Doggie Tails er Tales.....

Why do I write this blog....I dunno...perhaps it is for documentation. At least that was my training for all of a professional career.
For some weeks now a portion of my time has been consumed with caring for a houseful of canines --well, maybe not a houseful, but three. One is very sick preparing to cross over, one is a six year old sweetie who seems to understand something isn't right, and one is a five month old puppy who just thinks everything is such fun. I spend a lot of time coaxing my sick one that she really does want to eat stuff that is good for her and to take her meds. For my six year old, I spend time getting her meds for Fall allergies in her, keeping her fed and feeling wanted and not left out. For my five month old puppy I spend lots of time "trying" to potty train (she wears diapers inside), playing with her and trying my best not to step on her as she follows me around. All three want to be with me every where I go but my precious Sassy just stays in the place I put her for comfort with her eyes following me.
Now why would an old woman like me enjoy this kind of life. Wish I knew the answer but I am not sure I do. They are all three precious to me. They keep me from being lonely. They make life interesting and I just love observing their behaviors. Is that reason enough??
I worry about doing the right thing for my Sassy who has fallen victim to the big C. A cancerous tumor in the brachial plexus for which there is no cure and has spread to the nervous system. Will I know when is the right time to end her suffering and let her go? Will I know when it is best for her and she is ready? I worry about this. Not an easy choice.

Do you believe.......

Let's just get straight to the question that plagues me. Everyone seems to have a different idea. Do dogs have souls and will there be dogs in heaven? Three things bring this to the forefront of my mind again today -- Halloween of all days!!! First, CBS This Morning has done a spot today on Crossing Over and whether there is an afterlife. Secondly, in Thursday's N&O the God Squad editorialist Marc Gellman wrote a response to an inquiry, "Where do your pets go after death?"

Thirdly, the impending passing of a beloved pet (schnauzer) of my very own.

Katie Couric interviewed several guests and authors about passing over, tales of passing over, why humans choose to believe this, and explanations for these experiences "they" claim to have. (I could not help but wonder as she asked several probing questions what she really believes knowing that she has lost both a husband and a sister in recent years to cancer.)

Marc Gellman writes in his column that he has answered this question several times in the past.

I quote," The official line of the major faiths is that animals don't go to heaven because they don't have souls." Says he, " Like us, animals are created by God, but unlike us they were not created in the image of God and therefore do not have souls." He goes on to say, "this does not mean that they can be abused, though, and it doesn't mean they're incapable of love and loyalty."

Feel free to search for his column and read it if it will assist your ponderings. Doesn't help me at all!

However, he does end his response with his opinion, "I believe we won't be separated forever from those we love, including our pets." Whoa, what???? What did you just say? AND what do you really believe??

Are we all just assuming, hoping, having faith that mercy will be shown to our desires to have those we love with us? Where is the proof that animals have a life with us after death?

Well, what is your opinion? I would certainly like to hear from those who read my blog.

Our Queen

In "our home" we have a queen and a wannabe. I am just an old woman who lives with two dogs -- female schnauzers. I refer to them as my girls. And they are!! My older one is Sassy Jane who is the queen of the house - and she knows it. My younger one is Piper -- Piper is a little type one personality girl who is the wannabe and she may be! My Sassy is laid back and easy. Piper is pushy, hyper, proactive, and impulsive. She knocks Sassy around when she can until Sassy "takes a stand." Then things change somewhat. But it does not discourage Piper -- she just keeps on trying!
Sassy has not been well for a while. She has a limp that seems to be getting worse. She has been to the vet several times for this and it has been x-rayed. The vet says the elbows of each front leg show arthritis. So Sassy has been medicated and is taking Adequan shots given by humanoid Mommy. Adequan is supposed to help rebuild the cartilage in the joint. We will see. Sassy also has bladder stones and has been treated for bladder infections for it seems like four months. First one kind and then another - each requiring a different kind of antibiotic. She keeps me broke.
Nevertheless she is the queen. She was a Christmas gift to me the year that Ken died. She gave me a reason to function on days that are now long past. What I am trying to say is that she needed to be cared for, she was now mine, and required my care. We bonded and became a family. When she had been with me for about five years she had bladder stones that had to be removed. The night before her surgery one lodged and blocked the passage of urine. After we got her through that crisis I got the bright idea that she needed a sister. Sometimes I wonder whether she thinks it was a bright idea or the dumbest idea I ever had!!
During this episode of sickness I have been struck with concern about losing her. I don't know about other people but she is a member of my family and that thought leaves me panic stricken and in a state of disequalibrium.