A good day for little doggies... and me!

Despite getting the bad news about the lymes, today was a good day for Audrey! We started the day working sheep - her absolutely favorite activity! At the sheep barn she bathed in a stock tank, and I asked where to buy them and was told "just up the street!" So I went and bought one for Audrey. A 30 gallon stock tank - basically a dog-sized bath tub! When we got home, I filled it with cool water, and we sat outside. I worked on my hammock and she laid in her little pool, happy as a clam! I had bought her a kiddie pool, but that is very shallow and flimsy - this is much better, and also looks nicer on my porch and takes up less space.

In the evening when the weather had cooled a bit more, we walked up the hill behind my house again. I was so proud of myself because in the fall it used to take me 45 mins round trip to go up that hill and back. Today I did it in 25 minutes including the 3 minute rest break at the top, and furthermore I didn't have to stop to rest at all while climbing! I had narrowed it down to one resting spot, but when I got there today, I took a few breaths and thought - I can do this, I can keep going, and sure enough I did! I think I can still shave a few more minutes off... Boy was a sweaty at the top :)

I saw a guy running those trails on my way down - and I thought, wow, I'm envious! Then I saw a guy walking in the neighborhood huffing and puffing on a slight incline, and I thought - it's all relative, I'm doing fine :) I was actually really proud of myself for being able to help a friend move on Sunday and not having any soreness in my arms on Monday. I feel strong! It's a very nice feeling...

Poor little Audrey... Lymes again!

I felt Audrey seemed a bit "off" when I returned from visiting family - she seemed a bit lethargic, a bit too cuddly, and had an on and off limp. I at first thought that was just a burr stuck in her foot that had aggravated her, but after I removed it this kept happening. I took her to the vet on Monday and being a concerned mom, had her re-checked for lymes. Turns out it's a good thing I did! It has relapsed...

I think she'll have to repeat a long course of antibiotics. Fortunately the pet sitter I have for during my Africa trip is fine with treating her, and will dote on her a lot. She is such a precious dog - she does not deserve to be sick... I am so glad it has not gotten worse - she is showing no serious signs like throwing up, and is still eating and drinking. She is not as bad as she was in the fall. Then again in the fall I had her at the vet ASAP, and this time I don't know how long she's had it.

Please keep her in your heart!!