is really special. And I feel so blessed to have more time to spend with her. 

 

Katie says thanks too - she's really starting to like her mom!

Stacy

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So glad that Ava is all better! The girls both look happy and beautiful! Now you can all move on to happier adventures! 

[Stacy]

Absolutely! I am ready to put all of this behind us. Luckily they only ever have to be spayed once! Now I need to hire that trainer. She's doing really well though. She eventually let the guy at the dog grocery store pet her. She kept trying to hide behind me. But she didn't growl at him. And we've made a lot of progress - I can take all of her bones away without complaint. But I think it would still be good for her to have some training. I want her to be comfortable in her world. And I think it will help with that. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Such good news all the way around. Poor Ava has really had a time of it. Nice to hear Katie is starting to like her mom. I broke my foot about 6 weeks ago and am having a hard time with it. I have been back and forth to the hospital more than I care to for some complication, so I can sympathize with Ava. I am so over it as well. I am glad I only had one dog since I am the main caretaker, it is hard enough on my husband to take over the care of one. I always wonder how someone with such a high IQ can be so clueless in everything else. At least he is experienced now, so if it happens again and we have 2, he should do fine. The pictures of the girls are adorable. They look happy and healthy. I want to see the Christmas pics.

[Stacy]

I'm sorry to hear about your foot! I hope you're on the mend. Broken bones are so much easier when you're pre-pubescent. Us adults have a harder time of it. I hope your husband has been trying really hard!

I hope you get to see the Christmas pictures! I'm not a great photographer to start with and when your subjects aren't that cooperative... but I'm sure I will figure something out. Maybe not calendar worthy, but still something good.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad that Ava is finally better.  I wish you the best in finding a new vet.  I would just give one of the recommended ones a try and if you don't care for them, move on until you find the best fit.

[Stacy]

Thank you! I know we will find a good vet. I just hope that I don't have to learn the hard way that they aren't the vet I thought! Been there, done that.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so glad that nightmare is behind you!  She's looking so much better. Good luck finding a new vet, I know how hard it is to change, even when you feel that you need to. 

[Stacy]

Thanks! I think she looks great. And the parts of her that didn't get shaved are starting to get so soft and fluffy. I feel like now she can get to the life she's supposed to have.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so happy to hear this good news...you must be so relieved.

[Stacy]

I am absolutely so relieved! And the girls were actually playing together this morning. They were really just getting to know one another when all of this medical stuff began, so it was really exciting to see them running around playing. I love it!

[Gail and Bailey]

So glad to hear your good news!!!  Your fur kids are gorgeous!

[Stacy]

Thank you! I love them. They're good girls.