A Year Later, There are New Beginnings

It's been a year since The Tide went on to dog heaven. A whole year. It is so hard to believe that she has been gone that long. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her and miss her. She was a good dog, y'all! The best really. I think she will always be the number one dog in my heart and I will always miss her.

I've thought a lot about her the past couple of days, relived the moment she collapsed, thought about how she cried out when I left her alone in the bedroom, thought about having to make the decision to put her down. There were a lot of similarities about this weekend in 2014 and the same weekend one year ago. One year ago on Saturday I saw Iron Man 3 at the movie theater. This year, I went to see Captain America. Last year on Sunday I had lunch at Casa Blanca; this year on Sunday, I did the same. I think the only real difference in the same weekend in two different years is that last year it was raining like mad and this year the weather was beautiful - like a new beginning.

I thought today, THE day, would be incredibly sad. It wasn't. I was too busy at work and church to dwell on it, which was a blessing and so there wasn't really time to dwell on the sadness of one year ago. There was, however, happiness to overshadow the sadness. The first bit of happiness was that my cousin Ashley gave birth to a beautiful and big baby boy. He was born at 12:27 a.m. - life to replace and overshadow death.

The second happy thing that happened today was that the newest friendly neighborhood Publix opened in Huntsville. This one is less than four miles from my house and sits across from the hospital at the new Twickenham Square development. I was so excited when I heard they were building a Publix there and so, of course, I had to visit on opening day.

Y'all, it was a madhouse. They built a parking garage across from it so it makes it seem like a big city grocery store. The parking garage was packed and there were people everywhere. I seriously didn't expect that many people to be there. I walked the perimeter of the store and picked up the three things I needed and left as quick as possible. I didn't even get a chance to register for all the giveaways! I'll give it another go in a week or so after all the excitement settles down and maybe it won't be as insane as it was today.

So, what could have been a terribly sad day was blessed with new beginnings. A new baby cousin and a new neighborhood grocery store - happiness to overshadow the sadness this day holds. I say happiness trumps sadness any day of the week and I'm glad this day had a silver lining.

The Dogiversary That Never Was

Today (Monday) would have been mine and The Tide's 11th Dogiversary. It's written on all my calendars for 2013 and it's bittersweet when I see it in big bold print with an exclamation mark. It's an anniversary that was anticipated but not celebrated.  

Like this year, October 28, 2002 was on a Monday and like this year, it was a dreary day when I picked The Tide up from the Pitt County Animal Shelter in Greenville, North Carolina. Just like 2002, it was also a Monday after Alabama had put a whoopin' on Tennessee. 

I often tell people that The Tide forced me to grow up. She made me responsible for something other than myself. She came to me at a time when I was living away from my family and often feeling sad and lonely and she filled my heart with much needed love, happiness, and companionship. 

In the months since her passing, she has been greatly missed. I still feel like there is a gaping whole in my heart from her ever present absence; some days are worse than others. I'm certain I will always miss her. She was, after all, an integral part of my life for 10 and a half years. 

So, here's to the dogiversary that should have been but apparently wasn't meant to be and to my best friend and beloved companion, The Tide. I hope dog heaven has awarded her the fastest legs and hips around. 

A Change In Vets

I've used the same vet's office since The Tide was a young lass. When we moved to Huntsville from North Carolina, we used the vet that may parents' used which was also the vet that performed The Tide's hip surgeries before she was one year old. The vet was Dr. L. and he was always so wonderful with all the animals and their owners. He would remember each animal by name and what was going on with them and took time to talk to you when you went in for a visit. It was more or less like and extension of your family. 

 

The Tide always loved going to the vet, I suspected it was because she somehow knew that the people in that office were the ones who saved her life and allowed her to live for so long. When we would pull into the parking lot, she would start getting excited and she would always nudge me out of my seat until I got out of the car and then she would run to the front door. she is probably the only dog in history to love a trip to the vet's office.

 

A few years ago, Dr. L. was diagnosed with cancer and as a result had to take time off to care for himself. He ended up selling the animal clinic to his longtime second in command, Dr. J., who has always been nice but also lacked the compassion that Dr. L. seemed to have. Dr. J. was blunt and to the point and I doubt he's ever cried over the loss of an animal. I've never had a problem with Dr. J., just have always preferred Dr. L.

Since Dr. J. took over the clinic, I had noticed, but not really thought much about, that there were fewer and fewer cars in the parking lot. My dad had noticed the same thing but chopped it up to the economy and people not having the money to spend on their pets when it's difficult to put food on the table.

 

Fast forward to last Tuesday when my dad and I worked at our respective polling locations. My dad's location is close to the vet's office that Dr. J. now owns and throughout the course of the day, he heard multiple stories of negligent care. There was a misdiagnosis and a couple of cases of prescribed medications not being in line with what a dog should have received, and another case of where a dog was going to be put down, but a last minute call to the Barn saved it's life. (The Barn is Auburn for those of you who may not know.) All of this information was a little disconcerting and my dad told me I might want to look at changing vet's and that he was thinking the same.

 

After thinking about it and discussing it with my dad, I decided to go ahead and make a change. In addition to all these terrible stories, I had a heavy heart every time I  walked into the clinic as all I could think about was The Tide and even cried when I took Pippa for her first appointment there. A co-worker of mine had told me long ago about the excellent care he received at Chase Animal Hospital, particularly when his Husky had to have a leg amputated. Some other friends also use this clinic and come to find out, so does one of my cousins. I made an appointment there for last Friday, September 13 to take Pippa in for her second round of boosters and her rabies shot. When I called to cancel my appointment with Dr. J. for the 14th, the girl that I spoke to said, "Ok, thanks." and hung up the phone. I was shocked that I wasn't asked about rescheduling and thought that if they were not that interested in my business then I certainly shouldn't feel guilty about leaving.

 

I took Pippa in last Friday to Chase and the people there were very nice. I was comforted by the fact that there was a Bible verse and a cross on the wall and anyone who loves the Bible enough to put a verse on the wall is a-okay in my book. Admittedly, I did tear up a little while waiting on the doctor - I think from now until the end of time I will always think of The Tide when I am at a vet's office. There are three vets at Chase and the one I saw was probably in his 60s and in a way remind me of my dad. He was a round, jolly fella and he had a nice personality. Pippa got her shots and I made an appointment for her next round of shots.

 

So, I've made the plunge and I think I will stick with Chase. It's closer to my house and I really don't have any regrets about leaving Dr. J. I am extremely grateful for the care they provided The Tide over the years but without Dr. L. there I'm not sure it will ever be the same again. So, new dog, new vet and I think we're going to like it just fine.

She Was A Good Ole Dog!

There are countless things that I will miss about The Tide, too many to name in one blog post. If I even tried to think of them all, I'm sure I would forget something. What I miss most at the moment is having her take every step that I did, snuggling on the couch and being there beside me through the night. She was a great comfort and a lot of company to me. So, instead of trying to put together thoughts and memories of my own, I thought I would ask my family and friends to share some of their best memories and stories of the Tide.

From my Dad: She took her first long road trip with me, Charlotte (NC) to Huntsville. I think she ate her first burger compliments of me - a hamburger from Wendy's. Her first night at our house - she was ok until I took her outside the next morning. When I brought The Tide back in and left her to get a shower, she ate a hole in my wall. I taught her to roll over and how to bark when I said, "guard us". I always thought it so funny that The Tide, who weighed 70 lbs, could not jump over six inches high. Because of her surgeries when she was a puppy she didn't realize she could jump, so a very small object would contain her. Finally, I was happy to know that when strangers came around she would bow up to protect Natasha. 

From my Aunt Linda: Loved the way she would smile at you.  I always thought she was growling, but she was smiling.

From Erika: The Tide...I always remember her not being too happy when I sat in her chair, and her giving me the stink eye. But, once a crumb hit the floor she seemed to be okay with it. I will always remember her adorable ears - one up and one down - and the way she could lick a plate clean. I think she liked to eat as much as I do - although not quite as picky as me as she loved to eat paper towels and Kleenex if memory serves! She was a sweet dog and it will not be the same at your house without her. 

From my Aunt Al: I can remember when Debbie and I came to visit you in NC and The Tide was just a puppy. I had the pallet made in the floor and I would hide under the covers and yell her name or make a barking sound and she would run back and forth from me to you on the couch. All my visits to see you and The Tide she would always go get me a sock or some piece of laundry to play tug of war with her. When you would bring her to your parents' and she could not get traction on the hardwood floors and would be trying her best to run and get something. Your dad teaching her tricks like rolling over. You and her leaving your apartment in North Carolina "in the middle of the night" because she had destroyed the apartment

From Jackie: My favorite memory is from a Saturday. You and I were laying in your bed watching Rent. Clearly I was laying in her spot because she went and got a sock out of the laundry and put it right in my face. Then she got in the bed and wiggled around until she pushed me out of it. Note from Natasha - I think I can also speak for Jackie by saying that Jackie loved to give The Tide all sorts of food whether The Tide needed it or not. 

From Kendra: Loved The Tide's ears. And the night me and Erika were over watching Downton Abbey when The Tide would not leave the kitchen alone! Something was in those vents!  (The Rodent!)

From Candy: My favorite memory of The Tide was her ears. One was always pointed up and the other was flopped over. I always loved getting your cards in the mail at Christmas time and seeing her adorable ears. They always made Andrew and I giggle. 

From Tony: I guess first and foremost would be the "smiling". That still cracks me up to this day. I swear at first I didn't know whether she was happy to see me or if she wasn't. It also cracks me up thinking how she would get in her chair and open the door with her nose to see what was going on outside. Also how it was nearly impossible to take her for a walk because everything in the outside world got her excited and she wanted to see every bit of it...all at once. She was such a good dog. I know she will be missed.

From My Mom: One of my favorite memories of The Tide was when I came to see you in North Carolina after you got her and we would take her outside and "I taught her how to bark." Note from Natasha - this is true, y'all! The Tide never barked until my mom came to visit. 

From My Granddad Bill: I will remember how The Tide was so good while we were driving back to North Carolina and she was just a pup. I will remember how she liked to have her belly rubbed. She was the sweetest dog I think I have ever known and she gave back double the love we gave her.

Sydney said she liked giving The Tide treats and she told her mother that The Tide was playing with Papa (in heaven). While my Papa wasn't too crazy about The Tide, I can truly picture her sitting at his feet while he is whittling on a stick sitting in a lawn chair in the heat of summer. That, my friends, sounds like heaven. 

Thanks to all of you for sharing a memory. It has been a comfort to me, The Tide's mamma.

The End Came Too Soon

Sunday afternoon my aunt and her boyfriend came to pick up Sydney and I was getting mentally prepared for my Sunday afternoon nap. The Tide went out to greet everyone when they arrived and ran around in the front yard for a bit. She then came inside and less than a minute after coming in she collapsed. She fell each time she tried to put weight on her left front leg.  

We were obviously concerned about her and my aunt gathered up everyone and left so that The Tide would settle down some because while everyone was at the house she wanted to be up and down and all around. I shut the front door and The Tide somehow made it to the bed. I lay down beside her and tried to comfort her and pondered whether or not I should take her to the emergency vet.

I had tried to call my dad and finally he called back and I told him what was going on and asked if I should take her in or wait until Monday morning. He said to wait which is what I wanted to do but just needed someone else to assure me that was the right thing to do. Since The Tide has had so many issues with her legs and hips and arthritis I just wanted the folks familiar with her to tell me what was wrong.

My dad said he would take her in for me because I don’t have any extra time to take from work at the moment, but when she continued to get worse I decided I would take her in at 8:00 a.m. when the vet’s office opened. I asked my dad to meet me there and he said he would.

Through the rest of the night I just tried to keep The Tide comfortable. At this point she could not really move at all. I put some towels under her backside so that if she needed to relieve herself she could do so without getting it on the mattress. We just lay there through the evening at I tried to get some sleep when I could.

Around 2:00 a.m. she started crying and so I got up to move her and she lost control of her bowels. I cleaned it up and each time I left the room she cried out so loudly. It was just so heartbreaking. I finally got her into what I hoped was a comfortable position and soon after she was snoring. I think we slept for an hour before she started crying again and this was how it was all night long.

Finally it was time to load her up in the car and go to the vet. My dad met me there and we were able to get her inside after much effort. It’s difficult to carry a large sick dog. We got her inside and told the receptionist what was going on. While we were waiting for a room, Jackie came in and we all three just sat there with The Tide giving her lots of love.

They brought out a dog stretcher and took her to an exam room. First a tech examined her and wrote how her vitals. The doctor came in soon after and examined her. After much worrying and concern it was determined that she has a slipped disc in her neck. The doctor recommended 24-hours of high dose steroids. He said that this might solve the problem and if not, as my dad said, it would be the end of the journey.

The doctor said if it was his dog he would give the steroids a try. So, I agreed. After spending all the money I have on The Tide I just really couldn't give up when there was something that might work and like the doctor said, if it gives her another year or two then it is worth it. To lighten the mood my dad said he would spend the money on the treatment if I was the one who needed it. The Tide, after all, is my only child.

So, I left The Tide at the vet’s office and hoped and prayed for the best. I decided to just take the rest of the day off from work as well. I had gotten little to no sleep the night before, had a massive headache from crying all night and morning long and in the words of my dad looked a mess. So, I went home, napped, did some laundry, watched some TV, and prayed for The Tide. About 3:30 I went to the chiropractor and the grocery store and basically had a panic attack as I felt like I couldn't breathe and could only think of The Tide.

I managed to crank out some blog posts in the evening and just tried to keep my mind off of the worst while trying to prepare for it as well. That house of mine sure is an empty space without The Tide around.

On Tuesday I waited to hear from the doctor. My dad called around 9:00 and asked if I had heard from the doctor, and I had not. Unbeknownst to me, he then went by the vet’s office to find out what I would find out later that afternoon. I called around 11:00 and they told me that Dr. Johns wanted to speak to me and I knew it was not going to be good news. Around 12:45 when I had not heard back, I called again and spoke to the doctor. He told me that The Tide had not improved at all. He said we could give it another day or two or go ahead and put her to sleep. I felt in my heart that she was not going to improve and made the decision to put her to sleep.

I left work a few minutes before 3:00 p.m. I had been trying to call my dad and had not been able to reach him so I drove by my parents’ house to see if he was working outside – he was not. So, I went on to the vet’s office by myself. I filled out all the paperwork and talked to the doctor and then they brought The Tide in. I just held her in my arms and told her how much I loved her before and while they administered the anesthesia. Jackie arrived as The Tide started fading. She didn't want me to be alone and knew I couldn't reach my dad. She also got a chance to say her goodbyes. They then gave her the dose of medicine that would put her to sleep forever and as her heart was stopping my dad came in. He had been at my grandmother’s and left his phone in the car and when he saw all the missed calls from me he called the vet’s office and they told him I was there and that it was the end for The Tide.

She went peacefully and quickly. I was not ready to say good-bye but I never really would have been. I did what was best for The Tide in the end. I did not want her to suffer and just delay the inevitable. I am truly, truly heartbroken and will miss my loyal companion and best friend. 

Letters to Santa: 2012 Edition

Dear Santa,

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by! It seems just like yesterday that I was writing to let you know my Christmas list for 2011 and now here I am writing again. I hope you had a nice year and were able to get some rest after delivering all those presents last year. I'm sure you are as busy as ever getting ready for yet another trip around the globe. I've downloaded the NORAD Santa Tracker Ap to my phone so I will know where you are and make sure I am in bed in time for your arrival. After all, we all know you won't stop by a house until everyone is asleep.

First of all, Santa, I want to let you know that I've been good this year. I haven't gotten into any trouble (that I can recall) and I've done my best to be nice to people, be a good example and make new friends. Hopefully I have made you proud and am on the nice list!

Santa, I was wondering if you know anything about mice? You probably are not bothered with these pesky little rodents in the North Pole since it is so cold there; but, if you do know anything about how to get rid of them, I sure would appreciate the help. Actually, I'm not sure it is a mouse that plagues my home at night, but whatever it is, my number one Christmas wish is for this rodent to be gone...forever. I'm pretty sure The Tide would appreciate this gift as well. So, when you stop by on Christmas Eve, maybe you could scoop up all manner of rodent and take them away. That would really be swell, Santa!

Santa, to be honest, I can't even remember everything I had on my Christmas wish list; but I do remember a few things so I'll let you know about those. First and foremost I would like a new pair of pearl earrings. The ones I have now often come off of the stud and then I have to repair them with gorilla glue. So, I would like a sturdy pair that will maybe stay on the stud for more than a few months at a time. I would also like a rose gold watch. I haven't gotten a new watch since my 25th birthday, that's a whole decade ago and I think it's time for a new one. My old one needs a new battery so maybe you could replace it when you stop by on Christmas Eve. If not then I can take care of it when I'm home from work next week.

Speaking of things that need to be repaired, Santa, I have a pair of brown shoes that I love more than cheesecake and they are in serious need of repair. I know you have some cobblers working up there at the North Pole and maybe they could repair them for me. If not, maybe Ed's Shoe Repair can repair them for me, or maybe you could talk with the folks at Steve Madden and just tell them to make this particular style of shoe again. Oh, Santa, I sure love those brown shoes if you could bring a new pair of those by, I would probably faint from delight; but I'm pretty sure that's impossible since these shoes are over 10 years old and aren't in circulation any more.

Santa, I really like surprises so if you don't mind, leave a few of those as well. Since you've known me so long, I figure you can pick out some surprises that I will love. You usually can't go wrong with kitchen gadgets or pedicures.

Well, Santa, I suppose that will do it for me this year. I hope you and the reindeer have a safe flight around the world on Christmas Eve! As always I will leave some milk and cookies for you and hopefully The Tide (or the rodent for that matter) won't eat them before you arrive. Thanks for being so kind to me, Santa! Talk to you next year!

XOXO,

Natasha



Dear Santa,

I have been really good this year and I hope you will remember me when you are making your rounds. I haven't really gotten into any trouble this year. I mean, I do eat the occasional sock and I still scratch holes in the occasional sheet, but other than that I would say I've been a top notch dog.

I'll be on the lookout for you on Christmas Eve and when you arrive I would appreciate it if you could help me capture the rodent that has tortured me for all these weeks. My mom, you see, is quite useless when it comes to rodent catching. She pretty much just stands on furniture and screams like she's in a horror film. I'm sure you probably know this Santa, but I had surgery last month and I really don't need to be running around chasing rodents all the time. I should really be staying off my leg and resting like other old dogs.

There's not really much I want or need, Santa. I have a pretty good mom and she takes good care of me and gets me whatever I need; but, you can always bring large boxes of treats because I do love a treat or 10 each day and I wouldn't want to run out. I'm also eating a new food now, Santa, that my mom says is expensive (whatever that means) and you are welcome to bring some bags of it. You can find it at my doctor's office, the Linderman Animal Hospital. I'm sure the nice folks there can tell you what kind it is. It's supposed to help an old dog with her bones and joints.

Santa, I'm going to leaves some carrots out for your reindeer so they will have a snack when they stop at our house. I'm sure they will still have a long way to fly after you leave our house and could probably use some food to give them a little more energy.

Santa, did you know I have a relative named Scout? Well, he is my grandparents' dog which I guess makes him my uncle. Anyway, Santa, he is still young and very rambunctious and crazy. I'm not sure if he knows about you or how to get in touch with you; so, if you don't mind Santa, please leave him some treats as well and maybe give him a stern talking to about where he should and shouldn't use the bathroom.
I think that's it for now Santa. Thanks for remembering all us animals as you trot around the globe. Please tell your reindeer hello and I promise not to bark when they arrive.

Love,

The Tide

The Busy Season Continues

Y'all, for whatever reason I just cannot seem to pull it together this week. I have been late to work every day - I usually come in at 7:00, but have gotten in around 7:15 the first three days of the week. Monday I was just dragging; Tuesday there was unexpected frost on my car with a defrosting system that basically doesn't work, and I have no idea what happened on Wednesday. I think I just couldn't decide on what top I wanted to wear. You'd think that during a week when I'm told I can wear jeans each day that picking out what to wear wouldn't be so difficult, but apparently it is.

Tuesday night I wanted to do some baking so that I could take some goodies in for my co-workers as my "Christmas gift" to them. Tuesday was the only night that I really had free since Monday I had Christmas with Jackie and the Gang and Wednesday is church. Thursday night I may go caroling and there are probably a lot of people taking off on Friday so Tuesday night was going to be the big baking night if it was the last thing I ever did.

On the way home from work, I made a detour by Erika's house because it was her birthday and I had a gift to drop off for her. She also got a copy of the Joy the Baker cookbook and I think she was pleased with her gift. Her mom and boyfriend were also there and Erika was opening all of her birthday presents so I stuck around to see what all she got, and she took in a good haul if I do say so myself. That boyfriend of hers does a good job of picking out gifts - kudos to him!

After breezing through Erika's like a tornado passing through town, I made it home a couple of minutes after 6:00 and got to work in the kitchen. I made about 100 molasses cookies and probably as many peanut butter balls. I was going to do buckeyes, but let's face it, trying to coat all but one side of that peanut butter concoction rolled into a ball is a bit difficult. So, I gave up and just coated the whole thing. I managed to squeeze in a little television as well; but, I was rather pooped by the time 10:00 rolled around.

The Tide had been sniffing around the house quite a bit throughout the evening and so I had a feeling we might have a problem with "the rodent" and therefore left the Christmas tree lights on. I was sound asleep around 12:30 when The Tide leapt up from the bed and started with that growling and barking and running about the house. At one point she sounded like she was chasing something so I'm pretty sure that little critter hasn't kicked the bucket yet. So, this party went on for about an hour or so and finally The Tide settled down. I got some sleep, but not a lot because she was up and down and I was afraid that little rodent might attack us when we least expected it. So, it probably goes without saying that I was pretty tired on Wednesday.

Thankfully while I stopped by Erika's she invited me over for dinner on Wednesday. She and Kendra are getting together to finish up season two of Downton Abbey and she invited me to eat with them at 5:00. So, I will swing by there and then head over to church and then, finally, back home. Jackie, once again, has saved the day by letting The Tide out so I won't have to make a stop by the house.

So, the busy season continues and I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready for a few days of rest.

I Almost Evacuated the Premises

About three or four weeks ago (I seriously lose track of time) I was lying on the couch watching TV and The Tide was otherwise occupied in the kitchen, more than likely rummaging around for a crumb or two. All of a sudden, she was on one side of the kitchen staring down the cabinets on the other side of the kitchen and growling at them as if they were about to come alive and attack us. To say I was concerned about this situation was kind of an understatement. Nothing I did seemed to appease her.

The same thing happened another time or two and I would open up the cabinets for her and she basically climbed inside looking for whatever it was she saw. There is an air duct in one of my kitchen cabinets and at one point she stuck her head as far as it would go between the air duct and the hole in the cabinet that she ended up cutting her mouth. Clearly, she was a dog obsessed.

One night while I was at a football game and Erika and Kendra were making use of my television, she started up again with barking and growling at the kitchen cabinet and they weren't sure what to do either. So, I again let her stick her head inside the cabinet. A few days later, I cleaned everything out of the cabinets. I feared there may be a mouse in the house and wanted to (apprehensively) look around for proof. I found nothing, but did manage to get those cabinets much straighter than they have been in quite a while.

For the past week or so, she hasn't growled or barked at the cabinets and that has been a blessing because I was kind of able to put all thoughts of a potential rodent out of my mind. Then came Sunday night and can I just say that there are times in a woman's life when having a husband would be really handy and Sunday night was one of these instances. I was in the living room and heard The Tide's paw tapping on the floor like she was trying to catch a bug. I have cave crickets in my house all the time and figured that was what I would find when I went into the kitchen. I instead found nothing, but The Tide was intently staring at the bottom of the stove so I figured that cave cricket had gone under the stove. I took this opportunity to fold some laundry and while I was doing that I heard The Tide start barking and tapping her paw again. I looked up from the laundry only to find a large roach crawl out from under the stove and then back under. All I could do was scream bloody murder - nonstop screaming. I was frozen in time. Roaches I cannot handle. This is the first such rodent that I have encountered at my house and I wanted to run for the hills.

From that moment on I have been terrified of going anywhere near the stove. I immediately text the bug man and told him I had encountered a huge roach that nearly scared the life out of me and to please spray extra around the stove and vent. He said he would take care of it.  I told Erika I was hesitant to even tell this story because I didn't want y'all thinking I have a dirty house. She assured me my house is not dirty and to go ahead and put it on the blog; so, here it is.

On Monday, my brother came over for dinner and I had to venture near the stove since I was doing some cooking. Thank the good Lord in Heaven I did not encounter any large man eating roach. I asked Justin to please pull the stove out from the wall and see if there were any roaches back there and please stomp and dispose of any that he finds. He found none.

Justin left around 9:00 and I went to bed a little after 10:00. About one minute after I turned off all electronic devices and laid my head down, The Tide bolted out of the bed as if there was an intruder in the house. She immediately went to the vent in the bedroom and became, once again, a dog obsessed. I am here to tell you that this also nearly scared the life out of me. She growled, she howled, she whined, she barked and she pawed at that vent as if she were in a digging contest. Her sniffer was in turbo mode and she was like a bloodhound treeing a raccoon. She went from the kitchen to the vent in the bedroom and back and forth and back and forth.

I called Justin and told him I might need him to come over. I was screaming and standing on top of furniture and my heart was about to beat out of my chest. A rodent was on the verge of causing me to pack my bags and hit the road. At this point, The Tide had literally taken the vent out of the floor and I was afraid for my life. I told Justin I was going to sleep in the guest room. He laughed and laughed at me and told me I could come over and stay with him (my parents are out of town). I said I might, but I sure would be embarrassed to tell people a roach (or mouse) ran me out of my own house.  I had some clean laundry on the guest bed and I removed it and crawled into bed. The Tide jumped up in the bed as well...for all of two minutes before her sniffer alerted her and she ran over to the vent in the guest room and started pawing at it.

I finally went into the den, leaving lights on in both bedrooms and the bathroom and settled for sleeping on the couch. Just as I started dozing off, The Tide came and jumped on the couch, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. She finally settled down as well and we spent a not so restful evening on the couch, hopefully away from whatever rodents are lurking beneath and in the crevices of my home.

I called the bug man today. Thursday is my normal service day and I wanted him to be aware of the torture I was experiencing in the darkness of the night. I told him I kind of thought there might be a mouse even though I have not seen the little devil nor have I seen any mouse droppings. He said he felt certain it was a mouse and that he had a lady call him at 9:00 last night with a mouse problem and he told her he would come out the next day but for the night he recommended the snap traps. He told me that he really likes the snap traps and I could try those. I told him there was no way on earth I would be using a snap trap in my house. If I were to catch something I would certainly have to evacuate the building until I could find someone to dispose of the mouse. He has caught four mice at his own home this past week. Apparently Madison County is experiencing a problem with mice these days.

So, instead of coming on his normal Thursday, he is coming out on Wednesday and will put some of those mice pellets under the house that kill the mice and make them disintegrate or whatever without being stinky. Lord help me, I hope this works. He said it usually takes 3-5 days for the pellets to take effect; that it's not an instant thing. I said, that's okay because I just cannot deal with catching a mouse in a trap. In the meantime, I plan to sleep with a few lights on and pray that I will be able to get at least a few hours rest each night. So help me, if I ever see this creature of torment, I may just leave and never return. You can rest assured that I will keep you posted on the progress of this rodent infestation.

You Got Lucky, Dog!

Well, today, Thursday, was the big day at our house - it was the day of The Tide's surgery for her torn ACL. She had to be at the vet's office before 9:00 a.m. Since they open at 8:00, I decided I would drop her off when they opened so I could go on in to work. She couldn't have any food or treats after midnight which was probably quite confusing to her since she is quite accustomed to getting a treat or three in the wee hours of each morning. I got up at my normal time and we went about our morning routines (with the exception of treat and her medicine) and then we left the house a little after 7:00 a.m.

I had to stop by my parents' house before we went to the vet's office because I needed to drop off tickets for Friday's Madison Academy game to my dad and also deliver some ribs that I had bought at Star Market for him. We got to my parents' house around 7:20 only to find all the doors locked tight. So, I had to go back to the car to retrieve my keys and let myself in through the back door. the Tide and I visited with my dad for a good 20 minutes or so before heading out the door again. While we were chatting my dad was rubbing The Tide's belly and told her, "you got lucky, dog." Indeed she did. Some other owner probably would have put her down 10 years ago when she was first diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

We arrived at the vet's office a few minutes before they opened at 8:00. As is always the case, The Tide could not wait to get out of the car and go inside. I don't know if she associates the vet's office with making her feel better or what the deal is, but she absolutely loves going to the vet and will nudge me out of my seat because she is so excited to get out of the car.

I got her signed in and soon after the vet tech came to take her to the back. He told me the surgery would take place around 10:30 or 11:00 and that they would give me a call after it was over to let me know how she was doing. I gave her one last hug and sent her on her merry way. I only got a wee bit teary-eyed and did not sob like a baby as I expected I would. After the tech took her back and I got back on the road, I realized I had left my phone at home and so I had to drive back home to pick it up since they would be calling me later on to tell me how the surgery went. After I got my phone, I went to my own doctor's office because after three months of having no sinus issues, I am once again plagued with a sinus infection. I caught this one really early though so I hope to knock it out quickly and then get back on the path to good health. Despite the very busy morning, I still made it to work by 9:00, which is only two hours later than I normally show up.

I didn't hear from the vet's office until around 1:30 or so. As you can imagine, I was getting a little antsy around noon when I had not heard anything. The vet tech that took her back that morning, Wesley, was also the one to call me. He said that the surgery went well and that she was in recovery. I asked him to please update me each day if possible and also reminded them to keep her through Monday. They usually keep the animals that have this surgery for a couple of days, but I am going on a church retreat this weekend and so I wanted to make sure they could keep a good eye on her while I cam gone. Wesley said he would call me and give me updates on how she is doing, so I'll be anxious to hear from him.

Needless to say, when I got home Thursday evening the house seemed really empty without The Tide wandering about. I'll be glad when she is back home and feeling better.

Our 10th Dogiversary

Today, Sunday, October 28, 2012, is mine and The Tide’s 10th Dogiversary! It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since I picked her up from the Pitt County Animal Shelter in Greenville, North Carolina; but, indeed it has.

As you may have read on Friday, The Tide is scheduled for surgery this Thursday. She has a torn ACL and the surgery will repair the joint so that she can use her leg again. She will stay at the vet’s office for a few days before returning home the following Monday. For a $50 dog from the animal shelter, she sure has cost me (and my family) a lot of money. Including the time she was fixed, the surgery this week will be number four - getting fixed, two hip surgeries and now the ACL.

In addition to the surgeries, she has eaten holes in walls, carpet, linoleum, baseboards, peed on many a carpet, eaten many books, socks, and various other assortments of belongings. She has caused a Christmas tree to topple over and ripped holes in more fitted sheets than I care to count.

Through it all, though, she has been a good guard dog and a loyal companion. She follows me around no matter where I go or for how long I’m going to be away from my spot on the couch. She loves to chase birds and squirrels and barks at every person and animal and delivery truck that passes in front of our house.

It turned out to be a costly decision when I got The Tide 10 years ago, but it was also one of the best. I can’t imagine life without her and I hope the good Lord blesses us with a few more years together. Happy Dogiversary, The Tide, you’re the best friend a gal could ever have!

You Can Call Me Crazy If You Want

I didn't have a chance to post yesterday afternoon because I took a half day off from work to take my child, the Tide, to the vet. Then, last night was the annual Rainbow Omega fundraising dinner so to say it was a busy afternoon and evening is an understatement.

As you probably read a few days ago, The Tide came in from outside on Sunday night and let out a yelp and has since been hobbling around on three legs. I originally thought I might have hit her leg with the door as I was shutting it behind her, but have since come to the conclusion that was not the case. For one, I never felt her body hit the door and for two, she's been hobbling for far too long for it to be a scrape from the door. I had originally scheduled an appointment for her for Saturday but by Tuesday morning decided I needed to change it to as soon as I could get her there and so Thursday afternoon was the date.

The appointment was at 4:00 but because of the amount of hours we are required to take off this quarter, I went ahead and took a half day. Around 3:20 we headed out for the vet and by 3:45 were inside a room waiting on Dr. Johns. Dr. Johns is very familiar with The Tide since he was one of the two doctor's who operated on her hips nine years ago. He looked around her paw area first and then started examining the knee. She was tensed up and he thought he felt something but needed to know definitively and so he gave her a sedative that knocked her out within a matter of minutes. After she was out like a light, he was able to maneuver the knee with a lot more ease and even I could see that it was popping out of place where it was supposed to be still. Long story short, my child has a torn ACL. She's telling people it's an old football injury.

Dr. John's recommended surgery and we discussed the details of the surgery and if he thought it would be beneficial for her as this type of injury will not heal on its own. The injury was most likely caused from degeneration over the past few years and if I had to guess she probably uses this joint more than most dogs because of her bad hips. I asked about a payment plan because the surgery is quite costly and I don't want to drain my savings account nor do I want to stop saving for vacation next year. As it turns out, there is a credit option called Care Credit which can be used for large expenses like this and it works like a credit card where you charge the amount and then you have either six or 12 months to pay it off with no interest. Not only do vet's offices take this Care Credit, but a lot of eye doctors and dentists take it as well - who knew? So, I filled out the application and turned it in while waiting on The Tide to start waking up from the reversal shot they gave her.

The Tide and I headed back out front to the reception area so I could pay the day's bill and also set up the Care Credit and schedule the surgery. She was still woozy from the sedative and couldn't sit up and ended up laying down with all four legs sprawled out. A little boy that was there with his dog asked me if she was tired. The lady that usually handles the Care Credit applications was not there yesterday and the girl who tried to do it ran into some technical difficulty that no one could seem to help her with so they are supposed to call me on Friday to get it all set up. The surgery is scheduled for this coming Thursday, November 1 and she has to be there by 9:00 a.m. So, I will drop her off at 8:00 and then head on in to work.

I know a lot of you probably think I am crazy for paying for my dog to have surgery and that's okay I don't mind. The Tide is like my child though and I think she's still got a few good years in her and there is no way I could just let her hobble around till the end of her days or go ahead and put her down. So, for me, this is the right answer. Granted, I'm not thrilled for the expense, but for those of you who have kids I know you would spare no expense for your child and since The Tide is my child, you can kind of see where I'm coming from. At any rate, I don't really care what people think because to me, it's worth it and that's all that really matters. So, The Tide will be going under the knife for the fourth time in her life (counting when she was fixed) on Thursday and she would appreciate your prayers, some TLC, and of course, any treats you are willing to send her way.

Tales from the Weekend

Well, we’ve reached the time of year when my schedule seems to pick up along with everyone else’s and I don’t even have any children. I guess by the time school starts back there are just more things on the calendar for everyone, which suits me just fine as it hasn’t been a very busy summer.

On Friday night my cousin Brittany and her daughter Sydney came over to pass the time while we waited on my dad and granddad to come pick us up for the Madison Academy football jamboree. As it turns out, my granddad didn’t go (which wasn’t much of a surprise) and Brittany ended up driving so she wouldn’t have to move Syd’s car seat. The game wasn’t very good as MA trounced Columbia, but I still had a good time visiting with everyone and of course partaking of some concession stand food. I think you all know my avid love of concession stand food.

Syd striking a pose!

Saturday morning I had a haircut appointment for 8:30 and ended up taking The Tide with me. I think I mentioned that her legs have been bothering her some lately and I have suspected for a while that she has arthritis in hips. The past week or so she has really had a difficult time getting on and off the bed or the chair that she likes to sit in and Thursday and Friday she would attempt to get down from the bed or her chair and then would just sit there with a look of extreme sadness. So, I knew it was time to do something about that.

She stayed in the car with the windows down and a bowl of water while I got my haircut and then I took her to the vet where they worked her in. I thought we might be there for hours on end, but it actually ended up being a total of about 30 minutes, which was great. We saw the newest doctor at our vet’s office who we had never seen before. He did an orthopedic exam and The Tide yelped out in pain a few times. It wasn’t too pleasant for this dog mamma either. He determined that she did in fact have some arthritis in her hips and he prescribed some medicine for her. The medicine is injected into her mouth rather than a pill. He demonstrated how it was to be done, I paid the large bill and left thinking it was certainly going to be interesting each morning when I try to make The Tide take this medicine.

Saturday afternoon we had a joint birthday party for my dad’s mom who turned 80 on August 22 and my mom’s dad who turned 77 on August 20. Some of my granddad’s in-laws came in from out of town and then there were a plethora of Parkers there for my grandmother and some friends to boot. We enjoyed a good spread of food and fellowship.

Sunday morning I got up early to put together my grocery list and complete some chores and of course I had the pleasure of attempting to give The Tide her medicine. I finally managed to get it all in her belly. Some of it she had to lick out of my hand. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I went to church and sat with Jackie and her family and afterwards we had dinner on the grounds which was quite yummy. I made my weekly stop at Publix before heading home for my nap.

Me and Troy at lunch on Sunday

My friend Kendra text me right as I laid down to take a nap and wanted to know if I was free at 3:00. She had asked me on Friday about going out to the mall to be a part of that pilot they were shooting for the Food Network. Tyler Florence was going to be there and she wanted someone to go with her. Being the big loser I am, I backed out on her. I had kind of forgotten about it and I really didn’t feel like going. I was so tired and really wanted a nap. (I have been super tired lately for some reason). She said she wouldn’t hate me if I didn’t go, for which I was thankful.

Sunday night I went to church and then came home to eat a variety of leftovers from the weekend and do some laundry, etc. Kendra sent me a photo of herself from her afternoon outing and y’all, she got to meet Tyler Florence! How awesome is that? Guess I should have gone with her after all. Maybe we could have talked him into giving us our own cooking show; serves me right for being a big ole loser and wanting to sleep my life away. Next time I back out on someone, please remind me of this.

Kendra and Tyler Florence!

The Tide, by the way, seems to be feeling much better. She's getting up and down from the chair, bed, etc. and back to jumping up and down when she’s about to get a treat. I’ve got to change her food to a joint formula as well, which won’t be for a while because I just bought a new bag of food – isn’t that how it always seems to go?

Perhaps Kittens Were Conceived

Today (Thursday) is my brother's birthday, which is a little bittersweet. I'm thankful he has been blessed to see another birthday, but sad that he will spend it in jail; although that's of his own making. My brother turned 32 on this birthday. That doesn't even seem possible. It sounds so weird to say that my brother is 32 when to me he will always be a kid. Weren't we just in high school yesterday?

A few days after bringing my brother home from the hospital (I think is how the story goes), my mom thought my brother had been kidnapped. She heard what she thought was a baby crying outside and looked in my brother's crib and didn't see him there. (He was there by the way - maybe she didn't turn on the light - maybe she was drunk - ha, just kidding mother!) Anyway, I can't remember all the details of the story, but the end result is that my brother was in his crib the whole time and the baby crying was actually some cats outside. I think we were always told the cats were fighting - perhaps that was to protect the innocent. So, it comes as no surprise to me that in the wee hours of May 3 (my brother's birthday) I was awoken by the sounds of cats "fighting" which sounded like a crying baby. Perhaps May is the month of mating or fighting for the feline species.

I went to bed at my normal time of 10:00 p.m. and about 12:30 The Tide woke me up because she was trying to sit up in the bed and kept scooting against me and acting strange. In my sleepiness was rather ticked that I had been brought out of a silent slumber. However, after a trip to the bathroom (too many details?) I realized that she must be having trouble with her legs and when I went back into the bedroom and turned on the lights, my suspicions were confirmed. The Tide has been having some issues with her back legs for about a year and a half now. As you may know, she had hip surgery on both of her hips and I think the older she gets the more arthritis and what not sets in. Long story short, on occasion she has "spells" (why, yes, I am from the south) where her back legs basically become paralyzed. It's quite frightening because she cannot put any eight on them as they won't hold her up and they basically clench up I guess is a good way of saying it. They shake like they are under a lot of pressure and her eyes bulge out and she looks terrified. Like I said, pretty terrifying. Anyway, I rubbed on her back legs for a while and got her into a comfortable position and the "spell" passed after a few minutes and she was back to normal. So, I finally fell back asleep thinking I wouldn't wake again until my alarm clock went off a few hours later - boy, was I wrong.

About an hour later, I was awoken once again but this time it wasn't because of The Tide, it was because of those cats who at times sounded like a crying baby. I mean, these two were so loud I'm surprised they didn't wake the whole neighborhood; who knows, maybe they did. It sounded like they were clawing each others eyes out, but I have since been told they were probably making sweet feline love, or something like that because it sure didn't sound sweet. It sounded like a cat war. Y'all, I really cannot even put into word the sounds or loudness that was this cat "fight". OH MY WORD!

The Tide would occasionally stick her head up when they got even louder, but I dared not move lest she start barking and then there would be no hope whatsoever of returning to a peaceful night of rest. I don't know how long these cats carried on, but it was a long while. I think I finally managed to doze off around 2:30 or 3:00 and then was up for work at 5:30. Needless to say I had to start the day with an iced coffee because I was dragging. I made it through most of the day okay but by the time the afternoon came around I was dragging again and was in desperate need of some sleep. There was more than one delirious moment in the afternoon hours of work. I told the girl I share a cubicle with that I had better not see any cats on the way home or I may run them over. I sure to heck hope these two don't start it up again tonight or I might go crazy!

There Was More Than One Trophy Presentation Monday Night

Was everyone else as tired as I was on Tuesday? Needless to say, I stayed up late on Monday night watching the National Championship game and even some of the post game coverage and got into bed much later than my normal 10:00 p.m. bed time.

After work, I had an appointment at the chiropractor and then went to the gym for spin class. I came home, showered, grabbed the king cake I had made the night before, rounded up The Tide and headed over to my parents’ house to watch the big game and arrived just a few minutes before kickoff. My dad had picked up some barbeque earlier in the day and we had that for dinner and it was quite good. I love me some barbeque!

We settled in and had an enjoyable time watching the game together. I figured I might fall asleep since it started so late and I’ve been known to fall asleep a time or two watching a game, but I guess my adrenaline was pumping and I sat up and watched from start to finish and enjoyed every minute of it.

At half time we enjoyed some king cake and we also got a few laughs out of The Tide and Scout chasing each other and playing with a sock. The Tide had a hold of one end and my dad would give Scout the other end. Scout would hold on for a few seconds as The Tide pulled him across the room. It was quite humorous! I tried to get a photo but was unsuccessful in getting a really good shot.

The second half of the game was just as good as the first and we were all elated that Alabama won their 14th National Championship and second in three years. Three years in a row for the state of Alabama and six years in a row for the SEC! That’s pretty amazing!

After the game was over, we had a trophy presentation of our own. As you may recall, my family has a football bowl challenge each year and last year I purchased a trophy for the reigning champion to keep for the year. At the beginning of the bowl season, the champion returns the trophy until the next winner is determined. Well, folks, this year’s winner was none other than…wait for it…. me!

I beat out both my dad and brother to be the 2011 bowl season champion! My record was 28-7. Justin finished second with a 25-10 finish and my dad ended up 22-13. Yes, the master, my dad, finished last. In his trophy presentation, my dad congratulated me and told me he was proud he taught me to love sports. We stood there shaking hands for what felt like 15 minutes while my mother, God bless her, tried to operate the camera. She finally managed to take a picture or two and then my dad took a few. They aren’t the most glamorous pictures considering I’m in my PJs and have on no make-up and my hair is kind of crazy and I’m wearing my glasses in some shots, but that’s okay. I’m not really here to impress anyone and I had a good time taking these.

It was a fun Monday night and worth the sleep deprivation. Thanks, mother and daddy for hosting me and The Tide! There’s only 233 days until the 2012 college football season starts!

P.S. Jackie was lucky enough to be able to attend the game on Monday night in New Orleans. I’ve asked her to write a guest post about her experience. So, look for that to (hopefully) be coming soon!

I was trying to take a picture of The Tide and Scout lying on the couch beside me but was at an odd angle. This photo still cracked me up.

Entertainment by The Tide and Scout

My dad would hold on to the sock and then let Scout grab the other end.

I wasn't quick enough with the camera.

The trophy presentation

The Victor

Doesn't every winner kiss their trophy?

Letters to Santa: 2011 Edition

Dear Santa,

It's been about a year since I last wrote you and I want you to know that I've done my best to be really good since then. It's been a year of ups and downs for me, Santa and I know you can't really deliver good health and happiness but if perhaps you can and I don't know about those special powers, then please send some my way. These last couple of months have made me really tired of being sick. I'm ready to feel better!

I don't really want much for Christmas this year. For one, I don't need that much and two, I don't have room for it in my small but wonderful home; not to mention that the economy is in the crapper and I know you can't afford to pay the elves the premium salaries you paid back in the 1980s when you brought Barbie Dream Houses and Go-Karts and Trampolines on Christmas morning. Ah, those were the days. So, really there's just one thing I want this year Santa, and that's a Cuisinart Food Processor - 10 Cup Capacity if you please. I'm making a special place for it on my kitchen counter and it will look really great there! It will also come in quite handy throughout the year when the only thing people want me to bring to gatherings is coleslaw. Just think, I'll be able to make coleslaw in half the time which means more time for napping!

As always, Santa, you are welcome to bring some surprises, which I realize you don't always like to do, but seeing as how you've known me for 34 years, surely you can think of something special to place in my stocking. Thanks for the early surprise of the Christmas apron! It was nice of you to special deliver it before Christmas. Hope the reindeer didn't get tired making that extra trip down south. I will put it to good use and wear it while I'm cooking over the next few days.

I will be sure and leave some milk and cookies for you Santa. Hopefully The Tide won't eat them before you arrive, but if she does, just remember it's the thought that counts! Be careful while you are out making your deliveries!

XOXO,
Natasha Jo



Dear Santa,

If you could please just bring me some treats for Christmas this year, I sure would appreciate it. I've done my best to be a good dog this year. I haven't done anything too bad like I did when I was a puppy. I've grown up and fled the errors of my puppy youth. I do occasionally rip a hole in the sheets on the bed but really that's my mom's fault because she doesn't get my nails trimmed as often as she should. Hey, it's not like I can drive.

I would really like a squeaky toy but those get on my mom's nerves so maybe you shouldn't bring that after all. I realize my mom has a stockpile of treats, but you can never have too many, especially those of the bacon variety so feel free to add to our pile.

I will try not to eat your cookies before you arrive Santa, but they are so tempting just sitting there on the edge of the table and I know my mom makes good treats. So, if the cookies happen not to be there when you arrive, well, I'm pretty sure it was the cat from next door who took them.

I'll leave a treat for the reindeer because I know they work hard on Christmas Eve and we animals like to take care of each other. Be careful out there Santa and watch out for the hooligans!

Love,
The Tide