Sunday night, Sarah and I had a spontaneous mother/daughter outing. The ocean-washed air was soft and clear and was laced with a message to all photographers: Come outside! Bring your cameras! Shoot!
Now I’ve never been one to disobey the commands of ocean-washed air, so I grabbed my camera and my own personal photo subject and she and I made our leisurely way to the downtown waterfront to share a sandwich on a harbor front picnic table and then take a few pictures.
Thankfully, Manteo always graciously provides photographers with plenty of places to shoot; it’s lovely to live in so generous a town.
For those of you who have been checking in on Snowy over the last few days, I am happy to report that he has spent much of the weekend completely pain-free. These drugs are amazing! Unfortunately though, as we all know, drugs are not a long-term solution.
I was going to call his vet yesterday to discuss weaning him off of some of the meds, but since I was in a muscle relaxer-induced mood of loopiness, I didn’t figure it was a good time to have that conversation.
Today my back is slightly better so I’m just staying on pain killers and trying to forego the muscle relaxers which means that I am in a lucid enough frame of mind to actually talk with the vet. So I’m waiting for her to return my call and we’ll see what the conversation holds.
It could be that she will say that we’ll just leave him on all the meds he’s on until his liver gives out which would most definitely be the first thing to go. (Unless of course, one of his two large kidney stones shifted.)
At this point our beloved doggy has the following ailments going on: cataracts, arthritis, almost total deafness, kidney stones (three years ago, he had a complicated surgery with several days in ICU to remove some of the stones although some still remain), spleen issues, a history of liver failure, a surgery to remove a benign tumor from his back, a heart murmur, spinal problems, recent weight loss, and a possible diagnosis of a cancerous tumor.
He’s also had two “near death” experiences in the course of his long life:
Having said all that, we appear to have in our possession a dog with nine (or more) lives. I have no idea what this week will hold if the meds have to reduced but I am more than grateful to have spent the last three days seeing him so happy and comfortable.
I’ll let you know what happens with the call to the vet; as always, thanks to those of you who have been so very compassionate and kind during this season of our lives. You’ll never know what a huge blessing the Smithellaneous family has been to the Smith family.
Oh how I miss living that close to the ocean! Most people think 15 minutes inland is still close, but I miss the smell of salt air when I step out my door and the sunlight sparkling off calm waters as I back out my drive and, not least, the freedom to just walk down the hill and into the ocean to cool off! Ahhhh. Now? Now I smell country fresh air and all that entails! 🙂 A new journey for my senses!
Hugs, Snowy and more hugs!
Guerrina, yes, life really does take us on a lot of new journeys for the senses, doesn’t it?
Beautiful pictures! Sarah is really looking more and more like her mom everyday. There was one picture in particular that I could really see it. I love her haircut. She looks so grown up! I’m really glad to hear that Snowy is still hanging in there and having some great days!
Gayle, I’m honored that my daughter would decide to look like me. 🙂
I’m so far behind times. When did Sarah cut her hair short? It’s adorable, of course! 🙂
Sheri, it was probably a couple months ago although it actually looks a bit shorter in these pictures than it actually is. As you said, she’s a cutie, either way! Miss you!
a gorgeous model, that’s for sure!
holding good thoughts for snowy!!
Mrs. Pam, thanks for your Snowy thoughts. We’re decreasing meds and he’s not doing quite as well but still holding his own.
Glad that Snowy is doing better. I remember both near death experiences and they were scary even from a far. He truly is the Unsinkable Molly Brown! I am thrilled to hear that your back is a bit better today. People really don’t understand the power of a muscle relaxer. I hope that it continues to improve, quickly (sympathy injury??)! I am glad you decided to listen to the ocean; I don’t want to think about the flack you would get from all of us had you not. I think you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I think I may know where I want to run away to (in the short term; not that it will happen) and the long term (I won’t stay where I am forever). Sarah looks great in all the pictures; she could truly pull off a modeling career. Feel better, Becky and please keep us up on all news that is Snowy! Love, Jodi
Jodi, you always have such an encouraging way with words; with all that you go through every day, it really touches me that you take the time to send long distance smiles our way. Thank you for that.
Gorgeous pictures of a gorgeous gal! Perhaps next time, Sarah could snatch the camera from your hands and include a few of you, though!
Thank you for the Snowy update! I’m glad to hear he is going well!
Krista, well, actually I threatened Sarah with great threatenings if she even thought about grabbing the camera since my hair was doing its post-nap awfulness and my make up was virtually gone. Sarah was definitely the star of THIS particular photo shoot. But maybe next time!
Ah yes! I know what you mean about post nap hair! I have curly hair and it always goes crazy when I nap on it!
btw…speaking of hair. Did Sarah get hers cut again? I like the length!
Sarah has grown up beautifully! What wonderful photos you have taken of her. Glad Snowy is doing well, and praying he will continue to do so. Take it easy, Scott and I can both relate to back issues. Can’t wait to visit and see you next month…the countdown has begun (well, it actually began the moment I hit “purchase” on the plane tickets).
Susan, thanks for the compliment on the Sarah pix; coming from a pro like you, that means a lot! Looking forward to our Scott and Susan visit! 🙂
Sarah is one beautiful lady! I cannot believe she is almost 17 years old and she looks so grown up and wise beyond her years. Great photoshoot. 🙂 Now Becky, how does it feel that Sarah is almost 17 years old? I remember my grandmother thought it was wierd when I turned 18!
Trine, well, I’m having a bit of a problem accepting OR believing she is almost seventeen. I mean, just a year away from eighteen? Impossible!
How how I wish I was a neighbor of yours – for many reasons but most specifically because we would be sharing a village by the sea. That is a dream of mine – to live that close to the sea. The photos are stunning – I have picked two favorites – the very last one – love the joy and laughter and the last black and white one – Sarah seems to have a secret and is looking very fiesty and a little smug – that is a good thing, you know.
Oh, Becky, I remember both those incidents with Snowy. Frightening beyond belief but he pulled through with a whole bushel of help from his mama. I hope and pray that Snowy can stay on the meds and be comfortable for as many days as he is charted to stay on this Earth. I am so happy that he has had so much peace and comfort in the last few days – it is so much easier on everyone’s hearts – especially yours and Sarah’s.
Hope your back continues to heal and Snowy also. Breathe the sea air for me sometime, please.
Mary, the very next time I am at the ocean, I will breathe one specified breath just for you! Glad you liked the pix of Sarah; it was fun to hear your favorites. 🙂