Maintenance soon!
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Posted at:07:00 p.m.

Emmett had acupuncture today with his lovey, Dr. Burke. Gosh, he loves her so much and it seems the feeling is mutual. :) She said after one more session (in two weeks) he will get to go to maintenance...YAY!!! That means he will go every 1-3 months. She also said after a couple more chiropractic adjustments he should be a lot straighter in the back, and the hump where he blew the two discs will subside. Then he will get to go to maintenance level there, too!

Gosh, Emmett was so excited to show off his walking to her! She was equally as excited to see it! We will keep him in his x-pen for now like we have been doing, as we don't want to risk him acting before he thinks (e.g. chasing kitties or jumping on or off curbs or furniture) and re-injuring himself. Super Dog is famous for doing things like that. James and I let him walk around a bit several times a day, which is just sooooo exciting to Emmett. When he is ready to go back in his x-pen he always lets us know, so in he goes!

This has been the most "normal" week James and I have experienced since Emmett's IVDD began 8 weeks ago. We feel so blessed to have the worry part of the ordeal subsided. On Tuesday I needed to take a day trip to San Francisco with a friend who is sharing in the singing duties with me for Gabbie & Frank's wedding in June. I had not spent time with Erica like that for a long time, or had the freedom to take a day trip for that matter. G & F paid for gas and also took us to a really delicious dinner in the city after we met with the music director of the church (hence the reason for the trip). I cannot explain how freeing it was to spend the day with a girlfriend, taking a road trip to the city, and hanging with more friends there. James was home with Emmett, I knew they were both safe, and I was able to relax, have fun, and be present in the moment. What a blessing!

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Miracle Dog Pictures!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Posted at:11:22 a.m.

Thought you would like to see pictures of Emmett walking!! I took these Friday and Saturday. He saw a cat through the fence when we took him out, and RAN to look into it:

Playing with Lambie in his x-pen:

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Attention please!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Posted at:10:22 p.m.

So, I had to drive 5 hours today to see my orthopedic (knee) doctor. As you know, I have one more knee surgery pending. I arrived home approximately and hour and a half ago. Upon hearing my car pull up, James took Emmett out front to go potty, and when I walked through the front gate (our front yard is enclosed), who should RUN up to say hello but Emmett! Yes, that's right...I said RUN. We suppose he has decided to skip walking and go straight to running. LOL! Seriously, though, he went to see his regular vet this morning for some blood work and stool sample (all is clear...halleluia!) and she was so disappointed in his progress...she hadn't seen him since he went down the first time, as we could not afford to take him to TWO vets, acupuncture and a chiro. I kept reassuring her that this was good...that he was improving daily and that acupuncture and chiropractic especially has been miraculous for him. She suggested a cart...basically, a doggie wheelchair...because when she put him on the floor on a mat to stand for her, he sat down square on the floor and REFUSED to stand for her. Just refused! Stubborn little terd! *giggle On the way home he looked depressed, but I reassured him that who cares what she thinks? "There is no way we are going to get a cart, don't worry, Emmett. Next time we come here for a visit you'll be able to run in on your own with your harness and leash!" He perked up at that. And tonight...RAN! Now, it wasn't a perfect run...don't get me wrong. But he was using his back legs and walking and running! I think he surprised himself! LOL!

The Pampered Chef fundraiser is still on, by the way. I need to get all the orders in by April 30th. His visit today was a whopping $150! Eek!

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Trying to walk...
Monday, April 18, 2005
Posted at:06:50 p.m.

Took a picture of Emmett today trying to walk. Thought maybe you would like to see!

He has stood so many times now that I've lost count! Looks like he is on the mend...YAY!!! Now if he can just get those darned feet to cooperate... :) He sees his regular vet tomorrow morning for the first time in 6 weeks. I can't wait to see her reaction!

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Took 2 steps!!!/Our Weekend
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Posted at:07:07 p.m.

Our big news for today is that Emmett took 2 steps outside at potty time!!! YAY! He is trying so hard to walk...he stood up 3 times yesterday, and a couple of times today, too! Dr. Burke's comment last week was, "He sure is a motivated little dog!" :) The ick news of the day is that Emmett is suffering with a bit of colitis. He sees the vet tomorrow when he has his chiro appointment, so I will talk to her about that then. Overall, though, he continues to get stronger in his legs every single day. I am so happy for him!

We had a really wonderful weekend with Gabbie & Frank! Emmett made a new buddy in Frank...he would growl at Gabbie when she hugged Frank, even! Soooo cute! We accomplished planning the music for their wedding in June. It's in San Francisco and I will not only have the honor of singing at their wedding ceremony, but also their reception...with a 12 piece orchestra! :O Sooooo looking forward to that!

I sang at Mass on Saturday evening and everyone attended. Afterwards, Gabbie and Frank very generously treated us to a delicious dinner at the Harbor Hut on Saturday night. I have to say it's one of my favorite restaurants for steak and seafood, and the view is divine! James and Frank hadn't eaten there and were impressed with the food, as well. Aside from Emmett's bout with colitis on Sunday morning, I have to say the weekend was relaxed and the company fantastic. Again, just so nice to hang out with friends. Gabbie said it best, "It's just so nice to stay with friends!" You know, it was just comfortable, as Gabbie and I spent alot of time together when she lived in SLO. James and I feel blessed that they are a part of our lives and look forward to more weekends with them. :)

Here are a few more birthday pictures of Emmett:

This was his reaction when I said, "Cookie?" LOL!

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Happy 6th Birthday, Emmett!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Posted at:11:33 a.m.

Today is Emmett's 6th birthday! What a happy day it is, indeed! This is a picture of him in a crown that his Grandma and his cousins made for him. As you can see, he is quite humiliated when I put clothes or hats on him. He is looking at James for help in this photo..."Daddy, please make mom take this thing off my head..." LOL! Tonight I am cooking steak I have been saving for a special occasion and of course Emmett will get his share!

Thank you all again for your love, support, and prayers! Keep them coming...it's all working!

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HUGE NEWS!!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Posted at:09:33 p.m.

We have great news!!! Approximately two hours ago, I walked out of the living room where Emmett's x-pen is, and where I spend most of my time as of late hanging out with him, to go to the back of the house. (Even my computer is in the living room!) When I returned a couple of minutes later, I walked in to find him STANDING ON ALL FOURS drinking water!!!

I was in shock a bit, and walked all around the x-pen to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was (lol). Then I started cheering and telling him how proud I was of him. He sat down, gave me his usual nonchalant "What are you cheering for?" look. Then as I watched, he stood himself right back up and finished drinking his water!!! He did, of course, get tired while he stood there the second time, leaning forward where his toes curled and he ended up finishing his water on his knees (lol). He is tired now!

How about that? Emmett is rehabilitating himself! I couldn't be more proud!! I have been sobbing happy tears for the past two hours! My baby will be walking before we know it!!!

I would like to note that he had his second chiropractor appointment yesterday. He threw up yesterday afternoon, and James and I wondered if Dr. Szabo, his chiro, adjusted his atlas...that is what happened to each of us after our first atlas adjustments. He was so whiney and grumpy yesterday and today, yet his body was relaxed. When I called Dr. Szabo about an hour ago to tell her our wonderful news, she confirmed that yes, she had adjusted his atlas and that she was not surprised at his vomitting because it was really locked up. The acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are really helping my little guy! He will continue with his weekly treatments (he gets a vet check each week with acupuncture) and I am also happy to announce he is completely off Prednisone for four days now. :)

Today has been a really great day!!! We all thank you for your continued prayers and for the financial support. 24 hours after sending out the first Pampered Chef e-mail regarding Emmett's fundraiser, I am happy to announce I already have received 3 more cash donations and 5 orders for the show totalling $302! And we just started getting the word out! I am certain his fundraiser is going to be a huge success...thank you!!!

Tomorrow is Emmett's 6th Birthday...we have much to celebrate at our house!!!

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Piccies!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Posted at:07:00 p.m.

Wanted to post a couple of pictures...First, here is Emmett a couple of weeks ago, before we were allowed to expand his x-pen a bit. He would stick his nose through the bars and pout:

This one was taken today. We borrowed a stroller from a friend's neighbor, and took Emmett to his favorite park today. It was so nice for all of us to get out of the house and do one of our "normal" things. James walked Emmett all around the park in the stroller and he was LOVING IT...especially all of the sympathy and love pats from people at the park! "Oh, what's wrong with your dog?" followed by love pats. You wouldn't believe the pathetic looks Emmett was giving all of them...just eating up the attention! (LOL) Usually he barks at strangers and doesn't like them to touch him at all, but he didn't bark at one person and let anyone who wanted to pet him today! This picture was taken when we got home, because (per usual) I forgot my camera:

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Thank God for Cindy!!!
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Posted at:06:33 p.m.

Just wanted to say THANK GOD FOR CINDY LANGFORD...the Pampered Chef Queen, my ex-director and who became my good friend...

Cindy has offered to do a Pampered Chef fundraiser for Emmett's vet bills!!! We will do an actual kitchen show at her home on the evening of April 27th so as not to disturb Emmett here at our home. (How thoughtful is that?!) We can also do orders from her site and they will get applied to his fundraiser. Below is the link to the site for Emmett's fundraiser so you can order from far away, if you like. 15% of all sales will go to Emmett's medical care. Furthermore, Cindy is donating 15% of her commission for his care! I am so excited about this!!! For those of you who are not familiar with Pampered Chef products, I used to sell them...they are fabarooney! I basically sold it to earn free product, and made money, too. :) Here is a link to order from. To order on Emmett's show, where it says "Organization" type in Emmett's Vet Fund and then start shopping! The show closes on April 30th, so please order by then.

Cindy's Pampered Chef Site

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First water therapy session!
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Posted at:12:00 p.m.

Well, we did it last night...unfortunately, I am going to have to get something that's deeper than our tub. He's not very tall at all, but when we get past the "getting him to stand for long lengths of time on his back legs" portion and can get him to swim, we'll need deeper water for that.

It was a sight to behold to be sure...Daddy, Mommy and Emmett all in the tub with him in some way...Daddy standing at the opposite shallow end from him, Mommy sitting with legs/feet inside. We had toys, but he wasn't ready for that (lol). We did get him to walk to Daddy from the front of the tub to the back (with Mommy's slight assistance). Yay! It was slow, but he actually picked up his back legs one at a time, trying to walk "normally." He was a bit apprehensive at first, when Daddy said, "Come here, Emmie!" Looked at us like, "Yeah RIGHT!" But with encouragement and lots of good boys for every step, he did it! And it must have been hard work, too, cuz he was panting up a storm...he never pants except on high doses of prednisone or when he's playing hard.

We're going to do this every night with him until he is ready for swimming. That, plus a couple other times during the day...I have been doing it at potty time...we set him on his back legs and have him stand for as long as he can. If he tries to walk, I assist him. He does seem eager to walk and I am thinking that is half the battle...

His new schedule is acupuncture Fridays and chiropractic on Mondays. This regimin is $105/week ($65 for acupuncture and vet check, $40 for chiro). Today I am printing out applications to take to his vet for organizations that assist people in paying for vet costs...wish me luck on getting those, please!

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James' Birthday :)
Sunday, April 3, 2005
Posted at:03:11 p.m.

So, yesterday was James' birthday. He had a wonderful day, he says! So did I! Had a lovely day, then last evening my best friend and her husband were in town, and we all had dinner at...you guessed it...Yanagi's at the Teppan Grill (lol). That's where James wanted to go, so Maureen and Chris met us there and unexpectedly paid for dinner, too! We had a blast! After dinner we went back to Julie's (Maureen's sister...where they were staying) so I could see the kids...their kids are getting so big. It's been over a year since I've seen them, and I hadn't been to Julie's new house yet. We had a really, really great time. Julie's kids and husband were all home, too.

For me, the dinner and visit at Julie's was like a family reunion. It's so great to spend time with real friends like that...there are no eggshells to walk on around one another, and we know eachother inside and out. Maureen and I have been best friends since I was 17 and she was 18 years old. That's almost half my life. I have known her sister Julie just as long. We have been there for eachother through good times and bad, you know? How comforting it is to have people in your life, like so many of you are to me, who you can depend upon for support, love, encouragement, and assistance...and who allow you to do the same for them.

Hope you are all having a lovely "spring forward" today!

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Emmett gets to start PT
Saturday, April 2, 2005
Posted at:10:55 p.m.

Yesterday we went for our fifth acupuncture treatment. The treatment went well...his body grasped the needles well again...not so much on Monday. We are now going to once a week for acupuncture. Dr. Burke has also cleared us to start physical therapy. I am nervous about this...just the time she showed us yesterday what to do wore him completely out for today! He has been tired all day long, so we did not start yet. I am going to try water therapy to ease him into it. She furthermore gave us the green light to start chiropractic slowly, but does not want us to do VMO method, as she finds regular chiropractic method much more effective and actually less painful for the dogs...who knew? I have to admit that I am so emotionally close to this situation that sometimes I wonder if I lose ojbectivity when it comes to his care? I research and research and have a tendency to be naive about believing all I read. Regarding chiropractic, practitioners on both sides claim THEIR WAY is the BEST WAY...Making decisions about some of his care is just so difficult. There is a point, which I have reached in this area, where I just have to trust the vet. I will let you know how the first adjustment goes...should be able to get this done this next week. Dr. Burke is right there (as are we) for the adjustment, in her office, and works in conjunction with the chiro. I certainly like that aspect...

So today he was tired, as I said. James and I freaked out this morning, actually...when we came out this morning to take him to potty he was shaking, and cried when James picked him up. We were like, OH NO!!!...PLEASE do not be hurting again!!! But the shaking stopped immediately after returning him to his x-pen from his potty break, and snuggling his blankie around him. Sometimes it's hard to tell with Emmett what's actually going on with shaking...lol...shakes (shivers) when he's cold, excited, hurting. Since it stopped immediately, we are taking that as a good sign, and he hasn't cried at all upon picking him up since.

We are backing him off the prednisone, as well, and were allowed to expand his xpen from 2x2 to 2x4. He is thrilled with that! Finally, last night, he was doing his "nesting" thing with his bedding in the xpen...and we caught him doing something fantastic...he stood himself half way up by himself on his back legs to nest!!!! Again we cheered, and again he looked at us like we are crazy! (LOL) He is really working at rehabilitating himself. He can stand on his own if you lift him into standing position, just got to get those little legs moving...slow process and hard work for him. Dr. Burke feels he should make huge strides in the next 30 days...it will take lots of work on our part, but we are totally up for it! At least he is down to prednisone once a day, now...I will simply schedule the PT sessions the same as I had to do with meds for him. :)

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