Lambiedog

Alien visitation

We were all minding our own business when the UFO appeared.

  It swooped toward me as I was pooping, then backed off.  Apparently it wanted to avoid conflict.

Fine with me.

 

Live and let live, I say.

Visit to the country cousins

We went to Ojai to see the country cousins -- Leo, Ella, and Annie. I won't name names, but some of them are less friendly than others.  Overall, I felt a bit intimidated.

Aunt Margie put them outside while she took me inside and prepared a delicious meal of ground raw meat to tempt me out of my anorexia.

So thoughtful!

 

Then we went outside again for awhile.  I felt more relaxed in the open space.

When we came in, we stood around together hoping for more food. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a bonding moment, but at least it was an instant of common purpose.   It was a start.

 

Missing the ones I love

    Life is spicier when they're around. 

  

From obese to anorexic

November 2011

December 31, 2012

Whereas I used to have a weight problem, now I am headed in the opposite direction.

After my recent gastric bout, Dr. Galea took me off of the Phenobarbitol / Potassium Bromide combination I had been taking, as that is not recommended for dogs with pancreatic issues.  Instead, to control my seizures, he switched me to Zonisamide.

2009, pre-Phenobarbitol

    All these years I have had to deal with skepticism regarding my claims that my 2009 weight gain was due to the Phenobarbitol. Well, guess what, you non-believers:  I was right!   My weight dropped as soon as I got off of the Phenobarbitol. 

Furthermore, at this point I'm not even interested in eating:  It turns out that Zonisamide is linked to anorexia.   I now pick at my food, and weigh less than 15 pounds, as against 18 pounds a month ago before I changed medications.   The doctor has given me a a clean bill of health and proclaimed me free to eat whatever I want as long, so long as it is not high-fat.  My owner has tried to tempt me, first with homemade food, and now with enticing commercial concoctions bearing names like "Savory Steak in Meaty Gravy".  But I have little enthusiasm.

I ignore my food.

    Although I am now one of the skinny guys, I continue to empathize with the heavy, who are unfairly accused of personal sloth when so often their weight and metabolism are due to factors beyond their control.

 

Stirling bench update

 

The Stirling bench at the bluffs has been recently upgraded.  It turns out that this is in response to the November death of patriarch Norman Stirling.  The Palisadian Post obituary of Dr. Stirling referenced the bench improvements:

Many years ago he donated a bench on the El Medio/Asilomar bluffs for the people of the Palisades to enjoy the remarkable ocean views. This bench will now be updated with a plaque in his memory.

The obituary noted that there will be a memorial service for Dr. Stirling on January 19 at 2 pm at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. 

From the obituary, I garnered more information about Dr. Stirling than I'd been able to turn up for my earlier post about his family's bench:  He was a dermatologic surgeon, a sailor, a gardener, the father of three daughters, and a member of the Optimists Club who walked in the annual Fourth of July parade. 

The family (or Parks Foundation?) has done a beautiful job on the updated bench, which sparkles on the bluff in tribute to Dr. Stirling's memory.

Stepping lightly into 2013

    What will this year bring?

I hope, good things for all. 

Specifically I want to single out Hillary Clinton and my friend Kerry for good wishes health-wise.  Among canines, my friend Dexter comes to mind.  I hope his tumor will be controlled. 

As for me, Lambie, I feel a renewed vigor after losing several pounds in the course of my recent illness.  My plan for 2013 is to stay slimmed down, and to continue thinking deep thoughts. I'm also thinking it would be nice to acquire some talents.  For example, I'd like to learn to stop at curbs and wait for a signal before stepping into the street. 

Maybe also a showstopper trick would be good.  Perhaps I could learn to jump through a flaming hoop.  Though I don't want to get too ambitious.  Walking through a non-flaming hoop might be almost as impressive.

365 days.  That's a lot of licking opportunities for me.  I intend to appreciate them all.