Paisley's bucket list

Paisley has been on a diet again, not eating her kibble, and Richie and Christine have been trying to get her to eat anything. What she doesn't eat, I of course help myself to. She's also been to the vet a number of times, and most recently, came back with a shaved tummy again! Turns out she had something called an "ultrasound" - all I know is now she's getting a bunch more attention and has to swallow a bunch of those little white things called "pills".

Apparently we are working her way through her bucket list - the list of things that she wants to do before she "kicks the bucket", so to speak (we're not able to kick like you humans). Paisley doesn't have the energy (or opposable thumbs) to jot these down, so here's what I think is on her list (not all-inclusive):

• Play "defense" with another dog playing fetch
• Have a nap in the basement with Richie
• Roll around in the freshly cut grass
• Chase real bunny rabbits
• Eat some raw top sirloin steak
• Sit on the front lawn and watch people go by
• Go for a car-ride
• Choose my own treat at Three Dog Bakery
• Drink out of the rainwater bucket
• Stick my nose out the window of the car
• Win a tug-o-war against Mischa (like that is going to happen)
• Frolic on the tidal sandbars 
• Go for a swim with Mischa
• Have a Fudgsicle

More to come, so stay tuned over the next couple of weeks.

Mischa

Editor's Note: Paisley's cancer has returned in her liver. While she's not in a lot of pain, she's certainly not feeling great, which affects her appetite. We've got her on Prednisone, and the vet said, "give her anything she wants". So Paisley has been enjoying a diet of hot dogs, chicken, cheese, and cookie treats.

Spring has sprung!

You can kind of tell that things are different around here. We're no longer going for our daily walks in the pouring rain, Richie and Christine seem happier, and we're spending much more time outdoors!

Here's Paisley out enjoying some spring sunshine with her froggy that we got when we were up in Kamloops. This is one of her favourite spots in the backyard - she always likes to have something to lean on!

There's me the other day while we waited on the front lawn for Christine to come home. That's Fraser running around behind me, and one of the neighbours from down the street with her small human. They wanted to stop and pet me - I was happy to oblige them!

Mischa

Easter in Kamloops

This last weekend, we got into the Rover and went to the place where Christine works. Paisley and I ran around the halls, and greeted everyone we could find! After our brief visit, we got back into the Rover and spent a long time driving to Kamloops!

It was quiet the first night, but the next day, Richie's brother arrived with Sue, Justin and Chelsey! I like to have lots of people around, but I think Paisley prefers it when things are a little bit less hectic. Anyhow, it was still lots of fun, lazing about having "cuddle time".

One day, we went down to a place with a HUGE sand bar, and we ran and ran and ran! It was like the times we had been to the beach in Vancouver and Point Roberts, but this time, the water was drinkable! The sand was really soft and clean, and it felt nice between our pads of our paws.

On our way back home, we stopped high up in the mountains and got out to play in the sun and snow! This was different than being up in Whistler where we had to jump around in the deep powder, as the base of the snow was firm, and so Richie took off running, and we gave chase!

I guess this is the last of the snow till next winter - bring on spring!

Mischa

Whistler again!

We went to the place known as Whistler again this past weekend. This time, we arrived at a new location where we met up with Richie's other brother Daryl, Rita and their little sheltie, Harley. We were in Whistler last summer, but this time, there was lots of snow there! We love snow, and can lie in it for long periods of time. Just outside the back door to our place was a steep hill with lots of snow that Paisley and I would hop around in - it was so deep that we couldn't run around normally - whew - it was tiring! Little Harley isn't tall enough to play in the deep snow with us either.

When we got back inside, Paisley and I loved running up and down the hallway - something that Richie didn't like us doing for some reason. Anyhow, we got so tired that we would sleep when the humans would go into the village to eat. We also went on long walks into the village, and we met lots of people that wanted to pet and hug us!

There was a nice long section of our walk back from the village where there was lots of snow again, and Paisley and I would tromp around, eating snow (not the yellow stuff) and having a grand old time. We tried to play chase, but again the snow was too deep and thick, that it only lasted for a minute until we were pooped out!

We like going to Whistler - it was even that much more fun with lots of snow!

Mischa

Paisley went on a diet

For the past few weeks or so, Paisley hasn't been eating as much as she normally does. I mean, she typically wolfs down her food so fast, I've barely touched the surface of my food! This had Christine and Richie really worried, so they were making her all sorts of special dinners - eggs, bacon, chicken burgers, rice medley, pasta n' cheese, you name it. Sometimes she would eat a few bites, but what she didn't eat, I would happily finish off! Because she wasn't eating well, we both got to sleep upstairs the whole time - I of course, would stake out a spot on the bed!

During this time, Paisley went for many trips to the vet, and on one particular visit, she stayed there the whole day! When she came home, I wanted to play, but she didn't, as she could barely stand up. Christine and Richie carried her into the house, and she lied down where they put her (in her spot) and she didn't move for hours!

She stayed downstairs the whole evening and into the night. Richie stayed down there with her, and apparently she was not feeling well. The next day, she was up and about, but she smelled funny, and had a big patch of her tummy fur shaved off. I didn't like it, so I kept my distance.

Then Richie put on the cone of shame... I've had to wear that damned thing a couple of times - it's not much fun, as you end up bumping into everything with it! It didn't last long however, as Paisley had no interest in licking her tummy - I think she was too sore to do anything.

But after a week, Paisley has started eating normally again, and really is getting back to her old self. I'm not getting any more special meal leftovers anymore, but I really happy that Paisley is healing up and happy again!

Mischa

Editor's note: Paisley had an 8 cm growth in her spleen that was removed last Monday. It turned out to be a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma - not a good thing. We'll cross our fingers that the cancer doesn't come back too quickly, but for now, Paisley is happy and eating well!

A stormy weekend in Point Roberts

We went down to Point Roberts again this weekend, but it was really stormy down there. Of course, Paisley and I don't really care, and to be quite honest, we prefer it cool out.

We went to the beach in the morning, but it was so windy, that we didn't dare go into the ocean. I did go a little "crazy puppy" however, as the beach was clear of seaweed and was just the right texture between our paws for tearing around on.

But with the yucky weather, we are spending a lot of time inside. Paisley of course, felt like she belonged on the couch with Christine.

I hope it gets warmer outside soon, so we can spend more time outdoors with our humans.

Mischa

What a comfy spot...

I have frequently (I mean frequently!) seen Richie napping on the couch downstairs, so the other day, I thought I would give it a try myself. Now I know why he spends so much time down here - nap-time bliss!