Another Visit to the Vet

Harley was shaking when we went to the Vet today. She looked so cute in her sweater. Everyone was admiring her, and they couldn't believe that she was 14!

Dr. Bob said that Harley caused the blister on her foot from all of her licking! Dog-gone-it! He cleaned it up and gave me some medicine to put on it.

Since she has been crying a lot, and falling down a lot, he also prescribed something for her back legs. It should relieve some of the pain from her Arthritis.

I had to also pick up one of her heart medicines, so the grand total today was $150.00!

I looked all over town in search of a new sweater for Harley, but everyone only had little dog sizes. I guess they don't think that big dogs get cold too. Finally, I found a coat on clearance at Old Navy, and I bought it as a back-up in case I didn't find anything else. Harley is starting to bulge out of the sweater because I think it's really Daisy's. Next, I went to Pet Smart and they had some options, so my mom ended up buying her a very cute hot pink fleece top. You should have seen the variety they had...Santa outfits, bikinis, fur coats, denim skirts, ponchos, boots, and even Speedos!

When we came home, I put Harley's new top on her and it looks so good. It's definitely her color! I put Daisy's sweater on her (that Harley had been wearing) so everyone is warm and cozy now, which is good since it's supposed to get to below zero in the next couple of days.

Harley keeps trying to lick her sore, on her right, rear paw. I have to keep an eye on her!

Harley is so cute! She's my baby!

What is On Harley's Paw?

I just discovered that Harley has a growth of some sort on one of her paws. She has been gnawing at it. I just thought it was a nervous reaction, because she does that a lot.

I hope it's nothing that has to be addressed, but we will probably have to pay Dr. Bob a visit tomorrow.

I also want to find Harley a new sweater because hers is a little snug. She really likes it to keep her warm, but I need to find her a new one.

The Shivers

Harley had the shivers the other night. I felt so bad for her. I put her sweater on and warmed a blanket in the dryer and wrapped her all up.

Something is not right because she keeps snuggling with me and wanting to be so close to me all the time. She keeps kissing me too. It's so sad, it's making me cry.

I'm not sure if it's her heart or if her arthritis is hurting her. I think it's hurting me more!

Almost Chistmas 2009!

Harley is so happy because I've been baking and wrapping presents. Tonight she kept running off with the presents before I could wrap them (and they weren't for her!).

I'm so happy that she's feeling quite perky tonight because last night she was having difficulty breathing. She did enjoy snuggling with Sam though. Tonight she has been running around with Daisy, playing with her toys, and now she's eating her bone.

Harley needs to get groomed soon, but Dr. Bob said that I should take her when I can stay with her. She shouldn't be caged at this stage of her life and the least amount of stress, the better off she'll be.

When Harley is happy, I'm happy!

I Miss You and Love You, Harley!

I'm down in Mexico for a short vacation with Grandma, but I really miss you, Harley. You are the best snuggle-bunny in the whole world.

I hope that you are doing well with Grandpa and Daisy.

I will be home soon!

Love
XOOXOX

Mom

Sad Harley

Harley does not like when I go away. I took her to the store this morning to get Frosty Paws and other goodies for while I'm gone. She has not been wanting to eat her food, so I bought her some chicken flavored rice, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, and canned chicken.

She is acting all sad as she sees me finalizing things. I hate to see her sad. I do miss her when I'm gone.

Well, we have to leave at 2:00 a.m., so I'll be heading out early. At least I get to snuggle with my girl tonight!

Wrestless Harley

Harley did not sleep well last night at all. I know that she was having problems because she kept licking herself all night long! She also slept on top of my blanket, but I didn't have the heart to kick her off, so I slept with part of it over my head and a tiny blanket on my body, which was not warm enough.

Harley's Pal

This is Daisy, Harley's partner in crime. They have a love/hate relationship.

Current Photos of Harley

Harley was upset that I was taking her picture.


Harley likes to hang out while I'm on the computer.

Up and Down

Harley gets up and down all night long. I call it "stalking," but I think it's part of the dementia.

She is very restless and while she's slightly better than she was a few days ago after giving her the bladder medicine, she's still not right. Perhaps she never will be at her age and with her condition.

Today Harley seems to have a runny nose too.

I'll be leaving for Mexico on Monday and hope that Harley handles it okay. She always hates when I go away. Plus, I will be devastated if something happens to her while I'm gone.

She is my sweetheart. I will miss her while I'm gone, but I will be sure to stock up on the Frosty Paws for her.

She Takes MY Breath Away!

Poor Harley has been struggling all weekend with her breathing. Naturally, it started after the Vet's office was almost closed. I almost didn't go to work at Tommy's because I didn't want to leave her. She kept looking me with her sad eyes asking for help, and it just broke my heart. I wish that I could breathe air for her. My mom said she would monitor Harley's condition and call me if it go worse, so I did go to work.

She was so uncomfortable throughout the night, so I'm positive that it's her enlarged heart again. I really hope that there is something else that they can do. I hate seeing her like that, but at the same time, I am not ready to let her go.

Why do good things always have to come to an end?

Active Harley

Harley was acting wild tonight. She was running around like a crazy nut with Daisy. I was so worried that she was going to get hurt. You would never have guessed that she's 14 with Congestive Heart Failure! I had to literally slow them down by giving them Frosty Paws because I was worried that Harley was going to have a Heart Attack.

Not sure what gave her this boost of energy tonight, but she must be feeling a little better. Dogs are so much better than humans at dealing with pain.

I hope that the medicine continues to work for Harley and that she is with me for a long, long time. She is my crazy girl!

Feeling a Little Better???

Tonight Harley has been begging for treats, and acting more peppy. She started running around with her pink bunny like wild! I'm sure that is a sign that the medicine is helping, but it still makes me nervous because Dr. Bob ordered bed rest. I will see what he says when I call him tomorrow with an update.

$300 Poorer, But Worth It!

Harley had to go to the Vet twice this week. It cost me $300, but she's so worth it! Her heart is enlarged again, and she was given a 3rd medicine and was told to relax (no stress). I really want it to work for her because she's very healthy otherwise. The Vet (Dr. Bob, who is oh so cute) really can't believe Harley's age. He did warn me about "sudden death" however, due to her condition.

Who can ever be prepared for that? I keep telling myself that Harley is going to live to be 25, but even that is too young!

The other night I really thought she wasn't going to make it through the night. She was gasping for air and she kept moving around because she couldn't get comfortable. She also kept licking my hand and nudging me. It just broke my heart! Fortunately, that was Thursday night, and I got her in Friday morning, so hopefully, we caught it in time.

Goodbye to a Dear Friend

My cousin Gina's dog, Abbey had to be put to sleep yesterday. Harley and Abbey used to keep each other company when I lived at the cottage and Gina and I would go out. Abbey was a good dog. I'm sure that it's so hard for Gina because I am dreading the day something happens to Harley.

Harley actually had quite a bad day and night herself. It was scaring me.

Then, this evening, Harley perked up again and was playing with Daisy and her stuffed monkey.

Friday, September 18, 2009 - Lake Geneva, WI

I promised Harley that I would take her to Lake Geneva once the weather was just right (not too hot/not too cold). We found a nice spot under a tree (one side was too sunny, so I moved to the other side). We had a blanket, and I brought water and treats for Harley. I also ate my lunch there.

Then, I wanted to let her go swimming, so I put her muzzle on and headed down to the water. Since another dog was swimming, we sat on a bench and waited. Harley was not happy to be wearing the muzzle. She kept trying to get it off.

Finally, it was our turn! Since it wasn't zero dept entry, Harley really didn't grasp the concept. We had to go off a small pier, and the water was freezing. It did cool her off some though.

We walked back to our blanket, and we were just getting settled in when I heard a man's voice saying, "Helllllo dog!" I jerked myself up and warned him that Harley doesn't like strangers. He chatted for a few minutes (probably because he felt stupid) and then continued walking with his friend.

It took Harley a little while to get comfortable. She is such a busy body and wanted to see everything that was going on. Finally, I got her to relax and she was watching everyone going by on the street side. Then, she turned around and was watching the lake. It was so beautiful out. The sun was shining through the trees on my face!

Around 1:00 p.m. I was woken up by a client, so I figured that we ought to wrap things up anyhow since I had to go to waitress at 5:00 p.m.

I put Harley in the car first and then grabbed the blanket and other belongings. Harley jumped into the back seat and as soon as we started on our way, she was fast asleep! I guess the day really exhausted her.

A Poopy Day!

Harley had two accidents in the house today. She does that when she's stressed out about something. I think she got nervous when the Landscaper came over yesterday.

That's not a good way to start off her 15th year! Poor Harley!

Breathing Heavily

It's the day after Harley's 14th birthday, and she hasn't been having a good day. She's been breathing quite heavily, and grasping for air.

I have to say that I have been feeling the same way lately (too much stress!)..

I guess it must be going around because my neighbor, Jeff just had his 2nd heart-attack. Very strange because last night I actually thought that I was having one and I took two baby aspirin and went to bed. Scary!

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY, HARLEY!

Harley, I hope Dr. Bob is right when he says that you're going to live past 20!

You are my girl! I don't know where those 14 years have gone. I hope that you enjoy your stuffed monkey and Frosty Paws! That's all that mommy can afford this year.

However, Grandma bought you your favorite 25 calorie packs of Puppy strips. Sorry, only one pack per night no matter how much you howl at me!

Bladder Infection

Harley was licking herself nonstop, and I noticed that she looked irritated, so I took her to the Vet. Dr. Bob was out of the office, so we saw another girl, and she confirmed my suspicions that Harley had a bladder infection (probably caused from the Diuretic that she takes for her heart).

She received two more medicines to take. So, now she takes 4 medicines twice a day!

Halfway through the medication, and still no improvement. I called Dr. Bob and he told me to give her less of the Diuretic.

I think Harley is leaking slightly too. I wonder if the Vet punctured her bladder when she stuck the needle in her to do the test.

Poor Harley! I feel so bad for her. She's getting so old, and her health is failing. She has to go to the bathroom multiple times throughout the night, but at least she's not having accidents.

I've been taking her for more walks, and spoiling her with Frosty Paws because I don't know how much longer she will be around.

She is losing her hair like crazy too! She was always my little shedder, but this is a lot!

Harley is the best dog. I need to keep her happy and healthy!

Good Days & Bad Days

Harley has her good days and bad days. It seems like she's worse at night (which makes it difficult for us to sleep).

She has been falling down a lot. Some of it has to do with the slippery hardwood floors, but I think the other part is due to her arthritis.

Last night she wasn't feeling too well, but just a short time ago, her and Daisy were running laps around the basement.

Harley's Meds
Oh, I forgot to mention that Daisy ate one of Harley's heart pills the other day. Apparently, Harley wanted the other pill first, so when I gave her the chewable, she spit it out on the floor, and Daisy took it.

Harley's Progress

Although Dr. Bob said that Harley is doing better, and her X-ray proved it, I think she is deteriorating. She was having a difficult time breathing yesterday. She seemed sad too.

Tonight, when I was going to take her for a walk, she slipped on the hardwood floors.....her back legs slid out from under her, and she had a difficult time getting up.

It's so sad to see her getting old. I just don't understand why dogs can't live longer than Parrots!

It's so sad, and I really try to put it out of my mind until she has another episode.

Running Away

I haven't been putting Harley's collars on her because she's having so many problems breathing. When I was weed-whacking today, I looked up and saw her under the neighbor's deck. I had to bring her in. She's a little devil. I know that she knows she's not wearing the collars (and not only because she would get zapped). She goes as far as she can down the driveway, and looks off into the distance like she's going to make a mad dash for it. Then, I have to trick her by telling her that I have ice cream so she will come back.

Harley is still having some breathing issues. Not sure if she should be totally fine or if this is normal. We have a follow-up with Dr. Bob tomorrow. More money! Her pills cost more than any medicine that I have to take, and she has to be on them the rest of her life!

She's so worth it though. She's my baby!

I Always Knew Harley Had a Big Heart!

Harley had another awful night, and so did I! She couldn't get comfy, and she was getting up and down for water. She was panting, sneezing, and coughing too. I cried my eyes out (and everyone who knows me knows that it's rare for me to cry). I just didn't want her to be miserable.

So, I called Dr. Bob again this morning to move forward with the X-rays. The X-rays showed that Harley's heart is extremely large, which is making it difficult for her to breathe. In addition to being on the Diuretic, he now prescribed another drug that she has to take as well. He said I should see an improvement in a few days. Dr. Bob did warn me that she could die in her sleep one day. (I would prefer that's how she goes as long as she is comfortable.)

Before we went into the office, I drove around a bit because I arrived early, and there was a park, so I parked there, and Harley's lip was quivering. I think that she thought I was going to put her to sleep. It was the saddest sight I ever saw. She is so human-like.

I'm so happy it wasn't the "C" word. This is a great Mother's Day present!

Harley and I were both exhausted due to lack of sleep the past few days and we took a little nap together. She snuggled up against my legs, and her breathing was better. Although, it's through the night when it's generally worse.

She kept bringing her toys out this evening. It was so cute, but she's not supposed to really play for a couple of days. Then, I can take her for a short walk and gradually increase the length. She also has to go on Senior dog food now.

I hope that my heart can survive all of this news!

Congestive Heart Failure?

Harley had a terrible night again. I didn't think she was going to make it. For the first few hours, she moved around trying to get comfortable. Then, she'd get a drink of water. She was panting, and finally I got up and logged on to the computer to look up more possible diseases. I came up with Cushing's and Heart Disease.

I called Dr. Bob this morning with an update, and he believes it is her heart. I told him that I didn't think Harley is ready to go, she just wants to be comfortable. Rather than do X-Rays first, he suggested putting her on Lasix, which is a diuretic. He said that I should see quick results if that's the case.

I picked up the drugs and some treats to hide the pills in (why didn't I invent those?).

Harley showed somewhat of an improvement this afternoon. At least she was able to rest comfortably. She is still breathing heavy and panting though.

She was so cute this evening....she took her pink bunny out of the toy basket and snuggled up with it on her bed while I was on the computer. I would have taken a picture, but I didn't want to disturb her since she's afraid of the camera.

I sure hope she has a restful evening.

Whew!

Harley has been giving me quite a scare lately. She's had a hacking cough, and she can't breathe at night. Sometimes she yawns to try to catch her breath. I was really afraid that she was on her way out.

I even got up in the middle of the night and was looking online. I started giving her some honey because they said that helps with the cough, and I think it did, but not with the breathing issues.

I finally called and made an appointment with Dr. Bob. I would be a terrible mom if I didn't.

He said that she appears to be very healthy, and was sort of surprised. He thinks it's just another bout of Kennel Cough, and gave us the appropriate drugs. I have to call him Friday to let him know how she's doing. Otherwise, he wants to do some x-rays, but I sure hope that we don't have to. Dr. Bob was amazed that Harley is 13 years and 8 months. He said she's going to live to be 20 (just like this dog: http://tv.popcrunch.com/worlds-oldest-dog-20-years-chanel-on-today-show-video/).

I sure hope so!

The Pink Bunny

I found an after Easter special on a pink, stuffed bunny, so I bought it for Harley. She hasn't been feeling well lately and I wanted to get her something that she would enjoy. It's bigger than her other stuffed animals, but she still likes it. I know that in a couple of days that it will be torn apart, but she still likes them even without the stuffing!

Woops! She just brought me her Jr. Mint toy. Guess she doesn't want to play with the pink bunny right now. She did sleep with it, however.

My Oldie

It's very sad watching Harley grow old. Some days I think she is fine, and others make me extremely sad.

The other night, I didn't think that she was going to make it through the night. She just didn't seem right during the day, and at night, she was breathing very heavy and was very uneasy. I just snuggled with her.

I've been trying to take her for short walks, and she is definitely slowing down. I think I felt a lump under her paw (sort of what would be our armpit) but I don't want to think about it.

Today, we went out to play, but she gets tired very quickly and breathes very heavily. She even fell down a few times trying to catch the ball. It breaks my heart.

Right now, she is sleeping at my side. XOOXOX!!!

My Sausage Dog

I went to Playa Del Carmen for the month of February, and took Harley to be groomed when I got home. Much to my surprise, she was not just fluffy, she was fat! My parents fattened her up in just one month. She looks like a sausage. She has never been so heavy, and it's not healthy because she's 13. Now, I have to put her on a diet. I guess we can go on one together. If the weather would just warm up, I could take her for a walk. (Okay, the past couple of days have been decent, and I did take her for one walk, but it's too windy.)

The funny thing is that my parent's dog, Daisy, looks like an Ethiopian! That dog has the best metabolism (I wish that I could have it).

A Bad Day for Harley

I've been avoiding writing about this topic, but I must.

When my niece was about 3 years old (and she's 8 now) her and Harley had an argument and Harley won.

I got a dreaded phone call from my mom while I was at work. She was hysterical because Harley bit Sydney's face. From the sound of things, I thought that half of her face was bitten off. Don't get me wrong, it was dreadful (maybe I will post an old photo I found) but I thought that she was going to require surgery. I think my mom has learned not to allow a 3 year old to wander around the house with food while the dog is around.

According to Sydney, they were in the bedroom, and she dropped a cracker, which Harley decided to help herself to. Sydney got upset and pulled Harley's hair and bit her on the head. Harley quickly turned around and grabbed her cheek!

The worst part was thinking that Harley was going to have to be put to sleep. It might have been a bad day for Harley, but it was even worse for me! I cried my whole way home.

My sister and brother-in-law were on vacation in Las Vegas. We took Sydney to her doctor, and they said that they have many incidents with children and pets all the time. They were not at all surprised. I was suprised to learn that they didn't give Sydney any stitches. They said she was so young and that it would heal.

I felt so bad and didn't want Sydney to have any scars, so I bought her some Maderma, but my sister never bothered with it.

Sydney still has a bit of a scar, but it is mostly gone.

After a little time passed, I wanted to write a children's book about the incident called "A Bad Day for Harley," but I never did.

My mom said that after it happened, Harley was immediately upset and tried comforting Syd and Syd was hugging her. They are good buddies now!

Love is truly unconditional.