Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for the family and friends I have in my life, without you all, these past few months would not have been as manageable as they have been.  I have learned a lot about myself these past few weeks, and about how others think and feel about some of the events and issues we have been struggling with.  I've learned that sometimes letting go and putting faith in whatever the earthly realm has in store for us, may not always be easy, but its far better than smacking your head against a wall I have now called "The Losing Battle"  While we cannot make people see things as we do, feel about things as we do, or want to help the causes we want them too....the fact that we never give up or in, and push ahead regardless of if we fail or not, makes us the better person that we can live with come judgment day.  Today I am thankful for all I have accomplished, and all I have left to do!

Time has Run out!!!

 

I know I haven't given you guys any real updates the last few days, but I'm trying so hard to get caught up in all of my college classes at both universities, in addition to trying to stay healthy (failing!), and take care of Spike who is losing this battle faster than I can come up with help for us.  This post is about the time we had, and the time we no longer have.  Primary glaucoma has stolen away Spike's left eye, and is now greatly putting his remaining good eye at risk.  Besides that, the constant high eye pressure, and ongoing infections from it all is jeopardizing Spike's overall health.  Because I have failed to get together the donations we needed to cover the cost of both treating and eradicating the problem with his left eye, while treating his remaining good eye so we can save it from the same fate, I have adjusted our final fundraiser goal to reflect just what is needed to help us pay for what now HAS to be done with his left diseased eye to prevent further complications and infections from spreading to his vital organs.  If you could take a minute to share our story, reach into your hearts and pockets and help us today, not only will you become a K9 Angel for all the world to see, but will also help us to ensure that Spike will be in our lives for many years to come! Thank you so much, and God Bless!

Forgive the quiet!

Hey everyone, please forgive me for not posting recently its been a crazy and long past few days. Between getting hit with another round of the flu virus, taking care of my health problems, caring for spike, and trying to get caught up in my college courses, I'm completely exhausted. At one point I think I even made a comment about how I feel like a mom with a newborn again! Yikes! In any case there isnt much new news to update you with when it comes to Spike. The eye drops aren't having much of an effect on his diseased eye that is now is blind, what that means is that it just continues to fill with fluid which causes the eye to sill like water balloon increasing the pain and pressure (hard to watch him suffer through!) The right eye (his good eye) is still disease free for now, thought without the surgery and proper treatment we're not sure how long that is going to be. He has trouble more so at night, when it comes to getting around. I blame myself for his unwillingness to accept that he has to do things differently now, we have seriously spoiled him more than I guess we knew we were! It's amazing though isn't it How quickly time escapes us, how fast things grow and change, how one minute you can think you have everything finally working for your, and then the next it all fall apart. I find myself thinking about every time I yelled at him for doing something bad or annoying, or the hundreds of times I've gotten up to let him out and stepped on every blooming piece of chewed dog bone piece I thought he managed to eat. I think back to two years ago, while my husband was on deployment, and it was just me and my son, spike and a handful of chattering parakeets to keep each other company in a new house, in a new place, where nothing felt familiar. It's always times like this that we remember things like those things isn't it? Right now the only thing I could ask for, is to get to a place where Spike is out of pain and misery, and we can begin to go back to some kind of normal routine, even if now we have to tend to a semi blind dog. It's been a little over a month since I started the fundraiser, and thankfully the funds we raised through a week or two ago was enough to cover the expensive prescriptions and eye care specialist appointments we had to go to. It got us through to when we got our final opinion, and the written cost sheet for his surgery. Since then, things have stopped, and I have to be honest when I say that my faith in raising the money we need to pay for Spike's surgery and aftercare is pretty much gone. We just cant figure out how to make more money than we are, when we are barely getting by on the military pay we have now. I made the mistake in the beginning of saying that Spike wasnt a Hero in the sense that my husband is through all of the wonderful things he has done in the last handful of years, but the truth is I was wrong..Spike is my sons hero. I was watching my teenage son lay beside his dog tonight with that sad face on. We can explain that these things happen all the time and that we need to be grateful to still have him with us, but it doesn't take away the fact that he still feels like he's been robbed... after all we've been through so much bad and lost so much over the last 8 years, we thought we were finally catching a break which would let us get ahead, and then get hit with this. But spike is a hero to my son, after all it was spike who 8 1/2 years ago bonded with my son and helped him get through a hard family life that put him in the middle of some pretty bad things, and it is Spike who has helped to get him out of and keep him out of the deep dark depression he struggled with for so long. Right now they are curled up together on the floor, and even while Spike lays there crying in his sleep,its that teenage arm wrapped tightly around him, that has me sitting here in tears. I dont know how many of you have read to this point, or how many of you have followed this story from the beginning, or how many of you even care...lord knows there are some greedy and twisted people in this world who find ways to pull on your heart strings and work the system to get what they think they deserve..but if you have ever had children and ever had a pet you loved like a child you get what im saying, and what im feeling. And if there is any of that same love and compassion still in your heart and you can afford to donate even just $1, the difference you would make for my son and for Spike is far greater than you could ever imagine. Ive called all the numbers I can search for and find, and written to every news and newspaper and radio station I can to help get our story out there, and I'm just out of energy and faith. Anyways I have a nutrition paper to write and turn in, so i can spend the weekend writing two 4 page papers for another nutrition class and my psych class..god bless you and yours...Amy

Todays Vet update

Today we took spike in for his regular vet check up. The diseased eye, has had high pressure issues for the last few weeks. In fact, his eye specialist says the eye drops (which are never meant for long term use) are just not working anymore. In taking him in to his regular vet today, she confirmed the same and made clear that she too feels he wont regain any sight in that eye. My focus needs to be on pain management and getting the money together for his surgery, in addition to fighting like hell to keep this disease from taking his other eye. Overall, Spike had a great day today, though he never really shows us that he is ever in pain. Bumping in to things, and having a little more trouble seeing things at night has been something we have had to get used too, but even I seem to be handling it better. Coming up with the money for the surgery has been difficult. I'm not good with people, or for asking for help, both of which you need to have when trying to raise money for a cause. But this is a good lesson for me, as once i finish my college certifications and BA degree, I want to run several non profits, and work on combating the nutrition and hunger problem we struggle with here in the US. But this has shown me that our pets need help as well. I see on tv all of the televised animal rescue programs popping up, but when it comes to military families...there just isnt much help for us with these kind of expenses. We take very good care of our pets, but these added expenses just don't fit into the average military family budget. We work so hard to get by and feed ourselves, but our pets shouldn't have to suffer. I have faith that this fundraiser will help us help SPike, and then I can begin to work on helping other military families help their pets. Thats all for right now

Wordless Wednesday!

 

 

 



Woohoo Happy Dance Time!

Finally!! Husband came home from working out with his fellow Navy crew, and tossed me the priority mail package that contained Spike's NuVet pills!! Talk about a grown adult doing the happy dance!! I so was guilty! He scarfed down three multi-vitamin wafers easily, and even if it's in my head, I felt a little better.  Like I said from the beginning, there is no miracle pill for any disease whether it be human diseases or animal, but sometimes having something to put faith in helps to ease the pain.  I know that before too long Spike will be blind, but as long as I am doing everything I can to try and fight it and figure things out, I'll feel better when all is said and done. We have raised about an average of $200.00 a week which has paid for Spike's visits to both his regular vet for in-between eye pressure checks, and the expensive animal eye specialist that has the job of helping us decide what's best.  We still have so far to go If we are to ease the pain and suffering, Spike feels ever day, and have one of the surgeries he needs to have for long term peace and a happier life.  I'm doing all I can to try and do this on my own, but its not enough.  I'm running out of ideas, options, and energy.  I know how easy it is to sit there and read this, and in a few seconds or minutes close out this blog and never think about it again.  But I need your help.  Spike needs your help.   My husband is the military hero, not Spike.  But Spike is the hero to my son.  You can help make a difference.  That's all for now, have a blessed Monday night. 



Just another Manic Monday Morning!

What a long long night last night was! It seemed like morning would never get here.  While yesterday reconfirmed that spike's eye was in deed not going to get any better, I'm still holding out hope for these pills I ordered last week that should arrive today.  I say should, because so far nothing has worked out as I have needed it too.  So I say should loosely! I remind you that I in no way think giving Spike these vitamin supplements will cure his glaucoma.  But as someone who is immersed into the field of nutrition, I can say without doubt that vitamins and minerals even for our pets plays such a big role in their health and wellness, just as it does for us.  That even the most well laid out dog nutrition plan sometimes lacks essential vitamins and minerals, and that leaves them missing out on some of the important elements that paves the road for diseases and illnesses to happen.  So, hopefully my order comes today and all will be well in this world until Friday when we see the eye specialist again. Spike is doing better today than yesterday, I suppose this rollercoaster is how its going to be until something else somewhere changes, my mission is to get him comfy and pain free, and I'll do what I have to in order to make that happen.  That's all for now I suppose, I'm at a stall trying to figure out what to say or do to get people to donating again.  It's just stopped and we have four days until we get a written confirmation of how much the different surgery options will cost us.  See how today plays out, that's me over and out! :)

Time has run out!!!

Today's visit to the vet revealed that the time we thought we had to raise the money for one of the eye surgeries Spike has to have to relieve his pain and give him comfort has run out.  After examining his eye, the vet informs us that he no longer has the ability to see out of it at all.  We thought it would have gone more slowly, it was supposed to stay on the slow path.  But that's just not how this has gone.  Regardless of which surgery we elect to have, its in the thousands as far as costs plus the after care.  

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

SPIKE NEEDS YOUR HELP!!

Please consider becoming a K9 Angel today and help us help him to have a happy and pain free life once more.  Every dollar counts, and if you can't, please share our story with your friends and co-workers.

Thank you and God Bless!!

 

Please Donate Today!

Saturday Shout outs!!

Good evening my amazing blog enthusiasts and friends!! There isn't much to update on with spike, he's still struggling so much which is so hard to watch.  Tomorrow morning he gets to go see the regular vet though which is good because I want her to see how he's doing.  I am however very disappointed in the postal service today.  They were supposed to deliver spike's pills today, the holistic ones that I have been waiting so patiently for, and the status says out for delivery but the note posted with it says it mismailed (routed) SHAME!! That is the very first time its happened, and while yes i know it can happen, it just hasn't and not with something so important.  I'm so bummed.  I know I know count my blessing,s and if you have read my previous posts you should know that I am always very grateful for what I have.  But if by some chance these pills will help to make spike more comfortable then i need them to get here as soon as they can.  Well I'm exhausted, I need to get some more studying done for Psychology class and then begin reading for the other courses..I swear these weeks start out slow and then fly by.

Saturdays will by our official "Shout out" Day.  It's where every week we will take a minute to recognize and thank those who have given us so much.  Whether it's by way of prayers, references, donations, or time, each of you has a special place in our family and hearts and this is our way of saying thank you!! Our first official shout out goes out to all of you!!! By helping us to share our story and drum up support and awareness, through your donations (big and small) and your prayers we have managed to squeek by two weeks on this journey and Spike is so grateful as are we to YOU! From Spike, myself, and my family thank you so much for everything! Have a great Saturday evening folks we'll post updates and info tomorrow after the vet appointment!

Watch pots never boil!

I was so excited to get Spike's new pills today, that it never dawned on me to remember that just because something is mailed and gives you an expected delivery date, doesn't necessarily mean that it will in fact be delivered that day.  Needless to say, Spike's pills did not arrive today, and I was so bummed.  That means that while we are out grocery shopping and not home with Spike, the mailman will bring our package, ring the doorbell, and not only upset our poor unwell puppy, but scare him to death. I seem to have forgotten that the more you want something to happen, the less likely that it will when you want/need it.  Isn't that how it always goes? I'm the first to preach those words to my younger military wives, who sit anxiously watching their bank accounts for our next paycheck to auto deposit.  I don't know if it was the anxious hope that maybe these pills will make even a slight difference in how Spike feels, or that I am just plain exhausted to blame on me feeling like we were the exception to this rule.  Reality check accepted! I'll tell you as many of you who are parents already know, when you are exhausted from not sleeping, hours and days begin to all bleed together and it gets more and more difficult to know what day it is.  That my dear canine lovers, is where I sit writing this to you from.  The fact that my 38th birthday is just a week and a few days away doesn't help matters any.  But this isn't about me, it's about Spike.  And until he is better and not suffering or struggling so much, I will stay up with him, rubbing hus little head, and promising him that this nightmare will let go of him soon and he can go back to being a changed but happy puppy once more.  If I say that to myself enough, I'll believe that.  But things wont ever be the same for us will it? Yes blind dogs can go on to live happy and healthy lives, but they won't be the same as they have been for the last 8 1/2 years.  Somehow this is something we were meant to endure, to make us stronger as a family...to make us come together more so, as a family..to work together to solve a problem, as a family.  Maybe this tragic turn of events in our life is a means for pulling us together, as in the last few years, we honestly have grown up and more apart.  Life has a crazy way of keeping us on the edge, and teaching us lessons  and helping us to be better and more than we let ourselves be.  All I know is that we are still so far donation wise from where we have to be as the days tick down, and we are closer and closer to having to make a decision on what to do with spike's bad eye, and what best way there is to go about ensuring it never gets to his good eye.  That's all for now folks, I have a chapter of Psychology to read for class, and then I'm off to bed.

New Video!! (Thanks to a pawtastic friend!)

Become a K9 Angel today!! Help us fight primary glaucoma, and give Spike the care and help he needs to have the healthy and happy life he once had not that long ago!

 

 



My Friday Morning update...

TGIF!!!!

This morning I woke up to crisp air, brrrr! But I also woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the Santa Monica mountains and  that is something you just can't beat!  It took me a few minutes to realize that I had managed to get so consumed in not feeling well and studying, that I managed to skip all my blogging and website duties. Bad me!! Today we get our new Homeopathic tablets today for Spike.  I'm so excited! No, I don't believe in quick fixes or miracle pills, but when it comes down to it, we all can use extra vitamins and minerals in out bodies, and our beloved canine's are no exception.  So, at the very least, he'll start to feel better from that if nothing else.

Spike.....Yesterday was his really good day.  He managed to spend time in the sun and have a relaxing day.  Today.....

Today, his "bad" eye is full of fluid again, and his other eye is irritated and red.  Primary glaucoma isnt just a disease, it's a roller coaster of a nightmare and a costly one at that.  I've made so many new canine loving friends this far along in our battle to fight glaucoma.  The love and support, prayers and strength that have been shared with my family and I is overwhelming to say the least.  You have no idea how much just a simple "We're thinking about," can really mean.....Especially on a down day like today.  Sometimes you don't need more than just a simple reminder that you are being thought of.

Since beginning the fundraiser, we have raised five hundred dollars.  Three hundred of that in just the first week.  In fact, it was a miracle, because we raised that just days before Spike's appointment with the Animal Eye Specialists in  Camarillo.  We had expected it to be the $160.00 we were told it would be...but....Spike's eye had gotten so full of fluid and looked so bad, additional tests had to be done and we  didn't realize the quoted amount wouldn't include those tests.  Especially when his regular vet always includes everything in the quoted price she gives us.  That three hundred dollars we raised, paid for the that important visit in full.  It was that same visit that we were officially told Spike in fact has primary glaucoma.  Without your help we would have been seriously in trouble.

The total cost from start to finish for a dog with primary glaucoma is different for each case and each breed that struggles with it.  Between the regular vet visits and care, combined with the eye specialists with the medications, tests, and upcoming surgeries....the cost to fight this battle and get him/her back into a healthy and hapy life can range from several thousand dollars right up to a shocking $15-16 thousand!!! Spike has been my baby, my little boyd (Nathan) isn't such a little boy anymore.  He turns 15 this summer! My pets are the children I can no longer have.  They are my everything.  Which is why I have to do and try everything I can to face this new challenge with Spike, and get him into a more comfortable and pain free state.  We can't do that without your help.  Becoming a K9 Angel is the difference between where we are right now, and where we need to be, where he has had the surgeries he needs, fighting to keep his good eye glaucoma free, and he doesn't hurt anymore.....

Even just one dollar today, can make the biggest different tomorrow.  There are so many ways you can help!! "like" and share our pages with your friends.  Get together with some friends and do a fundraiser.  And if you can't make a donation, THAT'S OK!!! By sharing our story, and sending us your prayers and continued support and love, your helping us get through each day one day at a time and make each a little easier.

From my family to yours

THANK YOU!!!!!

Late Thankful Thursday (Sorry!) Feb 1st, 2013

Thursday on all my pages are "Thankful Thursdays" A time for Spike and I to take a quick minute to say thank you to all of our Pawpals and K9 Angel's.  The last few days have been so crazy with sleep being moved til the morning, being up all night, etc that somehow Thursday flew right by me!! So a quick Thankful Thursday from us!! Today we are thankful for all of the love and support we have received this week.  Every word, every  hug, every dollar makes such a huge difference in ensuring that we can get Spike through this difficult transition.  From the bottom of our hearts, my family and I, and our sweet Spike.....THANK YOU!! We are still so far from where we need to be, however, and the surgery he faces is a have to have for him to find the comfort and pain free life he deserves.  So please continue to share and like, and donate if you can.  We can't do this without you!