Good Friday!

Friday the 8th! WSU day. No raptors this time. Graduation is Sunday and the campus was buzzing with students in caps and gowns taking one another's pictures in front of campus icons.

New 4th year students were just beginning their rotation in cardiology, our usual doctor was off studying for her boards and the vet med lobby was a beehive of activity.

Bacchus took at all in stride. He was patient while the students each took their turn in examining him. They aren't called Saints for nothing!

His reveal revealed he had a few "episodes" over the past month but that he had bounced quickly. He's going to have them. Hopefully not severe enough to do him in. They probably come when he's barking at a cyclist or walkers passing by on the road.

They sent us home with no changes in medication, an appointment two months down the road rather than the usual one and an appetite for a double Arby's to make the one o'clock pills more palatable!

Oh, yeah, he's gained two pounds!

As I said last week, these updates will no longer be a weekly exercise, but for this week the good doctors at WSU have given me the best "Mother's" day possible.

How's Old Fuzzy Face?

You may have noticed the lack of an update last week. I have gotten to the point where these weekly reports on his condition have become too difficult. He's still doing relatively well; he's eating, he's getting his meds and he still climbs onto my lap in the evenings to watch television. We don't walk so much any more.

He's slowing down. Heart problems aside, he's an old man and doesn't always feel like romping. So he sleeps. For those of you have been so kind and care about him, I'll keep you posted as to how he's doing. Whether or not there will be any more videos remains to be seen and the updates will no longer come every week. When things are going bad for him, I'm worse. Trying to mask anxiety is becoming too difficult.

Next week we go to WSU to have his monitor read once again and see if his meds need to be adjusted. Other than that we just serenely drift through our daily routine. A neighbor visited last Sunday and he nearly had another episode. We calmed him down but it took him time to recover. It took me longer. Therein lies the problem. The roller coaster ride is not one I handle well.

So Friday I'm off to a hand surgeon to see about getting a cyst removed from a finger on my "mouse" hand. It has had a spurt of growth and snags on everything. Yuck! I have to start taking better of myself to better care for the men in my life. For all they've both given me, it's the least I can do!

In lieu of my usual video of a raptor from WSU I've been alerted to this one. An eagle's nest in BC with live video. One egg has hatched, by the time you watch maybe both. It's heartwarming and beautiful. Bookmark it or whatever if you like this sort of thing and come back often.

Spring Has Sprung Bacchus!

Bacchus has had a good week. Even though he is eating well once again, we see that he is slowing down. What is to be attributed to heart disease versus old age is hard to differentiate. The combination is the difficult part with which we have to deal.

I've friends with dogs who are dealing with similar circumstances and we swap information constantly. The one thing we have in common is that we all realize that we're grasping at straws. I don't know how it will be with my friends, but I do know that at our age, Bacchus will be our last dog. That is why I cling to him so desperately for I will so miss him, his presence, my connection with him. We've had five before him. The loss of each has been excruciating. I don't think I have it within me to do it again.

A Gold Star Friday

It's raining today but there is nothing that can dampen my spirits. Bacchus had his monthly check up at WSU yesterday. He had an echo cardiogram and x-ray of his lungs. His reveal was read. His ears were scratched and he got lots of hugs. One of the techs brought him out to us. We waited patiently for his cardiologist. She was beaming as brightly as the sun that was shining outside the windows.

"He gets a gold star!" she grinned. The enlarged ventricles had not enlarged further, his respiration and pulse were as good as could be expected all things considered. His puffing that has worried me is from a lung ailment he has had for as long as we can remember - probably exacerbated because of where we live. His weight was holding steady. The heart is functioning well enough to keep everything else working. At least for the time being. I felt the tension fall away. Without a glass or two of wine!

We had our discussion about his eating habits - or lack thereof. He's developed a taste for grilled chicken, lost his taste for chuck roast (thank heavens), and developed a healthy taste for yogurt. As you can see!

Once again the cardiologist said to feed him anything he will eat, except grapes and of course chocolate. He will now get all the sausages he wants, rice, chicken or pork, beef, pasta, and real yogurt. None of that non-fat stuff that Mom and Dad have been sharing. The objective is to get some weight on him.

It's been nice having a really positive weekly update. I hope there will be a lot more but no matter, we'll take whatever we can get.



Last but not least I can't leave out the WSU raptors from our monthly visits. This week I met Gwen, a Screech Owl that had been hit by a car resulting in brain damage and partial blindness. I love how socialized these birds have become under the care they've received and consider it a privilege to get to see them up close and personal..

Breakfast With Bacchus

Well. Here we are again, still chugging along. Bacchus has a stubborn streak that is putting my patience to the test. Eating is still a problem. At least that which is nutritious. As you can see, he's not crazy about taking his pills any more.

After consultation with his cardiologist, we've started him on a human anti-depressant that works as an appetite stimulant in dogs. We're hoping it works - and that we can use a generic because it is prohibitively expensive! Today is second his day. If it's going to help it should be kicking within the next couple of days. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

We had a good week. The continuing snow keeps the old boy happy even though everyone else is thoroughly tired of it. Once it's gone he'll have to go back to drinking water like a regular dog rather than laying for what seems hours eating snow.

Today's video is longer than I like to post but I wanted you to have an idea just what it takes to get pills into a very stubborn dog. Patience - and for the sake of your fingers - prudence!

Next Friday we go to WSU for a check up and an assessment of how he's doing. From our point of view it's not bad. We're still allowing him to romp if he wants. Walk as far as he wants and pretty much eat what he wants. Why is it I don't think anyone will indulge me to this extent!

Reality Check

I've got to tell you, I'm not sure I can continue these weekly updates. It's an emotional roller coaster as much as is Bacchus's condition. The difference is he doesn't know it!

Tuesday we had taken a longer walk then usual. One of his favorite neighbors came out to see him and they greeted each other as would anyone who's been cooped up for the long winter months. I had no sooner shut off the camera when Bacchus keeled over, legs flailing and gasping for breath. I thought that would be it. George and I knelt beside him and he quickly calmed down. I kept him quiet while George called Hub and asked that he bring the van around.

By the time he arrived Bacchus was standing and we were scratching ribs and ears. We stood chatting for a few minutes after Hub arrived then I put Bacchus in the van. He peered out the window and his expression said, "Why am I in here? I want to be out with you guys!" That fast he seemed back to normal. What we don't know for sure is how much it took out of him.

I talked with our vet and his cardiologist and they explained what had likely happened. It drove home the point that he has a very weak heart. Not only does he have to deal with the enlargement, the arrhythmia rears it's head and gives the system fits.

He came out of this episode and seems pretty much himself. The fluctuations in his eating and willingness to take pills continue but he's happy and bouncing around like he has good sense.

A friend of mine suggested writing these weekly updates is cathartic. It is if those of you I'm doing it for realize it isn't always going to be a cheery "he's holding his own". The truth of the matter is we don't know. He gained back five of the pounds he lost. That's good. He had this episode. That's bad. It's day to day. It's rough.

So I'll end on that note. Another week. The neighbor's grand kids are playing next door. He's having a good time barking at them. It's what he does. Que sera sera.

An Upbeat Week

To see an upbeat, playful Bacchus is a real treat. He's been on his new med for a week now. At first he slept so soundly I thought he'd slip into a coma but as the week progressed he seemed to gain a bit more energy.

The med is a beta blocker, which in essence acts like a governor on the heart, preventing it from beating beyond a certain level.

Yesterday we went for a ride. A real ride. Over to Kalispell via Polson and Big Fork. One night last week Hub woke up with a start having heard through his sleep a huge snort and a long, wheezing sigh. It's over, he thought. He found Bacchus sound asleep against the cool of the back door. The culprit was me. So we went to Three Dog Down, our favorite shop in the world to buy feather bedding. We got me an anti-snore pillow!

The we drove up the East side of Flathead Lake to Big Fork, on to Kalispell and finally on home. With lots of stops and wonderful new smells and hearty, if not healthy, McDonald's lunch. It was a glorious day!

Today we had the blood pressure checked and it was fine, respiration was good as were the beats per minute even though he was at the vets!

One issue is he has lost a bit of weight. The cardiologist said it was muscle mass and our vet agreed since he's not as active as he had been plus he goes on his eating strikes unless its people food.

Pill taking has graduated from hot dogs and smoked sausage to chuck roast. He's beginning to take pills in better food than we often eat. He is, however, regaining some appetite so next week we're going to do the blood pressure/weight check drill again.

Thursday and again Friday when I shot the video makes it all worth while. Hearing that drummer of his keeping the beat is truly music to our ears!

Defying The Odds

This was the look Bacchus gave me as I walked him to the van down at WSU while Hub paid his bill and picked up another month's worth of pills.

"Ha! I don't have to kiss the cardiologist and you can't make me want to take my pills!" I could see the speech bubble hovering over his head. Well, he didn't and I can't but it's a battle of wills on the pill front.

How did he check out? Like the imp he can be. He was so exercised at being at WSU they couldn't get a good reading from his implanted "reveal". They could determine his heart rate is still too fast. I could have told them that without the fancy gadget in his side!

So the game plan is to improvise. They sent us home with our own remote to trigger the device three times before his next visit. Two when he's totally at rest. That shouldn't be too difficult since he's usually totally at rest, except he's usually sleeping on the device. Of course waking him and getting him to roll over is defeating the purpose so it will require some diligent observation. The other is right after a good romp. That may actually be the easier of the two!

The only remedy for his sporadic appetite is another pill. We've decided to hold off on that since he's holding his weight. He eats nothing one day and makes up for it with junk the next. He's learned the pill in the hot dog trick so now balks at that and is back to getting them the hard way. Neither Hub nor I are going to have hands left by the time this is over but boy, will we have chest and arm muscles from prying open a Saint Bernard's jaws! And he thinks it's a grand game! As soon as he's swallowed them and his droopy lips are checked for remnants he sits expectantly awaiting the hot dog and sausages as a reward! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!

We've added another blood pressure medicine to work with the one he's already taking. Hopefully he won't have a negative reaction to it like the last time they adjusted dosages. If all goes well he'll go to our vet for a blood pressure check next Friday.

His next trip to WSU is a month down the road when they will be doing x-rays of his lungs and testing med levels in his blood. We're to the point now of celebrating the victories as they come. The greatest, of course, is that we still have a not so saintly Saint which is the one we know and love so much. A smaller one is when he let's us sleep through the night. The wish list includes the medications continue to do their job and that he regains a taste for pill laden hot dogs. It's not that he won't eat; he just has no interest in dog food. When Hub or I feed him last bite of a burger or, as was the case this morning, the last bite of breakfast burrito topped with Habenero salsa he gobbles it right down. As I said, he's an imp!

I thought I was going to miss seeing the WSU raptors this trip since none were out and about during our wait, but as I was taking Bacchus back to his van one of the handlers was outside with another American Kestrel. This time a sweet girl named Kessie. I so enjoy seeing these birds and chatting with their handlers. Enjoy the clip.

Bacchus And His Doofy Meter

Bacchus's week was far less exciting than last week when he made the acquaintance of Emily the Golden Lab, but it wasn't bad.

His stitches came out Tuesday and the vet was pleased at how perky he seemed and the fact that his weight is holding steady.

He has his frisky moments like running the fence line with Sadie, the Boxer next door, now that some of the snow has melted. They're a pair, both about the same age. It's like watching geriatrics running. Not much pace and a lot of huffing and puffing from all parties but oh, the exhilaration!

Yesterday he supervised the workmen next door doing some work on the neighbor's septic. Lift that shovel! His vocal encouragement was loud and clear.

He had a visit with his kennel guy and has had a lot of rides right on past the vet. I can sense him exhaling in relief. No pricks or probes at the end of this ride! Next Friday we go back to WSU to have his "reveal" read. It won't tell them what they want; we can see that his respiration is still elevated, but his system seems to have settled into the medications and he's adjusting his level of activity accordingly. When he sleeps he sleeps the sleep of the just, especially if the just snore!

Some days are up, some a bit less, but if doofiness is any measure he's holding his own!

A Golden Opportunity Of A Different Sort

I hadn't done my exercises two days running due to early morning vet appointments so I was determined to get them done this morning. I had just settled into one of the most relaxing of them when Hub appeared at the door and asked, "Why is there a Lab in the back yard?"

One of those "What?" moments. Sure enough there was a Lab puppy in the yard running circles around an obviously enthused Bacchus. By the time I found shoes and a coat, they had progressed to the deck and Bacchus was exhausted.

Hub said he'd corral the pup and get it back outside the fence then look for a hole. He wasn't gone two minutes when he was back in the doorway. "No hole," he says. "He just cleared four feet of fence with room to spare."

I had him call a vigilant neighbor to find out who in the hood might have a Lab pup. No answer when we phoned so I closed it in the shop and headed to the neighbors. Yep. Meet Emily. A rambunctious handful. If Bacchus wasn't in such precarious shape I'd love to have her visit on a regular basis, but the time for such exertion, I'm sorry to say, has passed.

He's asleep now, here with me, in the office. I'm sure he's expended his quotient of energy for the day. But for one bright, shining moment he got to be a puppy again. Not a bad way to end the week.

A Roller Coaster Week!

Bacchus agrees. What a week! As you know, last Friday we were at WSU to have the "reveal" implant. The cardiologist also made some dosage changes and sent us home with possible side effects to watch for. He was pretty dopey from the sedation through Saturday. Monday I took him to our vet to have his BP checked and all seemed well.

Then came the red flags. His eating ground to a halt and his respiration increased to the point by Wednesday night he sounded like a freight train. He quit drinking water and wouldn't lay down. I was sure we had lost him by 3:00 a.m. It had gotten suddenly and totally quiet. Hub and I got up and began looking for him. He was nowhere to be found. "What the..."

The game room upstairs? I didn't think he'd have been able to climb the stairs but there he was sound asleep. He finally stirred enough to go outside but the freight train was still with him. Hub was on the phone to the cardiologist; a chest x-ray was ordered and off we went to our vet. The fluid had begun to refill his chest. We could hear the phone conversation between our vet and the cardiologist. The idea of driving him to WSU in a snow storm to put him on an IV to stabilize his blood pressure was out of the question. So they agreed to increase the diuretic and reduce the one that was raised Friday to it's previous level.

By evening his respiration had returned to it's previous level. Our vet called to check his progress and asked I bring him in the morning to recheck the BP. He started drinking water, spit his pills out of the hot dogs then ate the hot dogs. Well, that's my boy. He was definitely feeling better.

I was laughing when we got to the vet. He headed straight to his usual exam room without hesitation. He didn't even quiver when the vet came in and scratched his ears. "What's this?" she asked. "I think, resignation. If you can't beat 'em join 'em!"

His breathing was much improved, his BP back in an acceptable range. He ate a smidgen of lunch, is drinking water as he should and is enjoying a fairly nice day eating snow and viewing his world from his favorite snow banks.

He's still scheduled to have his stitches out Tuesday. Hub says we're going to quit fooling with the meds. His system has to get used to what they are doing to it. One more day. We've made it over a month with only one really bad scare. That we had it is not good; that we were able to counter act it is.

I love our vet. She not only knows how to handle Bacchus, she knows how to handle me. And that is no easy task!

In A Heartbeat!

The visit to WSU went well. The cardiologist was pleased with the way Bacchus looked and the fact he is maintaining his weight. There are still problems that need resolving. His heart beat is still too fast so we've adjusted that medication. His eating patterns are sporadic. But when she came to talk with us after the procedure she was laughing. "He just snored through the whole procedure!"

He's uncomfortable today. I had thought the device would be a small disc. The "reveal" as it is called is perhaps an inch wide and three inches long. No wonder he's sore! Plus he didn't get all his meds yesterday because he was too groggy. We didn't want to add to the trauma. Not that we could have rousted him enough anyway!

The best part for us is that he slept through the night. At least we thought he did. Actually the remains of his uneaten lunch burger was gone from his dish this morning and he did scoff down his morning mixed grill.

June, if you're reading this, don't fret over the "bad" sausage. The important thing is to get the medications into him. He needs the nutritional value of his regular food but his doctors say to do whatever is necessary to get him to eat and of course we've been at this long enough now he's learned how to play me!

The next step is stitches out in 10 days, a blood pressure check and EKG. He doesn't have to go back to WSU for a month. In three months there will be another whole battery of follow ups. I asked the cardiologist if she thought we'd still have him in three months and she replied she certainly hoped so. True optimism or professional pride I'm not sure but I'll go with the optimism. Not that I won't be stewing the whole time. That's me.

If the weather will cooperate, which seems unlikely, we have a few day trips planned which will be trauma free for the kid and us. He needs to have some fun. We need to have some fun. And we're going to do it together!

What A Pill!

We're at Washington State today for a check up and if all is well Bacchus will have a heart monitor placed under his skin to better keep track of what is and is not happening.

It also marks the one month anniversary of when this all began. All in all he's had a pretty good one. And of course, we're just happy we still have him. It's still touch and go. Sometimes he wants to eat, other times he doesn't but you'll see in the video he was happy to oblige me on Monday when I shot it. I'm taking you at your word, my friends, when you tell me you want to be a part of this!

I'll catch up with you sometime over the week end to let you know how things went.

Bacchus Update

I meant to tack this on to yesterday's post but didn't get it downloaded. This is how Bacchus is looking. Being a dog. Making his snow angels. Note his bright pink tongue! That was truly his valentine to me yesterday!

For The Love Of A Dog

Today seems an appropriate one to explain a bit about my relationship with Bacchus. Though we've always had strong relationships with our dogs, the one Bacchus and I have is probably due to timing and circumstance.

We had him for about a week when I got word my Mom was terminal - maybe a couple of weeks at most. Hub had business trips scheduled so we decided I'd take the puppy and drive to North Carolina from Rochester. The plan was I'd stay as long as necessary.

The irony did not escape me that I was going to introduce a new life to her as she was losing hers. It was a bittersweet thought; one not to be fulfilled. Mom didn't make it through that first day. So there we were, Bacchus and me. We stayed a month taking care of everything that has to be done to close out a life. Funeral arrangements, estate sale, getting the house ready and putting it on the market. The two of us together. At night, when exhausted, he'd snuggle up with me and give me the comfort I sorely needed. We formed a very special bond.

You might think a puppy would be a handful under such circumstances but he was incredibly good. He seemed to sense it was the prudent thing to do. He played puppy more to bedevil the neighbors who were helping out then to aggravate me. He never did. He literally house broke himself; slept through the nights without being in his crate and was always ready with an antic to give me a laugh when I needed one most.

Things normalized when we got home and he quickly trained his people to do his bidding. We did so happily. The next lengthy period of time he and I had together was when we moved from Rochester to Coeur d'Alene. Hub was staying behind to supervise the packing and do the final clean up while Bacchus and I drove here to close on the house and have things ready for the arrival of the trucks. That drive across the country was another special time. We weren't in any big hurry. We detoured through Yellowstone where he learned firsthand about bison and bears and elk. He barked his enthusiastic greeting to all of them. The only ones who paid any attention were the bear cubs who guessed he probably wanted to play. Sorry kid, bad idea.

Once settled, we began our morning walks. It was our doofing time. He enjoyed snuffling anything and everything along the roads and I'd let my mind wander anywhere it wanted to go. A couple of miles. Every morning. If the neighbors were out we'd stop and visit. Soon everyone from the school bus driver to the county workers starting out on their morning schedules from the truck yard at the end of the street to people commuting down the road became hand waving friends. Everyone knew the Saint Bernard and the lady with the pink pick up bags!

When I began blogging, the premise was writing about my thoughts while on those walks. And so it has been for the past nine years. We haven't a lot of time left on this journey through life together. It hit me so hard because it was so unexpected, even at his age. Much the same as it was with my Mom. What had been an upset stomach turned into a recurrence of colon cancer that had metastasized to her liver. No one saw it coming. Her caregivers, who were the best, were dumbfounded. The parallels are uncanny.

We've been so fortunate to have superbly gifted and caring veterinarians looking after his well being. We've got the meds pretty well sorted out and figured out the eating problem so he's back on his food. Next Friday he goes back to Washington State to have a heart monitor placed under his skin so we can better determine just how well his heart is doing.

It's what one does for a family member. It's interesting. So many people equate pets as substitute children. We never have. We chose not to have children. We always wanted dogs. Four Saints and two mutts over 40 years. They have all been beloved, wanted pets; not substitutes for anything.

I'll no doubt write about our adventures on occasion but regular updates seem to be a bit ghoulish. Yesterday, all of us being struck with cabin fever, we decided to pile in the van and go for a ride - to Missoula to do some shopping. Bacchus got his two hamburger lunch and a ride which he loves. He's a dog. We're going to let him enjoy being just that as long as he himself is enjoying it.

It just seems the right thing to do for the big ole guy who has given us, and especially me, so much, so many times.

Fuzzy Face Update

I haven't been doing frequent updates on Bacchus because I didn't think most would be interested, but since many of you do ask, especially when I mention him in a fit of pique, if there is something to report I'll do so on the week ends. Unless, well, you know...

His liver enzymes are back in the acceptable range. The blood level of another drug that was causing concern is also where the cardiologist wants it. We've adjusted his heart rate medication - it's still beating erratically but with an arrhythmia there's only so much that can be done. He is also off his food again which is of concern because he needs to maintain his body weight. He also is preferring snow to water indicating a possible rise in body temperature that may be thyroid related. We'll get that scoped out over the next few days.

Hub said this morning, "Where did all this come from all at once?" Well, he's old, number one and the onslaught of drugs was bound to have some consequences we hadn't anticipated. Figuring out what is what is the frustrating part.

It's hurry up and wait. Draw blood, wait for the results. As for his quality of life, it would seem he still doesn't realize he's sick. He lays in the snow by the fence watching the world go by and barking at anything that moves. These days it's mostly a covey of quail. He just doesn't walk as far. Though the snow berms still remain a challenge he can't resist.

He's taking his meds without problem and still gets me up in the mornings with a wet nose in my face, follows me to the den for the ritual ear rub and settles in while Hub and I read the papers.

I'm the problem here. I worry about everything. Hub does his best to keep me in check. The vets have had the patience of Job and as the cardiologist drilled into me yesterday, my "kid" is no longer a kid, but now a sweet little old man and all that brings with it.

Again, for the good wishes many of you have sent my way, thanks for caring. You are a very special group and I'm glad you've come into my world.

For Those Of You Who Asked About Bacchus's Progress

I haven't been giving updates on Bacchus because there are still a multitude of issues being sorted out. Dosage issues. Side effect issues. He had a heart monitor on for 24 hours; we're awaiting the analysis from that.

He's more perky the last several days and has finally gotten back to eating dog food. Heaven forfend! No more people food except to get his pills. He always has been a picky eater.

His liver enzymes have spiked. The cardiologist wants an ultrasound but our vet and Hub, my researcher supreme, did their own research and find that one of his meds will do this and will correct itself so we're not rushing into anything until we get a couple of more readings.

We've resumed walking. Not as far as we used to go, but nearly so and at his pace, which never would have taxed either his heart nor mine!

Basically we're still in limbo. The prognosis remains the same. He could go on for a year or so or have an episode that could end it all in seconds. The next couple of weeks we'll be testing and checking various things often. Meanwhile our dear old fuzzy face is snoring softly here in the office with Hub and me. It's the most beautiful sound in the world.

And for those of you who asked, thanks. It means a lot.

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE

Just spoke to our vet and Bacchus's liver enzymes are coming down. We'll have them plus some blood levels of medications checked again next Tuesday. It will make for a more peaceful weekend!

Golden Moment

Time in waiting rooms is usually spent leafing through old magazines and getting irritated because the doctor is running late. This has not been the case at Washington State's Vet Med Hospital. It is a large waiting room and though somewhat sterile, it's filled with comfortable couches and chairs and even TV.

It is a place of high emotion. Some tragic as was the case our first night there a week ago. A woman came in sobbing that her dog had been hit by a truck and she was sure he was dead. The staff got him on a gurney and brought him in and sure enough he was gone.

Hub hissed at me to leave well enough alone when the staff left her to take the dog away. Filled with empathy that night in particular, I hissed right back that I had him to console me but she was all alone and proceeded to where she was sitting. She fell against me and sobbed out the story of the entire ten years they had been together.

Already on shaky emotional ground I cried right along with her. The staff returned to talk with her and I took my leave.

Yesterday was a mixed bag. There was the student with Jackson, a sweet natured pit bull pup who was there for shots and to set up a neutering. There was the lady with the Great Pyrenees puppy who wanted to visit everyone everywhere and did to everyone's delight.

There was the lady who brought in a cancer stricken cat. Her son was dying from pancreatic and liver cancer. The cat was his and she was determined it was not going to die before he did.

People talk with one another. Whether their pet is healthy or gravely ill they empathize. You can feel it filling the room. And once in awhile something wonderful happens.

A blind Golden Eagle is brought out for a fresh air break and a chance to spread his wings. I wonder if they do this as a way to hearten the underlying sadness. It sure lifted my spirits, if only for a short time. It was a joy to see life had triumphed in a place where it often does not.

Borrowed Time

We brought Bacchus home last night with a pharmacy under one arm and a book size set of instructions under the other. Hub made up a chart this morning so we don't miss a dose. We go back Tuesday for follow up testing and adjustment of his meds as necessary. We're still a bit stunned but coping.

Bacchus seems a bit stunned too though the staff at WSU fell in love with him and spoiled him even more than we have - if that's possible. I knew that would happen. What's not to love about that big old furry face! Plus the sweetest disposition a Saint could have.

If he responds well to the drugs he could have up to a year. He could be gone when I look out the office door to see if he wants to come in. We have no idea. But we'll give it all we've got.

As Hub said to me after the cardiologist told us the time frames, "At least now you're prepared." And so I am. He'll let us know when it's time.

To all of you who responded with good wishes on yesterday's post, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much it has meant.

It's time now to get things in order. Get the house picked up and the emotions settled down. We've already scoped out the new routine. I've been given what I had hoped for; some time. It will be well spent.

Whammy!

What began as a routine visit to the vet ended up a sprint to the vet med school at Washington State with one very sick Saint Bernard.

Bacchus was due for his six month check up. He had been coughing a bit. Nothing unusual because he's had allergies. He fell a couple of times. Having hip dysplasia, being old and trying to navigate the heavy, wet snow we thought he had pulled something.

Our vet gave him a good going over then got out the stethoscope. "Has he had any heart problems?" she asked. "No," I replied, anxiety rising.

"He's developed an irregular heart beat." She had me listen. It sounded, as she described it, like tennis shoes in a dryer. It did.

"I'm going to take an x-ray and do an EKG to see if I can see what's going on then I'm sending you to the cardiologist."

Shortly she came back with the x-ray in which the heart should have been visible. It was not; obscured by the fluid surrounding it. His heart rate was racing at 200 beats per minute. She gave him a shot of something to stabilize him, called Washington State, made all the arrangements, gave me a map, and sent me on my way.

I swung by, picked up Hub and we were off. Two hours later we were greeted at the door by a vet med student who would be working on the case. Within five minutes she had the information she needed and the cardiologist and a team of students were explaining to us what Dr. Prince had phoned ahead and what they would be doing.

A couple of hours later she came out and explained what they had found and what they planned to do then sent us home.

Today is the day of reckoning. They've called twice and we're waiting for another update. So far he's stable, eating, expelling water like crazy and enjoying the fawning of the staffers who think he's so "cute"!

He's not out of the woods. The heartbeat is still elevated but they're working on it. We're doing "stuff" to keep busy as the time passes. I'm barely functioning. It was so sudden. We didn't see it coming nor did the vet who knows him well. But such is the way things go.

If he makes it I'll treasure every minute more we have. If he doesn't, I'll know we did everything possible. He's had a great run. I'd just like it to last awhile longer.