Had my interview today with Dog Guides. This is part of the process where the environment is checked for things that could potentially harm a dog, and questions are asked to see exactly what the person needs the dog to do. Questions are straightforward and matter-of-fact. Have you had a pet before? A dog? What kind of dog do you see yourself with? Do you travel a lot? A little? What do you need the dog to do? And so on.
In my case, at work I need a dog that can hear the bing-bong of the doors opening. Both the front door and the back door of our small office makes this bing-bong noise. If I have a hearing aid out I can't hear that noise, which indicates that someone has just come in. Hearing my name called is another thing I need, not only at work but at medical appointments. Again, I don't hear my named called consistently, especially if one of my hearing aids is out. Other sounds I need to be made aware of include knocking, the fire alarm and so on. Oh - and as for why one of my hearing aids might be out -- when I answer the phone I have to take one hearing aid out so that I can hear. My phone is amplified and I can't use the T switch because of electronic interference. Can't wear the T switch because it isn't strong enough, so out goes one of my hearing aids while I use the amplified phone at the top of its setting. Then I can't hear what's going on around me in the environment because one hearing aid is not enough.
At home, I need the dog for the door, phone, fire alarm, name calling, and the timer ringing (cooking and laundry). So yes, the dog needs to work inside the home and outside.
The dog does get a break and my new one will as well. Breaks come in many forms. They can be a short play break with a toy as a reward for a job well done, or it can be a full-on play time with me or with a doggy friend, or it can be time off inside the crate. The crate is not punishment. It is down time in their own bedroom.
So -- interview is done and checked off the list.
Now we wait.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
We Begin Again
1. Application downloaded from www.dogguides.com and filled in. Check.
2. Physician's form downloaded and filled in. Check.
3. References. Check.
4. Form signed by employer and added to application. Check.
5. Form signed by landlord and added to application. Check.
6. Form scanned into PDF document and emailed to Dog Guides. Check.
7. Wait. Refrain from emailing every two hours to ask if they received my application.
8. Send email asking if PDF was received (it was a HUGE document). Response: yes.
9. Wait and try not to send an email every ten minutes to ask about my status.
10. Email for another follow up.
11. Yup. Application is being processed.
12. Email from Tracy, to set up an interview. YES!
13. Interview to occur on May 14. YES! YES!
14. Stay tuned. ... ... ...
2. Physician's form downloaded and filled in. Check.
3. References. Check.
4. Form signed by employer and added to application. Check.
5. Form signed by landlord and added to application. Check.
6. Form scanned into PDF document and emailed to Dog Guides. Check.
7. Wait. Refrain from emailing every two hours to ask if they received my application.
8. Send email asking if PDF was received (it was a HUGE document). Response: yes.
9. Wait and try not to send an email every ten minutes to ask about my status.
10. Email for another follow up.
11. Yup. Application is being processed.
12. Email from Tracy, to set up an interview. YES!
13. Interview to occur on May 14. YES! YES!
14. Stay tuned. ... ... ...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Service Dogs, Human Rights and the AODA
I am on the AODA email list and just received this email. I'm including it here, as it pertains to dog guides. If you want to sign up for AODA emails, write to : aodafeedback@gmail.com -
Warning: long and technical. If you're looking for my more fun reads, skip this post. :-)
____________________________________________
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
ALLIANCE UPDATE UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO
Toronto Restaurant Incident with Hearing Ear Dog Shows
Need for the Ontario Government to Keep Its Promise to Effectively Enforce the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
April 23, 2013
SUMMARY
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
requires Ontario to become fully accessible to over 1.7 million Ontarians with
disabilities by 2025. The Ontario Government has pledged for years to
effectively enforce this law. Recent reports in the Toronto Star highlight the
need for the Ontario Government to keep its word.
According to an article in the April 20, 2013 on-line
edition of the Toronto Star, set out below, a Toronto restaurant, part of a
chain, allegedly restricted a customer from bringing his Hearing Ear dog with
him wherever he wished to sit into the restaurant. The Star’s April 21, 2013
on-line edition included a second article, set out below. It reported that the
restaurant had apologized and planned to provide its disability service staff
with disability training.
The AODA Alliance quickly swung into action. As a result,
in a third article, published in the Toronto Star’s April 22, 2013 on-line
edition, set out below, we highlighted that such incidents show that the
Government must at long last keep its pledge to effectively enforce the AODA.
The AODA includes helpful enforcement provisions. However
they are useless if they are not effectively deployed.
The intent underlying the AODA, for which our community
campaigned tirelessly for a decade, was to put in place a law that didn’t
require individuals with disabilities to have to go to the Human Rights
Tribunal to fight barriers one at a time, and one organization at a time.
Back in 2007, the Ontario Government enacted the Customer
Service Accessibility Standard under the AODA. The Government gave the private
sector an excessively leisurely five years to prepare to comply. That standard
requires organizations, like restaurants, that provide goods or services to the
public, to adopt a customer service disability accessibility policy, to train
their employees on that policy, and to institute a customer feedback process.
The customer Service Accessibility Standard and explanatory information about
it can be found at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/customerService/
If the report in the Toronto Star is accurate (on which
we of course cannot comment), then the restaurant in question appears only now
to be looking at providing training on accessible customer service for people
with disabilities. If so, that would be well past the five-year deadline that
the Customer Service Accessibility Standard set.
With a long five years to bring themselves into
compliance with the Customer Service Accessibility Standard, there is no reason
why such incidents should be reported in the media as occurring in 2013. This
is even more obvious when we realize that since as far back as 1982, the
Ontario Human Rights Code has banned such discrimination in access to goods,
services and facilities, based on a disability such as the use of a service
dog. Despite that, for years, the media has reported incidents like this.
We have been pressing the Ontario Government for years to
live up to its pledge to effectively enforce the Disabilities Act, including
the accessibility standards it enacted under that law. Our last letter to the
Ontario Government on this, dated
January 22, 2013, explains our concerns quite clearly. In that letter we
ask for specifics on the Government’s plans for enforcing the AODA. The AODA
Alliance’s January 22, 2013 letter to former Community and Social Services
Minister John Milloy (then responsible for implementing and enforcing the AODA)
is available at http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/01242013.asp
As the Toronto Star reports, the Ontario Government has
not answered our January 22, 2013 letter in the three months since we sent it.
All we have received is a March 12, 2013 letter from the Community and Social
Services Ministry set out below. That letter merely says that responsibility to
answer our inquiry about enforcement of the AODA has now shifted to the new
Economic Development Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins.
On February 27, 2013, we wrote Dr. Hoskins to identify
priorities for him on the Disabilities Act for which he was assuming lead
responsibility within the Ontario Cabinet. The AODA Alliance’s February 27,
2013 letter to Economic Development Minister Dr. Hoskins is available at http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/02272013.asp
Our letter to Dr. Hoskins listed effective enforcement of
the AODA as our second priority. It stated:
“2. Promptly Announcing and Implementing Measures to
Effectively Enforce Accessibility Standards enacted under the AODA.
There are already two enforceable accessibility standards
on the books under the AODA, the Integrated Accessibility Standard (which
addresses barriers in transportation, employment and information and
communication) and the Customer Service Accessibility Standard. In the 2003 and
2011 elections, former Premier McGuinty promised that your Government’s
Disabilities Act would be effectively enforced. However, the Government has not
yet effectively deployed the enforcement powers it enshrined in the AODA.
Obligated organizations cannot be expected to take this law seriously if it is
not effectively enforced.
We wrote your predecessor, Minister John Milloy, on
January 22, 2013, to ask for specific information about your Government’s past
actions and future plans for enforcing this important legislation, and to urge
prompt action. We have received no response to that inquiry. Responsibility for
that inquiry now rests with you and your Ministry. We would appreciate a
response to, and effective action on our letter to Minister Milloy. The AODA
Alliance’s January 22, 2013 letter to Minister Milloy about enforcement of the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
In addition to having appropriate staff in your Ministry
tasked with enforcement, we urge you to designate Ontario Government inspectors
under other legislation to include enforcement of the AODA in their activities,
where feasible. We also urge you to make it clear to the public that this
legislation will be effectively enforced.”
Back in the 2011 Ontario general election, Premier Dalton
McGuinty again promised Ontarians with disabilities that the AODA would be
effectively enforced. Dalton McGuinty’s August 19, 2011 letter to the AODA
Alliance is available at http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/090220111.asp
On December 3, 2012, as she campaigned for the leadership
of the Ontario Liberal Party, Kathleen Wynne promised us in writing that she
would honour all Dalton McGuinty’s promises on disability and accessibility.
That includes the pledge to effectively enforce the AODA. She is now Ontario’s
premier. We need her to show strong leadership on this issue. Kathleen Wynne’s
December 3, 2012 letter to the AODA alliance is available to this effect at http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/12032012.asp
It is especially troubling that as of now, according to
the Toronto Star’s April 22, 2013 article, the Ontario Government claims that
it does not know how many private sector organizations have filed the mandatory
Accessibility reports with the Government that are required under the customer
Service Accessibility Standard enacted under the AODA. Any private sector
organization that had to file such a report was obliged to do so by the end of
2012. That article states: A spokesman for Economic Development and Trade
Minister Eric Hoskins, who oversees disability issues, was unable to say how
many businesses have filed their customer accessibility reports.
“We still have work to do to improve the number,” said
Gabe DeRoche.
In sharp contrast, the Ontario Government was readily
able to proudly report to the public on how many public sector organizations
had filed the required accessibility reports under that accessibility
standard. Here is what Community and
Social Services Minister Meilleur said in the Legislature on May 31, 2010 re
compliance with the Customer Service Accessibility Standard by the broader
public sector as of that time:
“Accessible customer service is now a requirement for our
broader public sector, and 96% of Ontario's broader public sector has either
reported full compliance with the standard or is in the process of reporting.”
Minister Meilleur’s May 31, 2011 statement in the Ontario Legislature is
available at http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/06132010.asp
One year later, on May 24, 2012 then Assistant Deputy
Minister of Community and Social Services Ellen Waxman (who was responsible for
the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario) reported the following according to
her PowerPoint slides presented at an international conference on information
technology accessibility, held at Toronto’s Ontario College of Art and Design
University:
"Designated public sector organizations were
required to comply by January 1, 2010.
• These
include the Ontario Government, municipalities in Ontario, schools, hospitals,
colleges and universities
• We are pleased to report that a 100% of BPS
Organizations have reported their compliance with the customer service
standard."
Ellen Waxman’s May 24, 2012 speech PowerPoint slides can
be seen at http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/06292012.asp
It is hard to believe that the Government cannot quickly
figure out how many private sector organizations have filed the required
accessibility reports, and how many have not. We asked the Government for this
information three months ago, in our January 22, 2013 letter to then Community
and Social Services Minister John Milloy. If the Government can announce the
percentage of public sector organizations that have filed required
accessibility reports, then the Government can surely do the same for private
sector organizations.
It is entirely inexcusable that people with disabilities
using service dogs continue to report such barriers to access to services and
facilities in 2013. It is equally inexcusable that, as reported in these
Toronto Star articles, a person with a disability might feel it necessary to
have to themselves investigate and prosecute these cases at the Human Rights
tribunal, despite the fact that the Ontario Government has promised for years
to effectively enforce the AODA.
Let the Ontario Government know you want it to now keep
its promise to effectively enforce the AODA.
Send us your feedback. Write us at aodafeedback@gmail.com
To sign up for, or unsubscribe from AODA Alliance e-mail
updates, write to: aodafeedback@gmail.com
Please "like" our Facebook page and share our
updates:
Follow us on Twitter. Get others to follow us. And please
re-tweet our tweets!! @AODAAlliance
Learn all about our campaign for a fully accessible
Ontario by visiting http://www.aodaalliance.org
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Ten Reasons Why I Need a Hearing Ear Dog
(Borrowed heavily from Peter Stelmacovich's "Deafened But Not Silent" blog)
1. When I sleep at night, I sleep heavily. That's when I sleep. I have insomnia as well. Between that, my ADHD, the noise from my CPAP machine and Goddess knows what else, I do not hear fire alarms or, sometimes, alarm clocks. Or, I hear them, but can ignore them and sleep right through. Vibrations don't wake me, and neither do flashing lights. A dog will waken me. Bosley used to poke me with his cold, wet nose. If that didn't work, he taught himself to hit me AND to jump on top of me if he had to. That worked!
Peter pointed out that most fires occur at night when people are asleep. A time when hearing aids are not worn. A hearing ear dog will physically wake me up, whereas a fire alarm (auditory or visual) will not.
2. I don't always wear hearing aids. Yes, shocking. But remember - growing up, I was in the majority. Only my mom and one of my three brothers were hearing. The rest of us (dad, two brothers, granddad, great-grandma, etc.) were born hard of hearing. We didn't have hearing aids until later in life. I grew up without hearing aids and so did my brothers, father and grandfather. I don't think hearing aids were even available for my great-grandmother and her mom!!! To this day, hearing aids can overwhelm me after awhile, and I need a break. The dog can keep me alerted to things I need to hear. But even with hearing aids, I still don't always hear things I need to hear, so a dog is necessary, even WITH my hearing aids.
3. Yes, I really am "that deaf". Technically, my hearing is considered, binaural (both ears) sensori-neural (nerve deafness) and is severe. If I had a dollar for every time I'm told, "But you don't sound hard of hearing", or "You cope so well", and "You don't really need a dog, do you?" .... Thank you for the compliments, but trust me, the dog is necessary. Yes, I can sing and hold a tune well. Yes, I sang solos in church. Yes, I can even play a couple of musical instruments (poorly), and yes, I can't hear! And what the hell does a hard of hearing person "sound like" anyway? Jeez.
4. Even with hearing aids, I can still miss things. The dog, as Peter said in his blog, ensures consistency.
5. I can't hear doorbells or door knocks. I don't always hear my name called. I'm not a snob. I'm not ignoring you. The dog will alert me to people hollering out my name, and people won't be offended because I've supposedly ignored them.
6. I have a timer and have used it for years. However - remember that comment about ADHD? I don't always remember to bring the timer with me. So my laundry gets forgotten and starts to get musty-smelling, or I accidentally overcook or even burn my food -- Goddess help me if I ever fall asleep with the stove on and the timer in the other room! The dog again, ensures that I will remember to change the laundry from the washer and into the dryer, or to get my dinner out of the oven. Or get up in the morning and go to work.
7. If I know someone is coming to my house, I have to sit by the door and wait. Can't do anything else, because if I do, I won't hear. That includes reading a book. I can't reliably hear door knocks or bells from other parts of my apartment. The dog will be able to hear those sounds for me.
8. As a woman who has to go out at night, I can't hear if someone is behind me. While the dog is not a watch dog, I do get peace of mind knowing that the dog will tell me if someone is behind me by looking over his/her shoulder and beyond me. That is immeasurable. You can't buy that kind of assurance. Right now without a dog, I feel more anxious and my chronic depression is deepening.
8. I sleep better at night knowing someone is there listening for me. Whenever I got a little anxious, I would put my foot (or my bum) over a titch and feel the dog right there. I would smile and fall back to sleep. I'm not doing that now, and my insomnia is getting worse.
9. Shopping and travelling are actually easier with a working dog. Same thing with going into a store or a restaurant. Without the dog, people might treat me as a dim-watt, because I can't hear what's being said to me, or I think I hear what's being said and answer inappropriately. Despite two (and a half) degrees from a major Canadian university (U of T, dammit!), and an IQ of 130, it only takes an instant of answering something incorrectly to have people giving me "The Look". Having a service dog with me reminds people that I might not always hear and that's okay. It reminds airline staff I cannot hear the announcements to board so they come get me ahead of time for pre-boarding. It reminds wait staff to repeat and not get flustered or frustrated with me. It reminds store clerks that I'm not about to steal the TV off the stand if I ignore their repeated "Can I help you" questions that I don't hear.
10. And finally - yet another wonderful quote from Peter. Hearing ear dogs help to filter out the (ahem) Jerks of the world. I'll leave you to ponder that last remark. ;-)
For more information on Hearing Ear Dogs see the links below:
Lions Foundation of Canada (Dog Guides)
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)
Thanks, Peter!
1. When I sleep at night, I sleep heavily. That's when I sleep. I have insomnia as well. Between that, my ADHD, the noise from my CPAP machine and Goddess knows what else, I do not hear fire alarms or, sometimes, alarm clocks. Or, I hear them, but can ignore them and sleep right through. Vibrations don't wake me, and neither do flashing lights. A dog will waken me. Bosley used to poke me with his cold, wet nose. If that didn't work, he taught himself to hit me AND to jump on top of me if he had to. That worked!
Peter pointed out that most fires occur at night when people are asleep. A time when hearing aids are not worn. A hearing ear dog will physically wake me up, whereas a fire alarm (auditory or visual) will not.
2. I don't always wear hearing aids. Yes, shocking. But remember - growing up, I was in the majority. Only my mom and one of my three brothers were hearing. The rest of us (dad, two brothers, granddad, great-grandma, etc.) were born hard of hearing. We didn't have hearing aids until later in life. I grew up without hearing aids and so did my brothers, father and grandfather. I don't think hearing aids were even available for my great-grandmother and her mom!!! To this day, hearing aids can overwhelm me after awhile, and I need a break. The dog can keep me alerted to things I need to hear. But even with hearing aids, I still don't always hear things I need to hear, so a dog is necessary, even WITH my hearing aids.
3. Yes, I really am "that deaf". Technically, my hearing is considered, binaural (both ears) sensori-neural (nerve deafness) and is severe. If I had a dollar for every time I'm told, "But you don't sound hard of hearing", or "You cope so well", and "You don't really need a dog, do you?" .... Thank you for the compliments, but trust me, the dog is necessary. Yes, I can sing and hold a tune well. Yes, I sang solos in church. Yes, I can even play a couple of musical instruments (poorly), and yes, I can't hear! And what the hell does a hard of hearing person "sound like" anyway? Jeez.
4. Even with hearing aids, I can still miss things. The dog, as Peter said in his blog, ensures consistency.
5. I can't hear doorbells or door knocks. I don't always hear my name called. I'm not a snob. I'm not ignoring you. The dog will alert me to people hollering out my name, and people won't be offended because I've supposedly ignored them.
6. I have a timer and have used it for years. However - remember that comment about ADHD? I don't always remember to bring the timer with me. So my laundry gets forgotten and starts to get musty-smelling, or I accidentally overcook or even burn my food -- Goddess help me if I ever fall asleep with the stove on and the timer in the other room! The dog again, ensures that I will remember to change the laundry from the washer and into the dryer, or to get my dinner out of the oven. Or get up in the morning and go to work.
7. If I know someone is coming to my house, I have to sit by the door and wait. Can't do anything else, because if I do, I won't hear. That includes reading a book. I can't reliably hear door knocks or bells from other parts of my apartment. The dog will be able to hear those sounds for me.
8. As a woman who has to go out at night, I can't hear if someone is behind me. While the dog is not a watch dog, I do get peace of mind knowing that the dog will tell me if someone is behind me by looking over his/her shoulder and beyond me. That is immeasurable. You can't buy that kind of assurance. Right now without a dog, I feel more anxious and my chronic depression is deepening.
8. I sleep better at night knowing someone is there listening for me. Whenever I got a little anxious, I would put my foot (or my bum) over a titch and feel the dog right there. I would smile and fall back to sleep. I'm not doing that now, and my insomnia is getting worse.
9. Shopping and travelling are actually easier with a working dog. Same thing with going into a store or a restaurant. Without the dog, people might treat me as a dim-watt, because I can't hear what's being said to me, or I think I hear what's being said and answer inappropriately. Despite two (and a half) degrees from a major Canadian university (U of T, dammit!), and an IQ of 130, it only takes an instant of answering something incorrectly to have people giving me "The Look". Having a service dog with me reminds people that I might not always hear and that's okay. It reminds airline staff I cannot hear the announcements to board so they come get me ahead of time for pre-boarding. It reminds wait staff to repeat and not get flustered or frustrated with me. It reminds store clerks that I'm not about to steal the TV off the stand if I ignore their repeated "Can I help you" questions that I don't hear.
10. And finally - yet another wonderful quote from Peter. Hearing ear dogs help to filter out the (ahem) Jerks of the world. I'll leave you to ponder that last remark. ;-)
For more information on Hearing Ear Dogs see the links below:
Lions Foundation of Canada (Dog Guides)
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)
Thanks, Peter!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Seriously Consider Pet Insurance, and I Mean SERIOUSLY.
For my next dog, pet insurance is a must. I had pet insurance on Bosley, but then decided to let it go as I considered it an "unnecessary expense". Holy cow. In retrospect, I shouldn't have let it go. Next dog - pet insurance is number one priority. It may not cover all the bills but it will certainly help. True, there were no extraordinary vet bills for the first 5 years I had him, but that last year was hard on the ol' pocket book. Yes, he was worth it, but at the same time, the pet insurance is something I'm kicking myself over. Shop around and see which insurance best suits your needs. You can get bare minimum coverage to Cadillac coverage that includes all preventative shots.
If you aren't working or have a low-paying job and have a service dog, there is help. In Ontario there is the Farley Foundation. If you do (Lord forbid) need assistance, swallow your pride and look into it. I believe it is run by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. I'm sure there are similar organizations in other provinces.
http://www.farleyfoundation.org/
There is also help from your local vet. Don't be afraid to ask. In spite of big signs posted in the reception area saying no cheques accepted, my vet took cheques and not only took cheques, she took a series of post-dated cheques as well. She also cut me a LOT of slack by not charging me for several visits, and giving me serious discounts and outright freebies. Dr. Jo was a godsend. So was her receptionist, Carol-Anne. That said, if your vet doesn't help out in this way, don't get angry... they are providing a service and they are running a business. Which makes the assistance Dr. Jo gave me all the sweeter, and I appreciated it greatly. Also - don't forget to remind your vet that your dog is a service dog. You might be surprised with a discount on the total bill. For example, I got a 10% discount on the bills generated from the University of Guelph's Oncology Department. Considering just two of Bosley's bills from there came to well over $3,000, you do the math.
In the Toronto area there is Companion Animal Wellness. http://www.companionanimalwellness.com/
For the rest of Canada, you might find assistance with low-cost or free veterinary assistance and emergency pet fees assistance here:
http://itchmoforums.com/canada/lowcostfree-veterinary-care-t10026.0.html;wap2=
There are other organizations out there. Ask your local vet or SPCA or Humane Society where they are. And of course, if your dog is from Dog Guides of Canada, contact them, as they would know whom to contact as well.
If you aren't working or have a low-paying job and have a service dog, there is help. In Ontario there is the Farley Foundation. If you do (Lord forbid) need assistance, swallow your pride and look into it. I believe it is run by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. I'm sure there are similar organizations in other provinces.
http://www.farleyfoundation.org/
There is also help from your local vet. Don't be afraid to ask. In spite of big signs posted in the reception area saying no cheques accepted, my vet took cheques and not only took cheques, she took a series of post-dated cheques as well. She also cut me a LOT of slack by not charging me for several visits, and giving me serious discounts and outright freebies. Dr. Jo was a godsend. So was her receptionist, Carol-Anne. That said, if your vet doesn't help out in this way, don't get angry... they are providing a service and they are running a business. Which makes the assistance Dr. Jo gave me all the sweeter, and I appreciated it greatly. Also - don't forget to remind your vet that your dog is a service dog. You might be surprised with a discount on the total bill. For example, I got a 10% discount on the bills generated from the University of Guelph's Oncology Department. Considering just two of Bosley's bills from there came to well over $3,000, you do the math.
In the Toronto area there is Companion Animal Wellness. http://www.companionanimalwellness.com/
For the rest of Canada, you might find assistance with low-cost or free veterinary assistance and emergency pet fees assistance here:
http://itchmoforums.com/canada/lowcostfree-veterinary-care-t10026.0.html;wap2=
There are other organizations out there. Ask your local vet or SPCA or Humane Society where they are. And of course, if your dog is from Dog Guides of Canada, contact them, as they would know whom to contact as well.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Blog Audience
I'm just going through the background of this blog and discovered some interesting stats. Here are the countries of this blog's audience - I found it rather interesting, considering this is a Canadian blog!
United States
|
63
|
United Kingdom
|
40
|
Canada
|
38
|
Poland
|
9
|
France
|
5
|
Germany
|
4
|
Indonesia
|
3
|
Romania
|
3
|
Russia
|
3
|
China
|
2
|
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Starting the Process All Over Again
I need another dog. While I'm still grieving Bosley, I realize that I'm needing another dog in my life to help me. Not being able to hear important sounds in one's life can put a crimp in a lot of things. I'm talking important things like the fire alarm when I'm sleeping, or the alarm clock so that I can get to work. So, the process begins again.
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, or Dog Guides for short, is where Bosley came from. Dog Guides is also where the dogs of a number of friends came from. I like the dogs from Dog Guides, and I like how they train their dogs. There are other organizations out there, but I'm going to stick with this one.
All organizations have application forms. Dog Guides' application form, for the hearing ear dog program at least, is 14 pages long. The medical report is 4 pages long. Two references are requested, and the name and contact information of the family vet is also required. There are also two forms that need to be signed from one's landlord (if one rents) and one's employer. These forms state that a working dog will be coming on their premises and that they (work and landlord) acknowledge that the dog has a right to be there.
Once I submit my paperwork (no, I haven't yet - I'm still grieving and feeling quite disloyal at this point), there is an interview to go through. The first/last time I was interviewed, two people showed up. Asked whole bunches of questions, then one went through my house to see if there were any potential problem areas or non-dog friendly parts of my home that needed to be changed. This could be anything from dangling wires behind the television set to poisonous chemicals sitting out in the open, plus whole bunches of other things.
Once that process went through, my application and the interview recommendation was sent before the acceptance committee to see if I was deemed a suitable candidate. Or not. Yes, it is a lengthy and involved process, but I'm all in favour of it, because it shows my commitment, and it shows that I can take care of one of their dogs. It also shows that they care about their dogs and are looking after them as well.
Stay tuned. In the meantime, in case you're wondering, I cry every night, over losing Bosley to lymphoma. Nights are especially hard. So you can imagine the see saw of emotions right now as I *know* I need another dog, and I *know* I'm still grieving.
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, or Dog Guides for short, is where Bosley came from. Dog Guides is also where the dogs of a number of friends came from. I like the dogs from Dog Guides, and I like how they train their dogs. There are other organizations out there, but I'm going to stick with this one.
All organizations have application forms. Dog Guides' application form, for the hearing ear dog program at least, is 14 pages long. The medical report is 4 pages long. Two references are requested, and the name and contact information of the family vet is also required. There are also two forms that need to be signed from one's landlord (if one rents) and one's employer. These forms state that a working dog will be coming on their premises and that they (work and landlord) acknowledge that the dog has a right to be there.
Once I submit my paperwork (no, I haven't yet - I'm still grieving and feeling quite disloyal at this point), there is an interview to go through. The first/last time I was interviewed, two people showed up. Asked whole bunches of questions, then one went through my house to see if there were any potential problem areas or non-dog friendly parts of my home that needed to be changed. This could be anything from dangling wires behind the television set to poisonous chemicals sitting out in the open, plus whole bunches of other things.
Once that process went through, my application and the interview recommendation was sent before the acceptance committee to see if I was deemed a suitable candidate. Or not. Yes, it is a lengthy and involved process, but I'm all in favour of it, because it shows my commitment, and it shows that I can take care of one of their dogs. It also shows that they care about their dogs and are looking after them as well.
Stay tuned. In the meantime, in case you're wondering, I cry every night, over losing Bosley to lymphoma. Nights are especially hard. So you can imagine the see saw of emotions right now as I *know* I need another dog, and I *know* I'm still grieving.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I Miss You, Bosley.
I miss your gorgeous eyes, your pink and black nose. I miss how you woke me up in the morning, and how you reminded me that I had toast in the toaster. I even miss how you snored and how you grunted whenever you got up and didn't want to, but you did anyway. My lovable, grumpy, happy, smiling boy.
You gave me a freedom that can't be labelled. Freedom that can't be cost-factored. I felt safe knowing you would tell me if someone was behind me or if someone was in the office when I was otherwise alone. Safe, knowing you would wake me up and alert me in case of a fire.
I miss the laughter you brought to my life. Your expressive face that had me in stitches. Your incredible eyebrows that could communicate whole paragraphs, let alone sentences; thoughts and feelings and expressions and opinions, all with the flick of a brow or a lid.
I miss your acceptance and unconditional love. Looking up at me with trust in your eyes. Your last minutes on this earth as I shook your paw and thanked you for all the work you did for me. Even then, although you were clearly sick, you still smiled, still stuck out your paw for a shake, and still had time for a lick and some love even though you were clearly not well. You gave so much of yourself, Bosley. I will miss you; yes, I do miss you. Very much so. Especially in the quiet of the night.
Yes, there will be other dogs in my life. Indeed other service dogs, but you, my boy, are and were, one of a kind. Irreplaceable. You stole my heart. You stole many hearts.
Rest in peace now, my good friend. You have certainly deserved it. Good bye, Bosley. Good night. God bless.
You gave me a freedom that can't be labelled. Freedom that can't be cost-factored. I felt safe knowing you would tell me if someone was behind me or if someone was in the office when I was otherwise alone. Safe, knowing you would wake me up and alert me in case of a fire.
I miss the laughter you brought to my life. Your expressive face that had me in stitches. Your incredible eyebrows that could communicate whole paragraphs, let alone sentences; thoughts and feelings and expressions and opinions, all with the flick of a brow or a lid.
I miss your acceptance and unconditional love. Looking up at me with trust in your eyes. Your last minutes on this earth as I shook your paw and thanked you for all the work you did for me. Even then, although you were clearly sick, you still smiled, still stuck out your paw for a shake, and still had time for a lick and some love even though you were clearly not well. You gave so much of yourself, Bosley. I will miss you; yes, I do miss you. Very much so. Especially in the quiet of the night.
Yes, there will be other dogs in my life. Indeed other service dogs, but you, my boy, are and were, one of a kind. Irreplaceable. You stole my heart. You stole many hearts.
Rest in peace now, my good friend. You have certainly deserved it. Good bye, Bosley. Good night. God bless.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Good Boy, Bosley. Rest Now.
He's gone. What more can I say? He died peacefully at the end. I will write a more fitting eulogy, but this is all I can do right now.
Cathy.
Cathy.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Message from Theo to Bosley
(Theo is the canine companion of Silke, who is a minister.)
Dear Bos,
I have to admit that I am occasionally surprised by the lady I take care of - once in a while, she will look at the big square of paper on the cold food storage locker - you know the one I mean - the one covered by little squares and numbers and scribbles of what she was supposed to do but forgot. She looks at it and then looks at me and shakes her head and says something about big numbers - she says I will be 86 years old this week - whatever THAT means! She also says something about me being little HA! When I get up on my hind legs and look one of those bruisers in the eye: guess who backs down first? Age? Size? don't mean a thing to us 4-legged creatures, do they!
You know, I overheard one of those humans in the big hall next to my home saying something about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks - (??) As IF! I gave my lady such a surprise a few sleeps ago.
She took me along with her to this big house with lots of rooms because we were stopping off "to do a service" on our way to visit my girl a bunch of rumbles further down the road. It was cool. She took me around the room and I got to meet a whole bunch of people who never got out of their chairs. They came in on wheels and made lots of happy noises when I said hello to them.
She told me to get up on the chair while she was "doing the service." It was interesting because I had never watched her "do" a service before. I just put my chin on my paws and watched and then I got to come down off the chair and say goodbye to all these nice people with the funny smells. I don't think they paid nearly as much attention to her as they did to me.
One of them smelled really wrong and I kept going back to her - I knew she was really really sad because she was going to be leaving this world very soon. I kept going back and rubbing my head against her knees.
She did leave before I got back from my holidays. I hope she stopped being sad before she went. I know she was going to a very good place.
You and I are going to that good place too - I know you're going to get there before I do, so can you save me a couple of those biscuits please.
Looking forward to seeing you here first though - my lady keeps telling me you're s'posed to come for a visit to my new home. Tell your lady to hurry up, would you?
Blessings
Theo.
Dear Bos,
I have to admit that I am occasionally surprised by the lady I take care of - once in a while, she will look at the big square of paper on the cold food storage locker - you know the one I mean - the one covered by little squares and numbers and scribbles of what she was supposed to do but forgot. She looks at it and then looks at me and shakes her head and says something about big numbers - she says I will be 86 years old this week - whatever THAT means! She also says something about me being little HA! When I get up on my hind legs and look one of those bruisers in the eye: guess who backs down first? Age? Size? don't mean a thing to us 4-legged creatures, do they!
You know, I overheard one of those humans in the big hall next to my home saying something about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks - (??) As IF! I gave my lady such a surprise a few sleeps ago.
She took me along with her to this big house with lots of rooms because we were stopping off "to do a service" on our way to visit my girl a bunch of rumbles further down the road. It was cool. She took me around the room and I got to meet a whole bunch of people who never got out of their chairs. They came in on wheels and made lots of happy noises when I said hello to them.
She told me to get up on the chair while she was "doing the service." It was interesting because I had never watched her "do" a service before. I just put my chin on my paws and watched and then I got to come down off the chair and say goodbye to all these nice people with the funny smells. I don't think they paid nearly as much attention to her as they did to me.
One of them smelled really wrong and I kept going back to her - I knew she was really really sad because she was going to be leaving this world very soon. I kept going back and rubbing my head against her knees.
She did leave before I got back from my holidays. I hope she stopped being sad before she went. I know she was going to a very good place.
You and I are going to that good place too - I know you're going to get there before I do, so can you save me a couple of those biscuits please.
Looking forward to seeing you here first though - my lady keeps telling me you're s'posed to come for a visit to my new home. Tell your lady to hurry up, would you?
Blessings
Theo.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
We're Still Hanging in There!
Week 16. Bos-boy is still here.
I've been reflecting on the first time I met Bosley. The first day and a half or so of dog school, we students were practically beside ourselves with excitement. We wanted to meet the dogs! But we had to wait to get a list of instructions, admonitions and so on. During breaks, we would discuss with other students what kind of dog we hoped we would get (or hoped we wouldn't get, right Deb??) and wonder how we'd make out.
I was tried with two separate dogs. Both labs. Charlie was a black lab, and Bosley was a yellow. My first meeting with Bosley was that he rose up on his hind legs and darned near knocked me over. My immediate reaction was to say, "Off" and push him on the chest. The trainer was impressed that I did that naturally, instead of letting him stay in that position. Bosley and I walked around the room in a circle with the other students and their potential dogs. After that, I tried out Charlie. Charlie seemed the more laid back of the two. Which one did I want? I didn't know. I discussed the pros and cons of both dogs with the teachers/trainers and let them decide which dog to give me.
Then we were told to go to our rooms and wait for our dogs to be given to us. We were to stay in our rooms for awhile in order to get to know our dogs for a bit first once we'd gotten them. My first impression of Bosley coming through the door was of one massive, blocky head, followed by the rest of his body. His eyes were actually smiling at me. I accepted Bosley's leash, and shut the door behind the trainers, then looked at Bosley to see what he would do.
He immediately jumped up onto my bed.
Uh. No. Off. He did so. Immediately. Then, when I sat down on the bed and called him to me, he jumped up on my knee and humped it. What the .... Obviously, we were having a little battle of King of the Castle here! However, despite the start, I knew immediately that Bosley was for me, and haven't looked back.
He's got his own personality. He still likes to test me occasionally, but then I wouldn't have him any other way. Most times, he is his usual eager-to-please, smiling self.
I'll be devastated when he's gone. Already the anticipatory grief is hard enough to go through.
I've been reflecting on the first time I met Bosley. The first day and a half or so of dog school, we students were practically beside ourselves with excitement. We wanted to meet the dogs! But we had to wait to get a list of instructions, admonitions and so on. During breaks, we would discuss with other students what kind of dog we hoped we would get (or hoped we wouldn't get, right Deb??) and wonder how we'd make out.
I was tried with two separate dogs. Both labs. Charlie was a black lab, and Bosley was a yellow. My first meeting with Bosley was that he rose up on his hind legs and darned near knocked me over. My immediate reaction was to say, "Off" and push him on the chest. The trainer was impressed that I did that naturally, instead of letting him stay in that position. Bosley and I walked around the room in a circle with the other students and their potential dogs. After that, I tried out Charlie. Charlie seemed the more laid back of the two. Which one did I want? I didn't know. I discussed the pros and cons of both dogs with the teachers/trainers and let them decide which dog to give me.
Then we were told to go to our rooms and wait for our dogs to be given to us. We were to stay in our rooms for awhile in order to get to know our dogs for a bit first once we'd gotten them. My first impression of Bosley coming through the door was of one massive, blocky head, followed by the rest of his body. His eyes were actually smiling at me. I accepted Bosley's leash, and shut the door behind the trainers, then looked at Bosley to see what he would do.
He immediately jumped up onto my bed.
Uh. No. Off. He did so. Immediately. Then, when I sat down on the bed and called him to me, he jumped up on my knee and humped it. What the .... Obviously, we were having a little battle of King of the Castle here! However, despite the start, I knew immediately that Bosley was for me, and haven't looked back.
He's got his own personality. He still likes to test me occasionally, but then I wouldn't have him any other way. Most times, he is his usual eager-to-please, smiling self.
I'll be devastated when he's gone. Already the anticipatory grief is hard enough to go through.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Update
As far as I can determine, Bosley has entered week 15 of his "up to 8 weeks" prognosis. He looks good still. He has lost a lot of weight, but his tail is wagging and he is happy. As far as I can tell, he is in no pain. He gets draggy days, but most of his days he is full of energy. True, that might be due to the prednisone. I'm not complaining and I'll take what I can get. So yes, he's still with us.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas 2012 Update
First of all, Bosley is holding his own. He is pain free, is eating, and is hogging the bed covers as usual. I was going to give you a run-down of the size of his lymph nodes, his many treks outside to pee, and so on, but I think it would be more fitting to have an end-of-the-year reflection instead.
Looking back, I think we can safely say that this year was Bosley's "Annus Horribilis". First the toe removal, then the lymphoma itself rearing its ugly head. However, I think that we can also say it was Bosley's and my "Annus Mirabilis" as well. I say that, in spite of having a very sick dog, because the people who know the dog seem to have restored my faith in humanity. It is also Bosley's quiet and loving disposition that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.
First there were the people who rallied around when Bosley was facing an operation in March to have his toe removed. People I didn't know stopped me in the street to ask how Bosley was doing. A wonderful couple I'd only met once before sent me a much-appreciated gift certificate to a local grocery store. Friends at work rallied 'round and gathered up contributions to mail to me. A cousin I hadn't seen in years handed me an envelope with $500 in it. I was touched and humbled.
Then when the horrible news of Bosley's lymphoma surfaced, and the terrible way he responded to the chemo occurred, yet more people rallied. I would be stopped in the street and asked for updates. "How is the dog?" "How is Bosley doing?" I would get hugs from friends, yes, but even from acquaintances and even strangers. One person, a Facebook friend whom I've not yet met in real life, wired $100 to us. I was given an incredibly generous gift of $1,500 from one lovely couple, which was so welcomed, as Bosley's bills were climbing into the upper stratosphere at that point. I was moved to tears, and still am, just thinking about it. To all of you, thank you for your generosity, your prayers and your hugs.
This dog is certainly well-loved. When I broke the news at the local Staples store, there were tears. The same thing occurred at the local Shoppers Drug Mart where I pick up my prescriptions. The same at work.
In the meantime, Bosley keeps on keeping on. He generously bestows his love and affection (and his blond hairs) on anybody who approaches him. As for his working, he is back to alerting me again, which is a sign that he is feeling okay. I am not expecting him to work. I've retired the timer in the kitchen for now, but when the phone rings or if someone is at the door, he lets me know. If he wakes me up in the morning (this is more hit and miss) it is with a gentle touch of his head on my arm now, instead of the formerly boisterous and enthusiastic (read manic) poking and prodding with his nose. He decides what he wants to do and I accept whatever he gives me with humility and appreciation.
So, it is a quiet Christmas in the O'Connor household. A quiet and reflective Christmas.
Blessings.
Cathy.
Looking back, I think we can safely say that this year was Bosley's "Annus Horribilis". First the toe removal, then the lymphoma itself rearing its ugly head. However, I think that we can also say it was Bosley's and my "Annus Mirabilis" as well. I say that, in spite of having a very sick dog, because the people who know the dog seem to have restored my faith in humanity. It is also Bosley's quiet and loving disposition that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.
First there were the people who rallied around when Bosley was facing an operation in March to have his toe removed. People I didn't know stopped me in the street to ask how Bosley was doing. A wonderful couple I'd only met once before sent me a much-appreciated gift certificate to a local grocery store. Friends at work rallied 'round and gathered up contributions to mail to me. A cousin I hadn't seen in years handed me an envelope with $500 in it. I was touched and humbled.
Then when the horrible news of Bosley's lymphoma surfaced, and the terrible way he responded to the chemo occurred, yet more people rallied. I would be stopped in the street and asked for updates. "How is the dog?" "How is Bosley doing?" I would get hugs from friends, yes, but even from acquaintances and even strangers. One person, a Facebook friend whom I've not yet met in real life, wired $100 to us. I was given an incredibly generous gift of $1,500 from one lovely couple, which was so welcomed, as Bosley's bills were climbing into the upper stratosphere at that point. I was moved to tears, and still am, just thinking about it. To all of you, thank you for your generosity, your prayers and your hugs.
This dog is certainly well-loved. When I broke the news at the local Staples store, there were tears. The same thing occurred at the local Shoppers Drug Mart where I pick up my prescriptions. The same at work.
In the meantime, Bosley keeps on keeping on. He generously bestows his love and affection (and his blond hairs) on anybody who approaches him. As for his working, he is back to alerting me again, which is a sign that he is feeling okay. I am not expecting him to work. I've retired the timer in the kitchen for now, but when the phone rings or if someone is at the door, he lets me know. If he wakes me up in the morning (this is more hit and miss) it is with a gentle touch of his head on my arm now, instead of the formerly boisterous and enthusiastic (read manic) poking and prodding with his nose. He decides what he wants to do and I accept whatever he gives me with humility and appreciation.
So, it is a quiet Christmas in the O'Connor household. A quiet and reflective Christmas.
Blessings.
Cathy.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Roller Coasters are NOT Fun in Real Life
What a helluva week. Bosley had a bad reaction to the chemo, and I mean BAD. He went from a happy dog to one who was shaking in fear. He vomited so much he couldn't keep down water, let alone the pills required after his first (last and only) round of chemo. We made an emergency run to the Animal Clinic on Sunday night and put him in for IV support. The vet figured I'd be able to pick him up the next day.
Next day - Bosley developed bloody diarrhea. He was kept in over night. The day after that, I was allowed to bring him home, armed with more meds and more instructions. On Wednesday, I took him to work with me, because it is a quiet environment, and I would be able to keep an eye on him. I wasn't at work for more than a couple of hours when he passed blood onto the carpet and left a trail of blood spots dotted here and there. Another emergency run, this time to his regular vet.
I went in to the vet's with the resolve to put Bosley down on that Wednesday. Said my goodbyes outside the vet's office. Kissed his nose, gave him a hug.
The vet explained that Bosley's reaction to the chemo was rare. The oncologist herself had only one previous experience with a dog with a reaction as bad as this in all her experience with dogs undergoing chemo. She pointed out that, like humans, the pivotal day after chemo was the 7-day mark. One or two more days from that day I was in her office. Could I wait 24 hours to see if Bosley would rally?
I agreed.
Well, it is now Sunday. Bloody diarrhea has stopped. He keeps down water and soft food. I still have to force-feed him, but he occasionally takes a tempting morsel on his own. He's still on pills. He sees the vet tomorrow morning (Monday). He's weak, but is rallying.
So. What next? Certainly no more chemo. I don't give a rat's ass what the oncologist says. Bosley can't go through that, and I can't go through it again either, frankly.
I suspect Bosley will be put on prednisone and will end up with a month or two of quality time and then one day we'll know that the quality time has stopped and the time will come to give him a final kiss on the nose and a hug and a promise to meet on the other side one day will occur again. Only that time, it will be a final time.
It is heart-breaking. But it too, is part of life with a hearing dog, and boy do these guys wrap you up in their eyes, their hearts and their souls.
Next day - Bosley developed bloody diarrhea. He was kept in over night. The day after that, I was allowed to bring him home, armed with more meds and more instructions. On Wednesday, I took him to work with me, because it is a quiet environment, and I would be able to keep an eye on him. I wasn't at work for more than a couple of hours when he passed blood onto the carpet and left a trail of blood spots dotted here and there. Another emergency run, this time to his regular vet.
I went in to the vet's with the resolve to put Bosley down on that Wednesday. Said my goodbyes outside the vet's office. Kissed his nose, gave him a hug.
The vet explained that Bosley's reaction to the chemo was rare. The oncologist herself had only one previous experience with a dog with a reaction as bad as this in all her experience with dogs undergoing chemo. She pointed out that, like humans, the pivotal day after chemo was the 7-day mark. One or two more days from that day I was in her office. Could I wait 24 hours to see if Bosley would rally?
I agreed.
Well, it is now Sunday. Bloody diarrhea has stopped. He keeps down water and soft food. I still have to force-feed him, but he occasionally takes a tempting morsel on his own. He's still on pills. He sees the vet tomorrow morning (Monday). He's weak, but is rallying.
So. What next? Certainly no more chemo. I don't give a rat's ass what the oncologist says. Bosley can't go through that, and I can't go through it again either, frankly.
I suspect Bosley will be put on prednisone and will end up with a month or two of quality time and then one day we'll know that the quality time has stopped and the time will come to give him a final kiss on the nose and a hug and a promise to meet on the other side one day will occur again. Only that time, it will be a final time.
It is heart-breaking. But it too, is part of life with a hearing dog, and boy do these guys wrap you up in their eyes, their hearts and their souls.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Effing Cancer.
Having trouble coming up with a good title for this post. "Well, Shit" comes to mind. Or, "This Too, is Part of Life with a Hearing Dog". I'll leave the naming of the post until later. Should be interesting to see what my conscious (or subconscious) decides.
Bosley is dying. True, he looks okay. He still plays. Still smiles. But his eyes show he is not well. The bare, unvarnished truth is that he is dying. There. I've said it. The prognosis is poor. Without chemo, he has between 2 and 8 weeks. With chemo, he has about 6 months.
If he goes the full round of recommended chemo, he will be receiving it between now and March. It is then expected that he will die in April or May.
If he doesn't go the full round of chemo, he will be gone by January, max. More than likely, it will be earlier than January.
Bosley and I were at the Animal Cancer Centre at the University of Guelph all day yesterday. He was xrayed, had blood taken, was palpated, poked, proded, shaved, poked some more and started a round of chemo.
I was given a whack of instructions that I didn't absorb at all. Not because of my hearing loss, but because of my stress level. The oncologist and the fourth year med student probably knew this and were used to it, because they also gave me written instructions. In addition to the chemo, I was loaded down with other chemo drugs, as well as anti-nausea drugs, prednisone and an anti-diarrheal because of the potential side effects of the chemo.
At the end of the long day, he had a smile for everybody, and his tail was wagging. Right at the end of the interview with the oncologist, he looked up into her face and handed her his paw to shake.
Broke my heart.
Today, we're at work. He's sleeping in his usual spots. When he is not under my desk, he is sleeping in front of my door in the hall. Typical Bos-boy. Greeting the courier guy and the mail guy and every client that walks through the door.
Bosley is dying. True, he looks okay. He still plays. Still smiles. But his eyes show he is not well. The bare, unvarnished truth is that he is dying. There. I've said it. The prognosis is poor. Without chemo, he has between 2 and 8 weeks. With chemo, he has about 6 months.
If he goes the full round of recommended chemo, he will be receiving it between now and March. It is then expected that he will die in April or May.
If he doesn't go the full round of chemo, he will be gone by January, max. More than likely, it will be earlier than January.
Bosley and I were at the Animal Cancer Centre at the University of Guelph all day yesterday. He was xrayed, had blood taken, was palpated, poked, proded, shaved, poked some more and started a round of chemo.
I was given a whack of instructions that I didn't absorb at all. Not because of my hearing loss, but because of my stress level. The oncologist and the fourth year med student probably knew this and were used to it, because they also gave me written instructions. In addition to the chemo, I was loaded down with other chemo drugs, as well as anti-nausea drugs, prednisone and an anti-diarrheal because of the potential side effects of the chemo.
At the end of the long day, he had a smile for everybody, and his tail was wagging. Right at the end of the interview with the oncologist, he looked up into her face and handed her his paw to shake.
Broke my heart.
Today, we're at work. He's sleeping in his usual spots. When he is not under my desk, he is sleeping in front of my door in the hall. Typical Bos-boy. Greeting the courier guy and the mail guy and every client that walks through the door.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Not-so-happy-news
Bosley is still bouncing around, playing ball, walking with his stuffy, or just generally being his usual, loving self. But he isn't well. Not at all. Some of you already know, but Bosley's lymph nodes throughout his body are quite swollen. The vet and I have been keeping an eye on things regularly, but the lymph glands are getting bigger, not smaller. I am now familiar with the phrase "indolent lymphoma", and I don't like it one bit. You can do your own research and draw your own conclusions. Suffice to say, the days are tinged with sadness in the O'Connor household.
Bosley will let me know when it is time. In the meantime, he is happy, he is pain-free, he is playing, and he is working. When he stops working or if he is in pain, or no longer his happy self, well .. he will let me know when it is time to hang up his service vest, and when it is time to hang up his leash.
Prayers/positive vibes are always welcomed for our beautiful Bos-boy.
Cathy.
Bosley will let me know when it is time. In the meantime, he is happy, he is pain-free, he is playing, and he is working. When he stops working or if he is in pain, or no longer his happy self, well .. he will let me know when it is time to hang up his service vest, and when it is time to hang up his leash.
Prayers/positive vibes are always welcomed for our beautiful Bos-boy.
Cathy.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thank You from the Orillia Purina Walk for Dog Guides Committee
We could not have held this walk without the help of the following people and organizations:
 Apple Annie's |
|
Bruce Stanton, MP |
|
Candles with Care |
|
Garfield Dunlop, MPP |
|
KICX 106 |
|
KOOL FM |
|
Matchedash Massage Therapy |
|
Maureen Hilt, District A12 Lions
Governor |
|
Orillia and District Veterinary
Professional Corp. |
|
Orillia Lions Club |
|
Orillia Opera House |
|
Orillia Packet and Times |
|
Orillia Today |
|
Oro Lions Club |
|
Rock 95.7 |
|
SNAP Orillia |
|
Sunshine 89.1 |
|
SWISSSH/Starlite Radio |
|
The Water Market |
|
Washago Lions Club |
|
Estelle Ness, Treasurer (from Oro Lions) |
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