NO DO OVERS THIS TIME AROUND

Parker is definitely fading.  He has so gone downhill in the last two months and I have no choice but to face the reality that he is not going to last much longer.  I was thinking.  I don't think I am up to watching another 'loved one' (yes I will admit I love that old dog…up to the sky) decline until dead. Its too soon since Spod.

That got me to thinking.  If I had a last six months before Spod died 'do over', exactly what would I do differently?  Lots.  I would change my tone of voice…less scathing and impatient and a lot more loving and patient.  I would get off my ass and go do the stuff he asked me to go with him and do…drives, Lee Valley Tools, downtown at night to see lights, dinners out, sit out front in the rocking chairs, run up the road in the evening to see the deer.  I did some of that but a lot of it I didn't, and not gracefully.  I wouldn't get mad at him when he was sneezing for the millionth time.  I wouldn't get mad at him for the millionth time we had to stop at the loo.  Don't get me wrong…we did so much together and we were happy.  But those other things stick in my mind. I know one can't live 100 percent super attentive and loving…would drive you crazy.  But I sure could have been a whole lot kinder and better.

So now I have a chance with Parker.  As you know I am NOT a dog person.  I never have been.  To me they are too dependant, too needy, stinky, hairy, always needing something.  It drives me nuts.  But be that as it may, this poor old dog has no choice but to depend on me to be his final buddy, so his last time on this earth is going to be awesome.  I don't want to be sitting here in this chair, after the fact,  posting on this blog about how I am feeling bad about not making his final days/months the best he's ever had.

So I already started and I gotta tell you..he's confused!!  It might take him a while to trust that I am going to be good to him ALL the time.  He is getting scraps off my plate, treats from beside my chair, extra time outside, runs at a leash free park, taken out in the car every time I go out, etc….and when his time comes there will be no regrets and he will be a happy dog taking the next natural step.  At least thats what I tell myself his passing will be like.  We will see.

I took him to the spa today for a much needed bath and brushing.  While he was there I made the mistake of going to Pier 1.  But I did find the small plates I have been keeping watch for.  Slowly my formal dinner ensemble is coming together.  Pics at the bottom.

I went to pick up Parker.  I took him out to the car and bless me if he couldn't jump into the back. So finally he put his front legs in the back of the car and squatted his haunches right down on the pavement, sitting sort of.  Well I can't lift him when he does that.  I can only lift him when he stands on his hind legs but I think it hurts and he won't stand, only sit on his haunches. So I was trying and trying and simply couldn't get him picked up.  All of a sudden a car stopped (we were in a shopping centre parking lot) and a little older lady hopped out and came over to help.  Well Jeez!! neither of us could get him up.  AND he would yelp when we tried.  Soon another vehicle stopped and a lovely looking young man hopped out and came over.  Another guy, coming out of Petsmart, stopped and finally the two guys got him into the back.  God! it took a village!!!  Poor old thing.  I have put a pic at the bottom of him.

Now I have to go and I truly promise this won't turn into a 'dog blog'.  That just isn't me.  I will make sure! TTYL

VALENTINE DOG TREATS

MY VASE, GRAVY PITCHER AND BIRDIE DISH FOR PICKLES OR CRANBERRY SAUCE

I LOVE THIS COLOUR

GOTTA LOVE THAT FACE!