When I took a week off in early February, I took Norman in for a routine check up. It was discovered several of his lymph nodes were enlarged which concerned our vet, and we found out he has lymphoma.
Lymphoma is incurable, though with an intensive chemo treatment many dogs can go into remission - often only for a short period of time.
With Norman’s other health issues and his anxiety and reactivity, I ultimately decided chemo was not a viable option for him. This means we are doing palliative care to keep him comfortable and I am taking as much time as I can to spoil him while he feels ok.
I do apologize for my slow response times to emails and to those that have had appointments canceled so I can care for him. I don’t totally know what to expect, so I want to alert my clients that there may be more cancelations to come.
A lot of people know that he is the reason for everything I do. I always say - he does not fit into my life at all, but I have built my life around him and that has lead to me having a greater understanding of reactive dogs and my desire to be there for dogs that may have different needs.
I’m not posting this for sympathy, just as a heads up that I may be less available for the time being. I am Norman’s sole caretaker, and now I am the sole employee trying to manage a busy schedule and a lot of feelings. Everyone so far has been beyond kind and understanding, and it has made all the difference as Norman and I navigate this challenge.
This weekend, I took him up to Michigan to have some time in a large yard that he could enjoy off leash which is not something he ever has the chance to do in Chicago. I’m savoring every moment we have together.
@laika.t.westie enjoying the snuffle mat and practicing staying in place on the grooming table
It’s been a tremendous 10 years, Ravenswood!
*added note: I will be out of the shop taking a staycation 12/31-1/7*
As the end of the year quickly approaches, I’m asking everyone to please double check that any pre-booked appointments for December still work for them. If you can no longer make it, please let me know ASAP so I can accommodate everyone and work on my cancelation list.
If you’re not already booked, but would like to be added to my cancellation list please email [email protected] with the subject “Holiday Cancellation List” and be sure to let me know what days and times you’re interested in.
I just discovered text to voice on TikTok. You’ve all been warned
Mochi is ~l o v i n g~ his brushout with the @kongcompany #ZoomGroom brush. It’s my favorite brush for short haired dogs like him, as you can use it in several different ways and it’s rubber nubs won’t scratch the skin or damage the coat. You can use it like I am here, in a back and forth motion, or you can use it in short quick strokes. I often use it in the bath, too, to help release dead hair and massage the shampoo into the skin.
It’s true what they say. I couldn’t handle the woo @you.cant.handle.the.woo
Link HERE: https://sit2021.funraise.org/fundraiser/emily-porter
I’ll be grooming on the day of the annual Sit in for Shelter Dogs, so it’ll be more of a “groom in” for me, but I’m just over halfway to my fundraising goal for @onetailatatime and that much closer to seeing a dog named Captain Underpants!
Please enjoy the pitter patter of Matcha’s feet as he entertains himself
@onetailatatime
So many of you have been booking your appointments as I like to say “in bulk” but did you know I can set you up on a recurring schedule for the same day and time at the interval of your choice??
DM or email me to set it up!*
*please note I am home this weekend after receiving my second shot in case of side effects so my response may be a little slower but I promise I will get to you
IRL #bffs Josie and Reese ran into each other at the spa today