First Happy Meal

In March, right after Alex's ear tube surgery, we decided it was time to take him to the mall for his first Happy Meal and to play on the rides.  So, we took a trip up to West Dundee to Spring Hill Mall.  We had a great time!  Here are some pics of Alex eating his Happy Meal (chicken nuggets and fries) and riding the rides throughout the mall.

Ear Surgery!!

In March, Alex had ear surgery.  Throughout January and February, he had about 5-6 ear infections, which was basically one every week.  It was truly awful to see our little guy so sick for so long.  So, when the ENT said he could put tubes in his ears, it was like I could hear the angels singing from the heavens!  It was wonderful news!  So, on March 18th, at around 7am, little Alex had tubes put in his ears.  The entire surgery took about 10 minutes and he was probably under anesthesia for about 7 minutes.  When they brought him out from surgery, they warned us that he may be screaming and kicking and flailing around.  He acted exactly that way.  He was very combative - kicking, screaming crying, and lurching his body around.  For a while, he still had his eyes shut and the nurse assured us he was acting very normal for coming out of anesthesia.  After about 40 minutes, he started acting more normal and was drinking water.  About 1 hour after surgery (about 8:15am), they released us and we went home.  Little Alex fell fast asleep on the way home and slept until noon.  When he got up, he was a happy little guy and was acting completely normal.  He ate a good lunch and then took a long afternoon nap as well.  All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better surgery day!  Here are some pictures I took of him after he ate his lunch - about 4 hours after surgery.

Priceless!

This morning, I came down into the family room and saw the cutest thing ever - Alex and Bubba sleeping together on the couch!  I couldn't pass up a photo opportunity!

I also attached some photos from the last month of Little Alex being silly (which happens often).

Saying goodbye to a wonderful friend

As most (or all) of you know, this past Tuesday was a very difficult day for us.  Our beloved pug, Wally, passed away at age 11.  He had been very sick fighting a massive inner ear infection and because of other health problems, his body just wasn't able to fight the infection and it ended up spreading throughout his body.  So, Alex and I made the decision along with the vet to put him down on Tuesday.  It was so hard to make that decision, but I know it was the right one.  Wally is no longer in pain and isn't suffering anymore.  The rest of this week has been a bit strange.  It feels like someone is missing.  I find myself walking around the house and looking in places that Wally would normally be and when I look and he's not there, it makes me sad.  Alex has had a harder time with it than I have.  Wally was "his" dog and he misses him so much!  He feels guilty because he had school on Tuesday in Milwaukee and wasn't able to be there for Wally's final hours/minutes.  I told him not to feel guilty and I know that Wally understands and still loves him so much!  I know the with time, everything will get easier and better.  Even though we had Wally for 9 short months, he was a wonderful pug!  He really made a great impression on everyone he met.  I actually think that most of our friends and family preferred Wally to our other dogs.  He was sweet and kind and very affectionate.  He was always sitting there waiting for you.  We'll miss you Walter!  You were a wonderful friend and companion and we'll never forget you!  I know we'll see you again some day!