Gopher hunt

Gopher hunt
Originally uploaded by gr8what

Tichka was really into the gopher holes. Usually he gives them a sniff and moves on, but he was really intense about them on Friday.

I don't know why. Sometimes, we can see the gopher digging the hole and sticking his head out. We try to get the dogs interested, but they can't be bothered.

But this day, he was totally focused on what appeared to be an empty hole.

There is probably a metaphor about life here somewhere...

Tizi on the lookout

Tizi on the lookout
Originally uploaded by gr8what

We took the pups to Lighthouse Field after work on Friday. They were so happy! They chased around and ran circles with each other.
I caught a good shot of Tizi in the late light.

Isn't she pretty?

Changes

Robin found out last night that he was selected for a new job (Yay!!!).

He'll be working in Santa Cruz, so he and Sachi won't be commuting together from Monterey anymore. Which means they won't be able to pick Gail up after dialysis. Which means I WAS RIGHT that it would be good for her to move to the Santa Cruz center!

Hah!

So far, so good

I met Gail at the new dialysis center yesterday afternoon. Things went fine there. She misses all the staff at the other center, but she is being a good sport about it.

The social worker went through all the paperwork and instruction and questions that we went through when we started at the first center nine long months ago. (it still feels weird to be on the receiving end of a social worker's professional interest!) It is amazing how much more we know about dialysis now than we did then. How scared we were then, and how blase we are about it now.

I am surprised at how relieved I am having her closer. I even daydream about being able to stop in a visit with her sometimes if I am out and about during her dialysis time.

I know this is something she did for me, and I am really grateful.

Be careful what you ask for...

I have been asking Gail to transfer from the Watsonville dialysis center to the Santa Cruz dialysis center because it is so hard to get out there to pick her up when I need to get her.

I just found out that she is transferring to the Santa Cruz center next Tuesday.

I feel guilty because she really likes the Watsonville center and the nurses and staff there. Now I'm scared that she really won't like it at the new place.

Or worse, that the care may not be as good.

I keep hearing my mom asking us why she needed to move out of her own home to my brother's home, just "for the convenience" of her children.

I guess guilt never goes away.

Oh, that's what it was...

After noticing Gail's odd behavior last weekend, I talked to her about it on Sunday. She hadn't noticed it, but could recognize it when I brought it up. We talked to her nephrologist about it on Thursday, who confirmed that one of the drugs Gail had been shown to interact with anti-depressants. She was prescribed this drug, Regelin, because her stomach wasn't emptying itself of food properly, which was causing her to be nauseated and to throw up with a distressing frequency.

Thursday night, Gail didn't take the Regelin. She slept well, didn't feel nauseated or throw up, and in the morning she was completely transformed. She said it felt like the sun had come up. I could tell just by the sound of her voice that she was back! She was happy all day, and has been all day today.

I, of course, am now worried about what will happen with her stomach if she doesn't take the Regelin, but we will just have to figure it out. It is a relief to at least know what was causing her to feel so bad.

Moo Cards, the backs

Moo Cards, the backs
Originally uploaded by gr8what

We gave a little info on the back of the cards so people could remember what kind of dogs they are.

Moo Cards

Moo Cards
Originally uploaded by gr8what

Having Moo cards printed with pictures of the puppies?
About 25 cents.

The look on people's faces when you hand them out at dog beach? Priceless!