Realizing that I have not written in such a long time has motivated me to make another blog entry. Hopefully I'm not blogging in a vacuum and someone out there is reading this!
Recently, I've been thinking about living overseas, and the kinds of crazy things that you tend to pay for just because you can't get them normally.
Living abroad for over two years, I've found that most of the things that I've wanted (maybe 90% of them) are available at some point, somewhere, either at a Brick and Mortar, or at an online seller.
The other 10%, I just bring with me when I go back home, and carry two suitcases. The funny thing is, many of the things that I purchase are made overseas where I live, just not available here.
Socks, Towels, Windshield Wipers for the car, Bed sheets, shower curtains, are some of the things that I bring back with me!
Living in a smaller city doesn't help, but figuring out how to use the online auction/buying sure as heck does.
So lets look at the things that I DON'T buy local brands for and pay a lot more for....
The things in italics are actually imported Everything else is available locally but is still considered a foreign brand.
Toilet Paper (Kleenex Brand) - Korea
Tide Detergent
Shaving Cream
Cereal - Korea
Dog Food - Korea
Kraft Mac and Cheese - USA
Juices - USA/etc
Peanut Butter - USA
You really don't realize how much you love and miss that comfort of that Kraft Dinner Mac and Cheese till you click "Buy it now" online and pay 7 dollars American for that box of pasta and powdered cheese product....
What are some of the things that you can't find where you live, and do you still have to go get them from 'back home'?
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Texas on my mind....
I've
been on quite a few adventures. For the National Holiday, XB, one
of my guys that works for me got married, and I was invited to his
wedding (also had to give a speech about his work ethic and what a great
job he does), my aunt came in from Taiwan, and we had a nice visit, I
took her to the grape festival, out to eat at a nice sushi place, and
met some friends that I made here. Overall a very nice time! She's my
first foreign visitor! She left on Saturday, and I had Sunday and Monday
to recover.
The first weekend in October, XB my right
hand guy, Took me to Huangdao, which is across the water from
Qingdao. We drove the longest bridge in the world to get there. In
fact, we had such a good time driving and talking that we ended up
overshooting the exit for huangdao, which was ok, because we ended up in
a very rural area of China, all farmland. It was beautiful, and I'm
bummed that I didn't get a chance to take pictures, but I was
driving. XB and his wife and I explored Huangdao in the
afternoon, and had a nice time. XBs wife teaches college english
there but since she lives on campus, has not had a chance to explore the
town, as her weekends are usually in qingdao with XB
.
.
The second weekend, I took it easy, saw friends, and
Sunday went to Church and ran errands. This past weekend, I was
recovering from a cold, which was no match for Nyquil and Dayquil and
Mucinex, so I got some CHinese medicine, which worked slow, but yielded
results!
This past weekend, another one of my guys got married, and again, I had to do the wedding speech as the boss and talk about work ethic and marriage. Its interesting how much weight they put on your job and how much of a part of your life it becomes, so much that the bosses have their own table at the wedding! Sunday, I met with my friends that are in China from Washington state. We went to Jimo Lu, which is the equivalent of silk street in Beijing (if you're from Houston, think of Harwin Shopping district). There, they had street vendors with food, produce, clothes etc, and that was just on the OUTSIDE of the shopping center. We enjoyed a giant Fritter (Yiu Tiao), as well as some Stinky Tofu (Will, the guy in the picture didn't like it, but his mother, who lived in Taiwan for a few years, enjoyed it). Bought some fresh fruits, and then ended the evening at Burger King at Marina City, along the water. Burger King was actually really terrible, as they just opened, and everyone and their dog was there, so instead of making your order when you pay for it, there's tons of Hamburgers premade. The result is a cold, nasty, soggy burger. I'll come back when they're not so busy and see if the food is better.
This past weekend, another one of my guys got married, and again, I had to do the wedding speech as the boss and talk about work ethic and marriage. Its interesting how much weight they put on your job and how much of a part of your life it becomes, so much that the bosses have their own table at the wedding! Sunday, I met with my friends that are in China from Washington state. We went to Jimo Lu, which is the equivalent of silk street in Beijing (if you're from Houston, think of Harwin Shopping district). There, they had street vendors with food, produce, clothes etc, and that was just on the OUTSIDE of the shopping center. We enjoyed a giant Fritter (Yiu Tiao), as well as some Stinky Tofu (Will, the guy in the picture didn't like it, but his mother, who lived in Taiwan for a few years, enjoyed it). Bought some fresh fruits, and then ended the evening at Burger King at Marina City, along the water. Burger King was actually really terrible, as they just opened, and everyone and their dog was there, so instead of making your order when you pay for it, there's tons of Hamburgers premade. The result is a cold, nasty, soggy burger. I'll come back when they're not so busy and see if the food is better.
Work is going good, if not just constantly frantic. I've
learned quite a bit since taking over the role as operations manager,
and one of the biggest things that I've discovered since becoming a
manager, is that your productivity level generally decreases, because
you're being pulled in 100 different directions in a day. Some of the
biggest headaches are HR issues. Employees that dont pull their weight,
employees that fight, slack off, etc. Now I really understand why its
hard to get a response from managers, because they're too busy putting
out little fires every day. On the good side, you do get to work with
people and the people that are on my team are all eager to learn. I
just need to find the fine line between being friendly while still
trying to be the boss.
The weather here has cooled signifcantly, and the days
are getting shorter. IT runs in the mid 50s at night and mid 70s in the
daytime. Kody is doing well, the cooler weather has him shedding his
summer coat and growing in the winter fur! Kody has also made a new
friend, Yiu Yiu is a Collie that lives in the first building in my strip
of apartment buildings. Shes a beautiful dog, and we run into her a
few times a week when we go out for walks. Her owners are nice people,
and we have a great visit every time we run into eachother.
Dining has been an adventure, as I've been eating local fare, and I've attached some pictures of the goodness for your drooling pleasure.
Dining has been an adventure, as I've been eating local fare, and I've attached some pictures of the goodness for your drooling pleasure.
The House in Katy is
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and I'm excited that Jennifer and John and the girls are coming. Then after that, I'll be home on the 17th for about 3 weeks! Looking forward to catching up with everyone if our schedules allow for it.
Miss you all and would love to hear from you!
Peace and love,
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and I'm excited that Jennifer and John and the girls are coming. Then after that, I'll be home on the 17th for about 3 weeks! Looking forward to catching up with everyone if our schedules allow for it.
Miss you all and would love to hear from you!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Autumn Tactics
This installments "Theme song"
Is "Autumn tactics" by Chicane
Is "Autumn tactics" by Chicane
Last week, my clothes dryer came in! Most people in
China dont use clothes dryers, but if those of you have dried towels in
the sun, you can appreciate what it feels like to use 400 grit sandpaper
to dry yourself with. I was able to get one for a great price and I'm
so happy to have soft towels, sheets and socks. The things we take for
granted.
I also finally passed my driving exam! You need 90% or
higher to get it, and I had to take it three times. Mostly because of
'lost in translation" and strange chinese driving laws. For example, in
China, when a car is rolling out of control on a hill, you must put
your seat all the way back, unbuckle and get on the floorboard and hug
the steering column....Or Jump out of the car if you know its going to
flip over. My favorite is for the driver to crouch into the fetal
position and holding your knees, and turning to the side in the event of
a head on collision.
Much peace and love!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
When it rains (or leaks), it pours.....
Howdy everyone, some of you noticed right away that I didn't send my Wednesday night update this week.
Well, there's a pretty good reason for that.
Lets just pick up from last update. The weekend was the normal routine, not much exciting, though Bob and I did try a German restaurant in town, and had their "giant pig knuckle" which was great. They also had a nice coffee machine inside, so we ordered a cup of joe. It was the nicest cup of coffee I've had in a long time. Afterwards I did my usual shopping. Check out the picture of this HUGE durian. You could smell it from a mile away!
This week has been very busy workwise, deadlines and big management meetings coming up have stretched me pretty thin. Between work, home, and Kody, there wasnt much time to punch out an update. I also finally did join the Gym by the house and went to my first spin class there. I dont know if it was me being out of shape, no fans in the classroom, or the lack of AC, but I only lasted about 30 minutes. The room is dark like US spin classes, but has LED strobes all over the place like a trance club. That, combined with EuroTrash Techno exhausted me. I decided to leave before I had seizures from the lights.
This Wednesday evening, I went to bed, and for some reason forgot to power off my Houston cell phone. I always power it off. About 12:30 midnight, phone rang, it was my neighbor. I answered, completely incoherent, and he was paitent enough to let me get my bearings, and to tell me I had a major water leak in the house. Nick has been checking on the house regularly, along with my Mom and stepdad, and Dayna, so the house usually doesn't go for extended amounts of time without people looking in. Well, the water leak started at the water heater (defective rubber hose), and leaked all over, caving the ceiling in at the guest room, and leaking down the hall, to the office, dining room, living room, and kitchen. I'm so fortunate that my Mom and Step Dad , and Nick and my contractor friend Mark, all stepped up to the plate. I called my insurance agent, and the same day, Mom, Darrell, Nick and Mark, and the insurance company had come out, done estimates, brought in fans and dehumidifiers and were starting the cleanup process. Felt really nice to know I'm in good hands. The damage is pretty extensive, floors, sheetrock and plumbing repair. Still waiting for the final estimate. Thank goodness for insurance.
To top that off, Friday morning, Kody and I went for our usual 5AM walk. Except this guy, walked out the door without his house keys. So here I am, sitting outside the door of the apartment, flip flops, shorts and a Tshirt with Kody. I had my wallet but no cell phone. And knew nobodys phone number here. I hadnt shaved, showered or even brushed my teeth. I was going to walk down the street to the Holiday inn and wake up bob, and have him call my admin who has a key, but it would take two hours to get her to the office, get the key and then come unlock the door. On top of that, they probably dont allow dogs into holiday inn. So option 2 was to take Kody in a Cab and head to work, and twiddle my thumbs still 8am when people came to work to get a key, but most cabs dont allow dogs. So the last and final option, was to bother a neighbor. I had met two neighbors, the one on the first floor, who is VERY nice,but not sure how nice anyones going to be at 5:30 in the morning. The second neighbor lives above me, we met once, but the important part is, since he lives above me, I know what time he gets moving. Which was about 5:30. I knocked on his door, and asked him to lock kody up while I went for keys, and he said that he and his wife go to work at 7. So that wasnt an option. Then he remembered that there was a flyer for a locksmith at our West entrance to the compound. He ran down with me, we got the number, and 15 minutes later, the locksmith arrived, wearing cutoffs, no shirt and carrying with him a hammer and a metal rod. Using the hammer and his scooter key, he punched out the peep hole, and the metal rod was shaped exactly like the door handle. It took him less than 5 minutes to get in. Total cost? 100 RMB= 16 dollars. I was back inside by 6:15 AM.
So, here I sit writing this email on Saturday at 2pm from work (deadlines due!) and looking back, thinking about how very fortunate I am to have so many great people around me. People that I can not express how grateful I am, people that have stepped up, offered help, and responded when called on. So for those of you that have offered help on the house, thanks so much, but its under control so far.
This weekends plans are to look for a microwave, and go to the used furniture market (the renter grade furniture just isnt cutting it), I'm deal hunting!
In other news, SiriusXM.com works in China, so I can listen to Satellite Radio from my desk, and get a taste of US music. I'm working out regularly and just finished the first season of Arrested Development. Presently watching the current season of Hell's Kitchen too. So I'm able to keep sane. Kody is doing good, he's enjoying sharing my after dinner popsicle (Chinese sweet green bean).
Weather here is nice, mid to upper 80s but its stays very humid!
I miss everyone, and I hope this note finds you very well.
peace and love,
W
Well, there's a pretty good reason for that.
Lets just pick up from last update. The weekend was the normal routine, not much exciting, though Bob and I did try a German restaurant in town, and had their "giant pig knuckle" which was great. They also had a nice coffee machine inside, so we ordered a cup of joe. It was the nicest cup of coffee I've had in a long time. Afterwards I did my usual shopping. Check out the picture of this HUGE durian. You could smell it from a mile away!
This week has been very busy workwise, deadlines and big management meetings coming up have stretched me pretty thin. Between work, home, and Kody, there wasnt much time to punch out an update. I also finally did join the Gym by the house and went to my first spin class there. I dont know if it was me being out of shape, no fans in the classroom, or the lack of AC, but I only lasted about 30 minutes. The room is dark like US spin classes, but has LED strobes all over the place like a trance club. That, combined with EuroTrash Techno exhausted me. I decided to leave before I had seizures from the lights.
This Wednesday evening, I went to bed, and for some reason forgot to power off my Houston cell phone. I always power it off. About 12:30 midnight, phone rang, it was my neighbor. I answered, completely incoherent, and he was paitent enough to let me get my bearings, and to tell me I had a major water leak in the house. Nick has been checking on the house regularly, along with my Mom and stepdad, and Dayna, so the house usually doesn't go for extended amounts of time without people looking in. Well, the water leak started at the water heater (defective rubber hose), and leaked all over, caving the ceiling in at the guest room, and leaking down the hall, to the office, dining room, living room, and kitchen. I'm so fortunate that my Mom and Step Dad , and Nick and my contractor friend Mark, all stepped up to the plate. I called my insurance agent, and the same day, Mom, Darrell, Nick and Mark, and the insurance company had come out, done estimates, brought in fans and dehumidifiers and were starting the cleanup process. Felt really nice to know I'm in good hands. The damage is pretty extensive, floors, sheetrock and plumbing repair. Still waiting for the final estimate. Thank goodness for insurance.
To top that off, Friday morning, Kody and I went for our usual 5AM walk. Except this guy, walked out the door without his house keys. So here I am, sitting outside the door of the apartment, flip flops, shorts and a Tshirt with Kody. I had my wallet but no cell phone. And knew nobodys phone number here. I hadnt shaved, showered or even brushed my teeth. I was going to walk down the street to the Holiday inn and wake up bob, and have him call my admin who has a key, but it would take two hours to get her to the office, get the key and then come unlock the door. On top of that, they probably dont allow dogs into holiday inn. So option 2 was to take Kody in a Cab and head to work, and twiddle my thumbs still 8am when people came to work to get a key, but most cabs dont allow dogs. So the last and final option, was to bother a neighbor. I had met two neighbors, the one on the first floor, who is VERY nice,but not sure how nice anyones going to be at 5:30 in the morning. The second neighbor lives above me, we met once, but the important part is, since he lives above me, I know what time he gets moving. Which was about 5:30. I knocked on his door, and asked him to lock kody up while I went for keys, and he said that he and his wife go to work at 7. So that wasnt an option. Then he remembered that there was a flyer for a locksmith at our West entrance to the compound. He ran down with me, we got the number, and 15 minutes later, the locksmith arrived, wearing cutoffs, no shirt and carrying with him a hammer and a metal rod. Using the hammer and his scooter key, he punched out the peep hole, and the metal rod was shaped exactly like the door handle. It took him less than 5 minutes to get in. Total cost? 100 RMB= 16 dollars. I was back inside by 6:15 AM.
So, here I sit writing this email on Saturday at 2pm from work (deadlines due!) and looking back, thinking about how very fortunate I am to have so many great people around me. People that I can not express how grateful I am, people that have stepped up, offered help, and responded when called on. So for those of you that have offered help on the house, thanks so much, but its under control so far.
This weekends plans are to look for a microwave, and go to the used furniture market (the renter grade furniture just isnt cutting it), I'm deal hunting!
In other news, SiriusXM.com works in China, so I can listen to Satellite Radio from my desk, and get a taste of US music. I'm working out regularly and just finished the first season of Arrested Development. Presently watching the current season of Hell's Kitchen too. So I'm able to keep sane. Kody is doing good, he's enjoying sharing my after dinner popsicle (Chinese sweet green bean).
Weather here is nice, mid to upper 80s but its stays very humid!
I miss everyone, and I hope this note finds you very well.
peace and love,
W
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Just figured I'd send my weekly update of being in China.
So, most of you guys know that I got Kody out of customs last week. That was a huge relief in itself! The first few days, I couldn't get more than 5' away from Kody. He stayed very close to me. He's better now, and enjoying the wood floors (they stay nice and cool). High rise life doesn't really seem to affect him that much, He's been sleeping on the couch or the carpeted front door mat when I get home.
The house is coming together nicely. The AC in the bedroom was repaired on Tuesday, so now its nice and cool when I sleep at night. I hired an A-yi (auntie) to clean the House every saturday. Until I get to know her more, I'm only having her come around when I'm home. Really theres not much of a mess thats made, other than the Kody fur on the wood floors. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for any expats moving home, so I can snag a deal on their furniture. The rental property furniture isnt exactly of the best quality.
Work is going ok, though there's lots of stuff to get cleaned up, folks that were supposed to be assigned here were living in other cities and coming in every 4-6 weeks, and that wasn't really cutting it. I'm starting to meet more of the staff and see how things operate. Not always the most efficient or the best way to do it, but the wheels of progress grind slowly.
I have found most of the Target/Walmart type stores already close by, and the Farmer's Market, which is pretty much walking distance from my place. I did actually go visit the Wal Mart on Saturday, and its pretty much like the Walmart in the US. Meager quality stuff at meager prices. I have been on the hunt for a toilet mat. Nobodys heard of one here. Afterwards, I went and had my car hand washed, Vacuumed and new wiper blades installed. The cost? 55 rmb (less than 10 dollars). The Farmers Market is the place to go for the meats, and fresh fruits and veggies. I really enjoyed it, its very much like the Farmers mkt in houston where each stand is operated by a different owner.
This past Sunday, I went with a co-worker into downtown to attend the Qingdao International Christian Fellowship. This is a church service thats non-denominational and allows anyone that holds a foreign passport. The service was ok, but we were late, so we missed some of the beginning. I will return next week to check it out again. Afterwards, we went to HiSense shopping center (which is like the Galleria). This was high fashion, and upscale. They had a Swaorvski crystal store, all the expensive boutique clothing stores, that you find in the high rent districts. Wouldn't you know it? They had a toilet mat here. I paid...40 dollars for it, but its the nicest toilet mat you've ever seen. I'll pick one up for the other bathroom when I'm in Houston at Christmas time! This center is 4 stories tall, the basement is a food court and grocery store.The grocery store pretty much has everything that you would find in a typical Chinese grocery store, with the exception that its more like a supermarket, air conditioned, well lit, and clean. On top of that, they have LOTS of expat products. Cheese, Cake mix, tomato sauce, breads, jell-o etc. Anything that you may need, they probably have. You may pay 4X the cost for it (Betty Crocker cake mix was 5 dollars), but when you're 8000 miles away, you'll probably be willing to pay for it.
Sunday evening, I had some co-workers over for dinner. I made Spaghetti, sauce from scratch. The house still smells wonderful from all of it!
Thats all I really have to report. I'm keeping myself sane by downloading TV shows from Itunes. Right now I'm working through Arrested Development, COPS (2012 season), The office (season 2), and CHiPs ( the motorcycle cop show from the 70s). I found a gym close to my house, walking distance actually. They have spin every night, and are pretty nicely outfitted. The cost is a little higher than I expected, but I must factor in how close to my home that it is.
So, most of you guys know that I got Kody out of customs last week. That was a huge relief in itself! The first few days, I couldn't get more than 5' away from Kody. He stayed very close to me. He's better now, and enjoying the wood floors (they stay nice and cool). High rise life doesn't really seem to affect him that much, He's been sleeping on the couch or the carpeted front door mat when I get home.
The house is coming together nicely. The AC in the bedroom was repaired on Tuesday, so now its nice and cool when I sleep at night. I hired an A-yi (auntie) to clean the House every saturday. Until I get to know her more, I'm only having her come around when I'm home. Really theres not much of a mess thats made, other than the Kody fur on the wood floors. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for any expats moving home, so I can snag a deal on their furniture. The rental property furniture isnt exactly of the best quality.
Work is going ok, though there's lots of stuff to get cleaned up, folks that were supposed to be assigned here were living in other cities and coming in every 4-6 weeks, and that wasn't really cutting it. I'm starting to meet more of the staff and see how things operate. Not always the most efficient or the best way to do it, but the wheels of progress grind slowly.
I have found most of the Target/Walmart type stores already close by, and the Farmer's Market, which is pretty much walking distance from my place. I did actually go visit the Wal Mart on Saturday, and its pretty much like the Walmart in the US. Meager quality stuff at meager prices. I have been on the hunt for a toilet mat. Nobodys heard of one here. Afterwards, I went and had my car hand washed, Vacuumed and new wiper blades installed. The cost? 55 rmb (less than 10 dollars). The Farmers Market is the place to go for the meats, and fresh fruits and veggies. I really enjoyed it, its very much like the Farmers mkt in houston where each stand is operated by a different owner.
This past Sunday, I went with a co-worker into downtown to attend the Qingdao International Christian Fellowship. This is a church service thats non-denominational and allows anyone that holds a foreign passport. The service was ok, but we were late, so we missed some of the beginning. I will return next week to check it out again. Afterwards, we went to HiSense shopping center (which is like the Galleria). This was high fashion, and upscale. They had a Swaorvski crystal store, all the expensive boutique clothing stores, that you find in the high rent districts. Wouldn't you know it? They had a toilet mat here. I paid...40 dollars for it, but its the nicest toilet mat you've ever seen. I'll pick one up for the other bathroom when I'm in Houston at Christmas time! This center is 4 stories tall, the basement is a food court and grocery store.The grocery store pretty much has everything that you would find in a typical Chinese grocery store, with the exception that its more like a supermarket, air conditioned, well lit, and clean. On top of that, they have LOTS of expat products. Cheese, Cake mix, tomato sauce, breads, jell-o etc. Anything that you may need, they probably have. You may pay 4X the cost for it (Betty Crocker cake mix was 5 dollars), but when you're 8000 miles away, you'll probably be willing to pay for it.
Sunday evening, I had some co-workers over for dinner. I made Spaghetti, sauce from scratch. The house still smells wonderful from all of it!
Thats all I really have to report. I'm keeping myself sane by downloading TV shows from Itunes. Right now I'm working through Arrested Development, COPS (2012 season), The office (season 2), and CHiPs ( the motorcycle cop show from the 70s). I found a gym close to my house, walking distance actually. They have spin every night, and are pretty nicely outfitted. The cost is a little higher than I expected, but I must factor in how close to my home that it is.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Goodbye to Forrest.....
This is an update to the Vestibular post from July.
Many of you that read or follow know that I have a dog, Forrest.
Forrest had very few health problems in his life. He had a hip replacement, Glaucoma in 2007, which took his vision, and he adjusted very well to it. Then Vestibular Disease (like vertigo) in July of this year. In Late September, things started to decline. Forrest started wandering the house in the middle of the night, confused, and slipping on the kitchen floor, unable to get up. The vet diagnosed it as a combination of arthritis pains and doggie dementia. We got medication to help for both, and Forrest got upgraded to share my king sized bed with me. This arrangement actually worked really well, no alarm clock needed. 5 am dog panting in your face
Things seemed to return to normal (or the new normal), he even was able to walk fairly normally again. Last Monday, in the middle of the night, Forrest fell out of bed. I picked him up and put him back in with me, not thinking anything was wrong, but when I woke up, I realized that he had suffered another vestibular episode like this summer. This time, it didn't seem as severe, as he was drinking and eating, so I figured he would bounce back and be fine. Christmas morning, I picked him up and put him in the back yard, and he started crying for me to bring him in. So I did, and put him on his dog bed on the floor, and within a few minutes, he was whining again. Finally I put him in bed with me, and he seemed happy. We spent our last Christmas day together snuggled up in bed, watching old Christmas movie re-runs and eating junk food. At one point, he rolled over and laid his head on my chest and "gazed" at me with his blind eyes, and I knew, he was telling me that it was ok, and he was ready to go. In true Forrest fashion, to reinforce that he was ready, he let me know again that night by leaving a "present" in the bed for me.
So yesterday morning, I took him to VERGI, the local vet ER, and had him put down. It was a very peaceful and calm event, but it doesn't make it any easier. They laid him on a comforter on the floor and let us have all the time that we wanted before the process was done. Forrest went very peacefully and quietly. Thanks to my friends that showed up at the ER with me. The only comfort I have is knowing that he's no longer suffering. It was the right thing to do, and the ultimate responsibility of a pet owner.
For those of you that knew Forrest, you already know what a smart, kind and funny dog he was. He was well trained and had me well trained too. He knew how to open the screen door, and bark to come back in. He knew how to wake me up by breathing hard, then sneezing in my face, and ultimately bumping the bed with his butt, so I could let him out. When I was outside in the yard or the garage, he wanted to be out there supervising. He knew many tricks, and loved to perform for treats. Forrest lived the life of a college student throughout my Journey at A&M. He had many kind roommates that loved on him as much as I did, and he loved them equally. Forrest also got to stay with my sister and her roommates and my mom for some time too, being doted on by girls, and spoiled by my mom.
Forrest like me, loved cars, and loved riding in them, head stuck out the window and smelling all the scents that the world had to offer, many times to our trips to the dog park. He kept guard of my truck when we went to home depot, hopping in the driver seat like he was driving, taking in the cool A/C in his face and listening to the radio. He loved chewing ice. When he was younger and had his vision, he loved catching ice and chewing it up. He spent many summers terrorizing the squirrels in my mothers neighborhood, and actually plucked one off the tree that had frozen in fear, killed it, and left it on the side door of the house.
Forrest was a loyal and loving dog, and lived almost 15 years. Born 15 March 1997, Passed 26 December 2011. I'll never forget you my friend.
If you are interested, here's a brief poem that was written for those who have lost pets.
http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm
Thanks to everyone for your kind support and prayers.
Many of you that read or follow know that I have a dog, Forrest.
Forrest had very few health problems in his life. He had a hip replacement, Glaucoma in 2007, which took his vision, and he adjusted very well to it. Then Vestibular Disease (like vertigo) in July of this year. In Late September, things started to decline. Forrest started wandering the house in the middle of the night, confused, and slipping on the kitchen floor, unable to get up. The vet diagnosed it as a combination of arthritis pains and doggie dementia. We got medication to help for both, and Forrest got upgraded to share my king sized bed with me. This arrangement actually worked really well, no alarm clock needed. 5 am dog panting in your face
Things seemed to return to normal (or the new normal), he even was able to walk fairly normally again. Last Monday, in the middle of the night, Forrest fell out of bed. I picked him up and put him back in with me, not thinking anything was wrong, but when I woke up, I realized that he had suffered another vestibular episode like this summer. This time, it didn't seem as severe, as he was drinking and eating, so I figured he would bounce back and be fine. Christmas morning, I picked him up and put him in the back yard, and he started crying for me to bring him in. So I did, and put him on his dog bed on the floor, and within a few minutes, he was whining again. Finally I put him in bed with me, and he seemed happy. We spent our last Christmas day together snuggled up in bed, watching old Christmas movie re-runs and eating junk food. At one point, he rolled over and laid his head on my chest and "gazed" at me with his blind eyes, and I knew, he was telling me that it was ok, and he was ready to go. In true Forrest fashion, to reinforce that he was ready, he let me know again that night by leaving a "present" in the bed for me.
So yesterday morning, I took him to VERGI, the local vet ER, and had him put down. It was a very peaceful and calm event, but it doesn't make it any easier. They laid him on a comforter on the floor and let us have all the time that we wanted before the process was done. Forrest went very peacefully and quietly. Thanks to my friends that showed up at the ER with me. The only comfort I have is knowing that he's no longer suffering. It was the right thing to do, and the ultimate responsibility of a pet owner.
For those of you that knew Forrest, you already know what a smart, kind and funny dog he was. He was well trained and had me well trained too. He knew how to open the screen door, and bark to come back in. He knew how to wake me up by breathing hard, then sneezing in my face, and ultimately bumping the bed with his butt, so I could let him out. When I was outside in the yard or the garage, he wanted to be out there supervising. He knew many tricks, and loved to perform for treats. Forrest lived the life of a college student throughout my Journey at A&M. He had many kind roommates that loved on him as much as I did, and he loved them equally. Forrest also got to stay with my sister and her roommates and my mom for some time too, being doted on by girls, and spoiled by my mom.
Forrest like me, loved cars, and loved riding in them, head stuck out the window and smelling all the scents that the world had to offer, many times to our trips to the dog park. He kept guard of my truck when we went to home depot, hopping in the driver seat like he was driving, taking in the cool A/C in his face and listening to the radio. He loved chewing ice. When he was younger and had his vision, he loved catching ice and chewing it up. He spent many summers terrorizing the squirrels in my mothers neighborhood, and actually plucked one off the tree that had frozen in fear, killed it, and left it on the side door of the house.
Forrest was a loyal and loving dog, and lived almost 15 years. Born 15 March 1997, Passed 26 December 2011. I'll never forget you my friend.
If you are interested, here's a brief poem that was written for those who have lost pets.
http://www.petloss.com/
Thanks to everyone for your kind support and prayers.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Maybe you found this by googling Vestibular Disease in dogs, or you think your dog had a stroke. Maybe you read my blog. But here's a short story about my Dog and our journey with Vestibular Disease. Don't panic, first off. This is not the end for your dog, but you should seek medical attention.
Is your dog unable to stand/walk?
When he moves, is it like hes drunk or dizzy?
Do you notice rapid eye movement?
Keep reading my tale of my dog.
So when I got home from work last Thursday, it looked like my 14 year old chow, Forrest had a stroke. He had vomited and lost his bladder and could not stand up, when he did, it looked like he was drunk. What I did NOT notice, is the rapid eye movement that he had, which is a classic sign of Vestibular Syndrome. I called a friend and she advised me to get him to the ER ASAP.
Trying to make as many calls and texts before I left, while trying not to burst into tears, we rushed to the Veterinary ER and I was sure that this was going to be my goodbye with my best friend. Fortunately, the Doctor diagnosed it as vestibular disease, which he can fully recover from. Commonly mistaken as a stroke. Its like vertigo in humans. He is off balance and cannot walk or stand. The good news is, this is fully recoverable and seldom happens again.
We were given medicine and bed rest for a week or so.
I took him home and gave him some water and let him rest in the back yard a little and he slept on his dog bed pretty comfortably. The next morning I carried him into the back yard, he drank some water, went potty, and I fed him some canned dog food. I carried him into his favorite spot, my bedroom closet, on a blanket. This week, I have been checking on him at lunchtime.
Last weekend, I canceled all appointments in order to stay home and be with Forrest. I took him outside this morning, and he drank water and was able to go potty. I let him sit outside for about 30 minutes. He was still unable to stand or sit up, and when I put him down, he laid on his right side.
I brought him in and set him up in the living room on a bed sheet and a towel under his back area in case he had an accident, and he laid there most of the day. I made him some chicken, but he has not been interested in eating, mostly due to the nausea. Mom stopped by for a visit and he wagged his tail a few times.
At lunch time, I took him in the back yard again, and he drank water and went potty again, this time actually laying on the grass but his head up and looked like he was enjoying the sun. I waited outside with him for about 30 minutes, and brought him inside again. He laid down again, on the right side. His head was still cocked to one side, and he doesn't like to move.
When we got back from church, I took him out again and he drank lots of water, and I was able to feed him two bites of wet dog food. This whole time, I have been giving him water from a bottle, but I tried with a small bowl tonight, which he eagerly drank from.
When I carried him in and set him he was able to balance a little, but in the end, he wanted to be laid down, he was able to hold his head up while laying there, still cocked, but this is the first time he has not laid his head down to the side. Saturday evening I put him on his dog bed, and he laid there on his chin, so I felt like we were making baby steps towards recovery.
Earlier this week, Forrest showed me that he can drink from a water bowl (was bottle feeding him) and can hold his head up (but still tilted).
By Monday of this week, Forrest was accustomed to our "routine" now. I take him outside, and he's starting to want to stand on his own, and if he stands between my legs, he can stand up and stay standing, however, without me there, he will fall. When I ask if he wants to go out, he tries to get up on his own, but his balance is still off. I still carry him. He is, however, moving around more on the grass, while laying he will use his back and front legs to move himself into different positions. Sunday around noon, I put 2 pieces of canned dog food into his cheek so he would chew it, then after the first bite, he realized that he was hungry. So he ate half the can of dog food. Still no interest in crunchy things like dry dog food, biscuits or ice.
Tuesday, I went home at lunch time and he finished the last 1/3 of the can of dog food. His eyes are no longer twitching (part of the Vestibular Disease), and his playful personality is starting to peek out a little bit. Tuesday night, he ate a piece of chicken that I grilled.
During the week, he will wake up around 5 AM, so I take him outside and put him in the grass until right before I get ready for work, around 6:30. I will go home at lunch for a while to make sure he's ok.
Wednesday, I got home from work and he was standing in the entry way, waiting for me. Forrest is now able to get up on his own (if he's on Carpet or Grass), he can walk, but he's pretty unsteady. I can help him walk from inside and out into the back yard, and he will move around on the grass for a little while and have himself a seat. Progress has been good, and as a big surprise, in the middle of the night last night, he walked out of the bedroom and went and got himself a drink from his bowl in the kitchen.
His appetite has returned, but he still is refusing dry food, dog biscuits etc, things that are crunchy. I suspect this is due to the vestibular disease, and his ears being sensitive to the crunching noises when he eats, but we'll see.
Forrest still has some head tilt, but the doctor explained that some dogs never recover from this, however, it does not affect them other than kind of looking silly. Its not as extreme as it was a week ago, and I'm hoping we keep progressing at this rate.
Is your dog unable to stand/walk?
When he moves, is it like hes drunk or dizzy?
Do you notice rapid eye movement?
Keep reading my tale of my dog.
So when I got home from work last Thursday, it looked like my 14 year old chow, Forrest had a stroke. He had vomited and lost his bladder and could not stand up, when he did, it looked like he was drunk. What I did NOT notice, is the rapid eye movement that he had, which is a classic sign of Vestibular Syndrome. I called a friend and she advised me to get him to the ER ASAP.
Trying to make as many calls and texts before I left, while trying not to burst into tears, we rushed to the Veterinary ER and I was sure that this was going to be my goodbye with my best friend. Fortunately, the Doctor diagnosed it as vestibular disease, which he can fully recover from. Commonly mistaken as a stroke. Its like vertigo in humans. He is off balance and cannot walk or stand. The good news is, this is fully recoverable and seldom happens again.
We were given medicine and bed rest for a week or so.
I took him home and gave him some water and let him rest in the back yard a little and he slept on his dog bed pretty comfortably. The next morning I carried him into the back yard, he drank some water, went potty, and I fed him some canned dog food. I carried him into his favorite spot, my bedroom closet, on a blanket. This week, I have been checking on him at lunchtime.
Last weekend, I canceled all appointments in order to stay home and be with Forrest. I took him outside this morning, and he drank water and was able to go potty. I let him sit outside for about 30 minutes. He was still unable to stand or sit up, and when I put him down, he laid on his right side.
I brought him in and set him up in the living room on a bed sheet and a towel under his back area in case he had an accident, and he laid there most of the day. I made him some chicken, but he has not been interested in eating, mostly due to the nausea. Mom stopped by for a visit and he wagged his tail a few times.
At lunch time, I took him in the back yard again, and he drank water and went potty again, this time actually laying on the grass but his head up and looked like he was enjoying the sun. I waited outside with him for about 30 minutes, and brought him inside again. He laid down again, on the right side. His head was still cocked to one side, and he doesn't like to move.
When we got back from church, I took him out again and he drank lots of water, and I was able to feed him two bites of wet dog food. This whole time, I have been giving him water from a bottle, but I tried with a small bowl tonight, which he eagerly drank from.
When I carried him in and set him he was able to balance a little, but in the end, he wanted to be laid down, he was able to hold his head up while laying there, still cocked, but this is the first time he has not laid his head down to the side. Saturday evening I put him on his dog bed, and he laid there on his chin, so I felt like we were making baby steps towards recovery.
Earlier this week, Forrest showed me that he can drink from a water bowl (was bottle feeding him) and can hold his head up (but still tilted).
By Monday of this week, Forrest was accustomed to our "routine" now. I take him outside, and he's starting to want to stand on his own, and if he stands between my legs, he can stand up and stay standing, however, without me there, he will fall. When I ask if he wants to go out, he tries to get up on his own, but his balance is still off. I still carry him. He is, however, moving around more on the grass, while laying he will use his back and front legs to move himself into different positions. Sunday around noon, I put 2 pieces of canned dog food into his cheek so he would chew it, then after the first bite, he realized that he was hungry. So he ate half the can of dog food. Still no interest in crunchy things like dry dog food, biscuits or ice.
Tuesday, I went home at lunch time and he finished the last 1/3 of the can of dog food. His eyes are no longer twitching (part of the Vestibular Disease), and his playful personality is starting to peek out a little bit. Tuesday night, he ate a piece of chicken that I grilled.
During the week, he will wake up around 5 AM, so I take him outside and put him in the grass until right before I get ready for work, around 6:30. I will go home at lunch for a while to make sure he's ok.
Wednesday, I got home from work and he was standing in the entry way, waiting for me. Forrest is now able to get up on his own (if he's on Carpet or Grass), he can walk, but he's pretty unsteady. I can help him walk from inside and out into the back yard, and he will move around on the grass for a little while and have himself a seat. Progress has been good, and as a big surprise, in the middle of the night last night, he walked out of the bedroom and went and got himself a drink from his bowl in the kitchen.
His appetite has returned, but he still is refusing dry food, dog biscuits etc, things that are crunchy. I suspect this is due to the vestibular disease, and his ears being sensitive to the crunching noises when he eats, but we'll see.
Forrest still has some head tilt, but the doctor explained that some dogs never recover from this, however, it does not affect them other than kind of looking silly. Its not as extreme as it was a week ago, and I'm hoping we keep progressing at this rate.
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