Sunday, October 2, 2016

Blessed relief !


It pours with rain. This presents a new challenge to our routine. Sophie can no longer lie outdoors pondering her 'movements' at a leisurely pace. Trips outside between downpours seem to generate bemusement rather than action.


In the afternoon it stops raining and reverts to being grey and damp. Miss Sophie is placed outside in her pen, bandaged leg wrapped in a freezer bag to keep the rain away from the wound, plastic sheet and a cushion placed underneath to keep her warm and dry. A blanket is draped over her shaved flanks.

There is a brief interlude of sunshine. This is the only 'interlude' there is.


Bob remains on edge. He gives me his ' there's something wrong with my sister ' look. He has long walks, lots of Mano a Mano's and tickles.


In the evening the sky has cleared. The Mares Tails telling us a change in the weather is on the way.


So passes a day with a wet, muddy, extremely feisty patient. Finally at nine, after it's dark, I carry her out and deposit her in the peony border. Not the most mud free of environments but one that rings some of the right bells for her. When she thinks we're not looking there is a moment of blessed relief ! An uninterrupted night follows. A cause, if ever there was one, for rejoicing.

A record of those liitle things that dog folk will understand and which non-dog folk won't.




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22 comments:

Kittypup said...

Indeed...the all-consuming life of dog folk. We take the rough with the smooth...we love them and they love us back...ten-fold.
Bless you all and best wishes for a dry and peaceful Sunday.

Anonymous said...

We dog folk, here on the Westcoast of Canada, know exactly what the 'blessed relief' means - in situations like this. Just a wee mention -
was the bandage on her right front leg (indeed) meant to come off? Hope I was correct in mentioning it yesterday. Here's to a good day for all four of you!

WFT Nobby said...

Never easy keeping a dog wound dry, in my experience.
Wishing you a rain-free day of regular movements.
Cheers, Gail.

Coppa's girl said...

We, too, wish you a dry, sunny Sunday, with more successes in the peony border ! Who cares about the mud if it does the trick !

Taste of France said...

Not dog folk, but after a foot operation (including plastic bag to keep it dry while trying to shower, though I didn't have to worry about peony bushes) I have great sympathy for Sophie.
Rain....it doesn't seem to make it past Toulouse. We got a total of 13mm in September, vs. 42mm average. Clouds yesterday produced only a couple of drops.

Angus said...

How rude of me not to have replied. Somehow, the times just seems to disappear. Yes, the vet was consulted and the bandage came off. As I was removing it ( Sophie was in her pen with the door open ) the post lady came. Sophie literally leapt over me and was out of the front door before I could stop her ! This tells us 1) that the leg is healing and 2) that you can't relax even for a minute with a patient like this. Eyes in the back of your head are needed.

Angus said...

How rude of me not to have replied. Somehow, the times just seems to disappear. Yes, the vet was consulted and the bandage came off. As I was removing it ( Sophie was in her pen with the door open ) the post lady came. Sophie literally leapt over me and was out of the front door before I could stop her ! This tells us 1) that the leg is healing and 2) that you can't relax even for a minute with a patient like this. Eyes in the back of your head are needed.

Anonymous said...

The relief we feel at theirs.
Here's to a good day.
x

Virginia said...

Good news indeed... but tough on the peonies! Who cares about peonies, Sophie, and you are much more important,... long may there me success!

Sheila said...

At least all this watching and waiting nearby must have solved the 'recycling' problem for the time being.

isa said...

I breathe a sigh of relief along with you...And you must be getting quite a workout, carrying Sophie back and forth!:-)

Swan said...

Maybe you could open that big outdoor umbrella next to her pen...

MLou said...

Our little king charles spaniel had both legs broken when it was a hit by a car. We had to tote him around the garden too and well remember his discomfort and confusion with the unusual circumstances. He was an obsessive retriever and it was a full time job keeping him quiet. I'm glad that Sophie found some relief and gave everyone a better sleep.

Jean said...

Oh we know very well that feeling of relief. One of the greatest skills of being a dog owner is to always be aware of the state of your dog's "movements".

Anonymous said...

bless you! and your wonderful patience with your little patient.
I wish you could tell bob not to worry. I know he is. such a sweet soldier. xo♥

Unknown said...

With Rory we had to make frequent adjustments and learn by much trial and error. It made us very inventive and often exhausted. Happily Sophie is recuperating and will do fine with your devoted care.

The sunset picture is beautiful.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Sounds like there is a routine of sorts. Hope Sophie can spend some quality time overseeing the meals.

Dianne said...

Rain or shine, it is a good day when all is going well with patient Sophie's potty time; she definitely doesn't need any additional bothersome difficulties......and of course, she WILL do it her way!.....Sweet dearest Bob needs special reassuring times for certain.........DBH

Kari said...

Sophie is doing her best to adapt and it appears she's doing very well indeed. What a wonderful dog. It's good you are able to work out her care whilst the weather is still fairly good. The weather for the second post op period most likely will not be as pleasant.
Sophie is looking especially lovely, by the way.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I hope this night is just as peaceful and uninterrupted.

Heda said...

Good thinking about the peonies.

Emm said...

Is Sophie getting any kind of painkiller meds, or was she? In humans, those can cause side effects that include clogging the plumbing, so perhaps the same with canines.