Merry Christmas 2011!

I'm very blessed this year! I got 3 rawhide wreaths, some candy cane rawhides, a new name tag for my collar, a bag of girl colored tennis balls, and a big tin of treats! My family loves me! I am so very happy!

Christmas Pasts and Present

Look at how much I have matured since I first came to live with my family 2 years ago. I had sweet puppy breath and a fat belly back then in 2009. Sprinkles looks mad in the 2009 Christmas photo. Suppose it was because I came to live there and was getting all the attention? Then in 2010, Sprinkles last Christmas with us, she doesn't look like having a sister really bothers her. This year I am sad to be posing all by myself in front of the tree. Something is missing. My smile? The happiness in my eyes? My best friend? Yep, all of the above. But no matter how life has changed for me these last few weeks, I still am loved and that won't change. I'm a part of the Sheldon clan and I will forever love and protect my family. Merry Christmas to all my readers out there. May you have safe travels and eat lots of good Christmas food! I certainly know I will try to sneak my share!

I'm doing GREAT!

It's been a month since the accident and I'm feeling really good! I have been extra protective with my family, barking at the door. I can't help it I am part super hero with my super intense hearing power. I lived so that I could have more time here with my peeps and I want them to be safe. They don't need no stinkin' alarm system when I'm around. I lost part of my spunk though. I'm not as playful and I stopped chewing up things and digging in the yard. Mommy says I aged about 5 years. That's probably true for now. My body feels older. This weekend, Daddy took down the kennels. That was sad and weird. We still haven't found the perfect place to bury Sprinkles. Right now she is on Jaelyn's dresser in her "casket". Jaelyn wasn't ready to bury her but tonight she said she would be ok with it. I think secretively, no one is ready to bury it because then it's final. I have loved the freedom of running the house when my family is away. I have been sneaky, sleeping on the couches. I'm not sure how Mommy knows, but she does. She bought me a soft bed and put it in my favorite spot by the window so I can be a watch dog and protect the house. I love having a real "job" to do. Jaelyn has been spending the night alot with friends and I miss her when she is gone. She is always the one to make sure I have a pillow and I'm covered in blankets if I'm resting. She takes good care of me. Braden sneaks me treats. In fact, the other day, he gave me a whole handful of treats just for going outside to pee pee. Evan is talking about Sprinkles a little less. Avery is a teenager and sometimes lets me in his room. Honestly, it smells in there and the door automatically shuts behind me and I get trapped. Now, I like putting socks in my mouth, but to be stuck in a teenage boy's room for longer than an hour is torture! Overall, my recovery is near an end. My wounds have closed completely. Now we wait for hair to grow over the scars. That day will always be in my mind but I'm glad I have another chance and more time with this great family I call mine.

Life back to normal?

Wow! These last 3 weeks have been really scary for me. I lost my best friend. I was hurt bad. But now I'm doing good! My staples were removed last week and the vet put a needle in my boobie to drain 180 ml of bloody fluid. I still look like I have a big boob there but it's looking better every day. The vet says it will take time to reabsorb. It's probably a shearing injury and now fluid is trapped between the skin and abdomen. I'll live. I just look like I had puppies and I now have one saggy boob. I have been going on walks with Daddy and Mommy and even get to go from drives. I have had a few play dates with Angel which helps me so I'm not missing Sprinkles so much. This weekend, I'm having a sleep over at Angel's house while my family goes out of town to a baseball tournament. I have gone to baseball practice a few times and I'm very good. Mommy says I've changed since the accident. I don't chew or dig anymore and I'm lazy. Just going on a short walk wears me out quick. I sleep alot during the day. In fact, since the accident I haven't had to go in my kennel. I get to have the freedom to roam the house. Sometimes I get stuck in Avery's room because the door closes by itself and I can't get out. That's not fun because it stinks in there. He IS a teenager! I'm eating my own food again, slowly but surely. The medicine I was on changed the taste of everything so nothing was appealing, except people food. Mommy made me rice and chicken, chicken and gravy, warmed up can dog food during my recovery. The kids gave me cookies, lots of treats, beggin' strips (my favorite!) and lots of kisses. I have a wonderful family who loves me so much! I am getting used to going outside in the backyard alone to relieve myself. For the first few weeks, I wanted someone to go with me. I still sleep in Jaelyn's bed for the most part at night but some mornings, Mommy will wake up with me beside her snoring and Daddy in the chair. When the kids goto bed at night, so do I. Even if Mommy and Daddy stay up to watch TV. I just head up the stairs and tuck myself in for the night. I am so lucky to still be alive. I'm not sure I'm ready for a new furry friend or not. Mommy says if we are going to do it, we should do it soon because she wants new carpet in the next few years and wants the potty training to be over with. Daddy misses Sprinkles alot still and isn't ready for a new puppy. They sort of like having just me to spoil. I think they are waiting to see if I give them an clues about needing a new friend to hand out with. I did overhear Mommy tell Daddy though that she found the name of a guy who rescues lab puppies and finds homes for them for very little money if not free. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. If I could talk I would tell them what I need. I got my first bath the other morning since the accident and Mommy cleaned off the black line that was across my back. It reminded her daily of the accident and she was ready to move on. They still have Sprinkles' ashes in a pretty box on the mantel. Jaelyn wants to keep it there forever but Mommy doesn't really like that. It creaps her out. They want to bury it but maybe it'll just have to go in the closet until everyone agrees to it. Evan misses Sprinkles alot too. He is just now finally understanding that she isn't coming back. He is sad about it. He asked Grandma if Sprinkles has wings now. Grandma started crying. Overall, life is bad to usual. Kids still coming and going in the house. Mommy and Daddy going to work and running errands. I'm just here, waiting to be petted and kissed. I guess this is the life, being lazy! I think the accident aged me. I'm only 2 in people years, 14 in dog years. But my body definitely slowed down and I feel more like I'm 6 or 7. Maybe time will change that. Who knows.

2 Weeks Post Accident

I got my staples out this morning. They were concerned with my stomach because it looks like I have a big boob. They xrayed it to make sure it wasn't a hernia. It wasn't. They drained 180 ml of bloody fluid off and could have taken even more, but wanted to be cautious. The blood sample didn't have bacteria in it or anything concerning. Now Mommy has to apply heat twice a day for a while to help it reabsorb. I can now take a bath and go have a play date with grandma's dog, Angel. No more medications!

Halloween 2011

Not sure what they want me to be. I'm pretty sure this isn't suppose to go around my neck, but instead, my butt. I think I look like a retard but Mommy says I'm cute. I like this holiday. There are tons of new kids ringing the door bell and my family brought me all kinds of new candy to try. I like wearing people clothes. Keeps me warm and makes me look extra pretty.

A few more photos...

This is the saddest photo for Mommy. I was laying in front of the kennels where we spent our days when everyone was gone. Sprinkles had an anxiety issue when Mommy and Daddy would leave the house and she'd pee in the house. I have a chewing problem so it was best to kennel us I guess. The morning after the accident, I just laid on the floor in front of the kennels, starring at the empty kennel. Sprinkles scent was strong up there and it gave me comfort.



This is grandma's finger after Sprinkles bit her right before she passed away, moments after the tragic accident. Her jaw clamped down around this finger and the tooth went all the way through the skin to the underside of the finger. Grandma went to the ER afterwards but is having alot of pain and even numbness in her thumb on that hand. Monday, after seeing her doctor, she was admitted to the hospital to be on IV antibiotics. On Wednesday morning, Grandma had surgery on the finger. She is having alot of problems. I hate that she had to experience the events of that morning and then end up with an injury like this.

Recovering

I'm doing well since the accident just a short 3 days ago. I'm leaving the staples alone so I don't have to wear the cone. No one's left me alone yet. That happens Tuesday when Mommy has to be at work. They have it set it up so that every 3 hours or so, someone will be coming over to check on me. They just want to ease me into having to be at home alone for long stretches of time, like when they goto baseball games or work. I got to come to baseball practice last night and did really well. Most of my days are spent laying in my favorite spot by the window on a bunch of comfy blankets. Mommy still is getting up in the night to medicate me with pain pills. My hind legs are more swollen as the days go on. I'm able to go up the stairs and climb onto the bed. The first night home was rough. Mommy and Daddy got to pick me up from the vet at 6:30p and were instructed to watch for me to urinate. I couldn't help it but I was whinning the whole way home and for the next 4 hours off and on. At bedtime I still hadn't urinated. As soon as all the lights were out I quietly climbed the stairs to go up to Jaelyn's room. I laid by Jaelyn's door, with my front paws under the door and my nose up to the crack under the door. Mommy left me in and I jumped on the bed, in my spot, and fell asleep. I just wanted normacy and to be with my sister Jaelyn. That next morning I finally urinated and Mommy was able to take out the saline lock IV that the vet left in "just in case". I was starting to perk up and wag my tail a little more. 3 days later and I'm having a hard time eating my own food and go out into the backyard alone. I usually stand by the back door but won't go out unless someone goes out with me. I won't pee however unless I'm alone. A girl needs privacy. It's getting out there that is difficult. It's because the whole back yard smells of my best friend, Sprinkles. I'm sure over the next few weeks, that will get better. I just pray as time goes on, my emotional pain will subside just as my physical pain. In the meantime, I'm getting people food, tons of treats, and their undivided attention. I'm gonna be one spoiled doggie but they don't care because I was given a second chance at life on Friday and I'm so grateful.

Worst Day EVER!

Today was a terrible day. It started off with Mommy waking up late and getting to work and hour late. Only to get a phone call from the neighbor telling her there was a terrible accident with Sprinkles and me. Grandma was bringing us over to her house for the day to play so we wouldn't have to stay home alone. She does this from time to time and we love it. We usually run right out and jump in the back seat. Today, however, we both ran out into the street and both got hit by the same car. A man was bringing his kid to school and the sun was in his eyes. Never even saw us. Sprinkles laid in the street for a minute and Grandma went to touch her, she bit her finger and wouldn't let go. Grandma had to goto the ER to have it looked it. Once she got her hand out of Sprinkles mouth, she said she knew Sprinkles didn't look right. She was panting heavily and was dying. Meanwhile, I also got hit and was so scared I hid in my neighbor's garage. Grandma started screaming and the neighbors came out to see what was going on. By the time two neighbor men got there, Sprinkles had passed. I pray she didn't suffer long. Mommy left work and called Daddy who was in Austin at a conference, telling him he needed to come home right away. She couldn't imagine telling the kids and dealing with their grief alone. She pulled up to the house and saw neighbors standing by the garage and I was laying in the back corner, panting heavily. I had tire track marks on my back, she could see her left leg's tendons, and my abdomen was bloody, like road rash. I had other lacerations as well. I guess I was going into shock. My eyes were not focused on Mommy. I wasn't moving around. I knew Mommy was there but she was really afraid I would try to bite her. Her sister in law, Christine, came over and had a muzzle in her car from her dog and they put it on me. Then 2 of the men in the neighborhood helped move me onto a blanket and lift me up into the back of Daddy's truck. I hardly moved. It hurt too badly. Mommy took me to the emergency vet and they x-rayed me, confirming there were no broken bones. They didn't have an ultrasound machine to see about internal bleeding but all my organs were in the right places so that was a good sign. I started getting pain medications right away and IV fluids to help with any blood loss and to help with the shock I was going through. Avery's friend drove by and saw that we got hit and told him at school so he started texting Mommy. Mommy had her friend Megan go pick him up and bring him to me at the vet. After they left there, they picked up Jaelyn and Braden. Telling Jaelyn was the hardest thing she has ever done. When Mommy saw both Braden and Jaelyn crying, all she could do was say, "I'm sorry". It was tearing her heart out. Daddy got home just 20 minutes after Mommy told them. They took the older kids to the vet to check on me and to say goodbye to Sprinkles. Sprinkles looked like she was sleeping peacefully. There wasn't any blood on her. All of her injuries must have been internal. They all kissed her and said their goodbye's. Evan and Braden stayed with grandma. Today we lost a family member. I lost my best friend. Sprinkles was a wonderful friend and pet for my family for the last 10 years. She was a fantastic dog. She will forever be missed. Rest in peace sweet girl. We love you! 1/2001-10/21/2011

Pillow and Chew Toys

The best Christmas gift I got was this wreath rawhide. It took me hours to get through it and boy was my mouth sore by the end of it! As you can see, I'm used as pillow in our house by the kids. I sleep with Jaelyn so I'm used to her using me as a huggy pillow. Evan likes to lean on me too. I don't mind. I like being touched so it's no big deal. When Mommy lays on the floor for Daddy to crack her back, I worry and get nose to nose with her to "protect" her. I do this when she lays on the couch too and tries to take a nap. She opens her eyes when I get just close enough for her to feel my cold wet nose on her nose. I take care of my people!

Doctor appointment and other updates

I had to go to the vet this morning for a check up. They said I was 60 lbs and most likely won't get much bigger. My ears have been touchy lately and now I know why. They are full of wax and I have an ear infection. The vet put some ear medicine in my ears and it's stinky. I have to go back for a recheck in 2 weeks. I was a good girl, just a little scared. The vet cut my toenails and I moved so one started to bleed. That hurt a little. I also got 2 shots. Not sure what they are for, rabies and something else. All I know is I don't have to get another shot for 3 years. Thank goodness! My little brother, Evan, came with my mommy and gave me treats for being such a good girl. Not too traumatizing I guess.

I have a new trick, by the way. I can get on top of the trampoline when the kids are up there. They try not to jump when I'm on it because Mommy said it might break my legs but it's really fun. The neighbor dog and I like to sniff each other through the fence and I spend most of the day outside when I'm home with Mommy trying to keep birds out of my bush and trees. By supper time, I'm really tired and ready for bed at 8:30 when my sister, Jaelyn, turns out the lights. My new favorite chew toys are barbies. I love the way the feet and hands taste. If they don't want me to play with their toys, those kids shouldn't leave them out for me to get while they sleep. I have my own toys but after I "kill" my stuffed animals by ripping out the stuffing, it's not fun to play with anymore. Another special treat for me are silly bands. These are rubber bracelets that the kids like to wear. They gave me a belly ache once so I barfed them up. They usually they don't digest well and I get busted when Mommy picks up poop. I've become quite the beggar. I learned that if I use my "sad eyes", I will most likely get a taste of human food. Boy, do I have them fooled. Mommy has been trusting Sprinkles and I for longer periods of time to be out of our cages when she is gone. Still not ready for a full day though. I chewed through the bottom of my kennel; the plastic tray that I sit on. Mommy is stumped as to how exactly I did it. It started with me making a small hole in the middle and then chewing it completely in half. It has taken me months to accomplish this but I think she gets the hint that I don't like it in there. I've ate 2 blankets, 2 beds, and now this. My favorite spot to lay is behind the little couch with my head on the window sill, laying in the sun, and looking outside at my backyard. I love it back there. On New Year's Eve, I enjoyed trying to chase the fireworks in the sky. My friend, Angel, came over but she was a chicken and went inside because the noise scared her. She wasn't very good company that night. I wasn't afraid. I was brave! Mommy says she was surprised because usually I'm a chicken and I freak out over every little noise. I'm just protecting my family. I love them so much! I have a great family and I couldn't be any happier. This has been the best year of my life! Stay tuned for more stories about my life. I'm sure I'll be making new memories to write about.