February 22, 2016
It’s been a long time since I have written. It is our “high and busy season” here now; plenty
of events to write about, but just not opportunity to do so.
 |
| Daisy on a nighttime holiday "worm-train" 2015 Olón holidays I don't think she liked it much, but was a good sport. Photo courtesy of Roger Thomte |
A lot is going on now, but without a doubt, one issue that has preoccupied much of my time lately is Daisy’s health. She has been really sick. For the last several weeks, she has been extremely lethargic, refused to eat, and could hardly walk because of her incurable degenerative hip arthritis (though she still had some frisky afternoon hours on some days).
About 5 months ago, I rushed her to Guayaquil vet
when her hindquarters became suddenly paralyzed. They took x-rays, treated her
for a few days, and essentially said that because of her hip situation, her comfortable
days were numbered. Since then, she has
been on homeopathic bone supplements that considerably improved her condition
until now.
It’s been painful to watch Daisy’s recent
discomfort, and her local vet has been here for a number of house-calls in last
few weeks to address/eliminate other infections she might be harboring (and to
de-worm/ up-to-date her regular inoculations).
During her last “heat” cycle, she apparently did pick up a sexually transmitted condition, which local vet successfully treated with oral antibiotics and a couple of sessions involving a tube of medication inserted in her "miz" parts…
(This led to several…ummm….interesting phone
conversations with local vet, when I would call him and say “ella esta lista
para la manguera en su vagina ‘ahorita”…)
However, nothing seemed to help. She was still listless, glazed eyed, and not
walking or eating. I was convinced last week that she needed to be put
down. It was breaking my heart to watch
her in that condition.
My friend, Annette (Daisy loves her and Dan to
pieces) strongly objected going that route until Daisy had at least an exam with
a Libertad/Salinas vet.
I think Daisy owes her life right now to Aunty
Ann.
Annette and I took her to Libertad last
Tuesday. She has a few minor infections,
but it is the hip condition that is the real problem (I had GYE x-rays to show
the doc in Libertad)…there is no cure – can only make her comfortable until she
just can’t walk anymore, quits eating, etc.
-- all of which was happening last week before we took her to city
vet). But he’s got her on
anti-inflammatory/pain meds, and she has responded well since then.
Just no telling how long that will be
effective. A couple of months? Maybe she can make it another year????
Her full panel blood tests came back negative for the
tick diseases, but she has a minor ear infection and a skin fungus problem,
which we’ll be treating.
For now, she wants to live, and vet basically says
Daisy will let us know when she is ready to go.
Everyone around here knows and loves Daisy –
locals and visitors. She is probably the
most recognized “celebrity" in Olón. She’s a
strong and determined girl, giving it her best shot, and sends her tail wags
and licks to all.
I want to thank all you who were so helpful and
concerned during that last Daisy crisis (especially Annette and Cheryl PaPania).
 |
| Daisy with napkin hat. 2015 Olón Santa Lucia festivities Photo courtesy of Roger Thomte |
On a little more frivolous and light-hearted note,
here are some pictures and comments on the annual holiday festivities around here.
There are a lot of parades and parties.
Circus food, fun and rides arrive.
There are a lot of parades and parties.
Circus food, fun and rides arrive.
 |
| One of the local pre-Christmas parades |
 |
| Local school children from various nearby towns treating us to parade band music. |
 |
| Waiting |
This year, I didn’t get any good photos of those
events.
But to the side is a photo of a Nativity scene in Manglaralto.
While I was trying to take night time photos of it, I realized that something
was missing.
It was Baby Jesus.
When I asked a young and local nearby family about the reason for that,
they explained that traditionally, Baby Jesus doesn’t “arrive” until the night
of December 24th.
And, I suppose, amidst a much joyful and spiritual
midnight local parade.
What a wonderful custom! It is one that I (for some reason) was not
aware of after all this time, though I imagine this is a ritual celebrated all
over Ecuador.
Since then has also come the New Year, Carnival,
and Super Bowl.
 |
| Ruta del Sol roadside effigies for sale. |
 |
| The annual tradition of the boys playing "dress up" |
 |
| New/Old Year's "orphans" The week between Christmas and New Year's, a tradition of dressing up and begging for candy or change.. Somewhat similar to Halloween. |
 |
| The bug/worm ride. 'fer sure - do it. These aren't always as tame as they appear in this picture. Especially at night when they are lit up. |
This year, Super Bowl Sunday, there was a fun and
relaxed crowd at Playa de James. Super
Bowl and Carnival coincided this year, which led to a really fun evening.
After watching the game, there was (a now traditional) big foam fight between local kids
and patrons of James.
