MARTINI TIMES

Hearing Loss

4 days ago
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Our little family has relocated to somewhere in Alabama. There aren't much activities like New York. You definitely need a car to get around, and everything is at least 30-minute drive.

This is not permanent. We are thinking of this relocation to last about 8 months until the economy in New York picks up. So far it's been good. My pups both love the country life.

Arnott carrying a lifejacket

Then this relocation made us realize that Arnott may have a hearing problem. In New York, I never had to call out his name. He was always near us, at the leash distance. We lived in a small apartment, and walked in Central Park.

After we moved here, with much larger property, Arnott walks off leash or just roams about. The thing is he can't really hear. If I need his attention, I have to clap really hard, or stomp or bang something really hard.

Arnott trying Kayaking

This was a heart-breaking discovery as I still think he is a little pup. He is almost 13 years old. I know he is "senior" in dog-age. Still...

I get ready to go to bed, call his name. He's sleeping on his pillow. I pat him, and I just startle him despite the fact I was calling his name... I don't think this isn't a medical issue. I think it's simply his age issue.

Ahhh sigh...

According to this website below, Arnott is 68 years-old, and Mana is 44 years-old in human age.

Pedigree Dog Age Calculator

Arnott Sans Cast

Sep 8, 2009
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Arnott_no_cast

Arnott's three-month long challenge with a cast ended today. I'm very happy that it finally happened. However, I'm a little concerned about his progress. The vet said his bone hasn't really connected or improved since his last visit (over three weeks ago). By keeping the cast on, there is a possibility that he can develop bone atrophy which is definitely not good.

So he came home without the cast.. He walks funny and his leg looks funny. The vet said he could use a nice walk so he can develop strength in his paw. Great! He loves walking!! Then she says "5-10 minutes max." Ugh. That's not much of a walk for someone who LOVES to walk, run, hop, jump, dash..... Y'know.

One day at a time. Even jogging is not impossible, she says. Yeah, stay positive. Stay hopeful. That's all we can do.

Arnott's Progress

Aug 14, 2009
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Arnott with a cast

It's been 2 months since he broke his leg (paw). Today, he had a doctor's visit to check on his progress. The vet said the paw area was a bit moist (which is not a good thing) but his bones are really stable now that it is a sure sign of recovery. I always think he is a little baby but I know he is not young in dog age... That's why it takes so long to heal. As long as it's healing I'm happy. The vet changed the bandage (this is the 3rd one). It seems that his cast gets bigger everytime he goes back to the hospital. The vet said they didn't need to sedate him because he was such a good boy. He had to fast since last night (just to be sure).

Next appointment is after Labor Day. I can't wait for him to run around Central Park without this darn cast.

Bird in the Park

Jul 15, 2009
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I see this bird a lot at Turtle Pond. I think he must live there but I don't know the name of it.

Do you know the name of this bird?

Mana's picnic

Jul 11, 2009
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Mana in the Park - she looks a little sad?

Mana's been sulking for a while that she isn't getting enough attention from her daddy. Mr. Martini's been spending a lot more time with Arnott since he returned from a trip.

Mana knows Arnott's hurt, but still doesn't like the fact she's "ignored'. The problem with our dogs are, they need undivided attention, each of them... That's really not possible. But they don't care. They just need lots of love.

Arnott's recovery

Jul 8, 2009
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Arnott still has his cast on his front leg. Well, this will stay on for another 2 months. But he really got used to wearing the cast and "running". The vet said it is not recommendable for him to be too active. I only let him run around on occasions. It's hard when the weather is as beautiful as today. It's hard to say "NO RUNNING!" to his smiley face.

Smiley Arnott

Tonight's dinner - 7.08

Jul 8, 2009
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I just realized I haven't cooked meat for a while... Might as well, right?

090708

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Potato au gratin style with red creamer (new potatoes),
crimini mushrooms, baby carrots and vidalia onions.
I added extra flavor with black truffle oil and pepper.
Used soy milk instead of milk.

One mistake - I used Edam cheese instead of mozzarella... Edam doesn't work with this type of cooking. Ah well.

Mana's new bed?

Jul 7, 2009
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She found a new favorite spot - under Mr. Martini's chair. She rather looks homeless-y... Ah well as long as she is happy.

Mana under the chair

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Tonight's dinner - 7.07

Jul 7, 2009
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I've decided to make an effort to cook dinner "daily". It sounds easy but for somebody as lazy as me, it is hard. I have a friend who is a great cook, so I will ask her for ideas. Honestly, I haven't got anything!