Hello, My Dear Friends

Hello, My Dear Friends.

Boy, is it hard to be back.  

I would like to thank all of you who expressed your condolences, sent cards and/or said prayers on our behalf when we lost my dear Frankfurter.  Knowing how much people cared as we dealt with that terrible loss meant and still means more than I could ever adequately express in a blog post.  

It has been just over three months since I had to write the post I had been dreading for years to tell you my sweet Frankfurter had passed away.  My parents and I had thought he might be getting a little bit better, so when he passed away in his sleep on that Sunday afternoon, laying on the couch by his Grandpa, it was a shock to all of us.  

I told you this before, but it means so much to me that I'm going to repeat myself!   When I was holding Frankfurter the night before he passed away, he leaned up and kissed me.  He had been too sick to do that the previous week, so I thought it was a sign that he was getting better.  We were all so happy when he kissed me!  Looking back at it, I think he was telling me that he loved me and that perhaps he knew our time left together was short.  He was a sweet, caring, wonderful dog from the day I got him until the day he died.  We all miss him terribly.  

I think I knew from the moment I got Frank, because he had already stolen my heart, that the day he died would be terrible.  Losing Frank has been even worse than I imagined.  I can't even begin to put into words how much I miss that little ball of wiener dog joy that made every single day better.  

However, I have so much to be thankful for, also.  My parents and I had almost 16 wonderful years with Frankfurter.  There were several times we could have lost Frank, but were blessed with all of that time with him.  When he was a puppy, he chewed through a computer cord in my apartment.  I could not believe it when I saw the cord and still remember it vividly.  He had chewed through all of the protective plastic around it and even got through some of the wires which were directly plugged into the wall socket.  It is not an exaggeration at all when I tell you it was truly a miracle that Frank wasn't electrocuted.  

As a puppy, when we were out by my car, he decided to go for a walk on his own.  As I went chasing after him, he headed down the sidewalk.  Wiener dogs can be very fast, and there was no way I was going to be able to catch him on my own.  I was filled with panic and fear because at the end of the block, the sidewalk turned to go up into a shopping center.  I could not catch him, he was so tiny and if he had gotten to that shopping center, he likely would have been hit.  By no accident, I am sure, a car came driving down the road.  I started waving my arms like a lunatic and pointing to Frank so they wouldn't hit him.  Instead, the car passed me, pulled up beside him, the passenger opened her door, and Frank, always the people-friendly dog went right to her.  She picked him up and he was safe.  On the verge of tears, I thanked the people over and over, telling them I was so sorry and that he had never done anything like that before.  They told me it was alright, they, too, had wiener dogs and knew they could be ornery.  They gave me Frank back and went on their way to the shopping center.  I think I lost about 10 years off of my life that day and Frank learned that he wasn't allowed to leave our apartment without a leash for a very long time!  It was also after this event that we were pretty sure that Frank's guardian angel asked for a transfer.  :)

In Arizona, Frank had to have his first disc surgery for his back.  My parents were there and realized something was very wrong while I was taking a nap.  We ended up rushing him to our regular vet, who did not expect him to make it.  However, we took him to a special clinic where we were told by the vet there that he thought he could help Frank.  I was so relieved that before they even told us what the cost would be, I said it would be fine.  I also told the doctor that if he wasn't married (he had a ring on) that I would kiss him on the lips.  He laughed and then acted like he was going to slip his ring off.  It had already been seen, of course, so he was out of luck, but I will eternally be grateful to Dr. Levine for helping Frank have another 4 years and 4 months with us.  

Frank also had another disc problem here in Illinois.  This time, he went to Purdue University for back surgery.  Within just a few days, he tore his ACL in one of his legs and had to return back to Purdue.  We're still pretty sure that they hurt Frank so he would have to come back.  When one of the staff members had chicken for dinner, Frank barked until the person shared with him.   :)  He came home in a cone that time.  I'll never forget my parent's cat jumping on the bed and seeing Frank in that cone.  The cat flew off the bed, but looked back at us as if to say, "I don't know where you keep taking him, but you better stop!  He comes home in worse shape than he left every single time!"  Again, we were so thankful that Frank was able to be helped.  We were also very thankful for pet insurance which helped us to be able to take care of Frank financially.  

God also blessed us so many times, just during the last week of Frank's life.  My parents took him to the vet first thing on Monday morning when he had gotten so sick and they weren't sure he would make it through the day.  He was a fighter though, and he kept going.  Up until that week, I had not been able to hold him because he was too heavy and he hurt my back.  However, every night that week, I was able to sit up and hold Frank in my arms while he slept for hours.  I could feel him immediately relax when I took him and he would be able to go sound asleep.  I think he knew his Mommy had him and he was safe and loved.  During those times, I told him over and over how much I loved him, what a special boy he was, and that I was so thankful I got to be his mommy.  I wasn't about to leave Frank at night, not knowing if he would make it until morning, so I slept in bed with Frank and my Mom.  Before and after that week, I couldn't even stand to sit on that bed because it hurts my back so much.  I can't sit or lay on it now.  However, that week, God blessed me and let me sleep in that bed so I could put my hand on Frank at all times and let him know I was with him.  I treasure those memories now with all of my heart.  I am so thankful I was able to spend those precious moments with my baby.

Until Frank passed away, I thought "Life with a Wiener Dog" was just a fun name for my blog about cards.  Yes, Frank was definitely a part of it, but it didn't seem that connected to him in my mind.  After he died and still, I realize how intertwined they were, probably because everything in my life was intertwined with Frankfurter!  Everyone who knew me, even just a little bit, also knew about Frank.  Even though my back was better at the beginning of the summer, I couldn't bear the thought of making cards or going to Frank's blog which has been most of the reason for my being missing in action.  A nasty bug that made me feel nauseated for weeks and the ever present back problems didn't help any, either.  I was definitely so sad from losing Frank, though, that stamping and making cards was not even remotely appealing.  I even seriously thought about not stamping anymore.  

I recently told my Dad that I hated going to my blog.  It just reminded me of Frank.  I miss Frank so much as it is that seeing his pictures and thinking about his appearances on here just seemed almost unbearable.    

Luckily for me, my Dad is wise.  He told me that continuing my blog would be a way to honor him.  It would be a way to remind people about a wonderful wiener dog named Frankfurter and how special he was.  That made perfect sense to me.  I would love to honor Frank for all of the love and joy he brought into every life that he touched, especially mine.  I don't want people to forget him, just like I don't ever want to forget him.  So, if coming to my blog to see a card will also make someone smile when they remember Frankfurter the Wiener Dog, I'm in 100 percent.

Here is the card, again, in case you've been reading so long you've forgotten what it looked like.  :)  Unfortunately, the sun didn't want to come out when I was taking this picture to share with you!

I knew that my first card would be to honor Frank.  Man, is it hard to color when you're crying!  However, I was able to continue, all the while thinking about how special Frank will always be to me.  No matter how much time passes, he will always have my heart.  To that end, I created this card.  

It is based on My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #347 to help me get started.

  The stamp set, Birdie Brown You Have My Heart, was recently retired.  Of course, I had purchased it within hours of it being for sale from My Favorite Things!  It was in January and it ruined my New Year's Resolution of not buying any new stamps or stamping supplies.  However, it was a set based on a girl and her wiener dog!!!  How could I not buy it immediately??? 

I have also made 3 other cards which you will see in rapid succession this week.  I hope you enjoy them.  

Even more, I hope that when you see that there is a new post from 

Life with a Wiener Dog, you will remember my sweet Frankfurter and smile.  

Like I used to tell him, "All the little wiener dogs in the whole wide world, 

and I got the very best one."  He truly was and still is one of the very best parts of my life and I will forever be grateful that God blessed me with him.

Thank you, again, for your love and support.  

Happy Stamping! 

I used the following supplies 

to make this card honoring Frank:

Birdie Brown You Have My Heart Stamp Set by My Favorite Things

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad by Tsukineko

Lavender Fields Ink Pad by My Favorite Things

Copic Markers

Solar White Card Stock by Neenah

Tiny Stars Pastels Paper Pack by My Favorite Things

Stitched Dome Frame Die-namics 

My Wonderful Frankfurter

Dear Friends,

It is with a broken heart that I must tell you that my dear Frankfurter passed away on Sunday right at about 2:30 in the afternoon.  He was laying on the couch sleeping, next to his Grandpa, which was his favorite spot to be in the afternoons.  

Since I moved back to Illinois, I am the only person that Frank would give kisses.  My Mom used to beg him for kisses, but he wouldn't do it.  They were reserved for his mommy.  This past week, as I have held him every night, I would give me kisses on the head.  I would put my face down for him to kiss me back, but he just didn't feel like it.  

On Saturday night, when I took Frank in my arms, I kissed him on the head and told him how much I loved him.  He stretched his head forward and gave me three tiny kisses.  We were all so excited because we thought that meant he was getting better.  Now it is one of my most cherished memories.

Frankfurter received his treatment this morning.  There were no hints at all that this was coming.  He just went to sleep by his Grandpa and passed away.

We are all so thankful for your prayers this week.  We had almost six full days that we did not think we were going to get to have and they were wonderful.  When I would take Frank in my arms, I would feel him relax.  He would sleep and I would hold him quietly, until I just had to tell him how much I loved him.  I haven't been able to spend nearly as much time with Frank as I have wanted because I am in bed so much of the time as a result of my back.  This week, though, I was able to stay up more, hold him, and sleep beside him.  I know God made this possible because physically, I couldn't do those things before this week.  I kind of feel like Frank and I got to really reconnect this past week as I held him.  I know, if nothing else, that he knew I was still here and I loved him dearly.  We know that we did everything we could for Frankfurter in a way that would be best for him as we continued treating him with our vet's care.  We all were able to spend this special week with Frank.  We took turns holding Frank, petting him, telling him over and over what a wonderful dog he is, how much we loved him, and how he was the best little wiener dog in the whole world.  

Since shortly after I got Frankfurter, I have told him,

"Of all the little wiener dogs in the whole world,

God gave me the very best one."

Indeed He did.  Frank was the best for me when things were going well.  He was wonderful to come home to every day.  He was the first face I saw in the morning and the last I saw at night and what an adorable face it was!

Frank was the family I came home to for years.  All of my home life really revolved around Frank because he is the one who was there.  He did everything with me, except occasionaly he would get tired and go to bed without me.  Even then, he would lift up his head to greet me when I got in bed.  Whether you were gone for hours or just a minute in the other room, Frank was always just as happy to see you.  He always wagged his tail when you walked back into the room.

All of my years with Frank were not quite so wonderful because of the outside world, but Frank always made things a little bit better.  Whether I was crying in bed or sitting on the couch, he was always right by my side.  He would offer kisses to try and help and if that didn't stop the tears, he would just silently lay beside me to let me know he was there.  There have been many days over the past four years when I would have preferred to just lay in bed because of my back, but I got up anyways to spend time with Frank.  Even if he wanted to lay by his Grandpa or would end up going to bed with Grandma, it was worth it just to be in the room with him for that time.  

I feel as though there is a huge hole where my heart was before 2:30 this afternoon.  It feels like part of me is gone because Frankfurter was such a huge part of my life and my parents.  Living without him is not something any of us wanted to have to do.  We are thankful, though, that he did not suffer.  He wasn't in pain.  He passed away peacefully at home, just like we had prayed for that if it had to happen, it would happen that way.  We are very grateful for the time we had with him.  We will all miss Frankfurter so much.  He had the sweetest, most caring disposition.  He was so smart.  I am sure he knew things that we never knew he had figured out.  He was funny.  His facial expressions gave away his thoughts, likes and dislikes.  I miss him so much already.   I'm not looking forward to the coming days as this reality sinks in more and more.  I trust that God had a plan and that it was best for Frank as well as us.  He will be our dog forever.  We will continue to love Frank and be grateful for our time with him.  Nothing will ever change that no matter what.     

If you have a pet at home, go hug him or give her kisses.  Tell them how much you love them.  I can guarantee that no matter how much time you have with them, it just isn't enough.

If you would please continue to keep all of us in your prayers as we grieve our sweet baby boy, we would appreciate it.   We continue to praise God, now through tears, for blessing us with the gift of Frankfurter.  

I love you with all of my heart, my sweet Frankfurter.

You gave me life with a wiener dog.  

I can't even begin to tell you how much better it was

all because of you.



  

A very quick update

Hello, Friends!

I have a very quick Frank update for those of you who are interested.  All of Frank's numbers are now better, including the liver number!  Unfortunately, Frankfurter had a seizure yesterday and a very short one again in the night.  I was concerned that Dr. Reardon would want to stop treatments, but she did not.  Since his numbers are improving, we are going to continue his treatments 2 times a day over the weekend.  Then on Moday, we'll check him.  No news is good news so I won't post another update until Monday unless things really change.

Thank you so much for your prayers.  Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers!

Two out of Three Are Better!!!

Hello, Friends,

I have good news today!  Frank is showing signs of improvement.

Last night, he woke us up twice to go to the bathroom which was a good sign that his kidneys were funtioning well without having to wait for blood work.  He was a lot more alert and bright eyed than he had been since Monday, also, even though it was the middle of the night.  He was also trying to stand up, which he hadn't been doing.  He couldn't stand up because of the thing in his leg/foot where they are continuing to give him fluids and medicine, but he was trying.  

I just got a call from Dr. Reardon, his vet, and two of his numbers are improving.  His kidneys are doing better, which we already had guessed, and his phosphorus numbers are better.  Unfortunately, his liver numbers haven't improved and that is where his vet thinks the problem started.  She is going to tweak his medicine and see if we can't get those numbers to improve.  We will do blood work again on Friday to see how he is doing.  

We are so thankful that Frank is doing better.  I have no doubt that it is because of all of the prayers that have been sent up on his and our behalf.  We give God all the glory for giving us more time with our sweet boy.  Trust me, on Monday, he was so sick, so weak and he looked so bad.  I truly believed that this was the end.  That was one of the main factors in taking him back and forth to the clinic was that we didn't want him to pass away there by himself.  To see him doing so much better than he was then is nothing less than a miracle.  

Because the liver number is not better, we aren't out of the woods yet.  Frank still isn't eating or drinking on his own either.  He is just so much better than he was that it is a huge relief to believe God has given us a little more time with him.  We all love him with all of our hearts!

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you for your prayers and kind words during this difficult time.  If you would please continue to pray for Dr. Reardon as she makes decisions for his care and for his liver numbers to prove, we would all greatly appreciate it.  Any extra time we have with Frankfurter, especially when he is not so sick, is an absolute gift from God.  

Thank you, again,

Angela, Frankfurter, and Frankfurter's Grandma and Grandpa

Tuesday Update

Hello, Friends,

Frank has made it through Tuesday.  He had both of his treatments at the vet's office today.  His kidneys are still funtioning well.  However, he is not interested in eating or drinking at all.  The vet seemed very happy that he seemed more alert this morning than he had yesterday.  She was gone when he came in tonight, but everything was ready for Frank when he got there.  

He was more alert when he came back from his treatment tonight as well.  On Monday, he came in from the car half asleep and slept like a rock all evening long while I held him.  Tonight, (Tuesday) I was able to hold him and talk to him for quite a while before he fell asleep.  I didn't get to hold him nearly as long as I wanted because my stomach is feeling the effects of all of this and I am super nervous for Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Frank will receive another treatment but they will also do blood work to see if his body is making any improvements.  I don't think I've ever been more anxious, nervous, or just flat out terrified about a phone call before in my entire life.  The blood test results will determine what we do next.  I pray to God with all my heart that Frank's body is improving and we will be able to continue to treat him as he makes more and more progress.  

I will post on my blog when we hear from the doctor tomorrow.  If it is good news, I'll post right away.  If it is not, I'll have a meltdown and then post.  We have no idea when we will hear from her, though, so don't worry if there isn't a post first thing in the morning.  

If you would please continue to pray for all of us, as well as Dr. Reardon, we would greatly appreciate it.  

Thank you so much!

Angela, Frank and Frank's Grandma and Grandpa

My Sweet Frankfurter

Hello, Friends,

I am so sorry to have to tell you that my dear Frankfurter has taken a turn for the worse over the past few days, especially Monday, May 15th.  

Frank had been to the vet less than 2 weeks ago and all of his numbers were better than they had been in a long time.  He was feeling good and was his normal "Frankfurter" self.  He started having trouble with his tummy, which we gave him Pepcid for and he seemed to be better.  Last week, though it was obvious that he wasn't feeling good so we took him right into the vet.  She gave him medicine and some shots with instructions for us to take care of him.  Unfortunately, she was gone for the rest of the week and said for us to continue to treat him and to bring him back this week if he still wasn't feeling good.  Frank is blind, but he knows Dr. Reardon's voice and is comfortable with her, so we waited for her to get back.  He wasn't eating or drinking over the weekend, so my parents gave him fluids under his skin here at home.  We knew he didn't feel good because he didn't want to eat or drink, but other than that, he didn't seem to be in terrible shape.  We just kept praying for him to hang in there until his doctor got back today so she could give him another shot of anti-nausea medicine and check him again.  

Unfortunately, this morning (Monday), it was obvious that Frank was in a lot of pain.  My parents gave him some of his pain medicine and took him right in for his appointment today at 9 am.  His doctor did blood work and we did not get good news like we were wanted.  His kidney, liver and phosphorus numbers were all terribly bad.  One of the numbers is bad if it's over 500 and his was over 1,000.  

We had the choice of leaving Frank at the vet where he could get IV fluids and antibiotics but there is no guarantee that this would be able to help him.  This would be very stressful for Frank.  He has always been scared of the "big dogs" and of course, there are dogs and cats and noises there all the time.  He would be in a cage all of the time.  All of that is even worse now that he cannot see.  There is also a chance that he could pass away there by himself, which I don't think any of us could bear. 

We also had the choice of bringing him home and spending some time with him before we would permanently end his pain.  Sorry- I can't write the real words.  I have told God for years and years that I could never be put in that position.  How can I do that to my sweet baby?  If he is suffering, though, I will do what is best for him.  There is no need to prolong his suffering just to make me feel better that I would have a little bit more time with him.  I still pray that this will not happen, however, if it must, his vet will come here to our home to help him. 

Over the phone, I asked if it was possible for us to bring Frank back and forth to the clinic.  Thankfully, she said that we could make that option work.  It won't be as aggressive as leaving him there, but we know he will be able to rest better at home, won't be as stressed out, and will be with someone all the time.  We started this plan today.  My parents will take him to the clinic twice a day for treatment.  He has a (pain killer brain) thing in his leg where they can hook him up to the IV without having to stick him every time.  They will do blood work each time as well as give him all of his medicine and fluids.  It will take around a half an hour to give him the fluids and medicine he needs.  Then, my parents will bring him back home so he can be with us.  

I did not see Frank before he went to the vet this morning because I was asleep.  First, Frank stayed longer than just his appointment while they did tests.  When the results were back, my parents called and the vet talked to me on the phone to let me know about Frank's condition.  We had to leave him there for awhile while they started his first treatment so my parents came back home.  I never go with them because of my back, but went today so I could hold him on the ride back home.  I have never seen my sweet baby look so bad.  You could tell from looking in his eyes that he felt awful, which is from the phosforus being so out of whack.  At this point, he is not in pain right now or as uncomfortable as he was this morning.  He just feels really bad from being so sick.  

We brought Frank home and I was able to hold him all afternoon.  He slept most of the time, but would occassionally wake up.  He knew I was right there with him and I told him over and over how much I love him.  I stayed home for the second trip to the doctor today, cried a lot and then slept a little.  When my parents got back, they woke me up and I was able to hold Frank again this evening.  He was very tired, if for no other reason than going to the vet once always made him tired.  I'm sure having to go twice in one day really wore him out, not to mention that he is so sick.  I am concerned that all of these trips might be too hard on him, but we have to give him a chance.  I can't just give up on my best friend.  

Frank was sick with this same problem last fall.  That time his kidneys stopped working and he got very, very ill then, as well.  We thought we were going to lose him then, but he came out of it.  He is a tough little cookie.  We don't call him "Super Miracle Dog" for nothing.  Dr. Reardon said he still has some fight in him because he was not happy to be stuck and have medicine squirted in his mouth again tonight!  There is some hope that he will get better.  

I am sorry this is so long.  I know many of you have grown attached to my sweet boy after years of following my blog.  I wanted to warn you that this may be coming before you just opened my page one day and saw that terrible news.

If you would please pray for all of us, we would really appreciate it more than you will ever know.  I am praying that if there is anyway God can heal Frankfurter again, that He will please do so.  We have known for a while that every day we have with Frank is a gift.  We will never be ready to lose him.  He has been my baby since he was six weeks old.  He is my heart.  I pray we have more time with him.  I pray that God will give his doctor wisdom and that the treatments she is giving Frank will work.  If, however, that is not to be, I pray that Frank will pass away on his own at home with his family around him.  I pray that he will not be in pain and will not suffer.  I pray that Frank will know how much we love him, that we will love him forever, that he is the best dog in the whole world and that our lives will have always been better because he was in them.  It's a lot for a dog, but he's very smart.

If you would also pray for my parents and I, we definitely need it.  We all love Frank with all of our hearts.  We would do anything in the world for our sweet boy.  This will be a huge loss for all of us, no matter when it happens.  We need to be strong for Frank right now, though.  I try not to cry when I'm holding him because I don't want to upset him.  Thankfully, he slept through my tears tonight when I couldn't hold them in any longer.  

Great days were even better and bad days weren't quite as bad because Frank was right there with me through it all for the last fifteen years and eight months.  I have no doubt that the days I have spent in my life with a wiener dog will have been the best days of my life.  

Frankfurter- My Wonderful Wiener Dog!

Hello, Friends!

Today I have a super long post about my favorite wiener dog

 in the whole wide world,
Frankfurter!

I apologize for not getting this out sooner.  I was writing it on Saturday night and fell asleep.  On the bright side, I've got Frank pictures!!  I must tell you that I took Frank's picture during what is normally his morning nap time.  He cooperated because he was way too tired not to!  So, if he doesn't look quite as bright eyed and bushy tailed as usual, he's fine.  He just happened to be falling asleep during our photo session.  :)

Now, I suggest you clear more time in your schedule, fix another cup of your favorite beverage, get another snack, go to the bathroom and then join me for a nice long Frank update.   

As I said in the blog post from last week, Frank is now 15 1/2 years old.  It seems impossible that it's now been more than
15 years since I brought home 

a tiny, sweet little dachshund puppy who was only 

6 weeks old and weighed 2 pounds.  

As much as I never wanted to have to live with my parents again because I wanted to be a healthy, self-sufficient adult, Frank is more than happy with our living situation!   I imagine he wonders why we waited so long to move in with Grandma and Grandpa!

Frank loves my parents and they definitely love him.  I spend a lot of time upstairs laying down.  There nothing exciting up here and the chances of me eating aren't that great.  Frank, on the other hand, likes to be where the action is, so he prefers to be downstairs with my parents most of the time.  They have to take care of him because I can't.  They have been more than willing to do so.  Frank and I are both very blessed by this.  As Frank has gotten older, he requires more actual care but he's still doing really well for 15 1/2.  He does have some health problems, though, which I'll outline below. 

Back problems and the need for surgeries are common in doxies which is why I bought Frank pet insurance starting when he was 1 year old!  It has been worth it!  Because of his back problems in the past, he has trouble walking sometimes.  Dr. Becky, his vet who loves him almost as much as we do, believes that there is scar tissue around his spinal cord from where he had his back surgeries.  That scar tissue is now blocking the messages from getting to his back legs to keep them working right.  His back legs tend to stretch out beside his body, almost like they're doing the splits, instead of holding him up straight.  Frank, ever the little genius, figured out if he has his back half do a little hop, his legs fall back into place straight underneath him.  This helps him get started and then keeps him able to walk.  If his legs start to stretch outwards again, he just hops to get them back into place.  His front legs still work fine.  He walks better in the morning and not as well at night when he is more tired from being up all day.  He also has learned how to look pitiful to get my Dad to pick him up.  He knows my Mom can't pick him up as easily because she is having problems with her wrists.  It is amazing to see the difference, as he seems to suddenly be significantly better when he knows my Dad isn't there to carry him.  It's kind of astounding because you would think the "poor little old wiener dog can barely go" and then he moves out when it's just my Mom and I, especially if there is food or a treat involved!  Frank is a Grandpa's boy and he knows Grandpa is a softie!  :)

We tried setting Frank up because when he lays down, his bloated middle spreads out to the sides making it look a lot worse than when he's standing up.  However, every time we sat him back up, he would slowly slide back down.  Poor little sleepy dog!

Frank also has a bad gallbladder.  It has a lot of sludge in it, which is what happens to people as well.  While people have it surgically removed, dogs take medicine to liquify the sludge and keep it moving through.  Dr. Becky keeps close watch on this.  She uses an ultrasound machine to check on it about once every four to six weeks.  Frank just lays on the table and lets her check it.  He doesn't have to be knocked out or anything.  Sometimes his gallbladder causes him to be bloated, othertimes, he is not.  During today's pictures, he was particularly bloated but it doesn't seem to bother him any.  We've noticed that sometimes this depends on what he eats, so we try to avoid foods that give that response, like broccoli.  Of all of his health problems, this is the only one that could be dangerous.  If it solidifies, that could cause the gallbladder to burst or other problems, like inflammation of his pancreas.

Another health problem Frank has developed is Cushing's Disease.  This is also common in doxies.  It makes him feel hungry and thirsty all the time.  The best news about Cushing's is that it won't shorten his lifespan at all.  Overall, he handles this very well.  During the day, he knows what time he gets fed and he doesn't beg for food other times.  He drinks a lot of water, but he can have as much of it to drink as he wants, so that isn't a problem for him.  The middle of the night tends to be a bigger issue.  Sometimes he can sleep through the night.  Other times, he might be up 3 or 4 times because he wakes up and he's hungry.  My Mom plans ahead and takes little snacks upstairs for him in case he wakes up and needs them.  He did not like the time change when all of a sudden we told him he had to wait an extra hour for his meals!  His internal clock definitely did not fall back an hour!  Thankfully, within a few days he had adjusted to the new time and all is well!

There is one other problem Frank had come up about 3-4 weeks ago.  Besides being concerned about his gallbladder, this one was the hardest for us humans to deal with, although Frank is doing fine!  Frank has lost his sight.  We found out almost 4 years ago that Frank only had sight in one eye.  We don't know if he was born that way or if he lost it sometime through his life.  The doctor who did his back surgery in Arizona was the first one who recognized it.  This never posed an issue.  However a few weeks ago when my Dad took Frank down for his breakfast, Frank was very disoriented.  While Frank is a Grandpa's boy, my Dad is equally a "Frank's boy."  He keeps close watch on Frank all the time and knew something was wrong.  Frank rubbed his eye frequently that day, as if he was trying to get it to work again.  A trip to Dr. Becky the next day confirmed that his retina had come lose and he could no longer see.  Dr. Becky was as disappointed with the news as we were.

Frank has adapted amazingly well, though, especially when his people accepted it and stopped acting like something was terribly wrong and started treating him like normal again!  You would never guess from watching him that he was blind.  He walks through the house like he always did and is able to go right where he wants, like his water bowl or a different room.  When you talk to him, he points his face right at you like he's looking at you.  Sight is actually the third most important sense to a dog, with smelling and hearing coming in first and second place.  His hound dog nose still keeps him informed and you can see him listening and concentrating to figure out who might be coming into a room or what that person might be doing...or eating!  Again, my Mom and Dad both make sure that Frank is okay with this new challenge.  My Dad, who loves Frank dearly, was the most upset with this news.  I made my Dad feel better about Frank's eyesight loss when I told him Frank would be alright because he had a seeing-eye Grandpa and he definitely does.  His seeing-eye Grandma helps all the time, too.  

Frank takes medicine which helps him a lot with the first three issues.  He's very good about taking his medicine most of the time.  Sometimes he gets tired of swallowing pills, but honestly I can relate.  I get tired of having to take medicine all the time, too!  We both do what we have to do, though, and are better because of it!

I know this all sounds depressing.  He really is okay and is doing well.  Thankfully the only real ongoing issue that could cause a big problem is his gallbladder.  When we found out there was a problem, we all began praying for Frank.  At the next check up, Dr. Becky said that she had never seen the sludge improve as quickly as she had in Frank!  I believe God made Frank, loves Frank and takes care of him like He takes care of people.  We all know that every day we have with Frank is a gift and we all treat it that way.  Frank has brought so much joy to our family.  He is so smart and funny.  He has facial expressions that show what he's thinking.  He is sweet and caring.  He loves his family.  He's just a wonderful dog and has been since day one.  I frequently tell him,

"Of all the little wiener dogs in the whole wide world,

God sent me the very best one."

I know all the other doxie owners would disagree with me and I understand that completely.  Frank and I have been through a lot together and he has always made the good times better and the bad times not quite as terrible.

Frank still has a good life, too.  Dr. Becky and all of her staff truly love Frank and takes great care of him  She calls him "miracle dog" because he always overcomes whatever problem comes up.  He has the full attention of three adults who are at his call twenty-four hours a day and who make sure he has everything he needs.  While I often can't help him with what he needs, I can sound the alert and get someone else who can!  He enjoys treats and bones and bites of people food.  He even gets a pass when he barks his head off because we're having pizza, which is his favorite food!

This picture shows Frank's white face, paws and legs.  You can also see white hairs beginning to creep down to his back.  His hair color change began with the black hairs on his chin turning gray and then slowly chagning to white.  Then his face and feet turned white.  Now that white hair goes all the way over his head and up his legs.  We think he looks distinguished!

We all love Frankfurter so much!  He's not just a pet but is the 4th member of our family.  I will keep you updated on Frank and his health.  If you're a pet owner, go tell your pet(s) how much you love those little blessings and give them an extra treat from Frank and I.  Then go enjoy some craft time for me!

Happy Stamping, Friends! 

Gotta Give the People What They Want!

 

Hello, Friends!

 

I have appreciated all of the comments that you have left on my posts recently.  One person said that she liked cards made with the funny Art Impressions stamps so you can guarantee that I'll be making another card to share with you soon featuring Art Impressions Stamps.  Why?  Because she took the time to post, so the least I can do is fulfill her request.

 

 

Another person posted that she liked seeing Frankfurter the Wiener Dog.  Actually, she wrote "FRANKFURTER THE WIENER DOG" if I remember correctly.

Well, you gotta give the people what they want, right?!

 

 

 

Here he is!

 

I had just taken this picture of Frank last week because he turned 14 years old on June 30th.  He knew he was the "Birthday Boy" that day and wagged his tail every time we called him by that name!

 

Frank is such a sweet boy.  He is smart (sometimes a little too smart).  It's amazing how much he knows and understands.  My example of that is always that he learned how to roll the window down in the car by accidentally stepping on the button a couple of times.  He quickly realized that's how you make the window come down and now he has rolled the window down on his own for about the last 13 years!

 

Frank is funny.  It's like he has a sense of humor at times.  He is sweet and caring and knows when you are upset and he doesn't like it.  If you're crying, he comes to lick away your tears.  He is cute.

 

Look at that face, again.  It's the sweetest, cutest wiener dog face I've ever seen and that's not because I'm prejudiced, either.  :)

 

He may have a "little old man face" now.  He may have bumps and scars from back surgeries in places he didn't used to.  (We both do.  Maybe it's genetic?)  He may walk slow like he can barely get going until it's bedtime and he knows I'm going to give him one last treat for the night.  Then he can gallop around the bed, up his doggie steps, jump on the bed and be ready to go in a second.  Literally, it probably takes 3 seconds but no more than that, I'm sure.

 

He is a great dog.  We've been together since he was 6 weeks old.  The only thing I wish is that we had another 14 years together.  Life with a wiener dog is fabulous, no matter what else is going on. 

 

And, if you think I love him a lot, you should see him with my parents! 

 

I will love you forever, Frankfurter!

 

 

P.S. Great idea asking for Frank!  I'll give in to that request anytime!

 



Happy Hallowiener!

 

How did I know what Frank

wanted to be for

Halloween this year?

 

 

When I asked him, he said,

"ARRRRRR!"



 

HAPPY

HALLO-WIENER!

 

Love,

Angela and the cutest little Pirate ever, Frankfurter

 

 

 Be sure to come back on Monday for a very special card.  It's already on my blog and ready to go!
 

Frankfurter the Wonderful Wiener Dog Pictures

Hi, Friends!

Thanks for letting me complain about my back.  The truth is, I can kind of deal with the pain if it stays in my back.  When it goes down both legs and into my feet, it wears me down fast!  Thankfully, today, the pain in my legs subsided a little bit.  At least it's not as bad as it has been for the past week or so.  Since you were nice and listened to me complain, I'd share what you all really want- Frankfurter pictures.  I know this because I get comments that say, "Your cards are nice, but I LOVE your dog!"

That doesn't hurt my feelings.  I agree 100%.  Cards are nice, but Frank is the best!

Frankfurter

June 2014

Frankfurter watching for his Grandpa to come home.

He's such a cutie with his 13 year old 

"Little Old Man" face and paws.

It's hard to stay awake at the end of the day.  

The End.

Night, night, Friends!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, Friends!

Long time, no blog post!  The good news is Frank is doing great.  He has had surgery on his neck for a disc problem and another surgery on his leg for a torn acl.  He has recovered from both nicely.  In fact, it's getting hard to convince him he needs to rest and let us carry him everywhere because he's feeling so much better.

Unfortunately, my back is the reason I haven't been posting.  It hurts all the time and that stinks!  It is wearing me down.  I'm tired all the time from the pain and the pain medicine.  It's pathetic when you just don't have the energy to put a card on a blog, but that's where I've been.

Since it seems like this won't be changing anytime soon, I've decided to suck it up, buttercup and get back to making cards and sharing them which I love.  I have a stack to show you over the next weeks.

Most importantly, "Happy Easter."  No matter what other religion someone may follow, the leader will die.  When that person dies, they will not or did not come back to life.  The difference about Christianity is that my God died on the cross, but He Lives!  Three days later, he was resurrected, meaning he came back to life from the dead, alive and well!  Death did not keep him in the ground.  It did not stop him, control him, or defeat him.  Because He conquered death by coming back to life, those of us who follow him can conquer death and live with Him forever.  (not bouncing on clouds and playing harps, either).  If you think you're not good enough to go to Heaven, you're right.  (Shocked you, didn't I!  Close your mouth now and keep reading.)  None of us are good enough to go to Heaven based on what we've done, no matter how good we are.  We all still sin and do things that are wrong.  Jesus is perfect, though.  He never sinned, so he took the punishment for us, so that even though we aren't good enough, he cleans away the bad things we've done so we can spend eternity with Him forever.  Does that mean I can go rob a bank and punch someone in the mouth?  Of course not.  We don't want to sin so that God's grace has to increase.  However, we will sin and He will forgive us.  To go to Heaven, you just have to love God and follow him and his commands.  I'd be happy to talk about this more with you if you have questions.  Just email me and we'll go from there.  kebord2@gmail.com.  

There are an awful lot of people I know spending Easter in Heaven this year.  I know they're having a great time, cured from the pain and disease that destroyed their bodies.  That doesn't change the fact that I miss them so much.  Because Jesus is alive, I know that even though my friends died, they are alive and well and someday I will be reunited with them.  I can't wait to see Rich, Mariza, Chuck, Edie, JD and so many more.  It'll be one great reunion!  

You see, Christianity gives me hope.  Even though my back hurts it will be healed, either on earth or in heaven.  Christianity gives me joy.  Even though things aren't they way I want them right now, God has a plain I can put my trust in and so I can have joy in spite of my current circumstances.  Christianity gives me love.  Unmarried at 40 wasn't in the plan either.  Sometimes, I feel unloved because that relationship is missing.  I am not unloved.  I am loved so much that Jesus died and erased my sins so I could be with Him forever!  I have much to be thankful for this Easter.

I know my Redeemer lives!  

Who taught the sun 

Where to stand in the morning?

And who told the ocean

"You can only come this far"?

And who showed the moon

Where to hide till evening

Whose words alone can 

Catch a falling star?

The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak (that's me!)
And the same gentle hands
That hold me when I'm broken
They conquer death to 
Bring me victory

Now I know my redeemer lives
I know my redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my redeemer

He lives to take away my sins
And He lives forever, I proclaim
That the payment for my sins
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and
There's an empty grave!!!!

Nicolle C Mullen

See you back on Monday with a new card and a picture of Frank if he'll cooperate!

Oops! Frank is Improving!

It is 1:15 am on Monday morning and I just realized I never put a card on my blog.  I can live with that but I didn't want anyone to think it was because of Frank.  He came home Saturday afternoon.  The poor little guy looks like he's been in a knife fight and lost.  His chest is shaved with stitches.

His back half is shaved down his leg and has a bandage on it covering more stitches.  Frank was asleep when my parents cat saw him.  Frank runs at and scares the cat so they aren't best buddies.  However, the cat was genuinely worried about the dog and wondered what on earth had happened to him!  Then when we had to add the cone so Frank wouldn't lick in the night, the cat was even more perplexed.
  Frank doesn't seem to be in much pain.  His neck is doing great from the first surgery.  He can put a tiny bit of pressure on the leg that had surgery but he's very good about letting us carry him wherever he needs to go.  I can't carry him very much because of my back so this is falling on my parents.  Frank is very good about taking his medicine.  The only things he doesn't like are icing his knee so it doesn't swell and wearing the blus, soft cone.
  Since I'm trying to write this on my iPhone I'll close.  See you with a card and pictures of Frank soon!

  Happy Stamping!

 

Frankfurter Update

Hello, Friends!

Thank you for all of your emails with prayers of concern and support for Frankfurter.  After a lot of tests and opinions, we have determined that Frank tore his ACL in is back right leg.  This is not related at all to his earlier surgery for the disc pressing on his spinal column.  He is back at the "animal hospital" and will have surgery sometime on Friday morning to repair this torn ligament.  He should be able to come home Saturday morning.  Then, we don't want to have to go back there for a long time unless it's just to stop in and say, "hi!"

Prayers for Frank

Hello, Friends!

Frank is not doing as well as we had hoped.  We took him to his local vet who agreed that something is wrong.  He is not walking correctly or putting pressure on two of his feet now.  He is definitely worse than he was when he came home on Sunday.  My parents are taking him back where he had surgery where they will take him right in as an emergency.  This way they will start treating him immediately.  

It is snowing again here.  The weather isn't the greatest now and some of the roads my patents will be traveling on aren't very good when the weather is perfect!  

Please pray that the doctors will be able to find out and fix what is wrong with my sweet Frankfurter right away.  Please pray for safe travel for my parents as they are concerned for Frank.  I still can't go because of my back so please pray I can hold it together while I wait at home!  Thank you so much, friends.  

Angela and Frank 

Update on Frank

Hello, Friends!

I'm sorry I do not have a card for you.  I went to the doctor yesterday (Wednesday) and he had me do all kinds of movements so he could check my back.  What he forgot was that if I could do all those things easily and without pain, I wouldn't be there to see him.  So, I'm suffering for it today!  I'll have a card for you on Monday.

Frank went to the doctor today. (Thursday)  He will have an MRI early tomorrow afternoon.  If it shows his disc is pressing on his spinal cord again, he will have surgery then.  He will rest there Friday and Saturday and hopefully, will get to come home on Sunday.  They might want to keep him until Monday but I don't think my parents and I can wait that long.  :)

By the way, since living with my parents, Frank has totally become a Grandpa's boy.  He follows my dad around and wants to sit by him 95% of the time.  The other 5% is when my Mom or I have food.  Then, he wants us.  He's a character!    

Please keep our sweet wiener dog in your prayers!

Oh, Happy Day!

Hello, Friends!

How are all of you?  I've missed you!  I had to take an unplanned break from blogging and stamping.  You may remember I moved from Illinois to Arizona after leaving my job there.  While packing to move, my back hurt, but I thought it was just a pulled muscle.  It continued to hurt, but I continued to pack, so I didn't think much of it.  After returning to Illinois, I gave it time and thought it would get better.  It didn't.  The pain got worse and worse.  First, I couldn't stand on my feet very long.  Then, I couldn't sit very long.  By December, even with going to doctors, trying procedures to make it better, and taking pain medicine, I was getting to the point that I had to stay in bed all the time because laying down was the only way I got any relief.  To make a very long story a little bit shorter, my doctor believes I had damaged some of the joints in my spine while packing and/or lifting boxes.  I have recently had a procedure that basically burns the nerves so they no longer feel pain.  It takes awhile for this to work, so I am also on very strong pain medicine.  Between the two, I have been able to sit up longer and do more around the house.  This includes stamping!  So, my first card had to celebrate the progress that I am slowly making.

As you can imagine, this was a very trying time.  I couldn't look for work because I couldn't have done it even if I had found a job.  It's been very lonely and depressing.  I don't know what God's plan is in all of this, but I do know He has one.  My parents have been great and have taken care of Frank and I during all of this.  Moving back in with them at my age was certainly not in my plans, but I have enjoyed the time I have spent with them.  At least, as much as possible with me being in pain all the time! 

Frankfurter has been doing really well until the last few weeks.  We noticed that he started having trouble with one of his legs like he did when his back was injured and he became paralyzed from a disc pressing down on his spine.  At that time, the vet who did Frank's surgery warned us that another disc looked like it could cause some problems in the future, but there was nothing that could be done for it at the time.  Since we had been through this before, we recognized the symptoms much sooner.  At first, a steroid was helping him.  However, when we tried to work him off of it, the symptoms came back.  Because I still can't stand to ride in the car very long because the bumps cause too much pain, my parents will be taking him to a specialist next week.  We are praying that he won't have to have surgery again, but we know it is very likely.  He is in good spirits, though and is his same happy wiener dog self!  He is supposed to "take it easy" but he doesn't really agree with that part of the plan!  When we try and stop him from doing something he's always done, he looks at us like we're crazy!  Sometimes, he just hurries up and goes faster so we can't stop him.  He's too smart for his own good at times! 

I have a lot more to share with you, but I see this post is already growing very long.  Before I go, I would like to thank all of you that have faithfully looked for new posts even though months have gone by without anything new.  It was encouraging to know you hadn't forgotten me and I definitely had not forgotten you!  I will have another post on Monday. 

Just a warning- we are supposed to get lots of snow and ice this weekend.  If I don't have a post for you on Monday, it's because our power went out.  In that case, know I will be back as soon as I can and pray for all of us because we're probably cold!  When we had the first couple of snows I was excited to see them after spending the winters in Arizona.  I've seen enough now and hopefully, this will be the last one! 

Happy Stamping and talk to you again soon!

Angela and Frank


This card was made using the following Stampin' Up supplies:

Starburst Sayings Stamp Set
Strawberry Slush, Daffodil Delight and Island Indigo Classic Inks
Strawberry Slush, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight and Island Indigo Card Stock
1/8" Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon
Starburst Framelit Dies
Big Shot
Stampin' Dimensionals

MDS with Frankfurter!

Hello, Friends!

I haven't done anything with Frankfurter lately, and this is "Life with a Wiener Dog!"  So, I used Frank's picture in his hot dog costume to make this page in My Digital Studio.  Now before you get all impressed, a lot of the elements were already there.  I subtracted at least one that I didn't like and added the hexagons in the corner.  I was super happy with how it turned out.  Be prepared to see more pictures of Frank in these easy scrapbooking pages soon!

Happy Stamping and MDSing!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this scrapbook page:

My Digital Studio

Keep This Memory Downloadable Set

"Can you believe it?" Henry Says!



 

 

Hello, Friends!

 

Long time, no blog!  Wow!  Have things changed since I last posted in December.  I am no longer in Arizona!  No more dry, dusty, brown desert for me.  Frank and I are back in Central Illinois where it is green, green, GREEN!  I love seeing the grass, the trees, and the flowers blooming. 

 

Frank and I have both been through a lot during the past few months.  Most importantly, I thought we were going to loose my sweet Frankfurter.  He completely lost the ability to stand and walk one afternoon while we were still in Arizona back in January.  It was horrible!  My Dad and I rushed him to the vet who told us this was very bad.  Since we were still in the Phoenix area, we picked up my Mom at my house and rushed Frank to a neurologist.  Dr. Levine, one of my favorite people on earth, was able to determine that Frank had a disc that was leaking disc "stuff." It was pressing on Frank's spinal cord so he was no longer able to stand or walk.  Dr. Levine did surgery on Frank, cleaned out the "stuff" and Frank's spinal cord went from being flattened to being round immediately.  Within 48 hours, Frank had been seen, diagnosed, had surgery, was walking and home!  (The longest 48 hours of my life!)  He had to rest for 2 weeks and then was able to start getting back to his old self.   

 

 

Frank after surgery with his stitches.

 

 

Three and a half months later, Frank is great!  He can walk, stand, run, go up and down 3 doggie steps, (he can go up and down a whole flight, but he's not supposed to.) get excited and do a little jump, stand up and do "tall dog" and even lay on his back again and roll around- the last thing to come back.   

 

 

 

Frank after 2 weeks, on his way to get out his stitches.

 

 



 

All better, relaxing on the couch! 

 

 

Life has been hard not having my job in Chandler anymore and I am now looking for another ministry.  However,

Life with a Wiener Dog

is getting better for both of us.  Frank is all better and I'm excited to see what God has planned for us next!

 

For those of you that have faithfully checked my blog to see if I was back, I am!  This is the first card I've made since last July.  It features "Henry Says" from Stampin' Up and is announcing our blog's return.  Look for more cards, wiener dog stories, and updates about where I am and what I'm doing.