Happy New Year's Eve!!!

This is a special night for me, because at the stroke of midnight three years ago... The Mom whispered the sweetest word in my ear, as she called me 'son'! Of course, my reaction was pretty chill...!
Gosh, I really lost myself reminiscing. Those days just before and after my official adoption were SO fun, as the Luke and I really forged our Wright Brotherhood.

Those were great times!
And these are great, too!
Time is precious, and the Present is a Gift!


Now to Celebrate,
let's break out the antlers!!!
Please?

The Reuf chimes in, too. He says... 'Either let's go outside and rip and romp, rile up the neighbors and eat things we shouldn't... or GIMME MY ANTLER... or... ELSE!'

I'm not sure what Reufus means by 'else', but it probably means he'll just plop his BIG butt in the Mom's lap. He's BIG on proximity, and if you can slide a gnat's hair between him and the Mom... he's likely to dig his heels in and drive himself in further. Just saying.

Now... Antler, please!

Ahhhhh... Yessss!

And the only way I can enjoy mine...
is to occupy Reuf with his!

ngaw ngaw ngaw

Today has been a wonderful day, spent with my the Mom, and yes... Reufus.

Many of you know that I slipped out of remission last Friday, December 23rd. That was a pretty tough way to kick off our holidays, but it made us even more determined to enjoy our special days!!! Photos to come soon!!!

I'm committed to fighting the evil disease, but my Arsenal is growing light. The Mom is Commander-in-Chief of The Bleu Army, and each of our moves is carefully weighed and measured, and given great consideration. 

I started a new protocol on Thursday. I'll go in for a checkup and bloodwork next and the following Thursdays. My continuation of this protocol will depend on stability, regression or remission (please!!!) of the horrific disease... and that will be evaluated in three weeks.

Every day is a Treasure!!!
I'm blessed with Today... and Tomorrow!!!
I sure hate to lean on Yeu,
but times and circumstances are at the critical point...
Please to help me?
Please to join Team Bleu!

Teusday Telling and A Birthday Party Invitation!!!

I started off my day my favorite way with the tasty breakfast foods! And then just a short shower later, the Mom pulled the trolley out and around. Oh and when she did deboard, I began to bark and bark in my deep sweet voice...

"WHOOOOOOOOOOF.......

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOF.......

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!"

My call was heeded, and I boarded the trolley quickly and without the slightest consideration of our destination! And it was with little surprise and a minor amount of disappointment, that we arrived at Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists where in spite of my fears, I am always greeted and comforted by My The Sweet Judy who takes care of me!

Today I was there for a CBC test and results. And My Sweet Judy also trimmed my nails, [thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!] saving me a stop by Fairbanks for a pedicure! I was able to wait for my results while laying on my sweet green rug in the waiting room with my the Mom... and while talking to My Friend The David who is also The Hospital Administrator!

And I guess now is a good time to tell you that SLVS recently asked if they could share my thoughts and feelings about the quality of my experience and care in local print media... And here I am!!!

The Bleu has hit the newsstand for November,
and here is my spread [ha!]!

It's a little known fact, but my the Mom was the architect for Dirty Hairy Dog Wash, top left... but I SO digress!!! And now back to the waiting room for my results:

~My white blood cell count is low, but it's not low enough to warrant antibiotics.~

This isn't the preferred news, but it's far from the worst, so we'll take it, run with it and board the trolley, thank you very much!

There was joy in my heart as we sang our songs, as I munched on berry treats and as I retraced our turns in reverse: Freeway to Beltway to Freeway to Exit! Life was grand, and then the skies grew dark and the rain began to pour. By the time we got home, lightning was strking the ground a few streets to our north and the thunder was rattling my bones!

It was a very stressful afternoon. I panted. I paced. And upon the Mom's request, I tried to settle.

And that leads me to another stressor for today: Little Reufus is also not feeling well... though he was happy to tend to my ears this afternoon.

As an aside, I'm in what the Mom calls my 'thunder spot'. This is where I retreated when The Luke was sweating full blown storms. And on a lighter note, you will see our plastic bag waste basket hanging on the door knob. Sad, but it's the only way to keep Reuf from eating the contents of our beautiful hand crafted woven twig waste basket.

Before I knew it, Reuf who idolizes me... had taken up my spot for some comfort time. Poor boy...

Though I never settled completely, the weather did calm a bit... giving the Mom opportunity to do some Birthday Baking!

You see, I have a BIG BIRTHDAY coming up!!!
11 / 11 / 11Yep... This Friday!!!

And I was wondering if I you would like to party along with me...
If I may include you in my post???
If so...Please send me a festive photo with Yeu in Party Mode, Party Hat...Yeu know... Celebrating my Big Day!I'd love to have you appear here with me!Email photos to outtathebleu-at-gmail-dot-com 

Love, Relationships and Time are My Biggest Treasures!!!

And Treats, too!!!

[These treats are just Part One of the Mom's Birthday Baking Extravaganza!
It's a pumpkin, peanut butter and cinnamon recipe.
It's YUMMMMMY!


And if anyone is interested... Ask! We'll post it!]

And here is Little Reufus, who has had some pretty bad tummy problems today. Poor boy. He doesn't feel well at all, hence his laying down in the middle of the day on my woobie green rug.

He's smelled the fresh baked treats, but really hasn't begged much for them... and that makes the Mom worry! Poor Sweet Boy...

Tuesday is Training Class night, but Reuf and the Mom stayed home. Reuf ate a bland dinner and was given one of my diahrrea pills. He's a bit lethargic [he is never reclined at 615 pm!] Mostly, the Mom can't imagine 'treating' him in class tonight. And though this class begins to wean from the treats, they are still necessary for many of the new commands.

He and the Mom will contact their instructors. And they'll work on their Week 5 Homework. Next week is the last in this class, but we're not sure if there's a graduation ceremony! I mean, this class has been more technical and less... dramatic.

I guess you can tell from these photos... as well as those from the last few days... Reuf and I are getting along MUCH better. Little boy is mellowing. He's always been loving, but he's just been too freaking boisterous to be loved on by me too terribly much!

We still have our moments of anxiety with him, but knock on Reuf's head... Life is much easier, much calmer, much quieter. It's almost peaceful...

Nite Nite for Now.
But hope Yeu will Join My Birthday Celebration!

Teusday Telling on Thursday... My Status Update

Teusday morning was met with a bit of nervousness on the part of my the Mom... and with an absent breakfast bowl on the part of the me! Though she tried to play nonchalent, the Mom had taken the day off from work in anticipation... And I was hoping that a Celebration was in store!

Many of you know that I was scheduled for a checkup and final treatment in My Protocol to Fight The Evil Disease. We made the trip across town, as the Mom sang two of the songs she has written about and for me [one to the tune of Big Bad John... tee hee, and the other to that song about The Grinch. It's amazing that she can make happiness out of those two melodies, but she has!]. Prayers were said. Stories were told. And I was reminded who I am:

'Sweet Boy', 'Wheety Boy', 'Bleu Bear', 'My Bayby'... Mind you, these are the things she calls me when she's not calling me by my nickname! [More on that later!]

The Mom and I thrive on Hope and Faith, but we weren't altogether surprised by the results we didn't want to hear. There's no doubt that my the Dr. Novosad was also sad to deliver the news...

I've slipped out of remission.

My lymph node in my right shoulder was enlarged, as were those under my chin. The enlargement wasn't dramatic, but enough for the Mom to notice, though she hoped it was just her paranoia.

After a thorough discussion, it was decided that I would begin a new protocol. With a healthy and high remission rate, the hope it offers is WAY worth the investment of my time. [This had already been well considered in the beginning of my diagnosis... so we were somewhat prepared. The time just came quicker than we had hoped.]

Tests were run to ensure my safety. I received my treatment. And then me and the Mom headed home... with me eating peanut butter cookies sporadically on our way! 

Teusday was a tiring day. I went home and rested and Reuf and the Mom left for training. By the time they got home, I was ready to get the evening started... and the Mom was relieved that I was feeling so well.

I have, since then, been a little lethargic. And I do mean a little. My appetite is good... I still dance for my meals! I'm drinking well, I'm always interested in going outside... for a time, I have just been a little 'chill', even at lunch today.

It bothers my the Mom when I don't greet her at the door, and then this afternoon... My The Sweet Judy [who greets me and tends to my care at SLVS] called to check on her The Sweet Bleu... and she seemed to be concerned about my 'chillness' too! So...

I greeted the Mom at the back door when she came in. I dawdled outside. I ate off the ground like a billygoat. And I came running inside when the Mom announced 'berry treats'!

I'm definitely feeling well today. As for why I've been feeling a bit 'down', you have to remember who I am. I'm the Bleu. I'm not a fan of change, and that includes the weather. I love the cool front, but I'm not crazy about the transition.

I'm happiest when I'm with my the Mom, when I'm at home, when I'm with The Herd and when I'm showered with love.

Time is my Treasure.
It's my Currency... and it is Gold.

I'm so not a boy who feels good about begging. I've always been a quiet fellow and comfortable that way. I never ever pictured myself in need, but here I am. My options for beating this are narrowing, and I need to pull out all the stops.

Please join Team Bleu. Please engage my The Love Protocol. Please to invoke the positive thoughts, well wishes and PRAYERS! We're fighting hard, and we appreciate Your Support!

Friday Night Wrights: Howl-O-Ween Edition

Happy Friday,
and Welcome to Our Dress rehearsal!

I'm Dr. The Bleu,
and I'm wondering what ailment brought you here to see me this evening???... [tee hee]

I may be a Retriever, but I think we can all agree that I rock a lab coat! [That joke never gets old! hee hee].

"They" say "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." And I have two EXTRAORDINARY doctors in my life. I am grateful, beyond words, to each of them... and I'm secure enough to say... I love them dearly.


Dr. Mark Rieger... Along with my the Mom, I could write a book on all the wonderful ways The Mark has cared for us, gone the extra thousand miles, given wise and thoughtful advice... and put up with my the Mom! I know we can always count on him, and it's a comfort to know that he's on my Team The Bleu!!!

Dr. Andrew Novosad... Clearly, when the going gets tough, my the Mom trusts him with her Sweet Boy! We can always count on him to explain our situation, condition and options thoroughly. He truly connects with us personally. He understands my personality, my emotional and physical limitations... and he's customized my treatment day, so that they are as easy on me as possible!

Yes, My Doctors are TOPS! And though I've never had to have surgery... The Luke sure did. And here I am, rocking the Surgeon look!

The Mom says that I would surely bring comfort to a concerned family if I came out of surgery to consult... with my ear inside out, and not to mention my irresistable freckle. [Just saying.]

If that doesn't work, I'll flash them my cute grin!

Yeah, yeah... Enough about MY dress rehearsal. I've hinted around and many of you have expressed wonder as I've dedicated my spare time, crafting a costume for Little Reufus.


And well... here's his dry run dress rehearsal!

Getting a good photo wasn't easy...

He was two bits or so uncooperative!

It's not as simple as POW ZOOM...

Positioning of the rocket is more of a problem than I anticipated... so I've got some more crafting to do!

And with a little time out of the rocket, here's the Reuf in his skulls-n-cross-bones!

He's all about wearing the bady boy muscle shirt... clearly!

Wiggle Wiggle...

Then the thought suddenly occurred to him... and he wondered if the Food Fairy had placed anything in his bowl.

Realizing not... He gave the Mom a grrrriiiiiiinnnnn!

I, on the otherpaw, am chilling in the Howliday neckware...

Reufus has caused quite an unwarranted hub-bub, but I will not allow it to cut into my ZENful  Friday evening situation...

Just saying.

Oh, and I've been saving these next photos since yesterday... for FrEYEday SkEYEday! [Thank you for the inspiration, Miss Khyra!]

Noon. Tend to the Bleu Trolley Tour. North Sky.

Noon. Tend to the Bleu Trolley Tour. West Sky.

5pm. Return to the Trolley Barn. North Sky.

Trolley Stop at Red Light in River Oaks.
South Sky, and The Big Bird appeared FAR larger to the naked EYE!

 Yesterday's skEYEs were awesome.

And I'm happy to report that a bit of liquid fell out of it last night!!!

It's still a little dismal today, but also a little cooler. And I welcome it!!!

We will be heading out in the morning for Bridgeland's Big Howl-O-Ween Fest! Reuf and I will be working the GRRH tent, and if you're in the Houston area, I hope you'll come out to see us! And if not, we hope to take some better photos to share with you!!!

Team The Bleu Members, thank you for your continuing support! Your prayers and well wishes have worked tremendously so far. I've got quite a way to go, so please don't forget me! Teusday is a big day, so some weekend overtime overdrive might be appropriate... if you're up for it!