More sickness

On Monday Legend seemed to feel good and her bloodwork was quite a bit better. But Wednesday her appetite started to get worse so Thursday we repeated the bloodwork and it was about the same as Monday but with some changes in some liver values. We had an ultrasound done and results showed degenerate kidneys (no surprise) and some changes to liver and gallbladder that may or may not be significant. So we added some more drugs to her arsenal as a last resort and have continued with fluids but subcutaneous so she doesn’t have to be stuck in a cage. 

Yesterday we were joined by Cheri and Rowan for some water fun. And while she’s for sure not feeling herself she had fun. 

Tonight when it got cool we played a lot of ball and she played in the pool. We also took a walk in the yard. We are not sure what tomorrow holds but we are trying to make the most of it. 

Wild Ride

This week has been a bit crazy.  Monday was normal, the dogs had their swim and all was well. Tuesday and Wednesday Legend didn't feel that well and intermittently ran a fever, at one point she wouldn't even eat treats or a peanut butter stuffed kong.  So Thursday I ran bloodwork and she had an elevated white cell count, maybe some pancreatitis and progression of her renal disease.  For the last 18 months we have been managing non-clinical (other than drinking a lot) renal disease and it's been very stable.  I knew it would eventually progress but it's still hard to accept.  So we put here on 2 days of IV fluids and some new meds.  While she's not eating what I would like (renal diet food), she is eating at least something and does seem to be feeling better.  In fact I took her to the nose work trial this weekend as she felt good enough to sniff.  I figure you never know how much time you have and we were going to get out and do what she loves no matter the outcome.

Well the outcome was mind-blowing.  She's not always as fast as she used to be but she still had a great time and banged out a 6/8 weekend, picking up several new advanced titles (AKC) and some placements to boot.  She even got a first place in advanced buried today at the end of a long and warm weekend.  I was so proud of her and so happy we got to share another weekend as teammates.

And here is the video

Epic decided he would not be outdone and nailed a perfect 7/7 weekend picking up some new novice titles and a novice High in Trial today!  He also got some placements and worked like a little champ all weekend long.  I couldn't not be more proud of how he's coming along.  Especially considering the lack of training he's had lately.  Between getting ready for the agility trial and then Legend getting sick, nose work practice had taken a back seat but it sure didn't show!

After the trial we took them out for ice cream, a walk and a swim at the jogging path and then a fun evening in the yard with the other dogs.

In non dog related news, Jerry and I enjoyed a nice evening out on Friday and yesterday attended a co-workers wedding.

Regularly scheduled programming

Now that the kids are gone this blog will pretty much go back to dogs, dogs, horses, dogs and some vet stuff. Yesterday we celebrated our agility weekend by swimming. Taking both of them at the same time was not a total success but we still had fun. And I promised Legend we would go alone next time. Now it’s time to shift gears for a weekend of AKC scentwork. We have a big summer full of dog events planned. And some other fun stuff too!

A star is born

Epic made his agility debut this weekend and did not disappoint! I couldn’t be more proud of him. He pulled together everything that he knows and then some. He ended up with 6/12 Qs and great start lines, no knocked bars, only one missed contact and even did a few rear crosses. And yes, I have video!

And here’s all his winnings!

Not wanting to be left out them girls got to play too. Lyric went 4/4 in elite tunnelers and jumpers. Legend joined the other teens in intro jumpers and tunnelers and picked up a few tunnelers legs.  

Autumn and Candy got to socialize and meet new friends. No takers yet but it was nice to get them out and about. 

The big goodbye

Yesterday was the day. We had to say goodbye, or see you later, to the girls. It was certainly a day of mixed emotions. While we look forward to “normal” life we will definitely miss them and shed some tears as they headed off through security. I hope they had fun here and hope they come back to visit. And hopefully someday we make it to their counties as well. 

Packing

The last family photo

Reminders of all our girls

The room waits for visitors and future exchangers 

And just in case we seemed to sad, this goofball kept us amused. 

 

Farm fun

We visited my friend Barbie last weekend as well to see all the baby sheep and goats. And they did not disappoint!

Top of the Rock. Again.

I’m way behind in posting but we went to top of the rock with the girls to do the lost canyon nature trail. I definitely recommend this. So beautiful and relaxing. 

After the tour we took in the rest of the lovely views followed by a great dinner at a place we had not been to before