i always cry at endings..

Baxter just wanted to say a quick hello to the blog world and let you know he is still doing well.  I can't remember if I posted about our most recent vet visit, BUT the vet said he is the healthiest-looking sick dog he has ever seen.  And he has gained weight, which is a good sign as well.  He could still feel the tumor upon physical examination, but it doesn't seem to be affecting him as of now (knock on wood). It's been nearly four months since he first got sick, and I'm hoping he'll continue to stay strong for another four, bare minimum. He acts as youthful as ever and I've taken advantage of being home and loving on him constantly.  I keep praying that when his time comes, he'll go painlessly in his sleep.

now playing: Belle and Sebastian

there's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light

As of today, it has officially been 8 weeks since Baxter first got sick.  If you remember from my initial post on Bax, the average life expectancy once the tumor has been discovered is 6-8 weeks (Baxter has an incurable tumor on his spleen, in case this is all new to you).  We've made it to this point and he has not had any relapses, in terms of becoming weak or lethargic since he first acted that way in September (knock on wood).  Our vet called the other day to see how he was doing, admittingly afraid that he had already passed away, so I take that as a good sign.

He has still been very active with our other dog, Mocha.  Mocha is only a year old and constantly wants to play, so I think it helps keep Baxter active and feeling good.  Baxter has also been milking his illness for all it's worth; enjoying his free pass to lay on the couch whenever her wishes (something that drives my stepdad insane for whatever reason).

They both love the new diet I have Baxter on.  Of course, I can't give it to one and not the other, so Mocha is now partaking in the bone and raw food diet (BARF).  I found out our local Asian Supermarket has a wider selection of meat than Kroger's, so I started shopping their yesterday.  (the following pictures may gross you out). They say you're supposed to give them a variety of meats and vegetables because continually giving them the same thing can cause allergies.  I read online about a woman who gave her dog chicken feet, which to my surprise the Asian market carried.  So, I picked up lamb, chicken feet and duck wings.

As gross as the raw meat looks, it's Baxter's favorite part of the meal.  I usually give him his cottage cheese, flax oil, vegetable combo (along with other vitamins) first and then send him outside with the meat.  He inhales it! Well, the meat anyways.

Hopefully things will continue to go as well as they have thus far.  As corny as it sounds, Baxter is part of my family and the thought of losing him is..well, something I don't want to think about.  I'm really praying he is going to be one of those miraculous cases, where he lives for several more years with the disease.