Losing Our Fine Fellow

On May 6th, 2015 David, Mae, Norm and I lost a best friend. The two days before and after Harvey's euthanasia were four of the most unbearable days.

I miss Harvey terribly, but as the days go by, I remember all the happy times, and there were many. His slap happy grin remains foremost in my memory.  Common to many dogs, he was crazy about food and was a notorious, albeit a polite beggar. Even though his begging drove David and I nuts at times, we fed into it. We secretly loved it. He knew the sound of the can opener the second we pulled it out of the drawer. It meant tuna water and he'd run enthusiastically into the kitchen. He LOVED carrots, so much in fact that when his Nonna was visiting she gave him so many he literally pooped carrots. He waited by the stove every morning for the last lick of David's eggs. Harvey was so easy going and game for anything. He moved with me six different times during my rotations for PA school before we finally settled in SLC. Above all, he was an avid hiker. He thrived on the trails with or without snow and he loved the scenery, often taking breaks to enjoy the views. He was almost twice the age of Norm, but his energy on hikes was "puppy like" and contagious.

Norm and Harvey. Harvey and Norm. They were the best of friends. Now as I finally feel ready to write about our loss of Harvey, we unfortunately are faced with also having to lose Norm.

Norm is probably most known for his licking. He expresses himself through his tongue. He groomed Harvey multiple times a day. Norm is a lover. He loves to snuggle. He is so devoted to his family, barking at the quietest noises to "protect" us. He gives the best greetings. He is obsessed with Mae and follows her around everywhere. He also has many neuroses, which at times are frustrating, but we love him just as he is. Some of his neuroses include a major fear of fireworks and all things that smell like fire,  only drinking water from the bathtub faucet (something I'm sure we enforced), plastering his tongue on smooth surfaces for minutes at a time, vomiting at the sight of our suitcases, rolling in smelly substances (carcasses or fragrant foilage alike) and necessitating a belly rub before agreeing to come inside.  Oh, Norm!

For unexplained reasons, Norm developed shortness of breath in January.  He was diagnosed with a pleural effusion from a lung lobe torsion and underwent emergency lobectomy. He seemed to be recovering well and returning back to his normal self when about six weeks later he developed shortness of breath again. His pleural effusion had returned.  The cause of the pleural effusion is still in question, but most likely it is related to the thoracic duct being lacerated during his surgery. Conservative management includes a low fat diet to decrease the amount of lipid that drains through the thoracic duct, allowing the duct to heal. Surgery to ligate the duct is an option, but it is not very successful (50% success). Since March, he has had three pleural effusions drained, the last one 9 days ago, only for the fluid to build up again more quickly each time. He's been on antibiotics, low fat diet, steroids, and Rutin to no avail. We are faced with continuing to drain him, surgery, or euthanasia.  All options pretty much suck.  So right now, we are waiting and hoping for the best, but unfortunately it doesn't look good.  So for now, I concentrate on our time left together, cuddling and squeezing him so tight.

 I'd like to think that Harvey and Norm were meant for each other just like a couple who has grown old together, unable to live without the other, die within a short time frame of one another.  Norm was not meant to live without Harvey and vice-versa.

We have all lost a best friend and it is unbearable to think we might lose another so soon. The thought that tears me up most is Mae not knowing either of them.  When the time is right, maybe we'll experience this intense love again with another dog. But, for now, we are too hurt inside to even
consider that possibility.

I sometimes hear Harvey singing tunes in the night, but then I realize it's Norm. When I start to feel sad, it's all these little things about Harvey and Norm that I remember.  That's when a slap happy grin takes over my face.

On Aging

This past February, Harvey turned 10.  I really feel Harvey has handled aging and the restrictions that have come along with it very well. The truth is, it's been harder for David and I to watch because we know what he used to love to do, but can no longer do...hiking.  Almost two years ago in May we took the dogs to Jackson Hole for my 30th birthday weekend for some hiking. Little did we know that this would be the downhill spiral of Harvey's health. After a long and strenuous hike up Kings peak, we were resting back at our cabin when for the first time, Harvey got up and yelped, unable to bear weight on his right hind leg. After about a week of restrictions, he was like new again. Phew. Back in Salt Lake, I took Harvey and Norm on a familiar trail in the Wasatch. Little did I know, that would be his last hike.  Afterward he began limping again.  We visited the vet and he was diagnosed with a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear. Surgery with a lengthy 8-12 week recovery period in which he would have to be in a crate was recommended. Furthermore, he would likely need an operation on his left knee sometime in the future. We were heartbroken.  After much back and forth discussion between David and I and many hours of lost sleep, we opted for a conservative approach, antiinflammatories and activity restriction.  Eventually, Harvey did improve, in that he didn't limp, but has since never been able to go on hikes or long walks or else his limp would return. I'll admit, he's still a happy dog! He loves food, playing with his red ball, playing hide and seek, and basking in the sun.  While I'm sure he'd be ecstatic to go on a hike again, it's really me that found it the most difficult to lose our special bond of hiking together.  As expected though, last month, he began having trouble with his left leg and his pain meds were increased.  There is really no graceful way to age. I sometimes think about what he'd be like right now if we had chosen to operate. Maybe better, but probably not 100% and who knows if he would be able to hike. Maybe worse, as he wouldn't understand why we put him through such an experience. There has been no easy answer, but just because we have the ability to do ACL repairs and other medical interventions, does not always mean we should.  I just hope, when the time comes for Harvey to pass away, it will be clear.  Clear that he no longer is playful, no longer enjoys food, no longer smiles, and no longer can walk.  I hope he can pass with some regality, the regality he had the day I met him.

A New Family Addition

A huge change occurred in our lives last August, which not only affected David and I, but also Harvey and Norm. Our daughter and their sister, Mae, was born.  I will admit that the newborn experience was quite traumatizing for all residents of the Kaplan household. Norm spent days and nights hiding under the bed and Harvey slept outside many nights refusing to succumb to Mae's screeching cry. More recently, as Mae has begun to respond and pay attention to Harvey and Norm, it's been a lot more fun. Mae loves to share Norm's bone, play with his ears, and tries to grab his balls (tennis, that is). She laughs uncontrollably when Harvey has his super relaxed, "in the zone" face and best of all, she drops all kinds of treats for them at meal time. As the months pass quickly, it is so endearing to watch my three "kids" interact. Of course, there are still difficult times and Norm stuffs himself under the bed and Harvey insists on not coming in the house, but they have really taken Mae in as one of their own. Undeniably, Harvey and Norm are both getting older, each with their own health problems.  It's hard to imagine our home and Mae growing up without them.  But for now, I'm trying my best to cherish this precious time we all have together.

Reflections in Alexander Basin

About 6 and 1/2 miles up Millcreek, Alexander Basin trailhead on the right, is the beginning of my most favorite hike in utah, especially during wildflower season!

• The wildflowers here make me smile
• I don't mind the bees, flies, and numerous other creatures flying in my face here
• I will hike into my 60's, 70's and if I'm lucky enough, my 80's
• Hikers on this trail are friendly folk
• The steep climb is worth these views time and time again
• I wish Harvey and Norm were here, but their joints would surely pay for it
• I don't mind crowds, but I enjoy solitude more
  

A Dog's Dream: Big Water Trail to Dog Lake

Elevation: 8780 ft
Elevation Change: 1200 ft
Distance: 2 1/2 miles one way

On Dave's one night off this week, we decided to get out of the heat and head up to Millcreek.  We were anticipating the road to the upper trails to still be closed.  As we approached the gate and I saw it was open, I had an overwhelming feeling of happiness...ahhhhh.  As expected on opening and 4th of July weekend, it was crowded!  Nevertheless, as always, the scenery was breathtaking and Harvey and Norm were in dreamland!

Mount Aire, Millcreek Canyon

Elevation 8620 ft
Elevation gain 1820 ft
1.6 miles one way

Today, Harvey, Norm and I escaped the "hot" 90 degree (it's all relative) weather to Millcreek Canyon.  Due to heavy snow fall this year, the upper part of the road, which is suppose to open July 1st, may be closed for just a couple weeks longer.  No stopping us though!  We walked about a mile and a half up the road to the trail head.  It was a steep climb, but well worth the views!  Despite the constant attacking flies, a beautiful first summer hike!

Still no shortage of snow!

Harvey enjoying the view of the I-80 to Park City

Norm's favorite- cooling off in a pile of mud!

Adventures in Normland

Why is Norm barking in the backyard, again?  It's not the neighbor's rabbit this time, but a squirrel taunting him on the cable pole.  Not out of the norm, except for the fact that Norm is on the other side of the fence barking at the squirrel.  Yes! In the neighbor's yard!  I get in my car, drive around the block, ring the neighbor's door bell. No answer.  So, I call for him and he runs to me with his wagging, wiggly, butt...all smiles.  Oh Norm!