Errand Running/Vet

Suki is a fun-loving and happy dog. She does great at 15 years old, still keeping up with us on hikes, and riding along in her backpack while out on the bikes. It hurt when she developed a health issue, like the now humongous growth on her left side. She has had it for several years, and when she’s had her checkups they say it is most likely a fatty cyst and not to worry about it too much. It has really grown in the last year, especially in the last two months, and is now nearing the size of her head. We decided to have it checked out in Phoenix today. It feels liquid-filled or jelly-like, so they inserted a needle to extract and possibly drain it. They were not able to get much out, far less liquidity than they expected, but did get enough for some microscope slides. The good news is that the doctor didn’t find any abnormal cells, just red and white blood cells. They think it could very well just be a fatty cyst. The cyst doesn’t seem to bother her much, so with the doctor’s input, we will continue life as it is, monitor it, and enjoy every moment with her, going for walks, hikes, and rides.

Cassie went with for moral support today, although she isn’t much help as she can’t hear anymore and doesn’t see much more than light and vague shapes. She is eating and drinking good again, but still skinny. I think she might have actually put on a little weight. We keep her comfortable as she seems to enjoy going with us in her front pack. Her nose is constantly bouncing, inhaling all the new smells. She loves to curl up next to one of us to sleep, although sometimes it doesn’t look like the most comfortable of positions.

While in Phoenix, we also needed a few things to work on the solar setup for Lynn’s van, so it turned into an errand day, too. We made stops at Lowes, Harbor Freight, Costco, and Walmart, stocking up on a few other supplies (food) for us. One benefit of errand days is how easy it is to add steps and miles to the day. It wasn’t a spectacular total today, but between all the stops and shopping, it added up to almost 2.5 miles of walking. I used to walk two or three times that far each day when I was working retail, but I will take this as a win.

I have been slacking in getting my aerobic exercise. I have been good about doing the stretching, balance, and pushups/crunches, but not the walking or biking like I should. I commit to being better at that. They say old goats like me need at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, so it is time to tie up those shoelaces, get out, and put on some miles.

I saw three different wildflowers starting to bloom on my walk with Suki last evening. It is great to see them. They won’t likely be as widespread as it is in the Smoky Mountains or the North Woods of Wisconsin, but I delight in any wildflowers I see.

The sunset tonight was serene, with the orange-red glow rising just above the mountains. I look forward to sharing many more of them with Tom, Suki, and Cassie. Betty can stay inside where she is happier being the secruity cat.

To wrap-up the veterinary visit, today’s exam proved inconclusive, however they offered off-site oncology testing, but at a significant cost. Another option was to surgically remove the growth, but we must consider the risks of anesthesia with her senior age. It is not about the cost, but deciding how she can have the best life. How do you know what to do?

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