Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Being a good animal parent is anything but inexpensive!! I'm keep my fongers crossed you won't need anymore emergency visits...

Diane, it's good to hear that Sadie's doing better now. But the extra $300 for a pre-8AM vet visit is sobering news indeed.

I don't have it for any of my dogs, but have you considered medical insurance for Atlas? Might be well worth it for him. There are many different plans available and you might find one that is perfect for you, the dogs, and your finances!

I'm glad Sadie can eat the RX food without issue. Luckily, Labs tend to eat no matter what, so you don't have that worry on top of everything else. Airedales, not so easy when it comes to gut issues. Jackson could virtually fast for 3 days straight!

Oh, Sadie-girl! I'm so sorry!

Poor Sadie! What a challenge to feed her. I hope it's something that might pass with time...

So sorry your poor pup is going through this.

Ella is curled up on the couch making babies. She has reached the delightful, "Daddy, pet me!" stage of pregnancy. While this behavior interrupts my sleep, I adore awakening in the wee hours of the morning to find Ella standing by my bedside, her eyes looking at me through the dark with expectancy, the delicate thump of her tail on the duvet when she realizes I am awake, and her happy chortle when I reach my hand to her back or her neck and pet her. We spend several minutes this way and then she trundles back to her crate or bed. We do this at least two or three times before the sun rises.

Weight: 253 (yay!)

Macros: Calories - 1631; Carbs - 164; Fats - 68; Protein - 105

I got the protein up. Feel good about that. I also bought some veggie protein powder yesterday. Going to give that a try since I no longer tolerate anything with whey protein. I'm just not a big breakfast person and I really ought to get something in my gut to start fueling my body within an hour or two of getting up. My former routine of a protein drink in the morning was a good way for me to start the day with some fuel. Kept me fueled until I was ready to eat around 10:00 am.

My yay re: 253 on the scale is because it's a nice reminder that tracking can produce positive results. It is also a Yay! because I have not "died" a heinous, emotional death the past two days while tracking and choosing not to eat certain foods during the day, yet still being able to eat things like a half a PB&J sandwich as a post workout snack. There is also an ample serving of evening ice cream in that 1631 calories (which is why the fat grams are higher than recommended for me). When I track I automatically pay attention to portion size and I find I want to measure so my tracking is accurate.

I know that my stuff is my stuff. I do want to thank you all for your acceptance as I go through my stuff. While the number on my scale may not reflect an ideal weight for me and I am not what many would call a person in Maintenance, with your help I realize I am in the right place. Maintenance is the act of maintaining; upkeep, support, and subsistence. We are all in a continual state of maintenance. Perhaps our weights are reflective of where we are on that continuum, maybe not.

I think what I'm trying to say is this: Today I do not feel fat or thin. I simply am and feel like me. It's a gentle place to be. I credit you all with helping me be here today.

I had no idea about the Pet Me stage of pregnancy. I didn't have that, for sure. I had "get the h--- away from me" stage.

You know what I think when I see 253? That's a pretty good number. Truly. :)

You are fine, but going to be better.

Mama dog hormones turn the most independent of girls into love machines (and voracious eaters!). The last few days before whelping, it stops and Mama Dog gets very focused on preparing for her brood. It is interesting to watch nature take over and go to work. This time around Ella knows what's up and she is much more confident in her demands. Her first litter it was clear there was some uncertainty in her demands and she needed some reassurance. This time, she gets it.

She even started playing with Tank, which she does not usually lower herself to do. That sort of mischief is left for the puppies and Ace. She is due in under three week's time! Amazing how quickly it goes. She has gained over 5 pounds already. I can only imagine what the next 2.5 weeks will bring!

Well stated: "We are all on a continual state of maintenance". I love what I learn from all of you here.

And how sweet those nighttime visits by Ella. Makes me want to see Justice even more. Speaking of which, DS has a friend whose dog DS loves just had 5 puppies last night. Guess what DS is thinking?????