Monday, November 15, 2010

New blog

I'm a little hesitant to do this but I've been sitting on my ass long enough. The new blog is here and it's called "Pound Dogs".

It's questionable why I felt the need to start a new blog instead of just continuing with this one but you'll see, the new one is different. First of all, it's more pictures, less words - almost no words actually. At least that's the way it's starting out. Who knows what direction it might eventually take.

And also, Stella was a big part of "One Bark at a Time", and now that she is no longer with us, I feel that continuing on here would be, well, wrong. It just wouldn't feel the same. "One Bark at a Time" only started because of Stella and so it ends with her.

A quick update on Rocky, for anyone interested. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in August and has been receiving chemo on an almost weekly basis. He's doing well on it, as most dogs do, but still, the outcomes even with chemo average only about a year. Testing has also indicated early signs of heart problems (dilated cardiomyopathy - same as Stella), so if the cancer doesn't get him, his heart probably will. Arthritis is now affecting one of his front knees (along with both his back knees) and he's also going a little bonkers in the head - old age dementia and all. Yes, the gods are gunning for him but for now he's still with us and scrappy as ever so fuck the gods. They don't got him yet.

24 comments:

selkiem said...

Fred, good to see you back. I know how hard it is to deal with the loss of a beloved friend.

I tried accessing the blog but is it open only to invited readers?

Anonymous said...

Hi Fred!
Welcome back-what a nice surprise on this gray morning!
Gina

pibble said...

Thrilled to have you back! Your writings and photos were sadly missed, but it was understandable.

Not thrilled to hear about Rocky, poor guy. But if ever a dog should have a great human, I think he's got it.

Chemo sucks. Our Jack Russell had osteosarcoma and went through the courses of chemo. He lost his hair, was sick as a dog (yup that's what I said), but he's still kicking almost three years later. Now, at almost 13, he's a mean bastard, but good to have around nonetheless.

Hugs to Rocky. Each day is a treasure, as they say.

pibble said...

The new blog is invited readers only... I can understand that unless that's a mistake and it's just not ready yet?

Fred said...

Oh yeah, it would help if I opened up the permissions on the new blog wouldn't it? Thanks for letting me know. Should be good to go now.

Sheryl said...

Fred,

Glad you're back - I missed all those funny faces from the TAS.

So sorry to hear about Rocky. We lost one of our own dogs 3 weeks ago, very suddenly, likely an aneurysm or possibly spleen cancer - it was all over in 2 hours - and I couldn't help but think of you and Stella and how we're never really prepared, even when we know it's coming.

Thanks for your dedication to the cause and for helping the folks at TAS find homes for loving pups.

Sheryl

hopy said...

So sorry to hear about Rocky's tough fight. I'm glad, though, that you're blogging again, even if you're less wordy than I'd like.

It's really nice to see you back, Fred.

(And I hope your mom's doing okay.)

Miz Minka said...

How wonderful to hear you're back, Fred! I was just "here" yesterday, remembering Stella and all those wonderful pound dogs that you used to post pictures of. It saddens me to no end that Rocky is on the last part of his journey with you too. That's the price we dog owners pay -- the heartache when our canine companions leave us, which is always much too soon. May you have many golden moments with Rocky until that day.

I'm glad to hear you started another blog -- with stunning pictures, I might add!! (Not that we expected anything less from you.) ;) I'll definitely be following the new blog. As the saying goes, "There aren't enough homes for them all," and I'm so glad that you're back helping to find homes for dogs through your amazing, personality-capturing photography.

Lynda said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Rocky.

Looking forward to checking out your new blog, welcome back - we missed you!
Lynda

siouxee said...

Glad to see you back, Fred. Take care of yourself, Rocky, and your fam. See ya on the other blog. However, I will read this one randomly... throughout time :)

- Mirnie

Jake said...

Says something about the love of your work Fred when the blog is shut down for 3 months and in one day you have 10 people commenting already! Goes to show people are still consistently checking daily awaiting your return. Excited to have you back!

Ian said...

Good to see you back and I`ll certainly follow your new blog.
Sorry to hear of the medical problems with Rocky.Will keep him in my prayers.

Lynn said...

Welcome Back, Fred! I jumped a little with joy when I spotted the words "New blog" in the corner of my screen. Sorry to hear about Rocky's trials, but glad he's still keeping you company.

Amy said...

So happy to see you back! I will definitely bookmark your new blog.

I am sorry to hear that Rocky's health isn't the best right now. I hope that chemo is successful, and that you enjoy your remaining time with him.

Joanne said...

Hi Fred, I had heard about Rocky....all the very best to him. I lost my so, so sweet cat on October 7th to liver cancer. He had survived three months nearly from the diagnosis. He was just on the cusp of suffering and I couldn't let that happen to my buddy so it took me about a week to make the fateful decision and I had him euthanized at home. I was too sad to even cry and he has joined his 20 little predecessors in the hall closet. Someday, when they are all gone, I will release them to the winds somewhere. I did however, about a week later, adopt a little homeless cat from TAS. Gilly would have liked that. She turned out to be just like him, how strange. She couldn't possibly have been more sweet and James and Jen at TAS were the most helpful and wonderful people during her adoption. I am deeply grateful to them and recommend them to everyone looking to adopt. So, I am going to take a look at your new blog. Welcome back.

Fred said...

Thanks, Everyone, for all your well wishes for Rocky. Much appreciated.

Erin said...

Hi Fred,

Its good to have you back, you were missed!

Sorry to hear about Rocky, but I like your attitude. That's how I viewed my Moka's last several years, tons of issues but she was still happy and spunky. I for one, will heartily wish poor aim on the Gods for you and lots of good time for Rocky!

Anonymous said...

Good to see you again, Fred!

Rocky, it's no fun getting old. Just keep up that at-ti-tood!

Anonymous said...

YIPPY FRED!! I am so freaking happy to see you back. I just arbitrarily came back to see if there was any news. I am really sorry to hear about Rocky, but I am sure he is going to make the most of his time here with you...(and us). I will defiantly check out your new blog. BTW the pooches we adopted through your hard work are doing just fine.There are some hard days living with two dogs, but they do make me smile. Best decision of my life. Thank you again. Know that your work has touched many families.

Harlem and Coltrane

Brooke said...

I am so glad to see you have a new venture in progress, so am off to read it! I'm sorry to hear about Rocky, but he has the best dad he could hope for.

martha said...

oh my goodness! what a great treat & such a nice surprise.I'll say "yippy" too!
I look forward to photos,comments,ideas,thoughts,
ramblings....

mel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nicole, expert about pomeranian dog said...

I love reading blogs. Your blog is beautiful. Many dog lovers can easily relate to what you’re saying. How do you make blogs? I never made one before but I love reading them, especially if it involves dogs.

Unknown said...

Having pet reduces human diseases. If dog suffering from illness it is so sorry. The attachment you build with Rocky really hurts a lot.Hope it well get soon. It is better take assistance of emergency vet, so always available at your services.