Sunday, November 27, 2016

The unexpected things.


Sophie's 'irregularity' might be down to the fact that she was shaved rather too closely in the hospital. Much discomfort when what must be done is done. She screams - not just any scream but a wake the village scream. The unexpected things one learns when one has a recuperating dog. 


Bob wonders why we haven't cured his sister. His disappointment is there for all to see.


Today the family fellow and Angus will spend the afternoon at the rugby match. Sophie will sleep in the kitchen while 'The Font' prepares Langoustine Risotto for dinner and webinars with the Pasadena astrophysicists.

Angus and Bob have been invited to the rugby players lunch before the match. A sign that we're now considered quasi-French ?  This being France profonde the two teams will sit down to a four course meal. You would have thought they'd eat after the match. 

Perhaps this concern about digestion is another sign that I've turned into my father. Bob has no such worries .


Off to the bakers bright and early. Townsfolk hurrying on their way to the first mass of the morning. From where I've parked the car it's possible to see from the disjointed roof line and not quite connected patching-ups that the old church has suffered many indignities in the last nine hundred years. Wars, fires, revolutions - it's taken them all in its stride. There's something reassuring in that.


16 comments:

Coppa's girl said...

Poor Sophie, she must be in great discomfort, no wonder she is reluctant to do what she has to. Perhaps the vet (or farmacy) can suggest a soothing cream to apply to the affected areas?
Poor Bob, too, he's relying on you to make everything right in his world. I'm glad he's been invited to the Rugby lunch with you, that should cheer him up.

Anonymous said...

Some sort of protective cream like something for diaper rash may help poor Sophie.

Virginia said...

I was going to suggest a heavy barrier cream too. The vet may even have an anaesthetising cream - short term of course - that might help. Life is undignified enough at the moment, poor girl, without that to put up with as well. You all have my sympathy.

WFT Nobby said...

Seems to me the rugby players have their priorities straight!

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Our wake the village screams usually involve cats!

Kari said...

Is it from being shaved too closely or an actual physical burn from the shaver head becoming too hot against the skin when going through dense hair? Absolutely call your vet, describe what you see , how Sophie feels and ask for some sort anesthetic topical ointment to apply. The correct anesthetic ingredient will soothe without further irritating/ chemically burning the skin. Is she on post-op pain meds.
Sophie certainly doesn't need added pain. You'd scream too if such a thing was done to you, Angus.

Kerrie Roberts said...

My husband also goes to the pre-match lunch with our local rugby club, but he tells me the players don't attend. Perhaps yours are more "robuste". Our love to Sophie, and of course, the empathic Bob.

Taste of France said...

Poor Sophie! I hope you find a solution until the tender area heals up.
The thought of a webinar with Pasadena makes me tired. Of all the parts of the world I deal with, California is the worst for scheduling and usually requires getting up at 4 a.m. On a recent occasion, I realized the words coming out of my mouth were gibberish, I was so sleepy. Pulling it off with astrophysics seems superhuman.

Kathy said...

Anesthetic drugs and pain killers could also be factors in Sophie's "irregularities". Does Sophie like fruit? Like maybe prunes added to her meal. Having had 6 surgeries myself I can attest to it. :)

Unknown said...

How wonderful that Bob has also been invited to the four course lunch. This should brighten his day.
I hope that Sophie's pain is quickly eased.

Liz Van Buren said...

Aw, poor Soph! As all readers of your blog know, anything that CAN be done to help WILL be done immediately so I have no qualms about that. Poor Bob - I wish he could understand. This is so distressing but will hopefully soon pass. xxoo

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

Poor Sophie. I do hope the fur grows in quickly....

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Angus, I hope that you and Bob had an enjoyable meal, if it wasn't, there's the delicious one prepared by 'the font' to make up for it!

I read your previous response to my comment about Bob - I'll keep hoping for a positive diagnosis and full recovery for him! I'm also so glad that the harness has been such a big help for you and Sophie and I hope that the specialists knowing about it, that it makes a difference for other dogs and their owners too!

PS: As for Sophie's razor burn, of course you'll have to keep her from licking it, and "sudocrem" is quite good, as is witch hazel on a saturated cotton ball or gauze to hold on the area. Using a cold compress can also help decrease the inflammation for a short time - Hope she feels better!

Louise said...

Any diaper rash cream with zinc will help soothe the area, although preventing her from licking it off might be a problem. Perhaps a nice layer could be applied once she falls asleep?? Also, a thick layer of Vaseline applied just before bathroom would provide a barrier between urine and raw skin and might help minimize burning.

Human skin is my thing. While dog skin is different (something about them only sweating via their feet, and oil production, different glands) I'm pretty sure a too close shave burns just the way it does a human.

Louise said...

Any diaper rash cream with zinc will help soothe the area, although preventing her from licking it off might be a problem. Perhaps a nice layer could be applied once she falls asleep?? Also, a thick layer of Vaseline applied just before bathroom would provide a barrier between urine and raw skin and might help minimize burning.

Human skin is my thing. While dog skin is different (something about them only sweating via their feet, and oil production, different glands) I'm pretty sure a too close shave burns just the way it does a human.

BaileyBobSouthernDog said...

I hope this next week will be better for everyone. Bob and Sophie are just too sweet to hurt, and be confused about this latest surgery. I am sending a big group hug for all at the ROF.