It's a PIRATE'S Life!

Tuff Life, huh?

The only photo Mommy asks for is G sitting, legs together, hands on knees and a smile.

believe it or not, G is NOT a fan of the camera unless...

she is in charge of the photo poses after the sitting nicely one.  All I say now after I get my pretty sitting pose is, "okay G, do your silly poses now"

Puppy Fun!

Giorgia's Furry uncle, NOEL, is demonstrating his step technique!

He was making sure that I was paying attention! lol

Giorgia was impressed!

This is one of Noel's favorite past times!

Now my Pirate decides to give this a try...

Pirate is diggin' it!

Noel, however, forgot to explain that there is a time limit!

Patience is not his strong suit!

Puppy Love

Puppy Love

Giorgia getting a kiss from Pirate. Puppy Love. She just LOVES him to death. (bad photos from my cell phone)

A Girl and her Pirate

Bathtime...

Pirate wants in on the action!!!

Giorgia says "Hi"

Once Giorgia is out... Pirate can't wait anymore!!!

He is OBSESSIVE about the bathtub. Even if it's me that's in it. He wants to get his toys and toss them in...then he expects you to toss them out and repeat the process one hundred or so times!!! He's just to funny!!!

How Much Pirate?

You Are 60% Pirate

Garrrr, yer a true pirate down to yer bones. Yer an originial sea dog, an' ye certainly have earned yer sea legs. No one be goin' to accuse ye o' bein' a landlubber. Ye got yer eye on the prize, an' yer willin' to go pillagin' fer some booty.

Would You Make a Good Pirate?

Where’s Pirate? Cody?

Pirate's Toy Cut #2. I told him we are getting rid of 50%. He's got more toys than Giorgi has clothes. That means there are A LOT OF DOG TOYS! I dumped out his two downstairs baskets of toys...About 75% of the toys are shown below. Can you spot Pirate? Cody, my brothers yorkie? You can see that Pirate takes after me! Love's clutter and can even find comfort and sleep in it. Such a procrastinator...just like his momma!!!

Harlee & Pirate Meet

Pirate has a minor medical issue that makes him honk when he gets really excited. It doesn't hurt him and calms down after a minute or so. So, don't worry, he's ok.

Pirate Wins!!!

and he made the newspaper too!!

(click to enlarge)

Pirate Onsie

This is just too cute, I might have to get it!

You can find it here.

My Baby Hurts

Thanks to everyone that posted such sweet thoughts. I told Pirate everyone is pulling for him and hoping he feels better soon. I also told him that he better give me a kiss soon. We're still working on that one. :) Like I've said, he's been in the kitchen. I've got lots of blankets, towels and sheets for him to lay on. I also bought a pop-up tent for him a while back and put in the kitchen. He has been hiding out in it. I think it makes him feel safe. Picture below:

**warning: kinda graphic**

Well, Pirate has been home one full day and it's just so sad. He is either sleeping or pacing and straining to urinate. (The stitches from the bladder stones are no problem) Anyway, I would say every 30 minutes he will release urine and blood through the exposed hole. It's actually easier if he goes on the kitchen floor since I have to make sure that urine is actually coming out. It's nearly impossible to tell outside in the freezing cold because it usually just runs down his leg and you can't actually see it. It is very imortant that I visually see it just to make sure there is no blockage which can create a toxic situation. I must say it's quite messy. (but I don't mind) I've scrubbed my kitchen floor so many times and already done laundry twice for all of his sheets and towels. I hate seeing him strain so much and he won't eat at all. I've tried cheese, scrambled eggs, fruit, canned yucky dog food that he flips for...nothing. It makes it hard to give him his pill. I practically forced it down him this morning. Just what I need...cause him more trama. I wish I could just reason with him...medicine = feel better. I think I will make a run for some peanut butter and try that. Does anyone have any suggestions? I do have a mortise and pestal to grind his pill but still need to mix it with something he will eat. This is what I've tried so far. (below) Any suggestions?????

Pirate is HOME!

It's Saturday and I just picked up Pirate. So, he's home although he hates me. I've gotten no kisses yet. It was so sad at the vet, they put him in my arms and he strained his neck so as to NOT look at me. No kisses then, No kisses now. :( He's on his meds but he seems very uncomfortable. Because they had to cut open the urethra-sp and they cannot sew it up, he is currently urinating out of the incision at the base of his prized possession. Not only does he urinate through this but until it closes on it own, it will leak urine and blood. I told the vet I would rather play nursemaid to him at home then have him lonely at the hospital. The first floor of my house is covered in sheets and towels that can be washed easily. Anything for my baby. He is spending most of the day in the kitchen that is blocked off with a baby gate. One of his favorite things to do is sit in the sun by the front door and occasionally the neighbor cat will be by to torture him. Below is a photo of him by the door and one of the neighbor cat that can't figure out why he's walking funny and not barking up a storm at the site of him. Kind of Cute.

Surgery Today

**NOT SO GOOD NEWS**

Pirate is ok, but not so good news. They got the bladder stones out but some attempted to pass. Usually in pets, they don't expect them to pass, only to remain in the bladder. The biggest fear is that you don't want the stones to block the urethra-sp or it could create a toxic situation. The remaining stones NEED to come out so that we don't have this type of situation, the really bad part is that they have to cut open the urethra-sp and take them out. So, he's a boy dog, so that means they have to cute open his prized possession. So sad. I'm not sure of all of the technicallities but I was told that they cannot sew up this opening for a few days. I guess to avoid infection. This also means that he'll have to stay in the hospital probably at least until Monday. This is very sad. I have to wait til noon to call for an update. Say a little prayer for Pirate.

**UPDATE 2/1/07**

This was our self portrait this morning before we left for surgery. It's sad, my baby is very happy today and ready to go for a ride. He seems unaware that he is going to be very mad at me soon. :( The first photo is out in the parking lot and the second...well, he's not real happy with me right now...

These photos are of Pirate trying to be an escape artist!

He's all by himself now at the vet. Poor Baby. I'll be able to call in at noon for his status. I will update.

**CARDIAC SPECIALIST UPDATE**

Okay, I can breathe! Pirate still has a heart mummur but has the go ahead for surgery. No medicine is needed at this time. $452 was the price for peace and I have to say that it hurt my pocket but was totally worth it. They took his blood pressure with a little doggie arm band thing. It was just too cute. Then he had a cardio-echogram. It took 1 doctor and 1 technician to hold all 8 lbs of him down while the specialist did the cardio-echogram. They wanted me to have my face right by his to calm him. He did pretty well but the doctors definately had to be forceful to hold him down. They spent about 20 minutes doing all of the testing, the visit was about 45 minutes and I was very impressed with the staff and specialist. It really, really helps when you really feel like they took the time with you and your pet. I left feeling very optimistic and I'm breathing again...of course.

**UPDATE 1/29/07**

Today @ 3 is Pirate's consult with the Cardiac Specialist and my stomach is in knots. It doesn't help that I got into a screaming match at our Monday Morning meeting. (We are very non-PC at these meetings) Thankfully my point was finally made and my boss backed me up. I did apologize to him for getting him wound up but not for what I said. Anyway, I have more important things to worry about...my baby Pirate. I will fill you in on his update.

Freaking Out Even More...

**UPDATE 1/26/07**

I've now been to the vet for the 3rd time to fix Pirate's issue. (blood in urine) It's official, he has kidney stones...well, actually they are called "bladder stones" and he needs surgery. Bad news, my vet can't do the surgery but another in the practice can. But I want my vet! :( I guess I will have to settle with another since I cannot prolong this for very long. Surgery is scheduled for Feb 1st....

The reason I am freaking out even more is that it has been discovered that Pirate has a heart mummer with a rating of 3 (3 out of 6, 6 being the worst). They will not do the surgery until I see a cardiac specialist. Just to walk in to this consult...$400. So, I am looking at approx. $1200. Argh. Don't get me wrong, there is NO question that I will do anything for my baby Pirate, it just means taking a hit on my baby fund, and any of the trips I was contemplating. Sorry Savannah an

Pirate's Addiction

Since he's been really good through out all of these doctor visits, I've been giving in to his ADDICTION!

It's DORA. I bought Giorgia a little Dora Hula figurine for bathtime. One day when I was taking a bath in her bathroom, Pirate spotted it. He went nuts. I now have to keep her bathroom door shut when I'm not in there!! I decided to let him play with it and took some video. IYES, I am a Dork but isn't he cute?

Pirate Socks

Did I ever share with you the photo of the coolest socks ever! Kathy, my fellow Precious Panda sent them to me for Christmas. I will wear them faithfully every Christmas (and more). I love 'em, they are just soo cool.

Pirate's Philly Fun

This is how Pirate was dressed to greet Donna and Susan at the Airport. He had on his tough skull & crossbone t-shirt and some bling in his hair. (Stolen loot from his pirating days). He was trying to get all the girls attention at the airport! What a cutie!

Shopping in Chinatown was very prosperous for Pirate. I found him his official Mascot Outfit. He's my little Asian Pooch!

It was like CHRISTMAS!!!

Look at all the fun stuff!!!

Above: I made Precious Panda Welcome Gift bags for everyone. They included info on the weekend event and Philly stuff, Water, Snacks, Precious Panda Chocolate bars and a 4 pack of Precious Panda Thank You Cards. Hope, Sheryl and Jenna brought lots and lots of Tiara's for everyone. We had them in Pink, Purple, and Diamond Colors! Gotta love the sparkly stuff!!!

Above: Kim brought me an awesome Hostess gift, a Mulled Apple Candle. It smells wonderful!!!! Kim also brought Chopsticks for everyone. Melissa brought us all Asian inspired Journals. I think that I will definately bring this to China with me for my China Travel Diary! Next is my Sparkly Wand! As Friday night hostess, Sheryl thought I needed a Wand to go with my Tiara! (Totally works for me!!!)

Above: After our day running around Philly when we were having our slumber party, Wanda gave us this book, IMPERIAL CHINA. It's an awesome book and she even personalized it for each of us! Next we have a little taste of Texas!!! Cheryl brought 4 big jars of Texas Salsa, Raspberry, Chipolte, Blackbean and Black Bean and Corn! Yummy Stuff!

Friday night at during our dinner, Lori presented us each with a little Asian Bear and a little Asian Take-out box. Inside the Takeout box was a Fan Magnet and an itty bitty Asian Duckie. Well, could you get anymore perfect!! It fits right in to Giorgia's Duckie Bathroom theme! Now, I just have to find a way to keep it from Pirate. Something about those duckies just drives him wild!! lol. Next is one of the three bottles of wine Cheryl managed to sneak on the plane! Yippee! Kathy wasn't so lucky...they confiscated hers!!!

Above: Whoopie Pies! Yahoo! These are yummmmy!!! It's like a soft chocolate caked cookie with a whipped creamy inside! They are awesome. The infamous "Magic Cone"! Leave it to Sheryl. I know I've always wanted to pee standing up! ha. ha. For fun, I just might have to try it but darn you for defacing our Precious Panda Logo! ha. ha.

Believe it or not...There is even more to come...I just haven't gotten photos yet!!!