Colby is full of zeal. OK, not in this photo. He rests with just as much zeal but not for too long at a time. He loves to bark, loves to play, loves to run. He has favorite toys that have quirky names (thanks to hubs). He has a queak-queak, a tick-tick, a kong, a pull-pull and a chew-chew. These toys (in order) are a knobby squeaky ball, a stick, a kong, a kong with a stretchy band attached, and a thick twist of rubber that is great for chewing.
This morning, he was let out by hubs for his pee time. Now, I always go out and keep my eye on him so he doesn't do his business in the neighbour's yard or decide to go on an unsupervised romp. Hubs does not do this. He just lets him out and then goes to the kitchen to put coffee on. I was still in bed, struggling to open my eyes, aware that my blind guy was out there alone and trusting he'd be a good boy (which he is most of the time) and will just make his way to the front door.
After a little bit, to get Colby's attention, hubs takes the queak-queak outside and 'queaks' it. This always gets his attention. He came running, full tilt and ran hard into the old and heavy cast iron 'fire pit' in the back yard. OUCH! This is when our hearts break for him. He's usually aware of everything in the yard and dodges things successfully but his excitement gets the better of him at times. He suffered a gash under his totally blind eye and another small cut between his eyes.
Thankfully, these injuries don't happen often but he's one tough dog. He carries on like nothing happened at all, barking, playing, romping and all of that. We thought we'd help take his mind off his pain (I'm sure it was smarting) and took him and Mikey for a long two hour walk on a lonely dirt road. He was in doggie glory as there's nothing (much) to get in his way and he can run and bark to his heart's content.
Ohhhhhh..... I'm so sorry.We've been there, done that! and will again, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Cairn who was a diabetic/blind/incontenent/and more... for years we gave insulin shots, etc.
Nothing phased him much, except on the beach when we'd toss his tennis ball and he couldn't see the damned thing!!! HAd to pretend to throw it long and then let it land short. UGH!
It's all forgotten now. Silly cast iron firepit for being in the way!!!! XO
Dogs adapt very well... their owners struggle more. Thing about Colby is that he was not a 'pet' when he came to us. He was trained to be a working dog so, in my opinion, he's a bit wild but has certainly come a long way over that past three years...not a mean dog at all, just strong and rather compulsive. We love him to bits.
ReplyDeleteRunning at full tilt into things is pretty much my style. Yes it hurts sometimes...
ReplyDeleteBut being kept away from healthy fun and adventure doesn't suit me.
Let me out and I may just run into the damn BBQ. But at least I'm out and running after what I want.
When I'm too old and too infirm to recognize what I love and too weak to run for what I want, don't feel sorry for me. My hope is that someone will love me enough to to make me comfortable 'till I'm ready to be let go one last time.
Our Annie dog got Lyme disease that went undetected for a year. Side effects include mysterious infections and a crippling condition in her left rear leg. She's under treatment and she still hurts. But she wants to run after children and sheep and play in the water. Quality of life baby.
So I asked my wife, "How far do we go to treat this dog...this true blue and loving family member?"
"We'll take care of her as long as she's comfortable." said my sensible wife.
That's re-assuring.