Dauber's Domain

Friday, June 03, 2005

A nice day

Hi, this is Dauber again. Today was a good day. First I got some potato. I think Daddy ate all my chicken, because they don't give me chicken any more, but I don't complain. This morning Mommy and Daddy took me to Hampshire College, which is part of my territory. I walked around and marked my territory so little dogs don't come and try to take it over. Then I guarded Daddy while he worked, and he fed me more potato. He didn't give me very much. I wonder if money is getting tight. Maybe that's why there's no more chicken. Or salmon. Or cantaloupe - my favorite!

Later in the afternoon Mommy came home. We went back to Hampshire College and I patrolled a different part of my territory. It was a little windy so I spent some time sniffing the breeze to see who else was around. In the evening Mommy gave me some potato. I curled up with her to protect her.

I don't know why I can't run as fast as I used to, but it was nice to go outside and walk in the grass and sniff the air. It was a nice day.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

health update

This is Sylvia writing for Dauber. Here's the brief update on his health. On Wednesday, June 1, Dauber had his repeat ultrasound at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield. The inflammation, which had been very severe, had gone down; however, with the inflammation reduced it was clear that there is in fact a large mass in his pancreas. They took a needle biopsy. Most likely it is a fast growing cancer, because there was no mass on previous ultrasound taken in May and February to monitor his bladder stones. The interpretation is that he has a cancer of the pancreas and the pancreatitis was a secondary problem. Pancreatic cancer is deadly and there are no treatment options. Instead the goal is to recover from the current inflammation, prevent future inflammation and keep him free of pain until the end.

We have not told Dauber. Instead we are trying to spend lots of time with him and give him small amounts of water and food. He keeps water down, but continues to vomit the food. Today we tried a 1/2 teaspoon of boiled potato, which he has kept down for 2 hours so far. Baked potatoes are the only thing my mother, Faydine, could eat and keep down for a long time after her pancreatitis. I think that his Grandmother has had pancreas problems is another piece of evidence that Dauber was always meant to be a part of our family.

James and I are having our ups and downs. We know that technically we are doing all the right clinical things. Dauber was our first baby and he's been such a major part of our lives that we just wish there was something concrete we could do that was the definitive "best path." I think feeling helpless is the worst --- not knowing if today is going to be good/bad, or what really to try to give him to eat.

Dauber does still seem pretty happy and he still has his spirit, but he is clearly weakened. This morning I gave him a nice warm bath which he always likes. He was very cute in the tub and scampering around afterwards. I blew dry his hair (he loves that) then he rolled around on the rug to scratch his nose. That he did all his "normal" behaviors, although less energetically was good to see. I think he's not in pain and still enjoys life. Next we sat outside for a full hour today and I petted him constantly. My arm muscles are sore! Now we are sitting in the dining room while a write this and he is napping just like he always does on days when I work at home. This evening James and I comes will take him to one of the places he loves to explore and mark as his territory (either Hampshire college or the bike trail). He seems to like these short pack outings because he perk up, marks a lot and sniffs the air. He even trots a little but you can tell he tires fast.

Thanks to everyone who sends their thoughts. It really means a lot to all of us. We will keep you updated as best as possible.

Love,
Sylvia

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Recent battle

I have recently been ill with pancreatitis. It was very very painful and I kept vomiting. I spent 4 days in the ICU at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield. They were all very nice to me. The doctor even took the time to feed me himself (they tried to get me to drink out of Styrofoam --- yuck!) I think I was the favorite!

I still don't feel too great and neither do mom and dad. We've all been downstairs lying down a lot. They also don't seem to be eating --- at least I have not seen them. Lots of people called and wrote to check on me. It made me feel good to know so many people care about me. Hopefully I'll be hunting soon.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Team Work

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Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

today we figured out how to upload pictures - yeah. now I can sit on the couch with mommy and update my blog.

weekend activities

Yesterday Mommy gave me a long warm bath after a walk in the rain. Don't I look sharp?

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Today

Today is Daddy's birthday. Mommy decided to stay home instead of going to the office to work so that she could give daddy (and me) lots of kisses during the day. I think she should stay home everyday.

This weekend my friend Sanjiv went to the Dakin Animal Shelter. He took home a teeny-tiny feline named Isabelle. I think he's going to fatten her up for me to eat. Just kidding. No really, I like juicy kitties. JOKE!!!

I can't wait until Daddy opens his presents, because he likes to share with me. I am hoping that someone gave him some yummy chicken treats like the chicken strips at Trader Joes!

Thursday, April 21, 2005

security jobs

A canine's work is never done. My good friend Sophie, a Dixie Dog, was injured on the job recently. She was out patroling when a fierce animal invaded her domain. In the battle Sophie had her leg injured. She is recovering well because her Mommy and Daddy took her to a special hospital. I felt sorry for Sophie, not because of the injury which is to be expected in our high-risk security jobs, but because she has to wear this silly collar. Poor Sophie. How can she scare the intruders now?