The 2 Month Apuversary
Yesterday marks 2 months since Nikki had the surgery, and almost 4 months since the initial diagnosis! Nikki is still doing quite well, and we expect her to be with us for many, many more months and years.
The last couple of days has been hard on the dogs. Mary left Thursday night to travel to White Sands, NM. Where she is participating in the annual Bataan Death March memorial. That leaves me home to take care of the dogs (I would have actually gone with her, but I fly out to Seattle tomorrow) and they’re not quite adjusted to having me do that. (I am the “treat and play” guy, not the “take care of us” guy)
I have to take Nikki to the vet for a checkup today. Dr. Pyne is on vacation but we still want to monitor Nikki’s progress and the lymph nodes near the surgery site. I think she’s doing OK, and I haven’t noticed anything unusual there, but it’s best to have the professionals check as well.
Other than that, things with Nikki have been pretty good and I think the treatment plan we’re on is really working for us. Nikki has actually been running and playing in the back yard, and last night she was chasing after a stick in the snow, so I know she’s feeling a lot better. She still needs help getting up the stairs, and she still hasn’t quite figured out that she balances better inside if she puts all of her weight up front (she does this just fine outside, but for some reason inside she thinks is different), but all in all I think she’s happier now than she’s been in a LONG time.
Oh, take note of the badge to the right that says “Vote for my Dog”. Please take a moment and vote for Nikki. The winner has $5000 donated to the pet charity of their choice.
The Buddy Story
If you’ve read previous posts that I’ve made about Nikki, you know that we have 2 other Rottweilers in the house; Sasha and Buddy. Buddy was a rescue from one of the shelters here (9 Lives). We think he was abused, and was on his own for a long time before coming to the shelter. The docs estimate his age as anywhere from 3 to 6 years old. When he first arrived in our home, he was “skin and bones” and was very shy. Over the last few months he’s filled out and has become a truly integrated member of our family. He is a great dog who only wants to be loved. I have no idea how someone could ever abuse such a dog, but then again I don’t understand animal abuse in general.
Anyway, you might be asking yourself what this has to do with anything…
Unfortunately, during a follow-up exam for Buddy last week, we found out that he too has bone cancer in his right-rear leg. We don’t know exactly what kind yet, and we’re going to get him up to CSU for an evaluation.. So, I’m going to need to create a new page here for Buddy… As I told Mary, everything happens for a reason, and I am pretty sure the reason that Buddy picked us (he really picked Mary, I was just there to provide the transportation) was so that he’d get the treatment he needs..
March 20th, 2010 at 08:56
Glad to hear that Nikki is doing so well but sorry to hear about Buddy’s new issue. They really do pick us (not the other way around) and they’re both very blessed to have found such wonderful pawrents.
Rachel (Major’s mom)
March 21st, 2010 at 06:49
Happy Ampuversary, Nikki! Way to go!!! Holly will get some extra treats in your honor!
We are so sad to hear about Buddy’s diagnosis. But remember, Buddy – Nikki can show you all the ropes and will help you through this just like you’ve helped her though her journey. We are keeping fingers and paws crossed for your visit up at CSU this week.
Sending lots of hugs to both of you,
Holly and Holly’s mom
March 21st, 2010 at 12:56
Oh no! What bitter sweet postings!
I’m just so sorry about Buddy.
I’m just so thankful that Nikki, Buddy and Sasha has you as pawrents. You guys deserve some sort of award! (and price break from your vet!)
Wishing lots of Wags and Wiggles!
Comet’s mom
March 21st, 2010 at 13:28
What tragic news this must have been for you so close following Nikki’s recovery. We wish you the best for Buddy.
March 21st, 2010 at 14:30
Our jaws dropped when we read about Buddy. This is the first time at Tripawds that two dogs in the same family have been diagnosed around the same time. Wow. We are deeply sorry, but we also know that with your pawsitive energy and Nikki’s amazing spirit, Buddy will come through this fine. We send our love and healing thoughts. If there’s anything we can do, let us know OK?
March 21st, 2010 at 15:35
Oh so sorry to hear the news about Buddy. Must be so upsetting just right after things have been going so well for Nikki. You probably thought you had a break from all of this now that Nikki’s recovering so well. Things do really happen for a reason. Nikki, Buddy and Sasha are very lucky to have such loving and caring pawrents. Best of luck to Buddy and hope that this cancer was caught early and he will be ok.
Kami (Mackenzie’s Mom)
March 21st, 2010 at 16:50
First of all congratulations on Nikki. It is good to hear she is doing so well.
I am so sorry to hear about Buddy though. It has to be heart breaking to be going through this a second time. My prayers are with you.
Debra
March 21st, 2010 at 17:43
Happy 2 month ampuversary Nikki!!! So glad to hear that she’s doing so well… But now Buddy. I can’t believe it!! I guess things must happen for a reason… and now that you have gone through the experience with Nikki, you’ll be more prepared to help Buddy with his battle. My heart goes out to you and your family… You are all in my thoughts and prayers…
Angel Jake’s Mom
March 21st, 2010 at 18:42
Happy 2 month Ampuversary Nikki! Sounds like you are doing great and we are very happy for you! Keep milking the system to get spoiled!
Buddy we are very sad for you, but you couldn’t have better pawrents to take care of you! Just take after Nikki and you will be fine! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
XOXO
Dillon and Rhys
March 21st, 2010 at 22:27
I agree with you on Buddy picking you guys. He couldn’t be a luckier dog right now. Even though he has cancer, he also has pawrents that are going to give him the best care possible. Be brave, Buddy! We’ll all be thinking about you.
And Nikki, congrats on 2 months!! I expect be reading about your ampuversaries for many, many more months to come. Make sure you get a treat!