[MomofCash]

July 9, 2007


Also, Winslow has a new routine for the toys. He is currently removing one leg from the stuffed animals. He's never been destructive. Never torn them up. Now, it's just one leg. We have a tripod lambie and a tripod elephant. What do you suppose he's thinking? (We have a one eyed pig, but I don't think that was his fault). He has a lot of animals. I want to see if it's a trend.
This is one for an animal communicator. Don't you agree?

Glad you're home.

Back to the madness.

Glynis




July 11, 2007

Good Morning Diane,

Today, we swim.

I'm taking my camera. IF Roger is available, one of us will make a movie of Winslow swimming. IF that happens, I'll try to get it onto youtube. IF I manage to do that, you may have a movie for Winslow's thread. IF I manage to figure it out, it could be fun, or a worthless DUD. But, I think it's worth a try.

IF it doesn't work for you, Craig will enjoy it. He's in NY this week and homesick for his boy.
He calls a couple of times a day to either ask about him or speak to him. Before Winslow, he didn't call very often. It's obvious that Winslow enjoys the phone calls. He snots all over the phone. Craig has always called, even before Winslow got sick.

If I wasn't the same way about the boy, I might be jealous, but I think it's great. He's just as much in love as I am. That's a good thing, especially now.

When we got Winslow, Craig was in NY all week and home on weekends. I took care of Winslow during the week and then Craig took over totally when he got home so Winslow wouldn't get too attached to just me. It worked.

Now, Craig works from home and when he goes away, we have one day of depression. Winslow has to go down to the office and sniff Craig's chair. He whines at it for a minute and I tell him it's ok. Then he's fine. When I go away, nothing. I think they drink beer and watch football. He doesn't miss me. When I call, he doesn't even show any interest. Go figure.

When we went to the regular vet she asked about how Craig was with Winslow's illness. I told her he was devastated but handling it well now. He's been as much a part of the recovery as I have. She said it's amazing the number of spouses that don't want to pay for treatments. She says it causes a lot of problems when a pet is sick because one or the other doesn't want to deal with it. I can see that, I guess, but to us that would be grounds for divorce. It would be horrible.

The only time we have disagreed on something for Winslow is when I wanted to buy him a vet scale. Craig said that I could weigh him every week at the pool and obsessing probably wasn't a good idea. Ok, he knows me. No scale. On the other hand, this is a guy that didn't even flinch at the king size bed in the dining room, so we can all sleep together. Yep, he's a keeper.

I'll let you know about the video later today.

Glynis





We are back home after a good swim and shower. The videos were harder than I expected. Winslow is used to having me go with him. He couldn't figure out why I was still behind him, but he went anyway. The quality isn't that good, but here they are.

Turn down your volume- I get a little excited. The second one is better.

Winslow Swim #1


Winslow Swim #2

That made me cry ....

Winslow seems like such a love and the love for him, well .... I just can't put how I feel into words. I've so enjoyed reading this.

[Burpdog]

July 12, 2007

Glynis,

How long do the swimming sessions last?

Diane


The swim session is about 30 minutes. He gets a couple of breaks and a potty break in the middle. He gets enough swimming in that time. Then a shower afterward.

Here are some photos of Winslow, watching himself swim on the computer. Of course he wanted to see the video!

[Ohiogreymom]

Winslow is so adorable!

[krissn333]

This is the first time I've actually had time to read everything in Winslow's diary...i can tell you I'll be tuning in whenever something new is added from now on. What an inspirational and heartwarming story. I had tears in my eyes watching his swimming videos. I can only hope and pray that if osteo ever strikes against any of my babies that I will have the strength to give them what they need as Glynis and Craig have for Winslow.

He is so HANDSOME! (I am a sucker for white & brindle )

[Burpdog]

July 25, 2007

Hi Diane,

I'm not sure if I gave you the update on Winslow's complete thyroid panel,
but it was normal. I'm glad we didn't get too excited and start
medication. The vet said everything else is normal and he's not having
symptoms so they don't know why this particular test is low, but nobody is
worried about it any more.

Winslow has gained one pound this week, so he's regained most of the weight
he lost at the beginning of the summer. I want him to gain only one more
pound and I will be very happy with his weight. Not too skinny, but still
light enough that he's not carrying an extra load up and down the stairs.
His race weight was 78. When he got sick, it was 83. It dropped during and
right after the chemo to 71. Without the leg, 75 seems to be a good weight
for him. He gets around easily but doesn't look too thin. Right now, he's
at 74. I don't want him too heavy because he gets hot during the summer and
extra weight can't be good for that.

Winslow has a #3 heart murmur so extra weight isn't good. He had two heart
ultrasounds during the chemo and the cardiologist said that swimming would
be excellent for his heart. My regular vet said give him co-enzyme q10,
which we started after the chemo (it's antioxidant and should not be given
during chemo).

SOUND THE HORNS! Winslow swam his usual 2 single laps and today HE SWAM 10
DOUBLE LAPS! He was happy to do it and did all the turns perfectly on
command! It's about the only thing he does on command. He knows "stay" and
now "turn". The rest is just conversation, which he understands perfectly
and then does whatever he pleases. Oh well.

It's still hot here, but Winslow isn't as hot as he was. I think the chemo
is finally getting out of his system, but he's still doing the night
shift. He's still sleeping ON me as well. This boy would have growled and
snapped at me for sleeping like this before he got sick. As soon as he
came home from the hospital, he started doing this. You would think with
his heat issues, he wouldn't want to be so close. But no. If I dare to
sleep on the sofa, he gets up and puts his nose right in my face and whines!

Overall, I continue to see improvement in Winslow's attitude, behavior,
playfulness and self confidence. Although some of his old habits have
changed a bit, he's pretty much back to his old self.

His next oncology check up is in OCTOBER!! Hooray!

Glynis

[Burpdog]

Winslow has agreed to donate a painting for the Greyhound Angel Network in October

Winslow is swimming still once a week and going for walks -- doing well! The following is such a good idea for toys and a reminder of how well they train us

I'm off next Saturday for my annual painting workshop. Winslow will be running the show here and taking care of Craig. In January, I didn't think I would be able to do this trip. It's the first time I've been away from Winslow for more than a few hours since he got sick. He's doing so well that I don't have a problem with it. I need the time away, just to recharge a bit. I'm sure he'll take good care of Craig and be more spoiled than he is now when I get back.

Speaking of SPOILAGE: When Winslow got sick, everyone who visited brought toys or treats. Now, any time anyone comes to the door, they are expected to have a toy. Winslow does not give up until they give him something. He loves unwrapping packages, so it has to be wrapped or in a paper bag.

He has so many stuffies that we recycle. I've told everyone to stop bringing toys because we have hundreds. Now, I wash them and keep them in a bag downstairs. Whenever anyone is coming over, I put one in a paper bag and put it on the porch. Everyone is happy. Especially Winslow.

The other bad habit he has developed is purses and pockets. My friend Cheryll brings Jumbo Greenies in her purse. She allows Winslow to go in and get them. Oh boy, NOW look what we've done!

I do have other friends who don't appreciate their personal items being rooted through by a big drippy nose. They feel a little wierd about reaching into the purse and pulling up something covered with slobbery goo. Can you believe that I actually have friends that DON'T LOVE DOG SNOT? Those purses are immediately hidden in the closet.

Not to be outdone, one of my other friends has decided that Winslow can get a treat out of her pocket. Oh,yes, he can do it. Now, she HAS to bring treats because he searches her pockets incessantly whenever she comes over. He's very adamant about it, nearly knocking her down. So far he doesn't do it to anyone else, but I'm sure that's next.

I don't think I'll be taking Winslow back to NYC. He'll be snatching purses and picking pockets! I'll be IN JAIL!

Did someone say obedience training? Looks like he's done a pretty good job. He has all of us trained to do exactly what he wants!

So, I'll go off to paint, undisrupted for a week. I'll try not to worry about Craig and Winslow. I'll call every day but I'll have a good time and learn so much. When I come home, I'm sure Winslow will have arranged other hoops for me to jump through and he will have taught Craig another stupid human trick or two. He will get great pleasure from seeing how smart his people are that he can teach us these things. All will be normal.

Glynis




I had to laugh when I received the following from Glynis:

July 29, 2007

You know, Diane, when I read some of the things I have written to you, it probably sounds like I'm really nuts. Or a liar. But, I'm neither. Looking back on things, there was a time that we were somewhat normal. Those were the days before Winslow.

He's always been spoiled. Since he's the only dog, we have always done things to keep his mind active and keep him entertained. Until he got sick, we took him for long walks in parks and to other cities so he could see some of the country. We went any place that would let him in. When we were home and Winslow seemed bored we did other stuff. We bought toys that require thought and he started painting. He was happy and got very communicative. Although he slept quite a bit, he seemed to be active enough. We fenced the backyard and he ran laps. We took him to dog parks and fun runs.

After Winslow got sick, everything revolved around getting well. Helping him adapt, figuring out what was best for him. Adjusting every single thing in our lives so that he could go back to being happy, healthy and full of life. We all had to learn a different way of doing things. We go for rides in the car instead of long walks. He swims instead of running. We sleep in the dining room. Winslow still paints and we still go on trips. We just have to think about things more carefully. In learning these things, new habits developed. His and ours. Some are quirky and strange, but they are humorous and harmless as well. The best thing about the changes is the requirement of a stress free environment. We were told by the vet when Winslow first got sick that he was to have NO stress. There is no stress here.

Our house isn't normal, I admit. But it's a good loving home and everyone knows it. Our friends have rallied around us and Winslow. People who come to visit have no problem reclining on the king sized bed in our dining room and spending some face time with him. Our neighbor brought her new boyfriend over to meet us yesterday. The first thing I knew, there he was, stretched out with Winslow. We think he's a good guy. Another of our friends asked for a key to our house because he came by when we weren't home and Winslow just stood at the window staring at him. If he could have come in, he would have spent some time. Of course, we gave him a key. He's one of Winslow's favorite humans.

We may seem really strange, in print. But we're really pretty average. People don't shy away from us or regard us as the neighborhood wierdos. Most of them have seen Winslow's paintings and they all know the ropes with the toy on the front porch. They visit more now than they ever did before. I think they like the stress free environment, too. It may be different here, but hey, different is good.

When you come to visit, you will see how really average we are. The furniture is kind of mixed up, the decor is a mess and there's always a paper bag on the porch. A bit odd, well maybe, but we're friendly and it's stress free.

Glynis


I replied: "no, you sound perfectly normal to me!" Of course, this comes from me who has slept on the couch for years so I can get the seniors out the back door in the middle of the night when they have to go....... But, I know a bunch of nutty greyhound owners....many who have made lots of sacrafices for their "kids" and have done things that Winslow's owners have done and suffered scorn from family and friends -- some may even be reading this Glynis puts into words so well what many of us feel and have experienced. I am grateful she has allowed me to share.....

This post has been edited by Burpdog: 31 July 2007 - 02:40 PM

[queenwinniesmom]

Hi Winslow, this is Queen Winnie's Mom. I just wanted to share with your many fans, the sweetest note I got from your Mom. When I posted on Circle of Grey a few weeks ago that Winnie just celebrated the 3 year anniversary of her amputation, your Mom told me that Winnie had been an inspiration after your diagnosis, and throughout your treatment. I can't tell you how great that made me feel to know that Winnie's grace and courage had brought hope and comfort to another family when they were dealing with the Monster. Yes, Winnie has made it 3 years after her osteo diagnosis, and we just came back from Grapehounds, where we had a wonderful time. I had bid on your Mom's exquisite painting Oatlands, but while we were away, the auction closed. I know Hope For Hounds is going to be sending a lot of money to Dr. Couto. At Grapehounds, Winnie got to meet Janet, who does all that wonderful work. She made Winnie a beautiful necklace of pearls and pink stones, and took her picture. What an honor it was to meet her, and Winnie will wear her necklace proudly. We hope someday to meet you and your Mom and Miss Diane, to thank them for being an inspiration to so many others.
Nancy
P.S. Winnie does paintings too! But she does them with her front paw. She used to paint more, but since the amputation, she's decided she's not so enamoured of the creative process! But she will paint little paintings for a good cause. Like Winslow, she'd like to help raise money so other Greyhounds can live longer, healthier lives.

[Aerosmom]

July 12, 2007


Here are some photos of Winslow, watching himself swim on the computer. Of course he wanted to see the video!

I love these photos! The second one didn't show up until I scrolled down. What a personality. I'm rooting for Winslow and his family. And at least to the people on GT, you are not weird at all -- we understand the depth of your devotion to Winslow. He's a lucky boy. Thanks for sharing!

Edited to add: Is there any way to post a picture of Winslow the artist at work? Or a picture of his work?

This post has been edited by Aerosmom: 31 July 2007 - 04:05 PM

[Burpdog]

See post #37

[krissn333]

Diane I am thankful that Glynis gives her permission for you to share with us too - I don't think they're odd at all! We do everything we can for our pups because they are part of the family. A family with a sick skin kid would move their bedroom to the dining room if it was called for, why not do it for a fur kid too?

Winslow sounds delightful and the toy in the bag on the porch story just cracked me up! He's really got them trained, doesn't he?

[TinyMityMo]

<snip> We hope someday to meet you and your Mom and Miss Diane, to thank them for being an inspiration to so many others.
Nancy

Hey Nancy - you aren't that far away from us here in MD. In early September Diane is flying in from Houston to stay for the weekend with Winslow and family and will be vending at our Greyhound Welfare picnic. Everyone is welcome to attend the picnic with their greys regardless of where they adopted them from. Clicky for more info. It would be great to see you there!

[Burpdog]

August 15, 2007

CALL JENNY CRAIG! I took Winslow swimming this morning and just as I suspected.. a whopping 78.4 lbs.!!! I thought he looked a little heavier when I got back. Craig said he was really energetic all week and not too hot. Totally unexplainable. It's been very hot here- record highs.

Yesterday, he was all over the neighborhood and went on more walks than just necessity. Socializing and visiting with all the neighbors. Today, he swam 12 double laps and 2 singles, all without complaint. He usually gets tired around lap 9 and I have to really encourage him to do the last one. He's been playing with his toys more and not really begging for food. For the last few days, we have been decreasing the food just a little bit and he's been getting more exercise. Hopefully we can stablilze and perhaps lose a few just with the extra walks. I really do believe this has to do with the chemo getting out of his system.

Have you ever heard of dogs eating peaches? Winslow is suddenly interested in peaches and nectarines. I cave him a really tiny piece and he loves it! Are they bad for dogs? I know about the seeds, but I wonder if a small bit of it is ok. He has always loved brocolli, but peaches?

Glynis


Me, thinking about decreasing food and I received this today:

August 17, 2007

Hi Diane,

I was eating breakfast this morning. Eggs. I wasn't at the table, but sitting on a chair in the kitchen. Winslow, who never, ever, steals food, walked right up to the plate on my lap and just stuck his tongue in it. He's like an anteater. Just shot the old tongue out there and back. Didn't try to grab anything, but just put enough slobber on the plate that I really didn't want to eat it. Then, he just stood there looking at me. I could hear it loud and clear, "You gonna eat that?" Of course, I gave it to him. He ate the remaining egg and did a dance afterward. I know I heard him laughing.

Have a good day.

Glynis

[Aerosmom]

Winslow

[turbotaina]

I was eating breakfast this morning. Eggs. I wasn't at the table, but sitting on a chair in the kitchen. Winslow, who never, ever, steals food, walked right up to the plate on my lap and just stuck his tongue in it. He's like an anteater. Just shot the old tongue out there and back. Didn't try to grab anything, but just put enough slobber on the plate that I really didn't want to eat it. Then, he just stood there looking at me. I could hear it loud and clear, "You gonna eat that?" Of course, I gave it to him. He ate the remaining egg and did a dance afterward. I know I heard him laughing.

[NeylasMom]

Hi Diane,

I was eating breakfast this morning. Eggs. I wasn't at the table, but sitting on a chair in the kitchen. Winslow, who never, ever, steals food, walked right up to the plate on my lap and just stuck his tongue in it. He's like an anteater. Just shot the old tongue out there and back. Didn't try to grab anything, but just put enough slobber on the plate that I really didn't want to eat it. Then, he just stood there looking at me. I could hear it loud and clear, "You gonna eat that?" Of course, I gave it to him. He ate the remaining egg and did a dance afterward. I know I heard him laughing.

Have a good day.

Glynis

Just when you think it can't get funnier! I SO look forward to these posts. I hope someday Winslow's "diary" can be published, maybe in CG or maybe on it's own, with photos of course.

[Burpdog]

Hi Diane,

I was looking at some old photos of Winslow and it became obvious why he is
so hot. The chemo must have done something to make him grow all of this
hair. It's truly amazing. Look at the before and after. His hair is
growing longer and he's not shedding. He's so very soft and FLUFFY! Yikes!
he's going Borzoi !

Glynis

[turbotaina]

He DOES have more hair than before!

[NeylasMom]

He DOES have more hair than before!

No kidding, that is wild! I thought chemo made you lose your hair!

[greylyn]

He looks great!