Some of you, I’m sure, have heard me talking about my poor invalid dog this week. Her name is Maia, and she’s an 8 1/2 year old German Shepherd, who is now officially classified as “elderly” (Don’t tell her that, though. She still romps like a puppy!)
A week ago yesterday, she had minor surgery to remove a small mass from the side of her face/neck. That’s the official story. I say she had a lumpy-bump-ectomy. But that’s neither here nor there. We returned to the animal hospital last Thursday night and brought home a groggy and pitiful dog to be coddled and pampered and taken care of. When we picked her up, she was, of course, wearing the dreaded Elizabethan Collar :insert ominous music here: which is not to be removed for 10-14 days–at which time the stitches would come out as well.
You might imagine that it has been an interesting week at my house. The first night, we were up and out in the backyard every 45 minutes through the night. Things calmed down after that–we got into a routine, and Miss Maia seems to be healing well. But I wanted to share a few important lessons from the past 7 days at my house:
1. Things can get confusing and disorienting. It’s OK to let people help you. In other words, don’t try to chase squirrels when you’re on doggie valium
2. Sometimes you have to find a spot to squat without sniffing. Do the best you can with the information you have.
3. It can be a smart idea to back up a few steps before you move forward.
4. Sometimes #3 seems like a good plan, but it doesn’t work as well as you thought it would. In these cases, try Plan B: Just plow ahead, moving forward no matter what’s in your way.
5. It can be a waste of energy to break the cone you’re stuck in. They’ll just go get you another one!
6. Sometimes you have to embrace the ridiculous. Being forced to wear a cone is one of those times. Just live into the ridiculousness, wear the cone with pride, and trust that it won’t be forever!
7. Be resourceful and think creatively. For example, an Elizabethan collar can be used as a leaf scoop, a smell-magnifier, an echo chamber, a battering ram or a treat-keeper.
8. If you make an extra pitiful face, you might get special treats, and even a cone can’t stop you from getting nose skritches.
9. When all else fails, try curling up in a pile with the rest of your pack. It’s sure to make you feel better. And if it doesn’t, at least you’ll all be awake together.
See you in church!
Lisa (with regards from Maia)
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