Jolene underwent {routine} surgery for her spay, as well as a gastropexy to ensure that her stomach doesn't flip in her chest cavity as she grows. Those of you who have read or seen "Marley & Me" will remember that the title character suffers from flipped stomach - and while the chances are 50/50 that Jolene would inherit this medical problem, I elected to be safe rather than sorry. Though I hear my {late} Gramps' voice ringing in my ear chiding, I know that secretly he would do the same for a dog of her caliber.
While healing, Jolene managed to contract an oral virus that sent me running to our {saintly} veterinarian after foolishly looking up images on Google... not a good pastime for pet parents as cautious and protective as myself. Thankfully, our world-class caregiver {no sarcasm here - he is fabulous, as is the entire staff} merely plucked the offensive wart from her gumline and sent us on our way with some information on how some pet owners are scummy and don't take their dogs' hygiene seriously. {Moral of the story - sanitize EVERYTHING and don't drink out of public dog dishes}.
The latest in Jolene's line of maladies occurred when I returned from a particularly harried day at school yesterday to the smell of dog waste in the hallway. My panic and guilt surged as I realized it was coming from my apartment. After 24 hours of this discomfort and a frantic call to the 24 Hour Vet {insensitive morons}, I took a sick day to take my baby to the vet. Jolene was diagnosed with her {second} bout of Giardia, a bacteria from {you guessed it} other dogs' waste. Yet another opportunity presented itself to not-so-silently curse those pet owners who don't have the time or attention to clean up after their pet and safe guard all of our animals against illness. Then again, I guess you'd have to put down your cellphone or take out your earbuds and spend time with your pet...
In the midst of this medical melodrama, we celebrated Jolene's six month birthday on October 16th. When I look at her puppy pictures, I can't believe that the painfully shy, floppy eared furball that I could easily cradle in one arm has morphed so quickly into a strong, confident and outgoing young adult DOG. We truly learned a new city together on countless walks through our neighborhood and a myriad of car trips to places like the Three Dog Barkery, Cherbourg, and Capital {to visit Dad during the summer for lunch or dinner}. We've logged hours on the road from Columbus to Kentucky, stopping in Cincinnati to meet tons of family and friends {furry and otherwise}. She is an integral part of my life and so much more than a companion. She is my FAMILY.
Jolene's half-birthday took on a whole new meaning as we watched two couples who are most definitely our family say good-bye to their pups this past week. I have always been an animal lover, and a strong advocate for the dignity and well-being of canines especially - so this news came especially hard. Wes & Justin, Anne & Peter are in our prayers because I know {and Jolene knows too} that making that choice is the highest form of sacrifice; therefore, it is the highest form of love.
So I ask you - pet owners - to pay a little more attention. It's cliche to invoke the sappy memes that overload Facebook and Pinterest that talk about how "shelter pets save you, not the other way around" or "your status doesn't matter to your dog" - but it's also true. The happiest part of my day is coming home to Jolene after a ridiculous episode at work. I wouldn't trade anything for the nights we spend as a family curled on the bed, falling in and out of sleep. And I would keep every pee-stained piece of carpet, every chewed up pair of {expensive} undies until my dying day if it meant that I can give Jolene one ounce of the love and joy that she's given me.
Put down your cellphones, stay in one night instead of heading out with "friends" - because your best friend is sitting by the couch or in a crate, waiting for their world to come back. And there's only so many episodes of "Koala Hospital" on Animal Planet that will make up for a mom or dad who's only got a pet to be an "accessory". Get connected. Get a clue. It's not Man's Best Friend. Just ask anyone who's said farewell to a faithful fur baby lately... It's Man's Best Family.
XO,
