Other Cancer Treatment: Taxol

Success Stories of Taxol

Paclitaxel, the most well-known natural-source cancer drug in the United States, is derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) and is used in the treatment of breast, lung, and ovarian cancer, as well as Kaposi's sarcoma. 

Cannot Keep a Good Dog Down

After discovering that my partner in crime and travels, Bud, was sick with myxoid liposarcoma, cancer of the fatty cells (soft tissue) in his chest and under his arms.  He will be going to the canine oncologist possibly to have it removed, so that I can have more time with Bud.  This cancer (I have heard) can spread to other organs, and he does not want any big masses on his chest.

Here is a collection of my travels across the USA with Bud.  Stay strong.

 We are looking into foods, spices, and herbs to help slow down the growth, turmeric (curcumin), bakers yeast, (beta glucans), apigenin (celery, apples, parsley, teas,artichokes).  I know that we can not stop it, but at least give me more time with my best Bud.


 

Great information before you see the doctor or oncologist from the Cancer: What Should You Ask Vet from Dallas Gold.  

Thank you!

Voyage to the NC Outer Banks and Back

Planning our Trip to the Outer Banks (avoid Atlanta traffic)

Wild Mustangs on OBX

Dogs Sharing the Boat

Two dogs that share everything love the bigger SUV with the big Bud bed.

Bashful Bud, yellow lab, cuddles under Whitley's head while driving across Texas in a smaller SUV.

Bud, yellow lab, sure does make a great pillow for Whitley, golden retriever.

Learning to share tight quarters with a growing puppy.

First sailing trip, everyone finds the best spot

Hot Springs Soaking with Flames

Majestic Hotel in Hot Springs, AR on fire 2-28-14 at 5:45pm

Fire Fighters on all sides to put flames out and keep asbestos contained until the next Saturday morning. Entergy Arkansas turned off the power on the streets so many businesses had to close for the day and night.

After five and a half years, we returned to Hot Springs, Arkansas for two birthdays (Whitley's and JT's), we were excited for soakings and hikes in the mountains.  What a historical place Hot Springs is and now get to see one of these remarkable historical buildings in flames.

To Schnitzel with Love

NEW BRAUNFELS VERSION OF THE BIG PRETZEL

I love me some Potato cakes and Apple sauce at Friesenhaus

Polka music and soon dancing at the Friesenhaus

Das Boots, full of Das Beer, is a hell of a lot of beer after eating all that food.  Four different types of Pork Schnitzel that was Texas size.  Leftovers for me and gas.

Resting Before the River Ride

Hooray Return to Marfa

beautiful architecture of Marfa Courthouse, 1886 Presidio County

Do you believe in the Marfa lights? Nah

Dogs in New Braunfels

Tubing the Comal River and Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, TX in the summer 2012 and 2013.

We rented houses both years Lil Kahuna one way up the River Rd, and the next Market Haus off the Comal River in downtown New Braunfels (good walking distance). Both were close to the tube rentals.

 At Lil Kahuna on the Guadalupe I swam with my lifejacket all the way to the bridge. My family rode in tubes which looked boring since they could not swim with me. There is only a couple of places to pee (on dry land) so don't let them pass you by.

Most of the river is shallow but the last part is way deep. I saw big geese and ducks along the swim but was not allowed to chase them. Finally we made it to the bridge and I had to go. But my family said "NO" because it was a campsite and they had no bags.  We jumped in an open aired bus and went back to the cottage for lunch and bathroom break.

Oh was I tired. I slept for hours and got to go for dinner on a patio over the river. A live band played over the river's edge (Three Men Band), and I got to shake my tail feathers with everyone else.

The Comal River was cold and clear, but we decided that I should not go because of the shoots which are pretty fast, and not a safe thing for my injured paw.

I found out that you can walk around the shoots but I was happy at the rental house watching television and listening the parrot next door.

Saturday morning was the farmers market and dogs were allowed. Since this was my family's first time going, they felt that I should stay.   I was pissed when I heard that dogs were there.  I had a big backyard.  The grass made my feet itch so I stayed by the bamboo to avoid the grass. Next door there were a few little dogs that would not stop yelling at me. This house was not quiet.

My family made me some healthy snacks from the farmers market and a few bites of grassfeed beef.

Good with grass.

Back to Wimberley

So tired from that long journey

But this was mine first

Mooing in Fort Worth Stockyards

From our Hotel Room at the Stockyards, watching the horses

That's the one that gave me the long stare...

Cattle drive

Put those pups to bed...

Cannot wait for a Love Shack burger

Bud and I are here. Finally after arriving from College Station, we ride around the old Stockyards of Fort Worth. Where are all the cows? I heard that it was called Cowtown, cow pens and ramps, but no cows. I love cows not just because of hamburger, but they are our backyard neighbors. The young ones play with us along the fence, and if I get a chance, manure perfume is my favorite.

We pull in front of the Stockyard Hotel, and there were horses walking down the road. I love horses too (they scare me though face to face). We walked around until our Cowboy themed room was ready. There was the biggest cow that I had ever seen and it was looking around at me. Oh the smile on my face lit up Fort Worth. Longhorns stretched as long as the cow was. He kept watching me as we walked far around him. People were getting on his back for pictures. Wow! He had on a saddle too. I meet some horses too. We sniffed noses, and their noses were huge.

Our room is ready and the busboy loads all of the dog food, jackets, popup crates, and toys into the cart, and we go up a magic old style elevator. The floor changes and we go to our room. There on the floor is a sitting area and a walking area (feel like your outdoors) not a potty area...

The room was nice, and we setup our crates and blankets. Papa saw cowboys on horseback walking down the street, so I had to see for myself (he lifted my front paws to see out the windows). Tied up to a post was a horse (woof, it could not hear me), and the cowboy was getting a drink.

We were on our best behavior, and all the guests at the hotel said that we were better than their kids. I hope so. There was a grassy area next door that was a perfect potty spot. The sidewalks were crowded with people, and got to see some old family friends last seen in Estes Park, Colorado. Fun times... We missed the cow parade because our family was worried that someone might spook the cows (only 10 cows anyway). Something fell from the ceiling in our room so we did not have to pay for the dog fee, and Ma got sick from something in the air. Pa got sick from too much drink. We stayed in perfect health and got a serving of steak the first night.

Cool Spots in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Numerous sources to collect spring water for home use

Head Quarters of Hot Springs National Park

Walking from Embassy Suites to Bathhouse Row by the former Hot Springs rehabilitation center

Ready for a soaking in Hot Springs, AR

Hot water fountain of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Kissing the Barney Stone

The perfect sailboat for our dogs

Sailing to Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX

So easy to sail, even I can take the helm.

Update: We changed sailboats to a 34 foot Catalina sailboat in May 2010, and loving the wind in my ears at Galveston Bay and playing with the dolphins in the ICW.

Bud on the Hunter 27

Beachside in Corpus Christi

We drove the six hour journey from my home to see my extended family in Corpus Christi, Texas. Bud and I were so excited to play on the beach and in the water. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Emerald--which is right on the beach of the Corpus Christi Bay. We ran up and down the beach. The hotel was close to the downtown area, so we could walk everywhere.

The room was on the ground floor that walked right out to the beach. On the first night the wind was blowing hard and I didn't get to play on the beach much. On the second day one of the family members got really sick (maybe from the mold in the room), so we left to go back home.

The beaches were clean but had broken shells all over it. So if you go, be careful of your paws. Petsmart is way down (5 miles or more) from the hotel-- make sure that you have good directions if you are not familiar with Corpus Christi. We loved the drive down Shoreline Drive. The family loved Pier 99 restaurant next to the USS Lexington-good music and food.

No official dog parks in Corpus Christi yet. But the city officials are looking into it. There was a great skate park which was packed with all ages of boys.

Journey East to Tennessee

Biltmore, the Cradle of Forestry

Pond on the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore, Asheville, NC

Planning stages to the Smoky Mountain area this May.

I shall get four new states on my log of visited states (TN, GA, NC, SC). At least they all have humidity unlike the southwestern states. I itch way too much when we go west.

Where to stay?
Pigeon Forge is so congested with cars and development-maybe no.
Gatlinburg has tons of people filling the sidewalks-maybe no.

Our best option is Townsend, TN, called the quiet side of the Smokies. Prices are a bit more reasonable, but for some cabins the cleaning fees, booking fees, administrative fees, and doggie fees can end up being about 200 dollars more. Where do we stay without breaking my piggy bank?

At Wild Mountain Rose Cabins I have found a quiet, lovely log cabin, and owned by one couple not a management group. They do not charge extra for my brother, Bud, and me or any hidden charges. They are super sweet people on the phone and cannot wait to meet them. They even have a bakery; maybe they will bake me some biscuits.

Around Townsend there is the following: a four mile trail to hike, streams which I would love to swim (they said no), bears and animals to chase (they said heck no), people and dogs to meet and play (they nodded ok-but no red wolves). Beware of ticks; I have been warned. I guess that I have to get a tick check done everyday. Not many ticks in east Texas (at least around my home)- too many fires ants.

NO DOGS ALLOWED. No Snoopy it is not the hospital. It is the trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park. I can hike all day in the adjacent Cherokee National Forest or Pisgah/Nantahala NF. The same type of animals are in all three places. But the nice Park Rangers will give my family a ticket if they see me on the trails. Me: pet therapy trainees, multiple state explorer, calendar girl, movie star, golden girl extraordinaire. Their trees are mostly dying anyway (I know sour grapes).

They have caverns in Townsend too. I probably won't be able to go unless I am super sweet. How could anyone say no to me?

I could go canoeing or tubing with my family. Sounds so fun. Maybe help do some fishing. Ok ok I shall sit on the riverbank and watch my family fish for trout. Temptation maybe too hard to fight.

Once we stop by the Smoky Mountain Doghouse in Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg for a snack at The Heidleburg (rumored to be dogfriendly). Sightsee from the car of the Smoky Mountain National Park to Cherokee, NC. I have not decided to go back to Sevierville and head to Asheville or go through Cherokee, NC and Dillard. Which way should I go?

We are off to the number 3 city for dog friendly resort areas, Asheville, NC. Hooray, my family loves Asheville. We shall be staying at the Crown Plaza Resort, and I get to go explore the Biltmore Estates. I get to feel like Cedric Vanderbilt and walk the Bass Pond Trail or all the gardens where he used to play. We get to go to the dog parks before we head to Clemson University where the matriarch of the family graduated a decade plus ago. Not very dog friendly but still a beautiful place before we head home.

Protect the dog from the sun too

Playing in the Surf in the Gulf of Mexico (TX)

Pace Bend on Lake Travis, TX

Near Surfside, TX

Lake Travis, cliffs in Pace Bend County Park

Tanning Bad

Sun tan and Health

Protect yourself and your four-legged friend. Careful because I was burned by Helioplex sunscreen when done as a test.

Dogs need their own kind of sunscreen in the high Texas Sun. Our yellow Labrador, Bud, loves to lie out in the sun, and he needs his own type of sun protection. Whitley wears her life jacket which helps protect her from the sun rays.

Remember to eat your cooked tomatoes to protect from the sun.

Little preparation for the Cold dry desert with stickers and snow

Jump in with booties and winter jacket is the way to go when your family travels across the Southwest in late December.

We drove to Stonewall, Tx and stayed the night in a nice tuscan style cabin with heater and woodburning fireplace by the bed. (absolute charming B & B) They lent us an extra dog bed that Bud loved and and I used the old bed. As the fire burned, the logs moved during the night and I got scared. I asked mom to move my bed next to hers and then I felt safe that nothing would fall on me. I made some new friends, Sophie, a standard poodle at the owner's home, and two dog friends next door.

The cabin had a little kitchenette to keep our food and they gave my family quiche and fresh fruit for breakfast. The bathroom had a jacuzzi tub which my mom and dad enjoyed.

The next morning we were off to Marfa, TX through the Fort Davis mountains. Tell the TX DOT to put real grass or stepping stone in the pet rest area; we both got stickers in our paws that hurt my parents when they pulled them out. Once in Marfa we walked the streets with our family and looked at the Galleries. The temperature was warm and the wind was still. I played with some new dogs at the Arcon Inn B&B, and met many dog friendly people around town.

We headed out of town to Valentine, TX to see the only Prada store around. It was closed; it is always closed. They call it art. But I did not see anyone named art around.

We drove on to Truth or Consequences, NM and I lay by my parents who were soaking in the hot springs. It is too hot for me. We left the desert and headed into the mountain and played in my first snow. It was cold, fluffy, and perfect. I rolled and dove in the snow. We met another dog who came to play in the snow in the middle of the National Forest. Wild time.

On the way back to Texas after Christmas we drove the northern route through Sedona, Flagstaff, Winslow, AZ, and Santa Fe, NM.  It was getting cold and snowy.  In Santa Fe we rented a house for New Years celebration.  I love the snow and rolled in it every chance that I could get.  I could plunge my head in the snow, eat the snow, and even catch the snow as a ball, but it broke apart in my mouth.  

My momma found some pet friendly snow trails for us to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing with dogs (5K trail in the Enchanted Forest), but we did not have a 4x4 vehicle and the volvo had little clearance in the snow.  We did not get to go.

We walked around the square in Santa Fe during New Years Eve.  There was an ice sculpture of Santa's sleigh and eight reindeers.  Don't lick the ice sculptures.  The streets were still lit up with Christmas lights.  

Bud and I both wore jackets, and Bud had dog boots.  He hated the cold.  In the morning he refused to walk in the snow and only pottied under the porch cover with no snow. 

When we were walking back to the casita from the square, one of Bud's four booties fell off.  He refused to put his bare paw down.  Momma had to go back down the street at night and find Bud's missing booty.  Thankfully she found it and wrapped it tightly around Bud's leg.  I can imagine seeing them carrying Bud back or him limping on three legs four blocks back home.

We stayed at the warm house as our parents ventured out to celebrate the changing of the year.  Not many places available or the prices were too high.  All they wanted was a drink and dinner.  So they went to one of the most expensive hotel close by and sat at the bar.  They meet a Flamingo guitar musician, Daniel ?, at the bar who was playing at the restaurant.  He was from NM and a famous musician to many, but not to us.  He gave them a CD for free, and they stayed at the bar until the new Year started, and walked back to our casita.  They had a wonderful time.

Why is the one who does not like water wet and I am dry?

We visited Houston again this weekend and stayed at the Holiday Inn Select on Southwest Freeway, pet friendly with one high paw ($50 one time fee for Bud and me). The hotel workers love me and pet me. Maxey off leash dog park is two doors down which is great for an early morning run and bathroom break. I always hold it until we get to the dog park. We met two Great Danes that were almost as tall as my mother. We played in our favorite dog parks and got to see all of our favorite sites.

The last day Dad dropped Mom, Bud, and me off at Danny Jackson Dog Park so he could drop off his car that he borrowed and pick up our wagon at the shop. Meanwhile Bud and I chased balls and met new dog friends at the dog park. Mom would not let me go passed the water fountain since she knew that I would make a bee-line for the pool, and she had no towels to dry me off. It is amazing how she can read my mind.

It was a little rainy but it finally stopped. Bud ran down to the pool with the other dog friends, but made me stay with her. She knew that Bud would not get in the water unless someone threw the ball in the water, and no one was throwing balls. Bud ran around the pool and played keep away from the other dogs. Then some woman with a little dog walked over to Bud and took his ball and threw it in the pool. My momma yelled out NOOO! Too late Bud jumped in after the ball. All wet and stinky with the ball in his mouth Bud came running back to us. Mom talked to the lady later, and she said that he needed to get his feet cleaned off because of the pebbles. What? Now I have to ride two and half hours back home with stinky Bud.

Daddy came back and asked why the water loving dog (me) was dry and the water hating dog (Bud) was wet, and mom pointed to the ball and the lady outside the gate that caused the problem.

Puppy Pool Party in Austin, TX

We traveled to Austin, Texas in the second weekend of October. Bud, my parents, and I swam for hours every day. We stayed in this great house with our own private heated pool near UT campus and was next to a leash-free park called Upper Shoals Green Belt. We played until we passed out.

Austin Vacation House 512.481.2816, info@austinvacationhouse.com

Mom would wake us up at 5:30 am, and we would swim and play until 8:30 am, and next breakfast, and then sleep. After the nap, we awoke and swam some more. Over 50% of my day was in the pool.

At first, Bud was scared and would not jump, but I was fearless, leaping high and long into the pool. When Bud was swimming, I leaped on top of him from the side so that he would not get the toy. Down Bud would go. Then I would be in time out for dunking Bud. I would save my mom and dad a few times when they splashed too much, and take them back to the side.

Our last day mom bathed me and blew my hair dry (which I love), and dressed me in my Texas flag Bandanna. We went down to the pool and she said that I want to stay clean a little bit longer for my photo shoot.

A car pulled up and ran to greet the photographer, Kurt, who has two goldens. He used a bunch of different cameras, and I posed and smiled. Finally I was told to jump in the pool. Hurray my favorite part of the photo shoot. I leaped and soared over the pool to get the toy. I tried to give the toy to Kurt, but mom always yelled for me to go to her. 

I had a great time, and I will be the month of June 2008 for the Gold Ribbon Rescue Calender for Austin Golden Retrievers.

Traveling back to H-town

We left my hometown a few weeks ago, and I sure do miss all my puppy friends. Finally my family takes us back and I got so excited when I saw the skyline. 

We stopped by my old doggy park, West Webster, and played with Maggie and Max. 

 My family stayed at Hotel ZaZa in the Museum district, and we were so excited until after we pulled up.

First the manager came back and said the two retrievers are not allowed (only one 20 pound dog). Daddy tells the manager that yesterday when he called the front desk he asked up if dogs were allowed. The front desk said yes with a $50/fee, and he said that we have two full size retrievers that are well behaved and travel everywhere with us. They said that is fine (retrievers are allowed). 

Now this mean man tells us that we can not stay. We have to stay outside with momma until all this is over. Finally the nice Concierge, Mo, comes back out to tell us that we can stay. 

Then the mean manager says that we cannot bring in our bag from Spec's outlet store and tells us that we cannot bring in outside food. WHAT? My dogfood is in that bag. So we put the food in a cooler and brought it in. Illogical and irrational. The room was okay, but no doggy beds or doggy treats. They did offer dog walks but with all the rudeness that we felt in the very beginning my family would not use it. We lay by the cabana doors watching my family play in the pool area, with five horrible childen jumping on all the cushions and hitting each other with noodles.  No one told their parents that they were too big.  Herman Park was so close, and we loved walking the trails.

Journey to Estes Park, Colorado from Houston

Camping in Las Vegas, NM (National Forest)

Palo Duro Canyon, TX

Pups Painting the Cadillac with Texas Mud