Friday, November 22, 2019

The oldest adage in the world.


A flood of visitors at the front gate. Somehow,the villagers have heard that Angus has been away. 'The Font' informs everyone that I'm resting. The Belgian lady bakes me a cake. Such are the courtesies of French village life.

The oldest adage in the world : It never rains but it pours. Bob, that most affable of companions, is not well. 


He's not eaten since Tuesday. His stomach is having spasms. His pupils saucer like. Nothing stays down .... or in. Three trips to the vets with 'The Font' in the last 60 hours. Blankets piled up to keep him warm and cosy.  The guess is , although there's no proof, that he's eaten some mouldy walnuts. This autumn the vet has seen two or three dogs a day suffering from this. Something to do with the walnut skins fermenting in the unseasonably wet conditions and creating toxins. Bob's had injections and his stomach cleaned out. Now we wait.

Even Sophie is aware that her brother is unwell.


After his operation Angus finds it helps to get up and walk around the house in the small hours.This strange timekeeping works out well - late night 'twinges' can be ignored. The family fellow now asleep under my desk, chin resting on my feet. There are some benefits of dog ownership, mutual devotion being one of them, that are eternal although not without cost. The good thing is that Bob is at heart as tough as nails. Being able to sleep with your chin on your best friends toes is of course the very best medicine.


17 comments:

Lisa in Tokyo said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Bob's unwell. We've just been through another bout of pneumonia with Cherry, followed by a very bad stomach upset probably caused by all the antibiotics. It's just the worst when a pet is ill, in part because you often don't know for sure what is going on and they can't tell you. I hope you will both feel better soon.

Stephanie said...

Angus, I'm happy to see that you're home and I hope you will mend quickly and as painlessly as possible. But I'm very sorry to see that the family fellow is under the weather. May he also recover quickly and fully. It's always troubling when our friends fall ill.

Fay said...

We are sorry that Bob...and Angus...have been unwell. Very worrisome. We are sending our good wishes and healing hopes your way, from SE USA. /The cardis3 and the New SPoo

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Reading about Bob, I feel as if one of my own dogs isn't feeling well. I wish there was something I could do, other than to hope (!!) that he's brighter in the morning and it's a better day for Bob. I know that will help you to feel better as well.

Bailey Bob Southern Dog said...

Kim has said it all. I add my thoughts and prayers for everyone at the ROF.

The Life of Riley said...

Oh Bob, we are so sorry to hear you are unwell, but we know resting your chin an Angus's feet is also good medicine for him too. Our thoughts are with all at the ROF as we wish that both you and Angus feel better soon.

Poppy Q said...

Oh Bob, sorry that you have a bit of gut rot. I hope that your tummy bugs pass quickly and you are bright eyed and bushy tailed again soon.

WFT Nobby said...

Oh poor Bob. Sometimes the guardian of the flock needs some TLC too. For Bob and his master to be recuperating together, canine chin on human toes, is surely the best medicine for both.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Oh dear... amd sending some POTP (power of the paw) to Bob and his best mate. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

Coppa's girl said...

So very sorry to hear that poor Bob is now unwell too. Wishing you both a very speedy recovery. Hopefully it won't be long before you are able to sit on the storm drain and put the world to rights. With world events over the past weeks, you'll have a lot of catching up to do.

Susan said...

Toxins in mouldy walnuts makes perfect sense to me. I do hope you are both better very soon.

Pam in NH said...

Oh my, good boy Bob ate walnuts and Sophie didn't? That defies PON logic ;-)
Well wishes and prayers for all at the ROF, especially the Font. XXXX

Taste of France said...

Poor Bob. It's amazing how much communication can be accomplished without words. Bob is very eloquent.
I hope both of you are well very soon.

liparifam said...

Oh, no - so sorry to read this :( Sending all good wishes to you both. Sophie does looks very worried, poor thing...

Maudie said...

The poor love. Worrying along with you and praying for you both to recover swiftly.

10NISNE1 said...

So sorry to read about Bob being unwell. Prayers and love sent.

E Snook said...

Best of get well wishes to Angus and Bob.