Friday, March 2, 2012

Not yet !


The senior vet spends half an hour with Wilf . He's had a stroke - a crise vasculaire cerebrale. The good news - the haemorraging doesn't seem to have done any major damage to the brain .

When asked if it's time , we're told categorically " Non ! Absolument Non ! It's too early. Let the mist fall gently ". Vet as poet . For this last lap of the track we're told to stick to his routine as much as possible.

He's in no pain . The disorientation more alarming for us than him . The vet christens him Tetu : the French word for stubborn .

On our way home Wilf discovers Bubble Gum ice cream .

54 comments:

  1. Thank goodness, so glad to hear it.
    He's certainly a fighter and so are you.

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  2. I've been following Wilf for a while now and I'm glad that it's not quite time yet! Good scratch behind the ears from down under Wilf....
    XXX

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  3. YAY! YAY! I knew its. Wilf is wilful. YAY! Time to celebrate! Big hugs to our fluffy friend.

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  4. Hang on in there Wif - till you're ready.
    Much Much love to you all - especially Wilfie.
    XX

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  5. When you wrote about W's behaviour my first thoughts were - stroke. Our Sally has had FOUR. Full ones, plus several tiny episodes. And - judging by Sally's state - it's definitely not time yet. Everyone tells me - Sally WILL tell you herself, so I am passing the message, together with so many other readers. Also I find that our Sally, and your Wilf, adjusts to whatever situation/accident happens, gets up and carries on with life - there is always some coconut ice cream round the corner - Wilf is definitely a living proof of that.
    BTW - I LOVE your senior vet.
    Lots of scratches under the chin and behind the ear all around!

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  6. I somehow lost the comment, so here we go again - my thoughts were "stroke" - we've been there FOUR times. Hope his balance is ok....and I firmly believe that Wilf will let you know when it's time . Right now - enjoy bubble gum ice cream administered regularly :)))
    Lots of scratches under the chin and behind the ears all around!

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  7. Youpiiiiii ! Oh Wilfee, how happy i am, you cannot imagine...
    A "accident vasculaire cerebral", like human. But no pain, that's the most important, Mr. tetu !
    Enjoy your bubble gum ice cream my sweet love. Bisous, cuddles.
    Happy Friday to you Angus, and Lady Font.

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  8. Pleased to hear that Wilf is still fighting on. Great news. Diane

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  9. Oh WILF! We were unable to go to bed, here on the Westcoast of Canada, due to the earlier post. So......we took one more look - and read the wonderful news: NOT YET! We noted that
    you were clever indeed - to have taken an extra day on February 29th. And now - there is Bubble Gum Ice Cream to stick around for. And lots more goodies. Well done Monsieur TETU!
    Besides loving you WILF, and ANGUS, and the FONT - add to that list your wonderful VET.
    Off to bed now, and feeling much much happier. EDENA in Vancouver, B.C.

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  10. Angus, in reading your posts my first thought was 'canine vestibular syndrome' which is what 3-4 of our dogs have had at this stage; its symptoms are disorientation and walking in circles, head down ... But the vet does know best.

    I know that I don't have to tell you that I am keeping Wilf in my prayers this morning as I feel a sadness and a familiar ache in my heart. Stay strong!!!

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  11. So relieved, bless you Wilf you are so loved by so many who have never even met you.
    Hugs n ear scratches
    Tea
    xxx

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  12. poor Wilfie.....getting old sucks...hope he improves....life with old dogs can be difficult and challenging.....you are a good dad!
    xoxo

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  13. We think ice cream is a miracle cure. Now that vet is definitely an improvement on La Parisienne.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  14. Yes! Good.
    Teena & Merlin xxx

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  15. Yesterday Lucio Dalla - today Wilfs news tears are not stopping - hope Wilf has many weeks of bubble gum ice cream ---
    we love him to bits - give him a caress from Daisy, Foxiie, Kiri and Susanne and a kiss

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  16. I think I'm falling in love with the senior vet.

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  17. Peace, smiles & hugs to Wilf, The Font & Angus. Enjoy every minute (& bubblegum ice cream!)

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  18. I just read the earlier post before this one. I'm glad to hear that Wilf is going to be enjoying ice cream for a while longer! I'm also glad to hear that you have such a wise and compassionate vet.

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  19. Holding your most tender hearts gently in my hands.

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  20. You're in our heart today dear Wilf. Such a fighter and such a good dog is our favorite wee polar bear!

    Arrrooo;
    Buzzy McDuff, the Pip, and Camille

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  21. I love the tenderness of your love for Wilf (and Digby), my hope is for more walks,more ice cream, spring...summer...fall? I too couldn't stop the tears. Love and scratches, JD

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  22. We love the senior vet, too! Here's to Wilf!

    Aroo, Stuart

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  23. I have come to love you all through your blog. A simple look at a small village in France - a daily escape for me. Please know that you and the font are in my prayers, and that you will know that your followers care when "the time" arrives.

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  24. Sending so much love to Wilf! Gentle hugs to Angus and 'the font' as well. A hearty pat on the back to the senior vet.

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  25. Just read this post first, had no idea there was an earlier one about Wilf going in circles. Glad to have read the good news first. My thoughts are with you and the font and Wilf. The senior vet is very kind; makes all the difference in the world during this stage. Don't let that other vet near Wilf!! I know you all must know how beloved you have become to your readers.

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  26. Life in small town France never ceases to amaze. Your vet is a treasure we all wish we could have in our own lives. Here's hoping for more bubble gum ice cream for Wilf.

    Cindy

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  27. I experienced something new and frightening with JH a day ago ...and my first thought was of you and Wilf and the powerful definition of love and courage you have given us all. It helped beyond words.

    Love to the three of you as you said on this last lap. And thank doG for the senior vet.

    Joan

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  28. i could not speak yesterday.
    and today ... to hear the most beautiful words ...
    "non! absolument non! it's too early."
    well, i can breathe again.
    precious words from a true healer.
    does wilfee like champagne? we shall drink it for him!!!
    all my love,
    tammy j

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  29. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  30. Wilf - lovely lovely furball of unconditional giving ....they make our world WHOLE, yes?!...I am feeling for you today...I say a prayer Wilf will go in peace...in a slumbering napping happy dream of running through a field...head high...sniffing and enjoying the complete joy of a blissful romp that only dawgs can fully appreciate with ALL the senses....Sending HUGS over there with a heavy heart as you wait...

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  31. who knew there would be so many of life's lessons taught by one small white polar bear in france? so happy to hear the news!

    edgar and his mum

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  32. Sweet Wilfee, I read about your beautiful life with your family every day, amazing love. We have a 15 year old Golden Retriever, Emma Catherine who has had three vestibular events. The first one was the worst, and I do remember not believing the vet when he said she will rehibilitate herself almost back to normal....And she did...Three times. Our vet said sometimes they feel dizzy, and recomended Dramamine (sp), this really seemed to help her. I hope that in the next few days you will see Wilf improving. Take care of yourselves, I know this is not easy. You have been the most wonderful inspiration to me, reading your blog all the way in Texas. Susan & Emma

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  33. Somehow, I missed the circle post- just read it. Three cheers for the senior vet! Many prayers for Wilf, you, the Font and the village who have taken Wilt into their hearts. Happy it is not yet time - yes, Wilf adjusting better than we who anticipate; Wilf "simply" lives - you are a blessed example to us all, Wilf. Soldier on while Angus and the Font guard and open their hearts and minds on your behalf.
    Can you "fire" the Parisenne vet and only work with the senior vet? Her treatment of the old couple with the aged Golden was despicable.

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  34. Enjoy the ice cream.

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  35. As The Songwriter said over breakfast this morning... " No dog has ever had better care".
    Sending heartfelt love and prayers from a Georgia breakfast table. And from the two furry souls asleep beneath it.

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  36. Wilf forever a courageous Polar Bear

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  37. Darling Wilf! Just a bump in the road! Our black lab had a stroke, managed to keep with us for 2 months after that so there is hope! Wilf is stubborn, and for that I am ever grateful! Bubble gum ice cream and the love of his owners is all he wants. Perhaps everyday could be a whole croissant day? Keep on going Wilf!!!

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

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  38. Lighting a candle for you Wilf.
    My heart is so heavy and the tears keep coming. Stay strong.
    XX
    http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=FBC

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  39. He's one pretty amazing fella, that Wilfey of ours! But what's more amazing is the love of his faithful caregivers. What incredible unconditional love - you grant him the dignity he deserves.
    Sending my love to you all. Difficult days, no doubt.
    Caryl

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  40. let the mist fall gently - Miss Winnie Dixon turned 13 in January. I adopted her when she was just 1 from our local shelter. Each & every day I have with her is a gift.

    I know you feel the same way & bubblegum ice cream !! - Samuel says a big ol' woof to that. Kisses to Wilf Much love xoxo Susan, Miss D, Sam avec les Chats

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  41. We are so pleased that Wilf is not in pain, and that he will be with you for a while longer.

    His last lap may be slow but, after an incredible journey, a "lap of honour” should be savoured moment by moment.

    Sending our love to Wilf and thinking of you all,
    Riley (and his mum)

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  42. Whisper a thank you from me into Wilf's ear. Let him know I am grateful for all of the lessons on living. He knows how life is done.

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  43. Answered prayers! Couldn't face yesterdays post, just couldn't . Words wouldn't come except in prayer.
    I wonder what the senior vet would say if he knew he was loved and respected by people all over the world. The vet is an absolute treasure and it soothes our anxious hearts to know our beloved Wilf is in his capable, caring hands.

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  44. Dearest Wilf, Angus, and the Font - there is no doubt how much you are all loved, as so many others have pointed out. Wilf continues to bring us all so much joy, through you, and I don't think we can ever thank you enough for sharing his (and Digby's) journeys with a large bunch of strangers. If any dog ever had a global family, it is Wilf. Prayers for all three of you from the West of Ireland tonight.

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  45. Awww Wilfie, we hope you get some rest, and your head doesn't hurt. We are sending you kisses and hugs.

    Julie and Poppy Q
    xxx

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  46. Oh, God, I can hardly stand it. Wishing you courage, fortitude - and time...

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  47. How wonderful to hear that Wilfee will be staying a longer time with us all. Our hearts have all wrapped around that little white dog and no one is ready to let him go. My heartfelt prayers go out to the little gent that he gets more time, more croissants, more coconut and bubblegum ice cream, and more of whatever the Font is cooking, more time with Angus!

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  48. Wilfie,

    you are a constant source of amazement and can teach all of us a beautiful lesson about living life to the fullest.

    Me & Mom are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers that you'll get over this latest hump.

    wags, wiggles & slobbers
    Murphydog

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  49. Scarey stuff, keep on being strong. Love and hugs and many more bowls of ice cream to Wilf and family.

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  50. Happy news! Much love to Wilf!

    Thank you Angus for sharing Wilf with us.

    Susan
    Boston,MA USA

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  51. Oh Angus, you have me in tears. I missed a couple of days, and so much has happened. I think that you have a wonderful vet. And, I think that you and the font are such caring, devoted, and loving guardians for Wilf. We are thinking of him and you.

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