Sunday 13 December 2015

Unsupported walks and night time games.


Blue has been doing well since our last blog, progress is small, but progress is progress.

There have been no ill-effects with the Chemotherapy, and the fur is growing back slowly, the spirit that Blue has shown confirms our decision to go through this route is most welcome from Blue.

Generally there has been a day on day improvement, so much so, that yesterday, Blue rested a little more than recent days, maybe he had over done it, maybe this would be the pattern of his activity levels, maybe there is something else going on inside of him.




We will continue to take one day at a time, not look towards the future, living for today.
Each morning as the curtains are drawn back we get the chance to wonder the dawn of a new day to share with Blue and realise how lucky we are to have each other.




The improvement has seen Blue not require the use of his support sling, for the last week, walk more comfortably to the park, and even have a short walk in the park, the equivalent of about half a mile in total. All at his pace and in the direction he chooses. We are very guarded about being in the park because of other dogs, most naturally give a wide berth to German Shepherds, but not all. Blue is very switched on in his mind and senses, once he is aware of another dog in the park, he will be fully focused, so we do have to also guard Blue against Blue.

He has also made the excursion to the local cemetery, a place he has walked daily in the past, but not since his treatment started.

His medication has now seen an end to the anti-biotic Therios, it has done a good job of helping fight off any infections

His daily dosage of medication is continuing with Tramadol, Gabapentin and Metacam along with the herbal Chinese product Yunnan Baiyao.


Blue is due his next Chemotherapy session on Tuesday, which will see him also take Cerenia in tablet form prior to and after the session. 
Blue will require 10 Acepromazine to partly sedate him ahead of his visit.

The many forms of tablet he is taking, go down with very little fuss, the only issue is if one splits and discharges the contents onto his food, then even the most appealing sausage has to be offered a few times before consumption.

Tuesday he will have a short stay for his treatment, where they will also undergo the removal of the stitches associated with his port placement. All being well this will enable Blue to return to his weekly Wednesday swim sessions at Aquadoggies, fingers crossed.

Sue continues to sleep downstairs in the week with Blue, where they both sleep through the night.

Friday and Saturday are my usual nights for taking a turn on the put me up.

Friday took us by surprise, I was busy cleaning my teeth, Sue was getting the duvet stuff ready, and who should appear upstairs, Blue, for the first time he had found the will and energy to climb the stairs, not only that, but after wandering around the upstairs rooms checking things out, he went into our bedroom and jumped straight on the bed,  circled a few times and landed with a contented grunt. Looks like we are all sharing the same bed for the night.

15 minutes into the night, Blue made it clear he wanted to go downstairs, so Fridays sleeping arrangements were to return to those that had gone before.

After we had settled for a short while Blue wanted to go out the back, to do his business, oh no to play football !! 

We played for a little bit, and I thought it would be a nice moment to capture, and went indoors and got the camera.


Eventually he had enough, and with the temptation of a food treat, we were back in doors to do what normal beings do at night, go to sleep.

Yesterday did see Blue be a bit more reluctant to raise from a slumber, but perhaps the clue was in the story above, lack of sleep in the night.

Those are the moments that will one day be cherished, it is still very heartwarming the support and understanding we get regarding Blue, neighbours stunned by our news always ask how he is, sometimes a knock on the door, presents us with a chance to update a concerned neighbour who had not seen him for a few days. Work colleagues keen to hear his progress, and how he is.

We are also pleased to have prompt settlements from the Pet Insurance, this enables us to continue supporting Blue, money is not everything, but it can open doors and provide opportunities. Some of the costs which must be paid for up front can quickly deplete resources. It does show the true value of Pet Insurance, and using a good reputable company, we chose ours wisely, do your homework and make your choice the right one




We have decided this year will be a Blue Christmas, Blue themed and focused on Blue. 



Yesterday we did the Christmas food shop, the main item was the turkey for Blue, if I am good perhaps Sue and Blue will let me have a slice for my Christmas lunch!!






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