What crazy weather we’ve had this month.
Yesterday brought chilling snow flurries all morning long, and today’s highs are barely reaching 60 degrees.
Though I know I’d feel better if I went out for a walk, not having my walking “Buddy” around has given me so many reasons to be lazy.
Yes, our golden retriever, Buddy, is out of remission for awhile. A few weeks back, the side of his face became very swollen, and his entire right cheek was strangely deformed - as if bitten by an insect.
Though the swelling went down temporarily, it was stubbornly determined to stay.
I brought Buddy to the vet two days ago.
Steve and I were told he was suffering from an abscessed tooth. – That would certainly explain his sudden raunchy breath, but even more disturbing, we learned that several small growths on his body, called mast cell tumors, were serious enough to be malignant.
Yes, possibly the big “C” word. -- Cancer.
This was devastating news.
Buddy is going on 9 years old and is the smartest dog I’ve ever known. What I admire about him is that no matter what kind of mood I’m in, he’s always there to wag his tail and love me no matter what.
I can walk with this dog for miles without putting him on a leash; he knows how to heal on command. Buddy's been a wonderful motivator, because he gives me a reason to walk, run, and play ball in the park. -- I love that he keeps me energized and young.
And, though sometimes he can be a bit of a mooch (hee-hee), not having Buddy around on Thursday created a sudden void in my world. – One in which I wasn’t ready to face.
Though Steve and I have always joked with one another about how both of our pets are “just” a dog and “just” a cat, they are the closest thing to children we have ever come to know.
Therefore, naturally, when we learned Buddy would need to have immediate surgery, it only took a moment before Steve and I agreed he was definitely worth footing the hefty medical bill.
What is it about our pets that cause us to open our wallets and spend more on them than we do on ourselves?
For me, it’s Buddy’s enormous capacity to offer such unselfish loyalty and benevolent affection no matter what.
His intuitive gifts are remarkable. -- He has this profound ability to make me feel needed even when I’m fully absorbed in my work -- Be it his bouncing rubber ball dropped at my feet or his long impatient sigh alerting me that our walk for the day is long overdue; Buddy has won over my heart.
Affection is defined as “a fond attachment, devotion, or love.” (Webster’s)
When Buddy underwent surgery two days ago, a pool of affection formed deep in my heart.
Now back home, Bud's recovering well, and sad but true, Steve and I were told that if the tumors on his body are indeed malignant, even chemotherapy won’t help.
Looking into his groggy eyes that day, I cupped Buddy's furry face in my hands and gently kissed the tip of his nose.
“I love you, Bud,”
Buddy affectionately wagged his tail. -- We were fully in agreement.
Things We Can Learn From A Dog
1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6. Take naps & stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp & play daily.
8. Eat with gusto & enthusiasm.
9. Be Loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you're not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by & nuzzle them gently.
13. Thrive on attention & let people touch you.
14. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
15. On hot days, drink lots of water & lay under a shady tree.
16. When you're happy, dance around & wag your entire body.
17. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing & pout. -- Run right back and make friends.
18. Bond with your pack.
19. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
~Author Unknown
...................................
ETE – Sign up for your fun, free E-Parable (inspired by, you guessed it... my wonderful dog Buddy!) - http://www.soulfelt.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment