More gfawing

Jackson's mom went out yesterday and bought him a set of booties so his feet wouldn't get wet when he went out - WHAT A WUZ!!!!! He stood there in his new booties too scared to move and when he finally did he looked like a duck waddling! I have never laughed so much it was just so dog-gone funny. As for Maggie and Mitch mistakingly calling me queen of the house, you have adding insult to injury by now calling me the femine version of my name Riley - my name is Reilly. It is just lucky I have a soft spot for you two, so I forgive you :)

Gfaw gfaw

Chuckle chuckle tee hee - Jackson called mom GRANDMA today!!!! For some reason she didn't seem very impressed. It is pouring down with rain here today and Jackson has stepped up "one" in my opinion as he doesn't like getting his feet wet either and any dog that dislikes water as much as I do can't be all that bad - that being said he still has a long way to go before I will accept him as part of MY family. Oh and I must point out to Maggie and Mitch that I am KING of my home not queen!!!!! Please, it's bad enough that humans think I am a girl but my furry buddies doing the same - sigh!

Meet Jackson

May I present the latest addition to our family. Meet IT - oopps I mean Jackson. As I mentioned before he is a miniature wire haired dachshund of about 7 months of age and weighs 8 pounds. Now even though he has the tiniest legs I have ever seen, don't be fooled for this little guy can move. He is like a speeding bullet, he runs around like crazy! As you can see in the photo, his tail never seems to stop wagging either! Mom can't help laughing at him as he has of gray fur on his head that looks like a little mowhawk (what ever one of those is). She says this will get more pronounced as he gets older. He is a spunky little guy and not at all phased about me - I on the other hand am certainly bothered by him and this constantly wanting to play business. It is kind of fun and kinda scary too - and can you believe it MY DAD called me a "wuz" because I keep running away from Jackson. I mean to say - who knows what damage those sharp little teeth could do!

What a day

What a day I had yesterday. First I had a bath, then I got blow dried all over. After that mom trimmed the fur on my feet, around my little boy bits and under my tail. THE INDIGNITY OF IT!!!!!! Then mom cut my toe nails and dog oh dog did she feel bad when two of them started to bleed. They bled for nearly hour and mom was getting quite worried. Now admittedly it was my own fault as I tugged my foot just as she went to cut them but we are not going to let her know that are we. Mom put some gauze and a sock over my foot after she cleaned it all as I was leaving little bloody footprints on the carpet. Of coarse it finally stopped but I had to take advantage of the situation and kept giving mom my best "you hurt me" look which also means "you had better make this up to me by playing" Isn't it wonderful how expressive our eyes can be and what we can get when we use them to our advantage :) This morning I am just fine but I will remember that trick next time I want something. Oh, mom did put styptic power on my toes (which is suppose to stop bleeding) but it didn't help at all.

Merry Christmas

They were forecasting a little dusting of snow for last night but sadly we didn't get any. Oh well, it is cold and I love the cold so I can't complain. I do want to wish every doggie and their humans a very Merry Christmas, have a wonderful day and don't forget to share with us some of that yummy Christmas dinner - it is Christmas after all and we deserve a treat. Also don't forget to be thankful on this day, I know I am. My mom is home this year instead of being in the hospital and is getting better with each passing day. My dad comes home to me every night now (instead of travelling with his old job) and we play every night and I get lots of cuddles. I have a new house with a huge yard that I can run around in and we have a beautiful park just 10 minutes away. Santa gave me everything any cowspotdog could ever want and I am happy!!!! Blessing to all and have a wonderful Christmas day.

I don't like IT

"She who is hardly seen" (dad's human daughter) recently moved in with us again. On Saturday Dad and she went grocery shopping but instead somehow ended up at the humane society and the next thing you know there is small furry thing wandering around MY home. His name is Jackson and he is a miniature wire haired dachshund of about 7 months of age. Mom was a bit upset as she had been wanting to get me a sheltie brother or sister and now she won't be able too, but at the same time she is glad that Jackson isn't in that bad place anymore. Dad said that although the people worked really hard there, it smelled bad and the cages were quite small. Anyway, this little thing has been following me around, stealing my cookies, running underneath me and I don't like IT. I have been growling at it and trying to get away from IT, but it just doesn't seem to take any notice. "She who is hardly seen" has gone to Tennessee for Christmas and took IT with her but when she gets back Mom will post some pictures. Mom is a little worried about me though, as I got myself very stressed out when IT was here and that upset my tummy and I got a bad case of the jelly poops. Hopefully I will get use to IT being here eventually - just so long as IT stays away from MY Dad.

My house

As most of you know, I have a new house and here it is. Mom finally got the camera out and took a photo - yeah mom! We had a very quiet weekend and didn't do anything at all. It was bright and sunny but also very very cold but as you can see, no snow for us. Mom is still contemplating over getting me a buddy, we have found one that we think will be perfect but it would mean a 14 hour round trip drive to go and get him and mom is not sure she can handle that. The other thing is mom would prefer to get me a sister but there just doesn't seem to be many girls available at the moment.

I have a twin !!!!

The picture on the left is of Bing - a happy and I must say rather handsome six year old. The picture on the right is me - also a handsome 3 year old. Bing also has a spot on his back like me but doesn't have the one on his tush like I do. It is amazing though, he has the same flop down ears, the little white fuzz around the nose the same brown on the face and the same kind of look in his eyes. I bet his mom and dad love him just as much as mine love me - how could they not? Do you have a twin somewhere in the world?

In other news Mom has been thinking about getting me a friend and has been checking out Puppyfind. She was quite sad to see the number of older dogs for sale (4-6 years old) that are no longer 'useful' for breeding. She doesn't understand how you can keep any doggie for that long and then just sell it, don't they deserve to be loved and cared for what they provided? These are not just puppy mills she is talking about either but well known and reputable breeders as well. What are your thoughts on this?

Out exploring

What a busy day I had yesterday. First I had a bath and a good brushing, then I got my nails clipped and then when I was all handsome off we went in the car exploring. Dad had found a new State park for us to go and look at and it was okay but certainly not the greatest. The lake was very brown and muddy looking and there wasn't any good walking trails but I enjoyed sniffing around anyway. We did come across a huge white goose that honked at us loudly, I don't know what it's problem was but it sure seemed to have a lot to say about us being there.

After the park we went on a drive and we saw some of the cutest Shetland ponies. Mom says they originally come from the same place I did. We also saw some of the most beautiful horse ranches and Dad says we will have to drive through there again in spring when it is all lush and green again. Poor mom found the car ride a bit difficult as we were driving through the Ozark Mountains and the roads were up and down and up and down - she ended up feeling a bit sea sick (ga-woof ga-woof) It was good to get out though and we enjoyed our day.

Hearth and home

You may be wondering what I am doing laying in front of a fire seeing how I don't like heat, but don't be fooled. Look at what I am laying on - nice cold tiles! My new house doesn't have vents on the floor for me to lay on so I had to find some other way to cool down and this is one of the places I like. Pretty Miss Katie also asked if I had lost weight while my mom was so sick and the answer is YES - nearly 8 pounds!!!! It wasn't due to fretting or missing my mom though, just a case of not getting the treats I was use to getting. The vet is very happy with my new weight as she said I was getting a little a chubby! I prefer to think of it as cuddly. Anyway, my new weight has made my zooming around the yard ability so much faster and every evening Dad and I go and play "skitchum" in the back yard. Skitchum is when you run around like a crazy thing, barking happily as Dad tries to touch you as you go flying past. Mom is still slowly improving and getting a little stronger each day. She can even get down the back step now and come out into my garden with me. We hope everyone has a very happy thanksgiving - try to relax and just enjoy being with your families. Talking of family, it is with a sad heart that Dad's mom, our only remaining Grandpawrent passed away last week. Dad was very upset as he had been planning to go and visit her for thanksgiving but life over the rainbow bridge called and she had to go. Be at peace sweet Elsie and know that we love you.

My new favorite place

My wonderful Dad has discovered a new place for me to explore. It is a huge park that has this pawesome lake, lots of walking trails and trees everywhere. There are also lots of ducks and geese for to bark at. There is a camp ground in the middle of the forest and lots of areas for kids.





In the middle of these trees is a huge fort that the kids can play on. If you click on the photo's you can them to see them better. Mom enjoyed just sitting at a picnic table and resting while dad took me on a walk.


Mom is doing much better and is able to walk a little ways before getting tired. Thankfully there are lots of good places to sit around the lake and Mom enjoys the quiet and the smell of the forest.





I must admit I am enjoying our new home and even though it's not as cold here (we are averaging mid 60's) I like it because we can go for more walks in the park.

Cold rainy day

You all know how I hate to get my paws wet so I thought today that I would fill you in on what has been happening. Back in late August mom had to go back into hospital to have a skin graft to try and help the wound on her stomach heal and of coarse it didn't work - in fact it made things so much worse. Mom got really really sick. She had a hole in the bowel which caused a major infection and then just when she was getting over that she developed ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) She was on a ventilator for two weeks and Dad says we nearly lost her a couple of times. She also had to have a bowel resection done. It was a very scary time and then on top of that the place Dad was working were making it hard for him to stay there. His job required 90% travel and Dad just couldn't do it with mom being so sick. So he found a new job and there is no travel involved which means he comes home to me every night!Mom is doing better but it is still a struggle for her as she has some problems getting enough nutrition, especially the protein she needs to help her wound heal. She also had to spend 3 weeks in a rehabilitation hospital learning to walk and talk again due to being in ICU for a month and being so weak. The one good thing is the medicine they gave her when she was on the ventilator affects short terms memory and she has no memory of what happen in August and September. She didn't forget me or my Dad and that was the important thing. I will take some photos of my new house as soon as the sun comes out again.

Hello everyone

So much has happened the last few months. We are all doing fine and now living in Arkansas and mom and dad have just bought me a new house with the biggest yard! I will write more in a few days when I have my big computer set up, typing on a laptop is hard for paws.

I am still here

Do you know I am now 3 years old? It was my birthday a few days ago (on the 19th) and although we didn't do anything exciting I did get lots of packets of my favorite treats. You would think on ones birthday that you would be allowed to eat as many as you want - but NOOOOOO Dad said it wouldn't be good for me.

As for the Mom, she is doing okay - not great but she is hanging in there. We are still waiting for when she can have the skin graft and it seems like every week the doctors say "next week". Sadly, she has been in a lot of pain and it hurts even for her to pat and cuddle me. That is okay though because I much prefer to cuddle with my Dad anyway.

911 - Flashing Lights and other things

I am sorry it has taken me so long to come on and leave a message but yet again things haven't gone well for the mom. Two weeks ago in the early hours of the morning the mesh they had used on moms stomach to hold the wound together just suddenly gave way allowing her bowel to come out. Dad and I were terrified!!!! Thankfully dad kept his head and called 911 and within minutes an ambulance, the fire brigade and the police were there. There was a lot of noise, flashing lights and LOTS of people but they knew what they were doing and took FANTASTIC care of my mom. I was so scared for my mom and just wanted to be by her side but dad said I had to stay out the way and he shut me in the spare bedroom - can you believe that! Anyway they got mom into the ambulance and rushed her off to the hospital with more lights and noise. Dad let me out and said he had to go to be with mom and we started heading for the door and then he stopped and said I couldn't go with him. "BUT it's my mom and she needs me me" I whined. Dad gave me a hug and said it would be okay. He was right of coarse, mom went straight into surgery and they repaired the wound again (they said it had become infected and the mesh just lost its strength). They have used a different kind of mesh this time and in a few weeks they are planning to do a skin graft to add support to the wound but sadly this has also set mom almost back to square one again.

Thank you for the ideas on the itchy problem, dad took me to the VETS and it turns out to be a garden allergy - not sure exactly to what but something in the garden. They gave me some medicine and it is working really well - no more itching.

Doing fine

Mom has her surgery yesterday and it went okay. She is on bed rest for the next three weeks but if this 'plug' thing works she will be able to start drinking and eating again. It will be a slow process, clear liquids, then soft foods and there is lots of things she will never be able to have again, but she is so looking forward to being able to have a cup of tea again and some watermelon. I like that too so I will be happy to taste test it for her.

In other news, I seem to have an allergy to something and it is making my nose and face very itchy. I have been driving the mom crazy with my scratching. Dad has bought some allergy shampoo so we are going to try that and see if it helps - if anyone has some other ideas on how to ease it, we would love to hear about them. It is only my face that is itchy so we need to be careful because of my eyes.

The great cowspot hunter

Woofitty woof - I caught my first critter ever today!!!!! Those pesky ground squirrels are back now that the weather has warmed up and I caught me one and then left it right by the bathroom door for the mom to find. For some reason though, mom didn't seem overly happy with my gift, especially when she had to dispose of the little body. There is just no pleasing peoples sometimes!

Still going well

The mom is still home and doing okay. She does have to go in next Tuesday for some tests and a day surgery (they are going to put a 'plug' in the hole in her stomach which will hopefully stop it leaking) Mom has also been outside a few times, she gets tired really easily so we don't get to play but we enjoy sitting outside together. Thank you once again to Miss Katie and her mom for the wonderful cards they send each week - mom has saved everyone and will be sending Katie and her mom something special as a thank you. I hope every doggie is enjoying and spring this side of the world - I know I love being able to go outside and bark bark bark.

An update

Mom is still at home (she did spend one night in the hospital while they removed a stint from her esophagus) and she is doing SOOOOO much better now. She is still VERY weak and gets exhausted easily but she starting slowly to be more like my old mom. She said to tell everyone a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU for all the wishes and prayers you have been sending her way and that they mean a lot to her.

The sweetest girl

Mom has been home two weeks now and is slowly getting stronger each day. She still has good days and bad days but so far the good are winning. I wanted to send a special thank you to Katie who sent me a bag of cookies, they were the perfect gift. Hopefully I can write some more tomorrow.

Hello everyone. I'm sorry it has been so long since I blogged but my Mom has been very sick, Dad was afraid she might not ever come home...but she did!!!! Mom just came home today from that bad hospital place that was keeping her from me. I hope to be able to tell you more in the next couple of days.

Thank you all for all the love you have been sending Mom's way. I know it made all the difference and that she will never leave me again.

Mom just can't get a break

There doesn't seem to be any good news for me. My Mom is back in the hospital again. Those darn doctors just can't seem to get it right so I am spending a lot of time alone. I hope Dad can take me for a long walk in the park on Saturday because the weather here is just beautiful...but I'll be sad to go without my Mom.

Sorry it's been so long

Hey fellow furbies. I am sorry I haven't been able to blog but the mom has been VERY sick in hospital again and I have been spending all my time worrying about her. My Dad has too...in fact we spend a lot of time worrying together. She finally came home on Friday and is still very weak but dad and I are are hoping she will slowly get better.

More bad news

Mom went to the doctors yesterday and they found she is suffering from malnutrition so on Friday she has to go back into hospital to have surgery to insert a feed tube direct in her stomach. The IV feeding she has been getting just hasn't been enough and she has been slowly getting worse with each passing day and not feeling well. As for me, well I am doing what a dog does best during bleak winter days - I am rolling around on my back trying to keep myself amused and developing the fine art of of stuffy damaging. So far I have removed an ear and two antlers from my toys.

Happy Birthday Mom

It be my Mom's birthday and she be soooooooo old I can't even imagine it! We had a quiet day as Dad is in California this week but we played 'chase the red light' which we haven't done in ages. It was so much fun and I got myself such a good workout that I had to go outside and lay in the snow to cool off - my tongue was even lolly-gaggling out the side! I think my 'old' mom is slowly coming back and I am so happy!

In Memory of David

Mom is still home and doing okay but she received some sad news today - her brother back in Australia passed away this morning. Please send good thoughts his way as he passes over the rainbow bridge.

Home Again, Home Again.

The mom is home again and doing okay. She didn't get to see the new doctor (just one of his underlings as she called him) and the only thing they told her was that she has two possibly three leaks on the suture line and not one. They say it is to soon after the first surgery to go in and fix them surgically now (8 weeks seems plenty of time of mom) so they have her on a complete Nil By Mouth (no water or food) for the next 4 weeks in the hope that they heal by themselves. Mom gets this special stuff at night time through a tube that feeds her - it goes straight into a main artery though and not her stomach because that is where the leaks are. Overall, Mom says she feels okay, but she gets exhausted with the slightest effort so there is no playing at the moment. I also have to be careful as Mom still has a 'drain' in - it's a long tube with a bag on the end and I have to be careful not to get my paws caught on it. The leaks from moms stomach caused an abscess near her left lung and the 'drain thingo' keeps the bad stuff from building up. Mom says to say thank you for all your wonderful thoughts - she appreciates them so much and we are sorry we don't have a lot of "ME" on my blog at the moment. Hopefully things will start to improve soon and I will be able to start visiting everyone again.

Some changes

I have had to change some settings on the blog and now only registered users can post messages. We have suddenly starting getting a lot of advertising messages so I have blocked those out. If I have blocked out any of my buddies as well - please email me and I will see if I can fix it for you. Peoples are SO RUDE trying to INVADE our bloggies with their advertising. Thankfully we have comment moderation on so you will never see what we see because I delete it before it gets posted. A blogging doggies work is never done!

The dad is having to keep a really close eye on me when I go out at the moment. The snow we had actually reached the top of the fence and now when I go out I can actually walk into the neighbors yards. It scared Mom when she was home and she saw me...so she made dad promise not to let me out unless he stood there and kept and eye on me.

Mom is see a new doctor tomorrow and they are going to see if they can repair the leak she has around the internal sutures. If they can do that using a stint then she may be able to come home by the middle of the week. Mom says she knows I am annoyed that she she hasn't been there a lot lately but she also knows that as soon as she home and she picks up a box of my favorite cookies - that all will be forgiven.

Mom is back in the hospital again!!!

This is becoming really old...but yes mom is back in the hospital again. Actually I think I am becoming momless - cause I am forgetting what she looks like and she certainly doesn't smell like my mom any more. If this keeps happening I think I will be a dad only dog cause at least my dad is there, he feeds me and we play lots...and who needs a mom anyway.

Mom is home again

My mom is home again but she isn't doing too well. She barely has enough energy to get out of bed and spends all the time sleeping. Dad and I are very scared and I think even mom is too, she has been giving me lots of hugs and and wanting me to stay close and has even been crying in my fur. Now normally I wouldn't accept that because I don't like cuddles - but something just isn't right and I know mom needs me now. Please keeping send good woofy thoughts to my mom, she needs every bit of help she can get. Mom also wanted me to say a special thank you to Dawn and Katie for all the wonderful cards they have been sending, mom saw them this morning and she thought they were so special. Mom says I have to send them both big hugs and lickies.

Sorry I haven't been able to woof

The mom is back in hospital again and dad and I have been VERY worried. She started running a temperature of 102.9 on Friday so dad rushed her back to the hospital. She has been on lots of medicines for an infection and today she had a blood transfusion. I am so confused as to why this happening to my mom and why she comes home for a few days and then goes away back to that hospital place. I just want my my mom to come home and stay home.

An update

Yeah, mom is still home !!!! She is still sleeping a lot and doesn't have much energy but she is doing okay. The doctors told her that it will take 3 days to recover for every day she was in hospital and she was there for three weeks !!!! That would be two months!! They don't know my mom though, she's a real fighter. Mom had to go back to the hospital today for a check up and they were able to remove one of the drains so that has made her a little more comfortable. I am spending a lot of time just snoozing at the bottom of the bed so I can keep an eye on her so life is pretty quiet in Reilly world. I do want to say a special thank you to Essex and Deacon who sent me a sheltie cookie cutter - when mom feels better she is going to make me some cookies. Also thank you to everyone who sent me Christmas cards. Mom checked the mail this morning and found some tucked away in there.

Mom is home - Mom is Home - Mom is Home !!!!

All day yesterday the doctors were trying to work out which would be best - to leave mom in hospital for another week, the send her to a nursing home or the have home nursing. There was these 'pro's and con's things' which each and just when they thought they had it sorted it they would change their minds. The problem is Mom has to be on a lot of medications and one of them is 24/7. After many phone calls they finally found out they could hook her up to a pump that would give her that at home, so that is what they ended up doing - sending her home. She has a nurse comes twice a day to do all her medicines and they are teaching Dad how to do it. She has been very tired today and sleeping a lot but I am so happy to have her home. She stills smells funny but I have let her have a couple of pats. Look at the cool photo my dad took, this snow drift is on our back yard and is nearly 6 foot high!!!!

I made mom very sad ;(

I went to see mom last night but that hospital place is VERY scary! I was only allowed just inside the front door which was a strange revolving thing - and it really scared me. I also didn't like the smells. When mom came out she was covered with blankets to keep her warm and I didn't recognize her. I barked at her and didn't want to have a pat. She didn't smell like my mom and I just wanted to stay near my dad. Mom said it was okay and that she understood but I could see she was very very sad. She told dad not to bring me again as it just upset me too much. We are getting another six inches of snow today so dad will be staying home with me today. We have had over thirty inches in total now and it makes driving really difficult because they don't have anywhere to put it all even when they do clean the roads. Hopefully we have some good news on friday

I'm going to see my mom tonight !!!!

They are letting me see my mom tonight!!!!!!!! The doctors have been so worried about my mom that they are "bending the rules" a liitle so I can go visit . I will only be allowed in the foyer by the front doors but I don't care because my mom will be there. They are hoping to let her come home on Friday but they keep saying that and it doesn't happen so I am keeping the dog napping plan in place. Mom says to say thank you to everyone for their comments as most days they the only thing she has to look forward too

Still no good news

Mom is very unhappy today and when she called I could tell she was very upset. What are those BAD people at the hospital doing that they are making my mom upset? Mom had to go have another CT scan today (her seventh in two weeks) to see if they if they could take out one of the drainage tubes but there is still too much infection. They have tried mom on five different antbiotic (dad says those are things that help fight infection - so why are they not helping my mom? ) There is simply no other option we are going to have to dognap mom. Ricky can take the lead because he is super fast and quick at finding the best way out. Martha and Bailey are next because we need their noses to find us the right way out. Katie and Morgan can be next, then Josh and Jess then finally Ludo and me because we are big strong dogs. Anyone else who wants to join in can run distraction for us. Change of shift is at 7.00pm and everyone is busy then so they won't notice us. Set those clocks guys the dognapping of mom begins at 6.30

No good news

Mom had more tests yesterday and they were not very clear as to whether the leak had healed yet. The doctors decided to let mom have some tiny sips of liquid (Mom hasnt had anything to eat or drink for two weeks now) Dad says she has these tube things in her arm and they give her food through that. Can you imagine not having any food to eat? I told dad he could take mom some of my charcoal cookies. Anyway the doctors are saying mom will have to stay in the hospital until next week now. I want my mom to come home now - she has been gone for two weeks now -- what if she forgets me? Dad says mom asks about me all the time and told him he HAS to take me to Petco tomorrow because she is worried about me not getting any outside exercise and smells. They had better send my mom home next week or I am going to sneak into the car when dad goes to see her and I am going to bite some butts!