Saturday, May 28, 2011

Leo and Ginger

Okay,  so  what's  going  on  with  Leo? 


Here's  my  bud  a  few  days  ago  out  in  the  yard--his  absolute  favorite  place  to  be.   Looks  good,  doesn't  he?--trust  me,  he's  very  very  sick.

  I  honestly  can't  believe he's  still  here.  Long  story  short---around  6  weeks  ago  was  when  he  started  to  get  sick--a  respiratory  infection  which  turned  into  a  massive  infection  in his  body  including  his  throat  which  made  it  very hard  for  him  to  swallow  food--it  just  couldn't  go  down  his  throat.  He  was  eating  food  but  very  slowly  and  not  half  as much  as  he  did  when  he  was  healthy,  but  after  his  second  round  of  antibiotics,  which  I  was  so  proud  that  I  learned  how  to  administer,  he  completely  stopped  eating  last  week.   In  other  words,  he  was  starving  to  death.   So  the  Dr.  gave  me  a  final  option  which  is  pretty  drastic,  but  I  had  no  choice--it  was  either  this  or  watch  him  slowly  die.

I  went  to  the  Dr.'s  on  Thursday  so  he  could put a  feeding  tube  down  Leo's  esophagus.  Here's  how  the  website  explains  it:

Feeding tubes, also known as esophagostomy tubes or E-tubes, are very useful in ill tortoises or turtles, particularly ones that are not eating well or that require oral medication. An E-tube is placed on the side of the neck, and may be left in place for many months until the turtle or tortoise resumes eating normally on its own.

 
Okay,  I'm  not  a  professional  veterinarian---I'm  just  a  person  searching  on  Google  for  E tubes  for  tortoises,  and  I  found  this  info  instantly.   The  first  "vet"  I  took  Leo  to  told  me  that  they  could  do  this  procedure on  lizards  but  that  it  is  was  impossible  for  Turtles.   I  get  so  screaming  mad  everytime  I  think  of  this--this  "Dr.  who  specializes  in  reptiles" who  people  put  their  trust  in  to  care  for  their  reptiles/tortoises  didn't  even  know  that  this  was  a  very  reliable  and  common  treatment  for  tortoises--really???     I'm  still  fuming  that  he  is  practicing  medicine  on  any  type  of  animal!!

It's  actually  very  easy  to  do--you  just  administer  liquid  food  down  the   feeding  tube  with  a 
syringe,   and  he  can  still  eat  his  regular  food  too,  although  he's  still very  sick  and  has  no  interest  in  food.  The  Dr.  wants  to  get  the  nourishment  in  him so  he  can  be  strong  enough  to  fight  off  his  infection,  because  he's  SO  weak  now.   Wow,  2  months  ago  Leo  was  such  a  strong  healthy  turtle  and  he  ate  like  a  horse!    He's  most  definitely  not  out  of  the  woods  yet,  but  at  least  now  he  has  a  fighting  chance.  I  was  so  sure  that  when  I  left  him  at  the  Dr.'s  on  Thursday  that  I  was  going  to  come  back  to  a  dead  turtle,  because  the  Dr.  had  to  administer anesthesia.  The  Dr.  told  me  not  to  worry--that  Leo  would  be  okay,  but  when  I  came  back  to  pick  him  up,  the  Dr.  confessed  to  me  that  he  was  concerned  also   that  Leo's  body  wouldn't  be  able  to  handle  the  anesthesia.  I'm  telling  you--Leo  is  a  fighter---but  he  is  still  very  sick--keep  sending  us  your  prayers  and  well  wishes---I  really  really  appreciate  everyone's  kind  words.

Okay---so  who  the  heck  is  Ginger???   My  son  and  his  girlfriend  didn't  think  their  family  was  large  enough.   She  has  3  children,  and  there  are  2  dogs  and  their  cat--nope,  there  was  room  for  one  more--



Ginger!   Ginger  is  a  9  week  old  Chihuahua (sp?),  and  I  got  to  babysit  her  yesterday  afternoon.   Do  you  know  how  hard  it  is  to  get  a  clear  photo  of  a  9  week  old  puppy??!!  Impossible!!











Finally  after  a  couple  of  hours  of  playing--

 







And  helping  me  open  a  package  that  came  yesterday--


....she  finally  tired  herself  out  and  I  was  able  to  get  some  very  cute  shots--

She's  just  charging  up  her  battery  here!---What  a  little  dolly---I  could  just  eat  her  up!!

I'm  sure  you'll  be  hearing  more  about  Ginger  in  the  future,  and  I'll  keep  you  posted  on  little  Leo  too.


44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my that wee Ginger may just be the cutest thing I have ever seen!
Leo is very lucky to have you caring for him and hunting down proper care! He is a lucky tortoise and I hope he gets much better very soon.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

What a cute little bundle Ginger is, no wonder you want to squish her!
Leo the Lion hearted! I am so glad he is still with you and that they have been able to come up with a way to nourish him while his body works on repairing itself. Will continue to pray he recovers fully. Thank you for keeping us in the loop on Leo, he's such a beautiful lad.

Theresa Plas said...

Dr. Doolittle! I am sending good vibes to you for Leo's recovery. Sounds like you are staying on top of things and Leo is not quite ready to leave. Serendipitous how Ginger came into your life at this time. What a joy and a cutie patootie!

WrightStuff said...

Still sending warm wishes for Leo. I'm sure he'll be shuffling around the garden soon!

Ginger is just too cute. We are hoping to add to the menagerie soon too - another kitty!

Cameron said...

Poor, poor Leo.....let's hope there is a reason tortoises are long lived....they have it in their genes to outsurvive everything else....including viruses....

I'll be thinking about him...and you :)

...And Ginger looks like a little fireball of playful love...so cute!

Diane Writes said...

Hello Diane! I love the last picture. cuteness!!

Janine said...

Oh Diane, ((((Leo)))! I have to ask, Leo is a beautiful tortoise but is he suppose to be that color? I have never seen a turtle that color! I am really cheering for Leo's recovery! I admire how much love you have! Ginger is soooo cute! I want one but oh boy, I imagine one needs a lot of energy to have a puppy like that!

Connie said...

Poor Leo. I do hope the feeding tube helps. Turtles are so cool. And Ginger, what a cutie! It's so true, you have to just wear them out to get them to sit still.

Cathy Bueti said...

Awwww, sorry to hear Leo is still not well. Hoping he gets better very soon! he is lucky to have such a wonderful caring owner!

As for ginger. . . well she is just too cute! Love the pics!! :)

Snap said...

Ginger is a little doll and I'm sending good thoughts to Leo ... come on Leo ... EAT!!!!!

Deb Harvey said...

Leo is still in my thoughts and prayers. What a strong little guy. He's very lucky to have you.

Ginger is SO CUTE!!! I can see why she joined their family...who could resist! Great pictures...I, too, know how hard it is to get a good shot of a pup or kitten!

Janet Ghio said...

Ginger is one little cutie!! But what about Bob? How does he like her??? Poor Leo-hope he gets better.

Becca said...

Thanks for telling us about Leo. I will continue to keep your sweet little Leo & you in my prayers. Ginger is such a "cutie patootie!" I can just imagine her bouncing around everywhere, and so funny how she just crashed and needed to recharge her battery. LOL! Great Shots.

Emelie said...

That Ginger with the punk tummyhow cute is that? Such a firm little energetic body.

Leo is making progress, and I do understand about turtles as I know a woman who brings a turtle home from school at breaks in the year and takes care of him and thanks to her he has become much more social.

So I am wondering...I can'at see your followers, can you see them. and can you see mine if you happen by tell me. Making me annoyed because I have tried to fix it and used some of the suggstions. Oh well. Hope your day is warm and going well. I have been in the garden is is warm and moist with new rain and really quite nice.

Terri Smith said...

Oh Diane..This Was The Most Uplifting Post Ever! Ginger Is A Dollbaby And Can Come Live At My House Any Time Y'all Want To Let Her Loose! :)) Like That's Ever Gonna Happen!!! LOL!

I Went To Sleep Praying For Lit'l Leo (Honesty To The Thrown) And Woke Up Saying More. I'm A Complete Believer In "PRAYER" And Have Seen It Work Miracles. All In God's Divine Plan. We'll Just Have To Wait And See What Heaven's Ultimate Decision Is. But At Least We Know We've Done All That Is Expected Of Us...Leo Is A Beautiful Boy..And I Loved When You Said He Was A "Fighter".

Thank You For The Update! Will Keep Checking Back To See How Things Progress. Hugs, Terri

Serena Lewis said...

I'm so glad you did the research and found out about the feeding tube for (((Leo))). I'm praying he makes a full recovery and I sure hope he starts showing signs of improvement soon. He looks like such a sweetie, bless his heart.

Ginger is SO cute! I want one just like her...sigh...

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Oh, poor Leo! I hope he gets well soon. I am glad you found a vet that could help him. Ginger is so tiny. What a cutie! :)

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

oh that little leo, he is a FIGHTER! HE shall remain in my prayers for sure!
now ginger, i can't believe what a cutie patootie, you are the best baby sitter this side of the mississippi...didn't you used to watch BOB too? fingers and toes crossed for LEO! xoxo

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

since i was able to leave a messg. here, diane, by some miracle. i saw emelie's post. blogger is on the fritz off and on of late. i can't leave messgs. lately and i can't load pictures on my own. just hoping that they straighten out EVERYTHING pretty soon!

kluless said...

I'm glad to hear Leo is still hanging in there and has a fighting chance thanks to a very dedicated YOU!! Little Ginger is a sweetie. I, too, have a little 4 pound "granddog" that started out the size of a Twinkie. A tiger in a mouse body I tell you!!

Micki Wilde said...

Oh i'm so sorry to hear Leo is still unwell, I do hope he recovers, you seem like you are trying everything to save him, I know many would have given up by now, you must love him very much.

Ginger is wonderful, I do know how hard it is to take a photo of a puppy our baby boy Shadow is 14 weeks now and is still on camera avoidance lol ;)

Hugs for you

Micki x

Lesley Edmonds said...

Hi Diane,

Oh poor LEo and poor you. Prayers and positive vibes definitely still coming your way. Bless him!
And Ginger!!!! Oh goodness me how cute!!! Totally adorable -a bundle of fun.
x

ShabbyChicShaz said...

It's heartbreaking when our animal friends are sick. Leo certainly seems like a fighter and his mum definately is :) I hope he turns a corner soon. Ginger is just adorable, how can you give him back, lol

Dorthe said...

Oh Diane, I`m so sorry for you, dear.
Not easy with a sick pet, I so hope for you Leo, will be real well again, so you don`t have tp worry any more.
Little Ginger is just to fall in love with- how cute.
Take care and have a lovely sunday.
Hugs,Dorthe

Healing Woman said...

To be honest Diane, I'm not an animal lover but do have a soft spot for turtles. I enjoyed reading about how you are handling this sickness. I also think that little Ginger is a sweety. Hope Turtle(I didn't catch his name) gets well soon.

Buffy said...

Poor Leo,he really is a fighter. I can't believe he is still here. And OMGoodness Ginger is just adorable. I have a chihuahua too,I forgot how tiny they are when their puppies. She looks like shes full of energy.Mine now ways 11lbs alittle fat butt.

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Diane,
Oh gosh, I had trouble being able to make a comment (something with blogger), but yay, now I can. I'm so sorry to hear about Leo and I hope he'll feel better...and little Ginger--she is adorable and you got the cutest pictures of her!

I am wishing for Leo's speedy recovery...and wishing you a happy Memorial weekend with your family.
XO
Cindy

Terri Kahrs said...

Poor, sweet Leo! He's still fighting because he loves you. I'm sure of it. I'm sending lots of prayers and healing vibes your way so that Leo's can fight the bug that's got him down.

OMG! And Ginger is too cute for words!!! I'm happy because you've given me a good "puppy fix" today! Just remember . . . . a tired dog is a good dog!!! LOL!!! Hope you're having a fabulous weekend! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I still have high hopes for Leo! What a courageous guy he is. I will be thinking of him still. Big turtle hugs. Ginger is so irresistible!!! I want to scoop her up and give her smooches. :) What a cute addition to the family!

Wini said...

I'm so sorry to hear about poor Leo. I hope he gets well soon!! And Ginger is absolutely adorable..!!!! Wini xo

Nancy said...

All pets should have owners like you.....Leo sounds like a fighter and wants to stay with you....I'll be sending prayers he will get well soon.......

Ginger, now that is a precious puppy.....I can tell you had a wonderful time with her.....so cute

Pam McKnight said...

sending my best to poor Leo... Ginger is so cute! Thanks for your comment on my blog. Yes shows can be exhilarating just from the feedback and interaction.

Unknown said...

Oh I do hope Leo is doing better and I know all pets are special to us.

I have to say Ginger is just so lovely and I would want to babysit all the time ;0) have fun with the grand furbaby and love and hugs to leo

Dxx

Tammie Lee said...

you sure do have cute critters. i am so happy that your turtle is a bit better!

Gaby Bee said...

Great shots, Diane! Your Ginger is just too cute.
Poor Leo! I do hope he is doing better. I'm sending good thoughts to him!

Gaby xo

Kristin said...

Um. Yeah. That's the cutest dog I have ever seen! And what a great name. So sorry to hear about Leo - I will keep good thoughts for the both of you - and you BOTH sound like fighters, he is lucky to have you. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Ginger is my dog's name too! I love all the shots of her, you did great with that hyper challenge! Thanks for sharing.

Ciao Bella!

CREATIVE CARMELINA

Debbie said...

poor leo! I will pray for him! and ginger is adorable!

Unknown said...

Oh poor Leo...I hope everything will be ok, sending prayers. :)
Ginger is darling! If you lived close by we could so have a doggy play date. I'm loving having a dog, she's such a sweetie.
Sending love to you Diane♥
Your friend,
Jenny

Joyce's Journey said...

Oh to walk one day in your shoes! You are an amazing woman! Ginger is adorable. Your nurturing of Leo is so admirable. And your art is phenomenal. I always love to visit with you and need to more often. Your words are uplifting!!
A turtle? Wow. Leo is a beautiful turtle!!

Lovey said...

Oh so sorry to here about Leo..and Ginger is just the cutest...You are simply the best to take care of Leo the way you are...big hugs to you and warm thoughts for Leo!

Kelly Lish said...

I'm in LOVE!!!!

Marlynn said...

this pup is just too darn cute. Poor Leo, saying a prayer. Hugs

Anonymous said...

OMG, I am so sorry about Leo! My heartfelt prayers are coming Leo's way right now! I do so hope he will keep fighting till that miserable infection is all gone!!!!
Ginger is a total cutie pie :D
You hear me Leo, you are getting better every minute!!!
Love and Hugs,
Beth

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