A Few Months of Grieving and Back To Life!

It's been tough - I won't make any bones about it.

First we lost Skallywag in January, and then Rusty in June.  They were such sweet and wonderful souls - they brought so much goodness and light energy to our home.  Both Samson and Simon were devastated by the loss.  They've also been helping me grieve, as well.

So, for the first time since we said "Farewell, old friend" to Rusty, we ventured to the River for some exercise and sun. 



What many don't know at this time, is that Simon walks with a brace now. 

Last year, when we took Skally in to the vet (her last visit - due to cancer that had metastasized) Simon also went in for x-rays.  They discovered he had torn all the ligaments and tendons that held his knee together with his lower leg - so all he has is bone-on-bone action.  Ouch!

So, the option was to operate and try to hold him quiet for 8 weeks (that would take a miracle!), or the brace, which would have the same end effect - arthritis (owie!)

We were also told that he needed to be walking consistently to keep the muslces in his leg strong.  We'll also be looking at underwater treadmill therapy, besides his walking and other regular routines. 

So, Anyhow, off we went today to the Sandy River in order to visit the Thousand Acre Dog Park.  Well, we weren't the only ones to arrive...So, we parked about a mile away and walked across the road to the river where dogs needed to be leashed. 

Sammy and Simon didn't really care!  They were so excited!  Off we went.  We took the path in the woods, as the riverbank didn't really look all that easy, and I was a little worried about his brace coming off (it's a lot of Velcro stays).  They scurried and hiked so youthfully! 

We finally came to the river and in went Simon!  BAM!  He ran with the other dogs, and his brace kept coming off (sand and Velcro don't mix).  So, I took it off him and allowed him to swim and chase sticks in the water.  Boy!  I haven't seen him that active in ages! 

Now, Samson was one of two smaller dogs there.  He had no interest in dealing with the other one (a puppy) so he blended into the sand (see above) and enjoyed the sun!  Loved watching him laugh and scurry along as we walked further along the riverbed. 

So, the day was long for them, but full of life and vigor.  They'd been up since 6 this morning, and at 645 pm they are finally dimming their lights for the day. 

While our dear ones may have left us physically, their ethereal presence was felt and inhaled today at the river. 

New Breath of Spring

I only just discovered this.  I felt it a good thing to post, even if events present here are no longer the same.  It gives new breath and helps with closure.




The Winter has ceased.  The gloom and pall of death still lingers a bit.  But there is a new energy guiding the pups at home.

Rusty has taken over as the Alpha in the house - odd, but true.  This sage, laid-back guy has become more and more assertive since the passing of Skally.

Not one of these pups is the same, now, that she is no longer keeping watch over them.

Here's what's changed, thus far:
1)  Our walks are shorter.
     Simon doesn't always go for walks in the morning, nor does Rusty.  Instead, they seem to enjoy resting while Sammy and I hit the 'hood.

2)  Cuddle Sessions Are A Must!
      Rusty demands more attention, now, and will nose his way (forcefully, I must say) to me and shove the others out.  Simon loves being rubbed, as he always did, but now he demands more.  Samson crawls up on my chest and licks my face (Curse you Candy Crush Soda Saga - I cannot do both!).
So, lots of love going around.

3)  Don't Bump Rusty!
     This means you mayn't bump, touch, cross closely in front of, hit, knock down, annoy, tease, or do anything that Rusty mightn't like.  If you do, there is a nasty snarl/bark, and his jaws come crashing down on whatever he can get his jaws on.  Oh, yes!  That loving fluff o' fur is standing up for his rights, now.

4)  Samson cannot sleep without Pig-Pig, Timmy Mouse, Ricky Racoon, and Hammie Hedgehog.
5)  Rusty will chomp on your fingers while playing as you attempt to tie your shoes.
6)  Simon hates his new leg brace.  We'll be trying it on every day and leaving it on a bit just to get him used to it.  But, rather than walking away with it, he goes down and refuses to rise and walk.  He's stubborn.

They're all stubborn.

Sammy is frightened of both Rusty and Simon, now.  I've no idea why.  He plays a great deal in the small dog paddock at the park, watched over by his "aunties", who dote on him and try to have him play with their little uns.

This should begin a flow of new and exciting adventures - and we will see in the near future.