Friday, November 28, 2014

bittersweet gotcha day

well this isn't exactly the blog post i had intended for today. it was supposed to be a celebration of the day we found little bailey. she came into our lives 4 years ago. now instead of celebrating her rescue, we are pacing the floor wondering where this journey will lead us.

the only time she can be left alone is when she's asleep in the playpen. and even then, we have to be right there because when she wakes up she tries to stand. tumbling around the playpen she could further injure her fragile skull, so we pick her up.


before her accident, she could sleep in our arms for hours on end, but now she gets antsy if we are sitting down, so we pace. it's the only thing that'll keep her somewhat calm but it's torture on our backs. she's only been out of icu for a week but it feels like a month. i can't wait till monday when we go back to the vet. he might have some words of wisdom on how to handle her anxiety, other than increasing her diazepam.

we had to cancel thanksgiving yesterday. bailey requires so much time and energy, there was no way i could have anyone here and prepare a meal. i just popped some chicken in the crock pot and that was our dinner. hopefully things will be better by christmas. fingers crossed.

until we meet again my friends-

15 comments:

  1. Gosh that's alot of hard work for you but, it's gonna be worth it in the end when Bailey is back to her normal self ! Stick with it, lots of POTP
    I so wish we lived closer and could help out but we are thinking of you
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  2. Continuing to send prayers and POTP. You're doing all you can to get her through this and it shows the true bond you have with her.

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  3. Some people would say you are nuts, but anyone that truly loves their pets can totally understand. Mom would cancel anything and everything if we needed her. It will take a lot of patience, but we just know she will continue to improve. Luckily at her size you can hold her.

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  4. we have our paws crossed for this sweet little one and hope she will improving soon

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  5. I know what you mean, you wonder how one tiny dog can become so heavy over the course of a few minutes. I hope you continue to see an improvement every day. It must be very hard for you.
    Lynne x

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  6. You are in our thoughts every day, crossing our paws that Bailey improves!

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  7. We are praying that Christmas is much better so you can have your girls over. I know you were looking forward to Bailey meeting the new member to the family that dgt. #2 is bringing, hope all works out. More prayers and love sweet Bailey, try really hard to get well.

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  8. Poor baby. :( As insane as it sounds, would a baby swing (you know, the ones that need batteries and are soft and play music) help your back since that motion soothes her?

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  9. Mom Kim here - with ANY kind of brain trauma it DOES take time to recover from and like you said, it has only been a week since she came out of ICU. I would encourage you to talk to your vet about therapeutic swimming for Bailey - none of my dogs have been through this but I have read how swimming can help build strength without putting direct pressure on the limbs - and that is what Bailey needs most of - building strength - I know this because many years ago I did recover and go through weeks of physical therapy - when I started therapy I was almost like a baby at age 20 and had to relearn things like even dressing myself, feeding myself and walking. And yes, at first my head did not stay still - even that took time but eventually it did.. Maybe there are exercises you could do with Bailey - even just rubbing her little legs that would stimulate the nerves and muscles without her having.to walk. Just sort of massaging and rubbing her all over might even stimulate other parts of her body and brain. Yes, she does still need time to heal and you are a Saint for sticking by her - so many people would have given up on her. And even tho the things I suggested might work - BEFORE starting them, I would discuss them with your vet - maybe I am rushing things. I can sense the frustration and weariness from your post - I know you want to see more signs of improvement - I wish I was there to help you care for Bailey - give you a bit of a break. I pray that the Lord will wrap you in His hands and give you the strength you need and we all send prayers and POTP to dear Bailey that one day soon she will lift her head up to look at you and it will no longer move uncontrollably.

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  10. You have our thoughts and prayers. Bailey crosses my mine quite a bit. I hope the vet can help on Monday.

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  11. Sending 24 more paws of luck & hugs, wish we could be there to walk with Bailey & give you a break. Nola's idea of a baby swing sounds good, I've also seen vibrating crib/playpen mats. Hope you're all feeling better soon. :)

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  12. praying that things will be better, it breaks my heart to see her like this xoxo

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  13. Still hoping and praying for little Bailey. Can she go out in her stroller, or is that too bumpy?

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  14. I've been away and I'm glad to read that things are actually way better than before I left. I can imagine how hard all of it is for you, emotionally and in terms of the logistics of taking care of Bailey. I hope that next year's Thanksgiving and Gotcha Days are days of true celebration, when little Bailey will be healed. Your love is helping her more than you can imagine.

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