Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Update and Something New

Twiggy had a follow-up with her regular doctor last Thursday. He was concerned with her head tilt and face paralysis.. He ordered an MRI, which was done on Monday. Preliminary results indicated an inner ear infection, as well as some involvement in her jaw and spine. A spinal tap was done and the fluid showed signs of a bacterial infection. A culture was started, and we should know what kind of bacterial infection by the end of the week. We need to see the type to ensure the medicine is the right one. In the meantime, She is on an antibiotic and Prednisone (steroid). She is resting well and eating, so it appears she is feeling a little better. The side effects of the anesthesia used in the MRI procedure took about 24 hours to subside.

The photos below were taken last Friday, and I decided to let Twiggy rest and use these photos this week. Thank you all for your messages of concern and prayers. I wish I could say everything was okay, but there is still the possibility of an uphill battle ahead.

“I like that new tent. What do you think, Twiggy?”

“I like that it doesn’t move in the wind.”

“I was thinking we could play a new game.”

“Let me guess. Who can eat the most Crape Myrtle blooms?”

“Not even close. Want another guess?”

“Okay. How about who can fall asleep fastest?”

Nope. It is a game that you will love.”

“I’m pretty stumped. I can’t think of something we haven’t played.”

“I’ll give you a hint.”

“Why not just tell me?”

“Believe it or not, it is fun stringing you along.”

“Oh, I believe it, and you are doing a good job.”

“The hint is we will be masters of our domain.”

“Hold on. We have no thumbs, so playing a video game is out of the question.”

“You must come inside to get the rest of the story.”

“Okay, but I hope there is no wrestling involved.”

“Well, what do you think. Mom and Dad put this up so we can see out.”

“We certainly can see. So what part of this is a new game?”

“Don’t you get it. We can see who’s coming. No more reacting to noise. We can observe and bark  discriminately.”

“That is a good thing. And I see it’s a game changer. Discriminate barking. What a concept.”

“You know, deer come up the driveway.”

“Be still, my beating heart.”

105 comments

  1. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Pretty cool lookout station!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We had the chest and got tired of Tempeste jumping up and down to get a glimpse. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Darlene's avatar

    This is sounding serious. Prayers coming your way for our special Twiggy. I love the viewing stool you created for both of them. So cute how they share it too. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m afraid it is getting serious, Darlene. Thanks for your prayers. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Hope Twiggy recovers quickly.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  4. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · · Reply

    Oh John, healing prayers and loving energy for Twiggy and much love to you all. Their lookout station is fab. More love…. 💕

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jane.

      Like

  5. GP's avatar

    Do mom and dad have their ear plugs ready for this?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I think we are ready.😀

      Liked by 1 person

  6. equipsblog's avatar

    Those two dogs certainly have active imaginations or you do. Hope Twiggy continues to feel better.🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pat. Yes, they do have active imaginations. I just stand around and record their thoughts. 😀

      Like

      1. equipsblog's avatar

        Being bi-lingual is a good skill to have, John. An active imagination is not bad either.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, Pat. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  7. lois's avatar

    Oh, Twiggy…an MRI and Prednisone is getting way too medical. Whatever it is, I hope it all works out for the best. They do look adorable at their new viewing station. Won’t the deer be surprised!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, they will. Thanks, Lois.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · · Reply

     Discriminate barking? 😄 Very clever, John. I hope Twiggy feels better very soon. Pets are like children to us, and like little children, they can be challenging to diagnose. Blessings on you all….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. coldhandboyack's avatar

    All the best for Twiggy. Hope everything works out well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Dale's avatar

    Oh dear. Poor Twiggy (and Mom and Dad for the stress attached). I do hope they can get the right medicine into her and she will be right as rain. Sending positive and healing vibes your way (to all of you).

    That is a most cool lookout point. You guys are so lucky to have a mom and dad who take care of you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss, Dale. Yeah, these two do a good job. 😊 Thanks for the positive vibes.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Always 💞

        Liked by 1 person

  11. shoreacres's avatar

    I hope all goes well medically. In the meantime, it surely won’t be long until they adopt a new catchphrase to use on that lookout: “One if by lawn, two if by drive.”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I thought I heard one call, “incoming.” Thanks, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Oh, no! I’m so sorry to learn of Twiggy’s health news. But I know she’s in good hands no matter what.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Liz. We are doing our best. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. marianallen's avatar

    Oh, John, I’m sending all possible good vibes to you all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Marian. That does help for sure. 😊

      Like

  14. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Oh gosh, what a swell viewing station. Hope the deer appreciate the audience.

    We’re so sorry Twiggy’s problems stem from a bad bacterial condition and must endure testing and waiting. Sending loads of hugs and tail wiggling healing energy the vet is able to treat her so that she fully recovers. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Monika. All that energy will help. A fawn spotted Tempeste through the window and started stamping his hoof to show displeasure with the image. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        That’s pretty funny. Maybe it was deer Morse code for “come out to play, little one!”

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. Maybe.

          Liked by 1 person

  15. Staci Troilo's avatar

    I’m sure they love the new game. Offering continued prayers and sending lots of belly rubs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Staci. Much appreciated. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  16. noelleg44's avatar

    That last picture of the two of them is precious! I trust you don’t throw them in a room with a big bone with the someone comes with a delivery!

    I have little Tempeste in my prayers. Hopefully they will find the right medicine for her infection and she will soon be right as rain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle. No, they only need the soundproof room when the doorbell rings. Thanks for the lovely wishes for Twiggy.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Oh no, John. I’m so sorry to hear this! Poor Twiggy/ poor your guys. I hope they get her on the right meds and they can continue romping soon! Scary. I hope you have pet insurance! Sending prayers! 🙏🩷🙏🩷🙏🩷
    🙏🩷🙏🩷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We do have insurance. They are mulling over the bill right now. When it isn’t remitted with speed, you know there is going to be a problem.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        That’s at least good, John. The poor sweet thing! Hopefully she will be bionic like Duke!!!! 🩷

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I can’t stop thinking about her. I’m glad she’s got her sister. I think animals know when they need each other.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I believe you are right. Tempeste checks on Twiggy hourly. She also has to be there for pills, etc. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        See, I knew it. Nature at her best.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s great to see the girls hanging out together. The setup for them to look out the window is cool. I hope things go well for Twiggy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Tim. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Debbie's avatar

    Oh, dear. It’s so hard when one of our pups becomes ill. I know Twiggy’s in good hands, but I also know how worried y’all are. Prayers for all that she continues to feel better and fights off that infection.

    What a great idea for a lookout station! I just might have to borrow it. Poor Monk never feels he’s close enough to the action outside, and he’s far too heavy for me to hold for as long as he wants to watch the neighborhood.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We had the same problem, so that is where the lookout idea was born. Tempeste is there for a look-see every hour. Thank you for the good wishes.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        Sorry, I did mean Twiggy.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Teri Polen's avatar

    Sending lots of prayers for Twiggy, John. That new view lets them get the jump on the UPS, FedEx, and USPS guys!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri. They love the view. Takes the guesswork out of barking.

      Like

  22. Michele Lee's avatar

    Sorry to read you’re all going through this. Hope the end of the week brings relief and that the right medicine helps clear things after. 🙏🏻 A lovely lookout they now have! 👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michele. I hope so too.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Four-legged, two-legged and winged Angels attend Miss. Twiggy! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Annette. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Sorryless's avatar

    On this date in history, Tempeste and Twiggy learn about discriminate barking . . .

    Sending out good vibes and love for some good news.

    Love and peace

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pilgrim. Again, so sorry. about Jack.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Thank you Sheriff

        Liked by 1 person

  25. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    Poor Twiggy. I wish her a speedy recovery. 💖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Thomas. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Dan Antion's avatar

    I hope Twiggy recovers quickly after they figure out what medicine should work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Dan 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  27. circadianreflections's avatar

    That’s a cool viewing perch. Does it work in helping them be discriminate with their barking?

    I hope Twiggy gets better soon and the infection clears up and the right treatment is found quickly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, they bark much less since they can see friendlies and not have to wonder.

      Like

  28. Jennie's avatar

    Discriminant barking…I love that! I’m wishing all the best for Twiggy. Hopefully the right antibiotic will take care of things. Give her a mega pat for me. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jennie. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You are welcome, John.

        Like

  29. petespringer's avatar

    We’re conducting a survey to see which delivery service comes the most often, and who provides us with any treats when they arrive.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. The results are in. Amazon #1 UPS #2 FedEx #3. No treats ever. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. petespringer's avatar

        These statistics will be monitored and updated regularly. 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    So sorry Twiggy has been through this John and fingers crossed they will identify the bacteria and have the right antibiotic to fight it… She is a tough little cookie and I am sure all will be fine… and good luck with the discriminate barking! ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the lovely comment, Sally. Yes, she is a bulldog after all. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  31. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Wishing Twiggy a good prognosis. I know you and The Producer are worried as are her fans. The stool and steps are a fantastic idea! What a treat!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the good wishes, Jo. We hope the medicine works.

      Like

  32. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Poor Twiggy and poor you-two. I know you’re worried. Crystal had to take Prednizolone (about the same thing) for years for inflammatory bowel disease. It will keep her appetite up.
    Haha, great ending with the deer remark, John. I love the window seat, and the charming view. They look happy. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy is looking better today. More personality is coming back. Knock wood. Thanks for the kind words, Teagan.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

        That is very good to hear. ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          For sure. 😊

          Like

  33. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Their new seat to see the deer is great, John. Is the tent for shade? And how is Twiggy doing? I hope she’s feeling much better. I know how hard it is on the parents. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The tent is for shade, Lauren. The terf gets really hot in the sun. Twiggy is feeling a little better. The steroid has helped her appetite, and I think the antibiotic is helping with her infection. Thanks for your concern.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

        I’m glad she’s better, John. It’s tough seeing our pets suffer. We have a gazebo for shade too, and I like the tent. Have a good weekend. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you. 😊 I hope your Sunday is special.

          Liked by 1 person

  34. Resa's avatar

    OMG! Twiggy, Tempeste, I love the new look-out platform. Mom sure is smart.

    Let me know when a deer comes!

    So, Twiggy, get well soon! Now one likes you to be sick.

    Hi and big hugs to dad!

    O🦌 🦌X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Resa. I don’t like to be sick either. Dad says Hi. O🦬🦬X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        BIG OX back to dad!

        Liked by 1 person

  35. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Twiggy’s ear infection symptoms are similar to what happens with some humans with the same condition. I hope the medications work quickly and effectively.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too. Robbie. She was pretty miserable for a while.

      Like

  36. dgkaye's avatar

    Those two can bark til their hearts are content now with the new lookout post, lol. I do hope Twiggy will be on the mend. 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Still, one day at a time, Debbie. Thank you. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  37. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Oh, John! I hope she is better now. Poor Twiggy! Even dogs have serious trials! I find the idea of two beauties in the window brilliant!😅😅😅 They add some fresh colours to a routine landscape.🌹♥️♥️♥️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We have a surgeon consult next Wednesday. She needs surgery to clear fluid in her ear.

      Liked by 1 person

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