Toby story/update

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Life is so hard right now that I find myself grasping at anything that seems joyful. This made me laugh so I had to share it.

Last night, I was just relaxing in my recliner petting the dogs, waiting for the clock to strike 7 (free nights/weekends) so I could call my mom. Toby has this funny way of "talking to me". It's not a bark or a wolf, it's really like he's chatting. Sort of like a kid with his mouth full of gumdrops. (I need to get that recorded.) I assumed (you know what they say about that) he needed to go out so took him and Maureen out to the back yard. He went out reluctantly but turned around and came right back in. So, it wasn't a request to go out. What in the world does he want???

When we got back to the living room, it dawned on me what he wanted! I went toward my recliner to get my book and Toby ran road block the whole way. He did not want me to sit back down in that chair. I had to laugh. Silly goose. Lately, due to his sore leg, we've been sitting on the couch together with his head on my lap. I didn't realize I was teaching him something new, but I always say, "let's go snuggle Toby" and then we get up on the couch together. Toby on one side and Maureen on the other. It has become a bit of a ritual that I talk to Mom (headset) and pet the puppies while we snuggle. How cool is that for him to ask me to snuggle? I love that dog!

He's still limping and has a goose egg bump on his hip. Terrified what that means but until I save up some more money for the vet, I can't do anything about it. The three hundred I spent on him already has done nothing for him. What relief he has found has been thru me and the research I've done on the internet. (And help from friends - thanks everyone.)

I wish I had a before and after picture of his skin. He's taking some vitamins that are especially made for Shar Pei and I cannot believe how smooth his coat is. It feels so good when you pet him. His forehead was especially bad and felt all bumpy and lumpy. Now it's smooth and soft and when I gave him his bath, he hardly lost any hair. It usually clogs the tub up something terrible. I am excited about how well the vitamins are helping him. They are very much worth the money. I've just started Maureen on them too. She lost a ton of hair during her bath. Wrong time of year for them to be blowing their coats!

My beautiful, funny boy:

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JOYATLAST 2/14/2012 8:05PM

That is so sweet. I love him too! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEREALLYBIGDOG 1/26/2012 12:41PM

He's a cutie alright I love the way he wiggled into your heart, just as he wiggled into MINE You guys take care! Report Inappropriate Comment

IMIN2GENES 1/26/2012 9:31AM

He's a cutie! So cool that they look forward to the snuggle time. Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

HAWKEYERANT 1/25/2012 11:48AM

I'm sorry I missed Toby's updates - I had no idea he wasn't doing as well as he should be. Poor little guy. I'm glad you've found some solutions that have helped though. He has such a positive happy smile! I love that! He is so handsome. :) You'll have to give us a Maureen-entry soon too. :0) Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLEJOYS 1/24/2012 9:31PM

That put a big grin on my face!! Ellie has us very ritualized...in fact, I just got up off the floor after snuggle time with her. She stares at me and makes little throat noises until I comply! :D I hope you all had a good snuggle! Toby looks so happy! Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 1/24/2012 4:24PM

That is too adorable!! I love how they teach themselves, at least the good stuff! Report Inappropriate Comment

CBAILEYC 1/24/2012 1:19PM

I love how our furbabies are able to tell us what they want. Toby's a talker, eh? So is our Millie - a grumble mumble, if she had vocal cords it would be a full blown sentence. He is a beautiful boy alright, and he and his sister have a wonderful Mama! for sharing the pic! C~ Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGOLEDIVA 1/24/2012 12:52PM

AW.... that is so cute. A doggie demanding his cuddle! And glad to hear the vitamins are working so well. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEEDTOLOSE100LB 1/24/2012 12:50PM

My question is...how come they always "learn" things like this, but if we TRY to teach them something it seems SO hard? Sounds like he needs his snuggles just as much as you do. They bring such joy to our lives and we take them for granted too much of the time. Should be a "reward your faithful companion" day about once a week! Glad to hear that the vitamins are helping. He looks so sweet! Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

IRISHBEANERGAL 1/24/2012 10:58AM

He's beautiful! ~Irish Report Inappropriate Comment

change nothing

Monday, January 23, 2012

believe-toachieve.tumbr.com

Now, to make that list.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSTANG_SALLY2 1/23/2012 4:33PM

I keep trying to remind myself that it's up to me. If I don't grasp a hold on this and turn it around, no one else can or will and it will continue on the wrong path. I have to change it. Report Inappropriate Comment

Not giving up...

Friday, January 20, 2012

believe-toachieve.tumbr.com

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NEEDTOLOSE100LB 1/23/2012 2:25PM

So true. I have also heard the hardest door to get through is your own...when we start a journey, we don't know what we are getting ourselves into, or if we THINK we know....doesn't mean we shouldn't start, but that we need to be prepared for possible outcomes. Life is what you make of it...lemon juice or lemonade! Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEREALLYBIGDOG 1/20/2012 2:24PM

Ain't THAT the truth! Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLEJOYS 1/20/2012 1:08PM

Hey...I thought you didn't do "platitudes"?!! HAPPY FRIDAY! Stay warm, redirect negative thoughts and dance in your PJs! Have a lovely weekend. Your friend, Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

CBAILEYC 1/20/2012 11:42AM

Very true, plus.. if you give up, then you have to begin again eventualy, and as it's hardest.. well.. circular logic, right? C~ Report Inappropriate Comment

HIP-MOM 1/20/2012 11:19AM

(that's me staying focused today) Have a wonderful day! Report Inappropriate Comment

YOMAMA128 1/20/2012 9:04AM

Thanks for this! Universal truth. Report Inappropriate Comment

IMIN2GENES 1/20/2012 8:23AM

Too true! Report Inappropriate Comment

Eating is not the solution

Thursday, January 19, 2012

but I seem to think it is.




believe-toachieve.tumbr.com

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IMIN2GENES 1/20/2012 8:25AM

True words, but sometimes hard to do. Report Inappropriate Comment

NUTTY63 1/19/2012 4:29PM

UGH! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEREALLYBIGDOG 1/19/2012 1:04PM

appears eating HAS been my solution many times by the look of me Thanks for the eye opener! Report Inappropriate Comment

CBAILEYC 1/19/2012 11:58AM

It's so simple and yet so hard sometimes. Ugh. C~ Report Inappropriate Comment

HIP-MOM 1/19/2012 10:16AM

well, this one is tough. I HAVE to eat 5-6 times a day being hypothyroid and a clean eater. I eat really small meals though. A lot of times I'm not even hungry, so I eat for my health having mostly raw, whole foods 60% or more a day. it's when I'm not eating complex carbs like I should be is when I get into trouble then I start getting CRAVINGS for the wrong foods like sweet things, more carbs like bread (especially a freshly baked loaf) etc...oh, and then If I have a glass of wine or two, then I start eating bad which leads to the above.. it's a vicious cycle! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEEDTOLOSE100LB 1/19/2012 9:28AM

It isn't? I think there are a lot of us on that train of subconcious thought. It is a hard one to break too, because it can be so subtle. We think we have it under control and it breaks out again...not an easy fix. But, maybe we need to do like AA and have a buddy system (yea, like Spark...I know...) when you feel yourself losing control...make a plan to touch base with a buddy. Or, if you have lost control...make a plan to touch base with a buddy and make sure they don't! Might make the difference for the buddy and then for you the next time your buddy calls on you for help! check out IUHRYTR's Blog...Life is like an empty glass. Maybe that thought will inspire you. I found it refreshing. Have a good day (translation...don't eat the leather off the bottom of your shoe cause you are so "hungry" you could eat a horse...lol) Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

stop quitting

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

It's not that I've quit, but I'm sure not focused like I was last summer. I hate that.



believe-toachieve.tumblr .com

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NUTTY63 1/19/2012 4:32PM

That's so me! Report Inappropriate Comment

HIP-MOM 1/18/2012 9:35PM

I like that. Thanks! I think I'll print it and tape it to my bedroom mirror Report Inappropriate Comment

NEEDTOLOSE100LB 1/18/2012 10:51AM

I prefer to reference it as digressing, not quitting. As an example, when driving, I am never lost (not due to any special navigation skills, though I have been reading maps and navigating since I was 4--my mother couldn't find her way out of a WET paper bag to save her soul), just temporarily misplaced. It holds with it a sense of being a momentary blip and sounds much more positive than "I am lost". Also, while temporarily misplaced, I do not take both right and left turns. If I turn left, I keep going left...less likely to become MORE temporarily misplaced...you see where I am going here? Our journey, or maybe I should pluralize that to journeys, are the paths we take. All paths lead the same place, but some are much more colorful, more stressful, more rewarding. If we treat our mistakes as rewards for making the wrong move instead of just bad choices, we give ourselves the option of learning from them. You think you had a bad year last year because you didn't lose weight. BUT, you maintained within 2 pounds...that is awesome! And, that was despite all the journeys you took, some that were forced on you. Look at the journeys you took last year and see what ones you can repeat and what ones you need to avoid. Maybe set some new journeys for yourself to see if they fit into the final plan. It would be boring if we didn't fall...we get a closer look at what makes us tick when we do...and we get a chance to find out how special we are to others, because they pick us up and dust us off (IF we let them). OK...I could talk (write) for hours, but don't want to bore you all, so I am going to leave it at this...you are NOT a quitter, but you do need to discover what road is going to get you on and keep you on the scenic route to a healthier you. Look around and pick your journey! Love, Laurie didn't realize I added the multiple emoticons, but...maybe you needed the extra ones! Comment edited on: 1/18/2012 12:39:08 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEREALLYBIGDOG 1/18/2012 10:37AM

eSPecially true! Report Inappropriate Comment

NOTABOUTHEFACE 1/18/2012 10:27AM

A good reminder for when you might be trying to talk yourself out of doing something good for you. :) Report Inappropriate Comment