Archive for April, 2012

Dog Lovers Heaven!

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Last weekend I went to the Family Pet Expo in Orange County. I couldn’t make it on Friday–the only day when guests could bring their four-legged friends–so alas, Seamus did not accompany me. It’s okay though. I think he would have been overwhelmed. I know I was! So much to see. Just about every breed of dog has a rescue group present with dogs up for adoption. Naturally I made a bee-line to Beagles ‘N Buddies–and dumped some money into their donation jar and then cooed over these babies: 

Beagles for AdoptionBeagle mix puppy

And I really wanted to take this little guy on the right home with me. He was super sweet and he had a deformed front leg, which didn’t seem to bother him at all, but it made me want him all that much more. 

I managed to resist (Seamus is enough dog for our household currently), but as I roamed around the Pet Expo I also managed to donate all of my cash and then proceeded to spend crazily with my debit card. So many fun things for me and Seamus (I’ll probably share a few later, since we’re trying out a few things).  And… look who I got to meet!

Stella from Modern Family

Stella chillin'

Teresa Rhyne with Uggie and Suzie Q

Yes, I stood in line for a photo with Uggie from The Artist and his little buddy is Suzie Q who plays “Jim” on Mike & Molly. And of course you recognize Stella from Modern Family right? So cute!

I also did some serious work. No, really. Well, kind of “work” but definitely serious. I’m trying to figure out what the best diet is for Seamus to give him the best chance of combating this cancer thing that seems to be our nemesis. I walked around talking to as many of the food/ nutrition/ supplement exhibitors as I could but it actually got a little overwhelming. I’m going to be reading up. Right now I’ve got him on supplements that I got from The Dog Cancer Vet and fish oil pills in addition to his high protein/ low carb diet that he’s always been on (carbs feed tumors…we learned that in the last go round).  So I’m curious what you all feed your dogs. Any suggestions? My new goal is for Seamus and I both to be eating better and exercising more. Not difficult, right? Right??!!

 

P.S. As I was headed out, I saw this booth:Beagle Puppy

Beagle at Pet Expo 2012Beagles for Adoption

"Take me Home!"

Sleepy Beagle

Yeah, it’s a miracle I didn’t come home with a new beagle.

 

Posted in Beagles, Dogs | 6 Comments »

3 Year Survivor and Counting

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

I’m happy to report that yesterday I had my check-up with my oncologist and all is clear. I am still NED (“no evidence of disease” for those of you lucky enough to not be familiar with that acronym!). I’ve been moved to annual check-ups, which means I won’t see my oncologist until next April. Pretty much I’m back to normal–annual mammograms, annual physical and, well, sure, annual oncology check ups. (Okay, maybe that last one isn’t totally ‘normal’ but I’m going with it.) It’s always nerve-wracking when these appointments come up and everything starts feeling like a lump, headaches start occurring (or I think they do), and the imagination swings into high gear. So it will be nice to not have that occur as often. And while there is some comfort to knowing that someone is checking on me regularly, I’m going to take comfort in the fact that they don’t need to see me that often. Woo. And Hoo!

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Posted in Breast Cancer Follow ups | 2 Comments »

Wine 4 Paws-My Favorite Things

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Seamus and I have been very, very busy. And very, very happy.

Last weekend we were up in Paso Robles for the Wine 4 Paws fundraiser for Woods Humane Societyof San Luis Obispo. This was a big weekend for us since previously Seamus had only been on one overnight road trip and that was 3 years ago to Phoenix (about a 5 hour drive each way) with Chris and me both. This time my friend Dulce, a photographer, painter and writer who wasn’t so much interested in the wine as the scenery, came with us. Perfect, right?  She drove, Seamus and I visited the wineries and she photographed the gorgeous landscapes…and occasionally me and Seamus.

Teresa Rhyne and Seamus the Famous at Venteux Winery

Teresa and Seamus at Venteux Winery

 

The event was great fun. Lots of wineries participated and had events going on for the people (live music, food, wine tastings) and the doggies (treats galore, vendors, fresh water, and many other doggies!). And how was it to travel with Seamus?

FABULOUS!!

He was so much fun. He very quickly learned that the people behind the tasting bar had treats for the doggies and so he was thrilled to go into each and every winery with me (hey, we’re givers!).  What a fantastic event. I hope they raised a lot of money. I know I left a few dollars behind.

I think Seamus and Chris and I will be traveling together a lot more in the future (book tour?! ;-) ) Those of you who travel with your dogs–have any tips for us?

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Indomitable Seamus the Famous

Friday, April 13th, 2012

Wine for Paws Paso Robles event

Seamus had his check-up with the eye specialist this morning, and guess what….He’s doing much better! Eye pressure was down–nice and low! He’s got an all clear for 2 more months!! Woo Hoo!! I can’t tell you how relieved I am (but perhaps all those exclamation points give you an idea). All I can tell you is we are going to have a great weekend in Paso Robles at the Wine 4 Paws event. Dogs! Wine! Paso! Heaven!  This will be only my second road trip with Seamus. He’s great in the car and loves people and events (he’s been with me on a stage in front of hundreds of people each year for the Walk with The Animals), so I’m not worried about that. I’m a little concerned about how he’ll be in the hotel. We shall see!

But for now, I’m just going to enjoy the good news. Seamus’s eye is looking good!

Oh and thanks for your comments on the new site. I’m getting used to it myself.

Have a great weekend!

Wine 4 Paws 2011 Event

Wine 4 Paws Paso Robles

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

You Found Us!

Saturday, April 7th, 2012
The Dog Lived-Seamus the beagle

Seamus the Famous chillin'

I have every intention of now blogging regularly. No, seriously. I do. I’ve just got to take a few WordPress tutorials or something.

For those of you who’ve been following and now came over here, thanks! And here’s a quick update–I’m once again in La Jolla finishing up some book projects. Copy edits were turned in; two page synopsis was turned in; phone conference with my publicist was a blast; and oh, yeah…the website went live! As for Seamus, he’s chillin’ with Chris this week, spending lots of time at the wine shop (Chris Kern’s Forgotten Grapes if you need a bottle or two!) greeting folks and begging for food. His eye seems to be doing fine–no pain, no changes, which is all a good thing. He goes for a check-up April 13th. I go for a check up April 25th. Yeah, we’re like that.

If you are new here, hey, thanks for dropping by! You’ll find I ramble discuss breast cancer, canine cancer, wine, books, my writing, things like that but mostly, it seems to be all about Seamus (the Famous). He insists.

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »