My Fire Hydrant

Bailey was born on March 11, 1996.

We did this birthday video last year. I think, in my heart, I suspected it would be the last time we celebrated Bailey’s birthday. I have very fond memories of the day we shot this. It’s pretty silly.

In memory of Bailey, join our online Bichon Bash by clicking and donating to Small Paws Rescue. No donation is too small, and every donation will make a difference in a dog’s life.

Angela (Pet Care R&D) with Cheech, Asanya, and Samson (AKA Bubba). 

"All of my pets are seniors now, which makes them all-the-more valuable to my husband and me. Even though they're way passed the puppy years, we still catch them doing the most adorable things."

If you’re watching the Olympic Winter Games, then you’ve been seeing P&G commercials. This one is my favorite:

Something else I’ve been watching is P&G’s ThankYouMom.com. One of my favorite pages says, “Get the latest updates straight from the Olympians’ biggest fans–their moms!”  Blog posts from Vancouver! Gotta love that!

I was visiting my Aunt Martha a few days ago, and was struck by how beautiful she and her cat, Black Kitty are together. 

Tomorrow our holiday season hits a crescendo with everyone coming to our house for “Family Christmas.” I feel properly smug–got my shopping and wrapping all done.

It snowed overnight.

Before you become enchanted with the scene, remember: Today’s White Christmas is tomorrow’s slush!

Bailey, who is famous for refusing to potty outside if there is even a remote possibility that her feet might get wet, was heard to mumble “Bah! Humbug!” in her native Bichonese.

Not everybody likes the snow.

Four years ago today, Bailey had surgery to remove her left anal gland and 2 sub lumbar lymph nodes because of cancer.

Snoozing on the Sofa!

Yesterday, we had our monthly check up with Bailey’s dogtor, Dr. B. We’ve been doing a monthly check up for four years, just waiting for the cancer to come back. I don’t want to jinx it by actually saying that Bailey is in remission–but it sure looks that way to me!!

We now are dealing with the little illnesses that come with old age.

• Bailey already had arthritis in her back legs, it’s now spread to her left front leg.
• Her diabetes is under control, but I think it’s affecting her sense of smell (Dr. B. confirms this possibility). I find that I need to nuke her food more often in order to get her to eat–her sniffer is not picking up on the aroma.
• She’s down to 18.4 pounds–which is actually good. At her heaviest, she’s hit 21 pounds. For her size, she probably should be 17. Dr. B. says the weight loss is probably related to the diabetes, but not to worry because it’s leveled off.

I have so many things to be thankful for. A wonderful dogtor and vet clinic where Bailey gets great care and I get support and empathy. My family and good friends whose eyes don’t glaze over when I mention Bailey’s health for the gazillionth time. And time with my pooch–4 years so far, instead of only 6 months.

Oh, and I’ve got all my Christmas decorations up, lights lit, and presents wrapped. (It’s been a busy weekend!)

Life is good!

This turkey is in the bag!

Bailey grabs a snooze while she waits for company to arrive!

Now we wait for our company to arrive. Bailey is putting the time to good use by resting up so that she can be a sparkling hostess!

A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY READERS!!

(And for those of you participating in tomorrow’s madness, good shopping!)

Two beautiful days this weekend have forced me to work outdoors putting up Christmas lights. Every year when I take them down I say to myself, “Next year, I’m downsizing!” And every year when we start getting close to Thanksgiving I remember how beautiful the lights look…so fairy-like and pretty. Once again, I’ve stifled that voice inside me that says, “This will be a big pain in the patoot to have to take down, and who knows when the weather will allow you to do it!”

I’m so tired, and my back hurts. But they really do look nice……