Saturday, October 6, 2012

Fall Has Arrived

Summer of 2012 was a real endurance test. After a warm dry winter we went directly into a scorching summer with temps in the nineties and over one hundred every day for months. We had no rain until  very recently and had to conserve water.  We provided drinking water for the birds and squirrels and kept the dogs' pool time to a minimum.

This summer we did not water the lawn, trees or shrubbery. They had to make it on their own and unfortunately, some didn't survive.

But suddenly autumn has arrived with cool mornings and evenings and some rain. The grass is looking green again if you overlook the bare spots here and there. There is some color around the yard these days too. Since I'm spending a lot of time outside walking my sick dogs around the yard, I've noticed it and decided to share it

If you stand under the plum tree and look toward the back of the house this is what you see.
The white flowers in the front are Crepe Myrtle.

Then you see part of the Yew hedge and the pink flowers are another Crepe Myrtle.

We have two Pyracantha hedges, one along the property line and one on the side the fence. This time of the year they are covered with berries. The birds will clean them off soon.
In front of the fence we have several Nandina, a form of dwarf bamboo. It also has clusters of berries.

Inside the fence we have three Crabapple trees and they now have their tiny little apples.
The Butterfly Bush is still in flower and still getting lots of visitors.
Rob's rose bush is putting out some late blooms.
We even have some little wildflowers still in bloom.
After such a terrible summer, it's really nice to see some bright patches of color.

For those of you asking about Samba, here she is, skinny and weak, but still here beside me and getting a little better each day.
She's trying very hard to get well. Today she ate 2 1/2 cups of kibble and two cans of tuna. She and Sky slept thru the night letting me sleep from 11 last night till 6:15 this morning. That's the first time in months that I haven't been outside several times during the night.

Yesterday we sent stool samples from Samba, Sky and Fudge to the university for some extensive testing. They are going to try and determine just what has been making the dogs sick and hopefully how to treat it. Dr B also started both Samba and Sky on a different antibiotic and they both seem to be responding well. Sky seems more alert today and Samba is eating and her stool is much improved. I feel better today knowing that others are trying to help find a solution for my pups.

19 comments:

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

It is great to know the vet is in your corner. Hope the pups can get out and enjoy that Autumn weather more.

We've just had two warmish days--mid 80s. So we've been a bit sluggish.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy

Your garden looks lovely.

Ruby said...

I have been thinking about Samba and Sky alot and sending all my good thoughts and keepin' my paws crossed. I also want to send ALL my extra pounds to Samba. I've been tryin' really hard to get rid of em', and since Samba could use em', she can have em'!!!
I am overjoyed that they are gettin' better!! I hope those tests can give you some much needed answers!
I think your yard bloomin' and lookin' so beautiful is natures way of sayin'....it's goin' to get better from here. Chin up!

Kisses,

Ruby

Marjie said...

I'm happy to learn that Samba and Sky are making progress. It's good that you have gotten one good night's sleep, and especially good that you were able to take the time to appreciate your beautiful back yard.

The Life of Riley said...

Your garden looks lovely. Just a random thought, but are there any plants or berries (at this time of year) that your dogs can get to that could be making them sick?

We're sending love and best wishes to your dogs, and hoping the vets find an answer.

Woofs,
Riley (and his human).

Murray's Mouth said...

Just stopping by for the first time and reading your recent sick dog posts. You have beautiful dogs! I hope they feel better soon. It's just awful when they aren't well.

Jo's World said...

I am hoping all those beautiful flowers will last a while, and that the fall will bring on health and healing for Samba and Sky. Its hard to be so far away from people you care about and would love to help at a time like this, but all I can do is send my good wishes and prayers. I'm thrilled to hear Samba and Sky are doing better, let it continue!

Hugs,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Lots of beauty there. Funny how well things can perk up with the cooler temps.

Hoping the weekend brings more strength and weight to Samba, and good health to all the pups. Sounds like you have a lot of good humans trying to help get this fixed.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Pee Ess, TD just has a spot he has been licking that got infected.

rottrover said...

Loving your fall colors! And very glad you got some sleep. It makes all the difference...

Life with Wrigs said...

Sue, thank you for sharing the photos of your beautiful yard! Such a lovely place--I'd never want to go inside. The best photo of all, of course, is the one of Samba. I'm so glad to hear that she and Sky are responding to the new antibiotic. I hope the latest round of testing will be helpful! It's also great news that you were able to get some sleep! Thinking of you and sending lots of get well wishes for the pups!

Susan and Wrigs

Two French Bulldogs said...

Beautiful. We are still waiting for fall
Benny & Lily

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy All, beautiful photos of your garden. Glad you can all get out and enjoy it. Sounds like you have a great Vet taking care of you. Paws crossed they will find the cause of your sickness. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

So glad to hear Samba and Sky are improving. Is Fudge still sick, or is his the 'control' sample? We're keeping our paws tightly crossed for you.

Don't know how you keep such a beautiful yard with so many dogs. Between Abby's digging and Jed's running the perimeter trying to get to the wild life, ours is - well, perfect to us, but 'not pretty' to mama.

Jed & Abby

Molly the Airedale said...

Your yard is so beautiful, Sue. Love all of the color!
We continue to send lots of healing thoughts your way.

Dexter said...

You know that we have been thinking about all of you and sending good thoughts that some vet will figure out what is going on. It sounds like the good weather is cheering things up a bit. Amazing how the grass comes back so happily in the fall.

Kisses,
Dexter

SissySees said...

I'm so glad you got some sleep, and that you have support in caring for your pack. It's great to hear that Samba is improving, and hopefully Sky will be well soon.

The cold front brought a COLD rain for us today. I don't know whether we'll try to walk or not. Gretchen hasn't even been out to potty yet, so that's a pretty clear indication that she shares my lack of interest in walking in a cold rain.

How Sam Sees It said...

Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers - could this be the ray of light all of us have been wishing for?

Sam

bichonpawz said...

We are sending lots and lots of hugs and prayers for Samba and Sky! Sure hope that things are looking up!! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

Lapdog Creations said...

YAY, welcome fall - very pretty colors!

And great news that both dogs are now responding... we are continuing to send our good vibes and crossed paws!

The Daily Pip said...

Isn't fall wonderful - the weather, the colors, we love it!

My blogging has been a bit off lately due to my assistant's whacky schedule, but just want to let you know that I am thinking about all of you and sending many healing wishes!

Your pal, Pip