Remember this post about ‘Nice?’ One day, I took a linen napkin in my stash and embroidered the word Nice on it along with some free form flowers. I thought about adding more embroidery but I sort of liked it the way it was. It’s been hanging around the studio without a purpose for a few months now. So I grabbed a pillow and this is what I came up with:
I didn’t particularly like the yellow pillow, so why not redo it? The embroidered piece was attached with a series of french knots. Here’s what it looks like on the bed.
Can you tell I like lots of pattern? Oh, that’s right, you’ve seen my living room, aka ‘Pattern Central.’
Thank you for your loving comments on the last post. Mom remains the same. Riley is a bit improved. We’ve learned he has a condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome that is progressive and cannot be cured. It is a debiltating form of arthritis in the joint between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum (pelvic area.) The canal through which the spinal cord and nerves pass is narrowed over time. Sometimes the disc is abnormal and that narrows the passage even more, putting pressure on the nerves and leading to nerve damage. It is often confused with hip dysplasia, which is what we thought Riley had. Dogs who suffer from this feel intense pain in their back and in their hind legs and tail. They have a hard time getting up or down and walk with a shuffling gait, scuffing the toes of the hind legs. They can lose control of their urine or, in Riley’s case, feces. He doesn’t always feel the sensation of having to go. It often occurs in German Shepherds and Riley is part German Shepherd.
This condition is ongoing and has progressed rather rapidly in the past few months. As to the other day, he started having diarrhea and was very agitated. By the next morning, he was extremely lethargic, wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t respond and wouldn’t drink. He was also running a fever. I thought this might be the end. Fortunately, this time we met with a Vet in the practice who explained everything about Cauda Equina Syndrome and also did blood work on him. He gave him fluids and put him on antibiotics. The blood work shows some kind of infection in his body – we don’t know where. He is responding a bit. He couldn’t get up by himself at all on Monday and yesterday he started to get up on his own and walk around the house. He also ate. He’s still very tired and we’ve got a ways to go, but I am cautiously optimistic. He’ll get antibiotics for another 6 days and, hopefully, we’ll see a big improvement by then.
I know that you all understand, especially those of you who are animal lovers. I dread the day we have to make a decision as to Riley’s quality of life. Hopefully, that won’t be in the near future.
My doctor said I couldn’t lift anything over 20 pounds for a month. I had my surgery one month ago on Monday… the day I had to help Riley up many times over the course of the day. Thank goodness I was able to.
Hi Claudia,
I love your sweet “nice” pillow. It looks beautiful on your bed with all the yummy patterns.
As for your precious Riley, I am so sorry and I understand completely about taking care of him and hoping for the best. We do love our precious pets and they become like children to us. I pray that he will recover.
Also, I hope that your Mom does better as well.
Good thoughts and well wishes your way.
hugs
Sissie
Claudia, that pillow is absolutely gorgeous! You should be selling these pillow covers on Etsy. The shipping for just the covers would be nominal. I’m thinking of doing the same. You know me and pets. Just like you…
Brenda
Riley will get better Claudia and there is no way to prepare yourself no matter how hard you try. We have had to say good bye to many of our furry family over the years and it is never easy. I can tell how much you love him and he knows that too so when he is better enjoy every minute with him.
As for your pillow it is in a word “Nice”.
Have a lovely day,
Sue
Claudia,
So happy that Riley is doing a little better. Yes, all of us animal lovers understand what you are going through. I am glad you are feeling a little more optimistic! The pillow is so SWEET! I love the pale yellow behind it and the sentiment that you lovingly embroidered on it! As always, good thoughts and prayers for you mom.
~Hugs, Patti
Your pillow is lovely. Definitely nice. You sure have troubles. Sorry about Riley’s problem, too. I hope you come through it all fine.
Hi Claudia,
Your pillow is lovely and I adore the embroidery. I think it looks perfect on your bed. I love pillows anywhere and everywhere around the house.
Poor sweet Riley…my goodness. I know how you are feeling, we lost our family dog a few years back and we still miss her. I hope Riley is not in to much pain. We all love our pets they are like one the kids.
And now your Mom and Dad are not doing well, you know the saying when it rains it pours. I will keep them all in my prayers.
Glad to hear you have the all clear from the Doctor.
Have a sweet day and a restful one.
Elizabeth
HI CLAUDIA,
I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR RILEY IS A LITTLE BETTER, SO SORRY ABOUT HIS AILMENT. I KNOW IT IS DIFFICULT FOR HIM AT TIMES, AND I’M SURE FOR YOU TOO. THE ANTIBIOTIC MIGHT JUST DO THE TRICK, IF THE INFECTION CLEARS UP IT COULD MAKE SUCH A DIFFERENCE. HOPE YOUR MOM STARTS TO IMPROVE, PRAYERS ARE STILL BEING SAID FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
LOVE YOUR “NICE” PILLOW, LOVELY WORK.
THE EARTHQUAKE THAT HIT YESTERDAY, WELL LET ME TELL YOU, MY DAUGHTER JACKIE AND I WERE HAVING TEA AND THE HOUSE SHOOK, MY CHINA CLOSET WAS SHAKING AND I COULD HEAR EVERYTHING CLINCKING, AND THEN A FEW THINGS STARTED TO FALL. IT WAS SCARY. DID YOU FEEL IT AT YOUR HOUSE? TAKE CARE, RIZZI
I am thinking of you with so many iffy things going on. I am holding my breath for Riley.
I’m send all my love and best wishes to Riley.
Love,
Sue
xo
Riley looks like a trooper. I pray that the meds help him feel better. I am also praying for your Mom. Blessings, Joanne
We had to roll Missy, our rottweiler, onto a rug and then drag the rug out the front door and to the yard for the last month of her life so she could go out and relieve herself. She weighed 98 pounds. I could finally do it no more and we had to let her go last year. We all just do what we can for our pets as long as we can. You will know when it is Riley’s time to go.
It’s nice to have the proper diagnosis. :-)
HI CLAUDIA,
I JUST GOT A NEW FOLLOWER, HER/HIS
BLOG IS ALL ABOUT TAKING CARE OF ANIMALS THAT ARE SICK. IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR YOU TO GO TO MY BLOG, AND TO THE FOLLOWER PICTURES AND CLICK ON THE FIRST PICTURE OF THE DOG, IT WILL SAY PETESCADAS, THEN YOU CAN PUSH ON HIS/HER BLOG. I HOPE I DIDN’T CONFUSE YOU TO MUCH. RIZZI
I will be keeping my fingers crossed for Riley and here wonderful parents. You take it easy now. Boy, what a summer you have had.
Hi Claudia,
Love your pillow. So soft and pretty. Glad to hear that Riley is feeling better. I hope that you will have lots more quality time with him. He is a beautiful boy!
~Sandy
Riley is gorgeous!! Hope he continues to improve. Love your pillow!
Claudia I’m praying that Riley has peace whatever that may be. We love our pets so much they are part of our family and I hope that everything works out for your little family.
Leann
Adore the pillow and the mixture of prints! So cozy.
Tender thoughts for Riley, your mom and you.
Riley will let you know. All of my beloved pets, except dear Libbey who was suddenly taken, let us know when it was time. We need to be as brave as they are.
xx
z
Dear Claudia, you are in my thoughts and prayers, as is your entire family, both human and furry… Donna
Your pillow is so pretty! It looks great on your bed.
I am so glad that Riley has some energy today! He is so lucky to have you as his mom. Prayers that the infection leaves and he will continue to feel better. I know that this is a progressive disease, but I hope that it will be a slow one and you will be able to spend alot of quality time with him yet.
Our Murphy is having surgury next week. The x-rays look good. But it can’t be determined 100 percent that he doesn’t have anal gland cancer. At this time there is no indication that if it is cancer that it has spread anywhere else.
I will keep You , Husband, Riley and Scout in my prayers.
Thanks for keeping us up on Riley’s condition. I am so glad you are doing everything possible for him. Twyla
YOU do amazing handwork, every stitch perfection and the end product compliments the space. Elegant!
I am so sorry to read Riley is not doing good, this is awful news but I know you are making him feel as comfortable as can be.
PLEASE do not over do it and have a setback from your surgery…Take care of you and do not lift even past the allotted time frame, each heals differently and your family needs you well.
GOD bless and keep you safe.
Sending so much love for sweet Riley- I hope he starts to feel better and better from the antibiotics. I love your pillow- what a smart redo! Lots and lots of hugs to you!!!
Your pillow is amazing my friend..sorry to hear about Riley…I am sure our Rosie suffered from the same thing. Hugs to you mom!
claudia…when i saw something was wrong with riley i had to check older posts to see what was wrong. HUGE animal lover here..as you know…. teddy is my entire life !!! so i understand this love you have for riley..
i see what you are dealing with…but i looks like it can be managed…
my Buddy ( before he passed away and i got teddy ) went blind about 4 years before he died..i carried him EVERYWHERE… i loved that dog so much..i did everything for him..including hand feeding him for his entire life of 14 years..so i know we do what we have to do…for them….
i send best wishes for all of you
i think about you and you are in my prayers
stay safe and sending love to all
kary and teddy
xx
((HUGS))
xxoo
Marsha