Saturday, December 23, 2017

a series of mostly unfortunate events

Dark times since the last update. A miserable end to a difficult year. 
While still coming to terms with the death of Twiggy, Frankie died from what we believe was a snake bite. We were with her until the end and did what we could. She was a sweetheart who adored people. 
I rarely take photos when a dog is unwell, except to send to the vet
I do however have pictures of the puppies.











 
The photos are roughly in chronological order. After at least a week in quarantine the puppies got to meet everyone. Otto was one of the first to say hello. I suspect their mom looked like him because they all tried to nurse. 
Herbie and Otto, early August.

















Evo and Hugo in front of Jojo and Dulce.

















Reina and Peanut were fascinated with Eddie the rooster. Unfortunately, days after this shot, larger dogs managed to breach the enclosure and put a swift and violent end to Eddie. Sorry Eddie. I miss you.

















Dogs found this guy in the yard at the end of September. Everyone involved was shocked. He spent a few days with us and our vet found a home for him. 












He was the star of the show while he was here, Luna and Frida were transfixed. It was a welcome distraction for Luna.

















She was diagnosed with the same condition as her recently deceased sister Twiggy, and had a similarly rapid decline and demise. I'm worn down, we haven't been able to mourn for one before another is gone.














 


The puppies' skin and stomach problems were clearing up so they could finally be vaccinated to be rehomed. We had someone interested in 2 when 3 more stray pups turned up who took their place.  
The 9 little rascals continue to grow. We call this guy Wombat.












Already bone tired and sad, I got the news that my dad was in hospital. I left as soon as I could and he died before I arrived. I spent a week in the US and Sean was alone with all the dogs. It wasn't easy for either of us. 
The puppies have been one of the few bright spots.

















Well-named Dulcita in early October. In the background, Peanut is nearly as big as Brooklyn. We had Brooklyn spayed, and a tumor removed from Zoot but other things had to be postponed. Elewah was diagnosed with heart worm and the treatment is expensive and time sensitive.

















A moment with Herbie, Peaches and Reina before the bad news worsens.

















Sean's mom was murdered, there are no words or answers.
His brother was arrested, which is preposterous.
I've been submerging myself in puppies as a buffer to this world.












Greatful for 20 years with Zasu -and Sean.

















Mid-November and it's getting difficult to tell the puppies from the rest.
Xmul insists she is a puppy. She'll soon be leaving us for a few months.

















Nico is plagued by health problems but is so silly and joyful. 
I hope I deserve the way she looks at me.
Herbie in my lap (end of November).












We intend to hold the next sterilization clinic in January.  
More work than hours in the day to keep us occupied until then.  
Sean works while dogs rest (Peaches foreground).