Blog Note (Butters)

Sorry for the radio silence—I didn't get any time at all on the computer today. My dog's been sick—the scans today showed no cancer, and the leading candidate as to the culprit is now Cushing's disease, which cannot be cured but can be treated. At his age, a  few more years is all I can ask. Next step is a week from tomorrow when he gets the definitive tests for that. I'm very relieved he doesn't have a mass, and that I didn't have to get an overly abrupt prognosis today—he may live to be an old boy yet. When you live alone your pet looms large in your life and affections, perhaps a little too much so.

Of my monthly income, this month one third has been spent on Butters' health, one third on mine, and one third on repairs to the house! That's not enough thirds left over. Regular programming resumes tomorrow, with luck.

Mike

Comments

[James]

We had a Sheltie with Cushing and he lived to be 14, so don’t be too sad—Butters could live a long happy life!

[Not THAT Ross Cameron]

Hope all is well with Butters.
We’ve been spending a bit on specialists of late for our son, so we also know the feeling when the extra costs come in. But we do what we gotta do.

Hopefully a different, brighter note - a PSA.

There’s a photographic exhibition on at the National Library of Australia, in Canberra. It’s about early photojournalism, and the images have been made from glass plate negatives.

I found out about it from this news article with the curator:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/104982968?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

And in other good news - for those unable to make the journey, it’s also available online at this link - noting it does mean clicking on each link to view each photograph (150 in total):
https://www.library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/fit-print-defining-moments-fairfax-photo-archive/exhibition-checklist

And for completeness - here’s the home page of the exhibition.
https://www.library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/fit-print-defining-moments-fairfax-photo-archive-selected-mike-bowers#heading-13782

[Sean]

Your update on Butters has touched on a good way to act in the world. Look after your health, your home, and others. When I feel I’m slipping, I return to that simple set, knowing that departing from it is a sure sign I’ve taken a wrong turn

Butters has a fine home and an attentive owner. We all want the two of you to stick around

Sean

[Graeme Scott]

Best wishes to you both.

[Dominick Mistretta]

I know the feeling all too well.. Hoping Butters a speedy recovery.

[Harry B Houchins]

This morning, after reading about Butters I went to Patreon. I am donating $7 per month for Butter's care.
At 80 I've lost many pets over time. They all hurt as bad as the last...
Take care.
Harry

[Many thanks Harry! That's very kind. Your $7 will be put to his food. I researched his food carefully and buy a food that is locally made (Waverly, NY), of human-grade ingredients (Earthborn Holistic). It's not super-expensive but not cheap either, and just in Butters' lifetime the price per bag has gone up $15 and the bags are now 5 lbs. lighter than they used to be.

Dog food figures heavily in Butters' story, in a funny roundabout way, and I'll tell you that story someday.

Kind regards,
Mike]

[James]

Here’s hoping you and Butters have many more healthy years together!

[Grant]

Woof! Woof! Woof!

That's three cheers for Butters.

[James Meeks]

Good luck to Butters and hope he’s feeling better soon. Our dogs loom
large in our lives no matter what.

[andrew lamb]

Sorry to read that about Butters. Wishing you both well.

[SteveW]

Thanks Mike, keep us posted on Butters, we love dogs!

[Herman Krieger]

"A Day in the Life of a Mobile Veterinarian"

[Tom Passin]

Mike, I'm so sorry to read the news about Butters. Our old dog had Cushings too, not uncommon at all as you know by now. I never did the formal testing because the vet didn't convince me that much would change about treatment or outcome. We had several good years together after that. I'm sure you and Butters will too.

[Dogman]

Give Butters a big hug from me and my dog Christie. Hope all goes well for both of you.

[Richard Thomas]

Good luck with Butters. Dogs give us their unqualified love and devotion, and all they ask in return is a fair shake. RThomasTacoma