July Update

First I should explain that I’ve decided to ignore Tate’s ampuversaries.  It just doesn’t work for me, too much like a clock ticking, or maybe a time bomb.  Makes it a little too hard for me to stay “in the moment” when I’m counting time.  But we will continue to celebrate everyone’s ampuversaries, any excuse for special treats!

So, on to the important stuff.  We’re just back from a week at the cabin and I haven’t seen Tate this relaxed and happy in a long time.  He’ll post his own update : ), but he basically spent the whole week in the lake and luckily, Little Sister Sam is turning out to not be the water dog Tate is so he had plenty of uninterrupted swimming and fishing.

He swims beautifully, as far and as long as ever.  He likes to stand in the water and watch for fish, and I noticed his back leg would kind of give out every once in awhile but he’s just adjust his position and resume watch.  He also comes in off the water a little earlier, rests  little more.  Who knows?  Maybe it’s his age.  He doesn’t have that puppy exuberance that he did even last summer when he was 3.

His last chemo was over a month ago and no more poop/barf problems and he’s guzzling water again like Evelyn guzzles whiskey.  He’ll start metronomics this week, cytoxan + Rimadyl.

We must be spoiling him a little too much, for the first time since I don’t even know when, he would not “Come” on command.  We had a little chat about it later (“I was calling you”) and it hasn’t happened again since.  I thought the correction may have come too late – I didn’t want to go in the water after him so I let it go – but he’s such a good smart boy, he knew he’d been wrong and wanted to make up!

An update on Sam for the Tripawds Puppy Advisory Board:  she’s doing wonderfully, many new experiences in the last month when we weren’t sure how she’d do but she did fine.  Learned her boundaries at the beach and at the cabin, learned how to behave on the boat, learned to stop rolling on dead fish else she’d get a bath, learned not to swim out too far.  Learned that when Tate goes under Dad’s desk, he’s done playing.  She definitely has a more outgoing and adventurous personality than Tate but she’s coming along so now Tate is more inclined to initiate play with her.  So overall, we’re very, very happy with her!  We’re so grateful your wisdom got us over the rough patch!

Sam at 5 months old

Author: tatespeeps

Tate came to us in October 2007, was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma in February 2011, had a hemipelvectomy on March 15, 2011, and left us on November 28, 2011. He was 5 years old.

7 thoughts on “July Update”

  1. what a great update!!! sounds like a glorious time at the lake and wonderful memories for all. we are so glad ‘your’ sam is working out and getting with the program (like our sam is too). hugs to both pups and we too will continue to celebrate each and every day, as they are all magical.

    charon & gayle

  2. How wonderful! Coop can not wait to get back to the lake! Bella went (and found the dead fish also!) and Coop could smell it on her and was not happy! He knew where we had gone and gave me that look….glad to hear Tate was swimming. We have been wondering if Coop would be able to. Sounds like things are going well-congrats!

  3. We agree that there is a fine line between “counting the days” and celebrating ampuversaries. Whatever works best for you guys is all that matters!

    As for swimming…you may want to consider a life vest. I swam like a fish before my amp and after I could still do it, but swimming on 3 made me tire out faster. A life jacket really helped me keep afloat and not work so hard to avoid swallowing water. As soon as I started wearing it I was able to stay in a lot longer. Just a thought.

    P.S. Sam you are too cute!

  4. What a wonderful update. You are all clearly enjoying every moment. Tate is such a cutie when he is swimming. We just loved watching him at the beach. And how great that he is warming up to Sam. We hope you can get back to the cabin again before the end of the summer.

    Ginger’s pack

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