I picked up blind Helen from the vet clinic on Thursday afternoon after several days there following her gastrointestinal hemorrhaging last Sunday, and she was happy to get back to the ranch. Our internal medicine specialist in Helena, Dr. Britt Culver, did an abdominal ultrasound as well, and like the X-rays, the scan showed no other internal organ-related problems. The consensus among the oncologists Britt consulted was to give Helen a "chemo holiday," treat her in the meantime with medications for the GI issue, and then see how she is doing in three weeks. If all goes well, we'll restart the chemotherapy but this time keep her on the GI medications. We really don't want to stop the chemo altogether because of the tremendous progress we've made in shrinking her tumors.
I woke her up this afternoon from her nap in Alayne's office to bring her out to the living room for a photo. That's why I'm getting that look -- "You woke me up for this?"
---
LAST DAY -- Still No. 1 -- Every Vote Counts!
Please keep voting for the ranch today in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge. You can see how fast the rankings can change, so we really need an extra push right now to hold the No. 1 spot. The contest ends at midnight PST tonight so we're in the final hours -- and $20,000 for the animals is in sight!
Thanks to your votes, we came in third nationwide and won $3,000 for the animals in the previous contest earlier this year. Now we have a shot at No. 1 and the $20,000 grand prize in the current contest! Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Please ask your family and friends to vote, too!
Thank you!
P.S. We'll post the final contest results on the blog as soon as we hear officially from the Animal Rescue Site, which may not be for a couple of days after voting ends tonight.
Helen- you have a special place in my heart, sweet girl. I hope going forward there is only comfort and joy ahead.
Posted by: Margaret | December 22, 2009 at 02:46 PM
I am so happy Helen is home for the holidays & getting a break from chemo. What a sweet girl & love the look. Sorry to interrupt those all important naps, Helen but thank you for giving us a sweet moment of your time!
I am voting like crazy & am waiting anxiously for the results!!!!!!!! We will have to have a virtual champagne toast or whatever all the furry kids would like to toast with if & when the winner is announced to be RDR!!!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | December 21, 2009 at 07:40 PM
What a precious face! Glad Helen is home for the holidays!
In my heart you have already won....you just need that cheque for $20,000 in your hands!
Posted by: Nina | December 21, 2009 at 07:04 PM
Well I voted all weekend, and at last count we were still #1. I am on pins and needles until Wednesday! I thought they would be annoucing the winner *today*. Helen, its so good to see you home!
Posted by: Aliza | December 21, 2009 at 03:33 PM
She has such a sweet face. Can't wait to hear that you are the winner!!
Posted by: Suzanne | December 21, 2009 at 03:11 PM
I'm so glad that Helen is home for the Holidays & getting a break on the chemo treatments. Bless her heart, she's a good hugging size, so please give her some good warm hugs from me.
I've got my fingers crossed that you'll soon have the offical word that you got the prize for the most votes! You deserve all the prizes!
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | December 21, 2009 at 01:08 PM
As per the shelter challenge website the winners will be announced Wednesday December 23.
Posted by: Lynda | December 21, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I'm so glad she is feeling better. I have also been thinking of her and wondering how she was doing.
Posted by: Inger Wiltz | December 21, 2009 at 12:53 PM
It is great to see that Miss Helen got to come home to recover. Keeping my fingers crossed for the Shelter Challenge. I am optimistic.
Certainly you all deserve to win.
Posted by: Ev | December 21, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Helen I'm sorry your nap had to be interrupted but I am so glad to see your darling sweet face. Hope you get back to sleep on that comfy-looking green bed.
Posted by: Angela | December 21, 2009 at 11:54 AM
My finger is sore from clicking on RDR so see if the results are in .......I have a very strong feeling :)
Posted by: Bibi Edwards | December 21, 2009 at 10:44 AM
We're very happy to see you home, sweet Helen! A 3 week holiday from chemo will do wonders toward recovery. My dog, Jack, just finished his weekly chemo and is now down to every two weeks... what a relief! We just hope we can keep that nasty lymphoma at bay for a while.
Sending loads of Merry Christmas wishes to Helen and all of her roomies at the Ranch!
Posted by: Linda | December 21, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Bless Helen's heart, I'm so glad she's getting a break!
About the challenge...I don't wanna wait until Wednesday! Seriously, you guys deserve every penny of that award and so much more! Voting for you has been my substitute method of support, given our severe cutback in income, this year. Hoping next year will be better so we can get back into the swing of giving!
Posted by: Vicki Small | December 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM
What a sweetie! Wonderful she could be home for Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all at RDR and a very Happy New Year!
Posted by: Brenda | December 21, 2009 at 09:14 AM
So glad Helen is home for the holidays! What wonderful news. Each day, when the stress at work is rapidly increasing, I sneak away for a quick read of the RDR daily blog. Good news, or not so great news on the blog that day, I feel somewhat connected to the ranch through the blog and not only take in the topic but the amazing surroundings and scenery. One of my goals in life is to take a trip out to the ranch from Georgia during vistior season and volunteer for a week. Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: Kristin (in Georgia) | December 21, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Helen is home!!! WOOHOO! I am SO in love with this girl...you just have no idea! I am thrilled she is back home for the holidays...and praying that you all have a quiet, uneventful Christmas. We won, right??? Why am I even asking....in my heart I already know!
Posted by: Debbie | December 21, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Hi Sweetie,
It is so nice to see you! We have been thinking of you and sending prayers and healing light. We are so glad that you will be home to celebrate the holidays.
Stay strong!
Posted by: Chloe | December 20, 2009 at 09:40 PM
ROLLING DOG RANCH IS NUMBER ONE--you guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | December 20, 2009 at 09:26 PM
We love you Helen--you sweet Rottie!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | December 20, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Bless Helen's sweet little heart. We're pulling for you!
As far as the challenge goes ~~ it's a done deal as far as we're concerned! So well deserved and we are thankful to you and for you!
Posted by: Leila - Washington | December 20, 2009 at 08:33 PM
What a face!! Glad she's home for Christmas!!
Posted by: Kenna | December 20, 2009 at 06:34 PM