Month: February 2021

Yesterday, Romeo and I went on a walk in the woods. It’s not unusual for us to walk, on an almost daily basis weather and bugs permitting. And before anyone gets concerned about the other three furry loves of my life, rest assured they all are walked extensively and daily. What was different yesterday, was the new unchartered direction into the woods, and the fact that we were accompanied by our neighbor and his dog. The minute Romeo saw Rocky it was as if he became more alive, paws down, butt in the air, a friendly playful bark and wagging tail. He most definitely was happy to see his new friend.

I also noticed other things, he walked along more attentive than he would normally be, seemingly excited to be going on this adventure. He was excited when he saw Rocky head into the water up to his chest for a refreshing cooling off and a drink. Romeo, who is usually frightened of water, would have joyously joined him if I hadn’t stopped him from plunging into the very cold water. You may wonder why I didn’t allow him in the water, I have a thing about unknown bodies of water in North Carolina. Probably, at this time of year everything would have been fine, but unknown algae, alligators and snakes are things I prefer not to tangle with at any time of the year.

An hour later, as we said good-bye to Rocky until our next walk, an exhausted Romeo collapsed on the floor and took a well-deserved nap. What was it about this walk that I found the need to address all my readers? Well, quite simply just like people, our dogs can get stuck in their daily ruts of doing the same things. Yes, dogs like and expect routine from their owners, but glory be when that routine is altered with a fun, interesting experience for both you and your dog, that soul spark within them, just like humans becomes more aglow and fills us both with joy and happiness for the break in our day.

Today, why not surprise your dog with a different walking experience? Take a new route around your neighborhood, or jump in the car and go on a hike, go to a park any play in the snow. Whatever you can do, even the smallest change, I promise will make both you and your dog just a little happier. Enjoy your day and your dog!

It’s been a chaotic last couple of weeks, and for the humans, this time has been filled with worry and sadness. Sadness because my daughter’s beloved beagle, Allie, who was believed to have an abscessed tooth and went through the removal and dental cleaning followed by antibiotics and no improvement has gone to romp golden fields, and we know that she was met at the gates by MaeMae, Hank and all the other numerous dogs, cats and other animals we have loved through the years. Allie died from cancer in her jaw, sinus cavities and eye.

Worry, because Isabella was diagnosed with a pea-size mammary tumor that was removed on the 1st of February and we await another week of concern before finding out if it is benign or malignant ( it’s a 50/50 draw).

Interesting fact that I recently learned from some breeders I have been corresponding with and various articles I have read; female dogs who are allowed to go into a first heat run a 8% increase in risk for developing mammary tumors. If allowed to go into a second heat without becoming pregnant that risk increases to 26%. If you currently have a puppy who has not reached her first heat, or a dog that hasn’t been spayed, I would ask you to read the following article, published by the American College of Veterinarian Surgeons. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/mammary-tumors

So what should we take away from the last couple of weeks? A few things come to mind, make it a practice to love all over your dog at least once a month. Checking for any lumps, or sore areas. Closely monitor how your dog is behaving; are they constantly licking one area, or have they lost interest in their food or playing? Being a good dog parent is very similar to being a good human parent, the only difference is that your dogs don’t ever reach an age where they can tell you they don’t feel good.

Philosophically, what have I learned through all this, well that part is easy. Your dog lives life to the fullest every day, they don’t complain, even when they feel their worst. If they are still capable, they get up look you in the eyes and wag their tail, just so very grateful for another day with you. They are your devoted and loyal companion until the very end; and they leave that knowing and difficult decision on when their journey has been completed up to you. They leave the worry about whether you as their human companion, are making the right decision in a timely manner about mercifully ending their life, the fear of what it means to both live without them and to be the person who decides to take a canine life from this earth, and the tears of the love you have felt and the emptiness of their loss in your life.

Dogs get the easy part in some respects, they live in the moment and that is their joy, you are their joy! Worry never crosses their minds, fear mostly likely has, but they have never been afraid with you. Tears? It is my belief that dogs sense our distress, but if God had allowed them to cry, we would be comforting them and not the other way around. Dogs have been given to us for many reasons, but one of their most important is their ability to comfort and calm.

If we as humans can train ourselves to let go of worry and fear and focus only on the life and love that surround us, maybe then we could get up every morning, as long as we are capable, with a smile on our faces, and joy in our hearts to greet each new day and those we love.

Start today to be grateful for life and the part your dog plays in your existence.