Puppy life…

This week’s post is actually Amy’s idea. As we were getting out of bed one morning, listening to the steady thump, thump, thump of Diesel’s tail, Amy said I should write about how he’s so happy to simply wake up each morning… so here we go.

His day starts every morning with ours, just a bit slower. We are so blessed that he not only sleeps through the night, but would probably remain in bed until 9:00am or 10:00am. After considerable coaxing, he’ll head off the back deck to take care of his morning business, but immediately returns to bed for some more shut-eye. Bribing him with food does no good. Only the fear of missing out motivates his departure.

Three days a week we take Amy to the train at 5:25am. On these days, Diesel will happily allow me to transport him to the front door because he apparently can’t find the energy to get out of bed on his own. The promise of a ride in the truck gets him to the garage, but then it’s back to sleep on the road. We get home around 6:10am and it’s right back to bed… do not pass go… do not collect $200. Only the sound of the trash collectors can wake him up. (Wednesday morning 8:00am came and went and he was still in bed, sleeping through me making his breakfast and mine.)

All of this is great news for me. While I’m still fully functional, I need all the rest I can get. Whether this is ALS or my advancing age, I’ll let you be the judge. A few weeks ago I was going through my list of ailments with my acupuncturist and she pointed out that I am, in fact, 63 years old! (I love my acupuncturist to death and this has become an ongoing joke between us.) The bad news is, she’s right. The good news is, it’s one year younger than KP.

Once Diesel is awake, the “crazies” are close behind. This is when you get to see the pure joy of being a puppy. His tail wags continuously as he eats his breakfast, then it’s off to the backyard to see what new adventures await. Nothing beats chasing a butterfly across the yard, but finding a new stick while in pursuit can be very distracting. Birds are amazing and deserve at least three seconds of his attention before zoomies overcome his curiosity. And then what we call the “party of one” begins. The (seemingly) innocent bliss found crashing through the hostas at full speed, flatting even that largest plant under foot (or paw, in this case).

Can you spot Diesel? The pre-zoomies shot…

…and the post-zoomies shot.

Once one mission is accomplished, it’s on to the next adventure.

It’s always nice to help your dad do a little cleaning up.

…and you can’t forget to thank him for letting you have your fun.

Sure wish mom and dad would put in a pool. All I’m missing is my Speedo!

Exhausted after all that work. Not sure how dad keeps up with it all.

All this before 10:00am and I couldn’t be happier. Any problems or worries I have disappear while watching the sheer joy he has just living life. No worries. No problems that can’t be fixed. Even the morning news can’t ruin his day. I’m taking notes and learning how to live like Diesel. We could all learn how to love life like he does…

Now, before everyone rushes to judgment, please know that we are very strict with him. Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are allowed. He can only have girls over if we’re home. Screen time is only allowed if mom and dad are working. And lights out at 11:00pm. Also, getting in forbidden parts of the yard can be met with a blast from the new Super Soaker. We’ve learned this is a great tool to get him moving out of the most delicate parts of the flower beds. Unfortunately, we’re unable to use it in the house.

It’s never smart to go to the kitchen and leave the dog with a roll of paper towels. Gone in 60 seconds!

Maybe the best part about the “crazies” are when they come to an end. Nothing beats and an extended belly rub followed by an afternoon nap, which is perfect for me because I need to recharge my batteries as well. I’ve never been a napper but since my diagnosis, it really is a game changer to get me through the day.

You’re probably asking about now: Is the entire blog going to be about Diesel, again? You’re also thinking: Here come some MORE Diesel pictures. Well, yes, they’re coming, but first I’m going to fill you in on the week.

Aside from the yardwork, it’s been several days filled with doctors’ visits. There’s nothing wrong, just annual exams, an ENT follow-up, and the quarterly trek to Chicago at the ALS clinic. I’m happy to report that my streak is intact, still baffling doctors at every turn with my glacier-like progression. But, because my symptoms and slow progression can’t be explained, it’s back to the MRI tube with another round of scans of my brain. I’ll just be glad when they find mine.

And now – on with the show…

Did you know he likes belly rubs? Or as my mom used to say, “Stretch and grow!”

No need for a bed after a good romp through the flowers.

Doesn’t take a lot of room to catch a few zzzs.

Sorry about the Diesel-filled content this week. I’ll admit to being busy and distracted. But to highlight Amy’s message, which I couldn’t agree with more, it’s so wonderful to watch him wake up and just be excited about a new day. A couple of people a week that I am in contact with don’t get that opportunity. I’m thankful for every sunrise.

To wrap up this week I’m going to continue plugging the ALS Walk for Life on September 20th at Soldier Field. Our team is called Moving Mountains With Mustard Seeds. Here is the link to donate and/or sign up with the best team I could ever ask for. In addition to the walk, I’m working on putting together an after party at Clover Lincoln Park (the old Durkin’s). More to come on that…

And this guy plans on walking and partying with us as well!

Thank you for once again hanging in there for another week. Hopefully this week brought a few smiles and a little joy.

I promise to challenge myself next week with more creative content. It should be easy because we’re heading back to my hometown which means digging up lots of old memories with KP. So, get ready for some blasts from the past…

Our little man is packed and ready to for the road trip.

One final thought to leave you with:

Have a great weekend and remember: Find joy wherever you can, then share it.

God bless.

Coach

P.S. Some photo credits to Cheryl and Thomas. Thanks for capturing D!