The Good Ole Freap Chat ~ Sequel Part III ~

[Maggimus]

Thanks girls. Jethro seems to feel fine, he just looked kind of funny. He did get agitated with the entire thing- pawing at his face, shaking his head and making his ears flap. Right now his right side of his face has gone down almost all the way and his left is just a little behind that. I'm really happy with that. I just have to get Ellie back to square one and figure out whats going on with her. Her grunts sound so pitiful.

Marna- Great Wolf Lodge sounds so nice. We just got a similar type resort around here and everyone loves it. Hopefully your daughters good time will outweigh the hassle on the phone.

Cassi- DH said if you all need a break you are welcome to come stay with us for a while.

 

[pperfectmom]

Marna- you know me and my memory- but wasn't there a problem/dilemma with DD's b-day last year??

Glad to hear you got the price straightened out

You know, I was thinking the same thing this morning. It seems we have had issues with every single birthday for the kids. I'm hoping this idea works out and we can get out of the actual birthday party thing in the future.
Do ya'll think a 6 year old will be satisfied with not having a party at all?

Arggggg-I am so aggravated with DH!!!!!!! Recently, my schedule at work changed to where I go in at 4:00, so DH has to take off work early so that I can get there on time. He drives an hour from his work and I have to drive an hour to mine so he needs to be leaving work by 2:00 at the absolute latest. Every week I have been a nervous wreck wondering if he'll get here in time. This morning he told me he would take off at 1:30 so there would be no worry. Wellllllll.....just now he called and said he is waiting on his truck to be ready from the garage!!! WTH!!! He said "You may have to leave and just leave the kids alone for a little while." WHAT?????? They are 4 and not-yet 6. That is so not an option. Unfortunately, if I am even 5 minutes late to work they send me home. So, now what am I gonna do?

 

[maddhatir]

You know, I was thinking the same thing this morning. It seems we have had issues with every single birthday for the kids. I'm hoping this idea works out and we can get out of the actual birthday party thing in the future.
Do ya'll think a 6 year old will be satisfied with not having a party at all?

Arggggg-I am so aggravated with DH!!!!!!! Recently, my schedule at work changed to where I go in at 4:00, so DH has to take off work early so that I can get there on time. He drives an hour from his work and I have to drive an hour to mine so he needs to be leaving work by 2:00 at the absolute latest. Every week I have been a nervous wreck wondering if he'll get here in time. This morning he told me he would take off at 1:30 so there would be no worry. Wellllllll.....just now he called and said he is waiting on his truck to be ready from the garage!!! WTH!!! He said "You may have to leave and just leave the kids alone for a little while." WHAT?????? They are 4 and not-yet 6. That is so not an option. Unfortunately, if I am even 5 minutes late to work they send me home. So, now what am I gonna do?

At the GARAGE!? Men!

Leave the kids alone!? If he is going to be that late- I would just call your work say 15 minutes before you should leave and say look, you take me late- or just tell me now not to come in!

 

[pperfectmom]

At the GARAGE!? Men!

Leave the kids alone!? If he is going to be that late- I would just call your work say 15 minutes before you should leave and say look, you take me late- or just tell me now not to come in!

I think that's what I'll do. Just tell them the situation and ask if they want me late or not at all. I just remembered that the car's gas tank is on empty too. We went out to eat last night and I asked DH if he was going to stop and he said "No, you can just stop on your way to work." Is there a smiley for flogging one's husband?

 

[maddhatir]

I think that's what I'll do. Just tell them the situation and ask if they want me late or not at all. I just remembered that the car's gas tank is on empty too. We went out to eat last night and I asked DH if he was going to stop and he said "No, you can just stop on your way to work." Is there a smiley for flogging one's husband?

Here ya go

Just give him a hit from me too

 

[jeankeri]

Tinker- for your family.

 

[Tinker_]

Cassi- DH said if you all need a break you are welcome to come stay with us for a while.

Thank you so much for the offer Maggie You are too good to me The funeral is schedule for Sat morning, and I have tickets to The Lion King Muscial for that night in OK, so I think I will head "home" to OK and stay until Monday, that should be a nice break. Wes is already with his dad.. I didn't want him here for this. I am still not sure what I will tell him. Chad is doing ok, and saw your MS and FB comments, and told me to tell you thank you

I just wanted to say you Freaps have all been soooo sweet and wonderful for us.. TY TY. You guys just being here has been sooo helpful!

. Unfortunately, if I am even 5 minutes late to work they send me home. So, now what am I gonna do?

Stay home and look for freebies??

 

[Maggimus]

Cassi- I hope you have fun this weekend, if thats possible at all. Is Chad going with you? I hope Chad and his mom are holding up the best they can.

 

[Tinker_]

No, he is staying here. When we bought the tickets he assumed his dad would still be here, so we didnt buy him one so he could stay home. In all honesty, he is doing really well. He is acting like himself again. I think the stress of taking care of his dad is finally off of his shoulders, and in a way he feels relief. His mom is not doing nearly as well, but she is doing the best she can under the circumstances... having a lot of family here helps a lot. I think I will be pretty emotional during LK, especially since Mufasa dies But I will have my two rocks- my mom and my sis- with me

How are the fur kids? I think I saw a pic of poor Jethro looking a bit like a cartoon character! What caused the swelling??

 

[Maggimus]

No, he is staying here. When we bought the tickets he assumed his dad would still be here, so we didnt buy him one so he could stay home. In all honesty, he is doing really well. He is acting like himself again. I think the stress of taking care of his dad is finally off of his shoulders, and in a way he feels relief. His mom is not doing nearly as well, but she is doing the best she can under the circumstances... having a lot of family here helps a lot. I think I will be pretty emotional during LK, especially since Mufasa dies But I will have my two rocks- my mom and my sis- with me

How are the fur kids? I think I saw a pic of poor Jethro looking a bit like a cartoon character! What caused the swelling??

Well that will be a good break from things for you. Im glad your mom and sister will be there.

Well, I think Jethro had an allergic reaction to either his yearly shots, the bordetella, or the combination. Hes been taking them for 3+ years now and never had an issue until now. He got the injection at 4:30 and at about 9:30 he was crazy looking. We caught it early, it got worse from there. As of this morning all of the swelling is completely gone.
Ellie is another story entirely. She started Friday with something and as of today- shes still not doing well. I think its her back now. Her right leg is starting to respond slowly when she walks and runs. And shes still grunting when we go to pick her up.
Dh has to build them a ramp this weekend. We only have 2 steps from the back porch to the backyard-- but apparently thats enough to mess them up. Im kind of scared about this ramp (the looks of it anyway)-- but we will make it as stylish as possible. lol. Its for them so that makes it worth it.
Ellie is on medicine again today, and I have Jethro still on Benedryl for the reaction. The meds make them both sleepy and I have to keep Ellie still during the day, so that means laying around with them all day for me. Its exhausting, I hate not being able to do anything at all, but again, it's worth it for them to feel better. One of them messed in their bed this morning so hopefully once that gets out of the dryer I can lay them in there for a while and get some stuff done.

 

[NATALIEBELLESmom]

Cassie I am sorry for your loss. Maggie you and your pups I tell ya they are sure breaking you in for motherhood. I just got home last night. We went to Virginia on a whim. We did alot of amazing things. Went to DC for the first time. The trip was very much needed from the stress of school and home life. I will check in later and post lots of pics. Miss you all. Kellie hope you are feeling better. Madd I thought of you a couple times during this trip. Do you live close to VA or DC? Well off to shop and unpack sometime today. for all that need them and just because I missed all of you.

 

[Maggimus]

Cassie I am sorry for your loss. Maggie you and your pups I tell ya they are sure breaking you in for motherhood. I just got home last night. We went to Virginia on a whim. We did alot of amazing things. Went to DC for the first time. The trip was very much needed from the stress of school and home life. I will check in later and post lots of pics. Miss you all. Kellie hope you are feeling better. Madd I thought of you a couple times during this trip. Do you live close to VA or DC? Well off to shop and unpack sometime today. for all that need them and just because I missed all of you.

Theresa Im so happy to hear you all had a good time. I know you definitely deserve it. I cannot wait to see photos-- i bet you all had a blast.

Well I havent checked in in a day or two. Jethro is back to normal! Hooray. After the allergy flare up (in his face).... we took him in for sterroids. THe next day it had gone down considerably... and then he had a few more flare ups on top of his head and back but they went down within the hour they came up.

As for Ellie-- we are STILL battling with her. My dr told me after her last apt (check up/follow up) that if she went down again, lets try and treat her back because she also saw calcified disks on the x-ray. Well... within 24 hours of stopping the antibiotic for the pancreas-- she went down again. Ive been treating her since Wed morning with back meds... and NO improvement. Her legs are getting to the point that she cant walk, and when she shakes her head (like dogs do when they are wet), they completely give out on her. Its the weekend so tomorrow first thing in the morning we are calling the vet. I thought for a few days that the leg being an issue (mostly the right leg) was part of the back problem they thought she was having. However, Jethro has back problems frequently and would be over it by now with these meds. She hasnt improved in the least (still grunting... not walking too well- kind of a drunken walk). Im hoping it is something we can pinpoint ASAP because this is draining me (and I know it is her as well). She just lays around. I thought her lethargy was because of the pain meds ive been giving her-- but i hear its a common symptom of pancreatitis as well. Im hoping we can give her some more antibiotics to get her back to good, again, and there will be no extensive damage. My only concern is that she hasnt shown the main symptoms of pancreatitis, which is vomitting and diarrhea. She did show the latter of the two just a bit in the beginning-- but now nothing.

I tried googling whether Purina Dog Chow is high in fat and protein but couldnt find the answer.... i may have to switch her food.

Okay enough rambling by me!

On a more positive note-- i did go shopping this weekend and got a bunch of cute baby clothes from Carters-- they had a huge sale!

 

[Maggimus]

bumping for today

Heading back to the vet this morning-- hoping it does some good. My vets are so old school... ugh!

Cassi- are things getting back to normal at all your way?

 

[maddhatir]

Cassie I am sorry for your loss. Maggie you and your pups I tell ya they are sure breaking you in for motherhood. I just got home last night. We went to Virginia on a whim. We did alot of amazing things. Went to DC for the first time. The trip was very much needed from the stress of school and home life. I will check in later and post lots of pics. Miss you all. Kellie hope you are feeling better. Madd I thought of you a couple times during this trip. Do you live close to VA or DC? Well off to shop and unpack sometime today. for all that need them and just because I missed all of you.

Theresa, glad you got a break from your hard work. You certainly deserve it!!

Yes- I am a few hours North of DC. Funny b/c last week DH called me, he was leaving work, mind you it is 6:30 in the evening. He said, do you feel like taking a ride (a friend of his) broke down on his cycle on the way home from TN. He needed some help. I said, where is he?? Oh, MARYLAND! It sounded so far away- but it only took us an hour and half to get there.

Can't wait to see your pics!

Theresa Im so happy to hear you all had a good time. I know you definitely deserve it. I cannot wait to see photos-- i bet you all had a blast.

Well I havent checked in in a day or two. Jethro is back to normal! Hooray. After the allergy flare up (in his face).... we took him in for sterroids. THe next day it had gone down considerably... and then he had a few more flare ups on top of his head and back but they went down within the hour they came up.

As for Ellie-- we are STILL battling with her. My dr told me after her last apt (check up/follow up) that if she went down again, lets try and treat her back because she also saw calcified disks on the x-ray. Well... within 24 hours of stopping the antibiotic for the pancreas-- she went down again. Ive been treating her since Wed morning with back meds... and NO improvement. Her legs are getting to the point that she cant walk, and when she shakes her head (like dogs do when they are wet), they completely give out on her. Its the weekend so tomorrow first thing in the morning we are calling the vet. I thought for a few days that the leg being an issue (mostly the right leg) was part of the back problem they thought she was having. However, Jethro has back problems frequently and would be over it by now with these meds. She hasnt improved in the least (still grunting... not walking too well- kind of a drunken walk). Im hoping it is something we can pinpoint ASAP because this is draining me (and I know it is her as well). She just lays around. I thought her lethargy was because of the pain meds ive been giving her-- but i hear its a common symptom of pancreatitis as well. Im hoping we can give her some more antibiotics to get her back to good, again, and there will be no extensive damage. My only concern is that she hasnt shown the main symptoms of pancreatitis, which is vomitting and diarrhea. She did show the latter of the two just a bit in the beginning-- but now nothing.

I tried googling whether Purina Dog Chow is high in fat and protein but couldnt find the answer.... i may have to switch her food.

Okay enough rambling by me!

On a more positive note-- i did go shopping this weekend and got a bunch of cute baby clothes from Carters-- they had a huge sale!

Oh Maggie- I am so sorry about poor little Ellie That is odd b/c usually larger dogs have hip and back problems. I know this is a long shot, but do you have a University Vet hospital close by?? (I consider ourselves lucky b/c we have Univ of Penn closeby for moms cats if needed it) they may be able to do more. I wonder if they have shots for dogs that they can inject into their spine like they do for people with disc problems?? Or just give you more options that a regular vet may not be be able to, even for her other problems.

 

[SHAYMARAYSMOM]

Theresa Glad you guys got to get away. It is nice to do a trip on short notice some times.

Maggie Sorry Ellie is having such a hard time. The girl I work with whos dog had the same trouble had to feed her dog very small amounts for awhile.
The also had to give her medicine.
But I know she had to some surgery when it first happened.


As for me I am doing okay. Just taking it day by day.

 

[Maggimus]

Oh Maggie- I am so sorry about poor little Ellie That is odd b/c usually larger dogs have hip and back problems. I know this is a long shot, but do you have a University Vet hospital close by?? (I consider ourselves lucky b/c we have Univ of Penn closeby for moms cats if needed it) they may be able to do more. I wonder if they have shots for dogs that they can inject into their spine like they do for people with disc problems?? Or just give you more options that a regular vet may not be be able to, even for her other problems.

Dachshunds have bad backs in general. Nearly every dachshund has something wrong with their back... its something with the breed (long backs, short legs- and animals who love to jump).

Theresa Glad you guys got to get away. It is nice to do a trip on short notice some times.

Maggie Sorry Ellie is having such a hard time. The girl I work with whos dog had the same trouble had to feed her dog very small amounts for awhile.
The also had to give her medicine.
But I know she had to some surgery when it first happened.


As for me I am doing okay. Just taking it day by day.

I went against my vet today. She said she really thought it was her back because of her leg issues. However, ive read that dachshunds with pancreatitis have leg issues- but its specific to this breed not all dogs. My vet wanted to pump Ellie with heavy steroids and stuff. I told her I wanted to treat pancreatitis again. So ofcourse, I win. We are doing amoxicillin and an ulcer pill along with some canned low fat food (not because ellie is fat- they actually think she is too small- but because of the condition). They are asleep right now. Jethro is still good (fingers crossed knocking on wood). If no improvement in 48hrs we will go back to back treatment.

Cassi wanted me to tell everything that things are going okay and she will be back tomorrow. Chad is off today and I think they are taking it easy.

 

[Tinker_]

Hey guys.. things have been crazy here, but it seems like the hardest emotional stuff for DBF is going to be now.. AFTER everyone is gone. I still have not told Wes, mainly bc he has not asked.. We will see what happens with that.

I did get to go see The Lion King Musical on Sat night, which was AMAZING. It was really sad though, bc I had to drive to OK right after the funeral (3 1/2 hours), and went straight to watching a show where the dad dies STILL- I don't regret it, it was the most fun I have had in awhile!

Took Wes to the Zoo on Sun before heading home to see a Dino exhibit they were having, and he liked it a lot

Also, my mom and dad had Wes spend the night Friday and took him fishing Sat morning, and he caught his first fish! Here are a few pics from (the happy part) of the weekend.

Wes at the Zoo (my sis in the background..)

The family- I am on the far right, and if I have never told you guys.. I am REALLY short! (The girls are my sisters, the boys are their BF's both named Jeremy lol)

Me and my lil sis right before The Lion King

Wes and his fish.. proud Pops in the background!

I missed you guys-- I really appreciate your support.. it's nice to have ya'll here!

So, I was thinking.. is there anything at WDW I can do for Chad in honor of his dad? I know leave a legacy is closed.. anyone have ideas?

 

[pperfectmom]

Tinker-glad you managed to get away for a bit. I wish I could think of something to do in memoriam but I don't really know what's available. Wes looks so cute with his fish. Did he get to eat it?

Theresa-sounds like ya'll had a fun getaway as well. I love going to DC but haven't been in a while. I've been waiting for the kids to be old enough to actually appreciate all the boring historical stuff that I love to do.

Nothing old or boring at Great Wolf Lodge. We had an awesome time. The kids were sooo surprised. The one in Ohio is right by Kings Island theme park. We don't want to go there now because it is so roller coaster centric and their height requirements are way bigger than WDW's. So when we drove right by it, the kids were all bummed when we pulled into a hotel and said we weren't going to Kings Island. Lydia said "A hotel is my surprise." in a very flat voice. We told her when we were walking in that they "might" have a pool. You should have seen their faces when they saw the water park. It was priceless. Then they were so excited by the wolf den in the room they didn't know what to do first. We all had a blast. I'll have to post some photos when I get a chance.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

I did get to go see The Lion King Musical on Sat night, which was AMAZING. It was really sad though, bc I had to drive to OK right after the funeral (3 1/2 hours), and went straight to watching a show where the dad dies STILL- I don't regret it, it was the most fun I have had in awhile!



Wes and his fish.. proud Pops in the background!

I missed you guys-- I really appreciate your support.. it's nice to have ya'll here!

So, I was thinking.. is there anything at WDW I can do for Chad in honor of his dad? I know leave a legacy is closed.. anyone have ideas?

Cassi, this picture is so precious!!!
Glad you were able to get away a bit. As far as something for a memorial at WDW, I can't help ya...I haven't been in 4 years so I don't know what all is left to do...hopefully someone else will have a great suggestion for you!

Nothing old or boring at Great Wolf Lodge. We had an awesome time. The kids were sooo surprised. The one in Ohio is right by Kings Island theme park. We don't want to go there now because it is so roller coaster centric and their height requirements are way bigger than WDW's. So when we drove right by it, the kids were all bummed when we pulled into a hotel and said we weren't going to Kings Island. Lydia said "A hotel is my surprise." in a very flat voice. We told her when we were walking in that they "might" have a pool. You should have seen their faces when they saw the water park. It was priceless. Then they were so excited by the wolf den in the room they didn't know what to do first. We all had a blast. I'll have to post some photos when I get a chance.

Pics would be great. I have to admit that the GWL always looks so neat on TV. Too neat that they have little waterparks!

 

[Tinker_]

Haha, no he didn't eat it, he wanted to let it go, so he went back into the lake with his fishy friends! lol!!

I have been thinking about a trip to the GWL-- there is one in TX, I think that would be a fun weekend trip!!