Tammy's Thoughts: January 2011

Thursday, January 27, 2011

And Life goes on....

After a week of antibiotics, most of my family is feeling much better! YAY I am still fighting a nagging cough and I have a Dr's appointment in the morning. :0(     Willie is now living at the Care Center of Abingdon.   He is having so many problems with his swallowing that we all agreed that it was best. He is a trooper and is doing great there! He's enjoying all the extra attention, the activities, and all the care he's been given.
     John started his new job on Monday. He's now working at Postins Pit Stop in Avon. He is working on cars which is what he loves to do. So far he likes it really well.
     I have been having a little more free time and not so much stress. Whew!   I'm taking a deep breath but still keeping busy.   Debbie is doing awesome...she said she is enjoying her free time!
     Tootie has now made her way back outside....she was pushing the puppy away. So Saint Nick is eating well, and sleeping well, and doing a lot of whining! lol He is 5 weeks today!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

In sickness and in health...

This last week has been hard for all of us in the Keller house. A respiratory virus has taken hold of us and we all have been affected in some way. John and I have been batteling various symptoms including fever, chills, headache, coughing and sore throats. Debbie had the same. Derek and Emily had fevers, headaches, ear and throat infections, while Ieshia has only had a light cough and a headache. On the other hand, Willie was admitted to St. Mary's hospital on Sunday with phuemonia. He also has some bacteria in his blood. Willie is doing better and may come home tomorrow!! We are all back on the mend and hopefully off to a healthy start for the rest of this New Year! Here are a few pics of Derek and Emily trying to make the most of their sick time....

Mocha enjoyed snuggling with the kids and she stayed right at our sides while we were all sick. Joey wasn't too far behind her.

Sweet Mocha

Joey

Even though we were all sickly, Little St. Nick has been growing by leaps and bounds! He is just a picture of health and has been showing some interest in puppy food.

Can you see

his tongue sticking out?

He has no idea how much these two kids love him!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Our beautiful animals...

We had another surprise around Christmas time....It all started around the middle of the month of December. The temperature started to drop, snow began to fall and it was once again time to bring our Saint Bernard's into the garage and out of the harsh Illinois winter weather. John cleaned out the wood burner and stocked the garage full of dry seasoned firewood. With the help of his son Derek, they proceeded to put up the kennels in the garage in preparations for the dogs. The dogs were brought in and instead of going directly to their assigned kennels, they were petted and loved on for awhile. It was at the precise moment that John realized our female Saint Bernard, Tootie, was with pup and due very soon.

While the whole family was in Christmas mode...John took time out to watch Tootie. Several nights when she was acting nervous and anxious, John unfolded the roll away bed and slept in the garage as to keep a close eye on her. To make a long story short, Tootie was escorted to the vet on December 22. Our new vet was very concerned and scheduled her for an X-Ray on the following day. So, the next day, an X-Ray was done and the vet explained to us that Tootie has two puppies that needed to come out. Of course, he explained that they were both probably dead, but to save her life, she would need a c-section. This procedure on a dog her size was very pricey. However, we love our beloved Tootie and would do anything possible to make our animals comfortable and loved. In the afternoon on December 23, 2010, unbeknown to Tootie, she gave birth to one stillborn pup and one puppy who was very much alive! Talk about your Christmas Miracle!

John named him Saint Nick...he weighed 16oz..1 pound exactly. Tootie is such a good Mommy! Even though she seems like a monster weighing 132 lbs!

Here is our little Saint Nick at one week old...

Here in Saint Nick at 2 weeks old.....

Tootie is a great Mama...She takes really good care of her puppy! Tootie went back to the vet on Monday, Jan.10 and had her stitches taken out and the vet said she was doing great! Nick was checked over as well and now he weighs 2 pounds and 3.5 oz!! Here are a few more pics....