As I've shared in recent posts, we've had a bit of a scare with our beloved Joogsie.
She's not out of the woods yet, but seems to be doing quite well and we are anticipating a great recovery. Thank you for your support.
During the more challenging days of wondering what was wrong and trying to find solutions, we were preparing ourselves, just in case. Her bad days were pretty bad, with no real energy level to speak of on her good days.
As this continued, we discussed this a bit, attempting to come to grips with the emotions involved, how to proceed and other aspects of the loss we're feeling. It seems disproportionate, and yet it's real. Maybe being empty nesters is a factor. We're not sure.
One of the things we discussed was where we might bury her. We could take her up to the mountains where we enjoyed a month-long vacation. Maybe out in the desert here where she's been able to run freely while we hiked. Mount Graham is close, but we've not spent much time there.
It's an odd thing to think through. You don't want to, and yet you do. It hurts, but it heals. And you know it's ultimately more about you than your furry friend. But there's that sense of honoring the loyalty they gave so freely as well.
As I walked around our property here (only about 1/3 acre), I tried to figure if she had a favorite place. She really doesn't though. Her favorite place is in my office, next me... or in the car next to me or next to me wherever I happen to be.
However, right out front there's an unfinished planter that I can see when sitting at my desk. Because of the shape, we've always called it the teardrop planter.
How fitting, I thought.
It sits in the midst of four trees. Two are large pecan trees that have been here for decades - long before we showed up. The other two are mulberry trees we planted last year. The design is big enough to bury our old girl and plant a tree as a sort of marker or tombstone.
After discussing it a bit, we decided that the planter was probably best, so I started working on it. My efforts were both painful and therapeutic. And, as I tore out weeds, cleared fallen branches, raked back woodchips and shoveled soil into a wheelbarrow, I was struck by the luxury of what I was doing.
That's not really a thought you expect at a time like that. But if we're seeking to be grateful, it makes sense. And we should always seek to be grateful.
In the US, as well as many other countries, we take for granted the luxury of having a dog as a pet. It's just part of our culture. But it's atypical in many ways. So, as I pondered this, it occurred to me that I'm incredibly blessed to have a life of so little real adversity that I can plan and weep for Joogsie.
Some may remember my series on La Gonave, Haiti. My visit there was in the fall of 2015. I'd seen poverty in my life, but nothing like what I witnessed there. And, while there were dogs around, I can't recall seeing one that was kept as a pet. Many of those I met didn't know where tomorrow's meals would come from. They were happy to have four walls with a tin roof over their heads.
Our house is nothing special. It's a little old fixer upper. But it's sound, has electricity, gas and air conditioning. We have a refrigerator that's usually overstocked as well as a full pantry. Our running water is actually drinkable and we've become so accustomed to the sewage running underground that we don't even consider for one second the problems that can arise from sewage pollution.
So, in the midst of our struggles, which are real enough if not nearly as severe as others face, God blessed me with a time of reflection and gratitude. As tears well up, I can truly say I'm thankful. We've been able to give this wonderful animal, 125 pounds of living flesh, a home with safety, food and love. And we've received so many blessings from her in return, from protection to companionship to the simple comforts that come with being able to snuggle with our precious friend.
What are the blessings you're taking for granted? Perhaps your health, the roof over your head, the dozen or so meals you always have available in your home? Take a moment to look around. If your family is healthy, your neighbors a pain in the butt but not threatening, you have a roof over your head, each meal brings the challenge of actually choosing what you'll eat and you can pick from several outfits for the day, you're already in the lap of luxury.
So, as many in the world face war, famine, natural disasters and other forms of life altering/threatening adversity, I have been blessed to weep for a dog. And, now that we're moving toward healing and perhaps many more years with Joogsie, as future adversity comes will I remember this precious time of gratitude in the privilege of weeping for a dog?
May my heart be soft and always grateful to the God who gives all things.
Steemin' on,
Another Joe
I have just come across your blog from the one podcast post which says. You're often on the podcast. ANYWAY. These Joogsie posts have been your most recent ones, and I must ask. HOW IS SHE DOING? She seems like such a lovely dog. I've always had a big spot in my heart for Danes. We had troubles with a pet in February, not knowing exactly what was wrong with him. He was a three week old goat. Unfortunately, he passed at three weeks old, but, there's a big spot in my heart for him, well, rather it's a hole now. But he added a lot to our lives even in just the 2.5 weeks we had him. I hope that Joogsie is doing well and you guys are healing over her health scare.
Thanks for reading and for the comments.
She's doing really well. I haven't read your other comment yet, but I saw you asked about CBD. We did use it, and I'm convinced it helped with both healing and pain relief. I tested to see how she'd do without, resulting in her deteriorating a bit after a couple of days. Then she improved quickly after resuming.
Now she seems fine when we don't give it to her. But I give her a smaller dose anyway, because I'm pretty sure there's still some pain and I'm convinced that it'll help her in the long run regardless.
She's recovered quite nicely. She likes to play and wrestle again and we're doing daily walks again. She is up for a good run anytime, though she doesn't have a lot of stamina. It's getting better with time though, and a couple mile walk is easy for her now, where a couple of months ago she would have been far to stressed, so we're encouraged.
Thank you again. I appreciate you reading and asking.
I am so glad to hear she's on the up and up! And hearing that the oil helped is a relief ! That's just great. I would also continue with the CBD oil doses in your situation. I bet it would help with her age and such even if she didn't have her little scare. I am definitely interested in it for my husband and I, but not being medical card holders, it seems to be difficult to find in my part of Oregon. I've followed you, I hope to see more posts from you! And about your dog, too!
I completely understand. I rescue severely abused pets and give them the medical attention to heal their wounds, then the tender loving care to heal their hearts and souls. I commend those who care for their animals. You truly care for your furbaby. <3 Joogsie is a lucky girl :)
Thank you very much. :)
She's doing really well now. Not the pup she was, but neither am I. :)
This is so precious. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you for reading and for the encouragement.
Wow, this was great and quite awe inspiring. There are so many things we take for granted but to some others it matters a lot yet in our ignorance we think our cases are the worst.
Wonderful post.
Hey, Joe!
Long time no see or hear... Can it really be five months since your last original post?
How are you and your family? How is Joogsie? Will you be writing any more posts for Steemit?
Thank you for your ongoing support... I'd love to hear from you, and I pray all is well with you.
😄😇😄
Thanks creatr! I'm around, just not posting.
Joogsie is doing well. She won't ever fully recover, I don't think. But she seems pretty healthy. It's like she aged quickly through the ordeal. Most of us can understand that, but it's hard to watch. We keep giving her the silver, along with a little CBD. Thanks again.
I'll post again one of these days. I'd really like to do an update on Joogsie - meant to do it a few months ago. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks, friend, for the brief update. I look forward to reading a more comprehensive article about your sweet girl...
Glad you're doing OK!
I'd appreciate your prayers - I really need some consulting gigs, and some sales of my product. The marketing company that I've worked with for several years now has fallen on hard times; I would like to see them recover so they could pay me what they owe me, and so that sales would pick up.
Thanks! ;)
You got it!
Congratulation @anotherjoe !
You have 2000 followers and I just followed you and became 2001 !!
I like your post @anotherjoe
Thank you
I'm so sorry. Losing a beloved pet is the worst.
You have been visited by droomits
Thank you! But we didn't lose her. We just thought we were going to and it struck me. See my previous article for an update on Joogsie's condition. She's recovering nicely.
Thanks again!
@anotherjoe you probably know that I got lost here because of your reply to my post ..what can I say I barely forget to count my blessings - no matter how simple. Some may call me shallow but its very easy for me to appreciate the many things - and like you I'm most grateful of my health and the love that abounds around me - at home and overseas. And once.. I've counted my blessings - I counted you in it! Stay strong! She ain't givin up yet ;) Cheer up!
EDIT : it wasn't just once - there were many times - you made me laugh specially those!
Thanks for stopping by to cheer me up. I'll share your note with the pup too. She'll be happy.
What a beautiful post dear joe! Nice way to see life and I feel identified. I often argue with people around me because they complain about things that are superficial and time consuming. Time that is precious in our lives. I think it is untenable to suffer for some things but we must always try to put all our effort into enjoying life with all our strength. What other purpose can our lives have, if it is not to be happy?
I'm really glad that Joogsie is well and I hope you have plenty of time to share with her. I see in his face that he is a sweet dog and that surely gave tons of affection to you and your family. Big hug my friend and the best for you and your loved ones.
After one year of my son's birth, our black cat finally (she was suffering some disease) passed away. Life comes and goes, in that year, I learn so much about life.
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