Heart Like a Dog

The Good, the Bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs!

Therapy Dogs….Day Three Hundred, Twenty Nine

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Last year my mother had valve replacement surgery.  A surgery which should have had her home in 5 days turned into a 10 day hospital stay and then a three-week rehabilitation at a local convalescent home.

The rehabilitation facility we choose had just opened their new cardiac wing and mom was probably the third or fourth person admitted.  My mom did not want to go to a “nursing home” because back when she was a child, that is where the older folks went and more than likely they didn’t come home.  We did our best to reassure her that we were not sending her there to die, just to get well and strong enough so I could manage her care at home.

Even with daily visits from my sister and myself, mom was very lonely. One day I had the thought to ask if the dogs could go in for a visit; the nursing staff agreed immediately; as long as the dogs were well-behaved. 🙂

Needless to say, it was a fairly rough month for me, with going back and forth to the hospital and then daily trips to the convalescent home.  It was also a confusing time for Sampson and Delilah because I wasn’t home a lot and when I was home, I was a bit stressed so bringing them with me was a win-win.

Saturday morning Hubby and I loaded the dogs in the car and headed off to the convalescent home; where mom was very excited to have some furry visitors.

The dogs were very well-behaved and charmed everyone who met them; we even got to take mom outside to the courtyard to enjoy a bit of spring sunshine.

For Dianne and Rudy….Day Three Hundred, Twenty Eight

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Every Monday evening at 10 pm (EST) people all over the world, from all different professions;  take part in “The Monday Candle Ceremony.”

No it’s not some weird ritual, or religious ceremony, it’s the simple lighting of candles in memory of a pet that has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

Saturday my friend Dianne’s 12 year companion Rudy, went to the Rainbow Bridge.

Rudy 11/5/99 - 10/22/11

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Tonight I light my candle for Rudy and Dianne and for all of you, who have someone waiting for you at the Bridge.

Safety First….Day Three Hundred, Twenty Seven

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Last week I found out that the person who owns the house Delilah keeps running off to, actually owns land which enters the woods close to the hiking trail; and he hunts on it.

My walking buddy told me this, because she actually looked up from the path and saw him sitting in the woods; with a gun.  Delilah is still on the check cord so she is usually no more than 35 feet away from me, so I don’t really worry about her, plus she’s dark brown in coloring.  Sampson on the other hand has a color similar to a deer.

My friend has a reflective vest for her dog and Hubby and I thought it might be a good idea to get vests for Sampson and Delilah.  Hubby went to Cabela’s yesterday and picked up these vests.

He got Sampson an extra-large and Delilah a large.  Sampson’s was a little big, but the large was too small.

 

I think it looks beautiful with my coloring.

 

The dogs need to get use to wearing the vests, so I put them on this morning and we headed out.

About 10 minutes into our walk Delilah’s leash had become entangled with a small branch and rather than have her drag it and risk tripping or hurting one of us, I stopped to untangle it.

When I looked up Sampson was gone!

And then about 100 yards away I saw the fluffy white tail of a deer as it dashed away and jumping along behind it,  a little orange vest.

Thankfully Sampson usually comes back when he is called and today was no exception; if he hadn’t had the vest on I’m not sure if I would have seen him or not.

Now that I know there is a hunter close by I will be sure to have the dogs wear their vests, and will do my best to keep them close to me when we are in that general area.

The vests were $20 each at Cabela’s and worth the money as long as I (and others) can spot the dog quickly.

Besides they are great for walking the dogs at night because of the reflective stripes on the side.

Safety First!

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