Goodbye Mick

It's been a hard 24 hours. Our best furry friend and companion died yesterday. It was a horrible day. Mick was the best dog ever. I know we all say that about our pets but he truly was the best dog for our family. He was passive and obedient. We only used a leash so other people wouldn't freak out. His size was rather impressive and intimidating to those who didn't know him. I think that was one of the many things I really liked about him. He was a protector for our kids. He was a best friend to our kids.

I woke up and at first sight of him I knew something was wrong. He was very round and bloated. Now I know Mick was a large dog, but this was way different than normal. He wouldn't lay down and kept retching and drooling. I could tell he was very uncomfortable.

My sister came over and offered to help get him to the vet. She is always there for the yucky days of my life!! Thank you God for her.

We took him to the vet where they confirmed with xrays that his stomach had flipped. It was also about three times the size it should be.

We had to make the worst decision ever. We had to say goodbye to our beloved pet.

After all the family had gathered, we said our goodbyes. It was absolutely horrible. Much worse than I ever thought it would be.

We stayed with him til he was gone. I just couldn't leave him.

It seems strange to me at times that I could be so attached to a dog. But he wasn't just a dog, he was MY dog. He loved me and could show it. He was such a HUGE part of our family, both in size and in our hearts. I think since we are home all day with him everyday, it makes it even harder to accept the absence.

We miss him terribly. We miss him singing happy birthday with us, chasing the squirrels, bringing presents to us when we walk in the door (whatever he could find on the floor, a pencil, paper, toy, shoe, etc.), going to get the mail with us, allowing the kids to use him as a pillow, sleeping with the kids with his head on a a pillow too, gladly cleaning up the cooking messes on the kitchen floor, waiting patiently for the "leftovers" at the table, listening to all of the kids secrets, and just giving out tons and tons of love and companionship.

We miss him.

News this week...

Joshua started his full dose of meds last night. They came a day earlier than expected.

The only bad thing about that was we were all outside, Mick included, and he about attacked the Fed-Ex lady. She jumped back in her truck and shut the door. I about died! Our fat, lazy dog NEVER does that! He charged her like he was gonna eat her up. Anyone who knows Mick knows that he is just about comatose most of the time. See how much he was helping me paint Joshua's room ...


I was really embarrassed for her and just hope she doesn't red-flag our address and then not deliver to us anymore!

Here is another favorite shot of Mick, just for fun... Does he really look like a mean, vicious, attack dog??? I didn't think so!


So after she left, we put Joshua's meds together for the week. We'll be looking for any additional side affects from this drug. He's had a few headaches and some dizziness up to this point.

Other than that we're all doing well.

Although, I have forgotten to let you all know that I failed my M.D. test. ;-)

John does not have a rotator cuff tear. It's a labral tear. The shoulder joint has a cuff of cartilage called a labrum that forms a cup for the end of the humerus to move in. That cartilage is what he's torn.

He started physical therapy last week in hopes that it will be enough and he can avoid needing surgery. Only time will tell.

Also, please keep my biological dad Harry in your prayers. He had a stroke last weekend. Please pray for him. He is not able to swallow or walk at this time.

Thanks again for your prayers and calls and words of comfort for our family!