I've got a tough little pup!

As I type this, Santiago is asleep on my lap, in bed...

The Dental Surgery today was a success... 11 incisors were removed and 2 pre-molars. It appears as though the 12th incisor fell out sometime in the past 2 weeks... (That's just how bad things in his wee mouth were) Those that remained got a proper cleaning and within 15 minutes of the procedures being completed, he woke up and much to the Vet's amazement was hell bent on standing up and walking around.

He's of course on pain meds and antibiotics for the next little while; soft food and no chews... My only concern is no fetch for the next two weeks. Honestly I am already pre-emptively afraid for my life... Santi lives for Fetch and fetch alone....

Thanks to all for your kind words, prayers and positive energy. Any time a dog as small as Santi must be put under for a procedure, there's a risk. He's only 3.5 lbs... it's a very fine line to be walked, but as with his de-peanutization last March, he came through with flying colours.

... and dream of teeth...

Here we go again...

With the all clear from the Vet last Tuesday we now have the green light for Santiago's Dental Surgery. So, tomorrow morning I drop the wee buggar off at the Vets for the Extractions and Cleaning, and then pick him up on my way home.



As ever I come to you asking for your prayers, positive energy and quick healing vibes. Think of the wee one tomorrow around 2 pm. Please and thank you.

There's a glimmer of light...

Well this is better, some positive news...

Home from the Vets. Ultrasound shows nuthin! Nada! Zip!

The Vet there says to hold off on the Biopsy for the moment and do more blood work to compare the results from the first two sets.

I talk to Santi's regular Vet demain to see where we go from here but for sure, no Liver Shunt, no inflammation, no abnormal shape or size...

It's true it could still be something internal that does not show, however with more specific blood tests this could be detected, and the Vet at the hospital tonight said there's really no reason to postpone the teeth extraction any further...

We'll see what the Vet says in the morning.

Thanks to all for your continued positivity.

Reports from a Frantic Doggie Daddy - 3

We have an Appointment on Tuesday Evening for the Ultrasound and Biopsy and then we go from there...

This weekend is all about the little stink mouth... spoil spoil spoil... so pretty much business as usual.

Hey... Anyone got $600 kicking around that they don't need? :-)

Reports from a Frantic Doggie Daddy - 2

Just got a call from the Vet. There will be no surgery today. The blood tests came back and there is definitely something amiss with his liver that precludes them from administering any anesthetic. High Bile Acids and Liver Enzymes.

I have to take him to a specialist for an ultrasound and a biopsy on some liver tissue before they will proceed.

This is not entirely bad news, but it’s not good.

I pick him up tonight and take him home… stinky breath, teeth and all. And play fetch with him til one of us passes out… I’m putting money on my passing out first… you’d be wise to do the same.

Reports from a Frantic Doggie Daddy - 1

Well, we didn’t get much sleep last night…. Ok *I* didn’t get much sleep, he slept like his usual log-self.

We got up early nice and early (6:30)l he kept doing was going over to his food dish… or where a food dish would be…then looking at all “WTF? Where’s my food dude?!”

We got dressed, me in jeans and a grey polo (thank god for Casual Fridays…Especially on a Thursday), he in his Orange Wouppie Groovy shirt from BHV-La Niche in Paris. (It’s very important to look your best at all times!) We arrived a bit early and did a little walk around the Vets and dropped off a little new here and a little bomb there…

They opened the doors at 9 and we went inside. He was soon whisked off for his first blood test and then came running back onto my lap. 10 Mins later they gave him a Tbs of food which he inhaled faster than either Chachi or Flea could ever try… And then a quick re-cap of recent health effects, a weigh in tipping the scales at 1.6 kg and his temperature (normal) And a few signatures later He was taken to the back. I signed a few papers and that was it.

By now he’s had his second batch of blood work and those have been sent off to the lad. I should hear back about the results by 2 pm, at which point I’ll update y’all again

So far, so good.

Thanks for all your support and love… and for now I ask ya to think happy thoughts and send ‘em to Santi.

More soon…

When it rains, it pours

As you might recall, Santiago will be back at the Vet tomorrow morning to have his front teeth removed. Well things just keep getting more complicated for the little wee buggar!...

I got a call from the Vet yesterday at work... I knew that could not be good, and well... his WBC count is low (but that is easily attributed to his teeth and infection - gingivitis), more troubling are elevated liver enzymes. At first she was concerned about a Liver Shunt (where the blood vessels go around the liver and not through it, thereby not cleaning and detoxifying the blood)

This can be an issue because you really cannot put them under. I pointed out that he was under last year for his teeth cleaning and his neutering.. (This was done with a different vet so it was not clear to her) and he was fine; so we've all but ruled out the shunt and gastro as he's only been sick (with diarrhoea) once over a year ago. It could st

ill be an infection or inflammation of the liver, or a few other minor issues. So he's been fasted since 8 pm tonight and when we get to the vet tomorrow they will take some more blood samples then feed him a tablespoon of food and wait an hour, take more blood and send them out rush. They should have the results by 2 pm, They will call me at work. Unless there is a reason to postpone the dental work, he then will be put under at 3 or 4 pm .

I work til 7 pm (to accommodate my taking him to the vet in the morning for 9 am) and will pick him up on the way home for the weekend. I am off Friday and Monday which is just as well because he'll be highly medicated on pain meds so I'll have to keep an eye on him.

Tomorrow is not going to be a great day. I'm not looking forward to it whatsoever. If you feeling it, I'd appreciate some prayers and or positive vibes sent along to Santiago.

Some times Love hurts.

If you know me, even if only slightly, you know or should, that I love nothing more in this world than Santiago. He truly is my angel on Earth and has gotten me through MUCH in the short 16 months he’s been in my life; a heart breaking break-up, a couple of nasty illnesses. Given me infinite unconditional love. Cuddles in tight to me when he knows I’m sad, or lonely. Causes me to smile with nothing more than a look. And never asks for ANYTHING in return save food and water and unlimited time to play fetch… the later something I try desperately to fulfill.

Well I took the wee monster to the vet on Saturday for his check-up and I was simply devastated. I have to take him back on Thursday to have all (12) his front incisors extracted. It’s a common enough issue with Chihuahuas. Small mouths make for a lot of dental issues. The thing is he had his teeth checked and cleaned a year ago and they were spotless and in tip top shape! 2 Weeks ago I took a look was totally grossed out. I immediately ran out, got him a little tiny doggie tooth brush and beef flavoured toothpaste but alas it was well too late.

The Vet said his molars are in great shape, if only a little tartared. The Canines “look good” but she’s a little worried one might have some damage below the gum-line. The front incisors are all wiggly and rotting. She also said that it’s not my fault and virtually impossible to have avoided, but that don’t make Papi feel any better. It’s certain that had I taken him earlier it’s possible the extractions might not have all been needed but we’re talking probably 4+ months ago and even she said it’s highly unlikely that I'd have felt the need to check… but still I blame myself.

She said I shouldn’t worry, they these teeth really are not used in domesticated dogs, especially house pets as small as he. But again I still feel guilty. i just do.

THEN she said, “And he’ll feel so much better after his gums heal. He won’t be in any more pain and discomfort.” PAIN AND DISCOMFORT?!?! This dog must have some amazing pain tolerance because he will play fetch for hours. And I mean HOURS! The record is over 6.5 hours; non-stop; and it was the humans who gave in and called it quits, not him. And he’ll play tug a war too. Not a lot, as it’s never really been his "thing” but even the morning of the appointment he did play tug a war a little but…

The vet said after he heals he’ll probably want to play even more because his little mouth won’t hurt. MORE?! Are you mad woman?

So I take the little booger in Thursday morning on my way to work and pick him up on my way home. And all I can say is thank god my Bonus came in last week ‘cause it’s all but been eaten up by the Check-Up and the Dental Appointment. Don’t get me wrong, I’d sell a kidney to cover any bill for him, but so had my heart set on an HD PVR… alas that is gonna have to wait, cause my little guy needs his Papi and Papi will do what it takes. My happiness comes after his.

I am not looking forward to Thursday. Le sigh.



So, sorry Pinky, Sorry Mom and Dad, Sorry Nan, Sorry Friends… I love you all to the very end of my days, but Santiago is at the front of the receiving line because simply put he is my Sun, my Moon and my Stars. He is the very center and very ends of my universe.

Happy Doggiversary

One year ago today... Santa Claus delivered to me the most fantastically amazing gift I've ever received. None other shall surpass this gift... as none can.

TO really understand and feel 100% unconditional love, all you need to do is have a dog in your life. I am so blessed, with Santiago de Montréal.

This past year has been more of a roller coaster than I would have ever preferred, but I can tell you this, through it all there was one unfailing, infallible constant... and that is the love I receive EACH DAY from my guardian angel...

Today is his day.

And tonight it's a special dinner with a special guest; Mr Pinky, and a special movie (Beverly Hills Chihuahua naturally) And tomorrow for the first time he will meet his Grand Parents, and in two days he invites his best friends in the world Chachi and Flea for a Christmas 8 day Doggie Camp...

It's all about Senor Santiago... it has been this way for 365 days.

Santiago and I, Dec 20 2008



Santiago and I, Dec 19 2009

Santi Meets Santa...

It was back on December 6th of last year that I visited Santa (As I do every year) and as per usual when Santa asked what I'd like I sad "a Dog" That year, as opposed to most he said he's see what he could to...

On December 15th I met a dog at the SPCA... a dog that would become mine not 4 days after...

Santa had followed through, and ahead of schedule.

This year I visited Santa on November 28th and gave him a Christmas card, thanking him for giving me Santiago, and including a pic of me and the wee beast. Santa asked why I didn't bring the dog along and I replied I didn't think I could bring a dog into the Bay, let alone up to the 7th floor. He said, well, Santa says you can...

So... one week later Santiago and I made the trip downtown on the metro, up up up the elevator to the 7th floor and directly to Santa.

I was greeted with "Hello Shawn. This must be Santiago..."

I'm telling you this is THE Santa...

We sat for a few pics, unfortunately, Santi took, like most two yead olds right hissy fit!

Santa was happy to met Santi nonetheless and Santi made a wish and asked for a huge bag of Puperoni and a new duckie...



And the fun had ONLY just begun...

Random moments of happiness on a Sunday Afternoon...

Santiago Sunbathing in the Kitchen as I do some baking...

What am I baking?
... Cinnamon Raisin and Hazelnut Bread Pudding...




Guaca and Mole had a bath and their place is now decorated for Hallowe'en...

On the way over to friends for Brunch and Ugly Betty I passed this 'Skate Park" that cost tax payers over $400,00.00 (Don't EVER get me started!) It's generally filled with 20-somethings desperately trying to grasp onto their fleeting youth... well today it was filled with ACTUAL kids... and they were appropriately dressed and while there where yells and screams... they were of happiness and glee... not vulgarities and catcalls.

After Brunch, Eddie the Cat found the purrfect spot to hang out... on Richard's lap.

It's been a great Sunday and now Santiago and I are curling up on the sofa to watch Fatherland.

Hope y'all are having a great Sunday too.

PS...

... I miss my BABY!

Seperated at Birth (I hope not)

Steve "The 40 Year Old Virgin" Carell and Santiago de Montréal

Every dog has his day...

...and today's belongs to Santiago, who turns 2 years old today.



OK well we don't know for sure. We picked him up on Dec 19th from the SPCA and they said he was about one and a half, so we add six months and that brings us to today...

Feliz cumpleaños mi niño pequeño!

I love this little guy...

...just wanted to share...

Sunday in the Park with George Santiago

Today was a very special day at our house... or more accurately NEAR our house... we took the wee monster out for his first proper walk... and play time in a park.

We'd been doing a little leash training in the house with the little bean, but it was not going well, so I thought to hell with it, I'll throw him in a bag and we'll take him over to a park nearby and see what happens.


Well we COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PROUDER... he was a little shaky at first, but then it was cold out (hence his hoodie) and it was a LOT of new: Sights, Sounds, Smells to take in all at once. But he did it and within 1 minute on the grass he was responding to some local news report and reading a LOT of other doggie-news all over the place. He even met a lovely lady schnauzer named Ashley...

We stayed about 30 mins and even let him off the leach to play some fetch, but with so much going on all around his attention span was shorted than a 7 year old in Disneyland and half the time he'd just run past his duckie and sniff something far more important.

When we returned home we figured since he was doing so well on the leash, we'd continue walking instead of putting him back in the shoulder bag... and he could not have been better... seemingly preferring the sidewalk to the grass even... but then grass doesn't tickle your tackle...

I know it seems like a small thing, but We are some proud Papis!

For more on Senor Santiago's day, and a short vid.. you can scoot on over to Santiago's blog...

Guess who I'm gonna be missing like mad?

We just got back from dropping Santiago off at the Chihuahua Hilton (a.k.a. N@'s) and I am already a little achy in the blood pumper... He's in great hands... but they aren't mine... *sniff sniff* I know he'll have a bee-last with N@ though, and that's what counts!

Say Cheese!

Someone is a Happy Camper...


...he got his stitches (3 staples actually) removed today and can now once again partake of that most blessed of activities...

...FETCH.

Sometimes you feel like a nut...

...sometimes you don't.

Well I am pleased to report the little guy did well and is safe and sound at home, if not a little wobbly.

He truly is his Father's Son because he is ALL about the meds and sleeping it off. (I'm so proud!)

I'm still feeling a tad guilty for having it done, but I know it's the responsible thing to do... which is kinda scary, 'cause this sorta implies that I'm being responsible... (Did any one else just get the shivers?!)

It is truly amazing how large of a hole was left when something so small was missing. Welcome Home Santiago, we missed you even if it was just for a day... our home is NOT the same without you.

xo
Papi S. and Papi D.

An Empty Bed

Someone's bed is empty tonight...

Santiago alas, is spending the night at l'Hôpital Vétérinaire LaSalle. Today he went in for the dreaded of all dreaded operations... the big SNIP-SNIP. I know it's the responsible thing to do but we still feel bad and we miss him something fierce... it's the first time we've been here without him since he came into our lives back on Dec 19th...

I just hope he's not too pissed at us tomorrow when we bring him back home...