LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

She's leaving on a jet plane
I know that she'll be back again.
Oh, Lady, please don't go....
(But when you do please bring me some beef jerky from America). 
None of my regular time-share families were available for this trip. Yesterday, Lady was in a panic and went to check out a doggie hotel -fancy but very expensive. God has always provided families for me, but He sure let us get down to the wire this time! Aunt Grace called Lady this morning (while she was in church, PTL she turned the ringer off), and then texted that she and Uncle Bill would LOVE to have me. Uncle Bill has dengue fever and is bored out of his mind. I am happy to help out. I am doing great. I am running, my vision is good -I have adjusted so well, and I am weaning off steroids so I have less indiscretions. 
Grandpa's birthday is Sept 3. He'll be 87 (really). Lady will be back Sept 12. 
Had a fun weekend with Brooke and Erin sleeping over. They love me and give me lots of attention. 
Since my secretary will be away, we may not post for a few weeks. 
Thanks for thinking of me!

ADJUSTMENTS

Life with a visual impairment requires some adjustments. You saw the stroller for when we are actually trying to get somewhere. I sleep on a high bed. I can no longer see the edge clearly, so a pillow bumper is in order. I like it- nice and cozy! Under me is a rubber mat and a towel, just in case.

My friends left this morning. Last night they chose pupperoni pizza for dinner! Lady ordered me chicken strips. Oh happy day! Vicky shared with me! I didn't share my chicken strips. Lady made them chocolate nut cookies. They didn't share, either.
The steroids continue to wreak havoc on my bladder and bowels. I wreak havoc on the bedroom floor, despite having an open door to the bathroom and the balcony, and it reeks! Lady took me out to take care of business early this morning and I led her back to our gate when I was ready to come in. I walked in the door (an improvement in itself -I didn't bump into the door), went to the bedroom and pooped. Praise the Lord for dry dog chow and easy pick up. Tomorrow is my last day on roids. Praise the Lord. We just hope my eyesight continues to be as good as it is now. I can't see at night, or right in front of me, but otherwise I do really well.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, INDIA

Today is a National Holiday as India celebrates its independence from British rule. Our helper has the day off, shops are closed, schools are closed, and celebrations abound. We celebrated with multi-grain apple walnut pancakes! Um, Lady had to do a lot more laundry again. It's the steriods, it's not my fault. She drug us out of bed at 7:00 hoping to be early enough butt...I slept right through nature's call. 
I returned to the vet yesterday evening. He was so pleased to hear I am doing so much better. He said to continue the steroids at reduced dosage (once a day) for seven more days. Said my peepee issues will get worse while on the steroids. BUTT, the inflamation is going down and I seem to be able to see movement or light -anyway, I navigate better and I'm not running into things. I still can't see anything under my nose, but I can find doorways, my dishes, and I found my BoBo. I haven't shown any interest in any of my toys in so long that Lady almost cried when I brought out BoBo and played with Vicky. I heard her sniff. I even rolled over for Lady when she said,"Treat?" We are greatly encouraged. 
We still don't have a timeshare family for Lady's trip to America. 

Uh oh. Busted. Lady smelled the evidence of another transgression...under her bed...a virtual flood. She's yelling something about no grilled cheese for me. I forgot to go to the door.  She's under the bed trying to clean it up and disinfect. And judging by the way things went last night, I may be sleeping on the floor tonight. She's had to wash my blankie three days in a row. Said something about needing puppy pads. Oh no, I hope she doesn't put me in pull-ups again!

EGGS and CHICKEN IN THE HOUSE!

You know what that means! We have guests! Not just any guests, but my precious Nancy and Vicky who brought me down to my new Delhi home back in Oct 2012 after keeping me for a couple of weeks, who took care of me at Summer Camp last year then brought me back, who showed up at our door on Christmas Day this year, who traveled with us for two weeks in the high mountains (only Nancy), who eat momos, chicken fried rice, and eggs, and who SHARE! They brought Lady dark chocolate. We expected them on the morning of the 16th, but they called yesterday and said they had arrived! I couldn't open the door for them and Lady was at the mall seeing MI: Rogue Nation. She rushed home, bringing Aunty Gail with her. I love Aunty Gail! 

I RAN THIS MORNING!

Well, Lady is happy to put it mildly. I actually ran in a straight line down the street this morning! I walked the whole block! I even led Lady into the park. She bubbled over when I hiked my leg. I haven't been this active since I've been home. Lady is a fan of Flexadin. I ran out while at summer camp and could barely walk when I returned. I've been on steroids just two days and Lady sees improvement in my distance vision in the daylight -I ran straight! My condition includes an inflamation, hence the steroids to try to help it. I've been walking in circles. I have one more day of steroids to see if there is improvement. I ate a whole carrot. I drink a lot so I pee a lot. Lady didn't fuss when I peed on the threshold by the door (twice), and was giddy when I pooped on the balcony. She'd love me to be a balcony-trained dog, especially during monsoon. But I prefer to go outdoors, so if she is here, I wait. 
We just wanted you to know that your prayers for me are being heard - please continue as we walk this new road of blindness. 
 

UPDATE AFTER VET CONSULT

So, Lady strolled me back to the vet today, to find out the results of my blood test, and see the specialist. I have retinal atrophy and optic neuritis. I am not a candidate for surgery. This is it for me -I can't see. Lady has always done the typing for me, because my nails get stuck in the keyboard, but I am the author and editor. Who knows what she'll write if I don't proof it. The vet put me on steroids for three days to see if there is any improvement. He said I'll probably have an increase in appetite. Lady made me a grilled cheese sandwich today to try to cheer me up. I love grilled cheese! And she lets me have all the carrots I want. I mostly want them with hummus. 
Lady is going to see my grandma and grandpa in two more weeks, so she is staying in town to help me adjust to my new way of life. It would be easier if I could hear better, and if I weren't so obstinate determined when we go out to take care of business. It's my walk, I lead- even if it means I walk in circles and bump into things. That's why she puts me in the stroller if we have to actually get somewhere. 
We'd love advise from any other furrends who have gone through this. I'm fine butt Lady needs help. 

HOME

 

This is how I roll now. 

I'm home. My house, my balcony, my dishes, my street, my Lady. 
Lady met me in Shimla at Uncle MP's house. Pallu had school so she didn't ride the five hours through the mountains to Uncle's house. This is where I went to summer camp last summer and got too fat! This is where Nancy and Vicky (boy) live. They are coming to see me next week or so. 
I was happy to be in Lady arms but I can't see her. My vision is gone. I bump into things. I was limping badly on my right front leg, but Uncle Bill doesn't know why. My hips are acting up again, so I walk like a drunk. I can still hear loud noises. Lady's face was wet when I licked her. Must be the rain. We got home Thursday night and Friday she plopped me in the stroller and off we went -after the monsoons stalled a bit. I like the stroller. I can't see, but I feel the wind on my face, and I can't keep up with Lady the way I walk these days. I do NOT like to have my leash tugged on, making walking very difficult.  Even if we take a rickshaw, it is a hike to the road. She says I'm a bit heavy to carry so far, so in the stroller I go. 
The vet gave me a feel better shot, and some meds. I had run out of my Flexadin, so Lady thinks that is why I am having joint issues. The dr. took some of my blood to test my glucose levels and my thyroid. I go back Monday to see the doggie ophthalmologist to see if I am a candidate for eye surgery. Lady's been watching You Tube videos on causes of dachshund blindness, and cataract surgery. 
Judging by the way he licked and pawed and stomped and chewed on me, I'd say Duke was very happy to see me. He is huge! He steps on Lady, too and bites her fingers so she will pet him. She said his whole backside was wagging. Lady will post photos another day. 
I can find my way to my dishes, my day bed, our bedroom, and the door. That's progress. I kept getting stuck in corners and bumping into everything. I am happy to get carrots again. My teeth are not clean after not having carrots for seven weeks. Uncle didn't have any to give me. And he ran out of my hummus. I am happy to have hummus and carrots! 
Lady says home is where I am. 
Well, we're home. 

UPDATE FROM SUMMER CAMP

Well, I am staying cool in the mountains. Uncle has been sending pictures to Lady, mostly of me and Pallu. Her friends love me (of course). Uncle told on me about my little indiscretion in front of the neighbor's door. I tried to tell him I wasn't finished taking care of business, but he rushed me. He had to take care of it, HA. 
I had convinced him I wouldn't eat my fat chow unless they gave me human food, too. Lady ratted me out. Told them I would eat it when I got hungry -of course I was holding out for rice, dal, and chicken! 
Sad news, Aunty's parents were in a terrible bus accident here in the mountains. Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon on these dangerous mountain roads during monsoons. Sadly, twelve people died in that accident. Aunty's parents both have broken arms and lots of cuts and bruises. They were in the hospital for 8 days, but are home now, Praise the Lord. 
Lady writes that she is back from China, and is in Thailand again until the end of the month. She so appreciates updates from Uncle and Aunty. She misses me terribly. Sure wish I could have gone back to my homeland with her. I miss all the food folks used to give me. Lady is trying to catch up with all the news for me, now that she is back in Thailand. She couldn't access anything Google or fb in China. 

OFF TO SUMMER CAMP!

Pallu and her parents came all the way from Apple country to get me -took two days. They left their van half-way, and took a bus. They woke me up at 5:00 am Sunday morning!  This is a different camp than last summer. I'm going further away. Pallu loves me and wanted me to come to her camp. I bought her a new Barbie bag.

 Lady booked an Inova so I could have my own seat in the middle row. I won't roll around like I would on a bench seat. Got my blankie -I'm ready.

 All buckled in. Wait! Where's Lady going to sit? Why did she close the door? Where's her suitcase? We usually make this trip together! Oh, poo.

 This trip to get me to the mountains is expensive! Costs more than Lady's flights to Kolkata and Mumbai. Cost more than my flight from Bangalore! Butt, I can't take the train inside, and I can't ride the bus inside, so taxi is our option. Lady wants me to just be in one place for the summer and not move around. And she wants me out of this heat. She says I am worth it.

"See you later, Marley! Be a good boy! I love you! I miss you!" cries Lady as I travel off to summer camp.

I GOT MAIL FROM FLORIDA!

This post is over due, but my secretary has been out of the country. Now that she's back she is swamped getting us ready for summer events. 

 This one's from Hannah. Hannah asks, "what is your favorite food?" Meat. But Lady feeds me carrots and hummus. Thank you, Hannah!

 This is from eight year-old Emily, who asks: " Did you see any monkeys?" Not so many in my neighborhood, but occasionally. We had lots up in the mountains! I don't miss them. They try to steal my toys.

 This one is from Winter: She asks, "what is your favorite thing to do?" Well, that changes. I used to love to play tug of war, but now I just like to be scratched.

 Bridgett sent me this one and asked about Duke. Thanks, Bridgett! Duke is annoying!

 Duke makes it almost impossible to take care of "business." He tries to take my leash and play tug of war, or drag me around.

 He is so big now. He just walks over me.

 Thanks so much Aunty Marilyn and girls! We love mail.

SHOTS

Still on fat chow, still dribbling from down there, still low energy, but I manage to exhibit some enthusiasm for grilled cheese. Lady felt sorry for me. I had to get my annual shots at the vet's. I weighed in at 11.7 and the doc said "good boy!" Can I go off fat chow? No. Thyroid pills (which I take without complaint or spitting out)? No. Butt, I didn't bite you and I didn't cry! "Good boy, Marley. No." 
We've had lots of omnivore house guests staying here. Big ones. They shared pizza and chicken fried rice! 
Puppy Duke the street dog is still annoying. Can't a guy take care of business without having him wrap his paws around me and biting me in the face? Lady just got back but the suitcase is out again. She says I am going to a different summer camp this year, but not till June. I am going to Apple Country up in the mountains to stay with Pallu. It's cooler than Delhi.

DUKE'S DAD BIT ME

Duke is annoying. He loves me but he is annoying. He pulls on my leash. He walks over me. He clamps his paws around my head. He interrupts my private business. We had human teenagers in the house. The biggest one, Sean, went out with me to take care of business. Of course Duke came running. Lady was showing Sean all Duke's tricks. Duke's dad came over and just bit me in the head. I tried to bite back, but he is so much bigger. Lady scooped me up. She checked all over for holes but didn't find any blood on the cotton ball. But in the night, Lady touched my head and I cried loudly. Out came the betadine and I cried some more. My head was tender. So, back to the vet. Lady wanted to make sure I didn't have another UTI. I am dribbling. So she got the peepee jar and off we went. When I finally found a good spot, Lady had to practically stand on her head to get under my business and catch the peepee. Her should bag fell on her head. Her bottom was up in the air. My um, private part only has about an inch clearance so she really was standing on her head. I moved. Not good. Finally, Lady got enough collected. The guards were laughing at her. She closed the jar, zipped it up in a baggie, then to their horror, put it in her shoulder bag! They were just glaring at her. Off we went. I don't have a UTI, I only have one hole, and it is not deep at all. I cried when he cleaned it, but I am fine.
I'm off to Erin and Brooke's. Brooke is having a sleepover for her birthday, so I need to help entertain the little girls. Lady's off to Mumbai. Never a dull moment in India!
 

SAFE IN NORTH INDIA

You might have seen on the news about the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal today while you were sleeping in the US. Lady and I want you to know we are both safe. I am with Brooke and Erin in Delhi. Lady checked on me. Lady is in Calcutta, and felt the tremors there. She was up on the 10th floor! She felt the movement and thought something was wrong with her until her friend said her head was "spinning." Then Lady knew what it was. They quickly joined the other people heading down the stairs out of the building. They didn't know where the epicenter was for awhile. All over north India and in Bangladesh humans and animals felt the tremors, and the aftershocks. At this time, 918 humans have been counted dead in Nepal, 35 in India, and 1 in Bangladesh. Please join us in praying for the survivors and for the animals caught in this disaster. Pray for the relief workers. Thank you.

THE EASTER BEAGLE CAME!

We had a blessed Easter! Lady is thankful for a risen Savior! This batik is from China.

The Easter Beagle came! I got my favorites!! Hummus and carrots, chicken momos, and hard boiled eggs! Can ya believe it? Lady and I made the basket on the left, and on the right is the Easter Bucket I have had for many years.

 Lady helped me get a momo out to eat. Yum!!

Thanks, Easter Beagle! And thanks Erin and Brooke for the colorful hard boiled eggs!

 I love it when little humans come for sleepovers! They drop so much good stuff. Jubilee and Giovanni were no exception! Thy were waiting for a new baby brother to arrive, so they hung out with us.

I was quite busy cleaning up after them! They loved me and wanted to make sure I got some good stuff. So much for my diet.

PET'S DAY OUT at the SELECT CITYWALK MALL

I have been waiting for this day! Pet's Day out at the mall! Erin and Brooke went with us. First, we got to ride in an autorickshaw. I was good and kept my doggles on. 
Lady should have realized they'd start on Indian time. We were the first ones there! They had a big grassy park with shade for us to hang out in. I loved it. They even brought me water! I just love lying in the cool grass.

 Now Brooke is holding my friend Charlotte. She's an Indian Spitz. We stayed at the same timeshare family's home last year. She did a better job of keeping her muzzle on. Not me!

 We enjoyed just being in the shade and watching the pups go by.

 This is Moriah, Charlotte's human sister. Erin, Brooke and I hung out with them a lot today.

 I love the grass, but I love frozen yogurt more -just a little. High today was 97.

 I was officially welcomed with a bag of goodies!

 Thank you, Select Citywalk event planners! You did a great job today! 

 Brooke was our photographer most of the day. We checked out the many stalls with lots of good stuff! Lady liked these journals.

 Doggie Dabbas served me a delicious chicken liver carob frozen yogurt. Lady and the girls ate from the booth on the right. I wondered why she wouldn't share her paneer sandwich, and then my yogurt arrived! A really nice guy held me in the shade until Lady got all the food. Everyone was so nice and helpful. 

 I only ate half and Lady brought the rest home for me.

They even do home delivery! I got their number.

 They asked me to sign the wall!

This was the bad thingy that grabbed my toenails. I cried. A nice guy from K-9 dog trainers came to Lady's rescue and helped get me out and calm me down. Charlotte got her nails stuck, too. Perhaps the Citywalk folks should have covered these grates with mats. I cried one other time when Lady put me down on the red carpet and it was too hot for my tootsies.

 After being knocked out of musical chairs, a very tall very nice dude helps Brooke cool Charlotte off. We're still in and we win! That tall dude was nice and helpful all day.

These are the cool prizes I won in musical chairs! Lady got a journal after all, and it has a weenie dog on it!

 This is Star, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. This dude is huge! But guess what? He got in my face and I scared him off. Lady said I was rude.

 Erin eating lunch.

 Charlotte is pooped!

 A little dude!

 That is one long tongue! Lots of pups trying to keep cool. They had water stations, and fans blowing mist all over the place!

 The last even we pawticipated in was the cookie decorating contest. The human decorates and the dog eats!

 Charlotte's bigger human sister is decorating one for Charlotte.

 I wait with anticipation.

 Bruno waits, too. His human won!

 The finished products.

Thanks, Erin, for decorating my cookie in the contest! You did a great job. Thanks to the barkery that supplied the cookies. Mine was delicious. I was too full to eat it until I got home. Lady let me have some toes. 
I am one pooped pup. But I am also a grateful happy pup.