Now aside from not liking a 2WD car, I have a space problem since I want to get a second fairly large dog, and Elka already has some trouble fitting in the Prius.

I had decided, several months ago, that I was going to trade the Prius in come this August for a larger car.  It was between the Honda Element (ruled out in one test drive), the Subaru Forester, and the Honda CRV.  I didn’t like the CRV’s drive that much.  I really liked the Subaru Outback’s drive but the dealer let me put Elka in the Forester and the Outback, and the Forester was the clear winner.

However, I have now decided to move up the date of the trade-in to sometime next week; and yes, this is because of the tons of problems that Toyota is having.  I’m getting a lot of flack for that, with “gullible” being one of the nicer words used.  This is from multiple people.

Now, personally?  I don’t give a shit if I’m gullible.  I may well be.  But is my safety worth the risk?  I do not think so.  The plain fact is that I don’t trust the Prius, and haven’t for awhile; the recent hype has only increased that many-fold.

I also do not like Toyota’s handling of the entire mess, though that on its own would not be cause for me to trade in the Prius early.

What it comes down to is this:  It’s absolute insanity for human beings to be manning over a ton of metal at high speed.  I think cars are amongst the stupidest and most suicidal concepts that we as a race have adopted.  But until there is a better option and one that allows me to also transport my dogs, then that is what we’ve got.  I’m going to do my best to make sure that the vehicle is the safest that I can afford, and kids?  That ain’t the Prius.

Then I’m sitting here, fawning over some dogs at the OHS, and I hear this banging….

Well that was unexpected.

The result?  I had closed Elka’s dog door, it stopped and I re-opened it. Elka did the fastest laps around the yard that I’ve seen to date.  Now that was fun!

She gave me at least 3 heart attacks, happily running far away and going way out of sight.

But it was a simple matter to call her name and drop to the ground.  The first time I did this she came charging back to me.  I grabbed her and we walked a bit.  Then I let her go again.

The second time I dropped she looked at me and got ready to charge, so I stood up - and she ran in the other direction!  Lesson learned.

I let her explore a bit more, watching her go out of site with my heart in my throat.  Then I called her name and dropped to the ground again, pretending I’d found gold.

She nearly ran me over. =)  She was going so fast that she hurdled me and had to come back.  We tumbled around and played a bit and I came back with her.

I knew that dropping her leash (I didn’t take it off entirely) was a huge risk.  We were far from the road but not impossibly far.  There was a fence on 2 sides, a house on the third, and New Season on the far end of the grassy area (we walked all the way in).  But… I didn’t think she’d want to leave me.  In fact I was betting on her fear of being left behind.  She went both further than I expected, and less far than I feared.  Her recall stank until I dropped out of sight, and there’s probably a limited number of times that “trick” will work.

So we need to work on recall, and badly!  I am still very heartened by her responses today, and there were several moments of pure, uninhibited joy watching her run flat out in this new area, exploring and just living.  I enjoyed it, even if I was scared I’d made a terrible mistake.  It was a calculated risk and it worked out, but I won’t repeat it unless….

... we go to Thousand Acres Dog Park, where she’ll be fitted with a GPS device just in case; and she won’t be off-leash there until she has something resembling a reliable recall, even if I have to use a remote training device (with great care), but this is a skill she needs to learn.

Mali is doing well, she’s eating boiled turkey and chicken, kibble, and baby food.  She’s not supposed to be on a high protein diet, but it’s that or starve.  So we’re working with what we’ve got.  Her phosphorous levels are fine, her kidneys are working a bit harder so she’ll be going on Azodyl to help break her food down so her kidneys work less hard.  We’re managing.

Elka’s doing great, and being very supportive.  She’s getting less attention than I’d like to give her because a lot of my energy is going into the act of keeping Mali alive.  But I make sure that Elka gets attention each day, and exercise (daycare or a walk) and some training.  I hope to add a second dog, if I think Mali can get through the first few days of stress that brings, as I had planned when I initially got Elka.  We’re both ready now.  Elka’s a complete angel, though, being very patient, mellow, and loving, both with me and Mali.

I leave next Friday for Austin, Texas, to attend SXSW.  I’m nervous about having to board Mali at the vet for 5 days, but she’ll have her carrier and lots of supportive care.  She’ll be getting ultrasounded to rule out cancer, as well.  So she needs this trip; but still… I wish I didn’t have to board her, that she could stay in her own territory.

Elka on the other hand I’m not worried about at all since she’ll be at Many Paws Kennels.  They’re fantastic and Elka loves it there.

This week I am also doing my first home visit; evaluating a potential new foster home.  I’m incredibly excited to get even more involved in the rescue community.  And of course, on the 20th, Elka and I start our Therapy Team training.  I am very much looking forward to that!

I’m really looking forward to SXSW.  It will be good to travel for a short time, see some of my team, and see some of the community. 

All in all… things are doing ok here.  it’s hard for me constantly worrying about Mali, but I think we’re close to finding out a management routine that keeps her stable and happy.

And of course, the beautiful days are helping all of our outlooks.  Elka sunbathes outside, Mali sunbathes in my bay window, and I just watch and enjoy them being so happy.  Good times.

I need to play with the ISO more; this is much brighter in person.  But it looks beautiful =)

I should get some more daytime photos up, but been waiting to add more fish before I do that.

(And not to leave Mali out; she gained a whole pound!  More updates tomorrow when I have her blood work back)

(And of course, Elka is wonderful as always)

Meanwhile, Elka is now in daycare 3x/week while I get Mali eating again.  Hopefully this will help, time will tell.

Busy day today, so poof!

She was eating really well on the cypro, but she was sleeping an incredible amount.  So we took her off of it, hoping that her levels were good enough that she’d feel ok to eat.

She didn’t for a week.  She had gained 7oz on cypro and she lost 6oz off of it.

So today I gave her Mirtazapine.  This made her very vocal, but she calmed down without any help.  Unfortunately, while it made her eat, she also vomited up all that she had eaten.  This was a problem when she was on it last time, so this time she’s getting half the dose.  Didn’t help.

So Mirtazapine isn’t the answer.

Mali is normally a very active cat.  She sleeps with me at night but only sleeps 2-4 hours during the day, choosing to sun-bathe, play, groom, converse, and cuddle.
. So now there’s a choice, it seems to me.  A cat that sleeps 22+ hours a day and is always “foggy” and lethargic, but is affectionate and loving when awake and eats well; or, a normal, active bengal that slowly wastes away.

Neither seems like a great quality of life to me, but I certainly can’t let her waste away.  Will have to discuss the options with the vet tomorrow. 

So next we start on Mirtazapine.  That used to make her vomit 15 minutes after taking it; so the doc filled it at half prescription and we’ll start it tomorrow.

Tomorrow she also has more blood-work to see if her BUN has come down and if her liver and pancreas are remaining stable.

Today Elka and I went and walked on Rock Creek Trail, and at the end we saw an old friend from the dog park, and they got to play on leash for a little while.

I took a nap this afternoon and I think tonight has burritos on the menu.

It’s been beautiful and sunny outside, here’s to hoping it keeps up.  Unfortunately, it looks like we’re due for a few rainy days.

That’s both good and bad.  No more freeze dried stuff for her, wet food only to lower her protein intake.  Fluids every other day.  Blood re-check Monday the 22nd at 10am.

I have no comment at this time.  If you know Mali, and her history, then you probably know what I’m feeling about now.

Well I did spend most of Saturday asleep.  Saturday evening I cleaned out the laundry room and cleaned up the mail center.  Two projects I’d been procrastinating for awhile.

Today I had a great day too. Elka and I walked to Nature’s Pet and bought Mali some food.  Elka lugged it home for me in her backpack.  In fact I purchased a Ruffwear Approach Pack for her.  I was going to get the Pallisades pack but it’s probably way overkill for our usage.  Maybe in the future if needed.  That walk was about 45 minutes and was fantastic.  Elka and I haven’t gone on regular walks in quite awhile, and that is now going to become part of our daily routine again except in inclement weather and on daycare days.

I had a late lunch then Elka and I headed into Wet Spot Tropical Fish.  I picked up 4 very juvenile Altolamprologus Calvus Black.  No picture yet, they’re still in hiding though they did come out and eat.

I was going to get some Synodontis Petricola but after discussing it with the fine folks over at the Cichlid Forums I decided against them.  My next addition will hopefully be a school (12ish) of this beautiful Cyprichromis Leptosoma (Mpulungu) “Blue Flash”.  Then that is it, with the possibility of some sand sifters depending on how my shellies do.

Then tonight I rode my recumbent for the first time in many, many months.  30 minutes on that, and then some ab work.  Hopefully I can get this back into my daily routine.

So it was a very productive weekend.  I feel great, Elka is happy.  Mali is fast asleep on the cable box, and tomorrow I’ll have more information about how she’s doing.  I am worried as she’s sleeping tons more than she did 2 weeks ago.  But she’s very affectionate when she’s awake, and she’s eating well.  She doesn’t seem unhappy, just… tired. We’ll see.

A good week ahead.  We’re hiring a Technical Support Specialist so that will likely be the focus of my week. 

I hope everyone else had such a good weekend!

Elka was perfect.

She got hugged and looked at me for support, but wanted to continue interaction with the lady after the hug.  She solicited attention several times but when and laid down when it wasn’t forthcoming.  She was so relaxed that she took a nap.

So, on March 20th we start the therapy dog classes.  We go to every class together, and it will require hard work, dedication, and follow-through.  But it could be incredibly gratifying.

I still don’t know if Elka will enjoy this job.  If we end up doing visits and she looks unhappy, then we’ll try different venues.  If I can’t find one that she looks forward to and enjoys, then she’ll be retired early from therapy work. 

But if we can find one that we both enjoy, then this work will become an important part of our routine.

I look forward to this adventure.

• 4 Lamprologus Speciosus: These are shell-dwellers and I have about 20 empty escargot shells in the tank for them.
• 2 Eretmodus Cyanostictus “Blue Point”:  “Gobies”, they’re beautiful as adults, cute as juveniles, and have great behavior. Rock dwellers.

I want to add 3-4 Synodontis Lucipinnis,  3-4 Altolamprologus Calvus “Ink Fin” , and 8-12 Cyprichromis, though I’m not sure what variety yet.  If I can get away with it, I’d like to add a julidochromis pair as well.

I wanted a Tang Eel, but they’d eat my my Lamprologus, so that’s out =)

I’m already enjoying this tank many times more than I ever enjoyed the reef tank.  And the Lamprologus are already showing some courting behavior, and setting up their hierachy.

I’m psyched, I missed my cichlids.  A 90 gallon is perfect for a Lake Tanganyikan tank.

She’s also constipated and hasn’t had a normal bathroom visited in 2 days; she is on medication to try to alleviate this.

I have other updates but I’m tired.  I mostly wanted to note the improvements.  She ate today though I’m not pushing her until she has a good bowel movement.

Things are looking up, which is a huge relief.  Her doctor thinks that she’s going to do very well on medication, so here’s hoping!

Along with her other symptoms and results we now believe she has Triaditis, or Feline Triad Disease.  Eventually, this will kill her, but with early diagnosis and treatment, she can live a healthy, happy life for years to come.

Here are some links about it:

PetCareLibrary.  Note the last two paragraphs from that article:

All three of the diseases that constitute Triad Disease - IBD, hepatitis and pancreatitis - can also exist independently or from other causes, so repeated diagnostic testing will be required to decide how to treat the symptoms and to monitor the course of the disease. Kidney disease, thyroid disease or cancer can all have similar signs but very different treatments. Multiple problems may be present at the same time or develop later on. IBD can also progress to intestinal cancer. Eventually Triad disease will become severe and advanced and treatment will no longer be effective, though this can take several years. The earlier it is diagnosed the better the outcome and longevity of the cat.

Although diagnosis and treatment of triad disease is difficult and often costly, treatment may also be very rewarding. In the early stages a simple change to a hypoallergenic diet and frequent monitoring may be all that’s required. The response to medication can be dramatic in some cases and most cats do very well in the early stages. For the best outcome a good, close working relationship with your cat’s veterinarian is required!

This explains why changing Mali to grain-free food early on had such a positive effect. 

Here is an interesting article about another person that has been facing these issues with two cats, one who has passed.  The medications are different but there are a lot of similarities.  This article advocates the use of raw food (Mali won’t eat a balanced raw diet, but she’ll eat chopped up turkey and chicken pieces) or canned food, but says not to use kibble.  Mali free feeds kibble (high quality grain free) and it’s often the only way she’s kept on weight, so I’m skeptical about that for Mali, but I’ll be reading more on this site for sure.

Right now Mali is on Clavamox to bring her ALT (liver) down, and is going on Ursodiol.  She’s also receiving 100ml of subcutaneous fluids a day.  She ate about 1oz of food and I can easily force-feed her dry food by simply placing it on her tongue.  She’s no longer going places she doesn’t normally go, and she’s no longer lethargic.  She slept with me, she’s been purring and kneading, but she’s not yet playful.  I think we’ll have full quality of life soon, but I don’t know how long.  Every moment…

And, of course, she has miniature kidneys, with one being pretty much non-functional.  Right now her BUN and Creatanin are within normal range.  But who knows when her kidneys will act up again?

I already knew these ongoing issues were going to be fatal in the long-term.  But can we stabilize her and get her healthy, and happy, with a good quality of life now?  I do believe we can and will.  At the point in time where Mali is suffering more, the I may have to face the decision to put her down.  But right now I’m keeping focused on the positive.  She’s already doing heaps better.  I know she’ll continue to improve, and if she needs medication for the rest of her life, that is what she’ll get.

Mali is very dehydrated, though she now has subq fluids.  The vet took her blood and will have the results to Dr. Huff in the morning. 

We suspect she’s anemic, her gums and inner mouth are very, very pale. 

She ate and played earlier today.

I’ve known for years that Mali wasn’t going to live her full potential lifespan.  Back in 2007 she was given 6 months to at most 2 years to live; and it’s now been 3 years.  I’ve treasured every moment with her, I believe she’s had a happy life and a high quality of life.  I can’t imagine life without her.  She holds a large part of my heart in her paws.  But I’m now facing a situation where I may have to decide on her life in the morning.

As long as she is playful and happy, she’ll get every penny I can give to keeping her alive and healthy. 

But right now, she doesn’t move from where I place her, even after receiving fluids.  Despite the vet’s assurances I am none to sure that she’ll make it through the night and I can feel my heart breaking into tiny little pieces.

Wish us luck, she has bounced back before, I hope dearly that she can bounce back again.  I need her to bounce back.

Update, 10:12am  Mali is doing better, more reactive to stimuli, more active in general.  Still hiding, not eating, and not drinking.  Vet follow up at 3pm.  Possible UTI.  Her liver ALT is 657 (should be under 130) and her white blood cell count is elevated.  Possible crystals in her urine, but her kidneys have within range BUN and Creatanin.  Red blood cell count is low-normal.  She’ll need subq fluids every day and she’s going on Clavamox.  Something about serum made the vet ask if she was jaundiced - no yellowing in her eyes, gums or mouth: no jaundice is a good sign.

Me?  I am still crying every few minutes.  I hope she pulls through this.  I know she can. 

I knew what I wanted in the fish tank, I put egg crate (light diffuser) down so the rock would be safe. I put the sand in after the rock.  I filled it up. I put in ammonia and started the process of fishless cyclng.

Less than a week ago it had plenty of water and marine life in it.  No problem.

This evening I was drinking a wine cooler and I get up to go look at the tank and see water on the floor.  No problem, I had done some maintenance and made a mess.  I cleaned up.

10 minutes later my towel had gone from a few patches of wet to drenched and water was dropping off the side of the tank.  I sat there with paper towels wiping down the tank, hoping it was leftover water from earlier maintenance.  Then I got to watch the water re-appear.  This was a slow-ish leak with no obvious source.  At least it was slow; I didn’t have 65 gallons of water on my floor.

I emptied the tank to 2/3rds full and walked away.  Came back and water was all over the place.  Still leaking.

So, at this point I’d had 2 wine cooler.  I turned off all the electronics, I hooked up the python and drained the tank.  Around 50% full the tank stopped leaking.  Awesome.

I guess that the reef tank was a ticking time-bomb; at least it had decided to let loose before I put in any livestock.  But it couldn’t do that before there was wet sand to pull out?  50lbs of it.

So, now this weekend I get to once again pull crap out of the tank.  Then I’ll post it cheap as a reptile tank (leaks don’t matter then) and/or just give the fucker away.

I still want a cichlid tank, I have the setup I want and I have all of the equipment minus a leak-free tank.  But I have no way to get one here, and delivery is expensive for heavy items.  So, I don’t know….

My frustration level is through the roof and I can feel the depression setting in.  Alistare had an aggression issue, JC had a virus issue, and now I can’t even seem to get a fish tank running successfully.

At least Mai was there to play fetch with me.  Elka was passed out under my bed during the whole adventure.

This week has plain out sucked; at least it’s almost over.  But there’s still a whole 24 hours and 15 minutes for shit to go wrong before Sunday.