Thursday, May 10, 2012

PON tenacity .





Angus is ready. ' The font ' is ready. The vet is ready. Everyone is ready apart from Wilf . He has other ideas . PON tenacity. Wilful by name ; Wilful by nature .

To everyones surprise the family fellow has a great day. Not a good day , a great day. It's hot. He lies on his back on the cool grass of the cherry orchard, snoring. Paws pointed skywards. The sun warming those old limbs and driving out the arthritis. At one point he wanders, unsteadily,  to the stream for a drink. Even better. He starts to eat again. Three small meals of kibbles ( soaked in water now to make them softer ) and chicken. Dog and food , miraculously , remain united. The vet stops by just as Wilf is christening the peonies. '' No problems with those kidneys " he says with a laugh.

A quick check . No pain . The kind vet ( sometimes I think he prefers animals to humans ) suggests we let things drift. The prognosis : It won't be long.  '' A candle gives off the most beautiful light as it  burns down ". French country common sense. From now on no more Cortisone or Previcox. Just the insulin twice a day and , a new treatment , Gaviscon three times a day to deal with the inflamed stomach. As he goes the vet gives me his home number . '' I'm around when he needs me ''.

There's a family of sparrows nesting in the laurel hedge. A dozen young. Argumentative and playful. Wilf settles down to sleep again while they flit and sing and play on the grass around him. New life and old in harmony . Another sunny , bone warming , day is forecast .

55 comments:

  1. Glad news. I'm happy for you all to have some good warm days together again.

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  2. Oh Angus, how wonderful! And what a wise vet. Each day now another gift.

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  3. Thank God! I'm not ready yet, either! ;)

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  4. what a wonderful betterinarian...Wilf is surrounded by love on every front & isn't done basking in the greatly deserved adoration.

    way to milk it, Wilfie :)

    wags, wiggles & slobbers
    Murphydog

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  5. Such wonderful news! Wilf is still running strong. We pray that there will be more carefree days still.

    www.jeddahalleycats.com

    Batman & Robin

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  6. I'm so glad it was a good day. I hope the same for every day he has remaining. Today is the last day I check on Wilf for a while, no Internet access at the convent, but he will be in my heart at every moment and I'll send love and healing light his way every day that I am away.
    Thank you Angus
    Teena & Merlin
    xx

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  7. With my first Golden Retriever when I asked my vet "if it was time" he told me if I'd ask my dog directly he would have laughed at me! There was still more time... and my vet was right. It was a long time until I had to call the vet, until I truly knew from my dog that that time had come.

    I am glad Wilf has had a good day today and that he's been solar charged by the sun for a while longer. Precious moments and memories with a wonderful friend.

    We are also thinking of Digby as it nears his 2nd anniversary.

    Sending our love and thoughts to you all,
    Riley's mum (and of course Riley)

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  8. YAY for Wilfie...what an utter miracle dog. I was dreading the blog page opening...but my heart has lifted and is singing for you all. Come on Wilf we are all with you. Angus & Mrs Font - you must be exhausted - look after each other - you certainly have a World of support out here. Sending you and especially Wonder Dog Wilfie hugs, love and light. XX

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  9. Wilf is receiving end of life care that many humans would envy. Thank you Angus.

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  10. the best news this morning...an old dog doing it his way.....wilfie teaches us all something.....grey and wet here so enjoy you sunny days,,xx

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  11. So glad Wilf has had such a great day. Your vet sounds wonderful and to be trusted.

    Wishing dear Wilf another day of sunshine and kibble.

    xxxxx (for Wilf!)

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  12. So glad to read this reprieve - I braced myself to look when I was sitting comfortably at home and could cry unashamedly if required, but thrilled not to need to.

    Your vet may well prefer animals to humans (most of us do at heart) but he is doing a good job with you two. That makes him a really good vet.

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  13. A lovely story to start my day, beautifully told.
    How kind your vet is, willing to be on hand when the time is right, office hours or not. One of life's special human beings.

    How I envy you your warmth and sunshine, it's cold, grey, wet and miserable here in the north of England.....but you know about that !!

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  14. Pax vobiscum, Wilfie. You're as tenacious in your way as the Australian pilot escaping over the Pyrenees was 70 years ago. One day and one step at a time.

    Jed & Abby

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  15. Had to check in before sleep. Vilfee, you are loved the world over!

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  16. You are teaching us all, Angus. Love to all of you

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  17. Thank you Angus for sharing your Wilf in such a way that it feels like he's ours. Such a special soul you've been blessed with. My most warmest thoughts go to you & the family right now. We lost our diabetic sheepie last August when all 4 of her legs failed. I know you appreciate every second you are getting with Wilf. When you are used to administering so much love and care it's not relief but a vast hole when they move on. God love dear Wilf!
    Two Old English Sheepdogs & Their Mom

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  18. Oh Wilfee boy, you are still there ! I am so so happy !
    Enjoy this sunny and warm Thursday, listening to the sparrows singing around you. That's heaven...
    I love you sweet boy. De tendres bisous pour toi.
    Amitiés pour vous Angus, and Lady Font.

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  19. it is a little after 3 in the morning as i write this. i couldn't sleep. i kept checking back yesterday all day. a sleepless night.
    oh how i needed to hear this. i can go back to sleep awhile now.
    maybe his "six week" times will be closer. but in between still wonderful life with this belove tiny bear. he's a heart stretcher for sure. my love to you three in the france profonde of joy, sorrow, but then unending joy. and a special hug for the font.
    tammy j

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  20. So glad to hear that Wilf is more comfortable. He's quite the little man, isn't he?

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  21. What a graat pon-bear he is - he is amazing, just keeping to surprise everyone. Thoughtful night - worried about a dog and family we never met - bacetti sul nasino - love Susanne, Daisy, Foxiie and Kiri

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  22. It's 2:05 here in the morning but could not sleep so happy to hear the news that he is with us.

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  23. A wish granted, one more day of grace, one more day that is truly a treasure.

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  24. There's a smile on my face and tears in my eyes as I read that, bless Wilf and his determination.

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  25. I was not looking forward to checking in today and again I have blubbed but with happiness. Wilf is a wonderdog for sure. Many hugs and much love to you

    Tea
    xxx

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  26. most vets prefer animals over humans.......sending strength and love your way....
    xoxo

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  27. Joining in the joyful chorus this morning!! I typed in your URL with some trepidation, only to learn that Wilf is feeling a little better, how wonderful! I'm so happy that he still has it in him to surprise all of us. May God bless the kind veterinarian -- what a gift he is too, allowing you as much time as possible with your fuzzy polar bear. Hugs and a head tousle from California!

    The Green and Purple Magpies and Mitzi the Dog

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  28. I like your vet immensely! I am also glad to hear that Wilf is still enjoying the simple life in France. :) Today's post made me smile!

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  29. What a wonderful way to start my day. :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

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  30. Wilf's great day made my day great!...DBH

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  31. I too was filled with trepidation this morning as I opened your blog thrn let out a big sigh of relief when I saw that sweet furry face. One more day to cherish!

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  32. There must be a lot of dust in this room for my eyes are tearing up. I am thankful that Wilf is given another beautiful day. Much love and hugs!

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  33. Great new about Wilf for today. Your vet is a treasure to keep. I wish more would offer their home numbers when our pets time was near.

    Cindy

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  34. After reading your message yesterday, I was so sad for you and all of us that love Wilf and this blog. I kept checking all day to see if there was an up date about Wilf. Wanted to know so bad how polar bear was doing. I have prayed for Wilf every day since I found out about his health.Your blog is the first blog I read when I open my computer each morning, just have to see pictures of Wilf and read about Wilf and your life in France. I am so in love with a dog that I have never seen in person or touched.

    I feel better this morning after reading your message about Wilf. I pray Wilf will be with us for many, many more months.Please, tell him he is loved by so many people all over the world and he bring so much joy to all that have read this blog.I for one don't want this blog to end. I love reading about your life and your town along with the stories about Wilf.

    Have a blessed day...

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  35. I too kept checking throughout the day yesterday to see if any update was posted, although I must admit, I always was hesitant leading up to checking. I was afraid to see what I would find. However! Being early morning here (0700) I find a great post!!

    My heart is lifted, even though the prognosis is grim. We take each day, and we decide how we deal with it. It is obvious that Wilf is doing this exactly! Keep on going Wilf, you strong, darling boy!

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

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  36. :-)

    So glad for you!

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  37. The font is home, the family is together and Wilf has rallied. We know that it's his way of offering comfort to his loved ones before he continues on his journey. Family fellow to the end, God bless him.
    Our special love is with you all.

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  38. The gift of one precious day at a time.

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  39. Whew! Another day of bone-warming warmth around the world. Hopefully a smidge of coconut ice cream by candlelight in celebration.

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  40. What a happy surprise this morning! Another day with our beloved Wilf :)

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  41. Imagining Wilf lying contentedly in the grass made me smile.

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  42. hooray !! - every moment together a treasure.

    Sounds like a wonderful vet. Thinking of Wilf (& you 2) loads of love, peace & comfort Susan, Missy D, Samuel avec les Chats

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  43. Yet again Wilf lets us know things will happen when he is ready. A one in a million dog and his family. It is a tough journey but thank you for writing about this and please keep the blog running afterwards.

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  44. Staying close on this journey.

    Joan

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  45. I didn't sleep well last night. I was worried about Wilf of course. This is slightly crazy you know, I have teens for goodness sake, and a job and a husband, and a small fluffy lamb of a dog myself. In the grand scheme of things life is good but I definitely could find other things to keep me up if I tried, definitely. Yet you and Wilf have touched me so deeply that I care about Wilf as if he were my own companion.

    I have told a few people about this blog over the last couple of weeks. I think they can hear the passion in my voice, and I don't think I have imagined the slight look of "she's an odd one" on their faces when I mention the France part, or that I have never met any of you. If they visit this blog themselves, read back a ways (not even so far back really) they won't find me odd at all.

    I logged on at 7:30am my time with trepidation, could have done so earlier but I think a little hesitation got the better of my need to know . . . but what joy! I guess I should not be surprised. Wonderful news that Wilf has another day with no pain, no fear, aware and able to feel your love and companionship.

    Louise

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  46. Smiles and prayers drifting your way.

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  47. AMAZING....Enjoy every moment, as you always do. Love to Wilf, Wilfs vet, and his loving family. Susan and Emma

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  48. I almost got up in the middle of the night to check on him. Dread, I believe, kept me under the covers. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I am grateful beyond measure that the journey is gentle. We all send our love.

    You are blessed by your French vet. Our own vet is much more comfortable around animals than humans. That's the best kind.

    Hoping for another warm day,
    Pamela

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  49. I've been thinking of Wilf and wondering if he is enjoying another day and it looks like he is as I check in on Alaska time here. Sounds like a wonderful vet there understanding totally how we are about our best friends. Peace to you all today.

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  50. I was thining, will you tell the waitress that it won't be long now? I think she would want to know. Perhaps she could even bring over an illicit half croissant! Of course, I don't know how well you really know her, and I know I am being presumptuous suggesting this.

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  51. I echo Louise comments. I too have told friends and coworkers that I must check with "my dog blog" each day. I used to read it at work, but because people caught me with tears in my eyes, I decided it would be better to read the blog at home.

    Reading about Wilf's adventures has made me feel part of a global community. His life has touched so many lives. I hope he has more time to stop and smell the roses and enjoy coconut ice cream.

    Susan
    Boston, MA USA

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  52. Oh Wilf, I hold my breath with every check-in. You go boy!
    Angus,my sincere condolences to your family on your recent loss.
    Thank-you as always for sharing your life and words to ponder.
    Hugs,Fay and her girls in CA

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  53. I was checking tonight and found the blog had fallen off my Google reader somehow. Wrote Bertie and Gail about what did they know. Anyway, I am thrilled you had a good day today and I love the thought of that little round gent on his back, feet in the air, sleeping in the nice grass. I hope he has some lovely days with you, good food he can keep, good weather.

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  54. Such lovely news...
    Love to all,
    xo J~

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