tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post6369151922533466609..comments2024-03-27T12:58:00.592-07:00Comments on Snowbrush: Blind dogs, ethics, money, and other considerationsSnowbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-72290788557494207682010-04-23T23:08:26.944-07:002010-04-23T23:08:26.944-07:00The more I read your writings, the more you remind...The more I read your writings, the more you remind me of my father. This post about your love for your wife and your dogs swept me back to being with my dad after my mom was killed. <br />Thank you for taking me back there. Thank you for bringing my Dad back to me, if even for a little while.The Bipolar Divahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05449793830455116918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-57848062688722799762010-02-01T14:20:08.570-08:002010-02-01T14:20:08.570-08:00My 19 year old, blind furchild was going downhill....My 19 year old, blind furchild was going downhill. I lived for the rare moments when he thought he was a puppy again. These moments became minutes during a long day. But I was reluctant to deprive him of those minutes....then seconds...<br /><br />The day we had him put to sleep, he trusted us to remove him from the vet's hands......I felt I failed his trust.<br /><br />I later angrily told my husband: "I know he was supposed to be "just a dog" but I loved him SO MUCH that I would have done ANYTHING to spare him one moment of pain. And yet god is supposed to be a god of love, and yet does NOTHING for humans AND innocent creatures. FURTHERMORE" I added "we are to FEAR that loving god? My furchild NEVER had a reason to fear me and I would not have wanted him to!"<br /><br />This one sentence finally made my husband understand the anger I feel towards the thought that a god might exist. A god of mercy and love. A god we are to FEAR?<br /><br />I could no sooner require someone I loved to FEAR me than I could kick a newborn.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-68207633550916819812010-01-24T21:37:15.788-08:002010-01-24T21:37:15.788-08:00pups are a light in one's life. one i would ne...pups are a light in one's life. one i would never want to be without. even though losing them hurts so so bad...Shadowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05999801833389058410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-34427855642764668632010-01-17T05:23:47.598-08:002010-01-17T05:23:47.598-08:00Thank you for visiting my blog. Sorry, I have not ...Thank you for visiting my blog. Sorry, I have not been on lately, so I just received your post. I've enjoyed reading yours as well, and I'm now following.<br /><br />Something else we have in commong - BLUE HEELERS (Australian Cattle Dogs) - I have one sitting on the bed grumbling and watching right now as I type. You might enjoy this article I wrote about Heelers on Helium: <br /><br />http://www.helium.com/items/1704207-living-with-a-blue-heeler<br /><br />Have a great week.<br />StaceyStaceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12490637817009608980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-84982490520867347492010-01-13T05:50:20.719-08:002010-01-13T05:50:20.719-08:00I hope you are all okay dear friend.
xoxoI hope you are all okay dear friend.<br /><br />xoxoReneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11785932958464359112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-8022564568293562052010-01-13T04:58:16.280-08:002010-01-13T04:58:16.280-08:00i'm waiting for your thoughts on prayer.
hope...i'm waiting for your thoughts on prayer.<br /><br />hope youre feelin better, snowkyliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08964475783207438103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-78077591943185526572010-01-12T08:33:52.182-08:002010-01-12T08:33:52.182-08:00Sorry to hear about the shoulder. Never fun.
I ce...Sorry to hear about the shoulder. Never fun. <br />I certainly understand your grief. The pain of losing a friend can be horrible. My wife has a cat who is 21 years old and slowly fading. It will be a tragic day for all of us.Something Happened Somewhere Turninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17897631770669843340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-50047684276110246522010-01-12T04:38:57.832-08:002010-01-12T04:38:57.832-08:00Well that's positive stuff all round, though I...Well that's positive stuff all round, though I'm sure you're worn down to wick by now, I hope things continue thus and you and Bonnie keep bushy-tailed! Love Michelle xxxAll Consuminghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03089119991474852732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-44619481108194237012010-01-12T00:04:57.905-08:002010-01-12T00:04:57.905-08:00Om Dawg, Bonnie sounds EXACTLY like my late dingo,...Om Dawg, Bonnie sounds EXACTLY like my late dingo, Maggie (of course because heelers come from dingoes). http://www.wilddingo.com/2007/12/09/remembering-maggie/ <br /><br />The same exact attitude. The same exact active forward knowledge that the other dog didn't have (like you leaving w/o her or the dogs). BTW: it was probably less psychic and more behavioral on your part. dogs like Bonnie are so incredibly alert and use scent in such ways. My dogs can tell by the jeans i put on whether they are coming with me or not. they know the difference in my clothes. when i get dressed in the morning, they smell my clothes (even if they're fresh washed) and know what activities lay ahead. routines that you do, things you say. scents that you give off by changes in your body temperature as you get ready to do something different. It's not psychic. It's super alertness in YOUR behavior and physical state (body temp, scent, etc.) She had a gift at using all those tools and making logical conclusions. Other dogs have the tools but don't make the connections like heelers or dingos or high-drive dogs.<br /><br />The biting confrontations. "make bonnie obey." with a dog like a heeler or a dingo, that relationship, that's the essence of it. obedience and respect. tho trainers today would never advocate the "alpha roll" you did on Bonnie, I completely understand your position and what you were thinking at the time and why you did it. And its amazing, once you get past that 'who's boss' role, the relationship is so amazing with dogs like this. <br /><br />I said the SAME thing about my dog Maggie: she was CEO of Wild Dingo. she was not origionally my dog. she was my husband's. i came into his and her life at 8 years old. she lived until 14. But those 6 with her, i will never forget. I've had many dogs. i was never so close to one as i was to her. and i believe its that heeler/dingo spirit that i myself am attracted to. <br /><br />Yes, like you i believe people should give their animals and pets exactly what they need and should not get a pet that they can not support in that. but i argue you did give her everything she needed. I argue that she probably needed to rest as much as she needed to run and fetch. I argue that she needed to respect when play time was over because alpha said so. that is such a bid deal to dogs. to know their boundaries and rules and respect that play happens when it happens and it's over when alpha says so. you gave her boundaries. every dog needs those to feel safe and part of a pack and family. above all, they need that. above the exercise. above play. above EVERYTHING else, they need to feel safe and secure with family rules and boundaries. knowing what to expect within those boundaries brings feelings of safety. you gave her that. <br /><br />I'm so sorry for what you're going through. It's never easy. It wasn't easy for me and my dingo. <br /><br />today, i don't have a heeler or a dingo, but i do have very high drive dogs. One of which (a sibe) I feel like you, i can't give her what she wants: snow activity and sled pulling and long runs. even if i could, she wouldn't be able to participate due to hip dysplasia. Believe me, she's very happy though, as i've given her many more jobs to do, such as Therapy dog certification, and mild agility that will only help her hips. I may not own one in the future knowing the breed and what they need, but I adore my husky and would move heaven and hell for her safety and health (i have already, she's been sick sadly in Nov). but i agree, anyone getting a dog should do their research so everyone including the dog is happy.<br /><br />i seriusly doubt Bonnie has anything lacking in her life with you. this post alone is enough to show your deep understanding of her needs and how much you did to satisfy them. <br />Cheers and a Salute to Bonnie's happiness, no matter what that may mean for her.<br />~wags-n-wiggles,<br />wild dingoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-49921083314661484992010-01-11T19:38:03.229-08:002010-01-11T19:38:03.229-08:00Snow, my heart aches as I read this post ;(
We hav...Snow, my heart aches as I read this post ;(<br />We have all been there, letting go of a pet is one of the hardest things we are faced with. I worked for a veterinarian some thirty odd years, I have seen huge burly men, brought to their knees and crying over the loss of their pet.<br />I hope that Bonnie will get better, give her plenty of love, and let her know how important she is to you.<br />Hugs, to you both,<br />JoA Brit in Tennesseehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16080644141670903160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-16686657906639980152010-01-11T18:36:09.411-08:002010-01-11T18:36:09.411-08:00I am glad to hear (from your last comment) that Bo...I am glad to hear (from your last comment) that Bonnie has made such significant improvement; what a blessing! Your post, especially the closing paragraph, made me tear-up. <br /><br />I hope your shoulder heals in significant increments, and that you'll soon be free of such awful pain. <br /><br />I'm looking forward to your post about prayer.Pat - Arkansashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638376731374600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-45754399736993570082010-01-11T16:41:55.012-08:002010-01-11T16:41:55.012-08:00What an amazing post. What wonderful storytelling....What an amazing post. What wonderful storytelling. I feel like I know Bonnie some. I'm very sorry she's sick, but I feel even worse for you. It must be h-e-l-l watching her round the clock, unsure as to what to do next. As for emergency vets' offices: too sad for words. <br />I finally realized this is a rather old post. I had seen your comment on my blog and came right over to pay my respects, but your post shook me. Slowly, I started to figure things out and I read your comment that Bonnie's better!!! What great news. :)<br />Ya all get well soon! Hear me? :)<br />Twink!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14813357790467721660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-75982144660266330002010-01-10T05:57:11.710-08:002010-01-10T05:57:11.710-08:00"I wonder if everything is okay...."
Tw..."I wonder if everything is okay...."<br /><br />Two weeks after lying for days at the doorstep of death, Bonnie is well enough to play fetch (which is interesting to watch since she's blind) and to hump my leg. Peggy always tried to throw a wet blanket over the latter, but even Peggy can't be too harsh about it right now.<br /><br />My infection is also much better. I'm still in pain, still sleeping in a chair, still worried that I'm not healing properly from the surgery itself, and still vastly annoyed that I have to carry my arm across my chest in what amounts to a fragile, bulky, and useless package; but I see the doc in two weeks and hope to dispense with the sling afterwards.<br /><br />I'm up in the middle of the night (for me) because two of your blogs seemed to call for a timely visit from me two weeks ago, and I'm to the point that I can't sleep until I visit you. After all, you give so much to me. <br /><br />I've been working on a post about prayer, and such posts take an inordinate amount of time because I'm ever trying to think of ways to say what I think without putting down the thoughts of those who disagree with me. I never TRY to alienate readers, partly because it's not nice, and partly because I value the participation of those who disagree with me.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-68707679575672127772010-01-09T17:51:24.455-08:002010-01-09T17:51:24.455-08:00when I don't read from you, I wonder if everyt...when I don't read from you, I wonder if everything is okay.... Hoping it isA Plain Observerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03741520771592669741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-19373966865979726592010-01-09T00:43:01.025-08:002010-01-09T00:43:01.025-08:0055 comments? You hardly need mine telling you that...55 comments? You hardly need mine telling you that this post had me laughing (your training quote) and crying (the rest of it) - and feeling validated because others feel as I do: so much loss, so much loss grows like moss on my heart. My loss of a favorite cat three years ago is still raw and I weep at the cruelty of our separation. It was much harder than the death of my mother, for the reasons you expressed. Then a year after that we had to make the decision to let go of our blind Old English Sheepdog, riddled with cancer at only ten years of age. But we'd also fallen in love with him as a puppy in a pet store and we do feel that he came from a puppy mill that gave him a poor start in life, probably even in his genes. His big beautiful face remains our screensaver; I can't imagine replacing it. We did get another Old English Sheepdog after losing him. We adopted Abby from the Texas OES Rescue when she was seven years old. She's doing great and so is the Standard Poodle and I'm grateful for each and every day with them and the kitties who live here. <br /><br />The infection in your shoulder sounds dicey. I'm awfully glad you got on the antibiotics. <br /><br />Sweet blessings to your family circle so bonded in love.Lydiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11135393270656573516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-72782161952821121752010-01-08T18:51:17.213-08:002010-01-08T18:51:17.213-08:00Just checking back to see how you and Bonnie are d...Just checking back to see how you and Bonnie are doing and very glad to see that she is gaining strength...and sorry that you are in pain and guilt....your readers love you and I don't think you are expected you to respond to our each and every comment...back soon..<br />ps...what natalie wrote...Be open to synchronicity in your life, for they are a way for heaven to speak to us....is beautiful.juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02037465392747165349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-58529852532665159732010-01-08T16:33:32.387-08:002010-01-08T16:33:32.387-08:00Snow, I am just popping in hoping to be updated on...Snow, I am just popping in hoping to be updated on everything and was so glad to hear Bonnie is doing better. Sorry to hear you have an infection, and by now I hope the antibiotics have kicked in and you are on the road to recovery.....don't worry about visiting blogs Snow, my gosh you have your plate filled right now, am so glad Peggy is home helping you. Stay warm and continue on a road to a healthy recovery my friend.....:-) HugsBerniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03024565921761129108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-33555200942314396752010-01-08T00:16:46.649-08:002010-01-08T00:16:46.649-08:00Snow, I am sorry for my tardiness in getting back ...Snow, I am sorry for my tardiness in getting back to you. My life also is not a picnic right now.<br /><br />I am also sorry to hear of Bonnie being so unwell.<br />In 1988, I lost my beloved Penny. We were best friends for 23 years, and I have never owned another pet since.<br /><br />Pets are people too, in my opinion. Often more so, because they don't give us the same bullshit that other humans do.<br /><br />Re : a comment you left on my blog.<br /><br />I have been at the bottom of the heap and HATED God's guts.I truly questioned the considerable faith I once had, and daily tried to end my life. Not because i was sad, though I was considerably depressed at the time, but because I lost my belief, that there was something else 'out there'.<br />I NEEDED to know that we are not alone in this shit heap, this thing we call 'LIFE.<br /><br />What I found was this.<br />Some people are sensitive and compassionate, beyond what is considered 'normal', and find life really disappointing and difficult.<br />Other human beings constantly dismay and disappoint, because they just don't 'get it', the way the sensitive does.<br />Little by little, bit by bit, I was convinced that there is great beauty and integrity in this world, though it is extremely rare.<br />The turning point came for me, when i experienced SO MANY other worldy happenings, that I could no longer dispute the existence of 'something else out there.'<br />Sure enough, it could just be my Great- aunt Elsie, thrice removed, but..... whatever, if she loves me enough to show me she is around, then that is good enough for me.<br />I am the biggest cynic I know, besides you.<br />Ask Michelle, (Truth as I Know It), she will vouch for every word I have spoken here, for she was the one who stood with me during that battle of hellish proportions.<br />Be open to synchronicities in your life, for they are a way for heaven to speak to us.<br /><br />Much love, Natale.xx♥Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12919764140075852854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-31795915092715809242010-01-07T11:37:28.533-08:002010-01-07T11:37:28.533-08:00Snow-listen to Bonnie and she will tell you when s...Snow-listen to Bonnie and she will tell you when she's ready to go. Sometimes letting go is the last act of kindness we can perform for our beloveds-animals and people too.<br /><br />Animals have no fear of death-and I know for a fact that they remain with us after they are gone. I am as sure of that as I am of anything.<br /><br />Love does not know species-it's just love.<br /><br />I am so glad you stuck with Bonnie all those years-so many people do not. I have a soft spot for all herding dogs-because we have created them through selective breeding-then we banish them for being what we created in the first place.<br /><br />Much love for your family from MY family-me, Oliver the Parrot, 3 border collies, 3 chihuahuas and a schnauzer mix, cat, 4 parakeets, horse and 7 snakes.Debra Kayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13455047894767524091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-73025232573743066932010-01-07T10:15:50.169-08:002010-01-07T10:15:50.169-08:00It is a profound tie that you have with Bonnie, th...It is a profound tie that you have with Bonnie, the raw bitter-sweetness of it comes through in your words. Is it any comfort to know that strangers like myself have felt these things too? I don't know. But I do know that when we lost a beloved dog a few years ago, it was like saying good-bye to an era of our lives; she encapsulated so much of our family life and I felt a huge emptiness afterward that I never quite got over. But I will never be dogless, despite the inevitable pain.Kerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281288495129054688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-36769782964966500602010-01-07T08:51:36.357-08:002010-01-07T08:51:36.357-08:00Dear Snowbrush,
Mr. Slug and I send our best wishe...Dear Snowbrush,<br />Mr. Slug and I send our best wishes to you and your pup, we have a frog we love very much who is advancing in age, (4 years) which is old for a little green swimming frog. She keeps kicking, and I am amazed every morning when I see her waiting for me to toss in some food. <br />Your words reflect what I always feel when I lose a loved pet, we had a very beloved rabbit that we had to put to sleep a couple of years ago. <br />We are with you at your time of grief, I hope you will find peace and remember that since we are all going anyway, we might as well do our best to choose to enjoy what we have left, hug your loved ones and know that Mr. and Mrs. Slug love you for being so darned human.<br />Love and hugs, Mrs. Slugbabblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15485788524901242655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-47144256941339097462010-01-07T04:12:23.238-08:002010-01-07T04:12:23.238-08:00Snow this post is one of the most beautiful i have...Snow this post is one of the most beautiful i have read (and i'm not just saying that because like Bonnie i'm an Aussy too! Lol!)... i know that you don't believe in such cyber siLLy talk, but close your eyes because i'm sending you a BIG cyber(((hug)))... and i know, i know, bah humbug, but i think you "got" the gift that essentially dogs are born to give... ~Unconditional love~ she gave it & you received it & now her job is done... Love to You, Peggy & the beautiful ~Bonnie~ x <br />oh and (Ps) ~True friends~ will love ya warts 'an all, no matter what, to tha end, just like Peggy & Bonnie do, so there! Luv from ya other Aussy mate xnollyposhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205974328143335552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-49067492190517087702010-01-07T03:18:34.653-08:002010-01-07T03:18:34.653-08:00Don't sweat it Snow. Be well.Don't sweat it Snow. Be well.Mimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12409455543895086283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-81542319290467866902010-01-05T12:06:13.559-08:002010-01-05T12:06:13.559-08:00I came here today specifically to tell you that I ...I came here today specifically to tell you that I finally got around to adding "blind dogs" to my list of interests on my profile page -- at your recommendation. Now I'm shocked and saddened to read about Bonnie's difficulties (and yours).<br /><br />We lost a dog during the Christmas holidays (my granddog) due to anaphylactic shock following an injection. It was heartbreaking, but I realize after reading your post that we were spared the pain of watching a long illness and deterioration. On the other hand, my two dogs are 11 and 12 now, and I'm acutely aware that a situation very similar to the one you described in such vivid detail may lie in my not-too-distant future.<br /><br />I've also read your updates, and I hope Bonnie continues to improve.Linda@VShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04499621332375290781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23830899.post-22238571190710165802010-01-05T11:12:50.795-08:002010-01-05T11:12:50.795-08:00Another update:
Peggy returned home Saturday nigh...Another update:<br /><br />Peggy returned home Saturday night after an enjoyable trip visiting relatives in North Carolina.<br /><br />Bonnie is much better, but still weak. Her red blood cell count is up from 10% to 30% (40% is normal), but she will be on Prednisone (a steroid) for another month or two depending upon future blood tests. She is but an emaciated shadow of her former self, and I all but cry at any hint of increasing vigor.<br /><br />Yesterday, Peggy spotted redness and swelling on my shoulder when I took my clothes off for her to cut my hair and give me a shower (I hadn't been undressed for two days). I immediately called the doctor's office and was told to come in immediately, and I'm now taking an antibiotic. I HAD been concerned that my pain was getting worse rather than better, and (since we caught it early), I was actually relieved that the source was an infection rather than a failed surgery. Of course, my attitude will change if the infection spreads despite treatment.<br /><br />I haven't responded individually to your responses as I normally do, and I don't exactly know why. Maybe I was simply overwhelmed by your sweetness and concern. I DO appreciate all that you have said to comfort me and also all that you have shared about your own loves and losses, but it IS a bit hard for me to let it all in--as KJ the head-tuner advised that I do. I don't fault myself entirely for this, because when I have let sweetness in, I have come to believe I could rely upon it, yet it can disappear in a heartbeat just when I need it most. Experience has taught me that friends who are there for me in regard to touching things that I share often leave when I share things that are not so touching. It is often the difference between knowing exactly what to say to a hurt little boy, and not having a clue what to say to a seriously pissed-off man. I contain both, and nothing hurts more--or causes the anger to grow more--than to feel abandoned by the very people who told me that it was safe to let down barriers.<br /><br />Now that Peggy is home, I'm doing what I can to help her catch up on all the work that didn't get done in her absence. So, I have not been visiting your blogs and, yet again, I feel terribly guilty about that, the moreso since you have been so loving toward me. I suppose this sort of reasonably good attention--on my part--followed by utter inattention (accompanied by guilt) will always characterize my relationships with my blogging friends. As it is, I spend more time with you than with my face-to-face friends, but since there are more of you, this still doesn't come to a lot of time with any individual. I'm decidedly not okay with that, but I don't know what to do about it either. It's just all too overwhelming at times.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.com