The dog days of winter are here, literally. Our dogs, like us, don't care much for the cold. They are not built like those sled dog types. Yeah, when the snow first falls they will play in it for a bit, but it gets old quick.
Some may already have been introduced to Bailey, pictured above. She is my dog, or actually my best buddy. As you can see she prefers a nice warm bed over the snow and is alittle upset I disturbed her for this picture. NO worries though because I rewarded her with a nice treat, some lap time and lots of ear rubs. She loves the ear rubs.
It is hard to believe that a little over a year ago we almost lost her to an infection in her instestines. It was touch and go for a while, but after a surgery and wonderful care by the vets, she pulled through. She is in better shape now I think than she was before.
Being my closest friend, I share a great deal with Bailey. She is a wonderful listener and rarely has anything to say herself. In fact, I wouldn't tell my wife this, but I think she listens to me better than my wife. Then again, I share things with Bailey that I don't with my wife too.
You see Bailey is also a therapy dog for me. No, she is not an official service dog or anything like that. However she makes me feel at ease, calms me when I am anxious, and allows me to get things off my chest I just don't feel comfortable sharing with a counselor or here on Hive.
Lately I have noticed she is getting grey. It hit me that she is 9 years old this year. Although healthy, for a big dog, she is reaching the end of life's measuring stick. What I do know is that it will tear me up to lose her. But I don't want to think about that right now.
For now I will continue to enjoy her barks, kisses, and give her lots of treats and ear rubs. Of course she gets to shaare the recliner with dad as much as she wants, no matter how crowded it gets.
All the while I will continue to unload the weight of my sould upon her, and she will listen, ever so intently to me. NOt sure she understands a single thing, but she stares into my eyes as if she does, and does with feeling.
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Notes:
-All content is mine unless otherwise annotated.
-Images are my own unless otherwise noted.
-Photos edited using MS Paint.
-Page Dividers from The Terminal Discord.
My aunt akways keeps two dogs on hand, and as a kid, I wondered why. Initially I thought it was because it allowed them to have some "dog" company, and there was that. But what she was actually doing was "staggering" dogs..
There was always an old dog and a very young one. The older pet was there to watch over, teach, and guide the younger one, and he was on deck for when the beloved older dog finally went on that long trip home.
By then the formerly young dog was older (and wiser), so she'd go out and get him a new companion, and the cycle would begin again. I wonder if something like that might be something you'd want to try?
Nah, the wife and I have discussed that once our three dogs we have are gone, we will no longer have anymore. We currently have Bailey which is mine, Luna which is hers, and Burrito which is my youngest sons.
Dogs are wonderful! I hope she has a longer life ahead of her than her size would indicate. It's great that she acts as your unofficial therapy dog, and sounds like a great friend!
How are you feeling these days?
well, our other big dog is still kicking and he is going on 14 or 15. So who knows. She is my bestest friend for sure.
I am doing okay, been having some wobbly days lately and missing some walks. But still moving forward. Thanks for asking.
Hope you are doing okay too old man😀
Be sure to take a ton of pictures and videos. One day that will be all you have. I wish I had more videos of our Jo.
Oh yes, we have tons. I jut don't want to think about that day right now and will enjoy the time I have with her.
Sorry for your loss of Jo. I really am.
Bailey look so cute, and yeah I know it is very hard to lose one of our best fur companions. so enjoy the time and enjoy the moment with her. ;)
have a great day my friend.
I will enjoy it for sure. In fact I spent lots of time with her tonight. You have a great day asm well.