07.19.16
Baloo’s Fight Resumes at Month 9
Hi everyone!
My last post was about being cancer free for Baloo. Then life got a bit crazy.
Baloo and Maverick enjoying Bidwell Park ’16
Big things have have happened for Baloo since I last posted in April with news of cancer scans and cancer free news.
As a treat we went for our first Post Op Swim, despite frigid waters, to celebrate news that he was cancer free at month 7. It was our last goal for him following surgery, and he had a great time.
When my adorable #Tripawd Wants to swim in snow-melt, you go too!
Following those big things, I got a new job in Southern California, my mom retired, and my dad went on summer break, so we packed up our lives and moved 600 miles south to sunny Southern California where a new retirement home was waiting for my folks, and my new job was waiting for me.
Baloo had traveled there with us often as a puppy, but this is a huge adventure for him as an adult.
Like all things, a move has pros and cons. The cons list is short; we began building our new house before Baloo got sick, and it is on a hill, with the living space is on the top floor. Though he can go in and outside easily, to get to the front of the house where the vehicles are, a bit of a trek down a sloped path is necessary. We have a wagon ready for emergencies, but since we’re driving the dogs to parks every day, it makes us miss easy access out the front door. The stairwell is too steep for him to navigate.
But I think mostly the move mostly “pros” that have been great. My mom is now retired, and is home with him all day, and Dad is too before teaching in the fall. The climate is more comfortable, and he gets to enjoy having all of our doors and windows open all day now that the summer heat isn’t over a hundred degrees.
We make a point of going on an outings every evening. Baloo loves the beach and park every day. He is overjoyed by the variety of people and dog watching he has here. And he milks the lovin’ he gets as a tripawd.
Since returning to Southern California, aka home of my storage unit, I was able to dig my huge Houndabout dog stroller out of storage, so he can join us on longer walks, or safely on busy streets – after one stroll he was in LOVE!
Baloo’s First Ride in the Houndabo
Unfortunately, just a few weeks after moving, Baloo started gagging, and we had a bad feeling. A quick trip for x-rays, and despite our “all clear” x-ray just four weeks prior, nodes had appeared that were pressing on Baloo’s trachea, which, when he shifted his body, caused him to gag and choke. They are also in his lungs. The rapid progression in four weeks was discouraging.
Of course, being a lab, all he wants to do it roll around in the grass gleefully soaking up the sun on a beautiful day on a lovely afternoon, but the moment he inverts, his airways closes off for a few seconds, and it’s devastating for everyone.
We realize that the cancer may move quickly now, but I know my dog to be one heck of a tough old man.
Cautiously optimistic for a few more of these wonderful afternoon outings together, and I will happily take all that I can get, treating each one preciously. He is loved, he knows it, and we can only be thankful for each and every extra day together. One day at a time.
Baloo and Maverick at Fiesta – June
Tonight at Mission Bay
July 19, 2016 at 3:11 pm
Oh sweet Baloo. I certainly have a few mixed emotions going. A couple of tears because you have to deal with this new “challenge”, but I also have a few tears that are from the joy of seeing how happy and how loved you are!
We do, indeed, have so many things to celebrate! Going swimming on your seven month ampuversary with your BFF …WOW! That look on your face….You are soooooo happy and soooooo content! And your human braved those fridgid waters to celebrate by your side…such a loved boy 🙂
And look at you in your Royal Carriage…it almost looks like you are giggling because you are so tickled with yourself in it! 🙂
The move to California clearly is a win/win for everyone…especially Baloo! You are doing an EXCELLENT job of making every moment count and living in the present! No “xrays” can change anything in Baloo’s world, and he certainly doesn’t care about days on a calendar! He is loving life and lov being loved! Spoil him, love hime, give him ice cream and steak and more ice cream! Make everyday BALOO DAY…..just like you have everyday of his happy life!
Keep these pictures coming! This boy just melts my heart!
Lots of love to all
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
July 20, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Thanks so much for the love and support! It’s almost tough to be sad with the huge amount of joy he has in his life right now, and he makes us smile SO much, but we’ve had our share of tears lately too as he struggles to breathe. He melts our hearts too :o) And steak tidbits are his favorite treat! More pictures to come…fingers crossed for a decent report from our upcoming x-rays. Lots of love!
July 19, 2016 at 4:47 pm
Welcome to Southern CA; we’re here too! And the weather is perfect for healing and loving life.
Those are great photos and he looks great. Happy days to come!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
July 20, 2016 at 9:25 pm
Thank you Alison! I’ve missed it down here so much. He is absolutely loving it! We’ve always said sun, sand and saltwater is the cure for anything, so hopefully it works for pups too :o)
July 19, 2016 at 10:46 pm
I am sorry to hear about Baloo’s mets. He doesn’t really know that they are there until they cause him problems. Spoil and love on him and enjoy every little snuggle you can sneak in. My advice take lots of pictures make sure you are in some. Also maybe cut a lock of his hair. Something I only got a little of because the vet had to shave Sassy’s ear to get oxygen levels that last day. I wish I had more.
Enjoy the sunny CA weather.
Love all the pictures and he is so happy in them
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
July 20, 2016 at 9:28 pm
Thanks Michelle, that’s great advice! I never do manage to get in the photos, and will have to remember to do that. I always love looking back at the pictures of my babies smiling in happier days. :o)
July 20, 2016 at 8:06 pm
It is hard to read that Baloo is fighting cancer again. My Bandit is two months out from his amp and I am already worried about what the 3 Month xrays will reveal. I am grateful that Baloo has had 7 additional good months with you though! Praying for 7 more!
July 20, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Thank you Deb!
Think good thoughts for Bandit – I know the scans are scary, but that horrible pain is gone, and the odds are there for the better now!
Our amp date was at the end of Oct, so this is actually approaching month 9, and I know we couldn’t have made it more than a couple of weeks without the surgery and the rate Baloo was declining. The surgery gave us 9 more months. You could have many more.
I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to check out any of my other posts, but is you do, hopefully the photos give you hope.
I know each part of this is scary because you just don’t know, but Bandit could do wonderfully, and that is pretty great. Hugs!