I’ve been up for 3 hours with my oldest.
He’s 12.
His name is Ben.
He wasn’t our first baby.
He’s our black lab who has been with us since March 2000…before we were married!
Poor little guy has been in and out of the rain and snow about 20 times in the last 3 hours.
His tummy is bugging him.
Taking care of a sick pet is like taking care of a sick infant…they can’t tell you what hurts.
So, you just keep them comfortable the best that you can.
The first couple of times I got up with him I was frustrated.
He sleeps downstairs, so he walked on the wood floors at the bottom of the stairs and barked…letting me know he needed to go out.
Up and down I went.
By the 3rd time I realized that he really wasn’t feeling well.
I set up shop on the sofa downstairs.
Made some coffee.
Turned on the early news.
I don’t get quiet time in the house very often.
I don’t get time to watch the news in peace very often.
We don’t get snow in Portland very often.
I don’t know how much longer Ben will be around.
I’m enjoying my time with him this morning and hoping he feels better soon.
For now, I’ll just be here for him.
Watching the news.
Watching the snow.
Enjoying my coffee in peace.
home is…taking care of sick babies.
stephany taddeo 
thank you for being there for Ben… he is so much more than a family pet… tell him we love him and hope he feels better soon.
Steph, sorry to hear Hoji Ben is sick and having such a tuff time.I’ve been through several tummy aches with B.Ben and now Rhythm.Both of them were,are such garbage hounds.Spring time seems to be the worst time for dogs getting into stuff. I hope Ben feels better soon.I sure enjoyed seeing you Ryan,Reece,and Lorelai in Idaho this past October.Getting to see Oddy and Reece throwing dummys for Ben was a special bonus.You are so right…our first 4 legged black kid is truly wonderful.Hoji Ben is one in a million.Your Home is what you make it blog is a great way to see what is up with the Taddeos. Quack,Quack
I love this post and can so relate. My “baby” is my 6-year-old beagle that we got before I was even pregnant with my daughter. There’s something about staying up with your pet that is special. And I’m convinced they know you are taking care of them and love you even more for it. Aren’t dogs the best?