Owned by Pugs

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

More Baby Steps

Henry

We are fast approaching the one year mark of the removal of Henry's kidney (August 7, 2014).

I feel somewhat obliged to recap the last year in a modified time line.

  • Henry lost his left eye to Glaucoma in April 2014
  • Henry lost his brother Benny in June 2014
  • Henry lost his sister Luna in July 2014
  • Henry lost a kidney in August 2014
  • August -October 2014 he was only able to complete 3 of his initally 6 prescribed chemotherapy treatments
  • October 2014 Henry suffered a case of pancreatitis
  • December 2014 Henry experienced a day of seizures and is later diagnosed with multiple brain hemorrhages
  • January 2015 confirmation that sometime in late December the low vision that remained in Henry's right eye was lost
  • Somewhere between June 2014-October 2014 he developed an extreme level of separation anxiety
  • At meeting with neurologist in December 2014, neuro doc shared that a "worked up Henry will very likely lead to his demise" and advises us not to leave him unattended especially if that means he will experience stress (as stress will invariably cause him to stroke out and die)
  • OBP peeps begin to work to ensure that Henry has the closest thing to around the clock care that they can manage
  • February 2015 the OBP peeps begin rebuilding Henry from the ground up

Cut to now. Here we are almost at the one year anniversary of his kidney removal. He is in good health and we are constantly talking about how we are baby stepping him back into life. Well, the latest thing that he's been doing that is like his old self again is joining us on the sofa before bed time! The pugs of old would join us on the sofa for some TV time before bed. Well, all of that changed for Henry. As Henry's anxieties built he would start to stand by the door (beginning around 7:30) and ask to "go potty" only to turn around and come back inside over and over again. By 8:30 he would be done with this pattern and be most comfortable just settling for the night on the big bed. Little by little that routine got to be later in evening and less repetitious. He had the pattern down to starting around 8:30 and only going out 2x to go potty and on the second time he was fine going to bed around 9. Less pacing. Less milling. Less anxiety.

Well now Henry will go out once around 8 and then he's fine to settle with us on the sofa until actual bed time which is around 10PM. And at 10PM he will go out for a final potty and then up onto the big bed. So, again, baby steps, baby steps, baby steps.

It is weird how fast and yet so slow the year has gone by. The cancer doc said she saw no reason that Henry could not make it 2 years post chemo. At the time we were just holding out for one more year. Well, that one year is here and in no way is that long enough! Henry is just now getting his mojo back! So, this first year was just about walking him back into life slowly and my hope is this next year (and years to come) will be about enjoying the fruits of our labor! This means for Henry to embrace his life to the fullest. And we will be here supporting but not rushing him along.

#HenryIsOneToughPug #HenryStrong #HappyNoKidneyAnniversary #HenryIsTheComeBackKid #Don'tCallItAComebackHeNeverLeft


Comment Page 1 of 1 pages

Julie

08/05/2015

Nothing new to say, ‘cept I love your pug blog, and your pugs…especially these days, Henry the trooper!  Neat to see all he’s overcome, with the help of his loving (if, sadly, smaller these days) family.  I enjoy seeing his progress, and even tho it is hard to be without H’s pug siblings, it’s also pretty cool to see Hank as an only, and to follow his journey as such.  Change: usually not my favorite thing, but it can’t be stopped, and nice to see how you all roll with it.

Minnie, Mack and Mario

08/05/2015

How time goes by so quickly!  Henry is still in our prayers and are amazed at how he has gotten back to his “old self”.  Our prayers will continue for Henry and for how ever much time he has here with you.  Each morning we look forward to reading OBP!

Sue VDB and Annie Fannie

08/05/2015

All of Henry’s baby steps are truly remarkable considering the extremely tough year he has endured.  All the baby steps are truly remarkable due to the 200% effort of his family, which also includes Grammy.  And all the baby steps are remarkable because his family has also had an extremely tough year, and yet you have persisted in making Henry’s life as normal as possible. 

Your dedication and devotion, worrying and working hard at giving Henry quality back is beyond awesome.  The stress you have endured, and continue to endure has had to take a toll on you; however, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and hope you are feeling better and maybe a little less stressed.

Henry is certainly one very lucky pug to have you…VERY lucky.

God bless the entire OBP family, which also includes Cupid.

Pat

08/05/2015

Baby steps for sure!  At some point, it appears that the year has gone by quickly, looking back, soooo much has happened, that just getting up each day and putting one foot in front of the other was a struggle!
You and your family rock, and are Henry’s rock!!  xoxo

Christie Sachde

08/05/2015

Simply a testament to the power of love…yours for Henry and his for you:)

Mary M.

08/05/2015

Wow!  When it’s all written down at once, it is amazing to realize the scope of things that Henry and his family have endured.  But Hank is one amazing pug!!  Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.
    Henry strong!

Martha

08/05/2015

That stark timeline shows one brutal year. 

Throughout, you have never given up.  Never stopped trying new ideas.  Never stopped working on helping Henry.  And all your efforts have mattered so much, and all those baby steps have turned into a marathon.  Henry is a strong dog, and his success is due to his strong peeps ♥  Your steadfastness is inspiring!

#HenryStrong   #HenryHasGreatPeeps

Alayna

08/05/2015

Henry is an amazing boy! And you guys are amazing parents!  It has been a hard year and you guys and Henry have been champs through it all.

bretsnda cooper

08/05/2015

I am amazed at Henry’s progress. The pictures lately show him so happy enjoying his car rides, trips to the park,etc. He is blessed to have parents like y’all. You really have all the bases covered. When you spoke of Grammy coming down to check on him I picture her in the spider man costume she wore on Halloween one year. I hope y’all don’t mind that I mention that our beautiful blue heeler died yesterday afternoon. She was very intelligent and such a character. We rescued her 3 yrs ago when her owner had to go to the nursing home.  What would happen to     Shadow was his biggest concern. She was 14. Thanks for listening.

Gina

08/05/2015

I can’t think of anything to add. Everyone has said everything so perfectly! Thank you for sharing your lives with us. We love Henry and your entire family to the Luna moon and the Solsey sun and back! And to the Baby Benny and back too! (I couldn’t leave him out.) smile

Kathy

08/05/2015

Henry has certainly kept his family busy!  And all to the good!  Such exceptional care and concern.  Everyone has said everything.  BTW The picture of Harry on today’s blog is very nice.  #HenryStrongest!

chuckie

08/05/2015

HenryStrong!!

sue wooding

08/05/2015

Both of you have done a wonderful job with all Henry has gone through in the last year Henry himself has come such a long ways

pug mama - Jen C

08/05/2015

Henry is one amazing pug! Here’s to many, many more happy years together.  #HenryStrong

Sleighbelle

08/05/2015

#BigTearsInMyEyes
#LoveThisBoy
#HenryIsAGoodBoy

Heather

08/05/2015

I’m in tears reading the recap.

I agree with everything everyone has said.

OBP peeps are AMAZING and Henry is a star!

Love you all!!!!!

Susan States

08/05/2015

Looking at the list Henry & his peeps have lost a lot-the gains are important ones and continue to increase. Continue to increase-I like that. Pug hugs from pastor sue & the Colorado 2

Chris Dominick

08/06/2015

Wow, chronicled like that, you can really see how much poor Henry ( and his peeps) have been through! So glad to see Henry really coming through and ready to take on the second year! Go Henry!

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