Then LIFE steps in...

Wow. I just re-read the last blog and realized how quickly things change. How wonderful that warm, content, Christmasy-cozy feeling of the last blog entry. Then the wind blew in changes - changes that have yet to fall out and settle. It all started with that beastly blast of wind and the flying pieces of siding, branches and whole trees (not to mention it was TRASH DAY)! After surviving days of electrical ons and offs, life again settled into the quiet routine of work, school, home. Little did we know event number two was just lurking around the corner. Sitting down to an Instructional Council meeting, my cell rang and I heard those dreaded words that every parent hopes they'll never hear... "I was in a car accident Mom." Thankfully, no one was hurt badly (except the cars) but it was a hair whitening, palpitation producing experience! Watching the other car being towed away, flashers flashing, police sweeping the glass, I knew it could have been much worse. So we deal and move on from event number two. Event three started inconspicuously but gained momentum throughout the month. Our Logo/Poster-boy Golden, Rory, went in for his rabies shot and a possible "lump" was uncertainly found. Bringing him back for a second "feel" a week later and it still was as clear as mud. Blood work, however revealed high liver enzymes (not a good sign and indicative of a fast acting cancer), but an ultrasound would possibly clarify things. Meanwhile Rory is acting just fine - chasing Maggie, jumping on the bed.... The ultrasound showed what looked to be a healthy liver, kidneys and heart, but a very large mass possibly coming off his spleen. It was important to get him in to have it removed or it could burst and he could bleed out. Long story short, as he lay on the table, the vet called to say it was indeed coming off the liver (with other bumps evident on the liver) and what did I want to do. GULP. Rory has had the large (size of 2 grapefruits) growth removed as well as part of his liver. He has been at the vets for 5 days now and we're hoping to pick him up tomorrow. The good news is that every time I call, they re-iterate how they can't believe this dog just went through major surgery. I hope we bought him some time and I really hope our run of 3's is over!

I will add a review of the Hermann J. Weimer Vineyard in the next blog posting as well as some upcoming events And I will keep you posted on Rory's progress.