Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Pain killers




A day of glorious sunshine and those unnaturally blue skies that you only see in estate agents photographs . The village deserted . The farmers tractors can make it up here onto the top of the ridge but lesser Peugeots and Renaults are left defeated at the foot of the snow covered ' S ' bend .

Wilf joins '' the font " to take a thermos of soup down to the old widow. Told that this is the worst snow since 1948.On the way back the family fellow turns on his back and falls contentedly asleep in the warm sunshine . ' Snow ? What snow ? ' . The benefits of having a thick, double layer, coat .


Six months ago the vet put Wilf on a course of pain killers . These worked well but have had some unpleasant side effects including stomach bleeding . A long telephone call with the senior vet to describe the symptoms . Agreement that we'll wean him off them until they're " really necessary ". Another little, amazing, victory in Wilfs journey .

Some dogs, like some people, simply won't be hurried. An old PON philosophy that says : " Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well ".

29 comments:

  1. Love the top picture -- wonderful! Also great snow photos, your village looks very pretty all covered in white. Does Oliver leave his post for indoor warmth?

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  2. Funny how our little white polar bear now looks creamy taupe against the pure snow. Hope the side effects of the pain meds diminish with the reduced dose and Wilf continues to enjoy the rare treats of snow and sun!

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  3. Ina - Oliver is let out a little later than usual in the snow but is still there waiting .

    Jake - The creamy taup colour is a pretty good indicator that someone needs a bath ! #1 on the list when the weather gets warmer again .

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  4. Petey was on Rimadyl for his advanced arthritis pain for about six months until the morning he vomited blood all over the bed. He now gets Adequan injections and plays like a pup again without the awful side effects. His latest blood work also shows improved liver values which is a huge relief.

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  5. Hey there Mongoose,
    I simply had to come around to your blog this morning - after hearing all the news about the torrid weather all over the northern hemisphere. Pretty amazing scenery. I believe even Rome is freezing. Do keep warm, but enjoy the snow. (How I wish I could experience such a wonder, once in my lifetime. Yep, 52 years and no such experience for me)
    I am so happy to hear that Wilf is doing so well. His tenacity truly is miraculous.
    Sending lotsaluv to you all
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
    (A warm, sunny & wet JHB!)

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  6. We also wondered if there isn't some alternative pain therapy that would help Wilf without being so hard on his tummy.

    We're enjoying looking at your snow cocoon - and glad we haven't had one this winter, at least so far.

    Jed & Abby

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  7. I love those pictures of Wilf rolling in the snow!

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  8. I love the proverb - they seem so fitting to my family circumstances at the moment. Love to see Wilf - Lady Font looking after the old widow - you are just my kind of people - with love and respect - Wilf lives because of his caring family and the love you have for each other- Polar Bear - happy walks - we love you - Susanne, Daisy, Foxiie and Kiri - ever so miniature tiger

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  9. Fantastic photos of Wilf up ended in the snow.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  10. A cogent reminder from the beautiful Wilf.

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  11. Your little polar bear looks happy in his natural habitat. Lovely scenes.

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  12. Your little polar bear looks happy in his natural habitat. Lovely winter scenes. And hooray for a decrease in meds!

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  13. Doesn't Wilf have an 11th birthday coming up soon?
    Sheila

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  14. I wish I were that comfortable in the snow! Wilf is an amazing little fellow.

    Will the widow find another dog? She must really miss Kelly's companionship.

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  15. Sheila - Wilf will have his eleventh birthday in March . For a PON that's a reasonable age . The wat he's going he'll break the record books for the breed !

    Houndstooth - We've asked . The widow says she's too old to replace Kelly .

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  16. I have been absent from the blogs for a while and it is glorious to see Wilf rolling in the snow enjoying his life. He is truly blessed to have you in his life just as you are truly blessed to have him to share your days.

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  17. Wilf has won my heart with his unstoppably happy attitude about life. As for your final sentence, I'm still trying to come to terms with that. I wonder if dogs really know it or if they're just oblivious? In either case, Wilf keeps us all smiling.

    Sheila has a sharp memory!

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  18. i do love your last line. i am taking it to heart.
    i have always hated endings and goodbyes. we moved continually throughout my childhood due to my father's job. i think that might have something to do with it.
    but as wilfee knows, it's important to live by that special pon wisdom. take the snow, the rain, the sun, and love it all and don't worry about the morrow. (as long as that croissant awaits!)
    love and happy tummy rub to my best wee fellow,
    tammy j

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  19. Isn't it delightful that he's seeing snow again?!
    Such a wonderful boy.

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  20. Sam is on a maintenance dose of Prednisone to help battle his cancer, we've had some of the same side effects including loss of muscle and bladder issues. We keep exercising him and giving him the absolute minimum dose needed.

    Sam

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  21. All Wilf needs is a bit more snow, more outdoor play time and those pain killers will be a distant memory! He looks like he is having so much fun in the snow! What a darling boy! Keep on going Wilf!

    With love from your Canadian pals,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  22. My shuh tzu's like to take their time when walking.

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  23. Yes, another victory for Wilf, and a cheer from us from the sidelines!

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  24. I wonder if you couldn't help the widow to find a rescue that would be suitable for her age. At age 73, I know I should not get a puppy again (sigh!) but perhaps the widow would accept a 5 or 6 year old dog who needs a home. Stella came three years ago as a two year old from the shelter. I think she was older than that, but this fall she will be six or older.

    Bless the font for being a bringer of soup! Hugs for Wilfee!

    Cheers,

    Jo of Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  25. I think that love is the best pain killer of all. Of course, I didn't think that when I broke my rib two years ago.

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  26. I often think when I see a sky so blue, that colleges are taking recruiting photos!

    Wilf is my hero and teacher. It is great to read good news.

    It is sad that the widow will not replace Kelly. Dogs can be loyal and loving friends.

    Susan

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  27. Wow - those skies certainly are blue, blue, blue! LOVE these pix of Wilf in the snow - he looks blissed out! How sweet of the font to bring soup to an old widow; so very thoughtful. Sorry about Wilf's bad tummy due to meds. He is an amazing PON - you go, Wilf!
    Big Hugs xoxoxoxoxoxo
    Sammie and Avalon

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