I saw my first Monarch Butterfly yesterday. We have a lot of milkweed around here, so there well may have been more of them flying around during my time away. But I have seen less and less of them each season, so I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of this beauty flitting from zinnia to zinnia. The first time I saw her I was outside with Scout and didn’t have a camera. The second time, I was able to run into the house and grab my older camera with the zoom lens.
Aren’t butterflies supposed to symbolize transformation? Good, because we can use some around here with our little Scout. She continues to have a hard time recovering and we continue to be concerned. She was nauseous yesterday and has been since she came home, so we took her back to the vet for some fluids and a shot of anti-nausea medicine. She also got a shot of penicillin, so that we don’t have to try to get her to take a pill for a couple of days. She hasn’t eaten much at all, she’s lost 4 pounds, and her breathing is labored. She has allergies and her breathing has become a bit raspier as she has aged, so some of it we weren’t worried about, but it’s worse now and she sometimes moans. We can’t always tell whether she’s moaning because she’s in pain or because her stomach is upset.
She’s walking around just fine and the doctor says her eyes and color look good. But yesterday, late in the afternoon, she seemed worse and I didn’t know what to do. We monitored her and eventually phoned the doctor who was on call to talk about her breathing. Of course, the minute we made the call and started discussing whether we should bring her in again, she started to sleep somewhat peacefully. So we decided to wait and she how she is today. I slept downstairs with her last night. The sofa in the den is pretty comfortable. She’s sleeping a lot, which is a good thing.
She’s been through so much and she’s a senior dog, so I expect her recovery might be longer and harder. She isn’t snapping back as quickly as she used to. It’s all very worrisome. It’s all I think about.
I came home on Saturday and she’s been to the vet every day since then. I just want her to get stronger and eat something because she needs the strength. She still needs your prayers, my friends.
Not much else to report here. The weather has been beautiful and warmer than usual. Sunny skies and golden light.
Thankful for zinnias that bloom at this time of year.
And the morning glories that nestle alongside of them.
Happy Wednesday.
From our home to yours much love and many prayers
So appreciated, Cindy. Thank you.
Hi Claudia, I have been missing your posts as my blog subscription feeds have somehow been all deleted–so I am catching up now. First, a belated happy birthday to your dad. My mom also just turned 90. And I’m so happy to hear that you spotted a Monarch! I have been watching carefully for them, but I have heard the numbers are very low this year as they migrate south. But I’m sure the main thing on your mind is your darling girl. I hope and pray that she may recover soon. She must feel your love and support, and hopefully that will comfort her while she is on the mend. Linda
Monarchs definitely seem to be decreasing in numbers, Linda. Thanks for your kind thoughts about my girl.
Oh poor little Scout and poor you and Don. Prayers for the little girl for an easier healing. Hang in there Mama.
Blessings,
Betsy
Thank you, Betsy. She seems a bit better today. Maybe the meds have worked their way through her system.
Just said a prayer for Scout. It is so hard when the pets are sick. Loved the picture of the butterfly.
Thank you, Tana. It’s very hard, indeed.
Prayers, love and hugs for all of you. So glad you are home for her!
Me too, Dottie. Thank goodness!
Lots of prayers for Scout and big hugs for you and Don! XOXOXO
Thank you my friend. Are you home from Paris? Sorry, I haven’t had time to catch up on blog posts lately.
Claudia, you might try some lamb baby food mixed in with some boiled barley. And if you warm it a bit, it might go down easier. Also, for my cat Louis, the anti nausea shot they gave him didn’t work but I remembered the Gardiner vet had at one time recommended Prevacid (human otc med) and when I gave to Louis recently when he hadn’t eaten for days, that did the trick. Louis is only 8 lbs so I gave him half a tablet. Scout could probably use 2. You might grind it up (I tested for Louis to make sure it wasn’t bitter tasting) and put in a small portion of food. He now has been eating like a little pig. Whenever his appetite wanes (he has chronic renal failure which causes buildup of stomach acids) I give him half a tablet and he is on his way again. I hope this helps. Tina
Now you have reminded me that we used to give Pepcid AC to Scout a few years ago when it seemed she had an abundance of acid. I’m going to get some. Thanks so much, Tina. My love to you and Noble.
Claudia, I’m so sorry for the things you are going thru with Scout. I know from raising children how your heart can break, wishing you could carry the discomfort for them. I have also learned over the years that EVERY Illness will get worse in the late afternoon and evening. I will be sure to pray for your little family, that I have come to call friends! -Judy A-
Yes, it’s good to remember that everything gets worse in the evening. I always tell Don that when he’s sick, now I have to remember it for Scout!
It does take longer for them to recover as they get older, any anesthetic is hard on them. I am sure Scout will be fine soon, keep us posted.
She’s a little better today, Sue. I’m a bit less worried.
Thoughts and prayers sent to all of you! Happy day from middle TN!
Thank you, Carol!
Also, for Scout’s allergies, try some local raw honey. Friday, by the library, Gardiner has a farmer’s market that carries local raw honey and you can pick some up there. Or there is a honey place on 44/55 around Modena. I know it works for people and just checked internet and is safe for dogs as well. Has to be local and has to be raw for it to work.
Yes, I’ve used that for my allergies in the past. I’ll get some more Friday at the Farmer’s Market. xoxo
Hanging in there with you Claudia and sending big hugs and prayers in your easterly direction. I had a thought just now; I notice that everyone seems to feel the absolute worst in afternoon in my family. It seems that tiredness or cold symptoms or any kind of malaise seems to intensify around 3pm-ish. Just a thought. :)
Yes, you’re right, Veronica. That seems to be the case whenever Don or I are sick. That makes sense. Thank you.
Praying for all of you! Hang in there sweet family.
Thank you for those prayers, my friend.
Sending you love and prayers, Claudia. Such a worrisome time for you. I hope that your girl does better today. xo Laura
She IS a little better today, Laura. Thank goodness!
What are you trying to get her to eat? Have you tried boiled chicken with a bit of rice? I don’t know what she’s allergic to but I’d check with
your vet before trying anything. She is a senior dog and things affect them differently. Praying for her recovery and for strength for you and Don. I’m sure she feels better being with you. I’ve slept many nights with my dogs when they weren’t well and I’m sure it helps. Hang in there and just love her.
I was trying to get her to eat some of her kibble. She did eat some of her treats (of course) and a bit of egg. Today I jump started her with a healthy treat (full of vitamins and good things) and then I got her to eat some rice and cottage cheese. I’m going to start to slowly add her regular food back in to the mix. I’m just thrilled she’s showing some appetite again. Less drooling today and licking of the chops (signs of nausea.) Things are getting better, Cheryl.
That’s good news….and you’re taking care of yourself as well right? I’m a nervous wreck when any of my animals aren’t right. You might want to try a good canned food to entice her. It’s a treat for my dogs and always works. Sending prayers and positive thoughts.
Claudia the monarch is such a lovely welcome for you as it does represent transformation. We had about a dozen here last week so they are moving South. The flowers are beautiful too and the monarchs are happy for them. I can understand your trepidation with Scout…she knows and feels your unconditional love and care for her. And I continue with my prayers for all of you.
Thank you, sweet Donna. The monarch was a lovely sign, and quite frankly, came just when I needed that sign!
Prayers continue for all of you. I love that last picture! So pretty! I need to plant some morning glories next year.
Boy, they sure give a big payoff, Teresa!
I am sure Scout is comforted by your love and devotion, and that she will start to feel better soon.
She is feeling a bit better today, my friend, and I am very heartened by that.
If this had to happen thank goodness it waited until you came home..I can only imagine the agony you would be going through if you were still away Claudia..Beautiful Monarch..continued hugs and hope for the three of you!
I simply can’t imagine how horrible it would have been to be away when all this happened. And that tumor had to come out or she would have died. Looks like it all came together when it was meant to, if you know what I mean.
Thinking of you all today. Liberty, our yellow lab, is under my chair right now hoping I’ll throw the ball. She just chewed off the screw cover to my office chair. I’ve got to go take care of some ball playing… take care and I hope the best for Scout’s healthy recovery.
Give Liberty a hug from me, Patricia. Thanks for your kind wishes.
Sounds like Scout is having trouble bouncing back. I’m sure whatever anesthesia they gave her and meds have affected her appetite and stomach. And pain medicine itself can make one nauseated. Would she be tempted by some scrambled eggs perhaps? I’m not sure you have eggs, Claudia, but it’s my go to for sick kitties and dogs around here. Not a lot, just enough to help that stomach. Also rice cooked in Chicken Broth or Veg Broth. Hope she does better soon. Your flowers are beautiful. Ann
I’m trying to hold off on pain meds now, Ann. She doesn’t seem to be in much pain today and she seems more peaceful and much less agitated. I gave her a bit of egg the other day because she LOVES eggs. Today, she ate some rice and cottage cheese. Plus a couple of healthy treats. Sigh of relief.
The butterfly has to be a sign of some sort. I haven’t seen one for awhile. Actually very few butterflies this year.
When my Springer had parvo I struggled keeping her hydrated. The vet gave me one can of Science RX food. I know you are trying to get her to eat not to hydrate her. I would add Pedilyte (sp.?) to it as she ate it. I made is soupy and she liked it. Another suggestion is canned pumpkin………it helps settle their tummies. My dog loved it. So glad that you are there with her. Give that puppy a little hug from me.
Yes, and I’ve used Hill’s A/D in the past when my dogs were sick. I may get some. I’ve heard that canned pumpkin is good, I’ll have to get some at the store. Thanks so much, Debby.
Poor little dolly-girl. Sending a big virtual squeeze to everyone at your house. Hang in there… :>)
Thank you, Janet. We’re all doing a bit better today, mostly because Scout is doing better.
I’ve been following along, keeping up with news of Scout. Just wanted to let you know I am keeping her in my thoughts and you, too.
Oh, thank you so much Pat! That means the world to me.
Glad Scout is some better. You three are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. I’m just so glad you had gotten home. You would not have been able to concentrate if you knew she was at home that sick and you couldn’t be there with her. So, that’s the bright side of the situation.
Judy
Oh my gosh, yes! Thank goodness I was home. I would have had to leave Hartford if it happened while I was away!
When my old girls were recovering from anesthesia I always had to tempt them with people food or Gerbers baby food. I think the strong smell gets the appetite going. In a day or two I started adding the kibble in. It always took a long time to get them eating that boring dry stuff again. lol
I’ve been using white rice and cottage cheese, gradually sneaking in more and more kibble. Scout gets bored with her kibble, can’t say that I blame her.
Hello Claudia,
Just sending happy thoughts your way…..trust your vet, be there for your girl and trust in God’s timing in all things. So happy you are now home when all of this unfolded. Yes, Scoutie is a senior and she will need more time to heal.
The picture of the monarch is a beauty…huge!!!! Yesterdays morning glories pic was also fabulous!!!!!!! You really capture the beauty of all of your flowers…great job!
Hang in there, take care,
Addie from California
Things are looking up, Addie. Scout seems to have turned a corner and she’s starting to eat again. No, not her kibble, but then she’s picky about that on a normal day, but she has an appetite again and her nausea seems to have eased. Yay!
Still praying for the little sweetie. That is the hardest part is when they look at you with those eyes and can’t talk and tell you what is going on. When our dog was nauseous, the vet told us to give him good ol’ Saltine crackers – just a few at a time. I am praying that she will start feeling better.
Melanie M
I tried that yesterday, but it didn’t work. I assume it was because there was so much medication in her body and the residual effects of the anesthesia and the sedative were still there. She’s doing better today.
I am very familiar with the fear that takes over all your thoughts when a beloved pet becomes ill,. Is she on any pain control medication? Pain could be causing some of the restlessness, labored breathing, poor appetite etc… You might have to get creative with her food if she’s not eating. She needs to be properly nourished for her surgical wound to heal and to fight off infection. Something I have tried with my pets is baby food. It is mild on the stomache and easily digested. I know scout is a larger dog but anything at this point will help. Scout may be older but she is loved and has been well cared for. Never underestimate the power of that. I will send positive thoughts and prayers your way……Janice
I’m sure she was in pain but she had an anti-nausea injection that also included a bit of a painkiller. I think she has a LOT of medication in her body, including a sedative that overwhelmed her and a strong injection of penicillin, as well as the residual effects of anesthesia. She’s looking more and more like her old self today.
I’m sure Scout can sense your love for her, and your caring. Ah, if only she could talk…and tell you what’s wrong…but, you do seem to have a good handle on it. Prayers coming your way. ;)
Thank you so much, Donna. She’s doing better today!
Claudia, my thoughts are with Scout. I can imagine how worried you are and I hope she will be back to her sweet self soon.
S
xo
Thanks so much! She seems to be turning a corner today, and I’m very grateful.
Still thinking about Scout and praying for her and you. The butterfly was a gift to you, wash’t it?
Sending love and continued prayers. The Monarch was a gift of hope and transformation.
I am so glad to hear that Scout is getting better. Most of my cats and dogs are getting up in years so I understand the worry when they are sick. It took me a bit to catch up on your posts, it has been busy the last week or so. Now that the quilt show is over thing will settle down at the shop and get back to normal. I have to get prepared for a class that I am teaching in the near future. Have a good weekend…I heard that “s”word for our area maybe this weekend. Uff Da – I am not ready.
Take Care, Claudia
Blessings and prayers and gratitude that there are so many helpful ideas coming your way and beautiful flowers and the butterfly to uplift us all.I
My concern and prayers won’t stop until Scout has recovered.
jane in tx
I can’t believe how long it is taking Scout to recover, will continue to pray:)
Scouties an old girl and she’s been through/going through a lot..Anesthesia alone can take awhile to get out of ones system…Good that she’s sleeping…Have you tried chicken or Hamburger?
Continued prayers, of course, for your dear Scout.
Oh Claudia, I’m so sad to hear that little Scout is having such a difficult time. Will continue with the prayers for your sweet girl. Hugs, Debi
p.s. your flowers are beautiful!