Happy Friday everyone!
I’m going to get right down to it: I’m worried about my dog.
A few weeks back, she tore her ACL (a ligament in her back right leg). The vet said to carry her everywhere for 2 weeks and give her pain meds. She seemed to be doing much better, and when we had our vet recheck on Monday he said she looked great.
Wednesday night Gracie, was outside chasing Charlie around the yard and everything was fine.
Two hours later, she couldn’t put any weight on it and whimpered throughout the night.
Gracie will be 10 years old in a couple of weeks. She is my shadow.
My absolute, without a doubt, best buddy … who is a bit too codependent on me.
In the last year, I have started to see her slow down a bit and it scares me. When she gets up in the morning to go out, she really has to take her time stretching, and her eyes are starting to get a little bit foggy.
I don’t think she’s in any imminent danger of going anywhere, but just these sad signs of aging are freaking me out. If anything would ever happen to any of my pups, you will literally have to commit me somewhere because I will lose my mind.
Working from home, I am surrounded by them everyday. The three amigos follow me from room to room and help assist me with all of my projects.
The thought of not hearing one of those sets of little feet following me makes me want to crawl into a hole.
In the past I will sometimes get annoyed at Grace shoving up past my laptop to have her 18th belly rub of the day, and I’ll push her to the side. In this last year, I have really tried to remain present with her whenever possible because in the back of my mind, I wonder how many belly rubs will there be to come?
I know a lot of people will read this and think “get a grip woman, this is just a dog”. For me, I will be thankful for every wanted belly rub, and I will carry her from room to room if her leg hurts. I will buy special meat to sneak her pills into, and not move at night because I know she is curled up between my knees. I will take her on walks when I don’t feel like it and throw her dirty stuffed racoon a thousand times, even though I’m trying to workout.
You do these things for “people” that you love, and I love this little white furball with eyes that will melt your soul with all of my heart.
To some people she is just a dog, but to me she is family.
On to my favorite pins of the week!
Have a great weekend!
Your Mom in law says
I am sorry to read about Gracie dear…I know she is your first doggie kiddo and is such a blessing to you! Our old Emma the cat (16 y o we think) is also not well this morning..and I feel your sinking heart aches..but I will pray for you as I do every day Sweetie, and add Gracie this morning too. Love always, your mom in love 🙂
Michelle says
Totally understand your heartache with Gracie getting older. Our rottie Lulubelle, is now 10 1/2 which is old for a big dog, and I’ve recently made the sad decision to retire her from therapy work. She has been a certified therapy dog since 2008 and arthritis and cataracts and a recent illness in the spring have taken their toll on her. It’s time to let her retire and enjoy her “golden” years.
Belly rubs, bits of steak, a new ortho bed by the window to watch the birds – it’s all worth it to make her happy….
Shanna says
Awww poor Lulubelle! It sounds like she will be just as happy at home with that comfy bed and the people she loves.
Nancy West says
I know exactly how you feel. My peek-a-poos are now 12 and 14. One is completely blind and the other about 80%. They follow me everywhere and hog my bed at night. They are my four legged children and I worry about losing them one day. I understand your sadness, love them all you can, and be thankful you are their life.
Shanna says
Thanks Nancy. I’m glad I’m not the only person that worries about what the future will bring. I know what joy Gracie brings to me and I am going to enjoy that for as long as I can. Have a wonderful week!
Dotte says
I know what you mean and can relate when it comes to our furry babies!!!
I had a similar situation with our boy Moon, an English Bull. We were blessed
to love and take care of him for 12 1/2 years. He was our baby boy.
I look forward to your Friday posts and every one of those precious wet noses
that are included……
Shanna says
Thanks Dotte! It sounds like Moon had a wonderful owner that gave him a great life. It’s amazing what joy those babies can bring into your life.
Marcia Banach says
So sorry to hear your fur baby concerns. I have a couple of them myself and I absolutely delight in their company (well, except for the times I want to give them away for peeing someplace they shouldn’t! !). I love your blog, and always look forward to the Friday picture of someplace tropical. Keep ’em coming!
Shanna says
Thanks Marcia! It’s amazing what joy dogs can bring into your life. When I got married I had never had a dog before and never wanted one. My hubby talked me into the first one and then I talked him into the next two!
Crystal says
I totally understand. We have two dogs (sisters) that are 10 years old and showing signs of aging too. It’s so hard because they are family. I’m right there with ya 🙁
Shanna says
Thanks Crystal! I’m going to totally freak out when something happens to one of these pups. If you see that the blog has totally disappeared and my hubby announces that I am in the looney bin you will know why!
Peggy Swearingen says
I know exactly what you mean about your baby. My Gracie follows me everywhere I go and cries when I leave just to go to the store. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She not only is my shadow, but my heart, my best friend, and her loyalty is beyond compare, I hope your baby is ok. They almost mean as much to us as our children and definitely are family.
Shanna says
I so agree Peggy! I will totally fall apart if something ever happens to her. It’s funny that growing up I had only had cats. Having never been around dogs I really never had a desire to have one. My hubby convinced me to get her and then I had to convince him to get the next two!
Sondra Lee says
All these posts have helped to smooth out some of the jagged edges of my terrible fears of losing my adorable but weird Puddy-Tat. We have lived alone together ever since she padded in the door with me as a kitten 16 years ago when I arrived home from work, cased out the joint and decided that it would suit her just fine. As for this human, I admit I offered no resistance whatsoever and rushed right out for some Meow Mix, a litter box with extra litter, a cat bed, a tricked out cat carrier, kitty vitamins, cat grooming supplies, several cat toys and five varieties of special cat treats. Puddy-Tat has reigned supreme over all affairs domestic, complete with a highly-trained, slavish servant (that would be me). The way you describe your emotions about your Gracie is not overstating the reality of this nerve-wrenching struggle against time (unless we’re both crazy). This final separation anxiety is like dying a little death each day in fear of losing my best bud in the world. I’m pretty much a recluse and didn’t realize there are others out there who are also enduring this particular mini-madness. We have no choice, but at least we are not alone. I’m thinking you didn’t realize what a blessing you would be to people like me, traveling with you a little ahead or behind, but on the same scary pathway. Thank you, you lovely girl.
Shanna says
Awww, Sondra you make me want to cry! I am so glad there is someone else out there like me. They definitely become members of the family. I spend more time with them than my actual family. I think God sends them to you when you least expect them because he know’s you need each other. We had to put my sweet kitty of 21 years down last year and even though it was the right thing to do for her it was gut wrenching. Even a year later I still expect to see her coming around the corner. Your fur baby is so lucky God blessed her with you!