In November of 2014, Kody, along with another KPETS dog were chosen to play "Sandy" in the show "Annie" at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. The show ran until 12/20/14.
Here are some highlights from the show:
Here's a video clip commercial for the show
Here's a link to a review:
Here's an editorial response.
Still another Review: In the realm of "never work with children or animals" if you don't want to be upstaged, mention must be made of Genevieve Gagnon, a totally darling Molly (her stuck-in-the-bucket moment is worth the price of admission), and of Kody and Aili, the revolving Sandy cast. The dogs are bound to become divas demanding their own dressing rooms and bowls of treats. Yes, this crowd is stiff competition for the main cast. Fortunately, the rest of the ensemble, from orphans to Hooverville residents to Cabinet members and Warbucks staff members, manage to hold their own perfectly against a strong set of leads and the adorability factor of Gagnon and the Sandys.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
ANOTHER PUPPY!
Just when you think life is all calming down and you're getting into a new groove as the youngest (Kody) matures to an awesome young 'man'........
Introducing KYLEE! ! !
DVGRR posted a tripod puppy in late July and I had to respond! Ever since losing Podley 4.5 years ago, we've always wanted another special puppy. I had my name in as a potential adopter with three golden rescues in the surrounding areas. So when little "Gracie" popped up in my email, I contact them immediately.
Bill was in New York for three days but I had forward "Gracie's" info to him and he had seen her picture and video. He was ok with the idea! Imagine that?!
BUT someone had beaten me to it! We were devastated! How could this be! We would be the perfect home, she'd be a therapy dog, we had a fence, dogs to play with, etc. Bill was upset too. Negative feeling consumed me- sleepless nights. But then I came to accept this. God had other things in mind. I repented, prayed she'd go to a very good home, etc. I emailed the rescue to see if another tripod was still available.
As I pulled up to a red light in my car, I popped open my email just to see if there were a response. As I scanned for an email from Sara, I saw her response: "Before I tell you about Angel, are you still interested in Gracie?"
My heart pounded, my hands shook! The light turned green! NOOOOOO! So I used google on my phone to "Call DVGRR" and it did! I spoke with Sara telling her I was driving and could not read her whole email. What was up? The other family had emailed her the night before stating a puppy at this time just would not work for them. OMG - does God work in mysterious ways. He had a lesson for me to learn. I get it. Wow, I"m trainable, even at this antique age!
Long story short....."Gracie" is now Kylee (meaning victorious) Lu (as in Cinda Lu, our first golden's middle name.
Introducing KYLEE! ! !
DVGRR posted a tripod puppy in late July and I had to respond! Ever since losing Podley 4.5 years ago, we've always wanted another special puppy. I had my name in as a potential adopter with three golden rescues in the surrounding areas. So when little "Gracie" popped up in my email, I contact them immediately.
Bill was in New York for three days but I had forward "Gracie's" info to him and he had seen her picture and video. He was ok with the idea! Imagine that?!
BUT someone had beaten me to it! We were devastated! How could this be! We would be the perfect home, she'd be a therapy dog, we had a fence, dogs to play with, etc. Bill was upset too. Negative feeling consumed me- sleepless nights. But then I came to accept this. God had other things in mind. I repented, prayed she'd go to a very good home, etc. I emailed the rescue to see if another tripod was still available.
As I pulled up to a red light in my car, I popped open my email just to see if there were a response. As I scanned for an email from Sara, I saw her response: "Before I tell you about Angel, are you still interested in Gracie?"My heart pounded, my hands shook! The light turned green! NOOOOOO! So I used google on my phone to "Call DVGRR" and it did! I spoke with Sara telling her I was driving and could not read her whole email. What was up? The other family had emailed her the night before stating a puppy at this time just would not work for them. OMG - does God work in mysterious ways. He had a lesson for me to learn. I get it. Wow, I"m trainable, even at this antique age!
Long story short....."Gracie" is now Kylee (meaning victorious) Lu (as in Cinda Lu, our first golden's middle name.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
They Grow SOOO Quickly
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Monday, July 14, 2014
Party Time - GOLDEN STYLE (4th of July)
Kody's First Swim!
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| We learned goldens do NOT need life-vests to learn to swim! |
Short story: First time - he fell in once. I put him in twice and the rest of the time, he played "Lifeguard".
Second time we went, we got cut short due to the weather and it's just as well. No luck that time either.
BUT the third time's the charm or maybe it has to do with Vic coming out and giving us a hand. With Vic 'encouraging' Kody at one end of the pool, and me at the other, we had one little 11 month old puppy swim the length of the pool!
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| Life guard Kody on duty Day one at Sun Hill |
We worked with him until finally, Kody actually scooped up the tennis ball floating in the pool and swam around in a circle to turn around and bring it to me.
He went in one end and would follow me as I walked around the pool, doing big cirles. This showed him HE COULD SWIM!
By the time our time was up, Kody was SOOO close to going in on his own. He's whimper and step in and whimper some more, but just couldn't take that one last step to get all the way in.
Next time big boy! You can do it!
Thank you, God!
Kody fills in for Zeke at LRH
This is a totally new setting for 10 month old Kody but that did not phase him. We entered the lobby and he cried his usual cry for someone to pet him. We eventually made our way back to the PT gym to 'work' with the patients.
Our first patients took Kody for walk. They were holding the long leash and I had total control of Kody holding on to the shorter leash. That went well for both patients - one slower and one at a normal pace. I did have to hold him back a bit, but he cooperated perfectly.
We did a few games of fetch with two patients. I did have to hang to the leash as he'd go get his ball and want to show it to everyone else in the gym. He'll learn. I'll have to take better treats so he knows to bring it back to me!
We also helped a lady work on her grip by holding a brush to groom Kody. He jumped right up on the mat table! I had to re-position him for her comfort and ease of reach, but for a ten month old puppy, this pooch did great! He eventually laid there perfectly still while she brushed him all over. ( I say eventually because he wanted to play with the brush when she first started!)
After all this, it was time to leave but one of the therapists came to find us and asked us to come back to the day-room at the end of the one wing. She told me a patients whole family was there and felt Kody would be a fun addition to their visit. I agreed to go back for a few minutes.
We ventured down the hall and as we rounded the corner we say the room - with people over-flowing it's walls. When she said whole family, she wasn't kidding! BUT, I had my concerns.... They were a plain family, not usually know for the love of dogs INDOORS! Kody was soooo excited to see everyone's focus on him. He cried and tugged to get all the pets he could! I held on tight and the 'mother' of the group shirked back and cried "Get him outta here!"
The therapist ignored the statement and spoke directly to the patient, most likely "Dad". I could not hear nor understand what he said to her, but her reply was "No, he doesn't bite. He's a puppy and he's just happy te be here. He wants you to pet him". With that he reached out his hand and slowly lead Kody over to he outstretched hand. Upon that move, everyone else seemed to want to pet Kody too.
One by one, the children (and there were a lot of them) came out from their seats to pet Kody, too. The therapist asked if the patient would like to play fetch with Kody. I'm thinking, are you kidding me. He's never going to work with so many distractions!
We gave it a shot. "Dad" tossed the ball over to the nurses station. Oh boy! Now they all wanted to pet him. He cried with glee! Now all the parents of the younger kids came out to watch the fun too!
We never really did fetch a whole lot - or should I say Kody didn't (but I did). But that's ok. We made the whole family laugh and brightened their afternoon.
Kody will learn. I'm just elated he LOVES everyone and is not afraid of anything.
Thank you, God!
Kody's first visit
"Once upon a time, there was a little puppy named Kody". This is how the story starts everytime I hold that little puppy since day one. "Kody grew up to be the best therapy dog ever. He loved everybody and everybody loved him ...."Kody's very first visit to Maple Farms Nursing Home right up the street from us was a perfect start and I pray an indication of how wonderful a therapy dog Kody is going to be!
We visit in a group setting and since they permit unregistered dogs in to visit, I took our little puppy in to see our regulars. Kody was five months old. We went over to a lady in a wheel chair, and he laid his little head right on her knee. No prompting from me! He just did it.
Thank you, God for this precious little boy!
Dakota Michael - KODY!
This is very hard for me to do as I've always felt each and everyone of my goldens deserved a book written about their lives....
But now with a totally new controlled start with a new puppy, I'm going to try my best to document his travels and experiences in life as our pet and as a KPETS registered therapy dog!
- Cinda's story of failing as an assistance dog and becoming KPETS very first therapy dog
- Podley's story with his all too short life with his disability, but the amazing effect he had on people when he met them
- And precious Sammy, the co-founder of KPETS who was with me from the first filing of legal documents for the organization to our 10 year anniversary. By my side, every step of the way!
- And then there's dear little Max, whose love of life is enthusiastic and contagious but his therapy career cut short due to the dang c-word!
- And our Zekey Zekey Zoo - chicken man himself - afraid of kids but what a superstar at the rehab hospital. He knows his job and does it amazingly well! AND he actually comes when we call him!
But now with a totally new controlled start with a new puppy, I'm going to try my best to document his travels and experiences in life as our pet and as a KPETS registered therapy dog!
Dakota Michael, you were needed in the Gerth family when you arrived!
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| Jane and blue boy |
From the very first time I picked you up, you nestled your little (big) head on my chest and stayed there and my heart just melted.
But the final decision to actually add you to our family was Daddy's. Mommy was grieving the loss of Sammy in August and Daddy was grieving the loss of his brother, Mike. But Mommy told Daddy that she would be ok either way - that she'd be ok if he said ''yes" or if he said "no". But it didn't take Daddy long to tell Mommy "Go get him". As so she did. Jane went along to get you. What a wonderful day!
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| Lambert - looks just like his brother Sammy! |
It was even made better because Gramma Janet was taking care of Lambert, Sammy's litter mate - 12 years old. It was unreal how much he looked like Sammy. What a bitter-sweet experience that was. And he was a little pistol, just like Sam. I would have taken him home too, but Janet wouldn't let me.
But our new life together was something Mommy & Daddy were very excited to start!
Naming you was a real challenge. Mommy wanted to name you Mason (kinda like Samson, but backwards). She wanted to name you Scampz (S- for Sammy, C-for Cinda, M-for Max, P-for Podley and Z-for Zeke. The only name we could agree on was Kody - Dakota. And we both agreed on your middle name - Michael. Michael was Sammy's middle name and it was Daddy's brothers name. You're middle name was a comfort and remembrance to two very special loved ones we had both just recently lost.
Another chapter has begun....I pray it will be a long healthy meaningful one for everyone!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Max's Journey
As our precious 11 yr old Sammy was battling his two kinds of cancer and degenerative disk disease, I had been saying, " If I weren't so wrapped up in Sammy's health, I'd have a real concern for Max.".
But when I noticed Max looked a bit thinner, I headed to the vet. I mentioned his breathing again, something I had always mentioned - that he pants so long after strenuous exercise. And now his weight loss really had me concerned.
The vet did a complete exam and noticed the lymph nodes in his neck were enlarged. I couldn't bare the thought of two dogs with cancer and the vet did tell me it could be he's fighting something else. So we did the antibiotics - no change. Blood work, x-rays, etc - he looks ok. Fine needle aspirate - still looked somewhat ok. Forgive me I'm doing this from memory. We did the tick born testing to see if that could be causing it. Nothing! The next step he recommended was a biopsy of a lymph node.
We set up that appointment and this experience could be a story in itself, but we're not going to go there. We got the results back and still not really sure what was going on. I was going crazy! Hide sight, I should have gone to an internist sooner but I didn't even know there was such a specialist.
I went to a heart/eye clinic and had Max's heart check. I explained to the vet why I was there. After checking Max out and finding he's fine, we chatted. I asked her, where to I go. Someone has to KNOW what is going on. That was when she told me to go see a internal medicine specialist.
We set up the appointment the following week and had all Max's records sent to him. After the exam, and I think an ultasound, we were told it's time to see the oncologist.
This was amaing: The place I went for this appointment was the Pet Emergency Clinic is my town. But weekdays, it is all specialist that some in. Wednesday just happened to be the day for the internist. When our appointment was over I went to pay my bill and set up my appointment with the oncologist who comes in each week. I thought we'll get is next week and figure this out. BUT lucky for Max and I, his day is Wednesday! And even luckier for us, he had an opening in 15 minutes! We saw both of them that morning!
The oncolgist looked at all Max's records and tests. One thing he said would have really helped is if the vet would have taken a whole lymph node instead of just a part. I THOUGHT that was what he was doing, but that was not the case. So we had to do several other tests and send them all over the place to eventually find out Max has indolent T-Zone lymphoma.
We had started all this on August 27, 2013. And that same week, Sammy lost his battle to cancer on
August 30 and then the diagnosis for Max came on September 15.
What was really odd was, back in July I signed up and attended a "Cancer 101" seminar sponsored by the local golden rescue. I remember it well. The speaker had said: If your dog has to get the diagnosis of cancer, this is the one you want." The other thing is: that speaker was the oncologist Max saw that first day after the internist appointment.
I do feel we are in good hands. I've seen this oncologists name mentioned in one of the canine cancer books I read. When I contacted CSU, they seemed to recognize his name and stated what he is doing for Max is what they would do.
So, the treatment for Max was to not treatment until clinical. We were doing great but then in April I noticed Max would cough, not a lot, but still a cough. At his next oncologist check-up, he did an x-ray and noticed Max nodes were larger and causing the problem. The nodes in his neck had been consistently getting larger but very slowly. But now it was time to treat.
April 23, 2014 we started Prednisone (30 mg) and Chlorambucil (4.2). After two months of Pred at 30 mg we are now reducing. We went to 20 mg for 2 weeks and now down to 10 mg once a day for two weeks. We have a check-up on June 18. The doctor said he hopes Max will be on the chemo for a finite period of time but his finite meant months.
Max's nodes are definitely smaller and no more coughing! He seems to be losing weight so I've upped his food quantity. We're hoping for good test results on our next visit.
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| Max! |
The vet did a complete exam and noticed the lymph nodes in his neck were enlarged. I couldn't bare the thought of two dogs with cancer and the vet did tell me it could be he's fighting something else. So we did the antibiotics - no change. Blood work, x-rays, etc - he looks ok. Fine needle aspirate - still looked somewhat ok. Forgive me I'm doing this from memory. We did the tick born testing to see if that could be causing it. Nothing! The next step he recommended was a biopsy of a lymph node.
We set up that appointment and this experience could be a story in itself, but we're not going to go there. We got the results back and still not really sure what was going on. I was going crazy! Hide sight, I should have gone to an internist sooner but I didn't even know there was such a specialist.
I went to a heart/eye clinic and had Max's heart check. I explained to the vet why I was there. After checking Max out and finding he's fine, we chatted. I asked her, where to I go. Someone has to KNOW what is going on. That was when she told me to go see a internal medicine specialist.
We set up the appointment the following week and had all Max's records sent to him. After the exam, and I think an ultasound, we were told it's time to see the oncologist.
This was amaing: The place I went for this appointment was the Pet Emergency Clinic is my town. But weekdays, it is all specialist that some in. Wednesday just happened to be the day for the internist. When our appointment was over I went to pay my bill and set up my appointment with the oncologist who comes in each week. I thought we'll get is next week and figure this out. BUT lucky for Max and I, his day is Wednesday! And even luckier for us, he had an opening in 15 minutes! We saw both of them that morning!
The oncolgist looked at all Max's records and tests. One thing he said would have really helped is if the vet would have taken a whole lymph node instead of just a part. I THOUGHT that was what he was doing, but that was not the case. So we had to do several other tests and send them all over the place to eventually find out Max has indolent T-Zone lymphoma.
We had started all this on August 27, 2013. And that same week, Sammy lost his battle to cancer on
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| Sammy at his oncologist appointment in July |
What was really odd was, back in July I signed up and attended a "Cancer 101" seminar sponsored by the local golden rescue. I remember it well. The speaker had said: If your dog has to get the diagnosis of cancer, this is the one you want." The other thing is: that speaker was the oncologist Max saw that first day after the internist appointment.
I do feel we are in good hands. I've seen this oncologists name mentioned in one of the canine cancer books I read. When I contacted CSU, they seemed to recognize his name and stated what he is doing for Max is what they would do.
So, the treatment for Max was to not treatment until clinical. We were doing great but then in April I noticed Max would cough, not a lot, but still a cough. At his next oncologist check-up, he did an x-ray and noticed Max nodes were larger and causing the problem. The nodes in his neck had been consistently getting larger but very slowly. But now it was time to treat.
April 23, 2014 we started Prednisone (30 mg) and Chlorambucil (4.2). After two months of Pred at 30 mg we are now reducing. We went to 20 mg for 2 weeks and now down to 10 mg once a day for two weeks. We have a check-up on June 18. The doctor said he hopes Max will be on the chemo for a finite period of time but his finite meant months.
Max's nodes are definitely smaller and no more coughing! He seems to be losing weight so I've upped his food quantity. We're hoping for good test results on our next visit.
Sammy - In my heart and soul forever!
I have not been able to keep up with this blog, but everyday I think: Each of may pups deserves this way of remembering them. I hope someday to do them justice for all they have done for me in my life. Here is a tribute to dear Sammy:( He deserves so much more!
http://www.kpets.org/salute-to-sammys-legacy/
http://www.kpets.org/salute-to-sammys-legacy/
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Zeke's a good boy!
I was so proud of little Zeke (he's growing on me:))
At work yesterday, he carried his green plasitic mail pouch envelope the whole way down the halls to the receptionist office to get our mail, with me not even holding his leash! AND the whole way back, carrying all our mail! Never touched his leash and he never left my side.
THEN back in the office, we had a young girl visit the KPETS office from the Girl Scouts office next door. She was bored and so was he, so we invited her in to read to him. We found a kid's book and she sat down on floor. He just laid down beside her as she read a therapy dog story to him.
AND THEN when he was doing AAT at the Lancaster Rehab Hospital, we were working with a gentleman on standing and balancing. As the man stood, he was to toss the ball and Zeke would retrieve. We did this several times, but the one time, the ball somehow went out of past the gym doors and across the hall. Our little boy took off after the ball, came to the doors, stopped and looked back at me, as if asking "may I?". I smiled and told him "Be careful". He turned back toward the ball, looked left and then looked right and proceeded to 'walk' across the hallway to get his ball. We all just looked at each other in amazement!
Too preciuos. Just love 'em. He's making Mommy proud!
At work yesterday, he carried his green plasitic mail pouch envelope the whole way down the halls to the receptionist office to get our mail, with me not even holding his leash! AND the whole way back, carrying all our mail! Never touched his leash and he never left my side.
THEN back in the office, we had a young girl visit the KPETS office from the Girl Scouts office next door. She was bored and so was he, so we invited her in to read to him. We found a kid's book and she sat down on floor. He just laid down beside her as she read a therapy dog story to him.
AND THEN when he was doing AAT at the Lancaster Rehab Hospital, we were working with a gentleman on standing and balancing. As the man stood, he was to toss the ball and Zeke would retrieve. We did this several times, but the one time, the ball somehow went out of past the gym doors and across the hall. Our little boy took off after the ball, came to the doors, stopped and looked back at me, as if asking "may I?". I smiled and told him "Be careful". He turned back toward the ball, looked left and then looked right and proceeded to 'walk' across the hallway to get his ball. We all just looked at each other in amazement!
Too preciuos. Just love 'em. He's making Mommy proud!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Cindarella Lou Gerth 1/27/99 - 04/23/11
I apologize for any typos. I just can't read this again right now to proof it again. I could not figure out how to put in YouTube video clips either :(
Sweet sweet Cinda, We miss you!
My precious little girl , Cinda went to meet Podley in Heaven today. Resting peacefully on my lap and in my arms as I sat on our dining area floor, she was helped out of her suffering by Dr. Sloyer. As her three younger brothers romped outside in the wet grass and mud puddles, oblivious to their sissy's final journey, Bill and I said our final "I love you".
As of last weekend the crazy girl was her usual self, running zoomies in the yard, wrestling with 1.5 year old Zeke and chasing her tail in the upstairs hallway where I think she thought she had a better chance of catching it.
But Monday on our daily walk, I noticed drool from the side of her mouth - something she never did. So I made an appointment with the vet for Tuesday at 4:30. A full exam, blood work and x-rays were done. Results were to be back Thursday. But when breakfast didn't stay down Wednesday morning, I notified the vet's office. That afternoon the vet called me and told me the x-rays showed a mass in her chest cavity. And it showed some muscle or something that should not have been able to be seen. I don't remember what anything was called but it boiled down to her esophagus was not closing. He said it could be Megaesophagus or the tumor or both. A sonogram would be needed to tell. The vet agreed to make an appointment for me which resulted in a 9:30 am appointment the next day (Thursday). Upon arriving home from work after receiving the call, I spoke with Bill and felt I needed to try to get her in that night. So we called and found we could come in after-hours emergency.
I loaded my sweet girl in the car for the ride to Veterinary Referral Center (VRC) and maybe an hour and half later pulled in the parking lot. As we entered they immediately took Cinda to the back to get her ready for when the sonogram vet returned from a doctor's appointment of his own. We knew when we called it could be quite a wait. Sitting in the waiting room, I filled our the forms and prayed for my little Cinda Lou.
One of the other vets came out and told me she had looked at her x-rays and explained them a bit more thoroughly. It was not looking good at all. The E word even came up, which I was not ready for - AT ALL!
Waiting was hard so I made a few phone calls to get friends' and other vets' advice. All agreed I was at the right place. But as I still waited, I thought she's along in the back scared just waiting too. Why the heck can't we be together. I jumped up and went inside and asked at the counter "Can she come be with me?".
After a phone call the back and a few minutes later they brought my girl back out to me. It was a beautiful evening so we went outside, up on the hill and watched the world go by. Well, let's say she sniffed the world go by. Sitting up straight, head high in the air, taking in all the new scents as I wrapped my arm around her. Just one, she's not the snuggley type.
Finally they came and got us; they were ready for the sonogram. After the results were in, the previous vet came out to give me the news. Mass was inoperable unless I wanted them to crack open her chest to get it and then there was very little or no chance it would even help the Megaesophagus that she had. So options were: 1-Surgery / not. 2-chemo / not effective on this type of cancer. 3-Euthanasia / not yet. 4-meds to help her for a while / OK. So she gave me some meds and instructions how to feed her the what little was left of her life. Meatballs, the size of a walnut made our of canned dog food, fed to her with her feet up on a counter and the staying in that position for ten minutes so the food 'falls' down far enough to not come back up. The same with water! Small portions, four to six times a day.
Ok, I can do this. "How long, a couple weeks?". I could see on her face that she confirmed with her words, "If you're lucky". Oh dear God. My naughty girl who had gone walks with me each day, and played like normal a few days prior only had days to live! Dear Lord! Not again!
They let me stay in the consulting room till I composed myself. I braved coming out the the main waiting room and they were ready for me the 'check out'. After paying the bill, I patiently waited for them to bring my beautiful girl out to me so we could just go home and be together.
Her gorgeous long blonde hair had been shaved from her belly and I was thankful it was not too cold out side. As we made the long drive home, she did not relax at all. Standing the entire way, she was not comfortable at all. Poor baby, what a evening for her.
The night was not much better. Coughing, gagging and throwing up what ever was left in her made for a long, and fitful night for all of us.
Thursday morning finally rolled around. Letting all the other 'kids' do their business, I saved Cinda for last. I let her out and quickly went back into the house to feed the others so she would not have to smell or watch something she could no longer enjoy.
As we walked through the back yard, I moved toward our woods and electric fence boundary. I told her, "it's OK, let's go play". I scrunched down and coaxed her to cross the forbidden line. Cinda hasn't worn her shock collar for the fence in years. She always respected the line. After a minute we walked over the line together. We hiked the whole way down to the orchard and around the back of our woods. Finding the perfect smelly spot, she rolled with not quite the gusto she usually would have, but she rolled just the same.
It was a short hike but it was a hike I will treasure forever. Now it was time to feed the hungry girl. The first attempt at this was a challenge. She fought me to keep her feet up on the counter. She was never a counter surfer - now I wished she had. When that was unsuccessful, we settled for eating in the gate-protected living room with her feet and elbows on the couch. The eating and drinking part were not to bad, but getting her to stay up afterward for 10-15 minutes after she was finished was a challenge. But, some how we managed. Her life depended on it.
When I could let her down and out of the room, the three boys scurried into the living room to see what they had missed. Cinda just got out of their way and laid down and rested on the cool kitchen floor. Some breakfast did came back up, but some actually stayed down.
But things sure changed with Cinda's long best buddy Katie came to say her good-bye later that morning. Katie and Cinda go back to Cinda's puppyhood and have always had a very special bond between them. I could get jealous, but I know dog's have so much love, there is enough for all who will accept it. They hugged and kissed and snuggled. I hated to interrupt. But it was time to see if Cinda needed to go out. The three of us went out side so Cinda could do her bizz. I walked toward the woods and asked if she wanted to go with me. She came right over. Again, after telling her it was ok, Katie, Cinda and I ventured on yet another hike in the woods. This time it was a bit shorter, but she seemed to be doing ok, willing to go and enjoying the time being free. She wandered around as if looking for the 'good' smelling spot.
Not wanting to push it, we came back in for another feeding with Katie's help. It seemed to go better once Katie assisted us. It seemed like she understood. As we did our 15 minutes of waiting after she ate, we just petted her, loved her, reminisced about her and cried.
That afternoon, after getting advice from anyone who would talk to me, I decided to take her swimming. Something she always loved to do and was so good at it. I called our friend Nancy to see if Cinda's friend Cashel or Gilly could go with us to the indoor pool in York. We had a date! 2 pm in York. I warned Nancy it could be a ten-minute swim, but I just wanted to give her the opportunity if she wanted to do it.
The whole ride over, I found out later, that Cashel was a saint. Nancy said he would usually just ask like a nut and cry and whine the whole way going anywhere. He did not. He and Cinda were both very good pups in my dog mobile.
As we arriving at the pool, the girl at the front counter looked familiar. Here it was the girl who checked us in so many times at another pool Cinda used to go to every week during previous summers. Another Cinda friend! She knew from when I called that this would be Cinda's last swim and came from behind the counter to give her a hug and kiss one last time. As Cinda kept pucking up water, she got us paper towels and told me not to worry about it. Just let her swim and enjoy her time.
She showed us to the pool area, which was entirely new to Cinda as she had never been there. She hesitated on the steps, but after Cashel figured out how to get in and out, Cinda soon followed. She did a few swims back and forth, gliding ever so gracefully as usual. But it wasn't long before I could see it was time to go.
That evening was quiet around the house. After the feedings and going outs, we just wanted for her to be able to rest comfortably. One last feeding soon before bed, may have been a mistake. She had a rough night gagging, spitting up water, and hacking most of the night long. I felt terrible for her. Had I caused her more discomfort trying to give her a few more good times?
Finally Friday morning came and it started all over again. But today the walk in the woods was really short. My day was consumed with feeding and holding up for 20 minutes after and trying to find someone to come to the house to release her from her suffering. Every moment I worried about her comfort. I didn't want her to think she had to be with me so I tried to stay were ever she was. I also noticed a lump above her eye.
It was either Thurs or Fri, she had followed me to my office and I quickly closed the door to keep the boys out. She nestled under my desk on the soft bed and stayed with me. I never wanted this day to end. I laid on the floor beside her just inhaling her beautiful coat - even if the one side did have a bit of leftover smell to it.
Finally hearing back from Dr Sloyer, he agreed he could come Saturday after his shift to help us. I was concerned she'd be suffering yet another night, as she had the previous night. But it was not the case. I did not feed her so close to bedtime and she slept peacefully through the night. I woke several times, wondering if she had left on her own.
Saturday am rolled around. The rain was coming down at potty time but I went out with her. If she was game for a walk in the woods, a little rain wasn't going to stop me today. But that was not to be. I walked out toward the woods and turned to look at her. She took a few steps toward me and stopped. I slowly took one step toward her to signal "you don't have to baby" and she turned to go back to the house. We had had our last hike.
The feeding was less, the interest was less, the lump on her eye had become so swollen, her eye was totally closed. My baby, what was happening to her. It was killing me seeing my girl who was her crazy boisterous self five days prior, just deteriorating before my eyes. Please God, I just wanted her to be comfortable until the doctor could come.
Dr S called and told us he was on his way. How horrible those minutes were, but she was ready. There was no getting any better. There would be no good days. We knew the time was right. We left the front door open so we could see Dr S through the storm door when he arrived. No need to ring the door bell and get all the others barking and excited. She was resting peacefully.
Too late. As Dr S came to the door, before we noticed, the boys saw him. Running to the door and barking their heads off got Cinda up and rallied to join in the excitement. Bill and I had agreed to let the boys out so it would be calm and quiet in the house for this, so once we could peal them off Dr S, we left them outside in the rain and mud. Who cared at this point. Cinda still seeking Dr S's attention had her nose buried between his legs as he scratched her ears. Tail was still wagging, but not quite like it was when he first arrived. As he could finally get past the entranceway and toward the dining area, Cinda plopped down on the floor, exhausted.
We looked at each other and we weren't going to make her move. I sat on the floor beside her, and respectfully giving her her space she had always wanted. Dr S put his black bag on the floor and opened it up. As he was getting his things in order, he asked if he could get more of her 'arm' to work with. So I just scooped up her little butt and laid her on my lap with her head resting in the crook of my arm. And she stayed there - content. This is something she would never do. I wanted that moment to last forever. I just held her and kissed her, inhaled her and told her I loved her.
Dr S prepared her arm and told me what to expect and what may happen. I told her I was sorry but to go play with Pod and I'd be ok. Nestling my face in her soft golden feathers of her ears and neck, he have her the injection. She never moved. She stayed peacefully, sweetly quietly until he told us she was gone.
Thankful she was suffering no longer, I just held her closely as long as I could. I knew I had to let Dr S go, I looked up and told him I want her ashed - private cremation. I also asked if the boys should sniff her now that she was gone. Agreeing it would be a good idea, he prepared a sheet to enable me to carry her out to the patio to let them see her one last time. The boys had been digging in the mud and I didn't want them to get her all wet and muddy.All wrapped up in the sheet, allowing me some control of her limbs and head, I carried her to the picnic table and held her in my arms. Exposing her head and face, we called Sammy over to say good-bye. It wasn't what I expected as he sniffed her a bit but was more curious about the sheet. I realized the younger ones would be the same so we just let them go about their fun.
Wrapping her back up in the sheet, I got up to carry my girl to Dr S's car for him to take her body back to the animal hospital. As I struggled across the length of the patio, I was losing her. Bill stepped right in and carried her the rest of the way for me. I wanted to but she was just too unwrapped for me to keep her all in my arms. Bill laid her in the back of Dr S's car. I leaned in and kissed her one last time and said for the millionth time, I love you! I'm sorry! dear sweet precious girl.
Sweet sweet Cinda, We miss you!
My precious little girl , Cinda went to meet Podley in Heaven today. Resting peacefully on my lap and in my arms as I sat on our dining area floor, she was helped out of her suffering by Dr. Sloyer. As her three younger brothers romped outside in the wet grass and mud puddles, oblivious to their sissy's final journey, Bill and I said our final "I love you".
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| Cinda and Sammy romp at the park just weeks before |
But Monday on our daily walk, I noticed drool from the side of her mouth - something she never did. So I made an appointment with the vet for Tuesday at 4:30. A full exam, blood work and x-rays were done. Results were to be back Thursday. But when breakfast didn't stay down Wednesday morning, I notified the vet's office. That afternoon the vet called me and told me the x-rays showed a mass in her chest cavity. And it showed some muscle or something that should not have been able to be seen. I don't remember what anything was called but it boiled down to her esophagus was not closing. He said it could be Megaesophagus or the tumor or both. A sonogram would be needed to tell. The vet agreed to make an appointment for me which resulted in a 9:30 am appointment the next day (Thursday). Upon arriving home from work after receiving the call, I spoke with Bill and felt I needed to try to get her in that night. So we called and found we could come in after-hours emergency.
I loaded my sweet girl in the car for the ride to Veterinary Referral Center (VRC) and maybe an hour and half later pulled in the parking lot. As we entered they immediately took Cinda to the back to get her ready for when the sonogram vet returned from a doctor's appointment of his own. We knew when we called it could be quite a wait. Sitting in the waiting room, I filled our the forms and prayed for my little Cinda Lou.
One of the other vets came out and told me she had looked at her x-rays and explained them a bit more thoroughly. It was not looking good at all. The E word even came up, which I was not ready for - AT ALL!
Waiting was hard so I made a few phone calls to get friends' and other vets' advice. All agreed I was at the right place. But as I still waited, I thought she's along in the back scared just waiting too. Why the heck can't we be together. I jumped up and went inside and asked at the counter "Can she come be with me?".
After a phone call the back and a few minutes later they brought my girl back out to me. It was a beautiful evening so we went outside, up on the hill and watched the world go by. Well, let's say she sniffed the world go by. Sitting up straight, head high in the air, taking in all the new scents as I wrapped my arm around her. Just one, she's not the snuggley type.
Finally they came and got us; they were ready for the sonogram. After the results were in, the previous vet came out to give me the news. Mass was inoperable unless I wanted them to crack open her chest to get it and then there was very little or no chance it would even help the Megaesophagus that she had. So options were: 1-Surgery / not. 2-chemo / not effective on this type of cancer. 3-Euthanasia / not yet. 4-meds to help her for a while / OK. So she gave me some meds and instructions how to feed her the what little was left of her life. Meatballs, the size of a walnut made our of canned dog food, fed to her with her feet up on a counter and the staying in that position for ten minutes so the food 'falls' down far enough to not come back up. The same with water! Small portions, four to six times a day.
Ok, I can do this. "How long, a couple weeks?". I could see on her face that she confirmed with her words, "If you're lucky". Oh dear God. My naughty girl who had gone walks with me each day, and played like normal a few days prior only had days to live! Dear Lord! Not again!
They let me stay in the consulting room till I composed myself. I braved coming out the the main waiting room and they were ready for me the 'check out'. After paying the bill, I patiently waited for them to bring my beautiful girl out to me so we could just go home and be together.
Her gorgeous long blonde hair had been shaved from her belly and I was thankful it was not too cold out side. As we made the long drive home, she did not relax at all. Standing the entire way, she was not comfortable at all. Poor baby, what a evening for her.
The night was not much better. Coughing, gagging and throwing up what ever was left in her made for a long, and fitful night for all of us.
Thursday morning finally rolled around. Letting all the other 'kids' do their business, I saved Cinda for last. I let her out and quickly went back into the house to feed the others so she would not have to smell or watch something she could no longer enjoy.
As we walked through the back yard, I moved toward our woods and electric fence boundary. I told her, "it's OK, let's go play". I scrunched down and coaxed her to cross the forbidden line. Cinda hasn't worn her shock collar for the fence in years. She always respected the line. After a minute we walked over the line together. We hiked the whole way down to the orchard and around the back of our woods. Finding the perfect smelly spot, she rolled with not quite the gusto she usually would have, but she rolled just the same.
It was a short hike but it was a hike I will treasure forever. Now it was time to feed the hungry girl. The first attempt at this was a challenge. She fought me to keep her feet up on the counter. She was never a counter surfer - now I wished she had. When that was unsuccessful, we settled for eating in the gate-protected living room with her feet and elbows on the couch. The eating and drinking part were not to bad, but getting her to stay up afterward for 10-15 minutes after she was finished was a challenge. But, some how we managed. Her life depended on it.
When I could let her down and out of the room, the three boys scurried into the living room to see what they had missed. Cinda just got out of their way and laid down and rested on the cool kitchen floor. Some breakfast did came back up, but some actually stayed down.
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| Cinda and her friend Katie |
Not wanting to push it, we came back in for another feeding with Katie's help. It seemed to go better once Katie assisted us. It seemed like she understood. As we did our 15 minutes of waiting after she ate, we just petted her, loved her, reminisced about her and cried.
That afternoon, after getting advice from anyone who would talk to me, I decided to take her swimming. Something she always loved to do and was so good at it. I called our friend Nancy to see if Cinda's friend Cashel or Gilly could go with us to the indoor pool in York. We had a date! 2 pm in York. I warned Nancy it could be a ten-minute swim, but I just wanted to give her the opportunity if she wanted to do it.
The whole ride over, I found out later, that Cashel was a saint. Nancy said he would usually just ask like a nut and cry and whine the whole way going anywhere. He did not. He and Cinda were both very good pups in my dog mobile.
As we arriving at the pool, the girl at the front counter looked familiar. Here it was the girl who checked us in so many times at another pool Cinda used to go to every week during previous summers. Another Cinda friend! She knew from when I called that this would be Cinda's last swim and came from behind the counter to give her a hug and kiss one last time. As Cinda kept pucking up water, she got us paper towels and told me not to worry about it. Just let her swim and enjoy her time.
She showed us to the pool area, which was entirely new to Cinda as she had never been there. She hesitated on the steps, but after Cashel figured out how to get in and out, Cinda soon followed. She did a few swims back and forth, gliding ever so gracefully as usual. But it wasn't long before I could see it was time to go.
That evening was quiet around the house. After the feedings and going outs, we just wanted for her to be able to rest comfortably. One last feeding soon before bed, may have been a mistake. She had a rough night gagging, spitting up water, and hacking most of the night long. I felt terrible for her. Had I caused her more discomfort trying to give her a few more good times?
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| Cinda rolling - she always looked good in green:) |
It was either Thurs or Fri, she had followed me to my office and I quickly closed the door to keep the boys out. She nestled under my desk on the soft bed and stayed with me. I never wanted this day to end. I laid on the floor beside her just inhaling her beautiful coat - even if the one side did have a bit of leftover smell to it.
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| Resting peacefully |
Saturday am rolled around. The rain was coming down at potty time but I went out with her. If she was game for a walk in the woods, a little rain wasn't going to stop me today. But that was not to be. I walked out toward the woods and turned to look at her. She took a few steps toward me and stopped. I slowly took one step toward her to signal "you don't have to baby" and she turned to go back to the house. We had had our last hike.
The feeding was less, the interest was less, the lump on her eye had become so swollen, her eye was totally closed. My baby, what was happening to her. It was killing me seeing my girl who was her crazy boisterous self five days prior, just deteriorating before my eyes. Please God, I just wanted her to be comfortable until the doctor could come.
Dr S called and told us he was on his way. How horrible those minutes were, but she was ready. There was no getting any better. There would be no good days. We knew the time was right. We left the front door open so we could see Dr S through the storm door when he arrived. No need to ring the door bell and get all the others barking and excited. She was resting peacefully.
Too late. As Dr S came to the door, before we noticed, the boys saw him. Running to the door and barking their heads off got Cinda up and rallied to join in the excitement. Bill and I had agreed to let the boys out so it would be calm and quiet in the house for this, so once we could peal them off Dr S, we left them outside in the rain and mud. Who cared at this point. Cinda still seeking Dr S's attention had her nose buried between his legs as he scratched her ears. Tail was still wagging, but not quite like it was when he first arrived. As he could finally get past the entranceway and toward the dining area, Cinda plopped down on the floor, exhausted.
We looked at each other and we weren't going to make her move. I sat on the floor beside her, and respectfully giving her her space she had always wanted. Dr S put his black bag on the floor and opened it up. As he was getting his things in order, he asked if he could get more of her 'arm' to work with. So I just scooped up her little butt and laid her on my lap with her head resting in the crook of my arm. And she stayed there - content. This is something she would never do. I wanted that moment to last forever. I just held her and kissed her, inhaled her and told her I loved her.
Dr S prepared her arm and told me what to expect and what may happen. I told her I was sorry but to go play with Pod and I'd be ok. Nestling my face in her soft golden feathers of her ears and neck, he have her the injection. She never moved. She stayed peacefully, sweetly quietly until he told us she was gone.
Thankful she was suffering no longer, I just held her closely as long as I could. I knew I had to let Dr S go, I looked up and told him I want her ashed - private cremation. I also asked if the boys should sniff her now that she was gone. Agreeing it would be a good idea, he prepared a sheet to enable me to carry her out to the patio to let them see her one last time. The boys had been digging in the mud and I didn't want them to get her all wet and muddy.All wrapped up in the sheet, allowing me some control of her limbs and head, I carried her to the picnic table and held her in my arms. Exposing her head and face, we called Sammy over to say good-bye. It wasn't what I expected as he sniffed her a bit but was more curious about the sheet. I realized the younger ones would be the same so we just let them go about their fun.
Wrapping her back up in the sheet, I got up to carry my girl to Dr S's car for him to take her body back to the animal hospital. As I struggled across the length of the patio, I was losing her. Bill stepped right in and carried her the rest of the way for me. I wanted to but she was just too unwrapped for me to keep her all in my arms. Bill laid her in the back of Dr S's car. I leaned in and kissed her one last time and said for the millionth time, I love you! I'm sorry! dear sweet precious girl.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Precious Moments
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| Precious Cinda |
This morning, Cinda's bestest long-time friend Katie came over to visit with her one last time. We went for a brief hike in the woods behind the house - the same place our dogs are never allowed to go unless on special hikes in snow-covered terrain. Today, who cares! All the smells, Cinda was off on an adventure!Katie then helped me feed her - paws up on couch and food held high for her to be able to swallow. Water, same way. Then staying in that position for 15 minutes was a lot easier with Katie's help. Cinda seemed more content eating that way ever since.
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| Resting together in my office - no boys allowed |
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Do I look sick to you? |
I will continue to do whatever I can to keep her comfortable and promise not to be selfish when she tells me it is time. But as for now, as long as she is up for a walk around the yard or eager to eat the 'meatballs' she is now given, I will do my best to make her last days comfortable for her and memorable for me.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Grandma Gets First 'Kiss'
It was a usual visit to the local hospital, as usual as a pet visit in a hospital can be... Sammy spent the first twenty minutes or so visiting in the waiting room in the pediatric unit with the only child well enough to come out to visit. (Dogs are not allowed in rooms in this hospital). The little boy was not feeling well at all so the visit was quite short. Sammy played his piano, did his usual dance routine tricks. That wowed the parents and staff, but the little guy just was not in any mood to be entertained at all. Not what you'd call a memorable visit.
But the next forty minutes of our hour long visit, we in the waiting room on the third floor, where patients could come out of their rooms and visit with us. One gentleman patient, his daughter and four women patients ventured down the hallway to come see the furry friend. Again, the tricks, the pets, the stories of their dogs, their kids dogs brightened the afternoon. Each thanked us for coming, but as Sammy was working his way around to say his good-byes, one lady in particular expressed her thanks. She leaned forward to hug him good-bye and he gave her one small kiss on her cheek. She stated she truly enjoyed the visit and she's not even a dog person. She told me that she's a cat person and that THIS WAS THE CLOSEST SHE'D EVER BEEN TO A DOG! She had been bitten as a child and has never touched another dog. (except her son's three pound Yorkie mix). I was amazed. I'd never have guess. She was so good with Sammy and truly seemed to enjoy Sammy's presence as much as the others!
Just let it be known, this was Valentine's Day and Sammy gave this sweet little lady her first doggie kiss! My boy! ! !
But the next forty minutes of our hour long visit, we in the waiting room on the third floor, where patients could come out of their rooms and visit with us. One gentleman patient, his daughter and four women patients ventured down the hallway to come see the furry friend. Again, the tricks, the pets, the stories of their dogs, their kids dogs brightened the afternoon. Each thanked us for coming, but as Sammy was working his way around to say his good-byes, one lady in particular expressed her thanks. She leaned forward to hug him good-bye and he gave her one small kiss on her cheek. She stated she truly enjoyed the visit and she's not even a dog person. She told me that she's a cat person and that THIS WAS THE CLOSEST SHE'D EVER BEEN TO A DOG! She had been bitten as a child and has never touched another dog. (except her son's three pound Yorkie mix). I was amazed. I'd never have guess. She was so good with Sammy and truly seemed to enjoy Sammy's presence as much as the others!
Just let it be known, this was Valentine's Day and Sammy gave this sweet little lady her first doggie kiss! My boy! ! !
Saturday, February 12, 2011
He may be gone, but he's not forgotten
The other day, my friend told me to check out her blog to view her Tribute to Podley .
Then a day or two later, my Sammy, Max and Podley's breeder, Janet sent me an email from someone who had Pod's sister. She is in Vancouver Canada and was an assistance dog. But her disabled person could no longer care for her so she was placed with Lisa. Lisa did some research and found Janet and found the Tarameg Goldens website and contacted Janet. Janet in turn forwarded the email on to me. In the email were pictures of Rowan, Pod's litter mate and Lisa's website.
After reading her email, viewing the pics and studying her website, I had to wait a couple days to contact her. The resemblance to Pod and descriptions of Rowan's disposition were too haunting for me to address immediately. When I finally had time to sob as I typed, I emailed Lisa explaining who I was, etc.
The email I got in return was just as touching as the first. She had been all over Tarameg's website and read about Pod. She was totally amazed that I had then contacted her and she then realized that Rowan was indeed Podley's litter mate. Lisa and I have a lot in common. Rowan is a therapy dog with Lisa. Lisa's quote at the end of her emails is the very same quote I had added to our KPETS t-shirts several years ago.
"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole" - Roger Cargas.
It truly is a small world and isn't it amazing how these furry friends we care for and love can connect to others, even when they are watching us from heaven above!
Then a day or two later, my Sammy, Max and Podley's breeder, Janet sent me an email from someone who had Pod's sister. She is in Vancouver Canada and was an assistance dog. But her disabled person could no longer care for her so she was placed with Lisa. Lisa did some research and found Janet and found the Tarameg Goldens website and contacted Janet. Janet in turn forwarded the email on to me. In the email were pictures of Rowan, Pod's litter mate and Lisa's website.
After reading her email, viewing the pics and studying her website, I had to wait a couple days to contact her. The resemblance to Pod and descriptions of Rowan's disposition were too haunting for me to address immediately. When I finally had time to sob as I typed, I emailed Lisa explaining who I was, etc.
The email I got in return was just as touching as the first. She had been all over Tarameg's website and read about Pod. She was totally amazed that I had then contacted her and she then realized that Rowan was indeed Podley's litter mate. Lisa and I have a lot in common. Rowan is a therapy dog with Lisa. Lisa's quote at the end of her emails is the very same quote I had added to our KPETS t-shirts several years ago.
"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole" - Roger Cargas.
It truly is a small world and isn't it amazing how these furry friends we care for and love can connect to others, even when they are watching us from heaven above!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
In Memory of Sammy's friend John
Several years ago a co-worker's husband was eventually diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer after months of testing. Kathy told me at work one day that her husband, John's doctor had mentioned the fact that if John would like a dog, it could help him through this terrible journey they was about to face.
Kathy originally asked me to look for a dog for John that was similar to my golden, Cinda. John fell in love with Cinda when he met her when he came to our office to have lunch with Kathy several months earlier. Cinda was an assistance dog in training and went to work with me quite often. I started to pursue some options but as things go close to the possibly of my finding a pooch for her, she was having second thoughts. She didn't have to say much. I knew Kathy and dogs were not her thing. And the thought of having a puppy or a dog after John was gone was just too much for her to comprehend. I understood completely, as did John. John and Kathy were a beautiful admirable couple - wonderful examples of what a marriage should be.
Realizing a dog in John's life would be beneficial even if not living in his home with him, I offered him visits with my other young golden, Sammy. I told him, he could come over and visit Sammy at our home until Sammy got to know him or I could bring him to their home (if ok with Kathy). They bonded very quickly. I eventually offered them that if they would like to take Sammy home for an afternoon, I would be ok with that.
Well, that was the beginning of very beautiful relationship. Many weekend afternoons, I'd say good-bye to Sammy as John and Kathy would take him to their home. Sammy was there for various picnics with friends and family. They would give me pictures of my boy with John in his garden or just playing in the living room.
As months went by the inevitable became more obvious. Instead of taking Sammy themselves, they would just invite me to bring him over for shorter and shorter visits. John wanted so badly to get on the floor with Sammy, but that was no longer a possibility. Then on one visit, they gave me all the toys that Sammy had accumulated while spending time in his second home. As I left that day, they thanked us. I knew that wold be our last visit with John.
Sadly, John did pass away. Kathy called me and asked that Sammy please be in receiving line with the family for the Visitation. I wasn't comfortable doing that but I would definitely bring him along.
When I arrived at the funeral home, the line of people waiting to pay their respects was as lined up outside and along the front of the parking lot. I put on Sammy's therapy dog vest and his black scarf and proceeded to the end of the line. As we waited in the parking lot line, folks would walk by and recognize Sammy. They would say "Oh, this must be Sammy. We've heard so much about him" or "Sammy was at the picnic we attended with John and Kathy". I was amazed at how many knew him or of him.
But the biggest surprise was yet to come. As Sammy and I approached the family, I could tell they saw us in advance. When it was our turn, Kathy and her two daughters shed a few tears as they hugged Sammy gently before moving on to the next visitor. We proceeded through the line to the table holding John's urn. First we passed the family photo of John, Kathy and his family. Then was the urn containing John's remains. As we took our next step, I stopped and the tears just flowed and flowed. There on the table right next to John was a beautifully framed picture of John's buddy, Sammy.
I thank the Lord, my God for my precious boy and that he was able to help one man travel through his final and most difficult journey.
Kathy originally asked me to look for a dog for John that was similar to my golden, Cinda. John fell in love with Cinda when he met her when he came to our office to have lunch with Kathy several months earlier. Cinda was an assistance dog in training and went to work with me quite often. I started to pursue some options but as things go close to the possibly of my finding a pooch for her, she was having second thoughts. She didn't have to say much. I knew Kathy and dogs were not her thing. And the thought of having a puppy or a dog after John was gone was just too much for her to comprehend. I understood completely, as did John. John and Kathy were a beautiful admirable couple - wonderful examples of what a marriage should be.
Realizing a dog in John's life would be beneficial even if not living in his home with him, I offered him visits with my other young golden, Sammy. I told him, he could come over and visit Sammy at our home until Sammy got to know him or I could bring him to their home (if ok with Kathy). They bonded very quickly. I eventually offered them that if they would like to take Sammy home for an afternoon, I would be ok with that.
Well, that was the beginning of very beautiful relationship. Many weekend afternoons, I'd say good-bye to Sammy as John and Kathy would take him to their home. Sammy was there for various picnics with friends and family. They would give me pictures of my boy with John in his garden or just playing in the living room.
As months went by the inevitable became more obvious. Instead of taking Sammy themselves, they would just invite me to bring him over for shorter and shorter visits. John wanted so badly to get on the floor with Sammy, but that was no longer a possibility. Then on one visit, they gave me all the toys that Sammy had accumulated while spending time in his second home. As I left that day, they thanked us. I knew that wold be our last visit with John.
Sadly, John did pass away. Kathy called me and asked that Sammy please be in receiving line with the family for the Visitation. I wasn't comfortable doing that but I would definitely bring him along.
When I arrived at the funeral home, the line of people waiting to pay their respects was as lined up outside and along the front of the parking lot. I put on Sammy's therapy dog vest and his black scarf and proceeded to the end of the line. As we waited in the parking lot line, folks would walk by and recognize Sammy. They would say "Oh, this must be Sammy. We've heard so much about him" or "Sammy was at the picnic we attended with John and Kathy". I was amazed at how many knew him or of him.
But the biggest surprise was yet to come. As Sammy and I approached the family, I could tell they saw us in advance. When it was our turn, Kathy and her two daughters shed a few tears as they hugged Sammy gently before moving on to the next visitor. We proceeded through the line to the table holding John's urn. First we passed the family photo of John, Kathy and his family. Then was the urn containing John's remains. As we took our next step, I stopped and the tears just flowed and flowed. There on the table right next to John was a beautifully framed picture of John's buddy, Sammy.
I thank the Lord, my God for my precious boy and that he was able to help one man travel through his final and most difficult journey.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Miracle Max
It never ceases to amaze me how these therapy dogs affect peoples' therapy sessions. Today Max and I went to the Rehab Hospital to work with the physical therapists and their patients. Max and I worked with a gentleman who need to work on balance while seated and using his left arm/hand. We'll call him "Bob".The therapist, (we'll call Jill) had Max jump up on the mat table so Bob could brush him from his wheelchair. Max gladly obliged and hopped right up. As Max sat close to the edge of the table, his friend leaned forward to brush Max with a little help from Jill and his wife, who was there watching and giving him moral support. Bob brushed Max using his right hand but working on his balance while doing so. After a few minutes, it was time to lean back and take a break.
After a brief rest, the next thing we were to help with was having Bob pet Max with his left hand. He was instructed of this next exercise, so he leaned front - without any help! ! Eyes widened and "good jobs" were heard from everyone! He worked hard to lift his arm up enough to pet Max on his back, then stroking him back and forth from shoulders to tail. There were no complaints from Max. He loved every minute of it.
Rest time - and as if to say "thank you", Max was licking his hands. He's not usually a licker! I apologized but Bob and his wife both said it was fine, as their dog at home was quite the kisser. Now you must know, Max was very thorough when he was kissing his hands; they were 'schlecked' on the back and on the palms. I did pull out a wet wipe from my bag and offered it to Bob to clean up. Jill took it and helped unfold the wipe and then handed it to him. He used is left hand to wipe his right - top and bottom. Then he used his right hand to wipe his left. He did the top and Jill asked, "Can you get your palm". He turned his arm/wrist so his palm was almost face-up. Jill stated with eyes wide, "I didn't know you could do that!". His wife said the same! Bob commented, "Me, either. You should name him 'Miracle Max'".
Sunday, December 19, 2010
In Memory of Podley
Well, it's official. Podley has been gone for one year today. Probably about now I was in his crate at the Pet Emergency in York, holding his non-repsonsive little body next to me as I tried to take in every detail about him. It's so hard to hear his breath and then he stopped. How horrible. If only they could have saved him. We miss his so - every day.
But as I sit hear typing, Dad and Max are bonding. Bill seated on the couch with Max lying next to him, tail wagging. Not touching each other at all. But as Bill turns to look at him, Max's tail starts to thump a little faster. Then as Bill looks away, the tail slows, but never stops. Then as Bill raises his hand to pet, that little tail goes SO fast. How precious. I must be thankful for what we do have. Cinda, Sammy, Max and even for Zeke too.
None will ever be as gentle a soul as Podley and Podley will always be one of those once-in-a-life-time dogs. As my heart breaks thinking of last year at this time, I still have to believe that my loving God will allow us to meet again in Heaven.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
3rd Saturday in Dec
As I mucked the stalls, I kept thinking, last year, there was a sweet 3-legged boy sleeping in the house awaiting our romp in the woods.
As we finished breakfast with my family and glanced at my watch at 10:20, I recalled that by this time we were already in crisis mode. He had already collapsed and the end was beginning.
As I walked each dog in the afternoon on our new path around the property and up the neighbors field, I couldn't help but think, Pod never got to take this route. As we walked through the dried leaves and sticks through the woods, I remembered his running with his brother Sammy that final day in the deep snow where we now trod.
Taking three walks in order to get all four pups their special time, I can't help but miss Podley greatly. He was such a special gift from God above. When I do miss the his terribly I try not to dwell, but turn to God and give him thanks for what we do have.
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