Raisins almost killed my dog!

Monday morning comes around and as I’m following my still sleepy toddlers into the living room, I realize that there’s a bunch of raisins on the carpet and a large bag not too far away. I really thought nothing of it until our dog, Bunny, began throwing up and having diarrhea everywhere. I am not kidding it was on the walls and everything, super terrible. I rounded up the kids into their playpen, cleaned up the messes, and began googling, “ what happens if my dog eats raisins?”, and my heart stopped. Apparently, raisins and grapes are the worst things for dogs, other than chocolate of course. The internet basically was telling me that my dog was going to die because the raisins cause dogs’ kidneys to begin failing which ultimately leads to organ failure and death. I was freaking out. All the while trying to keep my cool because my two year old, Luna, is super observant and always watching every single little thing I do, and she was so worried already! I called my husband at his work and quickly explained the situation. He ended up rushing home and we made a emergency visit to the veterinarian, thankfully they were able to see her that very same day. Due to COVID we were not allowed inside the veterinarian’s office so they just took her by herself as we watched anxiously. It took them a while to come talk to us but when they finally did they said they had to take some blood samples and hook her up to an IV to replenish all the fluids she had lost and prescribed her three medications. They explained how if we had not brought her in that day, she definitely would not have made it to see another one. We were all so incredibly relieved to know that our Bunny was going to be alright. We ended up spending close to $300 that day for them to save her life…but it was honestly worth it. It was worth seeing my kids’ smiles when we brought her home and told them she was going to be ok. The kids love her so much and they are always hugging and kissing her, I can not imagine a world without Bunny. She really does bring so much joy into our home. I’m not going to lie though, it is tough having a dog with two babies under three years old but it’s all worth it in the end. Right now she is still on antibiotics, and a pasty medicine that’s supposed to help with her stomach lining if there was any damage done. Bunny is peeing regularly but she has not pooped yet which is a little nerve wracking honestly, but all I can do for now is keep a close eye on her. Moral of the story is: DO NOT LEAVE RAISINS OUT, they are TOXIC to dogs. I am so grateful to Valley Animal Hospital for saving our pup!

Two months sober…& counting..

This is me checking in, just filling you in on something personal. Two months ago I found myself in a situation where I had been in many times unfortunately. Hungover and regretting my decisions or the things I said the night before, I decided it was time to change, seriously. Being a new mom is a wild experience and it has its roller coaster ride of emotions but there is something about my little girl that just pushes me to be better. I don’t know if it’s because she reminds me of a miniature version of myself, before the world messed me up and I realized the cruelties of life, but I just refuse to mess her up. I took it upon myself to stop drinking COMPLETELY for her. If me not drinking means that she will never taste a drop of alcohol until she is 21 or older then I will gladly do it. I refuse to let her go through all of the things I had to go through because I started drinking at an early age. I refuse. Well anyway, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that it has been the easiest of journeys…it seems almost as if life decided to throw all these obstacles at me as soon as I decided to quit drinking. We decided to move a week before Christmas and I swear it has probably been the most stressful time. I had a panic attack in the process of all this and we had family over during Christmas, in this pandemic, and everything has just been freaking me out to the max. I have always had anxiety and depression since I was a teen but I had always coped with it, I guess, or actually hid behind alcohol and substances. Now that I have decided to try and live a healthier lifestyle, the universe decides it’s got jokes for me…being sober is HARD I’m not going to lie. I am not going to tell you that it gets easier as the days go by , as others would like to say, it doesn’t. Every single day you will be faced with stresses, issues, and people that you just want to run away from… but hang in there, please. I have not relapsed, nor do I intend on it. I have had so many opportunities to do so, or even just moments where I have felt like saying “fuck it , I deserve a drink!” , but NO. I refuse to go back, I have come such a long way and my baby girl is so proud of me. I am so proud of me. Every day is a decision made, and I am in control. Mental illness is real, don’t ever let anyone make you feel broken…