From the Front Porch
Good morning from the front porch and happy Friday!
I SWORE I was not going to say one more thing about Big Piper this week. After all, our struggles with this sweet rescue pup have been well documented ?♀️
But what happened to us on Tuesday is just too important not to share. So, here goes…
We were told when we got Piper out of foster care she was fixed, microchipped and all of her shots were up to date.
In theory that sounds amazing. But unless you have the documentation to prove it, it means nothing.
We took her to our family vet for a full workup and vaccinations because we wanted to make sure there were no underlying medical conditions or allergies we needed to be aware of.
As it turns out, they could not find her microchip. They also cannot be 100% sure she was fixed because her spay incision is unusually light and she does not have a spay tattoo.
Given we have no medical records, the vet gave Piper a standard set of vaccinations, walked us through how to best handle her allergies, and gave us medicine for an ear infection that been left untreated.
The minute we left the vet’s office we drove to the pet store to buy Piper some treats for the ride home.
She did well in the store but as soon as we got in the car, I noticed Piper’s breathing was labored and her eyes, ears, and mouth were very red and starting to swell.
At first, I thought maybe Piper was excited and overstimulated from the day but she seemed “off” so I asked S to look at Piper’s face.
S barely gave Piper a glance before she sped up the car and said, “Keep her as calm as you can, she’s having an allergic reaction. We need to get back to the vet’s office immediately.”
As soon we got to the vet’s office they rushed Piper into the ER, gave her more shots and an IV.
She was so pitiful.
I’ve had 2 other Jack Russell Terriers and neither of them had ever had this problem before.
Honestly, it never occurred to me that dogs could be allergic to medicines or vaccinations. It feels ridiculous to write that sentence much less say it out loud but it’s true.
Although, it’s been a scary few days I’m thankful to report Piper has made a full recovery.
Obviously, from this point forward we will be taking extra precautions and care with her vaccinations and medications. I just wanted to share her story in case something similar ever happens to you.
Thank you again for all your encouragement these past few weeks. Piper is definitely a handful but she really has been such a light.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
This stunning home: The Piazza Project.
A Cabin Reborn (and the views are spectacular)
Can you even with this fabulous bunk room? The entire tour is like a tropical oasis.
This beautiful home tour seamlessly blends multiple styles.
If there was a kitchen at the pecan grove, I’d definitely want it to look like this.
This Spring tablescape is really beautiful.
Love, love, love this friendship Easter basket idea!
How cute are these shaving cream-dyed Easter eggs?
15 Ways to Fill Your Home with the Color Green that are totally doable.
These gardens are so beautiful, I literally pinned every single image!
Now, this is going to be a game-changer! The Easiest Way to Put on a Duvet
The 17 Best Drugstore Foundations, according to Glamour.
7 Signs You Have an Introvert Hangover
Words to Live By…
Watching This Week…
I love the advice Marie Forleo gives because it’s both action-oriented and practical! This short video, “2 Steps to Take Control of Your Life After a Year in Quarantine” was totally relatable and totally doable too.
March Book of the Month…
**(Amazon Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
April Book of the Month…
**(Amazon Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
After reading two pretty heavy books in a row, we’ve decided to chose one decorating book (see fun options below) and also to read a short but impactful (according to recs from friends) book called The Four Agreements.
On the Menu this Week…
Week of March 29 – April 4
03/29 – Monday – Hummus Crusted Salmon with Lemon Arugula Salad
03/30 – Tuesday – 30 Minute Asian Chicken Soup
03/31 – Wednesday –Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries
04/01 – Thursday – Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
04/02 – Friday – Garlic Pesto Flatbread Pizza
04/03 – Saturday – Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake
04/04 – Sunday – 85 Easter Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Love
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
70+ Easter Desserts That Are Almost Too Adorable to Eat
Decorating Books We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
**(Amazon Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
***Just a heads up some of these books have not been released yet but I wanted to put them on your radar in case you wanted to pre-order as some of them might have special discounts.
**** You can find more decorating books and a summer reading list here.
Clove Brook Farm * A Summer Place * Home Stories * Style Comfort Home
Curate * Patina Homes * Cozy White Cottage Seasons * Feels Like Home (Marian Parsons)
Made for Living * The Maine House * A Cottage for All Seasons * French Farmhouse Style
Your Home Your Style * Visions of Home * Feels Like Home (Lauren Liess) * Provence Style
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or the Blog, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…
Spring Flowers Home Tour and Blog Hop
DIY European Farmhouse Cakestand
How to Create Crock Inspired Paint Cans and Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
March Bucket List…
- Stop waiting
- Abundance focused morning pages
- Spice over sugar and salt
- Walk during lunch
- Decorate the house for Spring
- Replant container gardens on the front porch
- Shop for Easter basket gifts
- Read the book of the month
- Buy a new bra and panty sets
- Get a fresh cut
- Keep Sundays sacred
Simplified & Organized Home Focus This Month…
Cleaning Schedule, Self-Care, and Healthy Routines
- 03/20 Master Bedroom Closet & Accessories
- 03/27 Master Bathroom Cabinets and Countertops
- 04/03 Linen Closets
- 04/10 Laundry Room
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember & Upcoming Posts…
- 04/01 – Buy April Birthday and Special Occasion Gifts
- 04/01 – National Burrito Day (no foolin’)
- 04/02 – Good Friday
- 04/04 – Easter Sunday
- 04/10 – National Siblings Day
- 04/11 – National Pet Day
- 04/15 – National Tax Day
Just a heads up, if you’ve left a comment on a recent post (thank you) but haven’t received an email reply back from me yet, we’re currently in search of a new comment plug-in. I still read and reply to them all, they just might not be dropping into your inbox like they were. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s updated. Thank you for your patience!
That’s all for now!
As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Oh my goodness,CoCo!! I’m so sorry to hear about seeet Piper! Our Bentley has had an allergic reaction as well, but not from a vaccination. So scary and you seriously feel so helpless! I’m so glad to hear she’s on the mend!! Sending hugs!
Thank you, Christine! It’s so scary to see them go through that because they can’t really tell how you how they feel – you kind of just have to pick up on their cues. I’m thankful we caught it before heading home because we live almost an hour away from the vet’s office so this situation could have definitely turned out completely different. She’ll be getting lots of extra love this weekend that’s for sure! Sending you and Bentley hugs, CoCo
So glad sweet piper is better. I have a rescue Schnauzer and it was
the best thing I ever did. He is so sweet and from the day he rescued
me he has acted like he lived with me all his life. Thank you for rescuing
this sweet dog. You will never be sorry. God bless.
That is so sweet, Jan! I’m so excited to hear about your Schnauzer – he sounds like a dream come true. This is our 4th rescue and our 3rd Jack Russell. When we got her out of foster care we were her 4th home in 3 days because she was such a wild thing. She seems like a lot to handle right now but I know she’ll settle and grow to trust us when she’s ready. Until then we have lots of love and plenty of grace to give her. Sending you and your sweet pup lots of hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
Oh man. My dog had reactions to shots too. His poor head swoll up like a balloon. I think he got a big shot of Benadryl after that we gave him some of the same before every vaccine. Scary stuff for sure. Wishing your cute pup a speedy recovery.
Gosh, Sarah, I’m so sorry you guys and your dog had to go through that experience. I know it was scary to see him like that. We’re supposed to have her booster shot in 2 weeks but I’m kind of scared to take her now. I’ll definitely talk to the vet about giving her Benadryl before we go. Thank you so much for sharing and happy weekend, CoCo
My mother’s Chihuahua had to get all her shots one-at-a-time or she would have the same reaction.
Thank you for sharing your story, Joyce! It’s so weird how dogs react to medications and vaccinations differently. Piper had all her vaccinations given at the same time just like my other dogs did but she had a horrible reaction. Now we don’t know which shot made her allergic. My best guess is the rabies vaccinations but at this point, it’s who knows. Glad your Mom’s chihuahua recovered ok. Hope your weekend is a special one, CoCo
Piper is a precious girl and very lucky to have you as family. Thank goodness she’s getting on the right track. Wishing you all total happiness from here on out.
Thank you so much, Linda! She’s a sweetie pie and although she’s been a handful for the past few weeks she’s been worth every bit of trouble ? Hope your weekend is a special one, CoCo
I am so glad your sweet pup is on the mend, so scary! I love Big Magic its wonderful!!!!! Hugs, Tanya
Thank you so much, Tanya! It was nothing like I’ve ever seen. I’m so thankful she’s ok too. I’m almost finished with Big Magic and it’s been a good one so far. Hope your weekend is a happy one, CoCo
Oh my goodness! It is so hard to see our pets suffer! Glad she is doing better! Sending lots of hugs to both of you.
Thank you, Cheryl! Piper is very vocal anyway but that was definitely a moment I wished she could have spoken up to tell us she was in distress. We would have stayed at the vet’s office for sure! Thankfully, she is doing so much better now and is hopefully back on track. Hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
So sorry about your Piper. Keep us informed.
Thank you, Eileen! She’s been on lots of meds this week but so far so good. She can definitely be a stinker but she’s totally worth any extra effort. I appreciate you asking about her. Hugs, CoCo
I love your page but the writing is so light it is very hard to read, but I do love The Crowned Goat..
Thank you for letting us know, Karen! We darkened the font a bit today going from a 3 to a 1 with the darkest possible being 0. We’re also checking the mobile side of things as well so let us know if it’s working for you or not. We appreciate you so much, CoCo