Sitka Visit's Town and Country Veterinarian

Today, my parents traveled to Woodpecker Road where my favorite Veterinarian's office is located. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the staff in my native Malamute language. I am very thankful each staff member has taken time over the past few years to develop a loving relationship with me.

My visit today was prompted by a recent injury to my right rear leg. I am a big guy and sometimes I can be clumsy, but this time I really wasn't romping or acting silly. I was simply running across my own back yard when a horrible pain struck my knee.

After several accidents, my parents know the routine and are able to quickly check me over and begin pain medications, until they can determine if my injuries need further treatment. After a week of resting my leg while on medication I am much better, but still lame.

Today, I saw Dr. Lhoer. He watched me walk, pulled, tugged, and pulled some more on my leg and knee. It hurt, but I was polite and held still for him. It is tough sometimes, but Mom and Dad have taught me to respect the people who are trying to help me. I know both Dr. Lhoer and Dr. Jordan would never hurt me on purpose, but sometimes I must endure some discomfort in order for them to determine the severity of my injuries.

After a long visit with Dr. Lhoer, my parents are left struggling to make tough decisions. It seems there are no perfect answers as to what is best for my knee. My parents always try to do what is best for me. They love me with all their hearts and want me to be able to live a long, healthy, and productive life.

Please pray for my parents as they seek God's plan for healing and restoration of my furry body. In my short life, God has used me in powerful ways to heal and encourage others and I do not want to miss an opportunity to continue serving Him.

I know there are humans who might think it silly to pray for me, but I know God loves me and wants what is best for my furry self. Thank you for your faithfulness to follow my blog while loving, encouraging, and praying for my parents.

Until my paw dances across Mom's laptop....

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Continued Prayers For Sitka

As I lay here waiting for my right rear leg to continue to heal please know my family and I are thankful for your continued prayers. We enjoyed our vacation despite the fact I was unable to take long walks on the beach and boardwalk. Mom took me for short walks to potty and down to the ocean. Later, Dad would take Nanuq on long walks and adventures near the seashore.

Home and resting comfortable, I will likely visit my favorite veterinarian this week. Dad and Mom are not sure I am healing quickly enough and want to be sure all is going well with the process.

Some dogs do not like to visit their doctors, but I love all the people in my doctors office. I stroll through the door eagerly with my head flung back howling in my native malamute language. Each member of the staff seems to speak and understand my language. One technician, Nancy actually howls quite well in malamute. She and I became fast friends when I was young and she always greets me in the waiting room prior to my actual visit with Dr. Jordan or Dr. Lhoer.

Please continue to pray for speedy healing. I miss going to therapy with my friends in the hospitals and nursing homes. My furry heart, soul, and body needs to get back to work. There are so many people who need to feel the peace and comfort God is able to speak through my furry self.

Until my paws dance across Mom's laptop again.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

"Paws"ing At The Beach

Keeping with tradition, my parents brought Nanuq and I to Virginia Beach. This years reservation brought us to the Marriott's Residence Inn, located at 3217 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Nanuq and I were pleasantly surprised to have the "green and yellow" checkered carpet rolled out for us upon arrival. We have visited many hotels through out our journey with GOD, but rarely have we recieved such special attention.

Each year Mom and Dad set aside a week on their anniversary for rest and renewal. Nanuq and I are thankful to be included in their plans. This year we needed this time a little more than usual. Mom and Dad have been sick for the last week or so and I injured my right rear leg on Saturday.

While "paws"ing at the beach, we are reminded of the awesomeness of GOD in every situation. The staff of the Residence Inn did not know of my injuries or any other circumstances related to our visit, however we were placed in a handicapped room giving us a huge balcony, unlike the balconies for all the other rooms.

God knew and cared about even the smallest details of our visit. He prepared the way before us and blessed us with special amenities all along our way. Upon arrival Mom took both Nanuq and I too our suite while Dad began unloading the SUV. After a quick tour, Mom opened the sliding door and we stepped into a winter wonderland.

Just as we stepped onto the balcony the heavens opened pouring forth snow. Yes, snow!! We stood amazed to see two of our favorite parts of GODS creation all rolled into one. Words cannot describe the beauty of snow flurries over the vast expanse of ocean laying before us.

Thank you, GOD for giving us this wonderful retreat.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka's Ouie...OUCH!

This morning, Dad and I began with our normal routine. We always take Nanuq, Trouble, and Macy outside before breakfast. While outdoors, I ventured into the woods for a little while and then back to the yard with my furry brothers and sister. As I ran past Dad to play with Trouble I yelled "loudly" in pain.

Dad immediately came to comfort and check on me. It seems I may have pulled a muscle in my "good" leg. A few years ago I injured my left rear leg and received two different surgeries to repair the problem. Mom, Dad, and I are praying my injury is not as bad this time since I didn't fall or slide.

My parents have spent the day making me stay calm and quiet, giving me pain medicine, and trying to help me feel better. Despite their efforts, I am still suffering discomfort and I am a little cranky about it.

Please pray for me! I have a "big" job to do; GOD is not done with my furry self yet. Until my paws dance across the keyboard again...

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Surprise On The Boardwalk

Each year, in February my parents take me to Virginia Beach, Virginia. We spend our days walking on the Boardwalk and enjoying GOD'S beautiful creation. Mom, Dad, and I love the beach, but we especially enjoy the time GOD gives us to reflect and rest.

Last February brought a new change to our routine. Usually it is Mom, Dad, and I, but this year would be different. We recently adopted Nanuq and we needed to bond as a family, thus our adventure began.

Dogs are much like humans. We each have our own personality. I am very much like my Mom. I love to sleep in and wake up slowly. Nanuq, on the other hand is more like Dad. They wake up and dance their way into the morning while Mom and I still have our paws over our heads.

On Saturday morning Nanuq wanted to go for an "early" walk. He is meek and mild with a deep, yet gentle voice, but doesn't give in when he wants something. He was determined and after several "woofs" in Mom's ear, she stumbled from the bed in her pj's and put on her socks, shoes, and parka, grabbed our leashes and off we went.

We walked to the end of the Boardwalk and as we journeyed back toward our hotel a man stepped out of the Hilton and approached Mom asking if she would mind answering a few questions about me (Sitka). As always mom was glad to share us with another human.

We spent about an hour on the Boardwalk talking about mountain climbing and whether my breed (Alaskan malamute) would be suitable for this type of adventure. During our conversation the gentleman introduced himself to Mom and she thought he looked familiar, but she wasn't sure.

After our time with the nice gentleman we headed back to our room. Mom decided to google the man's name because she was sure it sounded familiar. Much to Dad's surprise our new friend was the first person to climb Mt. Everest without oxygen. His name is Reinhold Messner.

God blesses my parents over and over again, often because humans are drawn to me. Dad and I still chuckle and howl when we think of Mom meeting Reinhold Messner in her pj's and a parka on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mom looks a site in the morning, but we love her anyway.

GOD's blessings abound when we live a life of purpose. Our purpose unfolds each day in new ways revealing many surprises along the way. We eagerly anticipate the next adventure GOD has for us. Mom and I both are thankful Nanuq took us for an early morning stroll, otherwise we would have missed meeting our new friend.

Our family (human and canine) is very different, yet together we are "complete." We thank GOD for the uniqueness and beauty He unfolds in our lives.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

*This story is written about our February 2008 trip.

"Praying for Mom and Dad"

Greetings to our human and furry followers,

Our weekend has been difficult in "The Perdue Zoo." Both our Mom and Dad are sick. Sadly, Mom was forced to cancel our therapy visits for the week. My furry brothers (Nanuq and Trouble), furry sister (Macy), and I are doing our best to comfort both Mom and Dad.

I apologize for not posting sooner, but Mom has not taught me to use the computer without her help. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

"Brrrrrr...It's Cold"

"Burrrrr...It's Cold," says Mom as we play in the back yard. God gave Nanuq and I warm, fuzzy coates, but Mom must wear a parka. We love our Mom and have a special relationship with her.

Mom often says, "therapy starts at home" and I suppose it does. Mom would tell you God brought Nanuq and I into her life because she needed us, but we would tell you God brought us into Mom's life because we needed her. A friend recently gave our mother a magnet for her SUV in the shape of a paw saying, "who rescued who."

Mom proudly displayed her magnet realizing it was a statement of truth! God rescues each of us and places us where He deems best. Certainly God was gracious and full of mercy when He decided to unite our family.

Nanuq and I, along with Trouble (toy poodle) and Macy (our elderly, deaf cocker spaniel sister) thank each of you for following our journey with GOD. We love our Creator and the family He placed us in.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

There's A Mouse In The House

Last night, as we all settled around Mom's big chair for a relaxing evening, Dad said, "there is a mouse." Our home sprinted forward from peace and tranquility to an eruption of fear and trembling in seconds. Our Mom is known by most to be calm and confident, but when someone mentions "mouse" those descriptions can aggressively be thrown out the window.

While Dad appeases mom by chasing the 1/2 inch long mouse around our bedroom, Mom called in the cavalry including our human Marine brother, Seth, his wife Jen, and Wil. Each of them said, "It's just a mouse" with a smile on their faces. Meanwhile, Mom has scaled the furniture and is sitting in the middle of our king size bed.

Nanuq (Samoyed), Trouble (Toy Poodle), Macy (elderly, deaf, cocker spaniel), and I did not see any need to pursue the human chase around us, however Mom was so upset we decided our efforts would be best spent trying to calm her down. Nanuq, Macy, and Trouble joined Mom on the bed and I assumed my position beside the bed.

Despite all efforts, the mouse outsmarted our human family and left Mom curled in the middle of the bed refusing to move. Each of us stayed in our positions throughout the night. We awoke to find our 12 pound Cat, Sox with the furry invader dead, his prize proudly in hand!

We each had a job to do and we did it well. My doggie siblings and I comforted our Mom through an emotionally difficult and scary night while our kitty brother pursued the furry invader. Although our human family was not much help in comforting Mom or catching the invader, we pursued and fulfilled God's purpose for our furry lives.

God has a plan for each of us, human and creature alike. I am thankful my furry family was able to comfort, love, and solve our Mom's need. No task assigned by God is too small or unimportant. We take our furry jobs seriously and look forward to serving God until the furry end of time!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka