Thanksgiving Stuffed Belly!

Every year on Thanksgiving, during the expanded cheeks of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, we say aloud what we are thankful for. It's entertaining to hear the responses, most are pretty basic but you get a few that are colorful. So, as I sit here and stare at two piles of clean clothes that are patiently waiting to be folded, I wanted to quickly say my thanks.  It doesn't take much to know that I absolutely love every aspect of my life! I can say that with all honesty. Sure life gets rough and bumpy, I make mistakes...plenty of them and there is a tiny bit of stress that I allow to come my way, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Besides, all that, makes life interesting and contributes to memories and stories. Life is a constant learning process and I'm taking it one day at a time, learning as I go and doing what I can to succeed in life.

Times obviously have change and we all know that it's becoming harder to get by. I never take anything for granted because there is such a thing as karma in my book. I count my blessings and believe in the saying, "the more that you own, the more that owns you"! It would be selfish of me to complain about anything in my life, because sadly there is always someone that has it less fortunate than you. I've gone through this wonderful Thanksgiving day thinking about all that I have and all who are in my life. So, I send out a HUGE THANK YOU to all my family, friends and to the one who changed my life for the better, Darrell. Not only for today, but I want to thank you EVERYDAY for being in my life. You have seen me through thick and thin, when I'm at my worse and best and have allowed me to be me without criticism, the love I have for all of you is great. Lastly, I do have to send out a tremendous thank you to Darrell and his entire family. His family has accepted me from day one and has given me love and support like I was one of their own. They have shown me what the true meaning of family is. To Darrell, thank you for making me fall in love with you and making sure that I laugh everyday. I cherish that simple gesture. 

I would love to hear what you are thankful for...

Hope everyone had a safe and fantastic Thanksgiving!

The first "guy" that stole my heart!

It's not all about me! Nor is my first...EVER...blog ( I beg you to bare with me as I learn). It started over nine years ago, well let's just be exact, August 18th 2002. I was there watching as he entered this world. When you look at him now, you wonder how he could ever fit in the palm of my hand. So cute that you wanted to put him in your shirt pocket and let him hang out. I gave him bottles when he needed them and watch him become what he is today. Well this "guy" is not a child ( I don't have any) and it's not my wonderful boyfriend...yes Darrell is cute but the whole hanging out in the shirt pocket thing...!

Christmas morning 2010

The first guy to ever steal my heart, wait for it...is my American Bulldog, Tyson! Those who know me would completely agree. He is one part of the "and 2" on my blog. You'll find out who the 2 is later, but for now, mystery. Though Tyson is not human, he is my child. He is spoiled beyond belief. Sometimes I'm jealous of his life. He drinks purified bottled water and has a memory foam mattress bed, there I said it. Quiver!!! Like I said before, I've been there since day one. It took all but two seconds for him to steal my heart. He knew what he was doing...and still does. I'm a sucker. He shares being the love of my life, with my boyfriend. Ummm, let's face it, Tyson agrees with me that I'm always right, so yeah the points put him in the lead at times. Just kidding honey...back on topic.


 I chose to write about him for my first blog because this past week has been rough for him. In all seriousness, I'm probably taking it harder than he is. Tyson has had major skin allergies his entire life. Hot spots, hair loss, scars from constantly scratching, dry flaky skin, his white furred face turns red, the list goes on and on. Any pet owner that has dealt with these issues can relate. Twice a year, for nine years, he has taken antibiotics and steroids. The cycle goes on and on. Thankfully, Ty is a gentle giant, loves everyone and goes about his day like nothing bothers him. 

Weekly bath time

This past year, Darrell (boyfriend) and I gained some hope. Tyson's skin was clearing up, hair was growing back and his licking and scratching was almost absent. He became more active, wanting to be outside with us more and so on. Ty started loosing some weight, which was good because he was a hoss. We were told it was normal since he wasn't taking all the meds. We were happy for him! Soon that hope we thought we gained, we bid farewell too. Me of course, I was holding on to hope with white knuckles. This very short story timeline of his life has brought us to date. I took Tyson to the vet this past Monday to get him checked out. His weight was becoming a concern for us. $320.00 later and clean blood work,  we found out he has lost 30 pounds (he was 96 lbs) and has an infection somewhere, yes somewhere. Tuesday comes around with another $60.00 spent on a urinalysis, which comes back clean and still unknown where the infection is coming from. Ty was sent home with 2 different antibiotics and we were told to double his food intake, this means 12 cups a day. We are at a stand still with a very belly full and drugged up dog, he still takes benedryl and fish oil for his skin. Possible x-rays are to come Friday and with crossed fingers and toes an answer. 

Really not sure why his ear does this when he sleeps

As all pet owners know, you get to the point where frustration sets in. Today was the day it set in with me. So what better way to rant about it than on a blog?  I'm not an angry person, there is not much that bothers me, but this has really got me frazzled. I have lost sleep, cried and at times walked around with a blank look on my face (this is possibly a normal look for me and no one has the heart to inform me). I've never been in this situation before. I'm starting to loose confidence even though I know I shouldn't. How much farther do you go before you have to say stop due to unanswered questions and all that spent money? The wallet doesn't want to come out of my purse anymore. Some will ask...all this for a dog? I say yes. No matter what trouble or mischief Ty's gotten into or how much he can be a pain in the butt sometimes, we have been by each others side for so long. He puts a smile on my face every time I look at him, he has been my protector when I'm home alone, my co-pilot in my car, my walking buddy and yes he's a fa-nominal listener. He truly is a best friend. That is where I'm at with all this. Trying to make sense of it all and putting it all together but I remain confused. Any similar stories out there? Please share! 


Stayed tuned...update will follow after Friday's visit.