THINGS ARE LOOKING UP.
I had a few rough nights over the weekend especially on Saturday - lot of pain and I could not settle down and get comfortable despite all the fussing and attention given to me by the staff. I couldn't take any of my pain medicine as that may be what caused my trouble in the first place. Finally Daddy Thom decided to cover me with an nice white throw. I still shivered a while and then all of a sudden, I dozed off. I wasn't cold; I think the blanket was just the bit of security I needed.
Sunday was better and Monday was the big turn-around. I went to see Dr. Teer for my blood work and I felt great. My legs and hips were still a bit sore and stiff, but that "sick" internal feeling was gone. Dr. Teer gave me a script for some pain medicine that won't harm me and I had a wonderful night - slept like a puppy. This morning I greeted the day from the balcony and checked out my territory. Then I had a big breakfast of liver and rice (with a bit of my prescription dog food sneaked in.) I knew it was there, but ate it anyway.
Now I am napping in the sun in the dinning room. It is a beautiful sunny day and the furnace is off and the doors are open. I just had another pain pill and I feel great!
Later this afternoon I'll have another nap with Daddy Thom - What a life - Eh?

DADDY, I DON'T FEEL SO GOOD.
Boy - a week ago on April 25th I really got sick. I didn't feel good at all. I had been taking the medicine for my anemia for a while and was feeling better. All of a sudden, I had a big relapse. Daddy Thom was in Florida selling the house there; so it all fell onto Daddy David. I had every confidence and knew he would get me through this frightening episode. Thom's the nurse, but David is smart too and he did everything correctly. Unfortunately it was not a lot of fun and there were a lot of road trips I did not enjoy; and I love to travel. I had to be taken to my Vet, Dr. Teer, in Machais and she recommended I be taken to Brewer to the emergency animal hospital right away for hydration IV's - I could eat a thing and I wasn't drinking nearly enough water. Daddy David packed up our bags and put my bed in the Escape for an overnight trip to the Bangor area. Wrong - the intelligent doctor in Brewer discovered I had a bleeding gastric ulcer and would probably would not survive the weekend without a blood transfusion. Nearest doggie donor was in Portland. So - we hit the road again. We arrived at an amazing animal emergency hospital staffed with wonderful, kind and knowledgeable people. They were so considerate and treated me so well. I had an immediate blood transfusion and started my new medications to heal my bleeding ulcer. But - the overnight jaunt turned into a week of hospitalization during which I had to have more IV's and be kept in an oxygen cage for a time. Daddy David stayed in the motel and worked on his web pages and came to visit me twice a day and kept Daddy Thom in Florida up to date. They worry about me so; I know they really love me. It's a good thing David remembered to take his "stress" pills along because I really scared and stressed him out. I am home now and recovering and happy knowing not only am I loved unconditionally, but I am also treasured. Even Aunt Cheri, Aunt Frani and Aunt JoAnne were worried for me. Mikey and his mom came to visit today; they were worried too and wanted to check up on my progress. I am a lucky Dalmatian.

More Extended Canine Family.
This is my friend, Mikey, who live a few doors South of me. His Mommy's name is Lynn and she is a good friend of ours. Mikey goes for a walk everyday and usually passes my house. We usually bark a greeting to each other.
Mikey likes to bark at cars and tries to chase them. Of course, this is not permitted - a safety issue you understand. But - I must admit I had to give it a try myself. First barking at a truck moving too fast up MY STREET. Serves the driver right - he must be cautioned as to the rules of behavior in my territory. Then I made an error - as I barked I tried to run after a car. Whoops - the choke collar is still there although never applied till now. This definitely was not going to be accepted. My staff suddenly became my daddies again and I got the message. I still grumble at cars occasionally and sometimes I give them an angry shout - no more attempting to chase them. The staff is ever on alert.

Regaining Confidence.
Although I am doing so much better due to the excellent care of my staff (my two daddies and my magical Veterinarian, Dr. Teer); There were still some problems with the stairs. In Florida there was no second floor. I became accustomed to stairs on my first summer holiday in Maine. As I got older and my hips got a little stiffer, the stairs become more of a challenge. After I slipped a few times and fell once, my confidence was down and even though Thom or David were always there to steady me, encourage me, and catch me if I slipped there was still a wall of fear between me and those stairs. The bare wood is smooth, my foot pads are smooth, the stairs are steep and narrow. When the weight of my back half comes down, the speed and gravity make my pads slide on the smooth wood - thus the problem.
Daddy David carpeted the stairs for me. Wow! Now I have traction and no fear of the stairs. Although I am still not allowed to conquer them unattended; sometimes I just get too excited and fly up or down before the staff is aware. Freedom, independence, and confidence are mine again.
Oh, I am a happy, loved and pampered Dalmatian - as I should be.

Blossom Again.
You have met my friend, Blossom before. I found some pictures my Daddy took of her and thought I would share them with you.
Now, I realize a lot of us canines have some peculiar and idiosyncratic habits and nuances like rolling in dead fish at the shore chewing up tissues or newspaper just for the fun of it; but I find Blossom's past time a unique one. She eats ants. Her Mom allows it and it has no ill effect on Blossom. It just doesn't seem too appetizing to me, but to each his own. Blossom has several methods to her art that I have observed; perhaps there are more that are secret or personal. My favorite is when she stalks her tiny prey. I am a fan of stalking myself and would dearly to surprise an unaware cat. Blossoms prey may be small, but her eyesight is good and she is a successful huntress. The other method I enjoy is what I call her "lazy princess" mode. She just lolls in the sun on her deck and watches the small critters crawl about - sometimes they even get on her paws. Then, with a sidelong glance and a quick lash of her pink tongue a partial colony becomes an afternoon snack. Could there be a cuter pest controller?

FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I guess it's time to introduce you to my family and friends of which I have many. We may get to introducing the human element later; right now I am giving my attention to the canine element.
This is Zoe (Princess Zoe to non-family members as she too is of royalty).
Princess Zoe was the proud owner of Thom's cousin Fran. While Zoe was a baby she was wise enough to adopt Fran. She knew life and service would be good in that house although she would have to accept a feline in the mix.
I never actually met Zoe, but I always heard about her. She lived in Arizona when I lived in Florida and we frequently exchanged small appropriate gifts via our staff.
Zoe moved to Ohio and I moved to Maine where we each experienced winter and snow for the first time in our lives. We both liked it. Wish we would have had the chance to romp together.
Zoe crossed the "Rainbow Bridge" a little while ago. She wasn't feeling well and at home all will be well while she waits for me and her Mom. Bye Zoe - Run free!

SOME SAD NEWS.
Last week I heard both my daddies crying. I don't like it when things are sad and I wanted to cheer them up, but I just didn't have the energy. The sad news we received was about my health. Dr. Teer checked my blood and found out I was anemic among other things. My kidneys needed attention by method of medication for my renal blood pressure. Now everybody in the house is on BP meds. We are aging together in a house full of love and we are all trying to do it with a little class.
After a week of new medicine and a new diet I am feeling a lot better and am not so darn sluggish. Just last night I had to shout (bark) at my Daddy Thom for not paying enough attention to me while he was cooking; and I coerced Daddy David into a game of "toss" and "tug" with my new toy I got from my Bangor Doggie-sitter. I must take control again as I am "The Prince."
Let me tell you of my new diet - Dr. Teer insists and I agree. It seems I am to have a lot of shrimp, fish, and lobster - Now, should I complain? Also the staff is required to serve me 3 times a day - small delicate meals, of course. With all this fussing, feeding, medication, exercise and love I am doing just fine.