Outta Here

Casey and I leave first thing in the morning for Dragon*Con. I'm sure I'll have LOTS of great pictures for you guys. I'll be back on Wednesday. I hope all of you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

OH SQUEE!!!

I got some good news today!! Thanks to Cindy Sherrill of Sharpei Rescue of Tennessee, Inc.. Celebration Pet Day is now an official Purina Rally to Rescue event!! WOOT! WOOT! I couldn't be happier!

Overwhelmed

I'm sorry that I've neglected to post here the past few days. This past weekend was kind of crazy. All of the pre-DragonCon stuff has started. I'm trying to finish the alterations on the costumes we're taking with us, get the last few props finished up, and get things squared away at the house. All of this, while all the promotions start up full swing for Celebration Pet Day.

Last Saturday started out well. By the end of the day, I was flat on my back on the couch. I've been exercising REALLY hard the past couple of weeks, and I guess it took its toll on my back. I strained it good. So, I just lounged for most of Saturday afternoon and night. I hit the muscle relaxers, so I got over it pretty quickly.

On Sunday afternoon, I met my pet day committee at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration grounds. The Celebration has a dog show every year. Their office is so nice. They gave us permission to pass out our Celebration Pet Day and pet show flyers there for advertisement. We gave out nearly 500 flyers. Not bad for an hour and a half of work. It was SO hot there, but I'm sure it was worth it.

Yesterday was the first day of the fall semester on campus. It's always crazy the first day. There's always SO much to do, and everyone's in a hurry. I was exhausted by the time I got home yesterday. I just fell into bed early last night. Today is a lot more settled, and things seem more normal.

Now if I can just finish getting ready for DragonCon, before I go crazy! There's always so much to do that I feel overwhelmed. BUT, I'm always like this before a trip. We leave on Friday, so it's almost over.

Everyone have a great afternoon!

Look What I Did Today!

Members of my Celebration Pet Day Committee are going to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Dog Show this Sunday to pass out our event flyers. I realized earlier in the week, I hadn't even made flyers yet. So today, I got down to business. I've posted it over the Celebration Pet Day blog too. Let me know what you guys think.

The Habit of Sleeping

On Tuesday night, Casey was scheduled to have a sleep study done. He sleeps enough hours at night, but it's really hard for him to go to sleep. When he gets up, he feels like he hasn't slept at all. What all that equals down to is poor sleep quality. After feeling like crap for the past several years, he finally decided to mention it to our doctor. Our doctor scheduled him for a visit with the pulmonologist/sleep specialist. After Casey's initial visit the specialist felt that he may have some sort of sleep apnea, so he scheduled him for a sleep study. Poor Casey. He never worked so hard to just go to sleep. For some reason, whoever had his Festiva, before him, hard wired the clock straight into the battery. So whenever it's parked for a few days, we have to jump it off. We went to jump it off, and the main fuse box started sparking and smoking. When Casey went to check the wires, he noticed that they had burnt through. So, no going in the Festiva. He took our nice car, which meant I was stuck at home. That was o.k. with me, because it earned me an extra day off!!

Casey finally made it to the sleep study. He said of all nights, he slept like the dead. His results were just plain weird. Instead of like normal people, who start apnea as soon as they are asleep, Casey doesn't start the apnea until he reaches REM sleep and starts dreaming. The doctor said he'd never seen that before and said he was "different". Casey said, "I call it different, but my wife calls it difficult." He also told Casey that he didn't snore much. I BEG TO DIFFER with that statement. I think I need to place a call to that Dr.! Anyway, they scheduled Casey for another sleep study using a CPAP machine. If it helps, they are going to get him one. They also said that he clenches his teeth quite a bit. They suggested that he get himself a mouthgard to help with that problem. Casey made it back home around 1:00 yesterday, and we just lounged for the rest of the afternoon.

Sleep is such a fascinating thing.

Charity Blogger Award

This morning, I received a really sweet comment from Laura over at Dog's Eye View. Laura has awarded me the Charity Blogger Award.

I'm excited and thrilled that she was sweet enough to think of me. The Charity Blogger Award is part of the Writer's Reviews Blogger Awards. There are several categories, i.e. Creative, Charity, Inspirational, Thoughtful, and Coureageous. It's now my pleasure to award five wonderful blogger friends with awards of their own. To learn more about the different awards, go to Writer's Reviews.

I'd like to award the Coureagous Blogger Award to Jennifer at Happy at Home.

Jennifer is a long time friend of mine and is one of the most courageous people I know. Jennifer lost most all of her hearing at age 4. She recently underwent surgery for a cochlear implant, when she lost what hearing she had left. Despite many obstacles with her implant, she has stayed the course and is now reaping the benefits. Soon, she will be undergoing her second cochlear implant.

I'd like to award the Inspirational Blogger Award to Scott at Unashamed.

Scott is a long time friend and professor of faith. He has served as a church pastor and youth minister. Scott is truly inspirational to me. He "walks the walk and talks the talk" everyday. He is truly a shining example.

I'm awarding the Creative Blogger Award to Pennie over at Why Rush.

Pennie is a friend and fellow animal lover and one of the most creative people I know. Whether she is out working in her garden, remodeling a room in her house, or doing some of the most beautiful needlework I've ever seen, she is creative in most every facet of her life. Visit her site to see beautiful gardens and lovely pet pictures.

I'd like to award the Charity Blogger Award to Leigh-Ann over at The Blog Pound.

Leigh-Ann is a fellow animal lover and the director of Wee Paws Animal Sanctuary. She is currently in the process of becoming a Vet Tech. Visit her site for animal stories and information. The last award is Thoughtful Blogger Award. I'd like to give this award to John over at Lake Neuron.

John is a multi-faceted writer. He works for the local newspaper. John blogs about blog issues, his dedication to his church, local events, and many other topics. His blog posts are always interesting and informative. He also includes some great pictures too!

Better Day

Imagine my suprise, when Dr. K's office called early Saturday morning to tell me that Slate was ready to come home. Unbelievable! I figured that he would stay through the weekend at least. I was a little nervous, to say the least. Dr. K had given him some stomach meds, and he'd started feeling better almost immediately. He supposes that his stomach is still really sensitive from the virus, and it's just going to take him a little while to fully bounce back. Dr. K sent us home with a pack of stomach meds to give him for the next week. As soon as Slate was brought into the exam room and saw us, he started going nuts! I knew that he felt better then. On the way home, we stopped by a Hawiian shaved ice shack and grabbed ourselves a cherry shaved ice. Slate and I shared the treat on the way home. I knew then that I wouldn't have a problem getting him to eat. Dr. K also said that it looks like he might be responding well to his new heart meds. He is breathing easier, and we were able to cut his diuertics in half! Slate felt really well the entire weekend. He's been up and around a whole lot more. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the progress continues.

Thanks SO much to everyone for your kind comments and support. They really mean the world to me!

Horrible Day!

This has been the most horrible day I've had in a while. Mom called late yesterday afternoon for me to come home that Slate wasn't doing well. He had stopped eating and started throwing up again. Casey and I took him into the vet this morning. I've done a LOT of thinking today. I don't want him to suffer, and if Dr. K says it's time, then I'll give him the go ahead. It's selfish of me to keep him here just to suffer. UPDATE: Casey just talked to Dr. K. Slate's bloodwork doesn't look bad at all. His breathing, heart, and lungs are as good as they can be for his condition. Dr. K thinks that we are still just mainly dealing with a stomach issue. He's going to keep him overnight and try some more things. He says that he doesn't think we are to that point yet. Even though I still stand by my original decision, I trust Dr. K implicitly. I'm still worried, and we're not out of the woods yet, but I do feel somewhat relieved.

Something New Everyday

I tell you guys, Celebration Pet Day is going to be great this year. It just keeps getting better everyday! I got a really nice e-mail from Kay Allen this morning. She's the one coming with the minis from Blessed Assurance Farm. Not only is she going to bring her minis, but she is also going to do several demonstrations. She is going to do a donkey cart driving demonstration. She is also going to do a coon jumping demonstration. I had no clue what coon jumping was for donkeys. I found out that it looks a bit like dog agility or steeple chase. Those mini donkeys have spring-a-lators for legs. Kay says, "If you have not seen a donkey show these little guys are pretty amazing. They can jump higher than their own height from a standing start". Well, you DO learn something new everyday!

To see some GREAT pictures of donkey cart driving and coon jumping, click HERE.

Too Cool!

The last week or so I've been so focused on Slate, that I haven't spent a lot of time working on Celebration Pet Day. So, I decided that I would do better this week. CPD is just around the corner, and there's still A LOT of stuff to do. We had an update meeting last week. This week, the whole humane association got together for a meeting on Monday. I gave a short report to the group about CPD and how it was going for this year. We had good attendance and a lot of interest at the meeting Monday, so it got me fired up. I made a couple of calls yesterday and managed to book 2 more special guests. One of the guests is Kay Allen of Blessed Assurance Farm. Blessed Assurance Farm specializes in miniature donkeys, miniature horses, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and standard donkeys. Kay was SUPER nice and agreed to come out and bring some of her animals with her. I can't wait. I just love the minis!! Kay is also the secretary of the Tennessee Donkey Association, so she is brining information on their organization with her.

This year's CPD is going to be the best ever! We are going to have so many different things to do and see. I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Slate Home Finally!

Casey and I had the craziest weekend. After running around after work until late on Friday, we found out that Slate still needed to stay at the vet's over the weekend. He was having a little trouble breathing. He hadn't absorbed all of his meds properly, while he was battling the stomach virus. The vet wanted him to have a couple extra days to get a little more stable. So right after work yesterday, Casey and I picked him up. Bless his heart. He is SO thin. He's always been a thin dog, but after a week of not eating, he's REALLY thin. He has a VORACIOUS appetite, so I think we'll be able to remedy that problem rather quickly. He's still weak and a little wobbly, but I'm not suprised after feeling so bad and being in a kennel for an entire week. He just seems so proud to be home. Dr. K put him on a brand new heart med just approved out of Canada called VetMed. It's especially for dogs with congestive heart failure. They say that dogs have really responded to it, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If it works, we can scale back some of the doses of lasix, which will help his kidneys out in the long run. We should know within a week or so. Like I said he's happy to be home, and we're happy to have him home. Thanks to everyone for the prayers, thoughts, and well wishes.

On the Mend

Slate's morning report was encouraging today. They said that he had been up and around. He'd also eaten all of his food and gone out and pottied. So, I'm encouraged. They were doing another blood test this afternoon to check his electrolytes, I suppose. They said that he "might" get to come home tomorrow morning. I'm supposed to call them in about an hour for the afternoon update. I'll let you guys know the details, as I get them. UPDATE: Slate's still doing well this afternoon. They said he'd probably get to come home tomorrow, if his progress remains steady. YAY!!

New Update

Sorry that I wasn't around yesterday folks, I was battling a nasty stomach bug. The past couple of days have been like a roller coaster for me. When I checked on Slate Tuesday afternoon, they were waiting for the blood test results, x-rays, and had ordered a new EKG. He wasn't feeling well at all. At yesterday's update, Dr. K said he was some better, but he couldn't figure out what the problem was exactly. He said that the EKG didn't really show any new information, and his x-rays didn't really show anything different than the set from early last month. He did say that he had thrown up several times. When he said that, that's when it hit me. Both Fergie and Bear have suffered from some kind of stomach bug the last week or so. It started with Fergie and the vomiting and diarrhea. It took her 3 or 4 days, but she finally got better. Then last weekend Bear got it, and he's still getting over it. Dr. K said that was REALLY useful information. He seems to think that, indeed, is the problem. He tried a couple of different things last night. When I spoke with him this morning, he said that overall, Slate is feeling better. He is still weak and his electrolytes are out of wack, so he still wants to keep him another night. Hopefully, this afternoon's update will be just as good. Thanks for all of the good thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way. We really appreciate it!

Slate Update

Casey and I had to take Slate back to the vet this morning. I'm not really sure what the problem is exactly. He seemed fine yesterday morning. He was eating good and going about his normal business. When Casey, Mom, and I got back from the Dr.s in Nashville, he was VERY lethargic and refused to eat. He seemed really out of it for a little bit last night. He was still lethargic this morning, but more of his usual self by keeping his routine. Casey and I just decided to take him in and see what's going on, cause we don't have a clue. We're not sure if it's the heart condition or what. He was just acting weird. The other dogs have been passing around some kind of stomach condition, and we were wondering if that may be what's going on, but we're just waiting to hear back from the vet. We didn't hear anything right away, so we've assumed that he's not critical. I'll update, as soon as I know something.

Melting!!!

WOW is it ever hot out there today!! I nearly melted, and I was in the pool doing laps. It doesn't help that the humidity is at nearly 50% either. Just miserable. Since the heat is cranking up, please remember to take extra special care of your furry family members. Let them stay indoors or please make sure they have enough shade and clean water to drink. NEVER EVER leave your pet in a parked car during the summer. It only takes a few minutes for them to get overheated. Once again, here are some hot weather reminders from the ASPCA.

School's out for the summer! It's time to play and have fun in the sun! But sometimes it's not so fun for pets. Do you know how to protect your kitties, pooches, and all other furry little friends when the temperature soars? Here's how to help them beat the heat.

There's no place like home! Bring your dog indoors when it is too hot and let him relax in the coolest part of your home with you. Keep your kitties indoors, and always provide all of your furry friends with plenty of cold, fresh water.

Help, I'm lost! Never leave your animal loose outside. Your animal friend might become lost, injured, or even stolen!

Hot! Hot! Hot! In really hot weather, don't leave your pooch standing outside too long, and keep his walks short. He is closer to the street than you are, and his little paws can burn!

Let's play! Have fun and exercise with your animal in the early morning or at night, when it is cooler. Do not play with your animal after he's eaten or in really hot weather.

If your kitty or doggie is a little pudgy or old, have him stay indoors as much as possible.

Never leave your dog, cat, or any other animal friend alone in a car in hot weather! The inside of a car can heat up very quickly—even with a window a little open—and your animal will suffer. So, if your animal friends go on a trip with you, make sure you and your family take them wherever you go. Carry plenty of fresh, cold water.

Splish! Splash! If you take your pooch to the beach, make sure he has a place to rest that's away from the sun, and give him plenty of fresh water to drink. Remember to rinse him off if he takes a dip in the ocean.

Opportunity

Once again, I was away yesterday. I've really spent my time focusing on the new Times-Gazette blog. This is such a great opportunity for the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association. I finally have a venue to speak to the average citizen of my town about animal issues. I've been getting some really nice feed back about the blog too! That makes me REALLY happy! Earlier this week, I had sent an e-mail to the director of Bedford County Animal Control as well. I asked to work with him to promote his county shelter as well. I had a really nice e-mail back from him yesterday, and I'm happy to say that I will be working with him, as well, on my newspaper blog. This is my chance to really do something good in the community, and I intend to make it count.

If you would like to read along to find out how it's going, click HERE.

Time Gets Away!

I apologize for letting my blog go unattended for the last few days. Just when it seems that I can slow down, I peak the hill and craziness ensues. The new edition of our little hometown newspaper, went online this morning. I spent a while over there making the first posts on my blog there. Just go to the site and click the BLOGS tab to see our group of community bloggers. One of my posts there was about Celebration Pet Day and the Celebration Pet Day blog. I had made a new post for the details of this year's event, but I hadn't updated it this week. Since I mentioned it, I figured I had better give the readers something new to see. So, I raced off to make a good update. Here's the event's information just for my special readers here: The Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association is gearing up for it's 3rd Annual Celebration Pet Day. I'm coordinating this event, again this year. This year's CPD is going to be bigger and better than ever!! Here's the information you need to know:

WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Bedford County Agricultural Center

We have LOTS of fun events planned for this year's event including: The Celebration Pet Day Pet Show sponsored by Puppy Palace and George and Kathy Houk.

Appearances by:

Pamela Johnson-Bennett of Cat Behavior Associates . Ms. Bennett is one of only a few cat behaviorists in the country! She has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and the National Geographic Channel, and she is the author of six books. Her session will include an audience question and answer session, as well as a book signing!

Amanda Oliver, Executive Director of the Beesley Animal Humane Foundation will give a short, informational session on Tellington T Touch Therapy for pets.

. The Society of Secret Identities will bring your favorite comic book Super Heroes and Villians to life! Come on out and meet your favorite characters, and don't forget to bring the camera!!

We'll also have vendors, other area pet rescues, dog agility demonstrations, other pet information programs, food, and fun!

For more updates and in depth coverage check out the Celebration Pet Day Blog