The Paperie Daily

Tucker Update

I’ve received so many emails and text messages from amazing friends and clients.  Thank you once again for checking in on little Tucker! 

How time flies…4 weeks ago today I was pacing the floors waiting for a phone call from the surgeon to see how Tuck weathered his first night in the hospital.  The phone call came in about 9:30am to tell me that our little baby had done well over night but to expect a LONG recovery. 

Yesterday we visited Dr. Wolf at the Center for Veterinary Specialty Care for his 4 week post operation check up.

Tucker is recovering well and the Dr. is pleased.  He is now walking with all four legs. His back left leg is still the weakest as this is the one that became paralyzed.  He gets around well but if he tries to go too fast he reminds me of my 1979 Chevy Monte Carlo barreling down our shell rock road with the back end fish tailing (maybe I was driving too fast?).  Those were the good old days!

Tucker has graduated to some ‘out of crate’ time and he can go on 8-10 minute short slow walks.  Our large yellow labs (Ajax and Comet) get the roam of the house downstairs so Tucker will not be allowed out of his crate while downstairs.  It’s too risky since one of his big brothers might step on him.

Tucker will be able to get his ‘out of crate’ time upstairs where there is carpet and a gate at the top of the stairs.  We tried this for a little while last night and he enjoyed hanging out under my desk in his bed. It’s been over 5 weeks since he could be in that bed; every day I still looked down there for him.

What Tucker CAN’T do and should NEVER do.

• Jump on/off furniture
• Travel up/down stairs
• Dance on his hind legs to tell us he is ready to GO for a ride
• Get intimate with his big brothers (yes boy dogs really do try that)
• Chase rabbits, squirrels or the really annoying dog next door
• Sleep in the bed with Mom and Dad
• Become a fat wiener dog

We should have never allowed any of these things but we did (with exception of the fat part).  Our lifestyle has and will continue to change but it’s all worth it to have our little Tucker out of pain and able to walk.

I’ll post updates as we progress through the next part of recovery.

Have an inspiring day!

Sonja

My Journey

10 years ago today I quit my job! To be more politically correct I resigned from my position.

This print says it all! I found it while surfing Etsy and it fits perfectly with my personal journey.  Check out Bitowhimsey's Etsy Shop, artwork by Kandy Myny for amazing prints and notecards.

When you were a child did you dream about what you wanted to be when you grew up?  I sure did.  I wanted to be independent, I wanted to have a really important job, I wanted to drive a purple mustang with a car phone (yes, I’m showing my age). I wanted to live in a nice condo on the water and I wanted to dress up to go to work every day.

That was then/this is now.  I was/am very independent. I had/have a really important job.  I didn’t/don’t drive a purple mustang but I did work for a cellular phone company. I didn’t/don’t live in a condo on the water and I did/don’t dress up to go to work.

When I started working in the corporate world over 20 years ago, my DREAM was to climb the corporate ladder.  I started climbing and before I got to the top I got tired, frustrated and burnt out.  Most people that experience burnt out stop and think about their life and where it might be headed before making decisions. If you are burnt out, I highly suggest weighing the pros and cons of leaving a well paid corporate job. My job provided me a comfortable living, lots of paid vacations, many toys to play with, a 401K and great health insurance (times were good back then). I didn’t pro and con very long and my decision wasn’t planned.

February 14^th, 2002 I gave myself a Valentine’s Day present and quit my job.

I had a new DREAM to chase:  I wanted to own my own BUSINESS.

I remember that Valentine’s Day.

I remember making the decision.

I remember saying “I quit”.

I remember being scared and confused.

I remember the BIG question to myself: “What will I do now?”  

My answer: “Start a new journey!”

Check back every Tuesday as I share my journey with you.

Have an inspiring Valentine's Day!

The Crate Debate

If you have a dog I’m sure you have heard the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ of crating a dog or puppy.  It’s a huge debate and all depends on who you talk to and what their experiences are.

I’m pro crating!  I’ve had dogs all my life and I’m all for crating a dog or puppy.  I’ve never felt a bit guilty for it. Why should I feel guilty for providing a dog his ‘own’ space?

Tucker has been home a week. He got his staples out on Friday. The Dr. is pleased with his progress. He’s still 3 legged however the 4^th leg is coming back slowly.  He appears a little drunk when he walks.

Tucker is still on STRICT crate rest for another 21 days. STRICT = he can be carried out to potty, that’s it!  He must be confined to his crate for his spinal cord to heal.

Tucker grew up being crated. He didn't live their 24/7….he was crated at night and he was crated when we weren’t home. He was also crated as a puppy when we couldn’t have eyes on him 100% of the time. Is this mean?  Some people think so however I disagree!

Tucker loves his crate.  It’s his home and he feels safe there.  All we have to say is “get in your crate” and he runs and gets in.  Don’t you feel safest in your home?  A dog’s crate becomes their home. You just have to get over the initial whining, barking and howling until they feel comfortable in their crate.

I have an 11 year old yellow lab (Comet) that sleeps in his crate with the door open. He goes there to get away from the other lab (Ajax) and to feel safe and relaxed. It’s just like you wanting to get some ‘alone time’ from your siblings, kids or family….we all need some ‘alone time’.

Right now Tucker has moments of not liking his crate…totally understandable.  I wouldn’t want to be confined to my home for 30+ days either.  He whines (it sounds pitiful) and he barks a bit but we don’t give in.  STRICT crate rest is a MUST for his healing process and the fact he was crated previously makes this process easier.

Can you imagine if Tucker had never been in a crate before?  Oh my…..

Crating my dogs is the best decision I ever made!

Staples are out!

 

Thanks for all the calls, messages and emails inquiring on Tucker’s progress.  He’s doing well and we’re happy with the decision to do the surgery.  Stay tuned as things progress.