Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Our Big Tommy




Those of you that follow me at facebook or here on the blog know that Big Tommy had a rough week last week. He was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on his heart. He stopped eating for a couple of days and he felt pretty weak. I am pleased to report that he is feeling much better through the miracle of Prednisone. Steroids can really make a pup feel a lot better than they are.  He started acting like his old self on Sunday and these past 2 days have been really great. It helps a lot that the weather here in Texas is finally starting to feel like fall. We spent a lot of time outside on Sunday and the pics above are from that afternoon. The sketch is an old one from 2008, although I am trying to do at least one new sketch a day of him, sketching is my coping mechanism and a way to focus on him without driving him crazy with more attention than he can possibly stand.

I am working and trying to finalize and update a few portrait projects from September. Tommy likes my work routine and is hanging out in the office with me like he always has. We know our days with him are numbered and I am trying to mix as much normal routine as possible in with the extra good meaty food he is getting and the extra park visits. Each extra day with him is a gift at this point.

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Take some photos this week of your pets! I can not tell you how many times I have created artwork from really blurry out of focus snapshots because they were like the only photo that my clients could find of an animal that had passed on.  Other times I have worked from quality photographs of pets taken on their last week where they don't have the normal sparkle in their eyes. So get the camera out this week and take some pics of your animals, they are with us such a short time.
Organize your digital memories! Ok this is where I am at right now. We have 3 or 4 computers with home snapshots on them. I have found tons of great old photos of Big Tommy and the other Scotties, but they are all over the place, some may even be on a machine that is not working ( need to get someone to try and retrieve those files). I need to set up file folders for the pets and then burn some back up cds of my images, and even print out some good shots and put them in a photo album like people did back in the dark ages before digital cameras. 
Hold your fur-babies close!  Don't feel sorry for me, we all go down this road at some point with our fur-kids. Just remember to celebrate your love for your pets each and every day, and get that camera out.

12 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

We are sending Tommy lots of AireZen! We hope he continues to feel better.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

artpaw said...

Thanks so much Maggie & Mitch! I will tell him the Airedales are routing for him.

Christine Brallier said...

Oh, what a sweet post. Thanks for sharing such heartfelt words. I will give Raymi extra love today. :) Hugs to you and your family.

The Wildwood said...

I am sending only good thoughts for Big Tommy and that up here in Oklahoma we are rooting for him to feel as good as possible and to live the rest of his life out in a happy place free of pain. I know it is hard for you all and they become like our children.

artpaw said...

Thanks so much K.T. He seems to be in no pain and that is what matters.

Archie and Melissa said...

Hi Rebecca and Tommy!

I am sending you all my love and huge hugs.

Your post to about him shows not only your true love and appreciation for him, but for life and all the gifts it has to offer us.

Thank you for your positive persective. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives.
xoxoxo
melissa

artpaw said...

Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for your very sweet comment. Our old boy is hanging in there this week. We are trying hard to live each day without too much sadness for what is ahead. He is playing ball again and the steroids have him eating like a horse.

Hugs to you & Emmitt!
Rebecca

dog harnesses said...

I also love my dog a lots. Even
No heaven will not ever Heaven be, unless my dogs are there to welcome me when I return from office.

Dhatri Padegal said...

Lots of love Big Tommy's way...I hope everyone at home is well...hang in there..

artpaw said...

Dhatri-
Thank you for the sweet comment. Tommy left us last night around 10:30 or so. He died at home, a noble strong death, for a strong perfect boy.

Christine Brallier said...

Ohhhhhh :(
Big hugs, Rebecca

Richard said...

Hello
You have really cute one.
I have same one.