Friday Things
1. Last Saturday, Joseph decided that he didn’t need to take a nap, grrrrr… So, I took him out with me to run a couple of errands and on our five-minute drive home, he totally passed out. Is there anything more serene than the face of a sleeping baby? I could stare at him sleeping for hours.
2. Einstein has had a very rough last few days… On Tuesday, he suffered a very freak spinal cord injury that basically resulted in him having stroke-like symptoms (it’s called an FCE). He wasn’t doing anything crazy – just trotting between rooms, following Joseph around with his snack and all of a sudden, he went down and couldn’t get back up. His two left legs are mostly lame and so he can’t currently get up and move around on his own. We’re so sad for him :( The good news is that most dogs with this injury recover to near 100% with physical therapy. We have our evaluation and first session later this afternoon. Fingers crossed that he’s back to his old self sooner rather than later.
3. I also had my 34-week appointment this week… I can’t believe we’re less than 6 weeks away! Everything is going really well, and I’m crossing my fingers that this baby decides not to drag things out as much as his brother did ;-)
4. Speaking of being less than 6 weeks away, I feel like I need to do ALL THE THINGS, like immediately… Finish getting the nursery ready, purge and organize every room in my house, and get the blog ready to go on semi-autopilot so I can have a little maternity leave.
Oh, and I need to pack my hospital bag! I feel like I packed SO MUCH last time and used, um, NOTHING. Seriously. The things I used? My cell phone charger, toothbrush, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Maybe because I had a c-section, so I wasn’t really moving around much, it was easier to just keep the hospital gown on, etc. but yeah, I’m packing way less this time for sure!
5. I totally want this hanging bed for my future wrap around porch (it’s always been my dream to have a massive wrap-around porch!)…
6. I recently saw an article on the dangers of oversleeping, i.e. sleeping for more than 9 hours per night. I honestly cannot remember the last time I slept for that amount of time. I’m just looking forward to sleeping on my back again!
7. So now that new credit cards and debit cards have that built-in chip, getting new cards and updating online accounts has been a serious pain in the butt! I simultaneously love the convenience of technology and wish I could go back to 1990 with no cell phone, no Internet, and awesome Friday and Saturday night TV.
8. Earlier this week, Jessica shared an article on a 100-year-old to-do list hack, and that article linked out to a productivity method used by Warren Buffet, which I had seen quite a long time ago. They’re very similar methodologies, and I totally need to start prioritizing this way! I definitely get myself caught up in the small stuff and bounce around from one thing to the next.
9. We had our fantasy football draft this week and it was probably the least amount of research I have ever done for a fantasy draft aaaaaaaand it showed. Not my best showing… BUT! Usually I have a great draft and a subpar year, so maybe this will be the opposite :)
10. TGIF! Buddy buddies! Makes my heart melt…
Do you know who makes this hanging daybed? It is really stunning!
Oh poor Einstein! I hope he gets better soon. Unfortunately “freak” health issues are a common problem with many “purebred” dogs. Joint and hip issues are especially prevalent in labs, goldens and other large breeds. And it doesn’t help that we force them to walk on surfaces their bodies arent meant to such as hardwoods and slippery tile. It changes their natural gait and makes them have to put stress on their hips and spines instead of their toes because there is no traction. Hopefully he makes a speedy 100% recovery.
Sending love to Einstein and prayers that he feels much better soon. ?
So sorry to hear about Einstein. Our 8 1/2 year old yellow lab, Bella, had an FCE in April. It was very frightening. The emergency internist vet said that it is actually common in large dogs, although there is no specific indicator as to which dogs will experience FCE. It was explained as a cartillage clot. The good news is that it is very treatable if detected early. Bella spent that first night at the emergency clinic in a very small crate to keep her immobilized. They gave her IV fluids to flush the clot out of her spinal cord. They also gave her pain medication to calm her and to make her sleepy. The following morning she ran out of the crate and nearly knocked over the internist. She did still have a strange gait and needed help supporting her back legs, but she had passed the clot. We took her to physical therapy and accupuncture treatments several times a week for two months. And we did physical therapy at home. And now, she has completely recovered! She is back to playing with her buddy Cole, our 8 1/2 year old black lab. So give Einstein lots of hugs and be confident that it will get better. Feel free to email me if you want to talk about treatment, etc.
Awe kisses to Einstine! ???
I am sending healing thoughts to your Einstein. I had a Belgian Malinois who had the same thing. With the PT he became mobile again and with constant monitoring because he was a high strung dog, I had him until he was 16.
I rescue Horses, Dogs, Cats and sometimes Wolves dumped at the Dog Pound. The Wolves have all been abused so they are basically afraid of everything. They are great after they learn to trust you.
Good luck with Einstein and with the last 6 weeks of your Pregnancy!
:)
Ellen in NJ
Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your sweet Einstein. By the way, you look great!
I hope Einstein feels better soon! I am so with you on the chip cards. We actually had fraud and got a new one with a chip and I had to reset all the automatic payments and I had the number memorized so I had to relearn the new one. Oh, it’s such a pain. I will happily go back to the 90s with you … as long as I don’t have to go back to school.
Poor Einstein. My thoughts and prayers are with him for a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself!
Thinking of Einstein on National Dog Day hoping for a smooth, easy recovery. He is your oldest child so I feel your pain.
Prayers for sweet Einstein!! I have a very soft spot for dogs, but especially goldens. I so appreciate the condolence you sent in June when we lost ours! Praying for a full and quick recovery for your sweet fur baby!
Oh my goodness, Einstein!! My heart just broke reading his sad news. I am sending much, much love his way. I hope his recovery is speedy! I had a rough week at the vet with my dog as well (found out he has heartworms from the shelter I adopted him at, despite him being on preventative since the day I got him). I understand how it feels when you love your pup so much!!
I hope Einstein is feeling better soon. We have a Golden Retriever that is 11 years old, she has had knee problems since she was four. It is so sad to seem them not feeling well. I pray that he gets well soon :(
Hope Einstein is getting around soon and doing well. Think hurt or sick animals hurt me so much because they can’t speak and tell you how they feel.
Hoping Einstein is feeling better soon! Poor guy!
Poor Einstein! healing thoughts and energy coming his way.
I’m very sad about Einstein. I know you all are worried for that sweet big guy. I hope he can fully recover with PT. He’s lucky to have you guys as his family – not everyone would consider PT for a dog. I sure would. I know what he means to all of you. Praying for your sweet fur baby.
You are looking fabulous, my dear! Only 6 weeks! Isn’t it amazing the things we learn after having that first baby?
As always, love your pics of Joseph. Especially that sleeping one! He looks like such a nice person!
Have a great weekend! Hug Einstein for me.
Your son is SO adorable and you look fabulous!!!
Sorry about Einstein. I hope he gets better soon. I’m going thru cancer with my 12 year old Std. Poodle. Boy how we love our four legged friends :)
You can buy little doggie socks that have the rubber on the bottom to help with traction on slippery floors. I had to get them for the poodle and they work really well.
Hugs!
Hey Michelle – I’m sorry to hear about Einstein. I know, first hand, how scary that is. Our black lab, Bodie, had that same freak spinal issue last summer. We were so scared, and I’m sure he was as well. Our vets were so terrific in trying to diagnose and then treat Bodie. And they were comforting to us as well. Bodie spent about two weeks at the vet while they did physical therapy three times every day. Of course, they also had to “sling” him to get him up and walk for potty breaks, too. I’m sure you won’t be trying to lift up Einstein while you’re pregnant, and you might consider having him stay at the vet, if he isn’t already, so that he can do the regular, routine physical therapy that’s required. Our Bodie also received some pain control and steroid treatment as well. It did take time but he showed consistent progress and was playing and walking slowly on his own within a few months. A year later, it’s as if it never happened. He’s been back to his normal, crazy lab activities – meaning swimming in every pool or puddle or lake or pond he comes across. I’ve heard lots of great recovery stories like ours for this condition. Hang in there, and feel free to email me if you need some encouragement!
Sending love and healing vibes to Einstein. I hope he has a full recovery!
So sorry to hear about Einstein, hope he recovers quickly. Your last six weeks are going to fly by; how exciting! I can’t wait to see how Joseph likes the new baby! How nice for him to have a buddy. I just love the pictures that you post of him and will be looking forward to the new baby pictures, too! Good luck getting through your “nesting” mode!
Joseph is such a doll – the pics of him are the highlight of my week! I will be praying for a safe and sound last few weeks to your pregnancy and for a safe, speedy and healthy delivery of your baby. I will also be praying for Einstein – he looks so sad in the picture – I know he’s comfy in the bed but he has to be sad with what’s going on. Good attitude about the football draft – I find that I do better with sports things like that when I “wing” it rather than doing a ton of research – lol. That “hammock” bed is freaking amazing.
Wishing Einstein well and a speedy recovery. It must be so hard for him to want to move with Joseph and Duke and not be able to do so. Poor guy. I’m sure he’s getting lots of love and attention but do hope he recovers soon.
Feel better soon Einstein!
I love the sweet picture of Joseph sleeping. Cherish every moment. My son is 26 and I wish so badly he were little again. I am praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby for your family, and also prayers for Einstein :(
Dear Einstein, I am praying to Saint Francis for your speedy and complete recovery. I love you as if you were my own. Hugs and kisses sweet boy!!
Having had a golden as a member of our family, I feel your pain. Good luck with his recovery and I hope he is back to his old self real soon.
You look wonderful and happy in your picture! Won’t be long before you have a house full of men:)
Thinking about you Einstein buddy…
Wish you speedy recovery xoxo
Sorry to hear about Einstein, I hope he makes a very speedy recovery! He is lucky to have such a loving family to take care of him. I want to be in that bed right now looks so peaceful and relaxing. I can’t believe you are already 6 weeks away time flies! Praying for Einstein
Aww I’m so sorry to hear about Einstein. Prayers and we’ll wishes are being sent your way.
Sending Einstein tons of love and wishes for a complete recovery. Years ago my then female Schnauzer “Cookie” , had a stroke and couldn’t use her legs. I used a log carrier under her belly to take her in and out. I always share photos of Joseph and the dogs with my husband. When I told him about Einstein his first comment was you have to send a get well message!! Love to each of you!
Jean
I have mastiffs and my girl tore both of her CCls, she had surgery and the vet had me use a reusable grocery bag with the sides cut out. It is super light weight and has the handles to make it easy to use. Plus it is cheap and durable.
Best of luck to Einstein, hope his appt went well and he can get back to his old ways soon.
Poor Einstein! My heart is breaking for him. At least he has an incredible doggy bed to lounge on while he recovers! Where did you get that bed from, btw? It’s fantastic! Hope your little guy is better soon!
Hi Brittany, It’s a Tempur-Pedic dog bed from Orvis (and yes, I know it’s ridiculously expensive ;-)): http://www.orvis.com/p/orvis-tempur-pedic-deep-dish-dog-bed/2gr6. I got it years ago for him, and now we’re glad we have something so nice for him to lay on!
I pray a speedy recovery for Einstein and a healthy baby for you and your family. Blessings!
I am sorry to hear about Einstein. We had something similar happen to our golden Cooper when he was 7 months old. We noticed that he seemed to be shivering a lot. Around that same time we had a fire in an apartment in our building and had to spend a few hours up in the leasing office. Cooper was very lethargic the entire time. A 7 month puppy should have been excited to be around the other dogs and kids. We called out vet first thing Monday morning. By late morning he was walking with his front right paw turned under. When we got to our vet that afternoon they got us into an exam room right away and our vet was there soon after. She referred us to the neurologist at the NC State Vet school the next morning. By the time we got home that night he couldn’t walk/stand on his own. He spent just over a week in the hospital and he still couldn’t walk when we brought him home. He gradually got better. He still has some neuro deficits on the right side at times and has trouble walking on the hardwood floors. 5 years later most people can’t tell there is anything wrong with him. We never got a diagnosis as to what was wrong with him.
Michelle, you look terrific and Joseph is such a cutie. Wishing Einstein a speedy recovery. PLease keep us updated. You are all in my prayers.
Oh Einstein you sweet boy, please get well soon.
Einstein is breaking my heart into tiny pieces! Poor fur baby! I hope his recovery is super extra quick! Please keep us posted!
Good day. You look beautiful in that pic. All the best for the coming weeks. God be with you.
Poor Einstein, I will be praying for his speedy recovery!
I am so sorry to hear about Einstein…poor boy. He must be so confused but it sounds like his prognosis is good. Here’s hoping he makes a speedy recovery. I will be thinking about him and sending positive, healing thoughts his way.
So sorry to hear of Einstein’s episode. I had never heard of this. I have a Great Dane who is in her twilight years and hope nothing like that happens to her. I wish Einstein a speedy and full recovery. Special wishes for you and the new baby too.
Poor Einstein! Our doggy had a vestibular episode which looked like he was having seizures. He ended up losing so much strength in his hindquarters. We ended up with a ton of area rugs to help him gain traction. Physical therapy and acupuncture helped! Hope he has a swift recovery. :)