Ooops! It's been busy in our house!

Long time no update!!

Noelle is doing GREAT!! She is up to 27 lbs now, it's amazing how much she's grown and how healthy she is. I've said it before and I'll say it again, she is our little miracle baby.

Noelle's newest 'trick' is going into her crate on her own. I've been bringing one of her treats with me every night and slowly pushing her into the crate and giving her her treat once she's in, and now if she sees me stand next to her crate with a treat she scoots her little butt right in and sits for her treat. Such a good girl!! And so smart! We are still working on 'stay', but she's still a very excitable little puppy so it'll take some more time.

I'm starting a new job tomorrow, and next week Noelle will start coming with me to work (she needs her Kennel Cough vaccine first), which I hope will be a good opportunity for her to meet new people and maybe find her future home! Don't stop sharing her story, though! It's going to be so hard for me to say goodbye, I am so in love with my little Belly, but I am looking forward to seeing her go to a home where she will be spoiled and loved and cared for for the rest of her life.

Love. Her. So. Much.

I've started feeding Noelle twice daily (down from three times now that she's over 4 months). It's only been a couple of days but she's doing well on it. She sure does love her food! She knows that the 'big dogs' get to have their bowls put down first, and she's finally stopped running to their bowls to try to gobble their food before they can. Now, I put down the big girl bowls, and Noelle runs to the spot where I put her bowl and waits patiently for me to put her food down. I'm telling you, this girl is SMART!

Thankfully, there hasn't been another seizure. I am going to have the doc check out her skin tomorrow, she's got a few bald patches that I'm a little concerned about, but it doesn't seem to bother her. I think it's rugburn from her 'peel outs' when she kind of skids around playing with the big girls. Better to check, of course, than to assume!

We are off to bed now (Noelle is already snoring at my side), it's an early day for mama and puppies alike!

Thank you for caring about Noelle, and PLEASE continue sharing her story!!

Our Special Girl...

Good evening!! I haven't had a chance to post since getting my computer up and running again (I've been busy repeatedly digging out "Potty Patches" for the dogs, in snow up to my ass, by the way).

Tonight I'm writing for my sake more than anything else I think .Noelle had another seizure today, her second since being with us. And per the doc's request, I took video of it. I am sharing it here, but do not feel like you have to watch it. It is upsetting. Not because it's graphic, but because Noelle is a tiny baby and she shouldn't have to go through this.

Of course, I called Dr. Birkel immediately to ask why Noelle is seizing again, and I learned that it's because her new Phenobarb level will not be effective for another week. I'd noticed that past couple of days that Noelle's head was looking a little wonky again, so I had actually already called Dr. Birkel this morning to ask if I could increase her Prilosec (yes, the same pill people take for heartburn is what keeps Belly's brain swelling down). So when I called again I felt like a crazy mom worrying obsessively about her kid, but I feel like I'm doing my job as her foster mommy by making sure I'm doing everything right for her. And I am- her Prilosec should be adjusted (and is now) as she's gaining weight.

Noelle is fine now, a little tired, but fine. This is to be expected, though the seizures will become significantly less frequent once she is full grown and her medication levels don't need to be adjusted as often as her weight goes up. So as much as I say "Noelle is just a normal dog who walks funny", and that's true 99% of the time, she is going to need to be in a forever home with someone who is able to cope with her seizing, as it will happen every so often for the rest of her life. She is going to need a home where she is understood and loved for her little quirks. Hell, if I could afford a THIRD dog, I'd 100% keep her myself, but I have to keep reminding myself that it's not in her best interest to be my full time baby.

In other news: Potty Training! Have you ever tried potty training a special needs puppy in 2+ feet of snow covered in ice? It's not easy!! Noelle is still having accidents, though she is learning. She's started going to the back door to let me know she has to go out, but by the time I get boots and a jacket on she can't hold it anymore. She tries!! She's making an effort!

I got her a new jacket to help her stay warm on our walks.

I can't help myself. Don't make fun. 

Noelle is now sleepin' it off leaning against me. She's such a floppy mushy little puppy. I really hope there is someone special out there who will love Noelle as much as I do, and who will recognize that although she takes a little extra effort, she is SO worth it and SO deserving of all the love you have to give. She gives it back 100 fold. 

Please continue sharing Noelle's story, and thank you as always for caring about our girl.