How is LB settling in, Hops? Is she expanding her range of what she'll tolerate as "normal and acceptable"?
The weekend before Halloween, Raleigh said goodbye to us, and died in the night. H & her fiancee M were here and they helped a lot. It was Sunday, when he obviously couldn't get comfortable anywhere. Hubs had gone out - an exception to routine - that day and I thought perhaps it was having company and that "lost" member of his herd and routine that just made him anxious. But by that evening, it was pretty clear that he was simply miserable and his breathing was ragged. M said we should get him to the vet in the morning and volunteered to help; giving up a day of fishing. Raleigh hated going to the vet.
We got him to bed, and he seemed more comfy -- said goodnight and tucked us in -- and moved to the living room. It must not have been long after that, like he signed off his last job and that's where I found him the next morning. He was 13. He didn't want to be a problem or upset me. When we sat with him petting him, trying to get him to relax - he just leaned right up against my leg and gave me a look, like "thanks, mom"... (I'm still weepy over the old mutt...)
Our old, raggedy "used" cat - Caffiene - who was H's cat until she couldn't keep her, is still kicking. She's 17 or 18 now. It's clear she's having some more trouble with her stomach - she's always been sensitive, so I'm primed to keep making sure she's still breathing. Raleigh was tough. H's bloody mary's for us "planters" notwithstanding. I still miss him, his bark... being under foot in the kitchen and right at the door, if we go outside side.
And my feral cat - the m'eow-m'eow - is trying to take over as the "guard dog". And clown, too. She'll need a playmate after Caffiene goes, because already, she's sleeping where the dog always slept. She's only 5 or 6.
In so many ways, this dog was my interface, excuse, and relief from being overwhelmed by larger groups of people or strangers. Even, sometimes, between hubs and I. Oops - sorry I can't stay at the party - the dog will have to be left out. Oh, we can't travel overnight - the dog can't travel comfortably anymore, and he's too old to board and not used to it... I guess now, I either have to decline out of lack of interest honestly (but diplomatically)... keep showing people my hermit card... or just go try some of these things and leave open the space for maybe, possibly, having some fun.
Raleigh was supposed to be hubs' dog. I was the one who took care of him - except, after we moved - a couple years later, I convinced hubs he could feed him, in the morning. I feel like I end up taking care of every (thing), (one) else... and the favor isn't returned much. Coming down with a cold this morning - so naturally whiny & weepy anyway. Figured I'd touch base and tell you what was up down here. Since this was a doggy thread & all...
I'm OK. I just miss him a lot.
