As I write this, my supervisors have taken up their usual positions. It’s the day after Watson had his first dental procedure. At his age of 9 1/2, I take nothing for granted anymore, and when the tech asked me for my consent to perform CPR if his heart stopped, I almost abandoned the mission right then and there. I’m always seeing posts on social media where people are asking for prayers and positive thoughts as their pets undergo surgeries, and yesterday, I totally got why.
With Watson, I’d been concerned at the amount of lip licking he was doing and thought it might be due to a tooth fracture or fractures way back in that part of his mouth nobody can see. His teeth were not terrible, but the only way we’d know for sure is for him to be put under for x-rays. So, while he was in dreamland, it made sense for him to undergo a cleaning.
Dropping him off was dramatic. He no longer enjoys car rides and his anxiety ramps up at the vet, even though it’s cloaked in behavior many would say is happy. Except if he sees a child. Then he growls and I have to redirect his attention somehow. He’s wagged his tail to the point of a sprain. I’ve run out of ideas on how to desensitize him. The wait in the lobby seemed interminable, and as the minutes crept by, he became more vocal, biting on his leash and attempting to jump in my lap. For my part, I dialed my own energy down as far as I could, which meant no eye contact and no talking. Instead, when he was quiet enough to let me, I stroked him gently in that little divot in his chest and loosened the leash to let him sniff a bit. He loves to sniff, which, I’ve learned, can also be a stress reaction. We ran through this cycle for what seemed like forever before we were finally ushered into a private room and I was asked that big question about CPR.
When Fuji and I returned home, it seemed we both felt the difference in energy without Watson. But we carried on, and I gamed out a scenario where Watson didn’t come back home. Some might call it catastrophizing, but I’ve always wanted to be prepared for the worst.
TL;DR he did great and only lost one little tooth! No fractures and just soft food and chewing restrictions for a couple of weeks. We’ll take it.
As summer winds down, we’re grateful for the cooler temps and the lower humidity. My book consumption is way up. It’s a great way to beat the heat.
How’s your summer been?
Until next month!
~ Debbie
GARDEN UPDATE:
The heat wave is in the rear view mirror, the deer flies ran their course and the drought has left us with little to no mosquitos. I’m enjoying some time out in my backyard native garden enjoying the bees and butterflies at work.
I was also shocked to discover that I might just get a couple of Minnesota midget melons! Especially if our warm temperatures extend into October. For once I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a later frost.
WRITING UPDATE:
Any day now, I should be receiving the manuscript for Oh Mother Where Art Thou back from my editor and I’m excited and a little nervous to see what she’s recommending. Revisions are right around the corner! In the meantime, I’m fleshing out an idea for a new project and interested to see where it goes.
AUGUST BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
NONFICTION: The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren. My library is filled with dog books of all sorts and years ago, when I was deep into training and competition, I worked hard to be the best partner for my dog. One of my favorite parts of this book was where the author described how dogs get us to do what they want us to do, and Fuji is an expert at that!
FICTION: When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen. A beautiful, heartbreaking story of the relationships that define a man nearing the end of his life. The bond with his dog is a beautiful and special thing. Make sure you have kleenex handy!
I'm really enjoying your newsletters, Debbie. I just started following your author page on FB. I love your Morning Musings1
Scarlet just had her first dental cleaning at nine years old and yes, it's scary when they go under. So glad Watson only lost one tooth. It's tough being a responsible parent. Good job!