I’ve been languishing for quite a while now with a stubborn case of blogger’s block. Catie’s barking at people on her street to go away; Riley’s barking at them to come over here and visit. I notice there’s a hole in my sock and the curtains need washing; maybe it’s time for the walls to get a fresh coat of paint; if I sit here long enough perhaps I’ll figure out if I have anything to say.
I’m determined not to mention the weather (which has been hot and sunny; wind gusts today of 39km/h; relative humidity 27%; there’s the first rumble of the expected thundershower and Catie’s now heading off to hide under the desk). Maybe that’s been part of the problem: trying to stifle my inner meteorologist has simply stifled me.
Maybe that’s utter rubbish and maybe I can start with this instead: Catie had her fifth chemo treatment yesterday. It’s a curious thing, but she’s always excited to go to the hospital. The dog who wags her tail all the way downtown and bursts through the doors of the clinic looking for attention isn’t the same timid girl who used to have to be dragged to the vet and who cowered around strangers. She’s still a ferocious house sentinel and doesn’t tolerate people and other dogs walking on our street. And yet … when I take her and Riley for their evening leash walk, it’s both of them now who turn towards passersby with eagerness.
It’s weird, really, and I’m not sure what to make of it at all. Maybe nothing. Maybe something. Even though she doesn’t know she lost her leg to cancer, is it possible that the experience of the last five months has given Catie more courage and confidence in some teeny way?
Maybe I’ll just end with that.
The local forecast is on in four minutes.
Oftentimes, dogs will indeed compensate for their “disability” with behavioral changes. But if you ask me, Catie is just shouting out to the world about how happy she is to be loving life on three legs.
Thanks for the update … and the weather report. 😉
Bawahahahahahaha! Sorry I can’t stop laughing about the weather! I’ll have to come back when I compose myself!
BAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Wait, I have to ask before I come back…
“How’s the weather?”
BAWAHAHAHAHAHA
Comet
My tummy hurts now!
I too noticed that Mackenzie seems to be more confident now that she’s on 3 legs – rushes out the front door every time and just starts barking at everything and anything – even the kids across the street who love to pet her. Mind you, this was a golden that didn’t start barking until she was almost 3 (I really didn’t know if she could bark.) What Jerry says seems to explain this- I’ve noticed these behavorial changes and didn’t realize that they might be associated with compensating for this disability…very interesting.
I knew Comet dog would be laughing about your urges to talk about the weather… we’re all laughing with you Carmen :).
Really enjoyed your blog about not blogging!
Weird. We definitely noticed a change in Opie’s demeanor. Though he was still a pretty stoic dog, he definitely wagged his tail more. Before tripawdism, I would have to practically stand on my head to get a tiny tail wag. After recovery, when you just looked at him he would wag. Hmmmmm. Opie’s mom
wash curtains…really??? aren’t they disposables?? wow, now i’m depressed….
Weather here is balmy – perfect sky and gentle breeze. Oh! I got carried away! Loved your blog… and I am NOT going to now go in and look at my curtains… I repeat I will NOT go check out my curtains. Oh bother… company coming this weekend. .. better take your advice!
Glad to hear all is well with Catie! Holly also is more enthusiastic about our vet’s office. Of course that could be because the number of treats they give her seems to have increased when the number of legs she has decreased. 🙂
Susan
That is so funny that Catie bursts into the clinic and demands attention. I do the same thing when I go to get my chemo. I think it’s my duty to make sure everybody knows about how great Tripawds like us can be. As pretty as Catie is, I’m sure nobody can ignore her. Congratulations on Catie’s 5th chemo treatment. Does she just have one more left to go? You must be so proud of her.
XOXO,
Ginger