Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Outside

“Hey, Twiggy. What are you doing?”

“Waiting for Tempeste.”

“Where’s Tempeste?”

“Out in the yard having a sniff-A-thon.”

“Hey, Tempeste. You through sniffing?”

“Yeah, I suppose. Nothing interesting today.”

“Go play with Twiggy. She could use some exercise.”

“Didn’t she just get back from a consultation with a surgeon?”

“Yes, but she didn’t have a procedure. She and Mom just talked.”

“What did they talk about?”

“You know your mom has been researching Twiggy’s illness and came up with some evidence that Twiggy should be on an antibiotic for up to three months before any surgery.”

“She told the surgeon that?”

“Yup. The surgeon agreed and also said Twiggy is not showing symptoms of Meningitis.

“So she is getting better?

“It sure looks that way.”

“I can’t wait until she plays with me again.”

Y

“You two know I’m right here, right?”

“How about chasing me and taking my toy away?”

Maybe later, Tempeste. I think I hear the roar of the dinner dish.”

“Hold on, wait for me.”

“You are so quick. I think dinner is ready.”

“I could eat a horse.”

“I doubt Mom is making horse, but it will be good.”

“That is one thing about dinner. It is always good.

 

Note. We will be continuing Twiggy’s medication and will check with the doctor in four weeks. We are all happy with her progress and continue to hope the surgery won’t be necessary. Thank you for all your good wishes and concern.

118 comments

  1. Jaye Marie & Anita Dawes's avatar

    Poor Twiggy, she doesn’t look very happy. Wishing her good progress in the future… 💕💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is doing much better. Thanks, Jaye.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jaye Marie & Anita Dawes's avatar

        Good to hear, John. May she continue to improve… 💕

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Our hopes exactly

          Like

  2. Darlene's avatar

    Three cheers for Mom and her diligent research. Mom’s rock! This sounds very positive. Dot and Lia are happy for Twiggy too. xo

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is very positive. We may have to get another MRI to make sure the infection is gone, but if we can avoid surgery, I’m all for it. Thanks, Darlene, Dot, and Lia.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jane Dalton's avatar

    Dear John, we hope your break away did you all good. It’s good news that Mrs H’s research and the medication may save Twiggy having surgery. Our love to you, Mrs H, Twiggy and Tempeste. Xxx ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jane. Love back to you and Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Awww! Mothers know best! Who’d a thunk she would have to deal with this but good thing she has great parents! Hang in there and glad she is improving 🙏👏🩷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Cindy. We are glad too. 😀

      Like

  5. GP's avatar

    Sounds like hopeful news to me!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is hopeful, GP. Each day brings a little improvement. Thanks. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  6. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Poor old girl. Wishing her all the best.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Craig. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Great news, John, and a sweet story. Have a wonderful day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I hope your day is terrific as well. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Kudos to Mrs. Howell on the research. This is good news for sure, John. Big hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is, Teagan. I was dreading the surgery. Every time Bulldogs go under anesthesia, it is a risk.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. shoreacres's avatar

    It’s hard to be patient in situations like this — especially for the patient! The news sounds good, for sure.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Linda. We have had to control quick-fix recommendations in favor of the long game.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. circadianreflections's avatar

    This is good news and I hope the continuing meds work well for her and surgery isn’t needed after all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      This is my hope as well, Deborah. Thanks so much.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Thank you for the health update, Twiggy and Dad! The prognosis sounds like it’s headed in a positive direction.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Our surgeon thinks so, and we do too. Thanks, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Like

  12. noelleg44's avatar

    That’s terrific news, John. I hope Twiggy’s road to recovery is easy. She looks so sad resting on the porch, but I trust the roar of the dinner dish perked her up! Those two are my delight!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy does look sad when she flakes on the porch. You are right about the dinner dish. 😀

      Like

      1. Unknown's avatar
        Anonymous · · Reply

        But she seems otherwise healthy which is GREAT!

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thanks Noelle.

          Like

      2. noelleg44's avatar

        Would love to be there to spoil her – Tempeste, too!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Aw, Thanks, Noelle. They would love to be spoiled by you.

          Liked by 1 person

  13. lois's avatar

    Doctors are good, but your own research is better. I hope Twiggy can avoid surgery. It seems like you all are on the right track. Now about that horse for dinner…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. The horse was substituted for other meats. Thanks, Lois

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Dale's avatar

    How wonderful that Twiggy’s doctor was open to hearing Mom’s suggestions. Nothing worse than a doctor who doesn’t believe they have anything to learn.

    Sending still more good vibes your way, Twiggy. And you are lovely, Tempeste, to be so patient with your bib sister.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Our previous surgeon didn’t want to listen. Surgery first was his call. The stats are astoundingly high on recovery rates with medication, all without the risks of surgery. We are keeping the surgery option as a last resort. Thanks, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Some are so damn obtuse. I agree with you. Surgery should always be the last resort (in most cases). Always, my friend.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Great that there are no signs of meningitis.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It appears that the medication has taken care of it. We will probably. have to do an MRI again after the med course is finished to confirm. Much better than surgery.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Teri Polen's avatar

    Good news about Twiggy! Hope she continues to improve.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri. That is the hope. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Esther Chilton's avatar

    I am pleased for you, John. You must be relieved for Twiggy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are very relieved. We have to be cautiously optimistic that she will continue to improve.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I doubt if Mom is making horse…so funny. Also love Tempeste having a sniffathon. Mom is very smart to take each day at a time, and I too believe Twiggy will get better without surgery. A good hunch. 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, Mom does not have a horse recipe. Tempeste and Twiggy sniff the world almost until our nerves are shot. I think they could sniff all day if we could find someone dumb enough to take them for twelve-hour walks. The no-surgery option was endorsed by the primary doctor as well. We will give it four weeks and then see where we are. I think your hunch is a good one. Thanks, Susannah.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        Often nature heals herself, besides Twiggy is a trooper with a sniffing sidekick. They both might have been blood hounds in a former life. Sniff Sniff! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. I think you are so right about the former life. We will give nature a chance. Twiggy and Tempeste had a small playtime last night. The first since the infection so the advance is continuing. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          Bet it was fun to watch…two kids havin’ a ball.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I must say, it was an emotional scene. To see them act normally was such a treat.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          And ia preview of Twiggy being all well. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Knock wood. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  19. Debbie's avatar

    Thanks for the update, John — and what uplifting news it is! I will keep saying prayers for all of you during this “wait-and-see” period, and I hope the antibiotic treatment is sufficient to heal Twiggy right up!

    Like

  20. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s so nice to see the girls today, John, and good that Twiggy shows no signs of meningitis. I hope she gets better.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Pit's avatar

    Keeping my fingers crossed for Twiggy! 🤞🤞🤞

    Like

  22. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Miss Twiggy, I am thrilled to know that you are getting better. Miss Tempeste, horses, eh? I think I’d be hoping for pizza…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Annette. I am feeling better, and I’m with you. I think Tempeste missed the mark with horses.

      Like

  23. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    It seems Twiggy still appreciates dinner time. No surgery for now is good news.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is good news, Jo. Thanks, and yes, dinner is very important.

      Like

  24. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Oh, that would be wonderful if surgery can be avoided. Fingers crossed!! Thanks for the update and it s always a treat to see the girls.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I hope that is the case. Thanks, Jan

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Michele Lee's avatar

    Wonderful news and research time well spent! These exchanges are so sweet. Thank you for sharing. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you liked it, Michele. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  26. petespringer's avatar

    Nobody cooks horse as well as Mom. I’m glad everything is pointing in the right direction with Twiggy’s recovery.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it all seems to be working. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. equipsblog's avatar

    Good luck, Twiggy. 🙏👍🤞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pat

      Liked by 1 person

  28. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    I am glad that Twiggy does not have meningitis. Viruses and bacteria can cause the strangest symptoms when they mess with the nerve system. I was just reading about a girl who became depressed, withdrawn, became anxious and got severe OCD and refused to go to school. Turns out it was unresolved strep throat and an antibiotic took care of it. I wouldn’t think something similar could happen to Twiggy, but it is great that she does not have meningitis.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No symptoms. We think the antibiotic took care of it. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thomasstigwikman's avatar

        That is very good 💖

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We like it. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

  29. jilldennison's avatar

    So glad to hear that Twiggy may be able to avoid surgery! Keeping my fingers crossed. Hugs to both Twiggy and Tempeste from me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      And hugs back to you as you get better.

      Like

  30. Sorryless's avatar

    This is GREAT Twiggy news! And good on your wife for doing that research and being such a loving advocate for Twiggy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She spoke to the primary doctor yesterday, and he is fully on board with the decision. Thanks, Marco.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Love this, and please keep us up. I know you will.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I will for sure.

          Liked by 1 person

  31. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    I send many wishes and hopes. My pup is going through multiple complications from ACL surgery on both legs. I feel your angst over “what next”?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy had that surgery too. It breaks the heart to see them having to cope with illness or injury

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jacqui Murray's avatar

        Casey had both legs compromised and a torn meniscus so we did both at once. Can I ask how Twiggy’s recovery was? Casey is struggling, but he’s a big dog–130 pounds.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We kept Twiggy pretty quiet. She was not allowed to jump off anything, and we watched her like a hawk for six weeks. She made a full recovery.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Jacqui Murray's avatar

          Good to hear. That’s our plan–especially the hawk part. Thanks, John.

          Liked by 1 person

  32. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · · Reply

    That is good news, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. Thanks, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    That is totally pawsome news, John. So glad Twiggy seems to be improving. We’ll keep our healing prayers a-coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Thank you, Monika.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Poor Twiggy! I believe she will make it! Days of our reality at the Twiggy Resort.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Dan Antion's avatar

    Sounds like good news for Twiggy, John. Kudos to the Producer for doing the research and advocating for her pup. That’s important.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Her research made the difference. Thanks, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Dawn Pisturino's avatar

    They’re so cute! I haven’t had a small dog for a while because my husband is allergic. Our dogs have been large outdoor dogs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      These two would not know how to be outside dogs for sure. Thanks, Dawn.

      Like

  37. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    They seem to get cuter and cuter, John, and I’m happy to hear the news about Twiggy. I hope surgery can be avoided.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too, Lauren. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  38. Jennie's avatar

    Thanks for the Twiggy update, John. I’m glad she’s progressing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are delighted, Jennie. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. I think all of us feel the same way.

        Liked by 1 person

  39. Joy York's avatar

    So sorry about Twiggy, John. I hope the antibiotics help her heal. They are both gems.❤️‍🩹

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy is improving slowly, Joy. We are going to give it another four weeks on medication.

      Like

  40. Resa's avatar

    Sounds like things are going well, Twiggy. Just keep up with mom’s regime, and rest!

    Tempeste, you look so healthy, and you are growing. Wow. Be kind to Twiggy!

    Tell dad I think you both look great!

    🐂 🐂 🐂 (one for each)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Resa. Dad is happy to hear that. 🐂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        🐂 🐂

        Liked by 1 person

  41. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    I’m glad Twiggy’s health is improving, zjohn. Cute post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are glad too, Robbie. Thanks for the compliment. 😊

      Like

  42. dgkaye's avatar

    Yay, this is positive news about Twiggy. And your wife is right to do her homework. A wonderful advocate for Twiggy. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she is. Thank you, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Slow but steady wins the race. Still praying for her. Sending ear scratches.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Staci. We are on a day-by-day count, small blessings profile.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    No meningitis. That is good.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Since she had it initially, it was excellent news.

      Like

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