The Seavey Family Blog

…to write some stuff that I wouldn’t mind seeing under the tree.  So here’s some stuff.

 360 Messaging Add-On

This Media Card Reader

A DVD Set

This Hard Drive - the big one is just too expensive

 Wii Controller Add-on

That’s probably more than any one person deserves.  And honestly, I’d rather have some company for a bit to play some of the many games I already have with - both video and board!  So if you’d rather, donate $50 to charity and come spend an afternoon here!

It’s that time again - and I as late as always. I am Very sorry for those who might be waiting for this list (yeah - that would be you dad).

Okay. Here goes - but as always - feel free to fill my stocking with coal - (and some way to make it all into diamonds would be good).

Elsa Peretti Necklace from Tiffany’s (notice how restrained I am by not putting this necklace on the list!)

Bloomsbury Grand Zip Tote from Levenger

“Carved Wood Vessels” - yeah… weird name - but they look cool (either size)

A beautiful and unique teapot - of which I have not yet been able to find. Preferably some sort of potteryish one that brews more then one cup!

Honey

Bolt Cutters to keep in my car

Those silly spikey thingys that you can attach to your shoes for walking in snow.
A new Duvet cover for my king sized duvet.  It has to have red in it - and have a white background… and not be ugly.  I haven’t found one I like yet - they don’t make the red poppy one at pottery barn like the one I did have - and that makes me sad.
And anything else that looks like I might like it!

We miss you.

I’m sorry to any who have been waiting for the list (mostly that’s you dad!). I have had a real block as far as this goes this year - but that is for a different blog! Here is the list (but feel free to be creative and such on your own!).

Someone to bring me to the Boston Museum and Aquarium (this will need to be a patient person - as I have a tendancy to stop and stare at some of the animals in the aquarium for twenty minutes at a time)

This nifty bee glass set (the short glasses and carafe)

Honey (I know it seems silly - but I like honey in my tea - and these are REALLY yummy - but a bit extravagant for me to justify buying on a regular basis)

Art, cooking, horseback riding or dancing lessons (and someone to take them with me!)

This cool foot massager

Bed Canopy (for my guest room)

Gift Certificate to a book Store

Gift Certificate to a scrapbooking store

…to not buy everything I want as soon as I see it, it’s time for the sometimes-annual Christmas Wish List. As always, subject to change/alteration.

1 - Time. With family. With friends. Time is the gift that costs both the least and the most at the same time. It’s also a gift that is never returned or exchanged for a different color.

2 - Charity. Not for me - but for those in need. 2 and 4 legged alike. If you’re going into a store and see a toy drive, bring a toy out. Donate a can of food at the store or a dollar in the Salvation Army pail. Humanity is generally so full of distrust and selfishness; this is the time of year to look out for those around us and not for ourselves.

3 - Video Games and accessories. I do love a good game. I’ve got a list here, but feel free to live life on the edge - just don’t spend more than $20 if you go that route! Things not listed in any particular order of preference….you decide! Also of note - links are to sites with the best price as of this writing.
Kingdom Hearts 2, Okami, 360 Quick Charge Kit, 360 Wireless Controller, 360 Vision Camera bundle, a 360 faceplate like this one, (this is where more will go if I can remember where I put my list).

4 - Board games. Something for 2 players. Something for more than 2, but only if you play it with us.

5 - House items that I always talk about but never seem to write down.

That’s it for now….my wrist hurts.

Said better than I ever could - http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/iamunseen.html

There are many misconceptions about the coat colors of Boxers. The AKC breed standard for a Boxer says “The colors are fawn and brindle… White markings, if present, should be of such distribution as to enhance the dog’s appearance, but may not exceed one-third of the entire coat.”

The breed standard is slightly misleading. While Fawn and Brindle are the accepted colors, 25% of all Boxers are white. For many years white boxers were almost never seen because most were euthanized at birth. Breeders believed that white Boxers were inferior to colored boxers and thought the most humane thing to do was to kill them. This practice isn’t as wide spread today as it once was, but unfortunately it does still happen.

Today we know that the only problem white Boxers have more than colored boxers if deafness. However, no formal studies have ever been performed so all we have to go on is anecdotal reports. Using that as a basis it is widely believed that in the US approximately 30% of white Boxers are deaf (with 8% being unilaterally and 22% bilaterally deaf) and that approximately 18% of colored boxers are deaf. I believe that it is important to remember that the cause of the deafness associated with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair. Generally speaking, the more pigment in the coat the lower the risk of deafness. This is true of ALL predominantly white dogs, not just Boxers.

There is absolutely no evidence that white Boxers have a greater chance of any other genetic problems, physical or psychological, than a colored boxer. That being said, white Boxers should never be bred. While they are not inferior, they are also not breed standard.

There are a small number of people who believe that it is possible for a Boxer to be black. This is an intriguing idea – but unfortunately also impossible. Very simply, the gene responsible for a black coat color does not exist in the genes of a Boxer. This is true in the same way that a Golden Retriever can’t be brindle – or a Weimaraner can not be fawn. The so called black Boxer is either a very dark reverse brindle – or a mixed breed.

Recently there has been a large surge in the number of people who believe that they have seen, or currently own, a black Boxer. A very dear friend of mine recently met a black “Boxer” and his owner on the street. My friend said that the dog was stunning and that the owner mentioned that he was from a rare line of Boxers dating back to the 19th century. Unfortunately this man did not take the time to learn about the Boxer breed before he went out and purchased this puppy. If he had spent a little time researching what was to be his new pet – he would have learned that it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the Bullenbeisser was bred with an English Bulldog to start the line that became our modern day Boxer. As a matter of fact it wasn’t until 1885 that the breed was first stabilized and the first Boxer club was founded. Armed with this knowledge he could have easily pointed out to the breeder that *ALL* boxers can have their lineage back to the 19th century.

So, what’s in a color? It seems pretty black and white to me.

As I was writing out a Thank You card for a very thoughtful gift I recently received, I started to wonder if this was a lost art form. Is sending a written thank you card no longer the proper thing to do after spending a weekend at a friend’s house or receiving a gift? Is the verbal “thanks” enough?

I first started writing Thank You notes after my wedding. I was told that it was fine to send the thank you up to a year after the wedding, but that just didn’t feel right to me. These people were kind enough to take time out of their busy lives (not to mention money out of their pockets!) to celebrate the beginning of our new life with us. If our guests could do that, certainly I could thank them for it! So, on the flight down to Mexico (on our honeymoon) I wrote all of our notes of thanks – and I addressed all of the envelopes on the way back.

Since then I have tried to stay on top of my letter writing, not because I feel that I HAVE to, but instead because I enjoy letting the person know that I enjoyed their hospitality or appreciated a gift, or even that it meant something to me when they took time out of their life to talk to me when I was having a hard time with mine.

So, how about it? Do *you* send Thank You cards? Do you think that it is a lost art form? Or do you think it’s just an out dated one?

It has only been two and a half months since we lost our baby, and I miss her terribly. I like to think that she has been watching over us though, and that she had some part in a little brindle boxer puppy finding her way to our home.

In the weeks following her death, those that knew us well let us grieve, and those who only thought they knew us asked when we would get a new dog. To them, the answer was never - because Mandy was not a dog, she was our baby, and we don’t have room for a “new dog”. Women I knew in rescue offered us puppies, and even my vet wanted me to take home a Rotti pup; but there was just no room in our hearts - and therefore no room in our home for such a dog.

On March 16th I got a call from a women I knew through rescue telling me that the chain of pet stores she worked for was no longer going to sell boxers - and they had two that had to be euthanized or sent back to the Hunte Corporation to be sold to “large scale breeding kennels”. I was able to find a rescue to take one of the girls, but not the other. Matthew and I discussed it and decided to pick up the other girl - and figure out what to do after she was safe and sound.

Long story short, Kira Jane now shares our home. She is a sweet, tough, strong willed boxer puppy that shows signs of becoming a great bed hog. She certainly has her own personality, but she has a lot of the same mannerisms as Mandy did (again, making me hope that there is a world beyond our own - and that Mandy is watching over us.)

Kira’s name means “light; sun” and she is certainly bright spot in our lives (when she’s not chewing on shoes, couches or stairs). Her middle name “Jane” is in honor of Mandy. Kira has some big paws to walk alongside - and her middle name will remind her of the boxer that helped make us the people and home we are today.

We miss Mandy, and I still cry for her. Thankfully, since Kira has entered our lives I don’t have as many nightmares as when Mandy first left us.

If I figure out how, I will post a picture of Kira at some point.

and - Miranda Jane - I love you.

Below is a poem that Mom wrote for us shortly after we lost Mandy. I cry each time I read it, but it is helping deal with the grief of losing my baby - and for that I am very thankful.

I’m sorry I had to leave you,
I stayed as long as I could.
I tried so hard to thank you,
I hope you understood.

You took me in when I was down,
A partnership of three.
Then grew a love strong and deep,
I had you and you had me.

I’m sorry I had to leave you,
But this I promise you both;
The pain that feels so physical-
That tribute to our bond-
Will slowly ease, and be replace
By memories you’ll hold fond.

I’m sorry I had to leave you,
But here’s my promise to you;
You’ll keep me alive in talk and mind-
That way I’ll never be gone.

And then someday, when you think of me,
Only a smile you’ll find.
So please hold true to the good times,
And know I treasured you.

- Jill Seavey

Most everyone already knows, but we lost Mandy on February 1st. She began having seizures the Sunday nite before, and we were not able to control them. We don’t know if it was the liver failure, or that the tumor in her pituitary gland was malignant, but in the end it doesn’t matter - we weren’t able to fix the problem this time.

As anyone who was ever lucky enough to be in her presence knows, she is the best little boxer girl ever and is sorely missed. We love Mandy more than anyone would think possible, and are overwhelmed with grief at loosing her. Everyday I wish that I could have just 5 more minutes with her, just one more kiss - one more snuggle - one more lifetime…

We love you Bella.

Mandy is in end stage liver failure.

Mandy is home with us, and so a little better. She is still not eating much at all (only about a 1/2 cup of food since she came home on Saturday) - but somthing it better than nothing. She had dropped another two pounds while at the vet, leaving it so you can feel most bones, and we need to help her stay warm.

With time, rest and the proper medications she should start feeling better relatively soon. It will take a bit of time to put the weight back on her, and she will need to be on a special diet, and have regular ultrasounds and bloodtest - but she is obviously happy to be home.

You may have noticed that I did not write the update on Thursday afternoon as promised. For once it wasn’t because I got side tracked, but instead was because Brian had informed me that I wouldn’t be taking her home, as I started to argue - he mentioned that she wouldn’t be coming home with me Friday night either. He told me that if all went okay, I may get to pick her up on Saturday.

This has been pure hell.

On ultrasound Mandy’s pancreas was inflammed, and her right kidney showed signs of damage - possibly the early signs of failure. They have had Mandy on IV fluids for the last two days, and have done a number of tests (we’re still awaiting one more result) to try and figure out what exactly is going on. The best bet now is that pancreatitis is secondary to Addison’s - and the kidney issue could be caused by the pancreatitis - or it’s own seperate issue.

Needless to say, I was in tears for hours after hearing all this - and then again when I tried to fall asleep without her. I keep thinking that I see her out of the corner of my eye, and I look for her everytime I go upstairs.

This is the first time she’s ever stayed in a kennel since she first arrived in our lives in June of 2000. I can’t help but worry that she thinks we’ve abandoned her. Brian hasn’t allowed me to visit - for fear it will just make make Mandy more upset when I left.

I appreciate the calls, and support - I’m just a bit emotional - and don’t want to start crying on the phone. I’ll update again when I get her home - by then the three of us should be a bit less stressed.

CS

Let me start by saying that I greatly appreciate how much our close friends and family love Mandy, and care about her well-being. We all feel very loved knowing that that others worry about her as much as we do.

Okay - current run down. 2 weeks ago she went in for an ACTH stim (ACTH stands for AdreanoCorticoTropic Hormone, this hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland, and is supposed to stimulate the adrenal cortex.) which came back normal. For the first week after that she seemed to be doing really well.

Monday I dropped in the animal hospital to get a weight on her, she was looking very thin to me - but I figured that since I tend to be a bit neurotic when it comes to these things it may not be anything at all.
When Mandy hopped up on the scale I saw that she was only 43.4 pounds (down about 5 pounds from her last weighing two weeks ago). Brian (Dr. Sullivan) poked his head in and saw the weight, and told me to have her stand up, as soon as she did he pulled out a syringe and say “I’m taking blood, now.” I told him that I didn’t have an appointment and that I would just make one - I didn’t come down to bother him, but he was already crouched down getting ready to draw the blood.

He sent the blood to a lab in Michigan for a cbc and chem 18 and the results came back yesterday. Everything looked fine, except that her calcium levels were low. I was asked to drop her off for the day today (Thursday) and when I got in, Brian told Maria to take Mandy and asked me to step into his office (nothing like giving me a heart attack first thing in the morning!).

He has called the lab in Michigan and asked that the run a couple more specific tests, one looking for pancreatic cancer, and the other looking for any problems with her parathyroid gland. While she is in the hospital with him today they will be x-raying and ultrasounding her, as well as doing another ACTH stim test.

Hopefully I’ll have more answers when I go and pick her up today…

Dear Santa,

I have been a VERY VERY VERY good GREAT girl this year. I do everythingalmost everything TRY to do everything that I am supposed to. I really think you should bring me somthing EVERYTHING on my list. ……. Okay, maybe I’m not good, and don’t deserve any presents - but if you don’t bring them, I can’t garuntee Mrs. Clause’s safety.

My wish ransome list -

Boxer Statue from Dannyquest

A Triple Initial Embosser (for all my books and recipes ect)
Calender/Chalkboard for Kitchen
Some sort of a wood serving tray - so I don’t keep trying to carry too much at once and drop it all over the kitchen floor.
IPod Nano - Black
A new set of juice glasses - we keep breaking all of ours (thus the need for the tray!)
Flowering Tea Set
Spice Box
Slippers - size 9 1/2

Yes I used the word “Holiday” instead of “Christmas” just to tick a few folk off. Also, I don’t care if I get Christmas presents, New Year’s Presents, Thanksgiving Presents, “Because I Rock” Day Presents….or any other holiday that falls ’round this (or any) time of year.

Now - The annual wish list. As usual, there are items here for someone who’s just won the Lotto and items for someone who can’t afford the Lotto ticket itself. Rock on! Of note, if someone thinks of something I actually want more than what’s on this list - check with the wife, she can poke me

Last Updated 12/13 8:35pm EST

1 - Items from www.despair.com. These people are genii (plural of genius? )
2 - Video Games - Any from the list, or a Gamestop/EBGames gift card (list below).
3 - Wireless controllers for Xbox - I have 2 Gamecube wireless controllers, so I’m set there. I’ve heard Logitec Cordless Precision is good, and the reviews of this one seem to show it’s ok.
4 - XBox 360 system - Not the core crap, the real $399 set, and only with the media remote included. This will be 100% impossible to find, and under no circumstances should anyone spend more than $399 on it. If you find one, sweet. If not, no eBay for this one or you’d spend twice that.
5 - 26″ or 30″ 16:9 HDTV (Samsung makes a nice one) or similar for the downstairs sitting room. Support for 720p and 1080i please if Tube - if LCD, I think 720p is what most do.
6 - A way to store and/or display my video game collection. I’ve got games I play, games that look pretty, and games I don’t play very often at all and right now they’re everywhere. I’m open to any ideas to help fix that problem.
7 - Truck accessories. I love my truck - so anything for it is cool. Especially if anyone knows how to actually *remove* cigarette smell…
8 - House stuff. Anything to aid in my homeownership skills and/or projects. Current projects include PlowHouse ™, Barn Repair, Turtle/Koi Pond Area, and other stuff I’ve probably forgotten. Things that come to mind include something to allow us to sit and play my fancy chess set which is collecting dust and a cordless handheld vac (that actually works) for cleaning up messes I make doing wiring jobs, cleaning cars, etc…
9 - iTunes gift cards - always welcome, but not for $400 or anything
10 - Thundercats Season 1, Volume 2 DVD set - I already have Volume 1, now I need the rest!
11 - www.penny-arcade.com is releasing a comic book of all their stuff. It won’t make it for xmas, but this sampler will. Info can be found here.

Game List (none used-all new please & in no order.)

(Format: Game Title (Platform, max price, notes))
Psychonauts(XBox,$40)
Burnout: Revenge(XBox,$40)
Metroid: Zero Mission(GBA, $20)
We Love Katamari(PS2, $30)
Metroid Prime 2: Echos(Gamecube, $20, preferrably non-greatest-hits box if it’s still around)

I have been working with dogs in one capacity or another since I was 19. Because of this - I have seen many more than my fair share of animals euthanized, and while the word euthanasia literally means “good death” I can assure you that in many cases it is not.

Sadly the majority of dogs euthanized are done so because of our selfishness and irresponsibility. Many owners who have decide that they won’t keep the promise they made to their pets by bringing them into their homes, surrender them to local shelters, humane societys and pounds.

Below is a link to a short clip on one particular shelters website. I was horrified when I first saw the clip, thinking that it *had* to be illegal to show such a thing! In many ways it is even more heartbreaking then some of the abuse cases I have worked with. But after looking at it a second time and then taking some time to think about I’ve decided that perhaps this is a film clip that should in fact be out for all to see.

While I would really like to teach children to learn how to treat a pet properly, I don’t not believe this is something they should see.

Please, don’t show this to your (or anyone’s) children.

Looking at this will only take 45 seconds of your time, and I would like every adult to see what really happens to your beloved pet, when you turn your back on him/her and drop her/him off at a shelter.

http://www.spotsociety.org/fatedog.html

Hey - *YOU* - no, not you - *YOU* over THERE!

Now that I have your attention… My emails aren’t going through to you Dad - so, haven’t been able to say thank you , or remind you how wonderful I am - so… er… EMAIL ME!

Your loving, beautiful, favorite daughter.