Saturday, May 01, 2010

Errrr...... Thank You..... maybe??

Mum went to the US of A last week WITHOUT me,


She has a mail box there that she uses for MY supplements and etc to be sent there to save on shipping fees. It is located about 40 mins away from Vancouver.


This was the FIRST time she's been to Point Roberts, WA, WITHOUT me. She usually always takes me, so after we pick up our parcels, I could go play at the Lighthouse Marine Park.


However, since I wasn't suppose to play/run/jump for another couple of weeks due to the Vet-Stem procedure, she chose NOT to bring ME......

(mum: It certainly felt strange not having Sunshade in the car with me, especially to a place where I know she would enjoy, that she has enjoyed in the past. I got her at 16, and we've been known to be tied at the hips throughout high school and university. However, knowing Sunshade, it would be harder on her if I were to take her to a place that she recognizes as a "fun place" or a place she's gone for walks before and not let her get out of the car. She seriously gets sad, and I hate to feel like I've disappointed her. So it was better for her to be left at home.)


This was what mum brought back. I guess it was a good idea she didn't bring me, or my delicate bones would have been crushed.


You wanna know what it is?

Well.....

*ahem*....



So umm.... its A umm... SuperSTROLLER for the SuperDALE,


Mum had wanted to get me one for a while now for times when I would get bored or tired from window shopping, or long street walks with the hoomans.


However, mum never actually got to the point where she could commit to buying it because (according to her) there was always more vet bills to pay, raw food to buy, and treats to buy.


So D-Guy (yeah, the one that compared me to a PIG) bought it for ME!! He said its my birfday pressie for the next 10 years,


Since it was a pressie from him, he had the honour of taking me for MY first ever stroll in the SuperSTROLLER,


Mum took me for a short stroll too,


She threw a lot of yummy treats in there, and I LOVED that idea!


I was always looking for more treats for sitting in MY SuperSTROLLER,


More treats were constantly being delivered!


Even when they forgot about me, I still waited patiently in MY SuperSTROLLER!


All four sides of the SuperSTROLLER open, and there's even a sunroof!



Here I was still searching for all the treats that were scattered inside the SuperSTROLLER,



Here I was asking for more treats,


The pillow was in there because this is a pretty wide stroller (that's why its Super!), and it provided me with more stabilization. Mum liked this stroller because it had a weight limit of 165 lbs, and it also came with a bike attachment. So she thought STINKY and I could both sit in it and she could pull us around.

Like I'm gonna share MY space in MY SuperSTROLLER with STINKY! I'm rolling my eyes, just thinking about it!


This is MY SuperSTROLLER, not sharing with ANYSTINKY!


It's called a Comfort Wagon,


It has suspensions that make even the bumpier rides more comfortable!



The dimensions are 35in x 26in x 24in,


There are 4 loops inside for me to be hooked to. Mum says once she finds attachments that she could use to connect my harness to those 4 hooks, that we would try to go for a bike ride!!


I never thought me, with Super(Airedale)DIGNITY would say this, but I really do like MY SuperSTROLLER. (OH, and it folds up too)


I love the fact that I can walk for as long as I want, sniff all I want, but when I get tired, I have a place to hop in, hang my head out the side and still enjoy the fresh aire without having to walk! (mum: she actually didn't want to get out of her stroller when it was time to park the stroller and go home!)


The SuperSTROLLER is especially great for right now since I've been BORED OUT OF MY MIND due to the inactivity, or should I say, mental stimulation? Now I can go out, and mum doesn't have to worry about me walking too much.

So thank you very much D-Guy for such a cool ride, I guess ummm.... I forgive you for the PIG comment you made about me.....

Want to see the SuperDALE in action with the SuperSTROLLER??



(mum:

Dear friends,

I really hate to put a halt to such a happy post. However, I know most of the readers for this blog care about Sunshade and Jaffa to a certain degree, therefore, I feel that I should let you know of an incident that happened last Saturday.

I have just been able to bring myself together to look at pictures/videos of this post, and write what I'm about to write. Most of you, blogging friends of Sunshade/Jaffa's, probably have read about the incident already on our dear friend Maggie & Mitch's blog. If you have, now you know who the dog is - it's my Sunshade girl.....

For people/pups who have no idea what I'm talking about, here it goes....

As you all know, Derek (Thank you ;-) bought the Petego stroller that I had always wanted to get for Sunshade. The trailer came with tires that had not been inflated. To make a long story short, we either put too much air in or the tubes were faulty resulted in one of them popping. It made a VERY LOUD pop. Although I have never heard what a gunshot sounds like, it certainly sounded like one. I was sitting in the front seat while Sunshade was in the back seat with her head rested next to the tire before it popped. Sort of like the picture below, except her head was around where the arrowing is pointing when the tire popped.


My ears were ringing for a little while, but recovered in under 30 mins. It happened at a gas station, and the noise was so loud that the taxi driver that was parked few feet away from me with all his windows up came over to ask me if one of my car tires had exploded.

After the incident, Sunshade stopped responding to voices.

Yes, DEAF.

She was not in shock or anything as she was still eating treats, throwing her ball up in the air, but she just did not respond to any voice commands. She would readily respond to hand signals (almost every command she knows, I have a signal for). She also did not respond to words like "kitty, squirrelie, mousie, crow, etc" that would normally have made her go nutty.


I called our local emergency clinic (regular vet closed on weekends) about an hour after the incident when I realized she wasn't responding to my voices. I was told by the emerg that they've never heard a dog losing its hearing from a loud noise, but then didn't mean it couldn't happen. They basically told me there was nothing they could do at that point and I just had to wait and see. Sunshade did not yelp when the tire popped, nor did her ears appear sore to the touch, so the concern for ruptured ear drums weren't that great.

Sunshade is still not responding as of now (Tuesday evening, over 72 hours post incident). Sunday was the first time in over 10 years that I did not see her happy dance when I asked her "do you want to go for a walk?". No response to doorbell being rung......

It is obvious that she has hearing loss... actually, I should say she is for sure deaf at the moment, and we don't know if its temporary or permanent. We got the stroller thinking we could improve her quality of life, make her happier because she had been so bored. But because of it, she is now deaf.

Sunshade did see the vet on Monday to have her ear drums checked. She also had acupuncture done around her ears, as well as some homeopathic remedies to help with sudden deafness. Vet thinks this may be temporary, but there are no guarantees.....


Sunshade is taking all of this in her stride, which isn't surprising to me as she has always been a confident, adaptable, stoic girl. Her tail is still up, she is still talking lots, going to the treat drawer and demanding, still telling Jaffa off, smiling from time to time. The times she isn't smiling is not because she can't hear, but rather she's BORED. Basically her attitude and behaviour hasn't really changed. It is harder for me when I know she can't hear me telling her what a good girl she is, when she can't hear all the things that used to make her excited. I haven't seen one head tilt in over 3 days now even tho she still looks right into my eyes. She's always always tilted her head when I talk to her or say certain special words. It hurts so much to know that I did this to her even if it was an accident.

All the pictures and videos above were taken after the tire popping incident, except for the two pictures of her head resting on the folded up stroller inside the car. I had not realize the seriousness of her deafness at that moment and expected her to be fully recovered by the end of the evening.

I will keep you updated, but please keep Sunshade in your thoughts and prayers, she deserves to hear...... Thank You

Special thanks to Maggie and Mitch's mom Sue, for always wanting to do everything she can to help us, and the rest of the world.

Elaine)

31 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

You know our paws and fingers and toes are crossed and double- crossed for you, Sunshade! We want our sweetest ever girlfren to get her hearing back but in the meantime, while you're waiting and healing from your stem cell procedure, you can go for comfy rides in your awesome stroller that was meant for a Queen! We loved your video! We have watched it 3 times! That D-guy is a keeper!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Jemma Chihuahua said...

OMG, we are shocked to hear about what happened in the end. We don't know anything about hearing and deafness, but hope that it is just temporary and taking a longer time to recover than expected. All paws crossed!!

Love,
Jemma

Dexter said...

Sunshade! That is a most curious thing that has happened to you. Especially since your ears are not ouchie at all. But your mom will figure it out. She is most determined.

In the meantime, your ride looks fantastic. I think maybe mom needs to push a little faster so that you can feel the wind rushing through your beardie.

We are thinking of you. At least you don't have to put up with Stinky's voice for a while.

Slobbers,
Mango

Princess Patches said...

Sunshade, your SuperStroller is just tooooo cool! We know you will enjoy it a LOT!

We are keeping our paws crossed for you to regain all your hearing. We know your mum and your vet will do everything they possibly can!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

The Airechicks said...

Oh NO.......We'll have you guys in our prayers - hold tight...

D-Guy you have done a very sweet thing and we'll let you off on the use of the P word.

It will be better today...Keep SMILING that BIG Sunshade smile...

MUMPH.....

XXoooXXoooXxo

Teddy said...

Oh my, I was thinking so much of that doggie from Maggie & Mitch's post, not realizing it was YOU, Miss Sunshade!! I hope you get your hearing back. What a terrible thing to happen when your mom was just trying to do something nice for you. That superstroller is pretty amazing. I've never seen such a fancy vehicle!

Golden Samantha said...

What a great stroller, but ohhhh, how sorry we are that an inflating tire popped so loudly. We've never met, but are so, so sorry that Miss Sunshade isn't hearing now. How fortunate and diligent that you've taught her hand signals. We are sending prayers and a gazillion golden vibes that she recovers her hearing soon.
Big Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie

Nelly said...

Sunshade, we love, love, LOVE the stroller! You are looking so happy in it too!
We hope the remedy will make your hearing ok again. We're sending you loads of Airezen!
Errrm ... does this mean you can't hear Stinky either? Bonus?

Nibbles & Headrubs
Nelly & Finn xx

MTWaggin said...

Love the new stroller (I have a bike trailer/stroller that I've yet to use with the dogs). Sunshade, you get better, rest for those ears will help! In the meantime watch Mum close so you can SEE her talking to you! Tell Mum not to worry it will all be okay.

♥I am Holly♥ said...

We just came from Maggie and Mitch's place to let you know the Sunshade is in our prayers to get better. Lots of love,Debbie and Holly

Ina in Alaska said...

Hello Miss Sunshade! We are visiting from Maggie & Mitch's bloggie. We hope you get to hear again!! We will keep our paws crossed for you!

Your Super Stroller is fantastic! When my late dogs were seniors I would buy strollers for them too! xoxo

Mack said...

You are definetely in our thoughts and prayers.

Sugars,
Mack

Anonymous said...

Hi Sunshade! I came over from Maggie and Mitch's bloggie and I just wanted to tell you that I'm most sorry for your recent woes.

But you must tell your mom not to get all upset with herself. She didn't MEAN to pop that tire and sometimes accidents just happen. Now - having said that - when you gets your hearing back (and I know it will be WHEN not if), you shouldn't let on right away. Try to play on mom's sympathetics for as long as pawsible cuz I'm pretty sure that will be extra noms and treats and rides in your ever-so-very-much cool SUPER STROLLER!

Wiggles & Wags & a million get better doggie kisses!

Mayzie

DESERT PUPS said...

Woof Miss Sunshine,

You don't know us cause we haven't posted in a long time. We're the Desert Pups from Tucson Arizona. We're Toby, Norman, Keiko and The Ghost of Scuba. We just want to send lots of doggie well wishes your way and we hope you get better soon. It was nice meeting you.

Desert Pups,
Toby, Norman, Keiko and The Ghost of Scuba

violett said...

I read in the blog of Maggie and Mitch of the misfortune. We are thinking of you and press all paws and fingers for you.
We're sending you loads of Airezen!
Your Super Stroller is fantastic.
Your eyes look so happy in the video.
Lots of love
Mischka

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Well this IS a revolting developement. So sorry to know our sweet buddy Sunshade is having a hearing problem. We'll also keep our paws crossed and Mom will pray for her too. That was a freak accident so Miss Elaine, you should not feel guilty about it. Hootie got a piece of cheat grass in his ear as a pup and by the time it was discovered he had a horrible ear infection that also caused him to be deaf in one ear. Mom says he has a good excuse for not coming when called if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction...Oddly,he seems to always hear the whistle when she blows it! We love you.
XX-BabyRocketDog

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Oh, BTW, that ComfortStroller looks like it would be loads of fun to ride in. Sunshade, you look very happy with your head stuck through the sunroof!! Cool photos.
Smooches from pooches,
Hootie & BabyRD

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I have brought my Sibe Vibes along with me from M&M's Blog!

I hope your hearing returns but in the meantime this is your chance to be a Siberian!

We are known fur our selekhtive hearing!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We also came to visit from Maggie and Mitch's. We were so sad earlier this week when we heard the story of the pup who lost her hearing. We have our paws crossed and Mom is sending lots of good thoughts and prayers for this to be temporary and for your hearing to return soon. Tell your Mom that accidents happen, and it is not her fault at all.

Now you have such a beautiful stroller to enjoy. Hope you are doing just fine soon.'

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Toby said...

Sunshade, we are so shocked to hear about your hearing! We're praying that it's just a temporary thing and with time, your hearing will come back.

We're thinking of you and sending the Power of the PAW!!

Luv,
Tobester

Lacy said...

w00fs, wow, didnt know that pup was u, Sunshade...dogs have acute hearing, so mayb its just gonna take a little more time for u to get it back..esp since the ear drums werent damaged..and i love ur new ride.

b safe and feel better,
~rocky~

Asta said...

Deawest Supew Sunshade,

I didn't know Maggie and Mitch wewe talking about you..I'm so sowwy that something that is so wondewful and was meant to make life mowe intewesting and comfowtable has caused such twauma fow you and youw sweet Mom.
I pway and csoss my paws that youw eaw ouchy is tempowawy and that you can enjoy youw supew stwollew wif joy
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Teddy Bear said...

What a cool stroller. We heard about Sunshade from Maggie and Mitch and are sending lots of love and healing vibes your way. I am keeping my paws crossed that your hearing loss is temporary.

Love,
Teddy Bear

Stardust said...

Hi, I'm from Maggie & Mitch's. Sorry to hear about Sunshade... I'm keeping fingers crossed that the symptom is only temporal. Have you tried speaking near to her ears? Maybe she needs more time...

Sorry, I can't offer much. Just don't be too hard on yourself, it's an accident.

The stroller is damn cool!

Lorenza said...

Sunshade!
Your Superstroller is pawesome!
Sorry about the tire incident!
I have faith that this is just temporary! I am sure you will tilt your head pretty soon and your mom is going to do the happy dance when she sees you doing it!
I have my paws crossed for you!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Noah the Airedale said...

Heck....that's such a strange thing to happen. Sunshade mate, hang in there. Paws crossed your hearing comes back. The stroller really is a good idea. It was just an accident.

Noah & the girls

Putter said...

OH MY SUNSHADE! We are thinking of yo and sending every goodest thought we have! We LOVE YOU and your MOM ya know!!!!!!!! Your SUPER STROLLER IS SO COOLEST BY THE WAY!!!!!!!!! It is just like the one MY BROTHERS HAVE! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????????!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, keep us posted okay! We are thinking of you!!!!!!!

Love,

Putter ...

The Oceanside Animals said...

We've been thinking about getting a stroller for Tucker as well as he no longer has the energy to keep up with the other dogs when we go out to Fiesta Island. The exploding tire thing is scary, though -- we hope Sunshade's hearing returns soon!

Jake of Florida said...

Sunshade, we didn't realize that our pals Mitch and Maggie were talking about you when they described the incident.

We so hope thar with time, your hearing will come back.

Your SUPER stroller is indeed very SUPER -- and we hope in some small way it helps during this time until you'll be back in shape.

Wirey woofs,

Jake and Just Harry

Bella and Ollie said...

Hi Sunshade,
I heard of you thanks to Maggie and Mitch.
I think your super stroller is awesome ! I have a pram (http://bellathewestie.blogspot.com/2010/05/playing-with-my-nannies-toys.html), but it's a bit small.
I pray with my Mum and Dad that you recover your hearing.
Love, Bella

TwoSpecialWires said...

What a happy story with such a very sad ending. We're trying to catch up after our nearly two month hiatus (out of town relatives, graduation, parties, National Park trips, college orientation, cross country trips ... and now ... Florida heat ... yeah Moma, yeah Moma we know the excuses). This is where Moma chose to start reading. We're hoping that as we progress on through the posts we've missed, we get some Good News Updates.

We love you Sunshade, and this breaks our hearts
Jake and Fergi and Family