Little bit of good, little bit of not-so-good

This past week, Chance has taken a slight but significant turn for the worse.  The biggest issue has been his rapid weight loss.  His backbone and ribs are just starting to show and there is muscle loss.  We've added more protein to his diet per our vet's instructions, but Chance is still struggling a bit to eat in the morning.  He has no problem eating at night, so that is good.  He still barks for his meals and is in generally good spirits, another positive.  

Hubby, Mark is having a very difficult time witnessing Chance like this.  Well, we both are, but Mark is taking it the hardest right now.  It has been hard on him being a working dad and being away from the dogs.  He has missed out on so much time with them that he can't get back.  It breaks my heart.  

One shining light on Chance is Blaze.  She goes outside with Chance every. single. time. he goes out.  Struggling on her arthritic back legs, getting up and down, she makes sure Chance doesn't go out alone.  And even if she comes in before him, she has done her job.  Blazes loyalty shines a beacon of love in these sometimes dark times.

And while we have to take it easy on how far Chance and I walk, he is still one powerful, strong-willed dog, who can still pull me along if he wants.  Our walks are pretty brisk.  Chance is still the fastest of all the dogs, even with cancer.  

We have our good days and our bad, but overall Chance is still kicking ass and that's a good thing.  ♥    

From our Paws to Yours...

 

Brut Thursday-Christmas Eve Past

 One of my favorite Christmas pictures of Brut.  I remember that evening very well.  We had a blast!

Brut's first Christmas at 2 months old

It was the last time we had a tree and decorated for Christmas.

                                   Brut's second Christmas at just over a year old. 

Notice how he's looking right at the camera, while I try to avoid it. lol 

Oh, how I loved my boy.

Merry Christmas Eve!

 

Just a girl and her dog

 I'd been the verge of tears on and off all day.  They just wouldn't come, but it made for emotional day.  I have this all or nothing theory about walking the dogs, they either all go, or no one does.  Very rarely do I ever single out a dog and take only one for the day, but today was different.  Today, I couldn't handle the pressure I was putting on myself to walk all four individually like I usually do, no, today I needed to take Chance.  Just Chance.  And once we got going, I think he felt it too.

A hazy, half moon was out and plenty of Christmas lights to lite our way.  Chance and I fell into sync almost instantly.  I think we both needed to forget about cancer and death and just walk until our hearts were content.  The cool air cleared out heads and kept our blood pumping.  We were just two being doing what we loved to do together.  It was so refreshing.  And it was easy to forget about everything except us. There was no big revelations or deep communications between us.  It was all about feeling free from restrictions, limitations and guards.  Just a girl and her dog on a walk.  

And it was that simple.

  

the Christmas card walk

This is how you do it Chance.

 Blaze had figured it out...the secret to getting treats on a walk, that normally didn't come with any.  All she had to do was walk a little ways and sit.  A couple of snapshots and treats!  

We were out on a photoshoot for Christmas card pictures.  It was so funny and cute that Blaze was onto the game.  She's so smart.  None of the other dogs caught on to this strange walk.  Although Chance was catching on to Blaze and would sit willingly. 

Just when I think I've seen it all, Blaze amazed me.  And I fall in love all over again.  It makes me almost want to cry tears of love and joy.  Each one so special in their own way.  What awesome creatures dogs are!

Posers

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!