Wednesday night, January 13
A mild winter’s evening in Alberta. The Christmas trees that lit the windows of the neighbouring houses are gone, hauled to the curbsides for pick-up or packed away in bulging boxes in basements.
Riley sits on one of the many dog beds scattered throughout the house, looking out the livingroom window. Is he waiting for Catie to come home? I’ve been preoccupied the last few days and wonder if he feels neglected and sit on the pillow beside him.
But his gaze isn’t fixed on a distant horizon and anticipated homecoming of his sister but is very intent instead on the three fat hares on the lawn.
We sit and watch them for a while. I don’t really see the fascination, to tell you the truth; in fact, I’m a little annoyed as I think of all the tiny rabbit pellets and peanut shells (one of the neighbours likes to feed them) I’ll have to somehow recycle when the snow is all gone.
They are very large rabbits and they are regular callers.
Riley looks at me out of the corner of his eye. He’s not sure why I’m sitting on his pillow nor why I’m suddenly so interested in the fat hares, so we chat about Catie. I do most of the talking, but he’s a very patient and respectful listener.
We talk about her-deep chested bark, the one that puts Riley’s to shame (his is on the high-pitched side, surprising for the size of him); her greeting disorder (we have not been able to break her of jumping on visitors); her love of digging, of garden hoses and sprinklers and the plastic pool we put in the backyard on the seven hot days we get in the summer; the way she softly snores in her sleep (Riley is a very quiet sleeper); her silent and near-fatal flatulence; and her favourite sleeping position – on her back, head lolling, chest up, back legs spread.
I’m still worried about the days ahead, but I’m smiling anyways.
Note from Riley: I have no idea what my mom is talking about. I’m not hearing any of the words I recognize: ball, food, supper, bedtime, park, truck, walk, cookie. I wonder if I can have Catie’s dinner.
Thursday, January 14
Catie will come home tomorrow. The veterinary hospital thought it best to keep her one more night, to keep her rested and quiet. She drank and ate today.
We have covered enough of the hardwood with new rugs to to make a generous path from the front door to the kitchen.
Tomorrow then.
Hi Catie and family
I hope everything goes well tomorrow. I’m sure it will although it will probably be an adjustment. Where in AB are you? I was there last summer when Tazzie was diagnosed and had his surgery and initial chemo there. A few AB dogs have shown up this fall.
Yes, I sometimes wonder if the 4-legged members of the family envy the attention the 3-leggers get!
Soon enough Riley, you’ll get to do all those fun things again. Hang in there!
We’re so glad to hear the update on Catie. Lots of love coming your way from down south.
Hey Catie, glad to hear you’re on your way to recovery!
So do tell, what’s a “mild” winter’s night in Alberta? 20 below?
Catie will be up and about in no time. I was amazed what Yampa could do 3 days post-op.
Good luck to you in the next couple of weeks…here’s to hoping her recovery goes well…
Tracy, Maggie’s Mom
Sending hugs to you, Catie, and Riley across the miles! We’re keeping all of our fingers and paws crossed for a good homecoming and strong recovery for Catie. Thanks for keeping us updated… your post made me want to sit on Riley’s pillow, too, and watch those hares! (even though doing so would probably make me reflect on all the yummy things in my garden that they most like to demolish)
Holly and Holly’s mom
Glad to hear Catie is doing well! You will be surprised when you bring her home how well she will adapt! We look forward to hearing she is home where she needs to be to recover!
I am a two year old golden and I also surprised my parents when they brought Peyton home after surgery. I just knew that I had to be extra nice to him and he couldn’t play with me until he healed. It was hard, but I was a very good boy. That is what you need to do Riley, be good to your sister!
You will be excited to see how much your pawrents spoil you and Catie with treats!!! Peyton and I got away with a lot after Peyton’s surgery! We had the pawrents fooled that we needed extra special attention and treats all the time!!!
Good luck to Catie and all of you when she gets home! Lots of golden licks and hugs from me!
Dillon
A mild winter’s night in Alberta is anything above -20 🙂
Hi Tazzie
We’re in Edmonton. Thank you for your well wishes.
Hey Catie, I am in Edmonton (Westend) too!!!
Which part of city are you in?
Wish you a speedy recovery!
Big hugs
Northeast.
Catie says thanks for the hugs! Things seem to be progressing well and we’re taking one day at a time!
Yes, one day at a time!
Can’t wait to hear more updates of Catie’s progress on her blog!
Would love to see some pics of her and Riley too!