So I was thinking I should post an update on how things are going for Nitro and Kodi…….then I thought if I did, maybe I would jinx things somehow; then I thought I was over-thinking things (like that never happens, right?) So here goes:
Kodi is just over a week out of being on his Cushing meds. I think I can see signs that they’re relieving his symptoms a little. The potty pad I leave out for him has been dry and the water bowl still has water in in when I get home. He still wants to eat, but isn’t throwing a fit if he has to wait a bit. We’ve been walking just about every day, and now he’s gotten to where he’ll sit outside, staring at the house, and bark until I grab his leash and we go. There is a small hill near us, and we’ve been going up and down it several times to work on his “core” (he’ll never have 6-pack abs, but we’re trying). He goes back to the vet next week to have his blood tested to see if the dosage he’s on is where it should be.
As for Nitro, he’s still playful and happy, and seems to be feeling pretty good. I’m still on pins and needles when it’s time for lunch, stressing if he’ll eat or not, but he’s eating – after a little bit of “priming the pump”, he will eat his full meal. I’ve given him a dose or two of Mirtazapine when he gets really fussy, and then he’s back to eating (and I truly don’t know if that was necessary, because he does like to play me and would rather eat treats than his bland Hills K/D food). Two of my co-workers just lost pets to kidney failure, and it seems like every other patient who’s labs I verify has the diagnosis of “acute renal failure”. It’s hard not to obsess about this disease when I see it everywhere, but I’m trying.
So for the moment, things are going as well as can be expected. I’m excited for 50 degree weather to hit our area this weekend…I forsee longer walks and steak on the grill (and perhaps a glass of wine or two) as I strive to live in the moment and enjoy every bit of it with my boys. Peace and love to you all from the Ehlers’ ranch.
P.S. Tomorrow will be Nitro’s 32 month ampuversary!
February 17th, 2017 at 10:12 am
Nitro!! For being a tripawd that looks like a LOT of legs there all cuddled up 🙂 🙂
And for Kodi: Manni doesn’t have cushing, but what we do have is a thyroid malfunction that he has to take meds for. It took us a while to get the dosage right but it was worth it and made a ton of difference, so I’m sure you’ll see the same in Kodi!
All the best!!
tina & Manni
February 17th, 2017 at 4:31 am
THIRTY TWO MONTHS? Holy Moly Nitro, you are AMAAAAAAZING!!
Yay for Kodi’s new health status and for Nitro’s continued success. This is a big reason to celebrate and slap those steaks on the grill you carnivore you! 😉
Paula have you ever read any Eckhart Tolle? Or gotten familiar with the Law of Attraction concept? I ask because it sort of goes like this:
What we “see” or “think” or envision, is what we get. Good, bad or not, it doesn’t matter. We create our reality, so the law says. So you’re trying not to obsess about renal failure, but by trying not to obsess about it, the universe is sending you exactly what you’re envisioning. Not necessarily in renal failure for da boys, but you see it in patients now because you’re thinking about it. It’s always been there is the thing. But by focusing on it, you’re actually ‘seeing’ it…and making your worry even greater. Does that make sense at all?
The law also says, just as you get what you don’t want by focusing on it, if you focus on what you DO WANT you will get that too. So focus on the good days, the warmer weather, the happy boys, and it will happen.
I’m no sage. I’m probably not explaining this correctly. But if you’d like I can point you to some good books about it. I’m a believer so I like to share it.
xoxo
February 16th, 2017 at 10:45 pm
Fantastic!!! Way to go Kodi and Nitro! Sounds like they need a treat Mom!
February 17th, 2017 at 1:24 am
Trust me Deb, they are not shorted in the treat department!
February 16th, 2017 at 8:54 pm
So glad things seem to be evening out for Kodi and he’s feeling better. Both boys look just marvelousl! Nitro playing you? Really? Nitro? Had to lol at that one!
February 16th, 2017 at 7:35 pm
50s!?!? Is that shorts weather for you all! LOL
Glad to read this update and hope that things continue in a peaceful and zen like status… It is indeed SO hard not to overthink things and live in the now (like our pets do) but you are doing a great job! And those photos are great!!! I love snuggle Nitro! I love to play “hide the ears” with Jasper too. And I know he’s larger than Jasper but that photo of him snuggled and sleeping …too cute … looks just like JL.
You’re doing great!!! And the bros are doing great. Life is great but always wine, wine and more wine! XOXO
February 16th, 2017 at 6:18 pm
Oh Paula! You crack me up!! The conversation you had with yourself about over-thinking…well done!!! 🙂
I’m so glad that the ADORABLE KODA ….OMD…SOOOO CUTE…..is showing signs of improvement!! Such good news!!
I have to laugh..that “small hill” is like Mt Everest to Koda! 🙂
And then we, not only have a good update on Nitro (and how he “works” you), but we get some of the sweeeetest pictures of home!! Such a handsome snuggly bear!!
Yeah, this update and these pictures have me grinning ear to ear! 🙂 🙂
Should be about 80 degrees here in May for our pawty!!
Lots and lots of love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
February 16th, 2017 at 7:21 pm
For us “Northerners”, 50’s in February is pretty much like 80! Can’t wait for May!
February 16th, 2017 at 6:17 pm
Sounds like everything is headed in the right direction. I am very proud of you Paula you are handling everything like a pro.
Kodi sound like he is doing well. And well like you said Nitro would rather have treats than dinner but who wouldn’t. He looks great.
Way to kick but Nitro. Very proud of you buddy.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
February 16th, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Thanks Michelle – I’m sure trying hard to “handle” things.