Snow on the Way

... again. We are not amused. Herbie has been to the vets for his three-monthly check, and he has put on a whole pound! The vet looked worried when we first came in, and I'm sure she was thinking, "Is this the day I have to say it's time?" but after she'd listened to his heart, she smiled and said "He's OK, considering." That last word covers multitudes.

So we skipped off home, and I had taken the day off work, so we could go to the arboretum, and then we curled up on the bed for the afternoon. Apart from the vets, it was a perfect day.

Then and Now

Three years ago (almost) I was worried about a small lump. I'm still worried.

White Faced

Herbie had a black face, once upon a time, but he has become a venerable snowy-faced old boy. I was asked how I keep his face so clean, and had to say "Oh, he does all that himself."

There is a reason why I have blankets over much of the furniture, and a reason why I mostly wear old jeans at home. After each meal, Herbie will walk the length of the sofa one way, sliding his face along the surface, then turn and wipe the other side of his face, again along the entire length of the sofa. If I am standing up, he will then come and wipe his face against the back of my legs. I've learned to change out of my work clothes fast.

Holly, despite being a dainty girl, is much less bothered, and going out with legs covered in tomato sauce is normal for her.

Still here

Older, more tired, as messy as ever... but we're still here. Thanks to all for the good thoughts - they really help.

Frailer now

Herbie's been unwell over the weekend. I think it was another respiratory bug, but he didn't eat for 48 hours (apart from one blueberry yoghurt, and he spat out all the blueberries, so his bed had purple spots). The vet had given me some emergency antibiotics, which I used, and he's recovering now, but he goes downhill so quickly, and he's lost weight.

I'm not sure either of us can survive much more of this.