Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Choo choo and Chance

After visiting Cat Island and Grace Episcopal cemetery, my friend B and I drove to the town of Jackson, LA to see the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders club. B's husband and son have been involved with model trains for years. I didn't know what to expect and I was truly impressed! There are some talented folks out there. The following photography is out of my wheelhouse, but I thought they turned out pretty cool. What say you? If you're not a fan, it's okay to say so. I take constructive criticism pretty well.






On a sad note, my sweet Golden Retriever/Chow mix is in the hospital. Last night he collapsed in the hallway, his eyes darting quickly back and forth, drooling from the mouth. I flung myself over him, crying hysterically, thinking that was the end. "DON'T LEAVE ME, I'M NOT READY" I sobbed. Then hubby gathered him in his strong arms and placed him in the car for the trip to the vet. Thank God there's an emergency hospital within a few miles of us.

Chance will be hospitalized for a couple of days getting IV fluids and medications. They found elevated liver enzymes in addition to the collapsing issue. They think the inability to walk or focus his eyes is due to Vestibular Disease, which should resolve itself in 5-7 days.

Chance is my shadow and wears the title of Best Friend most days. He's 14 years old, so I know our time together is limited. It's so hard, y'all. Sorry to leave you on that note, but it is what it is.

42 comments:

Bas. said...

Heel veel sterkte dat valt niet mee.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Oh wow these are some incredibly detailed models. I used to want a model train so bad when I was little!!!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

oh....Chance!

My prayers are with ya

My Molly had her own adventure at the vet yesterday, having a growth removed, and I can appreciate the pain you went/going through. Molly's almost 13...and the love of my life (don't mention that to my wife)

...what was your blog about...oh...some pictures...nice...I liked 'em...now I go hug Molly

Roan said...

My heart goes out to you. I understand. I lost my shadow and best friend last year. I still tear up thinking about him. On a happy note. Love the pics. Especially the fourth one with the train zooming across the intersection.

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness Gail, you made me cry. I lost my dog Max two years ago and know how much it hurts. I hope Chance will make it through this scare. {{Hugs}}

Bethany Carson said...

The model town is fascinating--love it! Sorry to hear about your puppy; it is so hard when our animals are not well. Praying for you.

nookworm said...

Oh, my heart goes out to you because I understand how you feel about your pal. Sorry you have to endure his illness and hope for his quick recovery. Yes, the model trains and town sets are impressive.

EG CameraGirl said...

Amazing models! I cannot even imagine the time it must have taken to construct this.

Sorry to hear that Chance has not been feeling well, Gail. I hope the two of you have more time together.

Shug said...

Oh Gail.....so sorry that Chance is not well. I can only imagine your thoughts when you saw him on the floor. Hoping he is back to himself in no time at all. Interesting photos of the model city and railways. These always fascinate me! Make it a good day!

Hootin Anni said...

I was all set to smile and enjoy the train dioramas with extraordinary zeal...but then, my heart stopped!!

I know, I know JUST WHAT you're feeling. It's such a difficult time when our fur babies get sick and aged.

Hope you have a long time together once the hospital stay helps.

TexWisGirl said...

i'm sorry for your heart ache. i know that feeling. i hope chance can get better and stay with you a while longer.

loved the 4th photo - you caught movement perfectly!

Stephanie said...

Oh Gail, I am crying for you and Chance! I hope the little sweetie recovers completely and give you many more years of happiness.

Your pictures are so fun and fabulous! My son thought they were quite amazing :) Sending hugs your way!

Anonymous said...

At first glance, I thought you had ventured into tilt shift photography. When I saw that these were models, I marveled at all the realistic details.
Praying your sweet Chance is soon well enough to come home.

hootnonny said...

What's not to like about the model RR! I'd say your wheelhouse is amazing.


Glad Chance has a chance to love and be loved. His issues reminds me of our sweet Nelly.

A Colorful World said...

So sorry to hear about Chance. I hope he gets well soon! It can be so heart-rending when a beloved pet is sick!

LOVE this train diorama. Oh, my, what incredible detail! If you get a chance, go to my sidebar down near the bottom where it says favorite posts and click on the one that says Postcards. I used to be the Coordinator of the Suffolk Seaboard Museum, and this is a TV piece that was done on the Station. You might enjoy it!

Inspired By June said...

Oh, Gail, I'm sorry Chance is unwell. I hope things improve quickly. Your pictures are amazing! I have never seen such detailed sets, really neat. The drive in got a chuckle :) I hope you have many more days with your "shadow".

you-wee because said...

I'll keep my fingers crossed that your retriever will get well again soon.

Your pictures of the model railroad are great. As far as I know we here in Germany have the world's largest model railroad - you find it at the city of Hamburg and it's know as "Miniatur Wunderland".
Here's the link to the official youtube video in English - enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACkmg3Y64_s

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful work on that train layout. My Hubby had quite an extensive model railroad which was still in progress when he died.Unfortunately,I had to sell it,before it fell into disrepair.

Brian King said...

Very detailed sets there! No doubt many hours of work went into them. I've never dabbled in model trains, but those are impressive.

I hope your dog pulls through! Having been through several of those scenarios I know how stressful it is.

eileeninmd said...

Awesome shots of the train garden! I grew up with all my family members into the model trains and building these gardens and villages.. My son was into for a while too. Your photos are awesome.. I know what you are going thru with your sweet Chance.. My Goldie Girl is having some troubles lately too. I hope all goes well with your best friend..

Suzan said...

Awesome, awesome shots of the model city!! Especially the rushing train and the stopped cars and the Jesus Saves - Cross sign!!
Then on your sad note --- My heart cries for you!! Your Chance is like my Augie! I would have reacted the same as you!! I hope and pray that he comes home soon.

Evelyn S. said...

Choo choos, huh? Amazing what detail is involved! As for your doggie, I'm sorry---this situation is one of the main reasons I've opted not to have warm-blooded pets, ever. If a fish or lizard "moves on," it's not such a drastic event...except it WAS tough when Hank the iguana I inherited from our oldest son got sick about 14 years after we got him; I finally had the vet euthanize him because I couldn't stand it any longer. Hopefully, your canine friend will recover.

Beate said...

Oh no! I hope Chance will be all well again in a few days. What a shock to see him like that! But it sounds good that the vets know what's going on and that they can help him. I'll be thinking of you!

I never had model trains myself but I've always been fascinated by them. These models are amazing and I love the way you photographed them!

orchid0324 said...

OMG!!! I DO wish your Chance's quick recovery. I lost mine before 30; the boy was like my own human boy, as I couldn't be blessed with a child. Seeing my grief, my husband won't allow me to have another one :-)

Great photos of dioramas, my husband would love to see them (especially cars) later.

Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Anvilcloud said...

The models are super impressive.

Sorry about the dog.

Kathy said...

That little miniature city is fascinating, right down to the vintage cars.

Sorry about your buddy being sick. We mourn and grieve them just like members of our family, which they are.

renae said...

Oh Gail, I love these photos of this model 'life' but oh so worried about your baby doggie. It is so hard when they get so old. I had two cats for 16 and 18 years respectively. They were sister and brother. It was so hard to see them pass on. Hope all the best for you and him.

Thanks for your encouragement! It has been great to have that 10 break and this chemo 6 is a bit challenging but I'm finally managing it so much better (and now I'm gonna be done) Isn't that how is always goes? Oh chemo will be done but I have radiation and herceptin to get accomplished too, but yes chemo the worst is on it's way out! Hallelujah!

Willow said...

Dogs are SOOO attached to out heart strings and truly family. Prayers for your guy from all of us. We sure know how hard it is .
Loved the photos of your train set , very creative.

DeniseinVA said...

Oh Gail, my heart goes out to you my friend. I do hope you have several more years with your fur baby. We are never ready to say goodbye.

As for your photos, they are really neat. No I am not a train enthusiast but I can appreciate all the love and hard work that goes into these places, and I do love to look at them. We have a miniature village in my home town in England. I didn't get to see it this time but hopefully next year I will remedy that.

Take good care of yourself and I'll be thinking of you and that sweet little dog of yours.

Debbie said...

oh gail, what a heart ache, i hope all goes well and chance will come home soon and continue to bring you constant joy!!

the models are just amazing, i would love to see this!!!

renae said...

Oh I wondered if you would or if anyone would make any note of it. I do have hair. I didn't all fall out. Weird. I shouldn't have shaved it. Oh well. Live and learn, right?

Now time for another little nap.

Unknown said...

Great pictures, love the train movement in the next to last one and of course the Jesus Saves sign.

I'm sorry your Chancie is not feeling well, I know hard and crappy this is... Prayers for healing and that you will have more time with him.. ((hugs))

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

These pictures are so neat! My boys would enjoy them.

I hope Chance feels better soon.

Sally said...

awww - I sure hope your boy will be better soon!

Love the photo's; it's so nice for people to have hobbies that they enjoy!

Slamdunk said...

The city scene is impressive. There is a model railroaders club that displays their work near us, and even though we don't have much of an interest in trains, we are mesmerized by the quality of their work. I am sure it takes lots of patience and attention to detail.

Sorry to hear about Chance, and I hope he responds well to the vet treatment.

Linda said...

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about Chance's health challenges. Best wishes to him and you.

Ida said...

Loved your model train shots. My dad had a model train set so they brought back some great memories of him working on his trains.
I do hope your sweet Dog chance is okay. It's hard too see them getting older and knowing their time with us is limited. Enjoy every moment.

Anonymous said...

Oh - I'm so sorry to hear this! I'm hoping Chance gets better! It's hard to know we have to let go of our best furry friend...

Those shots turned out well!

Helma said...


I like your pictures of this model trains and roundabouts really beautiful, but the sad bercicht your faithful friend the dog is terrible.

He may be 14 years, but I hope he's still a time can zeijn. Still with you Much strength dear Gail!

Mitzi said...

One of the hospitals in Dallas has a display of the entire city like this. It is an incredible thing to witness. Beautiful images.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

I am blog reading late, Gail, and saddened to read about Chance. It's hard when illness hurts friends, whether human or animal. The pain is the same.
Great photos of the train displays and now we have another travel destination for my train fan spouse.

Barbara said...

I can only imagine how panicked you felt when Chance collapsed. I'm so glad you were able to get him to the hospital and he's improving. I'm having a slow goodbye with my Max right now. It's so tough.