Doggie Diapers? (not for the squeamish)

As I drank my coffee this morning I decided to do some research on dog incontinence. Not pleasant reading for sure, but you see our 14 year old dog Stella seems to be losing control. It started a few weeks ago with her not quite making it outside before pooping. (Sorry if this is gross-but it is just a fact of life). She would walk to the door dropping poo behind her every few steps, or we would wake up to find a few small poops near her bed. We know she was ashamed because as soon as we let her out-she took off. This is a practice of hers when she thinks we are mad at her. She eventually comes back and we all pretend nothing happened.

So last night Stella was home alone for a couple of hours while Alec and I went to dinner. When we got home and were about to settle down to watch a movie and our newly finished sun room, I discovered it. I had covered the new couch with a blanket because Stella has found she likes it there because she can see the yard from all angles out the windows. I picked up the blanket to snuggle up and felt that it was wet. I turned the lights on and saw stains on both of the cushions. Not one-both.

I was able to get the stains out of the couch, but I would like to keep the new furniture in good condition as long as possible. The kids have been threatened with their lives not to eat or drink on it, but how do I keep an incontinent dog off? Another problem arises with this situation as well. Joe has been trying to plan a family vacation for April and asked his mother to take the dog. I cannot in good conscience ask someone to take my dog who will most likely soil their home.

I know that Stella will not be around for a lot longer. Fourteen is old for a big dog. But besides the normal ailments from aging, she still seems healthy and vital. I remember how she used to chase Alec around the backyard when he was just a baby. He would start running and she would follow and playfully catch him by the leg of his pants, making him fall in a fit of laughter. She has been a fierce protector of our family, never hurting anyone, but making it clear these are her kids and no one would hurt them on her watch.

I am not ready to say goodbye. I will keep my steam cleaner ready and continue to cover the couch until Stella herself is ready to go. I think we might just stay home this April vacation . I wonder if she will be around when we go on vacation this summer. If she is, at least it is good to know they do sell doggie diapers.

Cheers

It is nice to know that even at 40 there are still some firsts to experience. This weekend I had my first ever birthday party. As the youngest of five children, my parents were done with parties by the time I came around. It is ok, there were some benefits to being the youngest. For all of my older sisters 40th birthday's we got together to celebrate. Everyone wanted to know what I wanted to do. I decided that I wanted a party.

Joe had wanted to throw me a party for my 30th birthday, but at the time I really didn't have a circle of friends. The kids were little and they were pretty much my whole life. Being a mother to toddlers can be very isolating. You might meet some nice moms on the playground, but for me they never lead to a lasting friendship. I pretty much had to beg him not to throw me a party that year. This time it was different. Over the past several years, through family, work, and the kids sports I have been fortunate to meet some wonderful people who I am lucky to call my friends.

On the way to the party I started having a panic attack. I don't like being the center of attention (contrary to what some people might think). I knew that when we walked through the door all eyes would be on me. I was worried that no one would be there. I was also thinking about singing karaoke in front of everyone I know. It is different doing it in front of strangers. Joe had asked the DJ (who was awesome) to have the karaoke available. I love to sing. I sing all the time-in the car, in the kitchen and at work I find myself humming all day long. I had chosen a song that I was comfortable with. I practiced-maybe even too much as my voice was going in and out all night. My friend Tina went first and was awesome- she sounded like a pro. Her doing so well gave me confidence. But what happened when I took the mike and started to sing Before He Cheats was less like singing and more like sounds from a frog dying. It was seriously bad. So much for impressing everyone with my talent-I had just humiliated myself in front of everyone.

No one followed my performance. I guess they didn't want to take the chance to sound as bad as me. The dancing continued and from looking at all the pictures it seems like everyone had a good time. Joe did an awesome job planning the party as well as entertaining us with his outrageous dancing. I had a blast (aside from the public shame). I can't wait for the next time we all get together.