Dog Years

Hello, dear reader!

I have, on occasion, been accused of writing the same thing in these blog posts.

While this is not entirely accurate, I will admit to perhaps a smidgen of repetition when it comes to subject matter, and there is, of course, a reason for that which is the limited horizons of our (that’s me and my marvellous Mrs, Tina) lives.

This may be something that’s due a change in the coming years (fingers crossed), but at the time of writing, money and opportunity have conspired to limit the amount of subject matter available.

This week, for instance, we’re going to revisit the thorny issue of the dog.

Ole!
This isn’t something I’ve poured forth about with too much regularity, in fact, looking back through my previous work, it seems it was in This post, back in January I last tackled the subject.

So, maybe it’s time for an update, yeah?

To set the scene, Bonnie, the hound in question, is a ten year old Springer Spaniel/Labrador cross (sometimes called a Springador or a Labradinger. I prefer the former because it sounds like a bouncy bullfighter), and over the last year those ten years (70 in dog years, let’s not forget) have been catching up with her.

A problem has flared up with her back legs, especially on the right hand side. It’s either tendonitis, or possibly arthritis, but whatever it is it’s a pain in the bum.

Sit!
Bonnie has always been an energetic girl, often to her detriment, but the last year has seen her revert to a sedentary lifestyle. Her daily routine is to move from the couch in the back room, where she sleeps, to the couch in the front room where she naps. The days of long daily walks are over. Her rawhide chew lies unchewed on the floor. She is oddly quiet and lethargic. She now finds jumping up onto the couches difficult.

Now, back in January we took her to the vets, and they prescribed her some anti-inflammatory medication which, with prolonged use, did seem to ease her issues to a degree. As the effects of that drug seem to have waned, we are heading back to the vets next week to see what else they can offer us.

This in turn has caused Tina in particular to start to fear the worst.

Now Is The Time
Now, everyone and everything has its time. With pets in particular that time is almost bound to come before their human companions. It’s a bitter irony that opening oneself up the companionship and unconditional love of an animal like Bonnie carries with it the reality of future grief. Such is the circle of life.

However, just because something will inevitably end, does not mean it shouldn’t be started, and just because that day will come does not mean one shouldn’t enjoy all the ones that come in between. Bonnie is still with us, and every day that is true is a gift. One that should be enjoyed. One that should be lingered on. Rushing off into the future and its world of might-bes and should-have-beens only takes away from the beauty of Now. This moment. This day.

All Our Tomorows
I fully expect next week’s trip to the vet to wield nothing but another dose of medication to reduce any swelling and ease whatever discomfort Bonnie is in. That would seem reasonable to me. There is no evidence of severe pain with her, no growls or whines, and she is more than happy for her legs to be touched. We will, of course, remain vigilant for any signs of her condition worsening, but, for now, I think taking the edge off her discomfort can only help her, and us, enjoy the days yet to come.

Until next time.

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Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.




New Tales Of Old


Death Ship


Pestilence: Drabbles 1


Reaperman: Drabbles 3


The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu


Eldritch Investigations