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A day in the life....
Some days are just filled with adventure, others normal life following me everywhere around the house....napping and one of their daily favs...
Walks and yard time.
Allows me to check on my sad winter garden....
Still enjoying a few lovey blooms.
Like most, my life has slowed down a bit due to what seems like the never ending pandemic and all else that occurred during 2020.
Though not much of a presence on social media, hopefully I will be a little more active 2021....maybe!
May all that has been going on during this crazy time....settle down somewhat.
We shall see peace ☮️ ✌️ ☮️
Trying times are these...
Sometimes difficult navigating through all that we need to do.
Temp about 90ish outside, humid.
Guys came to deliver the scooter, all of us wearing masks. They were quick to remove their masks as soon as they left...As were we...ripped ours off of our faces.
The mobility scooter...the fastest it goes is 10 mph. Used to get me around the yard to hang with dogs...do some much needed gardening, it’s been nine months with this bad ankle. A little bit of freedom, how it feels to me!!!
Of course, walking dogs. Not right away...I can easily do 10 mph, will have to practice at that steady slower pace, making turns, etc. once I master it, then intro with the dogs.
First, just having them see it...I thought two would be skittish of it, they are.
Put it on the patio...Sophie and Bailey...they are fine with everything.
Benny and Nash...nope. Will not even leave the house with it on the patio. They will eventually for they will have to pass it to potty.
Will take it slow and eventually...all will be good!
Again, I must practice first, then work with pups.
No rush.
A little bit of freedom after sitting on the sidelines for nine months....yippppeeee 😊
The life of a dog...
The every day scenes of sharing our lives with a dog, or two...four!
As these pups have been patiently waiting for my ankle to heal, as I continue to hobble about....we, yes we shall be getting a scooter....
Making it sound more fun....but rather a mobility scooter. While I am walking...those long walks, and good plays in the yard are something I still cannot manage with my sweet pups!
Sometimes we have choices....
Sit on the sidelines or...jump in the deep end and get on with things.
So in our future...
Walks will resume, wandering the yard and play.
May take a little time to get all accustomed to the scooter, but it will be well worth it.
During these crazy times, the best we can do is take care of our own, turn to our families. Less media...more time for our love ones, more nature,
Gardening time outside....all while social distancing of course.
As always....
Be kind and be safe !!!!
A goldenly Christmas, filled with love, lots of fur and slobber...and toys!
From our pack, to yours...
Happy Hanukkah,
Merry Christmas...
Happy Holidays 🌲
***please know, I am the proud owner of all images on this page.
Been a minute since I posted...
Great excuse...I had fallen and couldn’t get up 🙄
Literally, broken ankle and let me share when I do things, I do a great job. Three broken bones and the surrounding ligamanets and such, well a mess.
It’s been a journey, and continues to be so.
Surgery six weeks ago...bones healing quickly but not the surrounding area...ligaments, tendons and the skin itself has been a slow healing process.
Four goldens and a broken ankle, well mostly we are separated by a gate. They see me daily as I roll out in a wheel chair to visit.
Each gets a little of my time before I roll back into my bedroom.
So, this is my healing journey....the dogs are happy and so very well cared for...well grooming is a tad bit challenging for after six weeks the clicking of nails. I’m their groomer, so doing the best I can.
Dogs, as long as you act as if all is normal, they will not skip a beat. The separation....well our caretaker plays with them daily, feeds them and they sleep with him. They know I’m here, they occasionally sneak past the gate that separates us and sit in front of my bedroom. They adapted to the changes pretty quickly.
Happy, carefree Gold 😉
Oh the life of a dog...
Sadly, not all dogs are as lucky as many of ours.
My little Pack, such lovely and goofy Golden’s.
We are still here, though to be honest I seriously considered deleting this page. I have not been active with it. After several private messages and a few likes, well thinking I’ll give it another go.
Life, it’s been challenging returning to how life was since my parents. Life has past by so much more quiet
Sweet Sophie...last I shared she was diagnosed with DCM. Is on meds, and life is good.
With that stated, please know it is so very serious. She can at any given moment, just collapse.
With each echo, heart monitor so too are her veterinarians so surprised we made the next examination.
In between life has continued without skipping a beat. With that said...walks are shorter...this summer has been brutal heat wise and there have been no walks at times. Though, the shady times of day...we wander the yard. They play, chew sticks...chase each other.
The two younger Golden’s...
They are enrolled in research for dcm at the university for now so many on board and doing research. Such a change from just a year ago.
Sophie was one of their first patients for dcm, they were confused for I had already switched her food...a no no to do so before the taurine test.
The boys are fine and just part of the ongoing research.
The how to and where to send it....me explaining and showing info I had and them doing some investigative research on the Internet.
We live Each day is a gift and not to be wasted 😉
My old gold, Bailey ...this year, well very noticeable that he is slowing down. We have been in search of things to help with his arthritis. I’ve given shots, pills, supplements. Some help, some...not so much.
Not a cure and on those days when he is moving slower, well like with Sophie it is at their pace.
Naps more, we are a pack and I’m all for slowing it down as a matter of fact, as an individual that lives with an autoimmune disease...my dogs have always slowed down and waited on me, I do the same for them. We hang out on the patio and take in some bird watching...or pick up a book and read.
On a bad day....I often take him for a ride...just he and I for it is the little things.
He is always happy and goofy.
It’s been a while.
We are still here, it has taken me a little bit to step back into life after being my parents the caretaker, their death then dealing with lawyers, probate and difficult family members and last, just trying to find equal footing once again.
The constant presence in my life...
My lovely Golden’s! This past year we have been dealing with several health issues with the two older....Sophie and Bailey so each day is that of a gift.
Moment to moment is what we do best ❤️
Hopefully, I’ll have more time to share some golden love and maybe even dust off the old camera and bring with while on our daily outings!
Four dirty dogs and our weekend plans, pedi’s, baths and fur cuts!!!
Yesterday, sweet Sophie and I took a little extra time after playing with all the dogs all together. We wandered and explored the yard....dogs are amazing in that they are never bored, always find the joy, a good scent to smell, to just be!
Ever since we discovered her heart issues, I make sure we get our one on one time no matter how busy. While I’ve always done this with each...yes, we are a pack and explore and play as such, nice to give them special one on one.
Tried to make it look fall-ish....oh how we miss the color and cooler temps. Today, sharing a few images taken with the iPhone.
Just a reminder, taurine deficiency and gf foods is something to be concerned about. Please take the time to research and be aware, it’s just not a golden issue.
Say no to suspect ingredients within the first five ingredients. Research.
Me, I’ve said no to all suspect ingredients, I’m letting how I spend my money do the talking for me. I want the option to feed my dogs quality foods, especially those that have food allergies and sensitivities.
Home cooked and raw is great is you can manage that, still it has to be balanced 😉
I know I want better options for my dogs!
How many Golden’s does it take to get you up and take them out???
Benny, Bailey peaking out behind Sophie.
Goofy Golden’s...
Those who share their heart and Home with a golden...
Is it the fur balls? I know it’s just not my home but go a day without vacuuming (unheard of) and watch as it collects and billows about. No doubt if just one Golden in the house not as much, but x4 and wow!
Last year getting over the flu pretty sure it was four or five days....it was found draped over the ceiling fans and lamp...pretty much every where!
With cooler Months approaching time to put some of that fur outside for the birds, they love it.
The slobber?
Just cleaned the door we use most...the bottom half is just slobber, both sides going out and then, back in.
Bed hogs...
Oh yes...nightly as I go about checking doors, then getting ready for bed...they are piling a top my bed.
For me it’s their joy.
They have such joy, and yes it’s contagious.
Gotta love a golden ❤️
-retriever
Old Gold...how Beautiful!!!!
Bailey, sweet, loving and oh so very goofy!
On a daily basis, this dog makes me smile. Nickname....two balls Bailey for more often then not he has two balls in his mouth. His daily serenade of jingle bells, yes, jingle bells.
A Hallmark stuffed toy that sings...kept out on the counter and a must once a day...since puppyhood.
Feel free and share your old Gold 🐾
This afternoon finds us sitting under the fan on this hot summers day. Thinking how wonderful it would be to have a pool right about now. These poor St. Augustine dogs!!!
Hot and humid!
Just gave the birds some fresh water...thinking maybe some kiddie pool time for the dogs!
A little research first on dog foods and where to turn...I keep thinking homecooked is the answer...but there too...just as with raw feedings one must make sure the dog is getting nutritionally what it needs. It just seems crazy to purchase dog food, those foods with the better ingredients at such expensive prices and we pay without complaint thinking it’s whats best for our dogs , when in fact...clearly, for some of us...most defiantly not what’s best for our dogs.
Sure so many avenues...raw, homecooked, kibble, dehydrated. So many factors go into our decision making!!! Over the years, with different dogs I pretty much have fed and done...everything.
Just when you think you have found what is working for your dog, you learn of a possible issue!
Research being conducted over at UCDavis on the link between grain free foods and taurine Deficiency, possibly peas, legumes playing a role in the dogs inability to produce or fully absorb taurine.
Four Golden’s and two with allergies. I was feeding them grain free.
While indeed there are those breeds, Golden’s being one there can be genetic link to DCM, too many now being diagnosed with low taurine levels...heart muscles issues and the link back to grain free foods and no history of heart issue in that particular dogs lineage.
Scary, so very scary for a taurine deficiency can lead to DCM (dialated cardiomyopathy).
Thing is not all dogs being feed grain free high in peas and legumes (which by the way is chosen not because it is best for your dog but rather more cost effective for the manufacturer) will have an issue, but imagine if there are those unaware, and I was up until a few months ago.
So, here I sit trying to figure out what will be best for my two. They are both currently back on a non grain free food and all are supplemented with fresh veggies and sardines, or salmon, chicken hearts...I rotate these little extras and this is just something I have always done!
One pup is fine and no DCM...the other will be tested soon. Neither was exhibiting any symptoms of dcm, with that stated radiographic imaging may just reveal a different story before symptoms appear!
I choose to make changes sooner rather then later, not waiting for testing for I did not want to wait.
I am not recommending that, just what I had to do.
Also, please know it is being found in other breeds as well so something worth researching yourself and well worth discussing with your veterinarian.
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm
I was feeding arcana and orijens.
Wondering, who feeds homecooked, I am not at all interested in raw. Nothing against it, just a difficult process to get all the ingredients!
Did you use a nutritionist??
We have been MIA for a little while.
Life, sometimes challenging at best.
I have been caretaker to my parents the last few years and the past year...the most difficult I have ever lived through.
My Dad had dementia and his fight was long and hard. As was that of his wife, and me. Alzheimer’s /Dementia is not just damaging to the one fighting it, but the damage it causes the caretakers is an ongoing issue.
It is several months since his passing...my Mom a few months prior and let me just share...
The struggle is real!!!
I placed my Dad when my Mom was so ill, just before her death. I just could not care for the both any longer for she required around the clock care. I looked at all the local memory care homes here in St. Augustine area.
~Safety was the utmost important feature of a home. Many with dementia have wanderlust and love to roam so I was looking for those homes that were a locked down home and inquired about the protocol if and when residents escape...and they do. It was that protocol I was most interested in, that and communication between staff and myself!
They failed, he got out and absolutely no protocol followed. I found him sitting outside covered in f***s from head to toe and urine.
Yes, so lucky he did not wander off and get lost. None of my questions answered.
They did not offer an explanation, or an apology.
Actually, the acting manager blamed...
Me and his behavior...the behavior of a man with Dementia!
Communication was an ongoing issue. They are scripted to tell the residents family “all is well”.
~Cleanliness was important that of the home itself, their private living spaces and the residents themselves.
All is well...that is if residents are easy to handle. Some are not. In the duration in which he resided there were only two employees could get him clean on more of a regular basis...not saying they also did not struggle for he hated being told what to do.
I will give them this, they kept the building clean!
Not him. I often gave them a smidge of a pass...as his health declined, towards the end...there was absolutely no reason for him to have been that dirty.
~experienced staffing was important for ALL stages of the disease. Also, the number of residents per aide.
Failure. Often understaffed!
~diet for he was a picky eater had particular likes and dislikes and had to have his food cut thinly (meats). Remained a proud man until the end and disliked being asked if he wanted his food cut for him...had to come from kitchen that way.
They just seemed to yes me, but yet I never found his food cut, repeatedly fed foods he did not like.
I would request alternatives to be fed to him...sometimes they did, sometimes told no.
I also at the time of placing him gave them a list of likes and dislikes pretty sure no one read that!
Once my Mom was gone I was told the best Avenue was Guardianship and I so regret going down that rd. I don’t recommend and would suggest handling other ways!
I spent close to $60,000.00 of my Parents hard earned money on him residing in a memory care home. Honestly, the amount is absolutely not a complaint and I was so thankful they had a little bit of money and had hoped he could receive better care then he did receive. In having been his care taker...I know all too well how hard a position it is.
Pretty darn sure he did not receive that $$ amount in good quality care during the time he resided in the memory care Home. That is the complaint!
Oh how I wish he did. I tried with meetings with the nurses each and every visit. Talking with the aides. Hospice and myself even tried to improve his care.
Spoke with the lawyer and staff that was handling his guardianship and was told nothing can be done.
Guardianship...lawyers fees (two), drs fees, court fees....oh my.
And still...on going waiting for the courts to end Guardianship, waiting on probate to end and all ties with the law firm handling it.
It added to the unpleasantness of the entire situation.
At a time I was most vulnerable, exhausted I so wanted to do what was right, what would be best for my parents....I meant well and the entire process caused me more grief....I did my best to shield/ protect both from the craziness.
Mom passed away, quietly with me by her side...thanks to Community Hospice.
At the end...when my Dad should have been cared for gently and lovingly there were disagreements, him being found on the floor, filthy...the truth not being told and excuses and lies. Family services involvement finding Neglect...all I wanted was for him to be cared for. Court ordered to remain in a memory care home for that is where the courts thought he would be safest...me running around and visiting other homes, being told the same things by the sales staff....meetings for in home nursing care and aides for I thought it best to not abide by the court order.
Knowing he was dying and seemingly being the only one to actually take notice...heart broken and stressed.
Again, Community Hospice to my recuse.
He passed away clean, peacefully in a quiet clean-setting at Bailey’s family center. I stayed by his side throughout!
Now here I sit, with my silly Golden’s.
Trying to figure out the very best way to lend my voice to a good cause.
With the growing need...for the numbers are increasing of those being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Memory care homes popping up all over and the majority are nothing more then assisted living. Nothing wrong with that, early stage would do well in assisted living!
An example....
After three months of my Dad residing at memory care....I noticed his dentures not in his mouth...none of his aides were aware he wore dentures. Never to be seen again...a man struggling with his food intake to begin with, now no dentures nor could I manage to get him to visit a dentist, doubt he could have sat through such a visit!
They just did not seem to understand the effect their lack of care had on him. Could it be they just did not care??
Maybe, just maybe they too struggled...still their lack of communication, their indifference their deflecting and putting the blame on me...spoke volumes to me!!
Money. It’s about the money in the end.
Therapy work for sure...back to training for Benny also an Alzheimer’s Advocate and writing and telling my Dads journey.
Hopefully too, I find the strength or maybe the peace...to finally resume my life, it’s been a few years. Poor pups have been a smidge neglected...to few walks, me being physically and emotionally exhausted....and NO beach romps or other st Augustine adventures.
Maybe a few in our future just maybe, share some fun pics again!
Today’s pics...
Puppy Benny, a big boy now.
Nash to the right and Bailey at the bottom.
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