Tag Archive: Papillon
I’ve rediscovered that it’s the simple things in life that can make such a big difference in life. I’m trying to make these trips to our park a daily habit with Belle. They’re good for both of us, time outside with Belle was suggested to me by the therapist.
Sunshine, fresh air, Belle cuteness– it’s a great positive thing for my mental health!
Here’s my favorite photo from today:
Took advantage of some beautiful weather and did a photo shoot! (Tried out a couple new apps on the phone, and the winner was “Camera360.” Also tried “Retro Camera” But only got one photo that I really liked from that app so “Camera360″ was today’s winner.)
Here are some of my favorites from this morning:
Belle, the star of the photo shoot:
PrinceFloydCat:
Siblings:
This one, Amber and I agreed would’ve been so perfect if PFCat hadn’t stuck his tail up.
But I also love that I captured Belle’s expression and his interruption- they are very much like siblings.
Cat butt:
To see the full album: clicky!
I started a separate account for my photography, I’ve decided it’ll be my “drug of choice” to cope with Nursing school and the career that awaits beyond. So I’ll be sharing it here and on my tumblr. It was really relaxing to do something totally different today.
Bonus:
Started out photograhping the bottle of Jameson.
First, want to thank everyone who reached out on twitter, on facebook, texts… and offered support and love for Belle and me.
The first sign of problems started yesterday afternoon when she had an accident and peed blood. (Cue Niki meltdown, thank goodness for Amber and her calming ways when it comes to Belle.)
Took her to the vet as soon as possible, (after waiting all day and telling myself that I was being stupid for worrying she’d drop dead.)
First attempt to get a urine sample in an emisis basin- major fail. I finally managed to get a few drops of blood. Then they took my claim a bit more seriously because hey look, the urine sample was only blood. The vet did her cursory exam, Belle was fairly friendly and excited,but definitely a few notches down from her normal greeting of people. First pressure applied to her bladder and she screamed bloody murder. She got a ultrasound and they also extracted urine from her bladder (using a needle!!!) and then ran tests on the urine.
Her pH was over 8. Which is apparently really freaking high. The urine sample? Had the most crystals the vet had ever seen in a sample. Ever.
At this point I just about passed out from panic. So my full understanding of the crystals/size/amount isn’t quite where it should be. But she’s now on antibiotics, for two weeks, and it’s being called a UTI. The next ultrasound will help determine the cause a bit better– but so far it seems like no tumor.
She needs a lot more water. I’ll be giving her wet food, adding water and low sodium chicken broth to her kibble. And the anitbiotics twice a day, we’ll re-evaluate in a couple weeks and see what other steps and changes need to be made for her health.
The worst part: She’s been sick for weeks. The vet has no clue why she wasn’t showing symptoms until last night. Nor do I.
So that’s where Belle is at, she’s currently napping by my feet.
Thank you all for the love and well wishes. We’re praying she’ll recover quickly and fully soon.
I take a lot of photos of my animals. Belle has been the biggest camera hog of them all. With the recent addition, I’ve tried to capture cute moments with the two of them.
Belle, seems to be onto me.
Belle saw me taking pictures, wiggled closed to PaulieCat and then looked at me like, “go ahead, I’m ready for my photo shoot now.” there was even ear licking but I wasn’t fast enough to capture.
The first photo I thought aww how cute they’re napping together like friends!
And then Belle maneuvered herself into position.
Thanks to tomboy_femme for clearing up this ADORABLE Belle photo.
Right before she came home.
Traveling Belle- I think this was in the car either to or from the airport in SoCal.
This is many people's favorite baby Belle photo. She is very cute here!
Belle's first boat ride.
Adventure Papillon!
She helps me study....
And of course, Belle had play time at the park!
I must really be getting old.
For one, I am thrilled to be going back to school full time. I’m so excited to become a nurse and to take this big step towards my future.
Another thing? I may actually be able to get REALY HEALTH INSURANCE BACK!!! This is way more exciting than many people in college can imagine… until they’re kicked to the curb and forced to find health insurance that won’t break that fairly non existent bank. Why do I feel old? Because the cost of school is overwhelming to me, and the happiness of health insurance– I pretty much can’t explain.
So yes, nursing school is really happening! WOOHOO! But there is another medical license I’m still finishing: Phlebotomy! My blood work and immunizations are all worked out now, so I am good to go for my externship (it’s like an internship at a lab facility) which will happen in a couple weeks, and then I have to apply to take the NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) to become a National Certified Phlebotomy Technician, take the exams and poof! I’m a Phlebotomist, a CNA, and a Nursing Student!
Animal Update: Gustave is still a grumpy little fin flaring beta fish and Belle is still a beautiful Papillon. Belle’s back has been fine for several months now, so I’m hoping the doggie sciatica is under control.
If you’ve read my blog, or followed me on twitter, you know that I have a 12lb Papillon named Belle. She turns 4 this year and while we’ve hung out with other dogs, with supervision. Here’s Belle and some of her buddies:
Belle with the Boxers at the Horse Rescue
Dawn the Lovely GSD was Belle's friend- the cat was friendly and scared Belle.
My Aunt and Uncle's beautiful Husky
Now I am considering adding to my furbaby family, and I would like to add a larger breed dog. I would prefer the dog to be young but not necessarily a baby. But I’ve only ever owned one dog at a time! I’ve had other multiple animals (horses, sheep, chickens, ducks….) but not dogs.
I’ve done the google search, but I thought I’d turn to you….
Here’s what I need help with (@tomboy_femme prompted my edit):
What do I need to know to introduce a new dog into the house hold, what are some tips/tricks or even what NOT to dos for the doggie addition? What should I look for when adopting?
Is there anything I can do to try to minimize the risk of Belle being injured even unintentionally by the new dog?
