We were just sitting on the deck together, and I was reminding Murphy of the very first time we were in that exact same position: back in October 1998, when she’d just come home to live with me. She was 11 weeks old, my introduction to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Today she is over 13-1/2, and […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 10
I say it and it doesn’t sink in: my dog is dying. Not just on that you’re born you go through crap (and good jokes) and you die bit, but the real life one none of us get to skip. In a few weeks, Murphy will be gone. She has a splenic tumor, and they […]
Bald Eagles: Neighborhood Shares
Driving home this afternoon I had to smile: a bald eagle soared overhead, ignoring the crow flying up its tailpipe, so to speak. I appreciated both the snooty “you can’t get me” that the eagles have apparently patented and the “never say never” attitude of our neighborhood crows. Yes, this isn’t a picture of a […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 9
Yes, my beloved Murphy is dying. I have to say, it’s weird. I am no stranger to death. I lost my brother when I was only 9, and he was 14. The losses cascaded over the years: friends, family, animals. Each death affects us differently. Of course, there’s the manner of death. Sudden unexpected death […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 8
Now at the end of Murphy’s life I write again about veterinarians. This is Part 2 of four parts. See Entry 6 for the first article. Murphy is my beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She’s 13-1/2. And she’s dying. I got at least 10 years longer with her than I expected. She had a lot […]
When Neighbors are Creatives: and Share Bald Eagles
Seattle has bonuses. Some of them are bald eagles. In our Seattle neighborhood we cherish our bald eagles. Some of us are old enough to remember when they just weren’t around. The youngest of us take them for granted. And some of our neighbors are skilled photographers who freely share their love of bald eagles […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 7
They avoid you, the people you know: friends, family, the medical professionals. They can’t help it. The “C” word is in the air. They just plain look at you differently when there’s cancer in the family. Even if they only think there is. Because they know it means death. I noticed it the first time […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 6
Sometimes we only know the true measure of a person when death stares us in the face. There, at the end of everything, is the simple, plain stark truth of it all. Sometimes the truth is sad. It hurts. Sometimes it exhilarates. This is a story about veterinarians. Four of them. Told in four parts. […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 5
Murphy is dying. My beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a tumor on her spleen. Murphy is 13-1/2. Because of early problems, I’ve been cooking for her for 11 years. Turkey, veggies, fruit. Supplements. A strong healthy diet for a vigorous dog. Yes, I’ve been cooking for my dog. It works for us, but it’s […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 4
Murphy is dying. Yes, she’s 13-1/2, old for any dog, but somehow her age snuck up on me. After her early difficulties, I thought getting her to 5 was a miracle, but she’s been vigorous for years. She’s actually pretty vigorous now. Suddenly deaf, yes. Sleeps a lot. Loves to eat and explore. Slower with […]