So, as my title indicated, things have changed so much in the last little while. After the fiasco that was our original chance to become property owners went all askew, we sat back and took a deep breath. We were very frustrated by the roadblocks put up by the park owners and it really soured us on looking for a place to live.
Then, we got a call from our landlords. They were out of rent cheques. So, Alex called them to arrange to get them a new batch. They gently informed us that they were needing to raise our rent by $100 / month. That was just too much for Alex and myself. So, Alex got on the internet and contacted our real estate agent. He asked for more listings for locations where we weren’t going to have the same problem with contracts and agreements.
Our agent sent Alex a number of new listings. He reviewed them and narrowed our choices down to 2. We arranged to have viewings this Saturday. So, Saturday morning, we packed ourselves up and headed off to White Rock. The one listed there looked great on the internet. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate workshop, additional room off the dining room and so much more. When we got there, we held our breath as we ventured in. Sadly, the place looked awful. I commend the photographer for taking such great pics that hid all the things wrong with it. So, we decided after 20 minutes of wandering around, it wasn’t worth the money that they wanted along with the work that we would have to put into it… On to the next one!
Our second one we looked at was around the corner from the first one we put an offer on but in a different park. This one took our collective breath away! It was clean, massive covered, fenced patio, concrete pavered lanai off of that, a postage sized backyard (but big enough for Nykie), a separate workshed (need some work, but, is in one piece), a huge living room with vaulted ceilings, a clean kitchen with functional appliances, separate laundry room, 2 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a large dining room with a built in buffet. Laminate flooring throughout.
I think we found our place!!!! We are meeting with the owners on Wednesday to make an offer. Keeping our fingers crossed.
On a separate note, we had a setback with Nykie over the weekend. He has developed a new issue called “Old Dog Syndrome”. He has basically developed an inner ear, eye problem. He is now suffering from vertigo, nausea and has had some challenges walking more than 10 – 20 feet. We had him at the vet’s (not our regular one due to the nature of the emergency) on Wednesday where they thought he was, of all things: stoned on pot! So, they did a blood test, pumped him full of liquid charcoal and sent him home. He pooped charcoal briquettes for 3 days!
On Saturday, after our viewings, we took him to our regular vet. Alex and I talked about it prior to going there and decided that we would be strong for Nykie and do what was necessary to make sure that he wasn’t suffering. The most terrifying two hours of our lives. Our vet, Dr. Lapittre (an amazing woman!!!!!) did all the tests and hummed, hawwed and thought about his condition. We were sure that she was going to recommend that we put him down. AUGH!!!!
But, our fears were allayed. She told us that MOST dogs recover to some degree from this condition and that as long as he is able to control his bowel and bladder, we shouldn’t panic. She prescribed some anti-nausea drugs and sent us home. After we came home, we settled him in and let him sleep. He was traumatized at the vet but, was so happy to leave there. He went straight to sleep. I went out to get some air and cried for what seemed forever! I was so grateful that I didn’t have to say goodbye to him yet.
He is slowly improving each day. He is drinking, but, not eating yet. I am hoping that his appetite will come back shortly. We will be hopeful.
Al Zylstra 