Monday, April 11, 2022

Monday, April 11, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken on April 4, 2009, on Mattie's 7th birthday. This was Mattie's last birthday with us. He had a party both in the hospital and at a friend's house. Next to Mattie was Brandon. Mattie and Brandon were diagnosed around the same time. They were ten years apart, but this age difference did not affect their connection. They understood and appreciated each other. Brandon's treatment lasted about three months. However, after his treatment was over, he consistently came back to the hospital to visit with Mattie. Truly a devoted friend and I learned a lot from their beautiful friendship. 

Quote of the day: You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. ~ Maya Angelou

Indie is a funny cat. As it begins to turn to spring, she desperately wants her outdoor time. We trained her when we lived in the city NOT to leave our deck. However, there are too many temptations in the backyard of our house, so we know she can only come outside on the porch if we are there with her. Indie loves smelling the breezes and she is very interested in birds. 

Meanwhile, Sunny regally sits in the backyard. I got up this morning at 6am because I had things to do before I got my dad up at 8:30am. Literally the first time I sat down today was around 5pm. It was non-stop tasks and work. 

At around 12:30pm, I decided to take Sunny for a walk. I look forward to my walks to clear my head and get fresh air. However, today's walk was a nightmare. Sunny was limping and I felt I was dragging him home. Basically I can't catch a break anywhere. 

Fortunately we have a vet appointment tomorrow, because the vet is giving Sunny a diagnostic ultrasound for preventative purposes (as tumors can form at Sunny's age and if caught early, they can be removed by surgery). Naturally I will have the doctor examine all of Sunny's limbs and paws. Sunny is 10 years old and is considered a senior dog. Not something I like hearing about, as the vet was preparing us for the fact that Sunny maybe coming to the end of his life. You can imagine when he started down this road with us two weeks ago, I wasn't having any of it.

Meanwhile, my day was filled with one chore after the other..... changing bed linens, laundry, making breakfast, lunch, and dinner, doing brain games with my dad, and having him walk in ten minute increments. The weather was pleasant this afternoon, so I brought my dad outside to walk for ten minutes. Walking outside wiped him out, and he got about half way down our street, and I turned him around to go back home. Fortunately his outdoor walker has a built in seat, as I had him take two rest breaks. Tomorrow is my dad's 87th birthday, and despite the chaos we live in, our goal is to make it a happy day for him.