Don’t tell anyone, but I skipped out for a quick visit to New York City last night. It was a brief escape but boy, did I need it!
My husband held down the fort while I joined a group of my girlfriends to celebrate the birthday of our dear departed friend, Pat. Hard to believe that it’s been a year since she was gone, and as great as it was to see everyone, there was a noticeable hole in the evening. We all cooked recipes that she taught us and exchanged wonderful stories about the thirty plus years that we’ve all known each other. The party was held at a very special penthouse apartment that has extra meaning for me because it’s where my husband asked me to marry him eighteen years ago. This is the view from the terrace.
Back at home, we’ve had good news. Pepper’s blood test came back without any major problems. She’s got a very bad urinary tract infection and terrible arthritis. The tramadol helps her sleep through the night, but if I give it to her during the day she can’t stand up because she gets so woozy. The antibiotics upset her stomach so I give her Pepcid. We’ve got three more weeks of pills, and she hasn’t any appetite. Last night, my husband could only get three of the five pills she takes into her. I’m hoping that the warmer weather will help since we can get her to move around outside a little. I’ve heard about a place that does swimming therapy for dogs, so I’m going to check it out.
It was a glorious morning in New York City. The air was so soft and warm, and the sun was shining. I walked down through Central Park before hopping on the train. But as much as I love Manhattan, I was really happy to get home. Everyone here was so glad to see me -- especially Silk.
14 comments:
So glad you got a night out - it sounds like a special group of friends to have known one another for so long and continue making getting together a priority!
And glad to hear that Pepper has two things going on that are hopefully manageable. I can speak from experience that a severe UTI can be incapacitating all on its own. Will she eat some vanilla yogurt to help her tummy and help replenish the good bugs in there?
I have heard good things about Previcox for arthritis in older dogs, but have not used it, so can't vouch for it firsthand.
Sending good thoughts to Pepper. I would guess that when the infection is gone she'll feel much better.
I can certainly relate to the difficulty of pill swallowing. Our dog is on a allergy free diet so hiding the pill in something tasty became tossing them down the throat. We thought we had the technique down until I discovered Cleo was waiting and depositing them in one of my old shoes.
Glad you got to enjoy some nice weather in the city.
My Bastet was on Tramadol her last few months. It really helped with her arthritis -- got her up and running around, and was a great painkiller as well. All my best wishes for Pepper.
It's always a good thing to get away and renew yourself. This is the time of year to do it!
I think it's great you got a day off and went to the city for a day with friends. Nice memories all around it seems.
Glad to hear Pepper is feeling a little better. Give her a hug for me.
Victoria...1st, I hope Pepper is doing well today. There is a swimming pool (therapy) for dogs in our town, and it has really helped my friends dogs.
2nd...the NYC trip must have been great! Does it take you very long to get there by train?
3rd...thanks for the comments. Now the snow is gone and we had a big storm last night with thunder, lightning and flooding rain. Did you get it?
Hope you are able to enjoy the day...yes, coming home is the best.
I just love your blog. Thank you for putting so much of yourself into it.
That is a wonderful view in New York. And what a blessing, 30 years of friendship! I hope Pepper takes her medicine and gets better. That picture of Silk is beautiful. Love reading your blog.
Great pictures of the city! What a nice evening to spend. Glad to hear Perrper is doing better. My Lily bug is a stinker when it comes to getting her to take medicine. Can't even put it in her food!
Sounds like you needed that night out. I'm giving Mina, female dog, concentrated cranberry pills for suspected UTI, and I swear it's working. She feels better and her urine is no longer strong and she's not doing the potty scoot anymore.
Hey there! I have a hard time getting my dog to take pills too--but I have solved the problem! She is old and arthritic and to get her to take her pain pills I found these treats called Pill Pockets. They are chicken flavored and are treats with a little pouch into which you can "hide" your pill. They are soft and squishy so you can actually close the top. Fools my dog every time and she swallows the whole thing without a problem. And I tried everything before that--hotdogs, cheese,etc.--and she would know. You can get the Pill Pockets at Pet Smart in the pill isle. They are about $8 for 30. Pretty pricey but well worth it too me after spending all the money I do on her Rimadyl.
:)
I would love to have a group of women who have gotten together for so long....ours seemed to have lost touch....sad. Looks like a beautiful view of New York City, you're very fortunate to have a place that has such a special meaning. It's a great place to meet the girlfriends and have time spent remembering a dear friend. Thanks for sharing and I hope Pepper gets better soon.
I'm so happy to hear that you had some you-time, Victoria!!! Also glad that Pepper is doing better and oh, that look from Siete made my heart melt!
Greetings from West Africa,
Esther
Are the pills very big? One of the dogs I used to stay with, they bought cheesesticks/string cheese and broke off little chunks and pushed the pill inside of it, then fed it to the dog. The dog practically swallowed it in one piece. Of course, a really smart dog will figure out your tricks! :) I hope Pepper is feeling better soon. It's tough when old dogs begin to experience issues. Their time for recovery is longer.
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