“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature— the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson
During a recent walk at a local park I came to realize the bare limbs of winter will soon be gone. I have mixed feelings about this. While I enjoy the green foliage there is a certain attraction to the abundant details of bare limbs.
I guess it’s as it should be.
I was to fly to Boston with my wife today for the beginning of a long weekend of business/pleasure. However, our dog, Foster, had a series of life threatening seizures for three days this past weekend and is still struggling to recover, so here I remain while Bonnie takes care of her business meeting and then returns home. There was a while Sunday afternoon I thought we’d lose the little guy, even to the point where I might have to put an end to it instead of letting him suffer. Thankfully it didn’t come to that.
I guess it’s as it should be.
Hey, Earl. Sorry to hear about Foster. I’m glad to hear that you got his seizures under control. Hopefully, he has recovered. It’s a lot of work taking care of a pet with special needs. Too bad that you missed this trip with Bonnie, but perhaps the next one will be even better!!!
I’m taking a much needed break this weekend, starting today, and heading down to Florida. I’ll miss Hobbs, but not the constant care taking. When I come back, I’ll be ready to resume! :)
Thanks, Paul. Enjoy Florida and have a good break. I certainly understand the need to get away sometimes!
Earl, hope Foster recovers! My cat, Allie, had a stroke three years ago and two out of three vets we took her too said to put her down. The third said he didn’t think she was through with life yet – and he was right. You’re wise to give Foster a fighting chance – I hope he’s not through with life yet either.
John, thanks! Foster has been having seizures for almost three years, since he was 2, but this was the first multiple cluster that seemed to have no end. After we got them stopped it took two days this time before he even showed signs of recognizing us again, I guess his brain was scrambled.
We’re not giving up on him yet, he’s a fighter, but at the same time I’m his friend and I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger if it looks like there nothing but suffering left for him.
Foster is lucky to have such caring “parents”. You absolutely did the right thing to take care of him in his time of need. I’m glad that he is under control for the time being and I’m sure you will have other opportunities to take a break with your wife.
I really like the first photo. It reminds me a park not far from here.
Ken, truth be told, I’ve learned a great deal from Foster. He’s a lovable guy who got the short straw in the health/gene department…but he’s family. Thanks!
We don’t always want it the way it should be. However, when love is the reason we make choices, everyone comes out ahead. How you and Bonnie react with your love is a gift our world needs.
Thanks, Monte.
It’s hard to know when is the right time to pull the plug on a beloved pet. I’ve had to put a few cats to sleep over the years when it was clear that the end would come slowly and via starvation–they couldn’t keep anything down and their kidneys shutting down. Must be easier to just go to sleep and not wake up. But when to make that call. It’s tough. I know that it might be even tougher with a dog. We are on our first dog, and while she is still young, she depends on us much more than a cat, so it’s maybe a more intense relationship. Does that make sense? It’s almost like a cat tells you that they are going, and you read the signals and help it along. It seems like that would be harder for a dog because you are always helping them with something anyway.
Eric, I had cats when I was young…still I never felt like I really owned them. They seem to always set the boundaries for relationships. Dog are always all in. They love and depend upon you no matter what. I do understand and agreed a relationship with a dog is more personal and intense then most cats…however I’m sure there are exceptional cats.
Foster seems to be returning to his old self getting better each day. Not knowing what sets him off means you never know what the day brings.
Thanks!
I know all too well the pain for this decision and long ago developed a decision to “talk” it over with the dog (in my case). In each instance, the dog gave me the sign I asked for and that helped just a tiny bit to make the dreadful decision. It doesn’t ease the awful pain, but helps a bit with the sense of guilt and fear that we decided too early to end the suffering.
Our animals are such loyal friends. We owe them due consideration and I salute you for giving your guy every chance at life. My heart goes out to both you and Foster. I hope he soon regains strength.
Anita, luckily it didn’t come to that decision this time…but it was as close as it’s ever been. I don’t think I’ll have any problem knowing when it’s time. I care about him to much to see him suffer. His quality of life is important to me as well. For now, he’s getting better each day and is almost back to being himself. Thanks!
Hi Earl, I’m so sorry to hear about Foster. I hope his recovery goes well and wish you all lots of energy and love for this difficult time.
I really like your first photo, the building seems so small amonst those huge trees. I also love forest images in winter, seeing the bare trees and structure of the plants is very intriguing.
Martina, thanks. Foster appears to be almost back to normal. We just never know when the next episode will be. Thanks!
I hope Foster continues to do well Earl. It can be so tough when our dearest friends are at these points in their lives. He has pulled through so many other episodes, so my hopes are this turns to be an incident he can soon put past him like the others.
Mark, it took a couple of days before he even seemed to know us but now he’s mostly back to his normal self. He’s never had this many seizures in such a close time period before and at one point there were 4 Grand Mal Seizures with in 45 minutes to an hour. I thought it might turn into one long continuous seizure. Thanks for your caring thoughts.