Seasons

The calendar says it's still winter, but it looks and feels like spring. Today the temperature may hit 80, does that sound like winter? When we made a trip to the back yard this morning we found other evidence of spring. The forsythia is blooming.

The rose bush is budding.

The crab apple tree is starting to open it's buds.

The bleeding heart is pushing up in the rock garden.

This fern weed is green and lush. Pretty isn't it?

I'm reminded of a song  by The Byrds from the 1960s, Turn! Turn! Turn!


To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven


A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep


The reason that song is stuck in my mind today is because of the events of the weekend. When Tsar visited Dr B on Friday, things looked pretty good, considering the severity of his condition. We agreed to cut his prednisone back starting Saturday. I gave him no pred on Saturday morning and Rob and I watched his condition deteriorate before our eyes. By Sunday morning we were back to where we started three weeks ago. He couldn't stand without help, stumbled when he walked and stared at the ground unresponsive to us.

I gave him 20mg of pred and 20 more in the evening. Again we watched the change happen before our eyes. By bedtime we were almost back to Friday's dog. Today he's still a little shaky when walking, but he's alert and responsive. A consultation with Dr B confirmed our fears. The rapid decline points to a brain tumor and as we've decided against invasive tests and surgery, we'll just keep Tsar as comfortable as possible until he tells us that it's time to let go.

Quality of life is important to me and this photo taken about 10 minutes ago shows that Tsar is not in pain and is still enjoying interaction with us and with the rest of his pack. All my dogs in the past have told me when it was time and I know Tsar will, too. Till then, every day is a good day.