10.26.16
Baloo’s Brother Gets Married
It was an exciting week in our house! Baloo’s biped brother tied the knot a week ago. For the first time in 6 years, we had to leave the dogs for more than one or two nights to travel to Hawaii for the big day.
This was the first time since the amputation 363 days ago that Baloo’s been without one of us, and, to be honest, given his grim prognosis in June, we weren’t expecting that by the big day we’d be faced with the wonderful dilemma of leaving him.
Fortunately, one of Baloo’s early UC Davis oncologists has taken up practice in San Diego, and before our trip, mom took him for a visit. The vet remembered him from his treatments, and was reassuring about his current status. Her assessment was better than the doctor who saw him in June, and we felt like we could safely leave him for the week. I don’t think we could have gone to the wedding if there was a chance one of us couldn’t be with him to say goodbye.
Our trip was scheduled for 8 days, but we’d grown worried about the impact of that trip on him, and even on my separation anxiety riddled black lab Maverick. The best part of their day is when I walk through the door. My Dad offered to stay back a few extra days, but if someone was going to stay with the boys, it made sense that it be me.
I carved the trip down to just a few days – I had time to snorkel, swim with a wild pod of spinner dolphins, catch a tan and enjoy the beautiful ceremony, before taking a absolutely terrible redeye flight home.
My family was able to enjoy the full trip reassured I was home was the boys, and I enjoyed my extra time home snuggling with them. My new sister-in-law is a huge lab lover too (their family has three labs, and raises guide dog puppies) and she was just as glad the boys were taken care of.
I was worried I would feel a bit like I was missing out – but my time with the boys was wonderful.
10/15/16 Begging for my park picnic!
A friend took a “staycation” and stayed with them nonstop the few days I was gone. She sent us so many photos it drove us a little crazy, but it was good to see them loved while we were away. It sounded like Maverick actually took my absence harder than Baloo, which didn’t surprise me.
Baloo’s energy seemed down when we got home, but after spending the last few evenings on his dog bed with him, he’s perked up. His eyes are brighter, his tail is wagging, and the snuggles and kisses have returned. He’s not racing around the way he did a year ago, but he’s happy. Last night when I was petting him he started jawing at my hands to wrestle – and good luck stopping him if there’s potentially food in the kitchen.
10/25/16 – Evening Snuggles
A year ago today, Baloo was headed to UC Davis for his amputation. His ampuversary is Friday. A few weeks ago it seemed optimistic to look out to 10/28, and though time is very precious (as it always is!), we can’t try to guesstimate how he’s doing. Every few days so my mom tearfully says she doesn’t think he’s doing well when he’s lacking energy or panting. I remind her that his quality of life is good, which cheers her up. And to prove my point, not much later, he’s in the kitchen begging, or viciously tearing apart a toy, and she shakes her head and tells him he’s a faker.
At eleven years old, I don’t blame him for not being our second shadow these days, but he clearly has a LOT to live for!
October 26, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Oh Baloo, you big beautiful boy! Happy Birthday and Hoppy Ampuversery! I have a huge soft spot in my heart for yellow labs, grew up with them (and black labs too). I so want to snuggle your beautiful face! I am soo glad you were able to enjoy your vacation, even if a bit shortened. hugs to both of you! Teri and Isa
October 26, 2016 at 5:55 pm
This is such a joyful post. Impossible to read without smiling. Congratulations to Baloo’s brother and Happy Ampuversary to Baloo! He clearly has LOTS to live for and share with his lovely, loving family.
Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx
October 26, 2016 at 6:46 pm
So happy beautiful Baloo is doing well! What a great update. Almost one glorious year. Sounds like you guys have mastered living like dog splendidly! Happy one year sweet boy! Steak, cake and ice cream all around. Congrats to your biped “brother” on his marriage too.
October 27, 2016 at 12:05 am
Hoppy Ampuversary Baloo. Congrats on the brother’s wedding. This is an awesome update. Enjoy your big celebration and kick it up. 🙂
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
October 27, 2016 at 12:39 am
Wow, that is so great he has almost a year since his amp. And you got to go to Hawaii for a quickie trip. It is hard to leave our pups but you made it work out okay despite a little jet lag. Can’t wait for the 1 year celebration.
Penny, Angel Maggie, Blink and Hank
October 27, 2016 at 1:24 am
This is so lovely. Baloo’s story gives me so much hope for my 8-yr old lab Gabbar, who is having his front left leg amputated today in about 3 hours. I’ve been a nervous wreck, but your story has just calmed me down, telling me, it’ll be okay.
October 29, 2016 at 2:06 am
I hope things went well for Gabbar! I remember very well how scary the first hours, days, and weeks were. I started my blog hoping someone in your shoes would see it, and feel okay about what was to come. I know everyone says to live day by day, but it’S so true! We just keep telling ourselves that he deserves the chance to fight – and he does. I sincerely hope Gabbar’s recovery is peaceful and happy – but I also wish you even more time together than our bonus year with Baloo! Some of these stories are incredible. Dogs are amazing!
October 27, 2016 at 2:19 am
Hoppy Ampuversary Baloo! One year is something to celebrate! Hopefully your mom will make you some cake (hint, hint). Murphy & crew love the grain-free peanut butter apple muffins (the recipe is simple – 1/2 apple diced, 3 T peanut butter, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp baking powder..mix well, pour into greased muffin cups..we get 3 large muffins, bake at 350 for 20 mins.)
Donna
October 27, 2016 at 2:43 am
Oh Baloo! Happy 1yr Ampuversary you handsome fella!!
Have a great weekend celebrating every minute!
Chris & Kylie xo
October 27, 2016 at 9:04 am
Wonderful update! 🙂 and your right about them keeping us guessing and wondering. I live on an island, my parents on the mainland (UK) so they come and visit for a week every 6 weeks or so. Every time my mum says, umm he seems quiet or is he walking as well this week? She scares the life out of me every time! I know she’s not doing it insensitively and she only worries coz she loves Zuki to death too but jeez. Our boys are fantastic at knowing when just to have a chilled day and when to let their inner pupster out 🙂
I hope you guys have a fantastic time celebrating your 1 year!
Much love Karis & Zuki xxx
October 29, 2016 at 2:09 am
Ha, sounds like we are not the only ones on that roller coaster! The good thing is that it means there are lots of good days – and who better than us to know the difference between a lazy dog and a faker 🙂 Cheers to you and Zuki!
October 27, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Okay, I think I’ve been on this site a little too long- When you talked about a “wedding for his bipod brother”, I was wracking my brain trying to figure out if you had a bi-pod dog or cat!! Yeah, my mind really did go there!! 🙂 🙂
Ohhh my!!
Really glad you had a good time in Hawaii and got to do so many fun things!
I am thrilled beyond words to hear Baloo is thoroughly enjoying all that loving and spoiling he’s getting every second of every day!! Sure he tires some, aside from his health “issues” (which he coukd care less about), he’s TWELVE YEARS YOUNG and, he’s a “senior” front leg tripawd for over a year!! He’s the Energizer Bunny of the Tripawd World!!
He looks wonderful in his pictures, absolutely wonderful!
Thank you so much for letting us join in on celebrating the inspirational and miraculous journey of our ROCK STAR BALOO!! Such an amazing, amazing victorious jkurney!!
Yep, steak for everyone!
Lots of love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!