Boy, does it ever suck to have all these other (house maintenance) problems on top of your huge burden.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones as well as possible .. don't try to be a perfectionist in everything.
We've been taking shifts at the hospital because my mom is suffering from "sundowners". Basically, when the sun goes down, she goes a bit crazy.....seeing things, paranoia, confusion, etc. So, after Saturday when she tried to get out of bed and fell AGAIN, we stayed with her all the time. The sundowners wasn't improving, so I talked to the doctor about it yesterday morning and he prescribed an anti-psychotic for right before bed and last night was the first night she spend alone and she did well. Good news for a change. Her blood levels have improved, along with her oxygen levels. Today, she will really start some of her physical therapy and occupational therapy. Still, a very long road and we honestly don't know where it will lead -- home, assisted living??
I'm beat and so is my sister. I had to stop and think what day it even was. This morning we are both taking some down time to allow my mom to work with the therapists and then I'll head back there this afternoon. At some point, I have to get back to work, eating right, and the gym. For now, though, I'm doing good to put one foot in front of the other. My weight is too low, having dropped 5 pounds this past week and I doubt I could handle much of a workout right now anyway.
Poor Violet is confused, I am sure. I've been letting her sleep with me just because I feel so sorry for her! She's got a little bit of a cough and so we stopped at the vets yesterday during my break from the hospital and she's on an antibiotic just in case she's got a touch of a respiritory thing going on. Poor little girl! She's also eating her poop, so if anyone has any solutions on THAT, please let me know!!!
I doubt I'll get around to everyone's logs, so I wanted to let all of you know that I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! If your parents are still around and you are able to celebrate with them, give them an extra hug this holiday season.
I've been contemplating what I want to accomplish for 2009, since I've had so much down time to think. I want to do great things in 2009. I had a rough year this year, and I still managed to accomplish quite a bit. Looking back, I am pretty darn proud of myself. I hope I can push myself even harder this year.
I'll be back, but right now I just have to focus my attention elsewhere. Keep working hard, everyone!
I doubt I'll get around to everyone's logs, so I wanted to let all of you know that I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! If your parents are still around and you are able to celebrate with them, give them an extra hug this holiday season.
I am taking this to heart. This year is the first in several that I will get to be with my parents for the holidays. They are in their 70's and in good health and for that I am grateful. I am so sorry about your mom and for all you are going through, Jane. I will keep you both in my thoughts as you get through this time...and as I'm giving my parents that extra hug.
Hang in there, Jane. Sorry things are so rough for you right now.
As for Violet's poop-eating, have you talked to the vet about it? I've heard some solutions such as adding vile-tasting or vile-smelling stuff dogs don't like. I'm not sure what it is or if it works for every dog, but the vet may have an idea.
Like everyone else said, hang in there. You and your family are in my thoughts.
As for the poop eating, unfortunately there isn't much you can do about it. Some dogs just eat poop (Suzee is poop-eater too, although she doesn't eat her own, just others when we're out on a walk). There are, though, some doggie breath mints that can make her breath a little more pleasant. Suzee seems to really like the Yip Yap ones, and, while I can't say that she's not minty-fresh, it's better than the poop-breath.
the only thing I know that works for poop eating is to control the environment - relieve on leash for example - if you never have the chance you won't develop the habit sort of thing. The way you are house-training Violet, I'm not sure what will work except normal controls - confine her and supervise her when loose coupled with supervised relieving and prompt removal of the temptation.
Perhaps your dog group people have more ideas as I have never had this be an issue with any of mine.
now rabbit poop out in the open ... that's another story
I asked our vet about the poop eating and they believe the pills/vile taste stuff doesn't work and is a waste of money. It's a gross but normal doggie behavior. All you can really do is keep the yard clean potty breaks on leash etc.
Also wanted to say to hang in there. I'm glad the meds are helping with the sundowners for your mom. It sounds like your mom's recovery is coming along quite well though even though it's still exhausting for patient and family.
Hang in there Jane...and thanks for the reminder...this is the season to be with those you love...and cherish each moment you have with them! You will make it through this...and then you'll be back and better than ever..in the meantime, don't forget to take care of you a little too....
This behavior was addressed on "It's me or the dog" on Animal Planet, I think... anyway, you need to find an unpleasant stimulus, like a high pitched whistle, blow it when the dog goes at the poop, and correct the behavior (sharp "NO!" suffices). Reward when poop is left alone. Rinse and repeat, ad nauseum.
It's a very hard behavior to correct, but can be done.
Sorry to hear about the sundowning. Hopefully the medication will control it. I know the decisions you'll have to make in the near future will be tough. All the best to you and your family during what has become a stressful holiday season. Take care Jane.
Jane,
I am so sorry that you are going through all of this right now. As for Violet eating her own poop- our new goldendoodle puppy did the same thing. Our vet recommended a pill that you give him every time he eats- called Deter. You can get it at a pet supply store or even online if you don't have time to run out. It really worked for our dog who now doesn't eat his poop. It smells gross, though, so you have to be willing to put up with that!
Best of luck to you.
and merry Christmas
I hope you have if not a Merry Christmas, one where you have something occur that touches you tenderly. I will hold my family extra dear (I'm already a hugger, so they think that's normal).
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
I hope your Christmas is filled with joy and love and peace and happiness, even in a time when life may seem bleak and exhausting. I wish you and your family strength to hold and and pull through. Take care of yourself and enjoy all the little things, for all life is is a bunch of little things.
Maybe dog poop tastes better than we realize? It seems like there's some form of metaphor here… once you brush away all the poop.
Hopefully you'll be able to get some rest and quality time with your loved ones now.
As for dog poop, it's like they said, normal but yet unsettling. The other ones here who do own dogs will probably have the best suggestions.
Some people say the eating of poop also has to do with nutrition and lack of some minerals?
Merry Christmas, everyone! I wish I could say that I was in the holiday spirit, but it isn't happening. Had a nice Christmas Eve at the hospital. The hospital actually has a very nice gourmet-like restaurant in it, so we ordered food and I brought some, too, and took it to my mom and brought a few presents and my sister and her family and my dad were all there. So, we did the best we could, given the situation. Unfortunately, there's no way to get around the fact that Christmas in a hospital is just damn depressing!
Today, I am going to visit my mom and then order Chinese/Thai food for myself. I really want to go see Marley and Me, but I figured that since Christmas is one of the busiest movie days of the year that if I went alone I might as well put a big "L" on my forehead because I would sure feel like a loser going to the movies alone on Christmas day with all of the families that will be there.
So, a quiet day for me and Violet.
I can't wait for January 2. I just want all of the holidays to be over.
Merry Christmas Jane. I sez.... f**k it about the movie. I'm going to one by myself and couldn't care less if people think I'm a lonely loser. Plus, it's MUCH easier to get a seat when you just need to find a spot for one ass instead of six.
Keep your chin up. I also echo what Tina says.... go see the movie; you deserve a little 'you time'.
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Walk on
With hope in your heart
And You'll Never Walk Alone
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There's no free lunch, especially when it's served with special sauce (lostdog)
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