HERE WE GO AGAIN

It is difficult to write about Luna right now because lately we have all been a little bit apprehensive.

But you have been with us through it all, and I don’t want you to miss this chapter just because it is a scary one.

Luna is still the dorky, goofy, fun dog she has always been. Right now she is demanding canned food from Russ. (Update: He caved.)

In December, Dr. Krapfl did an abdominal ultrasound on Luna and found irregularities in her spleen. He did a recheck ultrasound in January, and her spleen was even more abnormal. We did blood work, including a clotting profile (tests to make sure Luna is able to stop bleeding in a normal amount of time), to assure the next procedure would be as safe as possible.

Dr. Clemans did an aspirate (small sampling of cells) of her spleen.

The cancer is back.

Luna doesn’t know. Please don’t tell her!

We restarted chemotherapy last Wednesday. Her next dose is tomorrow.

Luna is also on Lasix.

“Why Lasix?” I asked Julie at VCA MidWest Vet. “I don’t know,” she said. “I will find out.”

The purpose of the Lasix is to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis - bleeding into the urinary bladder. It is new since we did chemotherapy last time, and Dr. Clemans has added it to her protocol.

I hung up with Julie and yelled at Russ, “Dr. Clemans is practicing cutting edge medicine! CUTTING EDGE!” After a few minutes, he said, “so…cutting edge, huh?” and went back to reading. He was, I am sure, quietly impressed.

Between Dr. Krapfl and Kelly and everyone at Gentle Doctor and Dr. Clemans and her team at VCA MidWest Vet, and all of you praying and cheering her on…this little dog has a great team surrounding her. Beautiful things are bound to continue happening.

SHADOWS END - A VAMPIRE STORY

A new veterinary assistant, J.J. Freeman, had started at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals.

On the first day I worked with him, he told us his first book of a vampire trilogy was coming out soon.

We were all so impressed!

I have a soft spot for entrepreneurs, especially new authors. I came home and ordered the book online.

On the second day I worked with J.J., I brought the finished book to pass along and told him he is a very good writer.

He asked to hold the book. He had not seen it in Real Life. I might have teared up a little. Maybe.

On the third day I was supposed to work with J.J., they said he had quit by no-call-no-showing. I was perplexed and a little sad.

I hope he is well. I hope he keeps writing. I hope he really exists. Maybe? Probably.

I wish I had been able to work with him long term. I am glad I got to meet him.

ONE YEAR AGO

BRUCE WAYNE, BAT PUG

TWO YEARS AGO

I CANNOT OVERSTATE HOW MUCH I LOVE OFFICE SUPPLIES

AMANDA AND ABBY SHADOWING

On Wednesday March 9, 2015, Amanda and Abby came to shadow at my work. Hannah, Kristen and Erin were so welcoming!

I asked Dr. Bashara in the morning if they could come for the day. "Of course!" he said. He even stopped by and said hi, which was super nice. As he walked into the office, I said, "OhYeah!TheirHairDoesn'tFollowTheRulesStrictlySpeaking!" because I had forgotten that part when I invited them to come.

One day a while back, Rae showed up to work with beautiful rainbow-colored hair, and the next thing I knew, we had a "natural hair color only" rule. It doesn't have to be YOUR natural color, just A natural color. Thanks a lot Rae. You couldn't keep your awesome just a little more to yourself? No, probably not.

Anyways, Pete was very accommodating about the crazy (awesome) hair. As were clients. In fact, it seemed like all our most wonderful clients with the best pets were there that day. I had great day with my kids. I've been able to say it to every shadower from the kindergarten scout groups to the college pre-vet students, and I am so proud to say it to my own kids now..."We had a great day with you! Come back any time!"

This is one of the few pictures on the blog I am leaving in "human vision" colors, because...how great is their hair?? They had to convince me this was appropriate for the school year. I could not think of a good reason it wasn't, and it has been very fun to see their changing creations! The bottom picture is in dog and cat vision.