A Bundle of Nerves!

That 's what I am this evening.  We are leaving in a few hours to go pick Rocky up in Phoenix.  I think I have everything together but can't load anything until Donald & Jeannie get here, so my kitchen floor is crammed with items to go into the car.  I went to a pet store this afternoon and got a collar & leash, food bowl, some toys and other necessary items.  I just want to get on the road!

The eye surgeon cautioned me about the elevation along the way but he didn't tell me I shouldn't go.  I've been poring over the maps, googling elevations, etc., and think I will be ok.  He said if my eye starts to hurt we should pull over and stop ASAP to let the pressure equalize or something like that.  There is a pass in So Cal that is about 4100+ ft, but if I remember it correctly there are numerous pull-over sites along the climb.

I'm posting this evening because I won't take my computer with me as I won't have internet - maybe if we stay at a motel in Phoenix, but it isn't worth the hassle.  So next time I post, probably Sunday evening, I hope to have some photos of my little rascal!

Until I get back, everyone have a great weekend.

Just a quick note.

I thought I'd write a few lines to tell you that I'm leaving late tomorrow to pick up my lab puppy Rocky in Arizona.

The airlines evidently aren't transporting pets to certain cities because of the high temps, so Jeannie & Donald are driving me to pick up Rocky.   So the next time I post I will have to be keeping an eye on a little curious lab while I'm writing.  

I saw an eye surgeon today who thinks my eye looks wonderful, and thinks I can travel if I'm careful to watch out for signs of distress due to elevation change too quickly.  I'm trying to figure the best route that doesn't involve a lot of change, but we will just go slow and if I experience difficulties, then we will slow down or stop until the pressure in my eye reaches equilibrium.

Shipping a Pet by United Airlines

Since so many readers expressed concern over the possible dangers of shipping an animal by air, I found this about United Airlines and wanted to share it with you:

We prioritize the safety and well-being of cats and dogs through every step of their journey with United PetSafe.

• Operate over 80 custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicles to safely transport pets in all weather conditions
• Pets are placed onto the aircraft last and removed first to minimize stress
• In the air, pets remain secure and comfortable in climate-controlled, pressurized compartments
• Onsite kennels and offsite facilities accommodate pets during long connection times and before international travel
• Dedicated, specially trained PetSafe Customer Service Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 

I feel pretty good about this and am comfortable with using the service of United.  Of course I would prefer to drive there and pick it up - I'd leave tomorrow if I could, but I can't.   For one thing, I am not supposed to go above 500' in altitude until my eye has healed, which precludes driving as I would have to go over a 7500' peak on the way.   And I have checked breeders closer to Sacramento, but with the fires burning all over the state I would worry about newborn animals  near all that smoke and pollution.   I've felt very good about the breeder in AZ from the moment I read her website and I'm completely happy with my choice.

Rocky?

I did it!   I'm having "Rocky" shipped from AZ in about two weeks.  He is at an adoptable age right now and I decided to go for it, although I asked for a couple of weeks to allow my eye to get better. 

We had a list of names to consider and Jeannie's two girls finally both agreed on Rocky, so Rocky it is.  Jeannie later said that it is appropriate because my first lab was Smoky, as in the Smoky Mountains.  Now I have one named for the next mountain range, Rocky.  I told her I'd have to eventually get "Sierra", but that would have to be a female.  Who knows, next year I might go back for Sierra!

I'm a little scared and very much excited.   Here is a photo of Rocky.

 

 
You can click on this picture to enlarge it a bit.

My mother used to be fond of saying, "There's no fool like an old fool", and she's probably saying it right now from wherever she is, laughing her head off.

Doggie Names

My daughter, granddaughters and I looked over lists of doggie names last night.  I saw the name "Zorro" on one list and got excited about it.  I don't think anyone else but me had ever heard of Zorro - the show started sometime in 1957, when I was about 16 going on 17.

Seeing my enthusiasm Autumn asked me why I liked Zorro and I told her that I always thought he was sooooo cute!  She giggled.  I guess she didn't imagine that grandmas could find a man "cute", but I'll tell you that Zorro was that man!

I can't decide definitely on a name until I see the dog personally and assess its temperament and looks.  But I do really like Zorro - the TV character and the name! 

I'm back at home this afternoon and think I will try to take a nap.  I'm doing a terrible job of keeping my eyes down.

T.G.I.F. everyone!  Enjoy the weekend.

Life goes on

And I'm trying to just deal with it.  I was sitting at the dining room table with my granddaughters and one of them told me, "Keep your eyes down".   Her mom is at work so she's taking up the banner!  I just had to chuckle about it.

We were looking up good names for a male black lab that I'm thinking about getting, which takes my mind off my current limitations.

I don't have much to write about so I'll just wish everyone a good day!

The Day After

I went back for a checkup this morning to make sure my eye surgery was a success.  The doctor was very pleased and says I'm doing well.  My vision is still pretty blurred in the left eye and I've read that it can take some time to heal.  I have not had a bit of pain from the surgery although having to leave the patch on overnight was so irritating - it just made my skin and eye itch under the big patch and tape.  I survived it and I'm sure it will be so much better in the coming weeks. 

 The doctor said I don't have to keep my chin on my chest and can hold it straight, but should keep my eyes cast downward.  It's difficult to remember because it is so natural to just be able to look all around you.   

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes, good vibes, and prayers.  

I need to get a new battery and checkup on my computer real soon, so if I miss a day or two blogging you will know I just don't have my computer.