Who is a rock star and has 3 paws...THIS dog

Guess whose little black schnoodle face is going to be a topic of conversation at an oncology presentation focusing on OS in dogs. You guessed it, Arlie. "M" emailed me and asked if he could talk about Arlie and show some pics of the process. Naturally, I said of course and proceeded to send him about a billion photos of Arlie. Greg was ready to have "M" borrow Arlie for the day to prance him in front of all the docs to show off his awesomeness. I told Greg that we couldn't do that because Arlie is having his 4th round of chemo the day before the presentation (as if THAT is the only reason he can't be there). We really are THOSE fur parents.

No news on his bloodwork so I'm assuming that no news is good news.

Yesterday, Arlie threw up for the first time since starting chemo. I really don't think it has anything to do with his condition because he tends to throw up on an empty stomach. He doesn't always eat his breakfast or dinner when we give it to him because he follows us around the house instead worried we are leaving. When he throws up (when not eating) it's bile and that is how he has always been (since he's a puppy). He probably does it 1x a month and I've talked to the vets about it in the past and they don't seem concerned. Anywho, I have a point to this story. Yesterday he came up to me and was licking his lips and I said, "Arlie, did you just throw up?" He looks at the door and I let him out and he runs out and then throws up in the yard. I mean...COME ON....whose dog asks to be let out to be sick??? Anyone??? Anyone? I know he's MY dog but really, can there BE a smarter dog???? I think not!!!!!!!!!!

Lastly, tonight I'm taking video at how good we are getting with taking our medicine. We have it down to a science. You won't believe it. In fact, watch closely as if you blink you might miss it.

Bloodwork again tomorrow

Tomorrow we go in for Arlie's weekly blood work up. It's usually 2 weeks post chemo that we see a little drop in his WBCs. As soon as I hear, I'll make sure to keep you posted.

We've moved and Arlie has a new girlfriend

We are up to our ears (and tails) in boxes. Greg and I have manged to unpack most of them but we are still in the process of getting settled into our new house. Hence, the lack of blog postings.

The good news, I have taken some time aside to blog about our wonder pup! Arlie is doing very well and his third round of chemo was a breeze. He hasn't had any side effects and is handling the chemicals so well. We are giving him the anti nausea meds and appetite stimulant just in case for 5 days post chemo and that seems to be doing the trick. I guess it's a benefit of having such a drug sensitive dog that these meds are doing the trick!

Now, onto Arlie's love life. Our new neighbor has a beautiful golden retriever named Bella. Arlie has taken to his new blonde girl and she obviously prefers her men tall dark and handsome as she loves playing with him! They have annual romps in the backyard and any ladylike behavior that has been instilled in Bella is out the window as she is a wild woman around the schnoodle. He isn't bothered by it and apparantly, likes to be chased by the girls! He also made friends with a lab named Pepper. Arlie loves his new neighborhood! So many new friends!

Oh, Arlie's bloodwork is still coming up strong! Atta boy!

Next, I'll try to get pics of Arlie and Bella on a "date". More to come!

Have a cookie Arlie!!!!!!

Three treatments in.

Xray done.

NO METASTASES!!!!

WAY TO GO ARLIE BARLEY!!!!!!!

I picked him up for the Hope Center today all excited and armed with treats. Imagine this scene with a three legged dog and without all the slobber. Oh, and obviously Arlie doesn't go for my jugular as the scene below. He ends up walking the techs over to me when they "release the hound".

Unfortunately Arlie's white blood cells are still on the lower side so we cant up the dose of chemo ("M" had reduced the last dose due to Arlie being so drug sensitive). Time for the meds again. I'm going to get it on video at how Arlie and I have the pills down to a science.

Tomorrow we get answers

I know I've been MIA for sometime. We are getting ready to move this coming Monday and I've been so busy packing up the house and getting the new house ready that I am too tired at night to blog. So sorry.

Update:

Tomorrow (Friday) Arlie goes in for his 3rd chemo treatment. Before he gets the meds, however, "M" is giving him another xray to check the lungs. I'm freaking out. I don't even want this xray. I'd rather stay blissfully ignorant and assume the chemo is doing its job and Arlie is just fine. Unfortunately, Greg is traveling for work tomorrow and will be hard to get a hold of so when "M" calls with good news or bad news, I can't talk to Arlie's Daddy.

"M" seems to think that everything will be just fine and I sure hope he's right. I'll make sure to post something as soon as I hear.

Love and paws,
Andrea

Spoiled schnoodle

We are in the process of a move so there are boxes everywhere. Arlie's bed has even been moved to the new house! It's kind of funny that he has a bed considering he sleeps on our bed and when he's in the family room he's on our couch. The other day I was on the phone in our living room. We have recently furnished this room and said there would not be any doggies (or kiddies) on the furniture. I turned around and look who had jumped up on our living room chairs. He's a rule breaker! It's funny how a diagnosis of osteosarcoma lets you get away with so much. We let him relax on there.

Daddy and Arlie wrestling with his duckie.

Yesterday I wish I had my camera out and recording. I opened the door to let Arlie and the kids out to play and Arlie took off after a squirrel!!! He was running like he did when he had 4 legs! I was rooting for the schnoo but the squirrel climbed the tree which frustrated Arlie to no end.

M called today. Arlie's white blood cell count is looking good. He gets another round of bloodwork on Fri.

On another note, the blog is now being viewed in the Philippines and Australia!!! So cool!!! Arlie says, "Woof!"

Snow vs. the schnoo

Someone loves eating snow

Schnoodle tush in the air playing with his ball

"Lady, put down the camera and throw the freaking ball already"

Came out of the shower and look who had taken my spot on the bed. He looks quite comfy with his Daddy!

Bloodwork is again tomorrow. Come on white blood cells. Don't fail us now!!!!!