November started out like every November does - with way too much left over candy at home/work, a billion birthday parties, and people already singing Christmas Carols. You would think that everyone coming off of a sugar high things would be a little bit more sedate. Not so!  Work has been crazy busy and I, for some reason, thought that the Remembrance Day week would be a good time to take a week off, do some school work and do some house chores I put off.

Well, life has a way of throwing a wrench in it!

Last week started of the usual - things busy but nothing crazy. Koko was having some minor issues so had him in for some blood work and a check up. They recommended an ultrasound - so we booked that for the Thursday. You know, same old.

Thursday night was a rough one for Koko. Not sure what part of what triggered issues, but he wound up needing to stay overnight at the vet under supervision. That was a pretty scary go for Ryan and I, he is a old doggo with a bunch of health problems, and it is a knife's edge managing them all. Thankfully he pulled through and we can still pay rent. 

Koko has recovered nicely and is almost his old self, just a little sleepier (or maybe I'm just noticing it because I've been home days too!). 

What it did do was remind us that, as for most things in life, it is easiest if you discuss potential disasters before they happen.  Luckily, we had previously discussed how much we can afford to spend on Koko's vet bills given that he is in his retirement years and maintain his quality of life. So that discussion wasn't had while we were emotionally fired up. But not everyone has, and that can be a tough discussion. We have also had the discussion on what conditions that we will let him cross the rainbow bridge. It is a quality of life thing. If he has no quality of life, we are being very selfish (understandable) and that isn't fair.

Having this week off meant that I was able to be here for him as he recovered and he could be more comfortable. Some of that meant every 2 hour pee breaks and having us up 3-6 times a night (thank you Ryan for helping with those even though you have to work in the morning and I don't!).

On a non-dog point - a lot of people at work also took this week off, so that was a little stressful as well. 

Thankfully, those that were left at the office managed to keep most of it off my plate and I only ended up helping out a small bit, but that stress ate into my relaxation. Don't know what is waiting for me back at the office though!

I guess what I am trying to say is that it has been a bit rough lately but things seem to be looking up. I am trying to look on the brighter side of things.

Thank you to everyone who sent messages of support while the old man (Koko, not Ryan) was under the weather. They meant a lot.

Speaking of which - I made a turkey last weekend and it turned out great. I also have now roasted the bones and turned it into stock, which is exciting! It turned out really well. Will have a separate post on the turkey.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy the Koko photos (if you need more - There is a Koko only album now, I added some old photos to it). Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy!

Take time to relax and de-stress when you can. Don't always leave it for when you have time or later, as life can be a bit of a jerk sometimes!

Thanks for hanging out!

Dara