Fighting The Good Fight (4 IMAGES)

131 thoughts on “Fighting The Good Fight (4 IMAGES)”

  1. I believe you are a loving and extremely brave woman who is bound to get exhausted, Amy!! You should try to not look back (although losing two older cats in similar circumstances makes you very, very sad.) It was NOT your fault dear. You go more than the extra mile!
    I will pray even when absent, for you, cats and your husband.
    Love, love, hugs, kisses. . .<3 Robin

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    1. Bless your Heart, Robin! Having the responsibilities that I do gets heavy at times along with the knowledge base I must have at all times. Being a Mom and Practitioner at a time of extreme stress is very very difficult and no I don’t think of all the “possibilities”. I really did do my best with Karma and Prinny and then some, yet there truly is a part of me that feels angry that my Vet never suggested Thyroid medication. Now with Rocky, who has the EXACT symptoms as Karma had, he is turning around rapidly because of the Thyroid med he is now getting. Medicine does not have all the answers and that is why I keep on pushing past the boundaries and I think and I research. I promised to give these precious felines the best life and that, dear friend, is exactly what I am doing to the best of my ability. Much Love, dearest friend!!! ❤

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      1. I am very blessed to know how far you go to provide comfort and care for your dear babies. You set the bar high, dear heart. ❤
        p.s. I meant to say you look beautiful and AWESOME!! You really are a champion and mommy to those kitties! xoxoxo

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    1. You’d still win, Dr. Hb, because my writsts and hands do not have the strength they once had. I hope that changes the further I get with the bodybuilding. My bicep is muscle memory from years worth of bodybuilding, good nutrition, a little weight gain, having a very active life (do not sit much), and now again working out with free weights. Thank you for the ego builder!! 🙂 ❤

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    1. Thank you, YellowCable! I really pray that I can continue to be right in my observations and maintain the ability to think, really think when I do my research. Medicine does not hold all the answers. Bless you for your kindness! ❤

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  2. Dear Amy..
    I am so pleased you are listening to your heart.. Yet so sorry you have been going through all of this and SO thankful that Rocky is responding to your thinking for everyone in this process..
    Take as much time as you need to nurture both Rocky and yourself..
    Love those photos of you, and as a lady who is now pushing 63 this year LOL myself.. .. I remember well how I took the battle of keeping fit to my then looming 6-0 door.. And still to this day I do my arm weights ( being careful of my back ) lol with hand bell weights.. 🙂

    This week I have listened more to myself.. And took myself back to my paints.. 🙂
    Also just letting you know that my daughter treated her aging cat with homeopathy who gained a much more prolonged life than if going the other route. So well done the pair of you..

    I hope Rocky continues to get better.. And He is so much like my old female cat I had with his markings.. She lived until she was 21 as We have discussed before.

    Love and Light dear Amy..
    Hugs your way xx
    Sue ❤

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    1. Yes, Sue, I am listening to me and have just in fact wrote a post explaining to my friends what my intentions are. As for exercising I never dreamed I’d be bodybuilding again and am truly shocked with the results I am now getting. A few years back I couldn’t get a pump if you paid me. Now? OMG! Who would have thunk it? I really am strutting my stuff in that gym and when more comfortable will advise those younger then me (98% if not more) what good technique means so they do not get hurt. Good for you for working out taking care of your back! I’m so proud of you! And for Rocky, he is looking better but then he has phases when he does not look good. It is a lot of constant work and thought how best to keep this guy stable and happy. Much Love to you, dear Sue! ❤

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      1. I am pleased you are listening to yourself Amy and following what YOU feel is right for you.. And Yes.. I confess I do not do it every day.. But its made a difference to flabby underarm.. Even though I am not over weight lol.. but its true what the say, if we don’t use, we lose.. Not working in our day job often means my activities during winter especially are crafts, painting, knitting, reading etc,, So my arms muscles are not being stretched when I am not gardening..
        My legs are fine, as we walk alot like you.. 🙂
        Good to know Rocky is looking better, sending some absent healing thoughts his way.. And I hope he continues to improve.. xxx Love and Mega Hugs xxx ❤

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  3. Wow! I find this so inspiring and take it to heart with my little dog who is almost 15. I have reservations about the vets I have dealt with and things I have agreed to in terms of treatment.

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    1. PLEASE do research, Catherine. It pays off as well as listening to your Inner Guidance. I have some extremely hard Lessons under my belt which I would hate to see anyone else experiencing. What you have questions about DIG and keep on digging until you have the answers. I use BING to do my research FYI and even then you really have to DIG. Much Love, Amy ❤

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  4. See….I told you people would understand your situation. Good for you — Getting back up and into the fight! Don’t worry about the big 60 …. it is only a number!

    Love, Mom

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    1. Oh believe me, CM, my health is much more important then blogging. I was even contemplating on quitting and that is no lie. I’m figuring out a way now to be able to blog yet not wear myself out. Much Love, ❤

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    1. I walk in Peace, David, as you well know. (Smile) That right would only come IF myself or my family were threathened. And yes I do know how to throw a punch. I have 3 Martial Arts too! LOL Much Love, ❤

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  5. Thankfully sometimes our own common sense guides us Amy. As you know 60 is the new 40 and looking at you it seems to be true! You look great! That precious kitty touches my heart. Take care of yourself. Blogging is supposed to be fun, if you need time off, always take it, your virtual pals will be here when you come back. 😊

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    1. Thank you, Holly!! I’m figuring out a way to be here as much as possible. My blog has grown so huge and my audience so vast that in order to be with my family in the manner I must right now, I am adjusting the way I am blogging. That will be explained in tomorrow’s post. My Rocky is my Rocky baby and I will move Heaven and Earth for him!!! Bless you! ❤

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      1. Bless you too, may you find the time to do all the things that bring you happiness because that is what is really important. I understand completely about your “babies”, I have a baby too, he is ten now, my Tidey Man! 😊

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    1. Thank you ever so kindly from the bottom of my Heart. I am living my life to the best of my ability without thought to be an “inspiration”. Doing what I deem right is what motivates me to keep on the Path I am! Much Love, ❤

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  6. Rocky is sooo lucky to have you, Amy. And you look amazing! You’re an inspiration to someone like myself who intends to age gracefully. You are proof that it’s absolutely possible. Go Amy! 🙂

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    1. Brenda, just the thought of loosing Rocky so soon after our recent double losses completely broke me. Yet in the breaking and the stopping to observe, really observe, “thoughts” came to me which led me to research which then led me to talking to my Vet about Thyroid therapy for Rocky. Along with him I’ve decided two other cats in this house would benefit, so I’ve begun a trial basis with them. And thank you about the age issue. I have been consistent with one type of exercise or the other for years and have kept active as well as supplementing my diet with extremely good food. I am ignoring the numbers and just doing my best to look as good as possible. Hubby last night (who is beginning to notice) made a very nice comment that had my cheeks blush. Yup I shall continue in all aspects of my life doing my very best!!! Much Love, dear friend! ❤

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      1. You’re obviously one smart lady, Amy. 🙂 I think the initiative you’ve taken with your beautiful fur babies is admirable and very quick thinking. And may I add that your hubby is one lucky man to have such an amazing and beautiful lady on the inside and out. 🙂

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      2. Aw, Brenda! You caught me off guard with this comment. Hubby is finally and I mean finally “seeing” me for the first time in a very long time. He is stunned not only by what I now look like but how smart I am. Thank you from the bottom of my Heart for saying what you did to me!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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      3. I’m just calling it as I see it. 🙂 You look stunning! I love your arms. 🙂 One of these days, you ought to do a fitness blog to share your secret. 🙂

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    1. BIG (((HUGS))), Timothy! It’s heartbreaking when our “family” becomes ill. And thank you about the bodybuilding! I’ve done it for years and what with the age issue I didn’t think I would do it again. Well, I’m proving myself wrong! 🙂 ❤

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  7. You are the BEST Amy! You go above and beyond for your precious cats – but please don’t look back and take on unnecessary pain. I am a believer in other than medical remedies for our pets too. Dylan recently had a “cherry eye” in his left eye and the quick answer from vets and established medicine is to repair it surgically. I did my research and tried home remedies to get the 3rd eye lid to pop back in place by itself – the next morning it was gone and it hasn’t come back – his eye is completely normal. You are a master of all these remedies…and I’m happy you have the muscle 🙂 to tell your vet exactly what you want. Take care of yourself, dear friend ❤

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    1. Helen! I am SO darn proud of you for taking control. Medicine does not have all the answers and some of their solutions they do have scare the pants off of me! Good for you for helping Dylan and making the RIGHT choice. Surgery is so drastic and always has complications afterwards especially anything dealing with the eye. All of us who are pet parents must start taking responsibility and doing research making independent decisions from that of our Vets. No I am far from a master, dear friend, and quite frankly my confidence in myself has really been shaky lately. I’m still observing Rocky very very closely but he seems to be responding positively. I will know more in a few weeks. I’ve been kicked out of animal hospitals because I have stood up to them so I do tread lightly. Yet! When it comes to life and death I will put the boxing gloves on and insist something else be done. And I thank God to this day for my experience as an RN which gave me critical observation skills. Bless you, dear friend, for what you are doing for Dylan. I am sure he is very grateful to you!!! Good job!! ❤

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  8. Sometimes we go through the pain to drive ourself forward… creating awareness for new healing to happen… both human and animal… it is time for each of us to step up, focus and help ourselves to fulfill our heart desires. Remain brace Amy and continue following your open heart it will lead you everywhere… much love x barbara

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    1. No matter what I do, Barbara, my Intention is to follow my Heart. Not easy at times when emotions are running high. Thank you for taking the time to view my post and for commenting. May your day be Blessed! ❤

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  9. Oh my goodness Amy! I need to come to you for advice on Cino when I need it. This is awesome! I, like you, am always researching what I can do to help keep Cino in good health. So, let me ask you, do your cats have trouble digesting or anything the Royal Canin Oral Health food? You can email me if you want, of course, when you have time. 🙂 God bless you for taking such good care of those cats!

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    1. LeeAnn, my cats do extremely well on the Royal Canin Oral dry food. I buy mine through Amazon. If you cannot find the seller let me know and I will send you the link. I am in the middle of “spa” for my cats which includes dental care and so far from what I have seen their teeth are in excellent shape! And I only brush them about once a month. I do work so hard to bring my cats the very best health and that means doing a lot of research and going up against doctors who think that medicine has all the answers. It does not. I really do recommend this food. It takes a while for it to work. And you only need about 1/3 cup. I use this food as a snack. All other foods are canned and top shelf. Much Love, to you! ❤

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      1. Ok, so not much it sounds like. Thank you Amy! According to the internet, my veterinarian carries this, so I will hopefully be able to get it there. If not and I have trouble finding it, I will let you know. Again, thank you so much! You’re an awesome pet parent. 🙂

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  10. Dear Amy, you are doing your best with your beauties out of what knowledge, as you have. Don’t blame yourself with anything else. You can’t bring anyone back with this, only destroy yourself.
    I understand, that you are stressed, take your time and show up, when you feel for that, we will wait for you.
    Please send me a photo of Rocky and I promise to do my best ❤
    Much love ❤ Irene

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    1. Yes, Irene, I am doing my best with all I do. Yet if I do not learn from my past I will not be able to improve my present. Sometimes it is necessary to visit the past, examine, meditate, examine, so that when a similar situation again occurs my decisions will be better. There is a photo of Rocky within this post sleeping with his Dad. (smile) Much Love, ❤

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    1. God Bless you, Noel! I do look at myself in amazement at times because I am just so determined to do my very best and to live life to the fullest. Rocky is doing very well and I am SO relieved! I am happiest when my family is stable and happy. I am fighting the Good Fight and I shall keep on doing so!!! Much Love to you! ❤

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  11. Glad Rocky is doing better. My Malach is on thyroid medication after being borderline, but my Radclyffe who is no longer with us was misdiagnosed with hyperthyroidism. It is difficult to be an advocate of a creature that does not speak our language, but I believe that because we see all of their behaviors, we are their best bet when communicating to our vets.

    I am glad Rocky has you!

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    1. It is so difficult making the right diagnosis because these cats have other problems that have the same symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I’ve been pouring over their bloodwork and there is very little to go by, most values “wihin normal”. It is so frustrating when I SEE symptoms and then I must conclude with research what is going on. I’m truly sorry about your loss with Radcliffe. I don’t understand about he being misdiagnosed. Are you saying he was put on medication and that is what eventually contributed to his death? I really am looking forward to your answer. Thank you! ❤

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      1. Radclyffe, my sweet girl, had an X-ray of a lung that was all black. She had always had a mild case of asthma that we did not need to treat. When she started getting sick, the vet looked to hyperthyroidism, but after Rad died, I saw that the numbers were all within normal. We took her to board cert. specialists, and they started to treat her as she had asthma. They wanted to do a lung biopsy but she had lost so much weight, I thought it would kill her. 3-4 weeks later she died anyway.

        I don’t know if we could have saved her but the medicine was killing her. I kept pulling her off the various meds. Eventually she had what they think was a heart attack right in front of me at home.

        If we had started looking at the lungs the year before, it may have made the difference, she was 14 when she died.

        After two years I still question everything. I have always had cats that live longer. She was a stray when I got her around 1-2 years old. Her baby Malach who is 14 now has a new vet and the vet is much better He feels the thyroid first before testing. His partner says he has magical hands when it comes to the thyroid. I also see the difference in how conservative he is in treating anything. He even pulls out the medical books when he does not know what the side effects of a drug are.

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      2. I truly am so sorry for all you have been through. I also have some stories like yours asking … but what if. I do not believe in giving many medications but only when necessary. I had one cat who had CHF … congestive heart failure whose diuretic put her in kidney failure. If I had known and questioned I would have done my best to put her on natural means of therapy. It’s so difficult trying g to figure things out. I am very happy to hear you have a better Vet. We have gone through so many that the one we have now is about as good as it gets and still I question. None of us are perfect. When it comes to health and welfare of a life our decisions at times can mean life or death. Questioning and not going on blind faith is a good thing. I’ve learned that the hard way and am still learning. Big (((HUGS))) 💕

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  12. So happy the outcome was good and that you did it “your way.” Medical people don’t always know everything. As for you girl, you look absolutely FANTASTIC!!! 🙂

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    1. AW you are great for my confidence. I’m gonna keep on showing these young kids at the gym how it’s done. I’m amazed I still can get a pump and my muscle tone is right on. I have hiked 100s of miles and now it is paying off. That and gardening and yoga and hard housework. LOL 💕

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      1. I believe we can all show the twenty and thirty somethings (at least the ones who sit with a phone in hand all day), how it’s done. My two son’s never understood what we got out of running marathons. I love keeping in shape. And you are gorgeous girl!!

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      2. Honey, I honestly don’t see the point of going to the gym if you are focused on your phone. How stupid!!! I LOVE staying in shape and after decades of hitting the gym I am getting results fast. If you had sat on your butt for 40 years and expect to be in shape immediately NOT going to happen. I’m proud of who I am and I am proud of you for staying in shape too!!! You GO!! ❤

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  13. It was good to see this post show up in my inbox, Amy. I was wondering, but I was hoping you just wanted to take some time off. I am sorry that you had to go through all the stress, but I’m glad you saved your little buddy.

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    1. Bless you, Dan, for being concerned. This incident with Rocky and the ensuing other issues really sent me for a loop. I’m still not 100% requiring a lot of rest and me time. All this is just too soon since we lost our Karma and Prinny and then having to cope with these Vets. Anyways … I am going slow. Just being on here today was almost too much. I am truly touched you thought of me. (((HUGS))) ❤

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    1. Now, Eliza, please don’t say that about yourself. I’ve been hitting the gym and very sport minded my entire life so when I started again to body build I saw immediate results. I also have a back that makes me keep moving in order to avoid surgery. You are who you are and I embrace you for who you are!!! (((HUGS))) ❤

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  14. Wow, that’s some muscle! Even my body building husband (who saw your post over my shoulder) was impressed. You look like the goddess of the garden! Glad things are not as bad as they seemed with Rocky. Good luck!

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    1. Aw, Marissa, YOU and hubby and good for my ego! Thank you! Tell hubby I started lifting weights when I was in my early 20’s and really haven’t stopped since. My next birthday will be 60. I’m still doing my best with Rocky having to make decisions on what to give or not to give. I’m gonna tell my hubby you said I look like the goddess of the garden. LOL Thank you, dear friend! (((HUGS))) ❤

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    1. As you can see from this reply, Mark, I’m replying 2 days later. I just don’t have it in me to do blazing right now so I’m not. I’m also adjusting my blogging (for now) to have one feature post per week preferably on Sunday with comments open and during the week post my photography with comments closed. I’m just one person and in so many ways am so far behind in areas of my life. Life and death take preference over everything though. Rocky is doing very well as of this writing. 🙂 ❤

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      1. That’s good to hear. I also realised that it was great to share with others on here, but it slowly got to a point that it was consuming me, so I too backed of a bit and even reached a point that I only post once or twice a month. I think I needed some space as well to go through my encounters, on here and in the flesh, so that my life wasn’t put on hold to such a degree that even my mom said…’where have you been?’…I felt like a scolded boy 😀

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      2. Oh, Mark, I so relate. Even with just one post open with comments it seems I’ve been on here just too much. My eyes are blurry again and I’ve begun to look tired. There is so much in Life itself that I want to enjoy. I looked out the window the other day up at the moon and a beautiful night sky and asked myself when was the last time I got immersed in a night sky? I didn’t have the answer for it has been too long. I love to share too, but oh boy, the numbers. The sheer numbers and I am only one person. Thank you for understanding!!! Much Love, dear friend! ❤

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  15. You were wise to follow those instincts, they are always the best. Proud of you, Amy. You look great, be careful to take care of yourself and your family. Blogging can wait…we’ll be here for you. 💕

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    1. Thank you, Van, for your encouragement. It is scary to make decisions not knowing truly what the outcome will be especially when dealing with a life. I keep asking myself will I ever get this right taking care of these cats? I’m not sure about that but what I am sure of I really do my best no matter what. And I thank you for commenting on how I look. As I prepare to enter the 60’s I plan on staying as strong and healthy as possible. And I will!
      And …. as you can plainly see by this response to your comment 2 days have gone by. I really am doing less right now. I have to. Much Love, Amy ❤

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  16. Oh Amy, The amount that you have gone through. So glad that Rocky is doing better and know you both will keep a eye on him. We are doing tons of research and learning what our body needs. Interesting that we have been studying about the thyroid, also. Small but important. So many questions we are asking and there is so much medical advice that is flat out wrong. Take are and blog when you can! Love you ❤

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    1. The thyroid is THE master gland of our bodies, Kathy, and if not working properly will send the entire mind/body into a tailspin. Rocky is doing well on the thyroid medication thank God!!! The two other cats I mentioned I ruled out no thyroid med not for them. Yes there is medical knowledge that is flat out wrong and I always stand up refusing to allow anyone to do anything to me or my babies that I doubt or question. NOT easy to do. I’ve been kicked out of both the human and animal medical offices. It is so scary to have that happen and not have a Vet or doctor and scrambling to find a GOOD one. I applaud you for taking the responsibility on educating yourself. I am blogging in small increments and still it seems it is too much. Some days I think of quitting and that is the truth. Before I do that I am really slowing down. (((HUGS))) ❤

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      1. It sure is Amy. Have seen both good and bad Dt’s, Our chiropractor is a good one. At some point I have some links I will share with you. Too exhausted and too much going on right now. Will share at a later point. I sure can understand about the blogging and you have to do what’s BEST for you. HUGS ❤

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      2. TAke care, Kathy. I’m publishing posts but with comments closed. I MUST take care of me and family right now and I will not dig myself in a hole. I thank God for my Chiropractor for he is assisting this body to finally be ready to return to body building. He really knows what he is doing! BIG (((HUGS))) to you!!! ❤

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    1. I’ve really slowed down, John. Blogging is exhausting especially when I am dealing with the amount of people I am. So I am adjusting. Bless you for your concern!! ❤

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    1. As you well know, Mar, even when we live from that “knowing” it is far from easy at times. I am so so so grateful that my “guess” that Rocky would respond positively to Thyroid medication is paying off. He is looking stronger and better and finally I can breathe easier. Now the question arises how much Homeopathy do we combine with this med and how often do we dose? Or not dose? That depends on my observations of how he is acting. SO much at stake here and darn it, I will do my very very best! Bless you!! ❤

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    1. Thank YOU, Scott!!! I’m going just not as hard or fast as I once used to. I have to do things these days at a slower pace, or rather, pace myself carefully. Tomorrow is my gym day. Slowly working up to 2 two-hour workouts per week along with hiking and walking. I’m doing this!!! YAY!!! ❤

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    1. Thank you, Amy. I am going much slower, believe me. I have to right now. I actually replied to comments today that were 2 days old, something I never do. Rocky really threw me for a huge meltdown. The good news is he is responding very well to the Thyroid med! Oh thank goodness!! ❤

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  17. All the good you do through LOVE will be restored to you, I have no doubt.
    ♫•*¨*•.¸¸♪ Singing Your Praises for all you do Because Youre Awsome ♪(・o・)♪ this #ThankfulThursday ♫•*¨*•.¸¸♪

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  18. You my dear are amazing! Go girl .. so inspirational .. just what I need! Hugs .. kitties often seen to get misdiagnosed. Oh cat had diabetes but we were told it was kidney disorder! You are on to it! Now I’m going out to lift some Dumbbells 👌

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    1. I encourage you Julie to keep fit because the older we become the more difficult it gets to get into shape. I’m so sorry to hear about the misdiagnosis. Darn it that is heartbreaking! It is imperative to observe and record symptoms and behavior as well as our own research. Some Vets do not like to be questioned on what they do. They are as human as the next guy! I won’t stop until I see results which indicate the issue has been properly addressed. That takes a strong and passionate person which I know you are to be!! Good luck with the dumbbells and taking control of your animals’ welfare!! 💕💕💕

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  19. Hi Amy. Six and zero is not so bad. I discovered blogging at that age. All a matter of attitude. I feel like I’m blessed to have passed that age considering my past “lessons.” Glad your Rocky is okay! ❤

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    1. My attitude as of today, Olga, is that 60 is just a number and it is up to me what I choose to do. Yes some things get more challenging to do, yet the alternative, giving up, leads only to a downslide which I am not willing to do at this time of my life. And good for you for adapting the “right attitude”! Yes, Rocky is much much better, thank you! ❤

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  20. Once again I had to find a place to offer my condolences on your difficult decision, Amy. I shed a few tears at reading about Rocky’s passing, but applaud you for having the strength to make this choice. I have seen the Spirit and Life leaving humans before — many, many times when I worked for Hospice. I’ve held many of them in my arms as they left this world to enter the next one and know that feeling so well. You have so much insight and empathy for all life that it makes it a little bit easier to lose them,, knowing how much they suffered in the last days of struggle. Rocky was so special, actually singing with you as he did. What a wonderful memory you will have forever, and what a beautiful gift from Rocky. His way of telling you how much he loved you. Rest easy, my sweet friend. You have helped so many of our four legged family live better lives and it is all marked down in that large book St. Peter is in charge of. ❤ ❤ ❤

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