Tumors, Boxers, Washers, and Summer.

I know I've disappeared from the blog for a time. And really, this time I don't even feel guilty. I find it hard to make time for blogging now that I'm working overnights. And we've had some health issues pop up with our furry children that has sucked all my happiness and energy out. But now I have gotten all that out of my system, so it's time to blog again.

Around Easter we noticed Minnie had a bump on her back, left leg. Well it got bigger and bigger. Minnie started losing weight. Then on day about 2 weeks ago she started limping. We took her to our Vet and after a check up, blood draw, and screening we were informed that she had an aggressive tumor. A biopsy would be required to determine if it was cancerous and most likely she would have to have her leg amputated. They referred us to a surgical animal hospital.

I FREAKED OUT.

At the hospital they checked her out, looked at the x-ray, and then recommended a CT scan, biopsy and surgery. And hopefully it isn't cancer, but that's what the biopsy is for. And they gave us an estimate. I might as well buy a car.

I FREAKED OUT.

And then I got depressed.

After many conversations with Matt, we decided that the best decision for the "whole" family is to opt out of surgery. At this point we're focusing on her quality of life. She's 5 years old which is over middle age for her breed and surgery can't guarantee her life span. She's still very active and we'd like her to enjoy the rest of her life that way...however long that will be. She's responding well to her meds and our Vet is very supportive.

I'm gonna stop now because I'm getting sad again.



The picture may be too small. But the tumor is on her knee. It's about the size of a grapefruit.



Once we got Minnie settled, of course Bruno had to come down with something. He was getting jealous of the car rides. Well, he suddenly WAS NOT jealous when he arrived at the Vet. Not going to discuss his health issue that caused the visit, because it's of a sensitive nature - eh hem. But it has required him to wear boxers. Need I say more? And we're looking into his skin problems with some blood tests. Thinking it's a thyroid problem.

Could he be anymore ashamed?

In the midst of all that chaos, our much loved, hand me down wash machine finally gave up the ghost. So we went down to Matt's work and bought a new fancy front load wash machine. I'm in love. It's official. It is SO quiet. The first time I used it I thought something was wrong because I couldn't hear anything. Magical. Also, I am not the only fan of the new washer. Luke is totally in love too. If he sees the pantry door open even a crack he races in there to check it out.



Pushing all the buttons and spinning the dial.



If you hadn't noticed from the picture above, Luke's discovered the usefulness of his little green chairs - thanks Gramma and Grampa! He's found ways to get into more mischief using these bad boys. It's been pretty comical what he can come up with.



Hello, Trouble.



How do I get this thing open?

And what's the best part of summer so far? Definitely all the summer food we can enjoy. Banana Popsicles and watermelon slices are top of the list right now. We're taking some time enjoying the small pleasures of summer time with our little family. Who knows what is in our future.



Brain Freeze!




Loving him some Watermelon.