The Bodyguard
Rigby has been going through a bit of a hard time lately. She’s been getting booster shots, which are no fun. We noticed that she’d been acting funny even before the shots started, so we took her to the vet. After a thorough exam, the vet decided Rigby either had a urinary tract infection or crystals in her urine (we’ll get the follow-up diagnosis later today). Either is very treatable but whatever it is has made Rigby very uncomfortable. When Rigby doesn’t feel well she’s extra-clingy, which is kind of…undesirable…because her bladder is extra, um, sensitive. I wasn’t really expecting to be dealing with a third party’s urine until next year.
When Rigby is feeling better, she is my number one protector. It’s sweet and funny because she’s a six pound fluffy Maltese, not exactly a big watch dog. She kicks it into high-gear when I’m pregnant. If anyone comes near me, she stands between us. She’ll even growl at Mike if he moves at me suddenly. If she thinks something is a threat, she will lay across my belly as the final line of defense between Binky and evil.
In case you were wondering, Rigby thinks the vacuum is the most evil thing in our house. I have to agree.
She was the same way when I was pregnant with Madeline:
Hopefully the medicine will kick in soon and Rigby will start feeling better. I need my protector back.
Amanda (Garibay Soup) says:
That is absolutely precious… my dog has been driving me CRAZY! She’s s
till a puppy though…. and I tell myself this too shall pass
I hope sweet Rigby feels better soon.
Amanda (Garibay Soup)´s last blog ..I’m Outta Here!!! Going to CALIFORNIA!
Noelle says:
That is so sweet. She knows there’s somebody in there that she just can’t wait to meet
Alexandra :) Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 4:47 am
I’m with her
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
Oh what a darling! I really hope she’s better soon, it sounds unpleasant for all concerned. Totally with you both on the vacuum cleaner.
Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Babeee
Anne Y says:
Awe…so cute! I wish I had a protector like that! Hope she starts feeling better soon!
Anne Y´s last blog ..Amateur Night
Cinthia says:
Feel better soon, Rigby! Crystals and/or UTIs are not fun for doggies….
Kat says:
I only had cats when I was pregnant. They suck as bodyguards for the record. Too aloof and all about themselves.
Kat´s last blog ..A Year and Thanksgiving
kristeneileen says:
In case we don’t get a chance to talk, I’ll be loving Rigby well as much as I can from here. Also, I want you to know that Chris and I spoke today about how we are thankful that you, Mike, Maddie and Binky have become a part of our lives and the circle of people we love. How thankful we are for you, and how thankful we are for Maddie. I’ll be speaking about being thankful for people this year, and I will speak her name around my family’s table and I hope it strengthens the people around yours. Love you forever, as my baby has recently taken to saying
I am thankful you are my friend.
catherine lucas says:
It’s nice to have a personal body guard. I strongly believe that animals mourn too if someone goes away and does not come back. I bet that Rigby too will be pleased to see a baby in the house again…
catherine lucas´s last blog ..Good Bad Boys…
pamela says:
awww what a cute fluffy bodyguard! so adorable!
pamela´s last blog ..Since Everyone Is Writing One..
dysfunctional mom says:
That is so sweet. I love how intuitive dogs are. I hope Rigby is feeling better soon.
There is no way that beautiful purple vacuum is evil. No.way. (I love to vacuum!)
Krissa says:
You both look great! Sorry she’s feeling bad right now. I can see from the photos that she does a great job taking care of you. Hugs to your fur-baby. Feel better soon, Rigby.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Aw, Rigby! Dogs are awesome. Hope she feels better soon. By the way, Heather, you look fresh and pretty in those photos.
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..I like to smash things.
Pgoodness says:
Aw, that is awesome.
Pgoodness´s last blog ..My son, the entertainer
jen says:
I hope Rigby feels better soon! How sweet she is to protect you from the evil vacuum!
jen´s last blog ..thankful
amanda says:
Poor Rigby! Feel better!
My 130-lb Great Dane felt the same need to lay across my belly when I was pregnant. That was a tad uncomfortable, to say the least. But I never wanted to move him!
xo from CT,
Amanda
amanda´s last blog ..weekend.update.
Tracey Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Now that would be something to see. I’ve always wanted a Great Dane but hubby said “no horses in the house”
Anna Marie Hinnant says:
Vacuums ARE evil. Rigby is a smart, smart dog. =)
charlane says:
Poor Rigby…how does she feel about the washer?
charlane´s last blog ..It makes my heart want to cry…
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:48 am
surprisingly she doesn’t mind it. But it gets used about as often as the vacuum around here, which is to say, RARELY.
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
Poor Rigby-I am hoping she is feeling better soon too!
Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Fun on a Sunday with a Giveaway
jessica b says:
looks like a dyson… i’ll take it!
hope Rigby feels better soon, poor little thing.
my dog was the same way when i was pregnant. i felt so loved!
Elizabeth says:
Poor Rigby
My dog has had her share of crystals and they are no fun. Did the vet recommend a dietary change? Hope she’s feeling better soon!
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:49 am
we’ll know for sure in a few hours, but yes, if it IS crystals we’ll have to change her diet.
Jenn says:
OOhhh so sweet Heather!!!
I have 3 dogs…my one (Sawyer) is 1/2 Maltese amd 1/2 Shih Tzu. It’s amazing how much of a life line our pets give us. All 3 of my dogs are extremely protective of all of us and they especially take care of me if I am having a flare up and am in a lot of pain. I hope Rigby feels better.
Take care and please give her a hug from Holden, Sawyer and Tucker (her new doggie friends from Canada)!!! ha ha ha
red pen mama says:
I love how little dogs are the absolute fiercest. My sister has two Boston terriers, and by the way they carry on sometimes, you just know they think they are as big as Irish wolfhounds.
Hope Rigby is better soon.
ciao,
rpm
red pen mama´s last blog ..Problem Child*
Shannon Kieta says:
There’s nothing like the love and faithfulness of a pet. NOTHING! My beloved white German Shepherd, Alaska, passed away this year at the age of 13, and I miss him terribly. He was almost human. Now that we are done having kids, I would like to get the kids a dog o grow up with. It’s a wonderful companion for kids! Lot’s of prayers going out to you Rigby, hell I am a 40 yr old woman and I know how miserable I feel when I have a bladder infection. I can imagine how he feels. Shannon
Aunt Becky says:
You are SO wearing that Born To Blog shirt, aren’t you?
Also, Rigby is adorable and Cash is like that. Except he’s more lazy than anything, so he’s really protective from afar. Like from across the house. Unless I’m in the bathroom, in which case, he’s ALL OVER THAT SHIT.
The animals flock to my side when I pee. It’s really weird. I guess, in the event of a robbery while I pee, I am covered.
Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Aunt Becky Finds Her Missing Piece
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:50 am
when I first got it I was like, “what am I going to do with an XXXL shirt?” and then I grew an XXXL belly. Problem solved.
Obviously you need to hide from robbers in the bathroom.
Karen Chatters says:
Poor Rigby!! What I want to know is when the dog is sick, and things come out of their bodies, things that should only come out when they’re outside, why is it ALWAYS on the carpet?? Right next to the hardwoods? Of course, peeing on your belly isn’t exactly pleasant either.
Karen Chatters´s last blog ..Birthday Shananigans
Courtney says:
I hope Rigby is feeling better soon!!
Megan says:
Poor Rigby. My kitty had bladder crystals last year. We are able to prevent more with a special (expensive, of course) diet, but I’m worried about them coming back. And yep, she peed everywhere when she first got them. I hope your sweet girl feels better soon.
Momma Uncensored says:
rigby is a gem.
Laura says:
Rigby loves her baby sisters! Very sweet! Hope your puppy feels better soon!!!
xoxoxo
nic @mybottlesup says:
our 85 lb labrador was straight up wack during my 2nd and 3rd trimester with the magoo… we took him to the vet to see why. vet told us they can hear the baby’s heartbeat.
very sweet pics… very sweet pup… very very sweet.
nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..turducken and stuff
Lisa_in_WI says:
Poor Rigby, I hope she’s feeling more like her old self soon!
Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..59
Midwest Mommy says:
I couldn’t help but notice you have the animal dyson aka my dream vacuum. So do you love it? Is it worth the $400 bucks?
Oh and yes I hope she feels better soon
Midwest Mommy´s last blog ..Was it something she said?
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Yes, it’s an amazing vacuum. Rigby doesn’t shed much, but with Maddie’s breathing issues it was so, so helpful!
Laura Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I second that this vacuum is a dream- great for animal hair, great to keep babies from eating said doggie hair off of the floor, and great for keeping some of the yuckies out of those precious tiny lungs. Every little bit helps, right?
Love to you Mama Spohr! And Rigby, way to watch out for your baby sisters and your mommy. What a wonderful little puppy she is!
I have to ask- was Rigby Mike’s or yours when you got married? Or did you get her together? I *LOVE* that she was so wonderful with Maddie and not at all jealous. I have no doubt she will be just as protective with your second daughter!
((Hugs))
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
we got her together – she was a Valentine’s Day gift from Mike in 2005. One of the best gifts ever!
Laura Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Now I love her even more!! That is such a sweet present! She is wonderful!
Ali says:
That’s precious.
My shih tzu Mollee was exactly the same way when I was pregnant with Cadynce and for the first couple of weeks after we lost her she was even more so as she could tell something was wrong and she doesn’t like ti when I am upset.
Ali´s last blog ..2009
Erin says:
I am a huge believer in that dogs are little (or big) gifts from God. They are more in tune with our feelings and emotions than we’ll ever fully understand.
That being said, she’s such a cute and fluffy protector!
(I have a blog for our dog, Jack. Check it out sometime…it should def. make you smile!)
Erin says:
Oh, duh. The website is:
http://www.pugglywuggly.blogspot.com
My baaaad!
MBKimmy says:
How adorable … hope the meds kick in soon!
MBKimmy´s last blog ..Halloween
Kate_Boo says:
My pug had crystals in her urine a couple of years ago and has been on special food ever since. That’s the only change we needed to make and she’s totally cured (and crazy).
Hope Rigby gets better soon!
Abby says:
Awww, bless Rigby’s heart…feel better soon Rigby!
Tracey says:
Feel better soon Rigby!
I hurt myself this fall playing soccer and my dog Piper (a Brittany Spaniel) never left my side.
They are awesome little proctectors/snugglers aren’t they?
Glenda says:
Vacuums ARE EVIL!
I have a 7 yr old 10 lb Shihtzu and she is our protector. Their unconditional love is the best! Feel better soon Rigby!! Hugs to you Heather! XXX
Deborah says:
First of all, stop bad-mouthing that Dyson Animal. I just bought a refurbished one last week and I’m so in love with it I wouldn’t mind exchanging vows in a ceremony. (Tip: Overstock has refurbished Dysons for around $300 [not w/the Ball] with only $1 shipping!)
Secondly….awwww! How sweet!
(((hugs)))
Deborah´s last blog ..New Drawing
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:53 am
yeah, it’s a pretty awesome vacuum – especially when someone else is using it!
Jessica Gottlieb says:
Is that you sitting while your husband vacuums?
Tell us all your secrets please. That is the best bit of magic I’ve ever seen.
Jessica Gottlieb´s last blog ..First I Was A Wilzig
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 8:54 am
That is actually my mom vacuuming in the picture! But Mike vacuums. It helps to be pregnant on restricted activity.
Alison says:
Rigby is such a darling. Such a big heart for such a little animal!
Get well soon, Rigby!
xoxo
Alison´s last blog ..Separation Success
Chris says:
I hope Rigby feels better soon—I adore the pictures of her. And it cracks me up how protective tiny little fluff balls are. I have a westie who weighs all of 14 lbs who does the same thing of getting between me and all evil–right down to the occasional growl at my husband whom she adores–because you don’t mess with mommy is apparently doggy logic. That probably shouldn’t make smile, right?
Rigby is totally adorable–I hope they figure it out and have her feeling better soon. Dogs are so pathetic when they don’t feel well and look at you with those BIG eyes.
Chrissie says:
AWW! Poor Rigby! ((((HUGS))))
Molly says:
Go, Rigby! Best dog ever. Well, maybe in California
.
My dog gets urinary crystals chronically. We had to switch to a prescription dog food to get the infections to finally go away. It’s a pain but the food has worked like a charm.
Feel better soon, little bodyguard!
Krista says:
My 11 pound dachshund was the same way when I was pregnant. He’d growl anytime DH moved suddenly towards me or raised his voice (even if just so I could hear him from across the house). So sweet.
missy says:
Feel better soon Rigby, your mama needs you!
Beth says:
Wow, that is the sweetest thing. I may now have to get a dog…. how precious Rigby is!
Hope you’re feeling a little better. I meant to comment yesterday on your post that I’m thinking of you.
cindy w says:
I have that exact same Dyson! Our cats AND Catie all think it’s evil.
Teenie, my grumpy old-lady cat was very protective of me when I was pregnant, which I think is weird for a cat. And when Catie was first born, Teenie would sit at my feet while I nursed her, and she would growl, hiss & swat at anyone who came near us (including Dave). Funny how animals have those protective instincts.
cindy w´s last blog ..Random Friday thoughts
Lisa says:
I hope Rigby is feeling better soon so she can return to being the “big” protector.
Love and hugs
Lisa´s last blog ..Birth Control
Rebecca says:
That dog has the prettiest coat of fur I’ve ever seen on a dog. How often do you get her groomed.
Rebecca´s last blog ..Merry Christmas
Heather Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Every other month, when she needs a haircut. In between, we just wash her at home!
Tami says:
Aww that is so sweet. You can sure tell she loves you.
My little pom hates the vacuum, she trys to bite it. Hope she feels better soon.
Hugs,
Marti from Michigan says:
Awwww, so sorry about Rigby not feeling well, poor little sweetie. I had 2 cats, one male, one female that had that problem of crystals in the urine, worse with a male cat even though he was neutered.
My daughter’s dog, a female beagle mix, a little bigger than the usual beagle, did that during all 4 of her pregnancies. My daughter had her babies born at home with a lay midwife, and Snoopy would sit at the front door and growl at anyone who came in through it until each baby was safely born. I don’t think male dogs do this as much, I really believe it is the mothering instinct in dogs who act this way.
I bet Rigby can hear Binky’s heart beat or hear the uterine sounds when she lays on your tummy. Sweet doggy.
Marti from Michigan says:
Meant to type the mothering instinct in female dogs who act this way towards a pregnant woman.
In too much of a hurry this evening!
Tina says:
So adorable.
Man’s Best Friend/ Baby-Mama-Protector!!!!!
Haley says:
What a sweet and loyal dog.
Haley´s last blog ..What Paci?
Jen L. says:
Rigby’s a total sweetheart. My cat once had crystals in her urine. Poor things, it hurts them. I think we cleared hers up with one quick round of antibiotics. Hope Rigby feels better soon!
Jen L.´s last blog ..Little Boy Blog: Thanksgiving Break Edition
Amanda says:
So sweet! I hope you feel better soon Rigby!
Amanda´s last blog ..11 week bump
gypsygrrl says:
vacuums are Very Scary Things and you are a lucky lady to have such a fierce protector as Rigby!!!
angeline says:
Dogs are so smart! The saying is true, they are a mans “woman’s” bestfriend. My Balti is the same way, attached to me by the hip. my protector my lil boy. Maybe one day when Im expecting he will act as protective as Rigby!
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
Rigby makes me a want a dog … (and I am a cat person) … so sweet … glad you have a protector.
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..Raise A Can
sensibly sassy says:
oh sweet little Rigby feel better soon!
sensibly sassy´s last blog ..Changing The Present
| The Spohrs Are Multiplying… | » The One With All The Ultrasounds says:
[...] the meantime, Rigby had her follow-up vet appointment, so Mike left me to take her to get checked out. A quick exam lead the vet to conclude [...]
cj says:
soooooo sweet…….thank you for sharing.
Al_Pal says:
Awww. A six-pound bodyguard, too cute!
Hope she’s all better now.
| The Spohrs Are Multiplying… | » Guess What She’s Getting For Her Birthday? says:
[...] has been just miserable for a few weeks now. Last week, the vet did an ultrasound and determined that she had stones and [...]