Aloha nui loa!

We're back home from beautiful Kaua`i, and what a glorious slobber-fest of a welcome we got from the land seals!

Beau and Maggie were both ecstatic to welcome us back home, as I'm sure all you dog people can appreciate.

So Monday, everything was back to normal, apart from the alarm clock waking me up at 6 AM local time to get Beau over to South Paws for the second week of cycle 3 of his chemo. This week was once again the Chlorambucil. We're of course hoping that he doesn't have any of the stomach issues he had while Lisa was hound sitting. (The fact that Maggie also had stomach "issues," however, leads me to believe it was a stomach bug and not a side effect of the chemo.)

I showed Beau and Maggie the photos I took in Kaua`i, including the ones of the sea basset, but they seemed more impressed with their treats than my photos. Go figure.

Funny, those of you who looked at my pictures saw the shot I got of a seal resting on the rocks up near Kilauea Lighthouse. We also saw one just a few feet away from us on the beach at Po`ipo Beach, but I foolishly didn't have my camera with me.

Still, Caren and I both felt that bassets and seals are kindred spirits. And so did the Hawai`ians. The Hawai`ian name for seal is ʻĪlio-holo-i-ka-uaua. This loosely translates to dog who plays in the surf. Hence sea bassets and land seals. Seemed appropriate.

I wonder what the Hawai`ian name for dog who sleeps on the sofa is...

Aroooo-ha,

Ken

As we prepare to start the journey home from our island paradise of Kaua`i, we have one last Beau Beau Blog update from our intrepid hound sitter, Lisa. Seems they've found a routine that--more or less--works for all. Judge for yourself...


Routine

I like this word. To me, the word implies stability and calm. Others will undoubtedly have a different view – even define routine as “boring.” I would say driving to work each day is pretty routine, even boring. On the other hand, I prefer that routine over an unexpected flat tire or car malfunction.

As unexpected and unwanted as Beau's diagnosis of lymphoma was to everyone, his treatment has become a "routine" of his until he completes the CHOP program. Beau continues to do well since his last chemo treatment. He has a healthy appetite, is quite energetic, and is fully engrossed in his other routines around the house (even if they include sleeping and quiet cuddle times on the couch).

Even bedtime has become somewhat routine. While the hounds are already used to sleeping in bed with their “food slaves,” I had to adjust, and in the end, it hasn’t been too bad. Due to my work schedule, I needed to introduce a change to their routine and get each day off to an earlier start than normal. Needless to say, this change has been met with a little resistance. It’s never an issue getting them to go to bed, but getting them up and off the bed to start the morning routine on my schedule is another story. Maggie pretty much responds when you tell her it’s time to get up and get down, while Beau needs a little more encouragement. I commented to Ken that the past few mornings Beau’s been “scamming” me. He scams me by slowly getting up and walking towards the edge of the bed as if to be helped down. At this point he will lie back down and roll over, presenting his belly for a belly rub. I am pretty sure he’s thinking “gotcha!” every time he does it. Sure I see the humor in it, but it does delay the rest of the routine. Ken was quick to remind me of one important thing in response: “That is his job. That’s what he does for a living. Respect it.” Ok, ok—I get it, that’s his routine he’s trying to hold on to.

Now that I am nearing the end of my stay here taking care of the hounds, Maggie is just about back to normal since her bout of the "Basset Bowel Syndrome." As a result, I can honestly say the past few days have been pretty close to being categorized as routine, the kind of routine I expected when I moved in almost two weeks ago. Looking back, I encountered many difficult times with Beau taking ill as he did, and then Maggie. Yes it was stressful, I dealt with a lot of changes – all mingled with opportunities to relax. In the end, the three of us have finally developed our own routine.

Would I take care of them again if asked? Absolutely! I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would do it for Ken and Caren. I would do it for Beau and Maggie. (This may surprise you) I would do it again for me! Why? Simply because I know that when I leave, I will be leaving behind a “routine” that I will truly miss.

Sharing

To have a share or part; take part. That’s one way to define it. Growing up I had to learn to share with my brothers, and it wasn’t always an easy lesson. As a former kindergarten teacher, I had to reinforce the concept quite often. This past week of hound sitting I have been part of a variety of examples of sharing like:

*Giving the bassets toast crust leftovers from breakfast.
*Peaceful moments with the Beau and Maggie on the couch.
*Seeing distress in Beau’s eyes knowing he’s seeing the same in mine.
*Beau looking into my eyes with a look that I know in my heart meant “thank you for taking care of me.”
*Sharing how Beau was “back to his old self” with Bitsy, his South Paws technician.

Yes, today Beau was back at South Paws for his scheduled treatment. This marked the beginning of cycle 3 with the week 1 treatment of vincristine. I am happy to report that he has been resting comfortably since his return home today. He has lost a few more pounds since last week, but Bitsy told me that it was not a concern. His CBC was within normal limits, and they were happy to see that he was much better since his last unscheduled visit. I was told to decrease his prednisone dosage starting tonight, and to continue with the metronidazole until he finishes the pills he has. Oh, and Beau did some sharing of his own…charming this nice woman by sharing that sweet gaze of his with her while in the waiting area this morning. She was so enchanted with him, and was tickled to be there in the afternoon when I arrived to pick him up.

But that’s not all. Apparently there was an instance, that had I known, I would have stopped it from happening at all.

It revealed itself last night, and continues into tonight.

Yesterday was a pretty nasty day here in Virginia, with thunderstorms and lots of rain. It was the kind of day where you didn’t want to get out of bed or go outside, so the hounds and I shared the couch pretty much all afternoon.

That evening Maggie started having diarrhea. As matter of fact, I am beginning to think that Beau must have had a stomach bug that he has since shared with her! Oh great… how do you teach a basset the difference between good and bad sharing?

With Maggie’s system in turmoil, Ken has shared the recipe for cooking a bland meal for her. I am sharing more of my time with her by getting up more times than ever during the night to let her out. That’s ok… at least she is drinking and eating, unlike Beau’s bout with it last week. So once again, I am learning to deal with a bit of stress. So needless to say, until this passes, I’ll be thinking of the bottle of wine that I plan to open Sunday night once Caren and Ken return home… and at this point, I am not too sure I’ll be sharing it.

Well, it looks like our hound sitter is not just becoming a "dog person," but we're going to have to pry our hounds away from her when we get home from Kaua'i. You judge for yourself...

Relaxation

It’s a wonderful feeling. Hard to believe that it’s been a week since Beau got so sick. Right now he is barking at me to come and cuddle with him on the couch. Before I join him, here’s a quick update on what he’s been up to the past couple of days:

Beau is completely back to his normal behavior. He continues to eat well, and has those beautiful eyes of his working overtime trying to convince me to give him extra treats. (I am on to you Beau!) Of course he drinks more, and I have to let him out a lot more, but that’s due to the prednisone. Now that Beau is back to normal, I have started to relax.

Friday afternoon was an absolutely beautiful spring day, the warmest yet this year. After work, I took Beau and Maggie out for a walk. Beau just loved being out there, and initially, took off at a pretty good pace. He did get tired a bit at the end, so I cut the walk a little short, and we all headed back to the house.

That night we all stayed up a little late, and then slept through the night. (Well I did wake up at 5 a.m.) When Beau heard me stir, instead of getting up to go out back, he walked closer to me, and lay back down resting his head on my arm. At that moment, I am convinced there was no human or hound more relaxed than us.

Earlier today, I packed up Beau and Maggie and off we went on a field trip to my house. I had a couple errands to run in my neighborhood, and wanted to do a few things around my house. They had a nice relaxing afternoon there until we all piled back into my car and headed back home.



I am heading off to the couch to join Beau and Maggie for the rest of the evening. In closing, I believe I captured the picture that should be used to define the word “relaxation” in a dictionary. Wouldn’t you agree?

Things look to be going much better back in Virginia, which is a welcomed relief for us all. Plus, it would appear that Lisa is now "one of us". See what I mean in today's update from our guest blogger...




Changes

Well it's been a few days since my last update. I figured I better get one out since I was starting to get phone calls and emails from friends and family very concerned with how things were progressing.

The past few days have been filled with changes. Since the last update, most of the changes have been for the better. Beau is eating, drinking, and once again interested in whatever is going on around him. At meal preparation, he has resumed barking at me, telling me to hurry up. The clink of a spoon or a dish going into the dishwasher brings him to the kitchen where he tilts his head to one side as if to say "Hey, got food?" When I go downstairs and call for him to join me, he runs down continuing that pace until he jumps up on the couch—all the while wagging his tail. As for the quieter times, I see a change there too. Beau's body language when relaxing or sleeping has changed from when he was really sick. He no longer sleeps in what appeared to be the "fetal position" like many of us do when feeling really sick. This is the Beau I know.

Other changes--

I haven't had to send Ken and Caren a text message telling them I was off to South Paws for another unscheduled visit.
I haven't cried since Tuesday morning.
Maggie is "bugging" Beau again like any sister torments a brother (my brothers can relate). While he was sick, Maggie was very respectful around him as it was obvious she was concerned.

With all these wonderful changes you must be wondering why I said "most" of them have been for the better. Let me explain.

For me, taking care of two hounds 24x7 is a big enough change when I am normally only responsible for myself. I am used to it because I have taken care of Beau and Maggie countless times before, whether here at their house or at "Hound Central" (a nickname for my home). But over the years I have held fast to one thing:
I don't sleep with dogs in my bed.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not critical of anyone that chooses to sleep with their pets. I know I have "confused" Maggie and Beau in the past whenever I have gone to bed without them. It is a matter of personal preference, and I choose not to.

Until now.

Yes, it's true. I have made a monumental change. The last two nights Beau and Maggie have joined me in bed. Since Beau is on prednisone, he drinks more which makes him piddle more. Even though a light sleeper, as exhausted as I've been, I was concerned I wouldn't hear Beau bark, or ring the basement "bells" during the night indicating he needs to go out. The only way to ensure I would know Beau needed to go out was to give in and bring him to bed with me. And that meant Maggie was coming too.

With this decision, I “made my own bed” so-to-speak and as a result, now have to “lie in it” for the duration of my stay. For instance, I must now help a 73 pound hound and his slightly lighter sister climb up and down from an incredibly high bed. If you’ve never met me, let me just add that I am just over 5 feet tall. (Does anyone out there know how to teach Bassets to give me a "leg-up" into that bed?) Seriously, I can only imagine what Beau and Maggie think as they watch me struggle to crawl up into bed each time. (Sliding off the edge to get down is so much easier.) But wait, there’s more. Once in bed, I have to lay down perpendicular to the normal way because the two of them have taken over the foot of the bed!

That first night was tough. I heard every snort, fidget, rollover, yawn, and snore - yes, Maggie snores! But more importantly, I heard Beau whine during the night, telling me he needed to go out. Last night was better, until I woke to find I was precariously perched on the very edge of the bed with Beau at my feet and Maggie stretched along my side. One wrong move would put me on the floor—and it was a long way down! It was a rude awakening indeed to think I could be the concept for the next medical alert product’s TV commercial. You know – like the one from the late 80’s where the old lady falls, pushes the button on her alert necklace and cries out in a crabby voice “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” In my version, there’d be a special necklace for pets, and Beau and Maggie would be peering helplessly over the edge of the bed pushing their own alert buttons with their paws while howling “We’re stranded and we can’t get down!”

Changes. The changes in Beau are definitely for the better, and I have embraced each and every one. I am still adjusting to my change in sleeping arrangements, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Well--- let me clarify by saying I wouldn’t have it any other way during this particular stay. The next time will be another story.

Well, there certainly haven't been many dull moments this week. Here's another Beau Beau Blog entry from guest blogger (and hound sitter) Lisa.

How do you define stress?

Had you asked me that question earlier today, my answer would have been as follows: a combination of feeling helpless, unsure, worried, and in the next instant joyful, relieved, and hopeful. The problem is this constant “roller coaster” of emotions slowly chips away the strength you try to maintain while dealing with the situation at hand.

As those of you following Beau’s Blog have already read, my first few days taking care of him have not been easy. This morning was no different. After going to bed late Monday night, I was up again before 5 to let the hounds out. Beau was on the couch in the basement, and at some point during the night had an accident – diarrhea. My first thought was “How could this be? He hasn’t been eating enough to produce anything!” The positive signs of improvement from the day before were quickly replaced with signs of regression. He was very lethargic, and had to be coaxed to go out back. He wasn’t interested in any water and food. Here we go again. I was back on the phone with South Paws. This time a doctor talked to me. Her words chilled me to the bone when she indicated his symptoms are probably not related to his last chemo treatment, and was concerned it could be a “progression of the disease.” I had to send Ken another text message telling him I was taking Beau back to South Paws.

Once there, I updated the nurse before they took Beau from me. I was dropping him off so they could run more tests and have the oncologist check him out. As I drove off to work, I remember thinking how I’d prefer to leave the South Paws parking lot NOT crying my eyes out.

A couple hours later Bitsy his nurse called me. Beau did NOT have a relapse. Yea!!! His CBC showed a mildly decreased platelet count. He was also dehydrated so they repeated Sunday’s treatment but were also putting him on Metronidazole (an antibiotic) and Prednisone. He was doing fine, and I could pick him up at my leisure. I penned another update to Ken and Caren.

Around 2 p.m. I was back at South Paws to pick up Beau. I was checking out at the desk when he was brought out to me. Oh my goodness!! What a commotion he made. The part whine and part howl of what I am positive could only be translated as “HOME! HOME! HOME! HOME!” could probably be heard by Ken and Caren in Kauai! We left with lots of chuckles and smiles coming from all the folks and staff in the waiting area. He had a spring in his step, a returned brightness in his eyes, and was wagging his tail all the way to my car. I drove out of the parking lot with dry eyes and a smile on my lips.

An amazing thing happened back at home. I warmed up some food to finally eat lunch. W-w-what? Who was that watching my every move? Of course Maggie, but Beau was right behind her. Wow! Who sat there while I ate it, in anticipation of a crumb to fall? Beau! Who ate a treat when offered one? Yes, Beau! This was NOT the same hound I left at South Paws that morning.

At dinner time, Beau actually showed interest in the meal preparation. I had received lots of advice on how to entice him back into eating. I appreciate all the suggestions sent my way. My plan was to try a little of the bland canned food South Paws gave me on Sunday mixed with a little dry food and a splash of warm water. Next step was to put the snoods on… and oh yes, success- he let me put his on! Now for the big question, will he eat? Wahooooooooo! Beau ate every bit of his food. He drank water. I gave him all his meds, and then waited to see what would happen. All three of us ended up taking naps in the living room. Three hours later, his food has stayed down. As for me, I was back on the happy “roller coaster.”

How do I define stress? Right now, at this moment with Beau peacefully resting on the couch with a full tummy, it is a feeling of anticipation. Anticipation of continued progress for Beau, and that I might actually be able to get off this damn roller coaster once and for all.

Ok, so this is supposed to be Beau's second "rest" week. We're here in gorgeous Kaua'i for a vacation with my mom, my sister Ingrid, her husband Henry, and their 4-year old daughter, Paula. During our trip, our dear friends Lisa and Pat are keeping watch over Beau and Maggie. So, today's Beau Beau Blog entry is by "guest blogger" Lisa. Let's see how things went for her...

"Don't Worry!" I said....

Two words I have often used when entrusted with the care of a precious loved one -- whether human, feline, or canine. While Ken and Caren are on vacation in Hawaii, I have moved in to care for Beau and Maggie. Naturally, I reassured them both everything would be fine as we hugged goodbye on Saturday and I watched them drive off to the airport. Words that easily flowed from my lips... after all, I have done this many times before.

Sure, with Beau's chemo and resulting bladder problems, I knew this wasn't like old times, but he was doing much better. I even did a "dry run" going with Ken back on President's Day for one of Beau's earlier treatments in preparation for this responsibility. I studied Ken's instructions and the report from Beau's last chemo trip the night before they left. Heck, if anything I was more concerned about taking him to his vet for his blood test since this week was a rest week. (The fact they take it from the "jugular" in his neck just makes me really squeamish!) So less than an hour later, off we went. Beau was great as usual even though the doctor had to draw from both veins in his neck. After coming home, we all cuddled together on the couch the rest of the afternoon, and dinner was served as normal. I did notice he didn't drink water after eating...hmmm odd. Then everything changed.

An hour after dinner, Beau's stomach had enough and sent it all back up. Uh oh. One of the symptoms listed on last week's chemo report to look out for. I called Ken - just as they were boarding the plane on the last leg of their trip. He told me "that happens...it could be due to the cupcake (from Maggie's birthday the night before)...monitor and if you need to, call South Paws." Ok. As the evening progressed I got more worried as he seemed lethargic and wasn't interested in water, or even a treat. All symptoms noted to watch for after his last treatment.

Early Sunday morning Beau was not right. He was still lethargic, and was totally not interested in breakfast (major red flag) and not drinking water. Decision made, I called the South Paws emergency number. They recommended bringing him in since he wasn't eating -- especially since (to quote the doctor) "Bassets live to eat." Sending Ken a brief text message indicating I was taking Beau to South Paws was one of the hardest things to do. "Don't worry" I had said not 24 hours before. Right.

A little later there I was at South Paws. I just didn't expect to be there for another 8 days to start his first week of cycle 3. The staff there was wonderful, from the receptionist who answered my phone call , to the nurse, and finally the doctor. They were trying to get the results from Beau's blood test the day before. The doctor examined Beau, and after finally getting the test results, declared the white blood cells were "well within the normal range." Whew. She wanted to give him fluids, an anti-nausea shot, and send us home to monitor. That was much better news than the alternative of hospitalizing him, giving him antibiotics, and monitoring. They took Beau to the back to proceed, and I waited in the main waiting room. When the nurse brought him back out, I was shocked! He had a bubble back! Seriously, on his back there was what looked like a huge bubble (8-10 inches in diameter)! I must have had a horrific look on my face, because the nurse blurted out "it's all right-- it will go away soon!" I assumed the fluids would be given intravenously, but in this case was given under the skin. We headed home, and I am sure if anyone had seen us both at that moment they would have seriously scratched their heads to see a bubble back basset and a blubbering baby at the wheel.

"Don't worry" I had said..... and it was too late to take those words back.

Since then, he's not eaten a regular meal. This morning I was uplifted when he actually drank some water and I coaxed him into eating a few bits of his dry food. Tonight no supper, but he is drinking and ate only a couple of bits of dry food. I will keep monitoring, and I pray he gets his appetite back soon. As for me, I will never use the words "don't worry" again without thinking first of this experience. Only now do I understand the depth of meaning these two words have. It had become easy to offer them because more often than not, nothing ever happens. This time something did.

In closing, I will periodically send an update for Ken to post. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Beau. Just now he came downstairs wagging his tail and drank some more water. I will take those and an exposed belly waiting for a belly rub as good signs, even if he isn't eating yet. So as I sign off and head off to try and get some sleep, I will try to turn these positive little signs into another phrase.....
"Don't worry.... Be happy!"

Lisa

While I'm sitting here in Kyoto, Japan for a few days of business (photos available), Beau has accomplished something far more important. He is now half way through his CHOP chemotherapy regimen.

Caren tells me he's in great spirits today and, as usual, was exceedingly vocal at the clinic. Apparently, he's eager to tell us--and everyone within about a 1/2 mile audio "blast zone"--about his day when we go pick him up. Some of the nurses at South Paws have taken to telling us how he did before bringing him out, even. This is because trying to talk once he's brought out is much like trying to talk on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier during flight operations--impossible.

But, we're happy to report that his urinary irritation issues are finally showing huge improvements. He can actually go out and back in with just one pee now. That might not sound like a big achievement to us one-pee'ers, but considering just a couple weeks ago, he was peeing a dozen or more times over 10-15 minutes before coming in, this is a welcomed relief for all, especially Beau (I'm sure).

So, Beau gets another rest week next week. And so do we. We're heading to Kaua'i for our 2 week, every-two-years, vacation. I sure wish Beau and Maggie were joining us there, but it's impossible. We will, of course, be throwing Maggie a cupcake-laden 7th birthday party on Friday (11 April) before we leave.

That's all for now. AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO's to Beau for the continued success of the CHOP treatment! And thanks again to all for your well wishes and prayers on Beau's behalf.

Cheers,

Ken