{This Moment} See Beautiful: Stop and Smell The Roses

It's been awhile since we've joined the {This Moment} See Beautiful blog hop... but not because we haven't been inspired. We've just been a little distracted and seem to keep forgetting about the second Friday of the month.

As you may know, Penny just turned a year old.  She's already become quite the little star, both on social media and in person.  She has everyone wrapped around her tail everywhere she goes - and she knows it. I think it's in part due to her natural beauty, but even more so, I think her sparkling personality shines through.

Seriously, have you ever seen a dog rock a Valentine's chocolate basket bow like that?

{This Moment} See Beautiful: Happy Old Man

Happy Friday!  It's a beautiful day here in New England (although it's going to be hotter than I'd like... I was really loving the few days of fall-ish weather we just had) and today we are participating in the See Beautiful blog hop hosted by Sugar.  Sugar recently celebrated her 14th birthday, and any dog parent knows just how special that is.

We lost Zeus in April, just one month after his 14th birthday. I am so incredibly thankful he was here and feeling good enough to celebrate, but man do I miss him every. single. day. This morning, Facebook reminded me that it was exactly one year ago today that I thought we were losing my boy. I thought his body was shutting down. It tuned out to be Vestibular Disease of Old Dogs - not something I'd wish upon any dog parent to have to go through, but certainly a huge relief when I was dwelling on the worst case scenario. 

Zeus enjoying his 14th birthday cake!

While it was a process, very scary at times, and required a lot of nursing care on his humans part (I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat), my boy got thru the bout with Vestibular Disease and aspiration pneumonia (which he was susceptible to due to his megaesophagus) like a champ!  Zeus had a truly amazing will to live that I have not seen matched in any dog, or human for that matter.  I am so thankful for the many, many years and memories,  and the unconditional love and pure joy he gave us.... but man, do I miss my Happy Old Man (and my Baby Girl).

Zeus loved nothing more than lounging outside, whether in the dirt or on the back deck... and I know he would have loved to spend time chilling out there his new little sister Penny, just as he did with the rest of his pack. 

 

And, I know Penny would have been infatuated with her big angel brother, just as all of our foster puppies were in years past.  Which leads me right into sharing a few foster updates with you, thanks to these shots I stole borrowed off of their humans' Facebook pages.

First up is Booth... or, my little Boo-Man as I liked to call him.  Just look at that grin... I think he learned it from Zeus. 

Zeus and Booth in 2011

Maverick was such a teeny-tiny tot when he was with us... and he still is!  His human sister shares lots of photos and I have to say, the little mini-munchkin's facial expressions are just too cute for words.

Zeus and teeny Maverick chilling, 2011

And, just because I adore this photo (and happened upon it while looking for the shots above), here's Zeus with Belle, our former foster baby who was adopted by friends of ours.  I miss that big 'ole happy grin of his!

Have a great weekend, and remember to make every moment count!  Fall, my absolute favorite time of year, is quickly approaching and I'm really going to miss Zeus' love of making the leave crumple...

{This Moment} See Beautiful: On The Road Again

TGIF! We're joining our friend Sugar's {This Moment} See Beautiful hop today.  Although, we must admit, we forgot it was the second Friday of the month and should have saved yesterday's post for today (if you missed it, hop back and check out the absolutely beautiful portrait of Penny from our dear friends at Chewy).  Since we weren't paying attention to the calendar, it just means you get more beauteous-puppy-goodness today!

Penny loves road trips, especially when it means we're headed to the race track...

 

She's certainly a spoiled puppy in the pits... complete with her very own travel bed that she adores.  She climbs up on it and gets comfortable as soon as we set it up.

And, there are always lots of fans to visit...

Penny probably has more fans that her race car driving Daddy.  One of her favorites is this cutie-patootie.  He was nicely asking me for treats to give to Penny when I snapped this shot.

Remember, there is beauty all around you... just open your eyes.  Then, kick back with a buddy and enjoy the weekend!

{This Moment} See Beautiful: Live Life to its Fullest

I don't always post for the {This Moment} See Beautiful hop, but when I noticed they were honoring the memory of Goose today, I wanted to be sure we joined in. I know what his Mom is feeling, and the emotional roller coaster she is on. Life is too short... a difficult loss certainly reminds us all to live life to its fullest.

I've been following Goose's blog for quite some time now, and really enjoyed all of the beautiful moments his Mom has shared with us. In Goose's honor, here are a few of my own recent "beautiful moments."

 

 

Have a great weekend everyone... no matter what you do, enjoy every moment! 

{This Moment} See Beautiful: Comfort

This timing of this month's See Beautiful blog hop seems rather fitting in so many ways, as does Sugar's topic of dog's comfort.

I agree with Sugar's Mom 100% - it is impossible to hide your feelings from your dog(s), and they certainly do feel empathy.  Being a multi-dog household, I can attest to the fact that every dog is different.  They each have their own unique personalities and they each have their own ways of comforting their humans.

Talking  - err, typing - about this, brings up so many memories of Lola.  She had a knack for comforting me anytime I needed it and I miss her so very much.  I miss her greeting me as I arrived home, always with a toy in her mouth.  I miss winding down the day, snuggling with her on the couch while watching our favorite TV shows.  I miss her entangling herself in my yarn as I knit.

I miss Lola.  Her smile was infectious, her desire to cuddle made my heart melt, and when she gave you a kiss, it was pure joy.  My girl was so amazing that even during her toughest days, while fighting her own pain, she made it a point to comfort me, licking away my tears. As selfish as this sounds, I was counting on my baby girl to be there to comfort me when it came time to say goodbye to her big brother.  Although, I know losing her brother would have been the hardest thing for her to go through... 

In keeping with Sugar's Mom's comfort theme, I want to tell you about the awesome folks over at Chewy.com.  We are so proud to be a part of their blogger family. Sure, the dogs get to taste test treats each month, but their Mama gets to partner with a special company who truly cares about pets and their families.  As if sending us free stuff to try wasn't enough, the Chewy team continues to go above and beyond, surprising and amazing us each time. 

I know some of my fellow Chewy blogger team members have already shared the beautiful portraits they recently received from Chewy, but I was saving mine for a special post.  Today seems quite fitting.  

Our portrait arrived on January 29th - a heart-wrenching day that will forever be etched in my heart - the day we said goodbye to our baby girl.  Not only did Lola get to see it, but she had a grand time barking at the FedEx man (it's been so quiet in our house since then). 

The portrait is a take-off of the photo-shopped pic I posted to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and while I never would have guessed this would be the one picked to be painted, it sure did make us all smile (as the accompanying note suggested). And, I can't help but smile each time I look at it now. 

 

The next day, we received another special delivery from Sydney and the Chewy team.  It was snowing and the florist called to make sure we were home to get a delivery.  Oddly enough, not one dog barked when the man pulled into our driveway (which, if you ever pulled into our driveway, well... let's just say, the whole neighborhood would know someone was at our house).

The flowers truly touched my heart.  I love all flowers (what girl doesn't), but these weren't any 'ole flowers, they had an extra special touch to them... the color purple.  Purple was Lola's color. 

The arrangement was stunning.  The white roses (full size and mini) opened up the next day and smelled incredible.  That distinct, and comforting, floral smell greeted me as I arrived home for several days after.  Lola loved to stop and smell the roses, just like her Mama... I hope she was looking down and sniffing away.  

Thank you so very, very much to Sydney and the entire Chewy family for the concern and compassion you have shown us, and the comfort you have sent to us.  I am so proud to be a part of your team, and honored that you care so very much about my furkids.

I brought my baby girl home on February 3rd.  She really would have loved her flowers...

{This Moment} See Beautiful: Old Dog Is...

TGIF!  I wasn't sure I'd have a post for today, but then I noticed it's a See Beautiful blog hop day and when I read Sugar's entry, I couldn't not participate. 

I agree with Sugar's Mom 150% - "Old Dog is Beautiful" 

Old Dog is also...

Happy.  Just look at that smile on my Happy Old Man, Zeus.  No matter how he's feeling, he always has a tail wag and kiss for his Mommy.

Stunning.  Lola gets compliments on her looks all the time - from strangers at the vet's office, in comments on Instagram, from the lady at the drive-through window...  Everyone seems to find the beauty in those grey eyebrows and aging snout.  

Buoyant.  No matter what's going on around him, Teutul is always full of joy and ready to great you with a smile (not to say that smile isn't a little devious at times - the perpetual baby may be approaching 11, but he's still full of tricks).

Content.  We always joke about Sophie being our little "Observer," but she truly loves to just sit, watch and take it all in.  We're all so busy and always on-the-go or thinking about what needs to be done next.  My little girl reminds me to stop and enjoy life's littlest moments every now and then. 

As the Lapdogs age far more quickly than my heart would like, I try to take a few cues from each 0f them on being happy - smile, be comfortable in your own skin, wag your tail like no one is watching, and slow down and enjoy the beauty around you!

{This Moment} See Beautiful: Happy Old Man

Happy Friday, and Happy 2nd Anniversary to the See Beautiful blog hop! 

{This Moment} See Beautiful is a once a month Blog Hop, every 2nd Friday of the month. simply create a blog post that made your day, week, and/or month … inspiring you in Seeing Beauty.  

Per Sugar's Mom, in honor of the 2nd anniversary, "For every blog participant, we are donating $ to our dear blog friend Goose Medical Fund. This hop is very dear to us. We hope you can join us."  So come on folks, hop along with us today!

My See Beautiful moment was when our vet called Zeus a "Happy Old Man" at his check-up last week.  Evidence was captured above during his R-I-D-E to visit Dr. C... seriously, have you seen a happier looking old man?

Although Zeus would like to think he just visited to give Dr. C kisses, we were actually there to check his liver levels and have her take a look at that growing lump on his right shoulder.  The lump is indeed growing and is "possibly" the C-word, however we will continue to simply monitor it, as the risks of surgery to remove it far outweigh those of just letting it be (the possible type of cancer does not spread).  His liver issues, megaesophagus and reaction to sutures in the past are all red flags for any type of surgery... never mind the fact he's the ripe 'ole age of 13!

Zeus' liver levels came back within the range we've been bouncing around for the past year or two, so we will continue doing what we're doing (samE and milk thistle).  Dr. C noticed one of his kidney levels was ever so slightly elevated, so we did one additional blood test, as well as a urine test to be sure his kidneys were functioning properly... and those both came back well within normal ranges.  Yay for my Happy Old Man!  

Due to some increased stiffness, we did opt to increase his tramadol dosage slightly and that seems to be helping.  I've also adjusted his food to about half as much kibble as he used to get, with additional soft canned food added to help his ongoing megaesophagus issues.  And while he's clearly an old man, Dr. C continues to remind us how remarkable it is for such a big dog to be so happy at 13. We're truly lucky and I cherish every single day with my big boy.

{This Moment} See Beautiful: LOVE

Happy Friday, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy See Beautiful blog hop day!  This month's topic is certainly on point for today... LOVE.

You all know that I have four very lovable babies in my life.  It's hard for me to admit that they are all considered seniors now.

Zeus, my handsome big guy is a master doggy kisser - not too sloppy like most pooches.  He's going to be 13 next month and has provided nothing but unconditional love all these years.  It's so hard for me to watch him slow down.

Lola, my sweet baby girl.  Despite her ongoing battle with an auto immune disease, she remains nothing but upbeat and lovable.  She loves nothing more than giving kisses and snuggles (even to the V-E-T) and sticking her nose in Grampy's pockets looking for cookies (my girl has no shame)!    

Teutul, my sometimes annoying, but always hilarious Tennessee boy.  He's one of those sloppy kisser pooches.  His method is to sneak attack you when you least expect it (i.e. when your mouth is wide open).  Tut's favorite thing in the whole world (next to food) is cuddling on the couch with his humans.

Sophie, my her Daddy's shy little Princess.  He thinks she can do no wrong, even when she's obnoxiously barking for dinner or whacking us when we're not paying enough attention to her.  She's the only Lapdog who doesn't give kisses... Miss Sophie is a master sniffer however (especially at the crack of dawn when she gets up on the bed to wake us up by sticking her nose THIScloseTOourFACES). 

They are the loves of my life, along with their Daddy, of course.  I'm truly a lucky girl, having five wonderful Valentine's in my life!

Won't you join us in today's See Beautiful LOVE blog hop - show your love and support a great cause!  For every blogger who joins, See Beautiful is donating a book to St. Annes Center Homeless Shelter.  The goal is to donate 10,000 books to create a children's library, so blog away!  

{This Moment} See Beautiful: Chugging Right Along

TGIF!  It's the first {This Moment} See Beautiful blog hop of 2014 and we're all about positive energy, just like Sugar and her Mom.

Zeus continues to have both good and bad days with his megaesophagus issues.  Thankfully - knock on wood - the good days continue to out number the bad.  It's a lot of work, but I wouldn't have it any other way for my baby.  His joints are giving him a little trouble in these deep freeze temperatures and we have to be careful he doesn't slip on the tile floor when coming into the house on snowy days like today.  I caught this shot of my big guy running back inside after a quick potty trip this morning... I think he's done with the cold and snow for awhile (clearly Tut, on the other hand, was enjoying it).

We'll get Zeus' liver levels checked out next week when he gets to visit Dr. C for his annual check up (boy does he love visiting the girls at the office).  He'll have baby sister Sophie tagging along for her annual visit as well, since my shy little girl likes to have company. 

Lola broke a nail a few days after Christmas, so off we went to see Dr. C and get that fixed up, as well as for a lump check (I swear Lola just does things to get a car ride and "spa" visit).  I took this photo on the way... one would never think she had a bloody nail and was off to the V-E-T's office.  She especially loves the rides in Daddy's truck.

Lola seems to have developed a few more of those mysterious autoimmune related lumps, so we've upped her prednisone dosage again, ever so slightly.  She's now getting 10mg, once a day.  Hopefully this takes care of the buggers that have popped up, as well as keeps any additional lumps at bay.  It seems as though my girl just may be staying on a low dose of prednisone life long after all...

And then there's Tut... who just enjoys being his annoying little self.  I was almost late to work this morning because he didn't want to come in out of the snow.  Does he look guilty, snow nose and all?

Enjoy your Friday and have a wonderful weekend... and keep those positive thoughts flowing!