I've been fortunate to have had dogs for 53 years of my life. With the exception of my first dog, my last sweet boy, Bocci, was my absolute best friend with the most affectionate, warm personality. And yes, he slept with his scruffy head on the pillow next to mine.
oh Joan, there is nothing else quite like losing your furbaby and best friend. Since you have always had dogs, when do you think you might jump in the doggie dating pool again? Time to grieve, of course...
Your little Mazie is such a cutie pie—no wonder you adore her! And I hope this illness is nothing major, just a little hiccup. I was lucky with Bocci —no problems at all till he suddenly got a heart murmur at 10-ish and then at about 14, got a terrible mouth disease. I'm hoping I can hold out for quite awhile, until I move again. I honestly can't afford another dog for...who knows how long? I have an 18 years young cat to take care of. It will be another shelter dog when the time is right.
Thank you, I think she's pretty cute too. Bocci was definitely a handsome boy!
Yes, the expense. This little girl has been hitting my pocketbook hard. Prescriptions this time were only $40 but last time it was $60, and then the tests, the visits, the special food and so on. (Doc says she's okay.) Every time I want to complain about the cost, I remind myself that she's still a heck of a lot cheaper than a kid! :)
What a great column--can totally relate. About a year ago, we called you up one morning and pulled into Tulsa that afternoon... to see you and your chosen home city at that time. We are a package deal, Bob and I and Beau, our black 1/2 lab. You worked with us to find an outdoor restaurant and fun things to do that were dog-friendly. You showed the 3 of us so much cool Tulsa stuff: Woodie Guthrie Museum, Greenwood outdoor experience, Gathering Place, etc.! A total highlight of our trip. You were so understanding about where we were coming from as far as Beau was concerned.
And that's the way it is. Because... he was there when everything else was flying apart. He was there. Grounding us.
Yes Yes and Yes! Dogs are consistent. They have special needs, yes, but they are so tried and true and always there for us. It's sad to me when friends don't understand how much a part of the family they are. I mean, if your child was with you and had special needs, people would fall over themselves to accommodate. But when it's a dog, too many folks think you're a little over the top or even spoiling the dog. And... so what if the dog is spoiled? The dog is not growing up to run a company or (ahem, the country) so who cares if it is spoiled? What's the worst that can happen with a spoiled dog? Everyone is happy! ok, if the barking isn't controlled, that's a problem.
I SO LOVED that you surprised me like that. What fun we had! Thank you for that gift!
We had a FANTASTIC time with you in Tulsa!! We're driving across the country again in December this time from VT to ID and back to VT in January. Wish you were still there--we'd definitely make getting together again part of our trip! :)
I AM STILL HERE!! Please, stop and visit with me!! I'm probably farther south than your planned route, but then maybe that way you'll avoid some bad weather. I'll be here in December for sure. (Visiting WRV for Thanksgiving) And will be here at least the first half of January. Am hoping to make it back to Sicily in late January or February. Call, text, or write me! It would be fabulous to see you! And you can see the new Dylan Center.
So awesome that you'll be in Tulsa in Dec. and through late Jan or early Feb! I will for sure let you know about our route! You are right that it is not a good idea to go too far north that time of year. Very cool that the Dylan Center is now open, so something we haven't seen yet. But far more important, it would be great to see you! Thanks for this fantastic invitation to stop by Tulsa and see you again! :))
lol! husbands, yes. :) Well, to be fair, life. But without spouses, kids, and pets, we tend to think we CAN control it. And if we could, well, what a shame that would be. We'd lose the surprise and the fun.
Oh my! I completely understand. And I bet your special needs pup is full of gratitude. They really don't ask for much, do they? Just our love and attention. I really do believe that dogs make us better human beings.
I worry the same way. I think that’s because, like infants, our pups can’t tell us what’s wrong. The vet thinks Mazie is fine. Just an upset tummy. So she got some special food and another prescription for a few days.
Daughter had dogs. She too has had similar issues. Dog was allergic to special food, pumpkin. Started feeding her cooked sweet potatoes, which is working. Sending hugs to both of you.
Max! I believe you. Did you ever read the book “The Art of Racing in the Rain?” So good. Told from the dog’s POV and he is most definitely a human trapped in a fur body.
Unfortunately Substack doesn’t support photos as of yet, but I did see this. I love that churches offer blessings of animals now. The dog looks a lot like my mom’s former pup. So cute.
I grew up as one of five, and then, when my mom married again, six children. We always had dogs. Chaos prevailed but so did, as you say, warmth and life. I went for years without pets after my son moved on to adulthood but have had them now for the past twenty years. You are right, they can make everything feel more like home, more alive. And there is something about the way a small dog settles into the arms that gets that oxytocin flowing. I close my eyes and hurtle back in time to that brief period when I held my son that way. I say this even though not three weeks ago, I spent 24 hours cleaning up puke and bloody diarrhea and spent lots of money on lots of tests at the vet. I hope Maizie is feeling better. She sure is adorable.
oh, yes! You get it, you're living it! Hope your little one is feeling better. Mazie is fine - so the vet says. Just an upset tummy. Gave her one can of special food and a prescription for a few days. We got a dog when I was 4-ish, and then, not much later, my brother brought home a kitten from his paper route. Turns out I was terribly allergic to cats, and the doctor made us get rid of our dog as well. Pretty tragic. I think there is something so special about having a dog when you're a kid. Well, pretty special as an adult too ;)
🥰 Dogs. I still miss Ben so much, he would’ve been 25 in July. I was the same way about bringing him everywhere.
You and Mazie have a special bond. You helped her deliver her puppies and you saved one of their little lives. You’ve been through some shit together. ❤️
Awww Ben! He was indeed a special guy. Of course Elliot is too, but there was only one Ben 💜 You’re so sweet to remember all of that about Mazie. Yeah, she’s my girl
I loved having a dog as a child, but we lived in the country and the dog lived in the garage, and all I had to do was fill his bowl. Our kids want a dog now, but we can barely keep up with taking care of them! Walking a dog, dealing with hair indoors, baths, etc, would be too much!
Ah yes, sounds like you've already got your "bit" of chaos with kids! Add a dog and it would be too much. But maybe someday, when the kids are all grown and out of the house, you'll have a dog again. You know, just to keep the house lively! ;)
I've been fortunate to have had dogs for 53 years of my life. With the exception of my first dog, my last sweet boy, Bocci, was my absolute best friend with the most affectionate, warm personality. And yes, he slept with his scruffy head on the pillow next to mine.
oh Joan, there is nothing else quite like losing your furbaby and best friend. Since you have always had dogs, when do you think you might jump in the doggie dating pool again? Time to grieve, of course...
Your little Mazie is such a cutie pie—no wonder you adore her! And I hope this illness is nothing major, just a little hiccup. I was lucky with Bocci —no problems at all till he suddenly got a heart murmur at 10-ish and then at about 14, got a terrible mouth disease. I'm hoping I can hold out for quite awhile, until I move again. I honestly can't afford another dog for...who knows how long? I have an 18 years young cat to take care of. It will be another shelter dog when the time is right.
Thank you, I think she's pretty cute too. Bocci was definitely a handsome boy!
Yes, the expense. This little girl has been hitting my pocketbook hard. Prescriptions this time were only $40 but last time it was $60, and then the tests, the visits, the special food and so on. (Doc says she's okay.) Every time I want to complain about the cost, I remind myself that she's still a heck of a lot cheaper than a kid! :)
I never really considered the beneficial aspects of chaos, but you're right. I don't want to flatline.
well, as my father always said, "Everything in moderation. Including moderation." :)
What a great column--can totally relate. About a year ago, we called you up one morning and pulled into Tulsa that afternoon... to see you and your chosen home city at that time. We are a package deal, Bob and I and Beau, our black 1/2 lab. You worked with us to find an outdoor restaurant and fun things to do that were dog-friendly. You showed the 3 of us so much cool Tulsa stuff: Woodie Guthrie Museum, Greenwood outdoor experience, Gathering Place, etc.! A total highlight of our trip. You were so understanding about where we were coming from as far as Beau was concerned.
And that's the way it is. Because... he was there when everything else was flying apart. He was there. Grounding us.
Yes Yes and Yes! Dogs are consistent. They have special needs, yes, but they are so tried and true and always there for us. It's sad to me when friends don't understand how much a part of the family they are. I mean, if your child was with you and had special needs, people would fall over themselves to accommodate. But when it's a dog, too many folks think you're a little over the top or even spoiling the dog. And... so what if the dog is spoiled? The dog is not growing up to run a company or (ahem, the country) so who cares if it is spoiled? What's the worst that can happen with a spoiled dog? Everyone is happy! ok, if the barking isn't controlled, that's a problem.
I SO LOVED that you surprised me like that. What fun we had! Thank you for that gift!
We had a FANTASTIC time with you in Tulsa!! We're driving across the country again in December this time from VT to ID and back to VT in January. Wish you were still there--we'd definitely make getting together again part of our trip! :)
I AM STILL HERE!! Please, stop and visit with me!! I'm probably farther south than your planned route, but then maybe that way you'll avoid some bad weather. I'll be here in December for sure. (Visiting WRV for Thanksgiving) And will be here at least the first half of January. Am hoping to make it back to Sicily in late January or February. Call, text, or write me! It would be fabulous to see you! And you can see the new Dylan Center.
So awesome that you'll be in Tulsa in Dec. and through late Jan or early Feb! I will for sure let you know about our route! You are right that it is not a good idea to go too far north that time of year. Very cool that the Dylan Center is now open, so something we haven't seen yet. But far more important, it would be great to see you! Thanks for this fantastic invitation to stop by Tulsa and see you again! :))
Chaos reminds us of all that we don’t - can’t - control. Dogs, children, husbands, etc!
lol! husbands, yes. :) Well, to be fair, life. But without spouses, kids, and pets, we tend to think we CAN control it. And if we could, well, what a shame that would be. We'd lose the surprise and the fun.
Such a heartwarming post. I have two dogs at home and one of them is semi paralysed and my whole life revolves around them
Oh my! I completely understand. And I bet your special needs pup is full of gratitude. They really don't ask for much, do they? Just our love and attention. I really do believe that dogs make us better human beings.
We’ve almost always had dogs and/or cats. They are our fur babies.
But how is Maize after her most recent trip to the vet? My tendency with our pets is to immediately presume the worst. Hope she is well.
I worry the same way. I think that’s because, like infants, our pups can’t tell us what’s wrong. The vet thinks Mazie is fine. Just an upset tummy. So she got some special food and another prescription for a few days.
Daughter had dogs. She too has had similar issues. Dog was allergic to special food, pumpkin. Started feeding her cooked sweet potatoes, which is working. Sending hugs to both of you.
Allergic to pumpkin! That’s too bad as they say it is good for upset stomach. But sweet potatoes- even better! Higher in fiber. Mazie says hi 😊
My dog Max was a human trapped in a dog's body. Also I will look at the chaos in my life differently from now on. Thanks for pointing this out.
Max! I believe you. Did you ever read the book “The Art of Racing in the Rain?” So good. Told from the dog’s POV and he is most definitely a human trapped in a fur body.
Glad to hear you like this perspective on chaos.
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Unfortunately Substack doesn’t support photos as of yet, but I did see this. I love that churches offer blessings of animals now. The dog looks a lot like my mom’s former pup. So cute.
I grew up as one of five, and then, when my mom married again, six children. We always had dogs. Chaos prevailed but so did, as you say, warmth and life. I went for years without pets after my son moved on to adulthood but have had them now for the past twenty years. You are right, they can make everything feel more like home, more alive. And there is something about the way a small dog settles into the arms that gets that oxytocin flowing. I close my eyes and hurtle back in time to that brief period when I held my son that way. I say this even though not three weeks ago, I spent 24 hours cleaning up puke and bloody diarrhea and spent lots of money on lots of tests at the vet. I hope Maizie is feeling better. She sure is adorable.
oh, yes! You get it, you're living it! Hope your little one is feeling better. Mazie is fine - so the vet says. Just an upset tummy. Gave her one can of special food and a prescription for a few days. We got a dog when I was 4-ish, and then, not much later, my brother brought home a kitten from his paper route. Turns out I was terribly allergic to cats, and the doctor made us get rid of our dog as well. Pretty tragic. I think there is something so special about having a dog when you're a kid. Well, pretty special as an adult too ;)
🥰 Dogs. I still miss Ben so much, he would’ve been 25 in July. I was the same way about bringing him everywhere.
You and Mazie have a special bond. You helped her deliver her puppies and you saved one of their little lives. You’ve been through some shit together. ❤️
Awww Ben! He was indeed a special guy. Of course Elliot is too, but there was only one Ben 💜 You’re so sweet to remember all of that about Mazie. Yeah, she’s my girl
I loved having a dog as a child, but we lived in the country and the dog lived in the garage, and all I had to do was fill his bowl. Our kids want a dog now, but we can barely keep up with taking care of them! Walking a dog, dealing with hair indoors, baths, etc, would be too much!
Ah yes, sounds like you've already got your "bit" of chaos with kids! Add a dog and it would be too much. But maybe someday, when the kids are all grown and out of the house, you'll have a dog again. You know, just to keep the house lively! ;)