As we approach the true end of summer on September 23, 2023 (official autumnal equinox date), I can say that this season has been different in so many ways.
Starting with a mini-drought of seven heat filled days between 88 - 95 degrees in June, and ending (it seems) with endless rain and storms, it's one for the record books, but not one for scrap booking.
Loss and Light
When you are a pet parent, you know there are going to be times when our pets are going to need our support in a big way.
I always hope that if one of our aged pets has to leave us, it would be in summer. I want them to be able to enjoy the green grass, warm days, sunlight, and freedom that summer brings.
For us humans, that additional daylight also helps our moods, and can whack depression upside the head. Loss in the winter is SO VERY DARK.
No Vacation For You
It became very apparent to me that summer vacations of any type would need to be put on hold when the health of three of our dogs (all over the age of 10) became an issue. You know how they say things come in threes? Well there IS something to that.
We lost our Danny just shy of summer--May 2023.
Starting with a mini-drought of seven heat filled days between 88 - 95 degrees in June, and ending (it seems) with endless rain and storms, it's one for the record books, but not one for scrap booking.
Loss and Light
When you are a pet parent, you know there are going to be times when our pets are going to need our support in a big way.
I always hope that if one of our aged pets has to leave us, it would be in summer. I want them to be able to enjoy the green grass, warm days, sunlight, and freedom that summer brings.
For us humans, that additional daylight also helps our moods, and can whack depression upside the head. Loss in the winter is SO VERY DARK.
No Vacation For You
It became very apparent to me that summer vacations of any type would need to be put on hold when the health of three of our dogs (all over the age of 10) became an issue. You know how they say things come in threes? Well there IS something to that.
We lost our Danny just shy of summer--May 2023.
Danny enjoying the grass, summer of 2022.
The weather was unseasonably warm, and I am so glad he got to enjoy summer-like days before he left us. Danny was 13. He had degenerative myelopathy, diagnosed at age 10, so we had some years of grace time.
Just after, in June, our scruffy girl Billie's bloodwork came back with a clear diagnosis of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) and liver disease. As if one isn't bad enough, there were two things to combat. (Billie is pictured on the Adirondack chair in the first image of today's blog).
I immediately began to research and talk to people who had experienced this type of diagnosis, and put into place a new diet, feeding, and supplement regimen for Billie. She had to return to the vet's office every two weeks for blood monitoring. Those visits were over the course of the entire summer, and have just recently ended, as Billie's blood and liver enzymes are in a stable holding pattern at the moment. She is mostly back to her old self, but with IMHA, you have to be vigilant. Billie is 13.
Just after, in June, our scruffy girl Billie's bloodwork came back with a clear diagnosis of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) and liver disease. As if one isn't bad enough, there were two things to combat. (Billie is pictured on the Adirondack chair in the first image of today's blog).
I immediately began to research and talk to people who had experienced this type of diagnosis, and put into place a new diet, feeding, and supplement regimen for Billie. She had to return to the vet's office every two weeks for blood monitoring. Those visits were over the course of the entire summer, and have just recently ended, as Billie's blood and liver enzymes are in a stable holding pattern at the moment. She is mostly back to her old self, but with IMHA, you have to be vigilant. Billie is 13.
Not to be outdone, our rough-coat border collie, Piper, decided he'd throw a urinary tract infection into the mix. Both he and his urine had to visit the vet several times over the course of July and August.
Pet Parenting
I think each and every one of us has our own standards when it comes to being a pet parent. There really is no cause for judging others when it comes to what they will or won't, can or can't do in terms of their own lives and those of their pets.
For me, I just can't leave my animals when there is a problem, or even a hint of a problem. I want to be there should good turn to bad turn to worse, and to try to help combat whatever they are battling. So, vacation was out of the question for me this year, and I am happy to report that Piper is also stable with his health issue. Piper is also 13.
Still Had Fun
We still had fun this summer. Our grandkids came for a week of summer camp (both together for the very first time) and we survived and have the tee shirts to prove it.
Pet Parenting
I think each and every one of us has our own standards when it comes to being a pet parent. There really is no cause for judging others when it comes to what they will or won't, can or can't do in terms of their own lives and those of their pets.
For me, I just can't leave my animals when there is a problem, or even a hint of a problem. I want to be there should good turn to bad turn to worse, and to try to help combat whatever they are battling. So, vacation was out of the question for me this year, and I am happy to report that Piper is also stable with his health issue. Piper is also 13.
Still Had Fun
We still had fun this summer. Our grandkids came for a week of summer camp (both together for the very first time) and we survived and have the tee shirts to prove it.
The dogs and I summer-sunned ourselves when the weather cooperated, went on walks, binged some movies and series we have had on our watch lists forever, and generally took it easy.
Talley and I did a multitude of Therapy Dog visits at local facilities. Now, when I leave without her, she peers at me through the fence somewhat miffed.
Talley and I did a multitude of Therapy Dog visits at local facilities. Now, when I leave without her, she peers at me through the fence somewhat miffed.
I am hoping I can get back to the beach next summer. I'd like to find a place that welcomes dogs and take both Talley and Billie along for the ride and adventure. I am keeping my fingers crossed that all of our dogs stay healthy through the remainder of the year.
Autumn is just around the corner, and I think, for the first time in a long time, I will welcome it.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (my summer vacation), start here with Nicole Hrustyk, the Las Vegas dog photographer behind Pawtraits by Nicole, as she provides her dog-friendly travel checklist and offers downloadable PDF pet sitter instructions.
Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here, and have completed the circle. It's a small circle this week, but you won't want to miss it.
Have a great weekend!
Autumn is just around the corner, and I think, for the first time in a long time, I will welcome it.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (my summer vacation), start here with Nicole Hrustyk, the Las Vegas dog photographer behind Pawtraits by Nicole, as she provides her dog-friendly travel checklist and offers downloadable PDF pet sitter instructions.
Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here, and have completed the circle. It's a small circle this week, but you won't want to miss it.
Have a great weekend!
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