Goodbye, my Happy Old Man

With an extremely broken heart and many, many tears, I seem to find myself typing these words once again just two months later. We made another heart wrenching decision last night, as we said goodbye to Zeus, allowing him to run free over the Bridge... no more pain, no more cancer.


Zeus ~ Forever our Happy Old Man
2001 ~ 2015

Zeus was my first fur-kid, my baby (sure, my family had pets while I was growing up, but he was my first baby).  He's been by my side for what feels like forever.  We bought our home, moved in, and less than a month later we brought home a 7 week old sweet baby boy.  From that day forward, he loved us unconditionally and would do anything for his humans. (His Daddy might not love that I posted the pic below right, but it's one of my favorites)

I do realize that Zeus lived a very long life, much longer than ever expected, and am so happy that he was here with us to celebrate his 14th birthday. (Did you see how much he enjoyed that cake?!?!) But, it's still not long enough. My boy endured so many things during those 14 years, more than any one dog should. Even when he was a puppy he went through a spurt of "growing pains" (the vet had a more clinical term for it, but basically he was growing too fast).  I'm not sure if that resulted in his later TPLO surgery and arthritis, but I'd guess so.

 

No matter the health challenge, Zeus faced everything head on, always with a tail wagging and a remarkable attitude.  Seriously, he always wagged his tail at the vet.  He loved Dr. C and his "girls" and would get so excited to see everyone.  He loved that they all knew his name and showered him with attention.  A few months ago, a tech was taking him for blood work and as soon as the door opened, we heard 2 or 3 voices coming from the back "Oh it's Zeus!!!" - "Hi Zeus, you good boy!" - it made my heart melt and we smiled so much. 

Zeus always loved being outside, lounging in the sunshine.  Whether it was in the driveway or on the back porch, if the sun was out, he wanted to be out there... even if it was 35 degrees!

He wasn't such a big fan of rain (ever see a 130-pound dog stand outside and cry because it was sprinkling?), but sure did love romping in the snow.  Before his arthritis slowed him down, he loved to jump and catch snow balls... and jump at the birds flying by.  He also loved to watch for the hot air balloons overhead and would jump and carry on whenever he spotted one.  It all started one day when he was outside, jumping up and down, barking at the sky.  I had no idea why, until I looked up and there they were... 2 hot air balloons.  He spotted them all on his own and was so proud.  After that day, if you said "Zeus, where's the balloon?," he would immediately start looking up at the sky, getting very excited.  I've always wondered if the people in the balloons could see my crazy boy trying so hard to get their attention.  

 

Zeus loved his siblings, and was always such a good big brother to them, as well as the foster babies who passed through our home.  He helped Sophie thru her extreme shyness when she first arrived and she's always looked up to him as her protector.  For awhile, she'd only want to go outside to do her business if he was with her, and he always accompanied her to the vet.  

 

Tut and Zeus were great brothers.  They loved each other, though Tut would sometimes get on Zeus' nerves.  Sometimes little brothers don't understand when you just want to lounge and not run around chasing balls. 

 

Zeus and Lola, who'd been together the longest, had a truly special bond.  I know his heart was shattered when we lost her, just as mine was.  I know he missed her deeply, and I can take some comfort in knowing that my babies are together again.

Zeus had this amazing will to live.  He surprised our vet so much by not only getting thru Vestibular Disease and aspiration pneumonia last August, but another 2 bouts with aspiration pneumonia after that.  After we got thru it, she made sure to let us know how remarkable his recovery was and that she honestly didn't think he'd make it.  She attributed it much to our nursing care and the love we had for Zeus, although I think the love he had for us was just as big, if not bigger, a part.  Our vet, who nicknamed him the "Happy Old Man" a couple years ago, had revised that to be "Stubborn Old Man" when she realized he wasn't giving up on life so easily.  He taught us all so very much about having a great attitude in life...

I am going to miss Zeus' kisses so very much, and that big nose of his.  He always had a way about knowing when you needed a nose nudge and kiss.

I'm going to miss snuggling with him, having him get up on the couch and plop his big 'ole head in my lap.

I'm going to miss giving him a hug -- there is nothing quite like having such a big, solid dog to hug tight.

I'm going to miss asking him if he wanted to go for a R-I-D-E and seeing the pure joy on his face on those days when he got to be my co-pilot.

I'm going to miss him constantly asking me to open up the back door so he could go lounge on the porch... and I'm going to miss going out there to just sit and watch him enjoying life.


I'm going to miss his bark, which he seemed to have lost after his first bout with aspiration pneumonia.  It got so faint and light.  But, when his Grammy and Grampy came to visit on Sunday, he surprised us with some big Zeus barks.

I'm going to miss how happy he got when you said "Grammy and Grampy."


I'm going to miss that smile.

I'm going to miss that tail, which we always said was a lethal weapon, and those welts it left on my legs from happily wagging so hard.  

I'm going to miss those big, big beautiful eyes looking at me... filled with so much love and devotion.   

I will never, ever understand why my boy had to endure this cancer at the end of his life.  Why he was cursed with the pain and sickness, as opposed to just having "old age" issues.  Why he had to be so sick for his last days.  It's not fair.  Cancer sucks and it has surely turned our world upside down this year.  

Rest in Peace, my sweet baby boy.  We love and miss you

more than words can say.  Run free with your sister,
and please keep a watch over us.

All 'bout The Ears

I know it's usually Tasty Tuesday, but since we're not prepared with a review today (stay tuned though... we've got some great things to tell you about in the coming weeks!), we're going to give you Take-Out Tuesday.... as in outtakes from our bunny ear photo shoot for Easter.  It's all 'bout the ears, 'bout the ears, no tail....

Hey Tut, you got something on your head... Sophie's just gotta sniff.

"Ugh, now it's on my head.  Maybe if I close my eyes, they'll go away." - Sophie

Zeus, always my star model, put up with Mama's antics quite nicely, even thought he wasn't feeling all that well, which kept him from looking at the camera.

 

I've never managed to get two dogs with ears or antlers on their heads at the same time.  I was mighty proud of my boys, even if Sophie wasn't looking.

Hey Sophie, the camera is up here... Maybe Mama needs to get another pair of ears.

Teutul tried hard to not look at the camera at first...

But he finally gave in to his Mama's craziness and posed for that stupid camera.

Hey Sophie, the camera is over here....

Back to my boys. I couldn't stop snapping when they so nicely posed together.  I think this one might even be my favorite, with Tut "leaning" on his big brother Zeus.

I'll leave you with a couple more of the boys.  I hope you enjoyed our outtakes...

Got Chicks?

We hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend.  Hopefully it involved fun, good food, good company and a lot of relaxing!  The Lapdogs' Grammy and Grampy came over yesterday and the humans went out to lunch (only after plenty of attention was given to the furkids, of course).

After the afternoon fun, the Lapdogs ended their Easter with some delicious smelling (and I assume tasting, judging by their drooling and gobbling) gingerbread Chick Pup Cakes from Boston Barkery.   Aren't they just the cutest little things?

I can't stop laughing when I look at the picture of Tut on the left.  He looks like that mischievous little kid who's trying really hard to hide what he's up to.

 

Zeus had a pretty rough weekend and hasn't been feeling so well.  These little chicks sure did perk up his spirit though!  He even got that left ear up.

Sophie just couldn't wait to put a chick in her mouth...

As noted above, Zeus has been having some rough days.  It's getting very difficult, as he still has his appetite and wants to eat, but he's vomiting very frequently now... even with three anti-nausea meds.  We have been taking things day by day, and I've been hoping we'd get a clear sign when it was time (refusing to eat, not wanting to get up, etc).  Unfortunately, I just don't think that's going to happen.  When he's not feeling so nauseous, he's wagging his tail and asking for food or attention.  He was very excited to see his Grammy and Grampy yesterday, and I'm so glad they all had that time together.  But he got sick quite often yesterday as well.  My boy has always been a fighter, but I just don't feel we can let him go through this much longer.  I think he's fighting for us at this point, and as heart wrenching as it's going to be to make that tough decision, I think we're going to have to.  I just don't think he's going to give up.

Happy Easter

from the Lapdog household to yours...

Happy Easter!

Review: The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop

Disclosure:  Storey Publishing LLC sent a copy of The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop to Lapdog Creations for review.  I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop

Essential Techniques for Becoming a More Versatile, Adventurous Crocheter

by Dora Ohrenstein

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Storey Publishing LLC (November 18, 2014)

When a copy of The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop arrived on my doorstep, I quickly found myself blurting out that familiar phrase: I should learn to crochet.  My Mom would be happy to teach me, but every time I say that out loud, I look at my piles of knitting WIP and the endless patterns lingering in my Ravelry queue.  Not to mention my, ah-hum, Cricket loom that's been sitting in a corner of my living room for a couple years now.  When would I have time to add another yarny-skill? 

But for those of you who do crochet, like my Mom who will gladly inherit my copy, The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is the perfect addition to your bookshelf!  As a knitter, I know I always enjoying building my skills and techniques, and I'm sure you do as well. 

At first glance, The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is a beautiful book.  Project and step-by-step photos are clear and colorful.  Text and charts are easy to read.  And, finding what you're looking for is a breeze thanks to the author organizing everything by technique.  After she discusses how to choose yarns, arm your toolbox and control your tension, things start to get interesting...  Fundamental Techniques.  Shaping and Construction.  Crochet in the Round.  Advanced Shaping.  Texture.  Crochet in Color.  Finishing Techniques. 

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop features patterns for 75 swatches, giving readers the opportunity to learn by doing, without committing to a big project (genius!)..  But don't worry, the author has included 5 patterns to put your skills to good use as well: Slouchy Hat, Marguerite Cowl, Colorwork Bag, Lace Capelet and Cabled Lace Scarf. 

Again, I'm no crocheter, but I'd have to say, it looks like the author has covered some great bases here.  In fact, my Mom, who's crocheted since I can remember, took a look at the book and said there was plenty in there for her to explore.  Which means The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is appropriate for all skill levels.  Whether you've just begun, or have been at it for 40 years, you'll enjoy learning new techniques or revisiting those you never quite got the hang of before.

Grab a copy of The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop, some yarn, your favorite hook, and a beverage, then sit down and get ready to take your craft to the next level!

About the Author: Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet designer, author, teacher, and publisher. She is the founder and editor of the online magazine Crochet Insider and the author of 4 books: The New Tunisian Crochet, Custom Crocheted Sweaters, Creating Crochet Fabric, and The Crochet Insider’s Passion for Fashion. Her chic and innovative designs appear regularly in Interweave Crochet and Crochet Today and have been published in several European magazines.

REVIEW: della Q Willa Bag

Disclosure: della Q sent a Willa bag to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

della Q Willa Bag

Where to Find: della Q

I've been a fan of della Q bags for several years now, and am always excited to see what she'll offer up next.  Della's knitting bags are always practical, yet quite fashionable too.  Her fabrics are bold and vibrant, yet stand the test of time and fashion trends.

Whether you prefer to knit or crochet, carrying your projects around in a della Q bag will not only put a smile on your face, but on those around you as well.  And I'm not just saying that because Della created my ultimate small project bag that makes people smile everywhere I go (I'll confess, I now own the "Paws Off My Knitting" bag in three colors)!

Since I'm sure you're noticing the colorful leaves in my photos, I will confess and say that I  received the Willa bag for review late last fall.  However, if you're a regular follower here, you know that life has gotten in the way somewhat over the past four months or so. Namely, losing this sweet, sweet girl who was always right there to help her Mama photograph items for review.

Anyway, back to the bag.  The beautiful, big bag.  Willa is a simple, yet very functional, shoulder bag.  She measures 15" tall, 19.5" wide, and 6" deep with a shoulder strap drop of a perfect 12.5".  To give you a better idea of just how large and roomy Willa is, here she is next to the Cleo Yarn Cady. 

And, here she is with the Cleo Yarn Caddy, another small project bag, and some magazines stuffed inside.  Isn't Willa awesome?  (And, no, I don't regularly carry around large project bags inside of larger project bags)

Willa isn't just big, however, she's also a great organizer thanks to the 2 interior open pockets, as well as a zip pocket, all of which are secured by an overall zipper. You'll find a roomy open pocket on the exterior as well, which is great for easy access to frequently used items.

The vibrant blue floral print you see here is called Kensington. If this colorful number isn't your fancy, don't worry, Willa is currently available in 3 additional prints;  Meridian, a black and white geographic print; Latona, a red, white and grey floral print; and Market, a tan and white with slight lime green accent geographic print.  I'll be honest... if I had ordered Willa myself, I probably would have gone with Market or Latona.  But that would have been me playing it safe, and I'm so glad Della didn't ask for my color preference because Kensington is indeed outside of my usual comfort zone and I adore her!  I can't wait to carry this bag everywhere this summer.

Which leads me to point out that if you don't need a large project bag, or heck, maybe you're not even a knitter, gasp, Willa would also make the perfect travel companion or beach bag.  With the main compartment zipper, she can easily secure all of your carry on items in flight, and with her simple black fabric bottom, you won't have to worry about setting her down in the sand.  Willa would also be a great tote for Mom's of toddlers transitioning from the ho-hum baby bag to something more stylish.  And Sophie wants you to know that Willa could also be used to tote around your furkids stuff...

Treat yourself to a Willa, or any of the other fabulous styles from della Q today.  Willa would also make a fabulous Graduation or Mother's Day gift. 

Wordless Wednesday: Nap, Knit, Eat Round 2

Happy April!  No fooling around here, let's get wordless....