Sunday, December 4, 2016

' Since it is denied us to live long let us do something to show we have lived '.


Saturday afternoon. A change in Bobs behaviour. A collection of little things that we'd like to ignore but which take us to the vet. A full 45 minute examination. 'Probably just an infection' but an appointment for scans at the hospital in Toulouse arranged for Thursday. Metacam prescribed. Bob, unaware of human worries about his health, remains gloriously happy.


This morning at first light it's off down the hill to the stream. Bob and Angus go slowly. Not for Bobs sake but for his master who is less sure footed in the mud. A morning to spend with the family fellow doing nothing in style.  


Overnight, leaves have clogged the little waterfall. This interferes with minnow fishing but doesn't hinder Bob from having a go. I laugh at the sight of a large furry paw waving ineptly over the surface before splashing down. 


Here, away from the wind, dragon flies flit in the reed beds. Exotic bursts of lapis lazuli against the winter foliage. A grey heron, a female deer and a red headed woodpecker watch nervously from the shelter of the trees. This year the wild roses have produced masses of bright orange hips that attract clouds of starlings. A sign of a harsh winter to come ? In the field behind us, where the farmer has deep ploughed the clay soil, scores, possibly hundreds, of blue and yellow finches are grubbing for insects. They argue as they bob up the furrow ridge and into the dip, up the ridge and into the dip. Nature at its most comical. The low sun burns off the mist in the frost hollows. As the soil dries it emits faint 'popping' sounds. 


Dog and master head back up the hill. 35 minutes down, an hour back. Bob moves ahead with purpose, sniffing the verges, rolling in the long grass and barking at invisible things. ' Since it is denied us to live long let us do something to show we have lived '; the fill every second secret of canine contentment.


Sunday morning in deepest, deepest France profonde with a family fellow.



30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh dear. Not BOB too. Here on the Westcoast of Canada we have all fingers crossed for SOPHIE. Now we will have to allot 50% of those fingers for BOB. Hoping that nothing is terrible wrong with the Family Fellow - he is simply too dear, and he has been carrying a big big
load these past weeks and months and worrying about his sister. Time for all of us to think about BOB. And ANGUS. And the FONT. And continued thoughts for SOPHIE. Much love being sent your way from this canine household.

Lisa in Tokyo said...

I'm sorry to hear you are now forced to worry about Bob. I think I mentioned before that hypothyroidism can be one cause of the kind of one-sided facial paralysis Bob is showing, so I hope they will test for that - I believe it is a simple blood test. Not sure if the other things you are noticing would fall within the symptoms, but here's a link that includes a list: http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/hypothyroidism.htm. We never really noticed any symptoms before Cherry was diagnosed. It was the vet's idea to check when her weight did not drop after we put her on a diet. But once we put her on the synthetic hormone, we noticed a pretty dramatic change in her overall energy level. In any event, I feel confident all will be well with Bob. Within the past year, Cherry's been diagnosed with a genetic heart defect that has weakened her heart, and a gall bladder condition, as well as the thyroid problem. It was really very depressing, but with a good vet and proper medication, she's doing fine and spent most of the afternoon today playing Frisbee on the lawn. Best wishes to you all.

Virginia said...

Oh, heavens, that's bad news Angus. Another worry you didn't need. Another set of medical procedures (and $$$ too). We will be praying it all turns out to be easily diagnosed and treated.

Dianne said...

Much concern for this dear fella; prayers for him that all will be sorted out
quickly.....family protector and devoted companion; Bob is there for all and his legion of fans will have him in their thoughts and prayers......sending love to this special boy......Dianne

Coppa's girl said...

So very sorry to hear that you now have more worries over Bob's health. If he remains gloriously happy then we trust that, in spite of the change in his behaviour, there isn't too much wrong with him. It's to be hoped that it's all to do with stress after Sophie's second operation, and once she's back on her feet, he will be fine.
Sending hugs to you all, and all fingers crossed that all will be well.

Angus said...

Hi - Thanks for the link. The experience of other PON owners is worth its weight in gold and appreciated as such. We'll mention it when we see the specialists later in the week but I don't think the symptoms match his - one eye is losing its sight, the right hand side of the jaw is dropping further open and he's developed a weak right leg which means he gets a bit 'tipsy' as he walks. More worryingly he's started to become rather protective if people he doesn't know catch him unawares - a surprise in such an affable dog. We're taking the view that it's an infection and nothing more serious until told otherwise. He's happy.

WFT Nobby said...

A lovely description of the scene by the waterfall, but I can't help but worry about these little changes you have noticed in Bob. I do hope the vet can help.
Best wishes, Gail.

Heda said...

Lovely walk with the gorgeous boy. Hope all turns out to be well.

Jean said...

Fingers crossed here for Bob. It's so worrying when they are poorly.

Kari said...

Upsetting news about Bob. The saving grace is that he's still a happy boy. Our support and prayers are with you all.

Taste of France said...

Fingers crossed for good ol' Bob.
I threw out a hard crust of bread for the birds. I crushed it to small bits to make it easier for them. A bunch of sparrows (?) fought over the two biggest chunks, ignoring the pile of other crumbs. One hopped a foot away with a large bit in its beak, then another came and snatched it and hopped in a different direction, only to have it snatched by yet another. Fighting when there was more than enough for everybody. Happens in all species, I guess.

Anonymous said...

Thank you all for showing us how you live and always enriching our lives:) God bless the Rickety Old Farmhouse occupants always.

Swan said...

I'm sorry to hear you have more challenges ahead. I've come to love Bob and Sophie. They are both so blessed to have such a loving home. I know what it's like to have your heart walking around on 4 legs. From the previous comments I've read, you have a world wide support team wishing you all well.

Swan said...

P.S., I told my horses Vet that when she's not well I worry more about her than I ever did my 3 children! He said it's because they can't tell us where it hurts 🐎

Gigi K. said...

Prayers sent, fingers and paws crossed for Bob and all his family.

Gigi, Mitzi, and Emmy in California

10NISNE1 said...

Prayers said for everyone at the Rickety Old Farmhouse.

Unknown said...

What very fine pictures and descriptions to match. Angus, we are keeping the dear little chap and his sister in our prayers. This has been a very trying time for all of you. Our hearts go out to you all.

Swan said...

After a full body scan, my beloved horse was given a diagnosis of scilicosis and given 2-3 months to live. We took her back home to her usual Vet who decided to keep looking for answers. He called U.C. Davis and contacted her last vet who specializes in this disease. With love and prayers and an amazing doctor, almost 2 years after her diagnosis, I'm riding her and she's doing great. As animal lovers I believe we have to keep searching on our own and listen to our gut feelings, and most importantly, never give up.

Liz Van Buren said...

Standing by until the good news arrives next week - it surely will come. Love and prayers to each of you from Oregon on a rainy Sunday. xxoo

Anonymous said...

our darling bob. the stalwart little guy who loves life. and teaches us too as well.
it must come around alright for him. it just must.
will be waiting impatiently to hear. and envisioning it to be a simple matter to cure! XO♥

rottrover said...

Your description of your morning walk with Bob reminds me that one of the biggest gifts our dogs give us is an excuse to go outside and appreciate the natural world. Your words are wonderful. Good thoughts being sent for B & S.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

First prayer of the morning, and the last at night.
For Bob.
xx

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

A gorgeous walk. We're sending good wishes for Bob.

Anonymous said...

Sending love and support to all at the ROF.
May our sweet Bob's problem be found fast and cured even faster.
Pam in NH

liparifam said...

Oh dear, so sorry to hear this - Bob is such a sweetheart. Awfully coincidental that this all started while Sophie was laid up. My youngest pup (who is 10!) is struggling with some health issues right now, and it's so hard. All my sympathy and best wishes for good news after the tests...

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I am so, so sorry to read about Bob! I'll admit that Metacam is one of my least favorite medications (because it can't be given with Rimadyl, etc) but it's one that works. So, I'll hope that it works for Bob and that the answers are found for what has caused his symptoms.

I know this is a challenging time for you and 'the font' as dog-owners -- Your words of "stay strong" more than once to me has always been a good reminder, so I'll say "stay strong" to you both as well. I'm cheering you all on from my corner in Virginia.

booahboo said...

So very sad to hear about Bob... but do check for tick paralysis. Hope he'll be better soon. Our prayers with Bob and Sophie.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

We had a huddle with our two lovelies this morning and let them know that their friends over in the deepest part of France need our love and prayers. We all are keeping fingers and paws crossed for both Sophie and Bob.

Laura in Texas said...

Oh, dear -- I'm so upset to hear Bob needed a vet visit. I've added all of you to my prayer list and I know both your "kids" will be fine. Please give both a hug from my Heinz 57 girl Lucy! I wish your appointment was sooner; its going to be a long wait until Thursday.
Best wishes ---

Myboyzach said...

Fingers and paws crossed for all members of ROF!!! Are the cost centers appearing anytime soon?