Sad day here in Southern Indiana.....

I have just gotten home from doing one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. I had to euthanize my beagle, Clover, today. We were coming home Friday from work and she had a little trouble jumping into the car the 1st time. She jumped up again, made it up but with a little yelp of pain. I thought she had hit her knee since she was holding that leg up. She had done that once before on the stairs. We got home, I gave her some pain medication, hoping that would help. She got worse through the evening. The next morning, she could barely stand on her back legs. She couldn't get up the stairs without her back legs going out from underneath her. I carried her up and out so she could pee then we headed to work. Dr E had me take some radiographs of her spine. She had some disc disease/arthritis in the middle of her back, though she never showed any signs that it bothered her. She was always rolling on her back. Silly beagle.

Her condition continued to decline. I wrestled with the idea of euthanisia all night last night. I woke up this morning and it was snowing. It was snowing for her. She loved running and playing in the snow. Seeing the big flakes coming down made me feel at ease with my decision, like God was saying "It's ok, I'll take care of her for you." I spoke with Todd and he agreed to meet me at work. I held her and talked to her the entire time. It was so peaceful. I decided to have her cremated with her ashes returned to me so that next time I go home to VA, I'll take her with me. Maybe I will see if they can put her ashes into two containers and send part of her to Colorado. Dad can spread her ashes up in the Rockies. She loved the deep snow up there.

Clover and I have been together for 13 years now. She leaves a huge hole in my heart. My little Snort-Snort Girl. You are missed.

Adoption

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knewI had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. Iwould promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I Rescued a human today...

Getting my rear in gear

I've SO gotta do this. My 20th high school reunion is this year. ACK!! TWENTY YEARS!! How can that much time go by and I don't feel that much older than I did at my 10 year? I need to get some weight off...partly for the reunion, partly for my health...mostly just for me. Hopefully, losing some weight will bring some self-confidence. Oh, when it comes to my veterinary technician abilities, I'm VERY self-confident. I know what I can do and what I can't, my weaknesses and my strengths. But personal self-confidence, HA! It does not exist. And with the events of the past year, what tiny bit of confidence I had went running and screaming out the window. I've already started trying to eat healthier. Lots of salads for lunch and dinner. Bought lite items instead of the "full flavor" ones. I've been perusing the exercise dvd's, trying to find something. At payday, I'll head back over and see what I can see.

Wish me luck! =)