1 January 2004
Wow - that was a hell of a year.... Malcolm and I finished it off in style with a beer, chicken and ice cream party, while watching a couple of films...
21 January 2004
Very odd day today, first Malcolm and I went to Chelmsford to see Uncle Jean Louis, but we ended up seeing Christina. She stole some more blood, but apparently it still showing good news. Only raised level is Cholestorol - which might have been raised because I had eaten (and I was a bit stressed).
Then, we got back in the car, and went off... eventually turning up at Barney's house. But neither Barney or Grandma Preen were there. Malcolm was sorting stuff out, and going up and down the stairs, but most of the time I waited downstairs. After a couple of hours, we got back into the car, and Malcolm disappeared (going to visit Mum in the hospital - Malcolm). We had a little walk around the hospital car park, and then went back home.
After all that excitement, I slept most of the evening...
5 February 2004
After two days, when Malcolm and Becky both went out, and left me at home :-(, yesterday, Malcolm told me I could come with him, and we piled into the car, and after a while we ended up at Barney's house, but Barney wasn't there. Grandma Preen was there, with a funny hard sock on her leg, Malcolm said she hurt her paw.
After sometime, just as we were about to have lunch, Barney arrived... he'd been out with Aunty Diane. When he came in, he came over and said hello, but he was very gentle. I got a little worried when Malcolm went out for about 5 minutes to get something for Grandma Preen, but it was all OK when he came back.
We managed to get quite a lot done, and helped out Grandma Preen, so it was worth the trip, but I was very tired when we got home.
11 February 2004
Becky went away last weekend, with Grandma Jacobs and Uncle Timmy, but Malcolm and I had a nice weekend. We popped along to class to say hello, and went for short walks in Epping Forest and by the canal, and every meal seemed to be chicken or tripe :-).
When Becky came back on Monday, everyone was very upset. I'm not sure I understand why, maybe they understand the pain in my hips. On Monday evening, Malcolm said that Uncle Marcus phoned, and he dashed off and came back with some chewable pills called Rimadyl. I didn't want to chew them, so he stuffed them down my throat. The good news is that these new pills help, the pain is reduced, and I'm sleeping much easier.
13 February 2004
The Rimadyl pills seem to have stopped working... just after Malcolm ordered some more. So a quick phone call is made, and we are trying some steroids (Prednisolone), good job I'm not an Olympic athlete. Uncle Marcus says these will make me hungry and thirsty.
16 February 2004
I'm not sure, but I think these new drugs are helping. I can do the stairs now, although Malcolm likes to be there so that he can help if I need. Uncle Marcus was right about the hunger - everything is being devoured, and Malcolm keeps having to top up my water bowl. Only problem is that I seem to spend forever peeing when I go out - just like when I was on the high dose of Lasix.
23 February 2004
Becky went away again yesterday, having been out on Saturday (playing hockey this time), so Malcolm and I are alone again. He seems very sad as I'm now having trouble getting up the stairs again, and coming down is a bit scary as I tend to lose my footing. Malcolm helps, and reminds me to take it a step at a time, and I'm mostly OK. Malcolm went out for a few minutes (to get shopping) and blocked off the stairs - apparently to stop me from hurting myself - I'll let him off as he bought another chicken for us.
24 February 2004
A very strange day today, chicken leftovers for lunch... yummy, and then Malcolm made a stew - I had the off cuts of the meat... yummy again, and just before it was ready, Becky came home. It was like she knew !!! Apparently, if Becky hadn't come home I'd have had more meat - but its not a problem, I like having Becky home. Becky and I went to sleep early as we were both tired.
25 February 2004 14:45
Malcolm said I should write my diary early. Not sure why.
Anyway, we have had a lovely day so far. Malcolm got up and brought me a whole big bowl of trip for breakfast. Then I got dressed to go in the car, and all of us (Malcolm, Becky and me) went to Epping Forest. It was quite muddy, and we didn't go too far, but it was lovely to go for a "team" walk.
On the way home we stopped at Tesco, and Becky got out... she came back with a few bits and pieces and another chicken. Malcolm and Becky had a breast each, and then Malcolm cut up all the pieces so that I could finish it. Three bowls full. Now we are off out again. See you.
[Malcolm: at about 3pm we all piled in the car again, this time to go to the vets. We hugged him whilst sitting in the car, and then went in to the surgery. Marcus was waiting for us, but despite the pain, Boysie was able to walk into the consultation room, still with that smile on his face. Marcus got a fleece out, and Boysie lay down on it when told, and we both hugged him as Marcus shaved his leg, to insert the needle, and administer the overdose of anesthetic.
So this is the end of Boysie's diary. I hope you have enjoyed reading it, as much as we enjoyed compiling it. Boysie is no longer in pain, hopefully still savouring all that chicken and tripe and we are going to remember all the happy times he has given us.]
So long Boysie - and thank you so much for a wonderful 5 years, 6 months and 8 days. You'll always be in our thoughts.