It was certainly a holiday season I don't want to repeat again.I spent my time playing the dual role of florence nightingale (my dog's nurse) and gloria vanderbilt (I spent a lot of money on repairs to that dog and my mature Volvo, not luxury goods).
One happy morning last fall, my dogs Bucky and Zeke ran out the back door chased by a squirrel, and Zeke limped back in. He tore a ligament in his right rear knee.
Soon I was emotionally limping. Firstly, the cost of the surgery and the 10 weeks of recovery. 10 weeks! On the second day, I thought it was impossible. By the third day, I was convinced it wasn't possible.
I had to reconfigure my home, my routines, my schedule, everything. A yoga mat was spread out on the hardwood floor to keep Sieg from slipping. I was the one who tripped over them.
The situation got even worse. Zeke suffered a urinary tract infection and was subsequently diagnosed with Cushing's disease. Her symptoms included urgency and frequent urination.
dorothy parkerThe eternal definition of was two people and Ham. My definition of high alert is a small house and a large dog with urinary problems that can only go outside on a leash. Just as Zeke is almost back to health, what are the chances?—Bucky ruptured her ligament chasing a squirrel. Another surgery. Another 10 weeks of medical treatment. I'm sure he was the same squirrel.
This wasn't the first time in my life that I asked myself the grand question, “How did I get into this mess?”
Here's how:
one day Jay I didn't answer his phone. All day long he didn't answer. That wasn't a good sign. That night I called EMSA and they met at Jay's house. When I arrived I could hear his dog Zeke barking. That was a very bad sign. I wondered how long he would keep barking. time? All night? all day long? The two doctors and I entered through the back door.
“Heart,” one of the doctors said as he came out of the bedroom.
Zeke was still pacing back and forth in the bedroom, barking. So I put him in the car to calm us both down.
Two police officers arrived.
“Do you know this dog?” the policewoman asked.
Ah, that's right. I suggested the name Zeke for the Springer Spaniel puppy Jay and I were driving to Tennessee. The puppy sat on my lap all the way home.
“Can you take this dog with you?” the policewoman asked.
“yes.”
“Oh, that's helpful. A story I can tell you.”
I don't doubt it. This is also a story that I can tell within my limited job of protecting cats.
So Zeke came to live with me, against people's advice that “you can't take him with you.'' You already have a large rescue dog and a rescue cat. your house is too small I'm sure he'll find a home. ”
It was all true. Except for the part about finding another home for him. Finding good homes for adult dogs and cats can be difficult.
It was eight years ago, when Zeke was two years old. Since then, he has hardly left my side. Bucky, also a rescue dog, is glued to the other side of me.
During the dogs' recovery period, which totaled 20 weeks, people commiserated and told me their stories of pet accidents and illnesses, staggering veterinary bills, and grueling home care. One man wrestled his 99-pound German shepherd every day for 18 weeks while applying cream to his ulcerated eye. He was happy to do it. we love pets Many people living on the street do not seek shelter because they cannot take their pets with them or leave them behind. got it.
Well, it's February. The month of true love.
The title of one of my essay collections is “Light and Variables.” This is a reference to both the topic of my essay and the weather in Oklahoma. If I were to create a collection of essays, I would title it “Today's Weather Forecast: Sunny''..I like that title and philosophy.
