Almost a month now...

Time passes and it gets a little easier.  Yesterday was the first day in a while that I cried for Kramer.  We made a book featuring pictures from his birthday party and it sits on the coffee table.  Just got to me yesterday.  Sammie got upset when the pizza man gave her bones for Kramer.  She wasn't sure what to do.  Poor kid.  She came in the house and ended up breaking down.  It's been a while since she's cried like that for him.

 

It's quiet around here without a dog.  We still do things like he is here.  Habits are hard to break and he was such a part of our daily lives and routines. 

 

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and prayers. 

 

-Carol

Our heartfelt thanks...

...to all of you that have left us messages and sent emails.  It means so much to know you care and understand what we are going through right now.  I can't thank you enough for your continued support now and during Kramer's illness. 

 

We picked up Kramer's ashes today.  It's been one week since he died.  Sammie has been adding little pictures and notes to the urn.  And she plans to add one of his tennis balls he loved to chew.  He used to put a tennis ball in his mouth and chew on it like it was gum.  I can't believe he never popped one the way he smushed them in his mouth.  :)

 

Thank you everyone.

-Carol

4 days later and...

...we're still missing the big white dog something terrible.  It's all those little things you don't think about usually when they are around...him jumping up to leave the room when you turn the tv off, seeing him lie in his favorite spots, tripping over bones and toys on the floor, surprise kisses, waiting at his bowl for water, barking when someone comes to the door, etc.  It's time this week to put away his things.  Time to move the bowls from the kitchen and pick up the rugs we had down to help him keep from slipping.  It's so hard.  Just so hard.  I'm thankful we knew this was coming one day.  We cherished our time with him.  Made every kiss and pat on the head count.  Burned those things into our memories.  And the birthday party...what a great memory!  I'm so glad we did it. 

 

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. 

 

-Carol

Sad News...

Kramer died this morning at the vet.  It appears his heart gave out while they were treating another bloat episode.  While this was expected, I wasn't ready for it to be today.  But are we ever ready? 

 

Needless to say, we are very sad.  Sammie is handling it like a trooper.  After the initial crying, she's making peace with it.  She knew it was coming, too.  And we have good memories to look back on...especially his recent birthday party.  And all special moments caring for him when he didn't feel good.

 

I did go to the vet to see him after his passing.  He's at peace now.  And as sad as I am, I know he's in a place now where he can run again and be happy.  He gave his all for us and lived 6 months longer than anyone expected.  We cherished every moment and have no regrets. 

 

Thanks to all of you that have visited this site and supported us during Kramer's illness.  I truly appreciate it.

 

-Carol

Kramer's in the hospital today

Kramer's Mom here.  Kramer is experiencing another bloat episode.  It's the third in a year.  He was pretty miserable when he left this morning for the vet.  They just called and said he doesn't look good...bloated, dehydrated, lethargic, weak.  I advised making him comfortable, but no heroics.  I don't know what to expect at this point.  They are going to give him some IV fluids, relieve the pressure in his tummy, and relieve his bladder.  We'll know more later today. 

 

-Carol

Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my birthday.  I'm 11 years old now.  My Sammie threw me a great birthday party.  Five of her friends came over.  They painted their faces to look like me and put on ears like mine.  We hunted for "bones" in the backyard and played "pin the pawprint" on the dog.  There was a big puzzle on the floor that was a picture of me when it was put together!  Mom made me a cake shaped like a bone and all the kids sang to me.  We got some great donations to take to the Humane Society on Monday and I got a new toy.  It was a fun day!  But I'm pretty tired out. 

 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

-Kramer

 

My Birthday is coming!

I have a birthday coming up on July 5th.  I'll be 11 years old!  My girl, Sammie, is planning a party.  She has invited 10 of her friends over on my birthday for some fun!  I heard her and Mom say the kids were going to dress up like me and even paint their faces.  How cool is that?  Sounds like a good time.  I can't wait!

 

The last couple of days have been pretty good.  I'm enjoying the nice summer weather we've been having.  I've been exploring around the yard and staying outside a bit more than I used to.  Sometimes I try to chase a squirrel, chipmunk or bird.  Sammie likes to be outside with me.  But she keeps telling me not to eat the grass clumps.  I don't know why.  They're good!

 

-Kramer

Hello Everyone!

Thanks to all of you that have stopped by.  Mom and Sammie were in FL for a couple of weeks visiting our family and it's just been busy, busy, busy since they've been back.  I'm glad they are back.  I missed them even though I enjoyed going to work everyday with Dad.

 

Sammie is involved in a lot of summer activities and classes.  She's taking swimming lessons and an art class.  Oh, she's playing T-ball, too.  Wish I could go watch.

 

As for me, I'm feeling a little droopy.  Mom will tell you more.  Sammie is taking good care of me and gives me her special princess blanket and Ariel pillow.  I'm a lucky dog!

 

Take care everyone and Happy Summer!

 

-Kramer

 

Mom here:  Since we've been home from Florida, Kramer is acting a little differently.  He's lost more weight and is all skin and bones.  He's always been very thin, but not like this.  He's not eating as much the last week either.  He's still eager to eat, but is leaving about 1/3 of the meals behind.  He seems sad and is following me around constantly.  Now that's not all that unusual.  He is a big Mama's boy, but before the trip, he would stay to himself a lot during the daytime.  Now, if I even move or talk, he's up and at my side.  He's going up and down the stairs a lot more to be close to me.  His legs are a little worse and getting around is getting increasingly difficult, but he is still doing it himself and going potty himself.  My gut feeling is that the cancer is advancing and his time is shortening with us.  I think he knows it and that's why he's being my shadow.

 

Kramer has a birthday coming up on July 5th and Sammie has planned a party.  We've invited 10 of her little friends over for an afternoon of dog fun!  I think it will be good for her and help in the grieving process when the time comes.

 

Thanks to all of you for hanging in there with us. 

 

-Carol (Kramer's Mom)

My Update

You are all so sweet sending me all those barks.  We all love them!  Mom wishes she had more time to send some back. :)

 

I'm doing ok.  Looks like the degenerative myelopathy is affecting my rectum.  I've been making some unintentional messes around the house.  Mom's not mad.  She understands.  But I feel like a bad boy when it happens.  My legs are not so good some days and Mom has to help me up the stairs more often.  I have also vomited a couple more times.  I don't know why.  I have a good appetite and I eat what Mom gives me.  Mom says maybe it's the cancer.  But she doesn't know.  Her and Sammie just love me and that's all that matters!

 

Everything else is fine.  The weather is getting a little warmer and I've been exploring a little more outside.  Sammie went to play with some new friends the other day off the property.  That made me nervous and I watched her like a hawk till she came back.

 

Hope everyone is doing well and is in good health!

-Kramer

Rough couple of days...

Yesterday, I was vomiting in the morning. And something was hurting my tummy till I burped. Then I was kind of coughing for a couple of hours. I rested most of the day because I didn't feel good and did eat a little before bedtime. This morning I was eager to eat, but after breakfast, I vomited again. Then I felt fine and ate dinner tonight with no problem. I don't know what that's all about. Mom and Sammie were very worried yesterday and thought I might need to go to the vet. Mom even had Sammie watch me for a few minutes while she went to get dressed, "just in case". But they didn't take me. Glad about that! Hey, I did go after a possum last night. It didn't run, so even with my bad legs, I caught up to it. Wasn't sure what to do then and it ran under the fence. Mom kept telling me, "no, Kramer, no". I don't know what she was worried about. I just wanted to play! So, I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow! Talk to you all soon! -Kramer