Birds and Bella...

 

 

Many familiar birds have returned to the farmhouse in the past week. Yesterday I saw a trio of Baltimore orioles - two males and a female - when they visited the grape jelly feeder I had out. Their colors are stunning, and I'm quite sure I'll embroider this bird some day.

 

While I heard a hummingbird late Wednesday, I didn't actually see one until yesterday. This female was buzzing around the feeders I've had filled awaiting their return. I'll make new nectar today for them.

Bella came through her surgery in fine form. The remnants were exactly where they'd been located in the ultrasound and were removed by the surgeon. Dr. Welker also had a little look-around to make sure there were no other anomalies before closing up the incision. When she called us, Bella was resting comfortably. Handsome will be going to pick her up this morning, but I'll stay home with the other two and get some things done that have been waiting for my attention.

Thank you to everyone who took time to think about, pray for, or offer good wishes for our girl. We were praying hard for her, and I know our collective thoughts were heard and answered. We're beyond grateful. I'm looking forward to having her back home and giving her a little extra love tonight. Thank you again! Have a great weekend. I know we will.

While We Waited...

 

We spent most of the day in Madison at the UW-Veterinary Care Clinic with our beautiful Bella. We had an appointment for their vet team to do an ultrasound in search of the cause of her current condition. I know I've been a bit obtuse about that lately, but I'll say that she was spayed over two years ago, and as we looked back at her medical history, we realized she was trying to have a heat cycle every six months. Last December, when her daughter came in heat, Bella joined her with a full blown heat herself. Did I mention she was spayed over two years ago?

 

Well, the ultrasound revealed the cause for her current state. She had ovarian remnants specifically, three follicles (where eggs reside until a heat cycle). Today, she'll have surgery to remove them.

We believe as a side effect of her hormonal "surprises", she also developed an aggressive streak. Aggression was the very last thing we expected from her, as she's been a sweet dog since we got her at twelve weeks old. Tag was usually the object of her ire, but when Carly was home - before Florida and more recently - Bella also turned her attention to her daughter. Our regular vet (not who performed the spay) is confident the aggression will disappear in six weeks or so as her body adjusts. 

While we waited for test results, I managed to do a very little bit of needlework. I'll continue to work on this more over the next few days. I'll be keeping this one for the time it will represent for me.

We'll get a call from the clinic after her surgery today, and she'll be in Madison one more night for observation before we go back and collect her tomorrow. We're looking forward to having her home and pampering her as she heals. 

 

If you're the praying sort, we'd appreciate it if you'd pray that our girl comes through surgery with flying colors. If you don't pray, a few good thoughts would be perfect, too. I'll let you know tomorrow how things went for our WMBBD.  For now, we wait a little longer...

 

Okay, Then. Just A Peek...

 

When Sherry (of Createlology blog) let me know that she wanted to trade ATC (artist trading cards) with me, I was all in. She and I have traded before, and I always love what she sends to me. I received her card over the weekend and absolutely loved it!

I had hers ready to go and mailed it out a couple days ago, but as she hasn't received it yet, I can't share what mine looks like. So, I'm just going to share this blurry closeup to tease what's to come. As soon as I know she's received it, I'll share both our cards in a separate post.

 

If you'd like to trade cards with me, let me know either in the comments or via email (using the link in my sidebar). I'll get back to you as soon as I hear from you.

Today is Bella's doctor's appointment, and we're anxious to find out whether they can find something organic in the scans she'll have today. I think I'll take a little needlework along to do while we wait. I'll let you know what we learn.

What are you working on today? Something creative with needle and thread? Something in the garden/yard? I'd love to know to take my mind off our girl for a little while.