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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

When it rains, it pours.


Rowdy's cancer must have been very, very aggressive because this morning, just 2-1/2 weeks after diagnosis, we had to make the painful decision to let her go. Yesterday she took a bad turn for the worse and we couldn't bear to watch her suffer. Even super strong pain medication wasn't doing the trick.

Rowdy had a beautiful soul and brought lots of fun and laughter to our house during the six years we were blessed to have her in our family. She will not be forgotten. (That's her on the left in the above photo, with one of our other dogs, Otis. They were good pals.)

To make matters worse, Carlos has been sick for weeks with a cough/cold, and over the last few days he also developed a fever. Today we took him to see the doctor and found out he has infections in both ears. Poor little guy... we got him some antibiotics and ear drops and I'm fervently hoping the three of us will get some decent sleep tonight for the first time in several days.

Are there any experienced moms out there who care to share tips for keeping the ear drops in the ear???

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my God, Tamara, I just sent you an email about the ring and came over here to see if you had posted anything new. I hope you don't think I'm insensitive. I never would have sent you that email if I had known what you were going through right now. Please don't worry about responding right away.

I am heartbroken for you about Rowdy. I know how painful it is and what you are going through. Sending big hugs your way.

Crystal

Unknown said...

Oh my God, Tamara, I am so, so sorry to hear about Rowdy. Please know I'm thinking about you and your family. We've been there before with our sweet kitty Maggie, and it is horribly awful I know. Please try to take comfort in knowing you gave Rowdy a wonderful home, and I'm certain she has felt your love and appreciation for her over the years.

I hope Carlos' medicines kick in soon and he is feeling much better in no time. Poor little guy. Sorry I don't have any advice regarding ear drops.

Take care of yourself, and I hope you all get some good sleep tonight.

Hugs,
Jennifer

winterskeeper said...

T,

I know your heart is hurting. I'm so sorry. Animals are keenly aware of how much we love them - Rowdy knew your love.

R

Kirsten said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Rowdy. He was a beautiful dog.

Vegan_Noodle said...

So very sorry Tamara to hear about Rowdy.

As Crystal mentioned, don't worry about any of the the jewelry we were talking about....take care of yourself and your family. No rush on anything.

Hope Carlos starts feeling better.

Sara said...

I'm so sorry, Tamara. Rowdy was such a sweetie.

msbelle said...

Hi there Tamara.

My poor dear, you must be heartbroken over your sweet furbaby. I had to let two of mine go two years ago. It's never easy. We will see them again at the Rainbow Bridge. You did the right thing. It's hard, but he's no longer in pain.

Regarding ear drops, tear off a little piece of cotton from a cotton ball and stick it just inside the ear canal. When you put the drops in have him lay his head as flat as he can on one side and then do the drops on that side. Then wait five minutes. Put the cotton in and turn over and do the other side.

My Kevin has been sick also since early September. Don't know what it is about this year. Perhaps it's the lack of rain in our area, but he's had sinus and ear infections and just went back today to find out he has tonsillitis. Been running a fever too. After he gets better we're going to an ENT and an allergist.

This too shall pass.....

Hang in there.

Cassandra said...

I'm an occasional reader, and thought I could help with the eardrops question.
I'd suggest warming up the eardrops first, by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes(this doesn't alter antibiotic eardrops, if that's what he's been prescribed, I've asked). Warm eardrops barely feel like anything.
Ten minutes of tv watching with one ear medicated, cottonball like msbelle suggested, then flip for ten minutes of tv watching for the other.
We don't do this often, but it works like a charm every time.
I hope life can settle down for your family. Thanks for posting!

JudyM said...

Tamara, I just sent you an email before I checked here to see what was going on with you. I'm so sorry about Rowdy. I know how much a member of the family he was, and I know how much it hurts, but what others here on your blog have said is true--you gave him a loving home, and I'm sure he knew it.
I hope Carlos starts feeling better soon. Good luck with the ear drop process.
Love, Judy

Pangaea said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Rowdy. My heart goes out to you. It is just a few days from the 3rd anniversary of losing a pug to cancer and it still hurts. We too had Otto for only six years. You were a good mom to spare Rowdy any more suffering. May you find solace in your family and friends.