Ginger

Hello, my friends! Not much new to report, but we wanted to tell you all that today is my 21 month ampuversary!! We all feel so blessed to be closing in on 2 years. Other than that, I have been busy playing in the snow. Illinois winters are bad but believe it or not, I like snow! I have been rolling on my back and making snow angels in honor of my friends that have crossed the bridge recently. Daddy says I must be part Husky – but I could have sworn I heard my pawrents say I was a purebred Golden. Sometimes I don’t hear things right. Anyway, I hope everyone else is doing well in this new year.

-AGGLP

Hey everypawdy!  Let me first apologize for not updating everybody for so long.  It is just that there hasn’t been much to report.  Plus, between my Mommy’s surgeries and getting back to work (she is doing great, by the way.  No headaches!!) and my Daddy’s campaigning all over Central Illinois, we haven’t had a lot of time.  But that is no excuse.

Anyway, today is my 20 month Ampuversary.  Additionally, I had my last cancer checkup a couple weeks ago – and guess what!  No sign of cancer anywhere at all in this Golden Girl’s body.  My blood tests were perfect too!!!  My pawrents and I are so happy that I seem to have beaten that stupid old cancer.  I must say though that my pawrents were hesitant to post my good news – especially coming on the heels of so many good dogs that have crossed the bridge.  The loss of my best boy Tate and my long lost Illini sister ET Gayle, not to mention our Fearless Leader Cooper and so many others has caused us much heart ache. But I told my pawrents that I wanted to share my good news with my good friends so that everyone knows that there is hope and sometimes things work out well. My next goal is to to make it to next summer (OK – at least summer of 2013) so that I can play on the beach in Chicago again.

Here was Tate, little Trouper, Isabelle, Holly Jolly and me last May.  A great time was had by all!!!

Anyway, I hope all of you are doing well.  If I don’t see or talk to any of you, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Hoppy New Year.

Attorney General Ginger Legal Pants

Well, that silly Mommy is at it again. I think she is trying to win some crazy surgery contest. I don’t want any more of my body parts taken, so I guess I will let her win.

Mommy is having head surgery again – on Friday, April 22. Daddy said we can’t call it brain surgery since it really isn’t this time. The headaches are back and therefore Mommy is having the occipital nerve in her head cut. She will have it cut in 2 places, just right and left of center. Above where the skull was removed in November of 2010.

The surgeon said she had 2 things going on. The brain malformation (chiari syndrome) and the nerve damage. Since nerve blocks and medications are no longer relieving her pain, this is the only option.

I think it sounds scary but Mommy says it will be less invasion than the last surgery. Mommy’s sister, who is a nurse, will be with her at the hospital. Daddy will pick her up in the afternoon and bring her home, so I can help take care of her.

I see a lot of naps in our future.
Nurse Ginger

Since I am your Attorney General Ginger Legal Pants, as appointed by our Fearless Leader Sooper Clown Cooper, I proclaim this day, April 15, to be Ginger Day!!  I don’t know if I have the power to do so, but I’m not one to be shy, so I say I do.

Why the celebration you may ask??  Well my fellow tripawds, tripawd lovers – and even freaky eared monkey butlers, today is my 1 YEAR AMPUVERSARY!!!!  I have been cancer free for 1 whole year.  That is 365 days. 52 weeks. 8760 hours… You get the idea.

As most everyone knows, dealing with the diagnosis of cancer, the decision to amputate, the actual surgery, chemo and the aftermath of everything, can be daunting and scary.  In light of all that we have been through in the past year, we have remained a happy little family of three, living each day to the fullest.

 Here are some of our most favorite moments from the past year.  Treats for everyone, even those monkey-dogs.  The AMBF fight can continue tomorrow.

We haven’t posted in a long time because between the holidays and recovery time, we haven’t had much spare time. But that doesn’t mean that we haven’t been checking the website and keeping up with all of you.

First, the Good.  Mommy is healing up really well from her second surgery she had on Dec. 10.  There were signs of an infection starting so the doctor went back in, washed everything out and sewed her back up.  She is even going back to work this week.  I have mixed feelings about it all.  I will miss her as my great napping partner.  But there are times when a dog just needs alone time and wants to do things without their pawrents’ knowledge.  So how does that saying go - when the pawrents are away, the Tripawds will play!!

Second, the other Good.  I had my 3 month check up last week.  The x-rays showed no signs of lung mets and all my liver bloodwork came back perfect.  We had to wait awhile for the results, which made Mommy very nervous but it was just because they were really busy.  It didn’t bother me because that meant I was able to work the waiting room and demand attention from everyone.  I was the only tripawd there so everyone was talking about me - as if they needed a reason!  Bazinga!! 

I have to give a special shout out to Dr. Greene and it is not just because she keeps a check on me through my blog.  Dr. Greene and her staff always treat me so well, take good care of me and shower me with love and cookies.  And just so you all know, my weight was under the “Chunky Monkey” threshold of 70 pounds.  Ok, I weighed 69.5 but under 70 is under 70 :)

Now on to the Guilty.   Even though 2010 has sucked – and I mean really sucked – we still feel blessed.  I was diagnosed with cancer, had to have an amputation, get chemo, blah,blah, blah, and then Mommy had to have 2 brain surgeries.  It has not been a banner year for the Gabors here in Pontiac.

Even through all of that, we are still feeling guilty.  Mommy’s headaches seem to be fixed, which is a relief for everyone since she has been suffering with unbelievable pain for 10 years.  And I am thriving as the 3 legged princess that I am.  So why the feeling of guilt?  Because even through our struggles, we still feel  lucky that this family is healthy, happy and together.  Why have we, meaning me and Mommy, been so lucky and others haven’t?  We are so saddened that our friends are suffering.  The losses of Little James, Miss Mack and Fortis, just to name a few, have hit us hard and we are grieving along with all of you for all  those great friends that have crossed over recently and in the past year.

A special note to Brett and Pattie:  In your most recent post, you said “Fortis was our life.”  Brian and I feel the exact same about Ginger and imagine the heartache you are feeling.  Ginger makes our life happier and better with her antics, as I am sure Fortis did for you.

Throughout the past several months, we have had many members of the Tripawd community think of us and send along some special items.  We want to thank ET Gayle and Charon for the juju socks, the juju ball and of course the Christmas star ornament.  The star never made it on the tree, as I took it as my own and refused to share.  Comet’s Grandma Kay sent a Illini orange quilt for me, to help keep me comforted while Mommy and Daddy were away at the hospital.  It kept me warm and safe until Mommy returned home and then I shared my blanket with her.  Eventually, I will upload pics of all the nice presents (I need help with that).  And of course, all the warm and healing thoughts that you all sent our way.  Anyway, I hope that 2011 is a better year than 2010, and I am sending all of my Tripawd friends a big, sloppy, Golden kiss.

XOXO,

Ginger

Even though we have never met any of you in person, we think of you all as close friends, even family. So, I decided to share my news with you. Plus, Comet said she would squeal if I didn’t!

I am having brain surgery on Nov. 1. I have been suffering with horrible headaches for 10 years, with little to no relief. I tried everything from meds to injections into my skull and saw more doctors than I can count.

Well, I guess I finally saw the right doctor about a month ago. He said I have Chiari Malformation. Basically, my brain is too big for my skull. So on Nov. 1, my doctor will go in and remove a portion of my skull so my brain has more room to “breathe.”

I’ll be in the hospital for a few days and then at home recovering for about a month.

Ginger and Brian will be in charge of keeping you and blog updated. I take no responsibility to what they write since they will be without “adult” supervision.

Gayle – Ginger may need some tips on being a home nurse. She heard you did a great job with your Mom.

Deanndre – Ginger’s Mom

P.S. Feel free to make big head or big brain jokes – we have

Hello to all my Tripawd friends!  It has been a while since I posted, but that is because I have been very, very busy.  Recently, a special package arrived at my house.

What could it be inside?  It kinda smells like poo from East Tennesee.  I asked my Mommy who it is from.  She said it was from my friend ET Gayle.  I still don’t know what it is, but I’m very excited.  Let’s open it up and look inside!

OMD — it’s Barney.  I have heard so much about this dude.  I just don’t know what to do first.  I think I’ll just start by chewing on him.

Barney insisted on keeping his special socks on that Gayle’s Mom made him.  He said it was too cold here in Illinois.  I allowed it because I did hear that those TN socks have special “juju.”  Anyway, I tried and tried to hurt Barney by chewing on him …

but that little dude is a LOT tougher than he looks.  Now don’t get me wrong, I have faith in my ability to tear Barney apart, but by this time I was getting impatient, so I tried to suffocate him by sitting on him.

He looks like the Wicked Witch of the East after the house fell on her — bazinga!  I crack myself up!  But seriously, that guy can hold his breath for a really long time.  By this time, my pawrents were getting mad at me for being mean to Barney.  They told me I needed to be nice because Barney was a guest in our house and town and we needed to show him the sights.  I decided to bide my time — and engage in a little psychological warfare against Barney while we showed him around.  First he tagged along to my Daddy’s office on Saturday morning.  A lot of times, my Daddy takes me to his office on Saturdays so I can help him work.  I want to go during the week, but he won’t let me.  Something about all of the secretaries just wanting to love on me and not do their work.

By this time, Barney was starting to get a little cocky.  He insisted on copying his butt.  He said he wanted to mail it to Comet because she has been talking smack about him.

Barney asked if he could go to work with Mommy but come to find out, he didn’t pass the background check.

By this time, Barney was really annoying me, so when my pawrents went to work on Monday, I decided I had to show this guy what is important in my house and my state.  First, I showed him my video from Cometdog.

I told him that this state is only big enough for one diva, and that job is already taken - by me.  I am the princess of this house and I call the shots.  Next, I schooled him on my Daddy’s college pride by showing him my Chief Illiniwek video.  We are still mad that U of I retired the Chief.  Here, I’m telling him he needs to show respect for his surroundings.

My Mommy always complains that her Millikin doesn’t get the love that Illinois does, so I’ll just throw out a “Go Big Blue” for her.

We then showed Barney all over Pontiac.  One of the coolest things about my town is what happened last summer.  All of these dogs came to town.  They were called “Wall Dogs.”  See, they are sign and mural artists who all get together in a different town every year and make murals.  It’s really cool and they came to my town last summer.  We decided to show Barney what these dogs could do.  Here are some of the murals they painted.  Any kind of “dog” is fine in my book.

I like this one because it’s got a dog in it.

I decided to try and lull Barney into a false sense of security by pretending to be nice to him and actually get in some pictures with him — all the time planning his demise.

Now, just so you know – my home town is right on Historic Route 66.  I’m sure you have heard of it.  We have a nice mural all about it, and we all took a picture with my Mommy’s car:

Now, not only do we have tons of murals, but we also have little cars – “Pontiac” Chevys - on our sidewalks that are painted by local artists.  They are just big enough for a three legged dog and a purple dinosaur to sit in.

We even have our own Route 66 Museum.  It’s only a block away from my Daddy’s office.  I can’t believe he ever gets any work done.

Now, we live in the County seat.  What that means is we have a court house in my town where my Mommy and Daddy work sometimes.  We have a really cool court house built like 140 years ago.

We have a very rich history.  Even Abraham Lincoln came here and argued several cases- although not at this court house.  We even introduced Barney to Abraham Lincoln:

I’m very confused by this.  I didn’t think Abraham Lincoln was around for cars.

With all of our adventures, Barney now believed that I was his friend.  Now, just so you know, I really wasn’t being that nice to Barney.  The whole time, I was planning on doing this to him.

Barney agreed to join us at VCA Animal Hospital for a special dog pawty.  They were celebrating all their dog cancer survivors and remembering those that have gone onto the rainbow bridge. 

I thought this would be a great opportunity for some other dogs to get their teeth on Barney.

I got a lot of love from everyone at the pawty.  My little cousin fed me hot dogs.  He didn’t want to share his cupcake but I took it anyway.

Barney decided he wanted to act like a big shot and he tried showing his skills on the agility field.

Once back at home, with Barney feeling confident in our ”friendship,” he let his guard down.  That is when I pounced and did this:

I didn’t want my pawrents to see what I had done, so I got Barney an eye patch and tried to pass him off as a purple pirate.  Halloween is coming up, you know.

Barney was so traumatized, he asked if we could go back to Daddy’s office.  He had some business he wanted to take care.  I decided to humor him.

Then Barney took off.  He just ran away without warning!  We got a phone call, saying a purple dinosaur/pirate was on the bridge.  We rushed down to the river and saw this:

He kept yelling that it was all my fault.  Geez.  Now that the big moment is here — don’t you wonder if I let him go through with it?

I guess we will have to wait and see if Barney gets rescued by the next tripawd or if he fell to his death in Pontiac, IL.  Or perhaps he got washed down the Vermillion River to a new home.

Goodbye Barney – I will never forget our adventures together or how your insides tasted.

Bazinga!!!

-Princess Ginger

Boy, do I have some great news to update you all on. Today I went back to have a full checkup for the first time since I finished chemo. I lost a few pounds, so Melanie said I was no longer a Chunky Monkey. That made my pawrents laugh. Anyway, after my checkup, Dr. Green said that she couldn’t find any sign at all of disease. My lung x-rays came back completely clear with NO METS! WOO HOO!!!!! Dr. Green also said that I looked great and she was very happy with how I am doing. I don’t have to go back to the hospital for 3 months for my next checkup. It’s been a long day! I already got me some McD’s french fries. I think it’s now time for a nap.

 Well, I have a lot to celebrate and wanted to share with my friends so maybe you can get some extra treats at your house too!!

Wednesday was my last chemo treatment.  Yeah!!  They gave me a pink bandage and a pink kerchief as a “graduation gift.”  Melanie and everyone at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital treats me so good – like the princess I am.  I go back in a month for x-rays and blood work and then every 3 months after that to make sure I am still cancer free.

Now you know the graduation color was pink — I am a prnicess after all!!

Yesterday, Aug. 14th, was my 10th Birthday.  I know what you are thinking, I don’t look a day over 6. I keep trying to convince Mommy to let me dye my white face, like she does with all those white hairs on her head but she says I look cute no matter what color my fur.

Today, Aug. 15th, is my 4 month ampuversary. My pawrents are spoiling me rotten – ok rottener – because they are so happy about my progress and determination to keep on hoppin’.

So come on – like Kool and The Gang say – Celebrate Good Times – no matter how many or how few, every one is special.

Against my many protests, Mommy said I needed to see the groomer. I came back smellin’ good and feelin’ fuzzy. And of course, with a lot less fur. Daddy said I look more like a Golden Lab now. I call it my “summer do.”  The groomer even blended in my surgery site shave with the rest of my coat.  At least now my Daddy can’t say that it looks like I am wearing  a fur sweater!

Always on the search for a new, fun beer, my pawrents came across this at our grocery store.  How awesome is it that they named a beer after all us Tripawds:)

I kinda think the dog in the picture looks like Riley – they both like to wear those sunglasses!

Hoppy Summer to all!!