12/9/01 to 5/7/15. We gave one another the best life we could. I'll miss you deeply.
Showing posts with label Topaz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Topaz. Show all posts
Monday, May 11, 2015
Rest In Peace
Rest In Peace..My Dear Sweet Topaz..Rest In Peace.
12/9/01 to 5/7/15. We gave one another the best life we could. I'll miss you deeply.
12/9/01 to 5/7/15. We gave one another the best life we could. I'll miss you deeply.
Monday, May 04, 2015
My Dear Topaz
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I had an appointment for Topaz at the veterinarian on
Tuesday for his yearly exam. He was scheduled for a blood test for his
Deramaxx refill which he takes for his arthritis and his rabies vaccination.
As I drove to his appointment I was thinking how nice it was
to be going to the vet without a fear in my heart regarding Lyme disease or his
arthritis. He’s been doing very well.
We arrived and the tech asked Topaz to stand on the scale.
45 pounds, the same weight for 13 years, even though his running is now walking
and only a few miles a day. He is wider through the rib cage than in his
younger and leaner life but still weighs the same. I had to chuckle. Age will
do that to dogs and women alike .
We sat in the vet’s office and waited. The tech came in and
took the general info. Heartworm test and preventative? No thanks. Lymes vaccination? No thanks, he has been vaccinated in the past and ended up with Lymes anyway. Lymes test? Nope. I’ve been applying preventative and he’s
good, thanks. Deramaxx refill? Yes. Stool sample? No. Rabies? Yes. Bordetella? No. Leptospirosis? No.
Really, we don’t need all of these things. He isn’t in a
kennel, isn’t going to get kennel cough. He isn’t going to have a fight with a
wild animal no Leptospirosis. His poop doesn’t show worms.
After the tech gave him his rabies shot the vet arrived. He
checked his eyes. Cataracts are
still there, growing. Yes, his sight has diminished somewhat in the last year.
Lungs sounded good, but breathing a bit labored. Yes, his breathing does seem
more labored. When lying down he breathes quite heavily and snores more loudly
more often. His lump near the back
of the front leg has grown quite a bit, highly probable that it is still a
fatty deposit. Could aspirate it? No thanks. It’s good. The lump above the
front leg is growing, although not too much. Aspirate? No thanks.
Vet continues his exam. He palpates his abdomen. He is there too long. I think about his growing width
in the rib cage. He weighs the same. This is not a
fatty deposit. I can tell by the look on his face.
He stands. He tells me that Topaz has a very large tumor
upon his spleen, the size of a
cantaloupe. It could be cancerous. It might not be. Either way it is not good.
He could perform surgery. Remove the tumor. If it is cancerous he would undergo
chemotherapy. No no no. He will
not go through chemotherapy. At his age, almost 14, he could have difficulty
recovering from any surgery.
He didn’t take a blood test for the Deramaxx. He told me not
to order more than a month at a time. He refilled the prescription.
Topaz is comfortable. He is not in pain. He walks with me,
is eating, drinking and relieving himself. He is his happy, older self. I never would have guessed the outcome of our appointment.
The tumor will
outgrow its current location and
Topaz will show symptoms. I won’t allow him be in pain. I’ll give to him his last
gift from me. Relief. Love.
I love this dog so very much. You all know that. Even though
we understand that when we bring animals into our life they are not going to last forever, it doesn’t make it
any easier when we lose them. It
hurts. It is horrible.
Topaz and I gave one another the best life we could. I know that God's grace will allow me to endure.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Topaz is Nine!
(I wrote this on Thursday but didn't realize I didn't post it until now!)
For Topaz's 9th birthday (edited to add:) on Thursday a 9 mile snowshoe run was scheduled. The weather was perfect for a winter day. No wind, bright sunshine and a good amount of snow.
At 4:00 sharp we left the lot and as usual, nobody had been upon the trails since I broke them. I carried my headlamp and a few gels for the run. I knew it would be dark upon our finish. It becomes pretty dark in the woods just before 5:00, with a pre-dark at about 4:45 where I need to take out my lights. I have such horrible night vision, it is very difficult for me to see in the darkening woods.
It was pretty cool to begin our run in the bright beautiful sunshine, breaking more trail, feeling the warm sun upon my back. Pretty soon the sky began to turn a pink and purple color as the red ball began to set. The moon began to rise and before I knew it we were in darkness. I put on my headlamp and continued to break trail. Before I knew it we were in total darkness. I stopped to flick off my light, to look at the stars. They they were, obliterating the darkness of the sky. Beautiful.
2 hours later were were back at the car, ready to head home. A perfect birthday run for Topaz :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy Paz
Thank you so much for all of the kind comments relating to Topaz. I appreciate it so very much. Your kind thoughts did help.
It's amazing how quickly the brain can change priorities. One minute I'm thinking about FANS, it is on my List Of Things That Matter and the next minute finishing FANS was on my List Of Things That No Longer Matter.
Topaz had surgery and is recovering just fine. The vet called me during surgery to state that his in addition to the first tooth that was causing trouble, he felt that the exact tooth on the opposite side of the jaw could be causing trouble as well. He asked me if he should go ahead and extract the second tooth in addition or if he should clean it well and with good oral hygiene it might be OK. I think he was really asking me if I wanted to spend the money on the second tooth. I asked him his opinion and he was of the opinion to take the second tooth. OK, then do it. He told me that Topaz would be ready to go home about 4 PM.
I walked up to the counter and was handed my bill. $212? I looked at the receptionist and told her I was quoted $500 per tooth if extraction took place and if all three roots had to be removed. She mumbled something about the bone of his jaw.
The vet arrived and told me that the infection was so bad that it had eaten away all three roots of the tooth, that he didn't have to work real hard at the extraction. He told me that the infection and begun to eat away at his jaw bone and that this caused the trouble with the nerve. The infection ran along the nerve up into the ear and near the brain. On tooth number two, the roots were exposed above the gum line, but the roots were still intact. He cleaned it very well and felt the tooth was worth keeping. With dental care, sealants, etc. the tooth will be OK.
With continued good nutrition his jaw bone will grow back, his gums will again become healthy. Hopefully the paralysis of the face is due to the nerve damage caused by the infection.
It's amazing to me that Topaz never let on that this tooth caused any pain. He continued to eat, to chew on rawhide, didn't have any offensive order, his energy level was high. As an ultra runner I guess he has a high tolerance for pain.
This morning his ear is back up, his eye is beginning to blink, his lip is slowly coming back up. I don't think it was the Frontline after all!
Again, thanks for all of the kind thoughts and words.
It's amazing how quickly the brain can change priorities. One minute I'm thinking about FANS, it is on my List Of Things That Matter and the next minute finishing FANS was on my List Of Things That No Longer Matter.
Topaz had surgery and is recovering just fine. The vet called me during surgery to state that his in addition to the first tooth that was causing trouble, he felt that the exact tooth on the opposite side of the jaw could be causing trouble as well. He asked me if he should go ahead and extract the second tooth in addition or if he should clean it well and with good oral hygiene it might be OK. I think he was really asking me if I wanted to spend the money on the second tooth. I asked him his opinion and he was of the opinion to take the second tooth. OK, then do it. He told me that Topaz would be ready to go home about 4 PM.
I walked up to the counter and was handed my bill. $212? I looked at the receptionist and told her I was quoted $500 per tooth if extraction took place and if all three roots had to be removed. She mumbled something about the bone of his jaw.
The vet arrived and told me that the infection was so bad that it had eaten away all three roots of the tooth, that he didn't have to work real hard at the extraction. He told me that the infection and begun to eat away at his jaw bone and that this caused the trouble with the nerve. The infection ran along the nerve up into the ear and near the brain. On tooth number two, the roots were exposed above the gum line, but the roots were still intact. He cleaned it very well and felt the tooth was worth keeping. With dental care, sealants, etc. the tooth will be OK.
With continued good nutrition his jaw bone will grow back, his gums will again become healthy. Hopefully the paralysis of the face is due to the nerve damage caused by the infection.
It's amazing to me that Topaz never let on that this tooth caused any pain. He continued to eat, to chew on rawhide, didn't have any offensive order, his energy level was high. As an ultra runner I guess he has a high tolerance for pain.
This morning his ear is back up, his eye is beginning to blink, his lip is slowly coming back up. I don't think it was the Frontline after all!
Again, thanks for all of the kind thoughts and words.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Still Cold.
A frosty -32F at home this morning. I don't recall seeing the thermometer this low..ever.. at our home in Orrock Township. We've lived here for 18 years. It's downright cold.
I ran on the treadmill this morning. Topaz whined at my feet, sad that we weren't on the trail. I'll take him out later in the afternoon for a short jog when it warms up a bit. If it warms up a bit.
We've been below zero for 86 hours.
Tomorrow promises to be a warmer day. Above zero! Even in Duluth :)
Oh. Monday is the deadline for applying to Badwater. I haven't sent in my app. I'm having a hard time justifying the expense. I don't know that I need to spend $795 in application fee and probably a few more thousand in rental, crew, hotel and airfare. My Dad's advice to me growing up was always 'when in doubt, don't do it' . Because I am having trouble justifying the expense, maybe I should let this one go. I don't know.
I ran on the treadmill this morning. Topaz whined at my feet, sad that we weren't on the trail. I'll take him out later in the afternoon for a short jog when it warms up a bit. If it warms up a bit.
We've been below zero for 86 hours.
Tomorrow promises to be a warmer day. Above zero! Even in Duluth :)
Oh. Monday is the deadline for applying to Badwater. I haven't sent in my app. I'm having a hard time justifying the expense. I don't know that I need to spend $795 in application fee and probably a few more thousand in rental, crew, hotel and airfare. My Dad's advice to me growing up was always 'when in doubt, don't do it' . Because I am having trouble justifying the expense, maybe I should let this one go. I don't know.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Yeah, It's Cold Outside
It is. Cold. Outside.
Last night at about 900 I finished watching my DVR of The Biggest Loser. I love the series. I loved that Dan, the heaviest so far at 400+ pounds, the youngest so far, at 19 (or 18?), actually told Jillian to crank up the treadmill and go FASTER! He was running 30 seconds at a 7 minute mile. While Joelle whined about having to jog for 30 seconds. Dan has the mentally tough enough attitude to get him where he needs to be. He WANTS to work out, he wants to feel his body move. It's amazing. I cried.
Anyhow, pretty soon across the TV were the happy words: Big Lake School District: Closed Tomorrow. Woohoo! Nothing better than an unplanned day off. The boys ran around in circles hooting and hollering and I joined in. Good stuff.
This morning it was -26F on our thermometer with a - 53 wind chill. The wind was only 10 mph but it is enough to get a low low reading.
Topaz donned his cordura booties and I donned my Gortex Inov8 Flyrocks. I love them. I wear test Vasque and tried out a Gortex version of the Blur. I didn't care for the bulkiness, how heavy they felt and stiff. It is only a test model and may not be the one that will show up on the market. The Inov8's feel like a glove. A nice, light, warm and dry glove.
The trail was quiet. Not a peep from a bird, no action from the deer. Just stillness. I didn't feel cold. I had on two pair of heavy tights, two shirts a jacket, gloves, mittens, gaiter and hat. I was actually comfortable. My back was too warm and I could feel sweat rolling off of it. That was an odd sensation. I was thankful that the Northwoods Snowshow Marathon wasn't today. It was even colder in Duluth! Crazy.
The booties kept Topaz's paws safe. He didn't perform 'cold foot dance' where he lifts one foot and then another, he didn't have to eat ice from his paws. We had a nice enjoyable 5 mile romp through the woods.
When it is this cold the snowshoes make a distinct click click click upon the frozen snow. My neck gaiter was frozen solid with snot and such. I had to give it the spin around to the back of my head. I'll carry an extra along while I do the marathon and another in my bag that I can stash at the start line. We loop through one time. I'll have to do the spin.
It is supposed to be this cold again tomorrow morning. I can't imagine we'd get another day off. But I'd sure like it :)
On the bright side: Last night we finished our snowshoe run at 505 PM and it was still light outside! We have gained 26 minutes of daylight since December 21. Woohoo!
I was very grateful to come home and hop onto the treadmill for 10 miles. I didn't get bored, didn't feel out of energy. I was so happy to have a day from work, an unexpected day where I could run, go to the gym and hang out with the boys. Good stuff.
Embrace the cold. Have some fun. Minnesota Tough.
Last night at about 900 I finished watching my DVR of The Biggest Loser. I love the series. I loved that Dan, the heaviest so far at 400+ pounds, the youngest so far, at 19 (or 18?), actually told Jillian to crank up the treadmill and go FASTER! He was running 30 seconds at a 7 minute mile. While Joelle whined about having to jog for 30 seconds. Dan has the mentally tough enough attitude to get him where he needs to be. He WANTS to work out, he wants to feel his body move. It's amazing. I cried.
Anyhow, pretty soon across the TV were the happy words: Big Lake School District: Closed Tomorrow. Woohoo! Nothing better than an unplanned day off. The boys ran around in circles hooting and hollering and I joined in. Good stuff.
This morning it was -26F on our thermometer with a - 53 wind chill. The wind was only 10 mph but it is enough to get a low low reading.
Topaz donned his cordura booties and I donned my Gortex Inov8 Flyrocks. I love them. I wear test Vasque and tried out a Gortex version of the Blur. I didn't care for the bulkiness, how heavy they felt and stiff. It is only a test model and may not be the one that will show up on the market. The Inov8's feel like a glove. A nice, light, warm and dry glove.
The trail was quiet. Not a peep from a bird, no action from the deer. Just stillness. I didn't feel cold. I had on two pair of heavy tights, two shirts a jacket, gloves, mittens, gaiter and hat. I was actually comfortable. My back was too warm and I could feel sweat rolling off of it. That was an odd sensation. I was thankful that the Northwoods Snowshow Marathon wasn't today. It was even colder in Duluth! Crazy.
The booties kept Topaz's paws safe. He didn't perform 'cold foot dance' where he lifts one foot and then another, he didn't have to eat ice from his paws. We had a nice enjoyable 5 mile romp through the woods.
When it is this cold the snowshoes make a distinct click click click upon the frozen snow. My neck gaiter was frozen solid with snot and such. I had to give it the spin around to the back of my head. I'll carry an extra along while I do the marathon and another in my bag that I can stash at the start line. We loop through one time. I'll have to do the spin.
It is supposed to be this cold again tomorrow morning. I can't imagine we'd get another day off. But I'd sure like it :)
On the bright side: Last night we finished our snowshoe run at 505 PM and it was still light outside! We have gained 26 minutes of daylight since December 21. Woohoo!
I was very grateful to come home and hop onto the treadmill for 10 miles. I didn't get bored, didn't feel out of energy. I was so happy to have a day from work, an unexpected day where I could run, go to the gym and hang out with the boys. Good stuff.
Embrace the cold. Have some fun. Minnesota Tough.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Frosty!
I can't believe how well my iPhone works. I took this photo after my first snowshoe run this morning. My Cannon is worthless when the temperature is 20F or less. The battery drains. The iPhone: I carried it with me for three hours. I began running at -21F and finished at -6F. I was able to take the photo. It's a good photo! Better than my Cannon. Amazing.
After taking the photo I emailed it to myself and Mom and Dad. Amazing again I say. Amazing.
No, it didn't snow today. I am just Frosty.
Guess what else my iPhone did today? On snowshoe run number two, this afternoon, it identified bird calls for me while at Lake Maria State Park. Yes! I kid you not.
On the way home from they gym today I heard a song on 93X that I didn't know all of the words too. I clicked on radio click, touched 93X, view lyrics and bammo. Lyrics to the song. I was singing, reading and driving at the same time. I guess this could be dangerous...
I heart my iPhone.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
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