Three weeks ago my little dog had to go in for an unexpected surgery. The poor thing was full of bladder stones, which pretty much feels like a belly full of gravel. I don’t know how long he’d had them, but he never let on that he was in pain. For a dog I refer to as my baby, he has proven to be something a lot stronger than a baby.
He went through a long and difficult surgery that left him very sore in a sensitive region. To add insult to injury, he lost his dignity when I had no choice but to make him wear a diaper, (yeah, there are diapers just for dogs). Most dogs would throw a fit, walk funny, or work hard to take that diaper off, but not my little guy. He hates it, but he takes it like a man.
Just when he started to heal, he was faced with another hurdle. A bad reaction to medication left him with painful skin lesions. I’ve never seen anything like them and I can’t even begin to imagine how much they hurt. I won’t get into the nitty gritty details, but let’s just say several of my shirts and a few blankets have stains I can’t get out thanks to those sores. He’s cried a few times, but I don’t fault him one bit. If it were me, I’d be crying a lot more. This little dog is tough and keeps his nubbin wagging no matter what.
My cat may be bigger than my dog, but his strength outmatches everyone in the house. Yesterday, he entered a difficult stage of his recovery – it’s gross so I won’t get in details – but I have faith he’ll fight through it with the same determination he’s had all along.
There are days when I just want to break down and cry (there have already been a few), but my tough little dog always reminds me to smile and keep going.
I have to give props to the staff of Indian Bend Animal Hospital. They are an amazing group of individuals who have shown both my dog and I an enormous amount of compassion and kindness.
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What’s your favorite thing this week?
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c.b.w. 2013
Your dog sounds like such a trooper! funnily enough, my favourite thing this week has been my new dog! He’s my first pet and I’ve had Sam for about ten days now. Life is completely different, and all for the better.
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They really do bring so much joy. I’m so glad you decided to bring a dog into your home. 🙂
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What a story. Poor little guy. And poor “mom.” I wish you both speedy recovery and lots of puppy hugs.
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Thanks for the well-wishes. He’s doing pretty good today, which means I am, too. 🙂
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Such a sweetie. Hope he feels better soon. Big Hugs!
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Thanks! He’s been getting a lot of hugs lately (although that isn’t really different from any other time!).
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He’s precious. With your loving care, he will heal.
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I’m sure once I get over the fear of doing everything wrong, I’ll feel more confident about taking care of him! Thank goodness I know a lot of people who work with animals.
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I love your dog and his spirit. Dog are with us for many reasons, and one of them is to teach us. Through your blog, he is teaching us how to be sick, how to heal, how to live with pain graciously, and how to appreciate when our loved ones want to help us. What valuable lessons! Now I just hope he heals fast and can feel 100% again.
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I learn from him every day. Even before all of this happened, he taught me how to jump into every day with a sense of wonder. 🙂
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Beautifully said!
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Och, the puir wee lamb!
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I know! I feel so bad for him, but I’m hoping his attitude will help him heal faster. 🙂
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Awww…sweet thing. Sending lots of love his way!!
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Thank you for the well wishes. I’m sure he feels all of this wonderful positive energy coming his way. 🙂
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aw what a trooper. He is lovely I hope he recovers soon x
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I never knew he was so tough! Sometimes I think he’s putting on a brave face for us so we don’t panic! 😉
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Oh, wow. Poor little guy. Sending good thoughts to you and your little buddy. Our dog is such a big part of the family… I hate it when something is wrong with him. I can’t imagine how tough this has been for you. Hang in there!
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Thanks for the positive thoughts. All of our pets are a big part of the family. I don’t have children, so my dogs are my furkids. Like any other mom, I feel their pain. Every day is getting better, though. 🙂
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Poor little man! It’s hard to see our pets suffer. Our cat had a severe case of urinary crystals and had to have surgery to open his urethra, so I can relate! Hope he has a speedy recovery.
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It’s heartbreaking when they are hurting! Especially, when you know there’s nothing you can do to help them beyond making them as comfortable as possible. 😦
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That poor baby boy! I am glad he has you to take care of him, and you have him to fill up your heart. I hope both of you are over this hurdle soon.
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Thanks for the well-wishes. He’s been doing pretty good this weekend and I hope that trend will continue. I know as we move forward there will be tough days, but I love that he is making the most of the moments when he feels good. 🙂
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And setting a good example for us two-legged folk!
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So sweet, he’s very lucky to be loved by you.
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I’m the lucky one to have him in my life. 🙂
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HUGE (((((hugs))))) honey xx
How is he?
xx
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Last night was rough, but he seems to be doing better today. Thanks for thinking of him!
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Thats good to hear CB 🙂
Love and hugs to both of you xxx
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Poor guy! Hope he’s starting to do better at this point.
If he’s a miniature pinscher (like he appears to be), they are definitely tough little dogs! My parents’ min pin was attacked by a bobcat several years ago. (Yes, I truly grew up in the country.) It did a number to his neck and we’re thankful that the big dog was there to ward the bobcat off, but he really handled the pain well, all things considered. He’s still the toughest dog in my parents’ pack. : )
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Aww, you’ve got a tough little guy, too! I can’t believe he took on a bobcat!
Yup, he’s a min pin. I always knew they were stubborn dogs, but I had no idea they had so much fight and strength in those little bodies.
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