Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Canine Independence


Today was my last scheduled day off for the rest of the year.  And instead staying home, I spent it with someone that I've known peripherally for a few years. She and I have worked on church committees together, and had brief conversations, but it took sitting next to one another at a meeting where we struck up a conversation and realized that we have a great deal in common--One thing is that she and her husband have 5 dogs, one is a Scottish Terrier and another a Portuguese Water dog that she shows and does field work with. We decided that we needed to get to know one another better.  So, today I met her very well behaved dogs, and we were off to have lunch at a restaurant that we both happen to really enjoy and did some shopping afterwards. Interesting, at least to me, how you can think you have little in common with someone and then find out the opposite is true.  Am I the only one this happens to?

Back at home the focus remains on Wendy.  The tilting of her head is not nearly as noticeable, but she still really struggles to get up and walk. The last couple of days Wendy has decided that she has had enough of eating her meals alone in bed, and hobbles into the kitchen to eat with the rest of the dogs. She's not able to stand the whole time, and won't eat an entire meal, but I think it's a good sign.
Wendy has also decided that the ramp we put on the steps isn't for her, but for old ladies and has channeled her independent nature and refuses to go up or down it.  So, I stand at the bottom of the steps, and help her down. Wendy also decided today that she wanted to go with us on our walk.  I got her outside but she couldn't stay on her feet, so I left her in the garage while the rest of us went for our walk. When I got back and got her up to go inside, I noticed her tail was wagging, just a little--I've not her tail-wag since she started having problems, and so it was a good feeling to see it.  I also found myself humbled at how hard she is trying to stick to her beloved routine, and how she seems to care little for how she may be feeling. I think I can learn from that.

41 comments:

  1. oh, that sweet girl is trying so hard...

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  2. Oh Wendy you are such a beautiful girl inside and out. And an inspiration. Big nose poke to you.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  3. Good for you Wendy, keep working at it, proud of you, and yes we have had that same experience.

    Your Pals
    Susie & Bites

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  4. Wendy we are all rooting for you girl. You just do your best it is good enough for us!!!! You are so pretty!!!

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  5. glad you found a new friend and that you had a good time out
    Wendy...what a wonderful dog
    she has good mama too
    and that is a good thing

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  6. I'm just catching up with things. Very glad to read that Miss Wendy is holding her own.

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  7. Wendy , we love you so much- and yes, we can learn from you.
    Your doing it all your way--just as it should be.
    We are so happy you had a good day with your new friend Kim- she is a gift for you.
    love
    tweedles

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  8. Otis the Scotty was my first real geriatric dog. He lived to 17 years of age. But Wendy's determination is just like Otis was. He wanted no help at all, he could do whatever he needed if I would just get out of his way. The hardest part was knowing when to try to help, or to walk away if he insisted. Wendy sounds like a twin to him.

    Glad you and your pal had fun today! No more days off this month! Nose to the grindstone!

    Cheers and hugs,

    Jo

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  9. Miss Wendy is so sweet. I'm glad to hear she was feeling better today.

    Cindy

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  10. Woof! Woof! A wagging tail is sure a good sign. Mom feels that way with her new friends. Golden LOVE to the Golden Pines Gang. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  11. Amazing how you can find a friend among acquaintances.

    What a sweetheart Wendy is. Trying so hard.....brings a tear to the eye.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  12. How delightful to discover a new friend! Love Wendy's courage and fortitude.

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  13. Our little soldiers....I'm leaking.

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  14. We're so sorry to learn Wendy has been ailing, but glad to see she seems to be holding her own. The fact that she won't give up is encouraging. We'll be keeping our paws crossed for her.

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  15. *hugs* ♥
    Hoping for Wendy and new friendships.

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  16. We often think we do not have much in common with people and turns out we have more in common with strangers than with our own flesh and blood. Weird. I also met up with some friends yesterday for breakfast and shopping. One shopped till she dropped, myself not at all. Not in the spirits to shop. But getting by day by day. Wendy is such a sweet heart. Bless her and her health. She surely is a trooper and a fighter. Ana

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  17. glad wendy is doing better...sounds like she has a case of old dog vestibular disease....hopefully she will continue to improve!
    xoxo

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  18. She's doing her best to let you know it's okay.

    And what a nice connection you made with a new friend. That has happened to me and it's a delightful addition to your life.

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  19. What a darling girl she is. It's so good to find a new local friend, someone that will understand your canine life.

    xxx

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  20. Friends with dogs are the best! They understand when you talk about your animals as if they are family, where others look at you like you should be a patient in an insane asylum somewhere, lol. I could just scoop Wendy up a give her a giant hug. She reminds me of our Sparky, not looks wise, but her actions as you describe them.

    Our Sonny (choc lab) went missing Tuesday night. I have rode the fields, dirt roads and woods looking for him, with no success. Not knowing is pure torture! So please, say a prayer for him.

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  21. Hi there Kim,
    I can understand this so well. Our own Tammy's eyes light up when there are other dogs around - even if her energy isn't the same as theirs and she has to lie down and watch them play. I find this behaviour fascinating. Hugs to Wendy.
    Lotsaluv to you too...

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  22. She has the most beautiful face. Please give her a hug from me, all the way from California.

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  23. Oh you must take a photo of the Portuguese Water Dog.

    It makes me so sad to read about Wendy. They try so hard to stay with their routines and hate to have to be helped. I've been thru so much of this recently. She's a beautiful old girl and I hope she improves.
    Sue

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  24. that beautiful expressive face with still shining dark eyes.
    her eyes show no age to me!
    she has dignity.
    maybe you could give her just the smallest walk. just the two of you.
    everything of value in my life i honestly think i've learned from dogs. they are simply the best.
    in every way.
    love to you dear heart,
    tammy j

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  25. I'm glad you had a nice day with your friend and that Wendy seems to be perking up a bit!

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  26. Wendy reminds me of my mom in her last year, so sweet and strong. I am glad to hear she is doing a little better.
    Hugs,
    ~S

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  27. She's a beautiful girl Kim, you are so blessed to have each other.

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  28. I love her sweet face and awesome spirit!

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  29. Oh, Wendy, what a face you have and how hard you're trying to enjoy every day. Be of good courage, sweet girl. Dear Kim, I wish you peace this Christmas season. Hugs, Inger

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  30. That's one independent, stubborn girl you've got there! I love that she is shunning the ramp and eating by herself! She's a survivor for sure and that's why she's doing as well as she can at her old age! Yeah for her!

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  31. Just to let you know I have been thinking of you and Wendy often and wondering how she's doing...and you too :)
    Mare

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  32. My gosh! What a trooper Wendy is. There's no better feeling than seeing that tail start to wag again. :)

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  33. When my old girl, Maggie, couldn't make it on our walks anymore, I'd hoist her on to a blanket in my little red wagon and pull her along as the other dogs and I walked. She liked to go along with us. I had my hands full, but it was fun having her along

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  34. What a sweetie - kisses on the nose for her!
    I hope you find a little time for yourself Kim - you are always such a busy gal!
    Hugs!
    xo Catherine

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  35. My heart is going out to you. Our Sam is slowing down, but refuses to admit he should be left behind or can't do something.

    It's always nice to meet new friends - especially dog-minded folks!

    Sam

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  36. I think we can all learn from Wendy's determination. Bless her and {{hugs}}.

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  37. I love your blog and what you are doing with the dogs.

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  38. Good to know Wendy is still hanging in there.. been thinking of her lately.. hope your weekend is going good

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  39. Hi Kim, I missed this post somehow(actually because I'm following too many blogs and when I try to go in and delete some that are no longer up, blogger won't let me). What a spirit your Wendy has! May we all persevere like she does. Hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend.
    Hugs,
    Noreen & Hunter

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  40. Wendy sure sounds like a strong dog. I am glad to hear she is rallying a bit.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!