HERE'S THE NEWS ......

 The weather guessers missed it once again.  It was an overcast gloomy day, making it difficult to be hopeful.  Then the rain began.  How could they get this forecast so wrong?  It didn't bode well for my baby boy.

My little guy is 16 years 7 months old.  That's getting up there for such a tiny puppy.  He's been the love of my life all those years, following me everywhere I went from Alaska to Maine and back, living in the RV for up to 8 month a year.  

He's looking a little worse for wear now, but he's still the best companion a girl could have.  He loved everything I cooked for him and said yes to every adventure.

The problems are numerous ... mostly all involving the wart-like growths that cannot be removed due to his age.  For the most part, they do not bother him, but that one on his foot causes lots of licking and chewing.  Add to that the problem with him doing the splits on the hardwood floor, hurting his leg, not to mention his eyesight and hearing ... and he has become a sweet little old man.

So off to the Vet we went, with me crying most of the way.  I just did not think it was time ... and when the vet came in, I told her so.  It's interesting that our LAST visit resulted in nothing.  This one, she seemed to be on top of it all ... with it, so to speak.  

After a good checkover, she agreed.  I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief.  They say you will know when it's time, and I just did NOT come to that conclusion.  Neither did she.  So here's what we are trying.

After a close inspection of the x-rays, Cooper has two vertebrae with little to no disc left in-between.  That's why he doesn't want to walk any more.  There is a new drug out, a once-a-month shot just under the skin, that has had amazing results in dogs with osteoarthritis.  DO IT I said .. I have plenty of room on my credit card.  Turns out it was the cheapest of the meds!  He will stay on the gabapentin also which helps the same problem.  

Add to that an antibiotic that MAY help with the growths and an allergy med which may or may not help the itching.  Sounds like a lot of drugs, but the alternative is worse.  

I swear when we got home, he was better already.  He has not wanted to walk outside at all, not even to the end of the driveway.  I set him on the ground and he took off trotting clear out to the street and back.  THAT'S MY BOY!!

I can't thank everyone enough for all the prayers and good thoughts.  IT WORKED!  He's no spring chicken, but he's certainly not THERE yet.  He just needs a little TLC, which I'm happy to provide.  I just didn't feel it was time ... and I was glad I stuck to my guns, when the Vet agreed with me.  

With a big sigh of relief, I whipped up some birria tacos for lunch.  Cooper got boiled chicken and a treat for being such a good boy.  I have to admit, frying tacos makes them much more tasty!!

Then it was on to my longarm.  This monster has to be lifted off the frame, along with the platform it sits on, and loaded into my truck for an hours trip South to the repair shop.  I spoke with the head repair guy ... a very nice kid ... and discovered I have to take EVERYTHING in.  Cords, computer, the entire shebang.  

If I'm really lucky and there's not a lot of parts to be ordered, it should run around $500 for maintenance and repair.  Seriously, I have thought about going to their school in Salt Lake City Utah to become a maintenance tech.  It would probably save me money!!  Next Friday is the day.  No telling how long it will be there, but I hope only a week or so.  

Today I'll check on the truck AC.  Someone said I needed to replace the in-cab filter, because if that's plugged up, it won't work.  I've never heard of that before.  So I guess I'll be googling that one this morning.  I'm thinking however, that it needs AC fluid instead.  Plus I'm going back to my mechanics with the Jeep since every time I start it up, it says I need an oil change.  I just HAD an oil change.  Apparently my mechanical things are up in arms!!!  Maybe it's just the weather.

At any rate, Mom is a happy camper.  Cooper will be around a little while longer and I haven't seen a dead gopher or live lizard in two days!  Thank the Good Lord for small favors!  And thank you again for all your prayers!!!