Orble - A Dog - A Woman's best Friend

A Dog - A Woman's best Friend

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What do you do?

January 24th 2012 17:19

So, I'm sitting at work, trying to eat lunch, with no appetite. My Aunt had to say good-bye to her lovely golden Ray last week about this time and for some reason it is hitting me hard TODAY.

I have been around a few friends who've lost their pets in the last little while - and I am never sure what to do - what would I want, I don't know. What do I say, what is comforting, what isn't comforting? My sisters and I started putting together a care package for my Aunt, full of things to occupy her time (she's retired) and to help bring comfort too - good coffee, good chocolate etc. But what helps?

At Christmas we had the geriatric wing for dogs set up in her home - three dogs - all over the age of 12 hung out for a few days and I think were pretty happy to have each other, and to be around everyone. I wasn't sure Earl could handle the trip or handle being there but I think it helped him. I for sure didn't think that we would lose our beloved Ray a few short weeks later. I am very melancholy today, and can't help feel like it is foreshadowing for what's to come. Any thoughts on what you think helps bring comfort in such a great time of loss? I'm gonna need it.

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Happy Birthday Earl

October 22nd 2011 21:40

Afternoon Everyone,

Well - I know it’s been a long time since I last wrote - but I'll first say that Earl is still alive and doing ok.

I find it almost hard to believe that he's doing so well. Today is his birthday - he turned an astounding (for a golden retriever anyway) 14. This morning, I suspect knowing it was his birthday; Earl had a bit more spring in his step as he realized I was opening a can of wet dog food.

Wet dog food, Earl's birthday tradition, is the most vile smelling thing on the planet for me, and it instantly brings about an enormous gag reflex. A gag reflex that I anticipate every year at this time and each year as Earl has aged is well worth it. I actually today considered buying a case for weekends or for every day - it made Earl almost jolly - I don't think his tail could have wagged any faster.

Current concerns of ours right now include the fact that Earl can't quite hold his bladder like he used to, so I have a good friend letting him out during the day. Also, he's got dementia, but we've got him on gabapentin and it is doing wonders for that and the aching back end he has too.

He's still climbing stairs (most nights) and still very happy. This morning I got onto the floor with him for a big cuddle and a Happy Birthday parade of kisses that he's still here. I know that time is getting shorter but as long as I can still see Earl smile and wag his tail, I know it isn't time just yet.

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All in a Name

April 26th 2011 17:14

Have you ever seen the movie City of Angels? We found our Earl watching that movie.

It was the fall of 1998, and I had been dating my now husband for about 4 years. We were in a long distance relationship and although never easy, when we were together we always watched movies - he'd pick one and I'd pick one. I'd heard about how romantic and yet kind of sad and deep City of Angels was so it was my pick that night.

A small role for a dog but an important one, Earl provided emotional support for the main female character Maggie, played by Meg Ryan, as well as some comic relief when a few moments were tense. Earl was a golden retriever that captured my heart through the tv screen. Then and there I told my husband to be that my first dog would be named Earl.

That Christmas I went to visit my husband (then boyfriend) and his Mom. When I arrived at about 10 in the morning, his Mom said - he's still sleeping, you'll have to go wake him up. So I go down to his room and he isn't sleeping at all - instead he's holding a 6 week old golden retriever wearing a big bow. Merry Christmas to me....I finally got my Earl. Although I was teased forever that this cute fluffy ball of fur was named Earl instead of Sweety or Puffy or something cutesy wootsey, but Earl it was and now that he is old and not aging gracefully but rather in a goofy kind of manner - Earl couldn't be more perfect.

They say dog names and ideas come from all sorts of places, I once had a girlfriend who's dog was named after her first teddy bear. I keep waiting for another moment like the one mentioned above - and it hasn't come yet - guess Earl will have to stick around a little longer.

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Young at Heart

April 25th 2011 00:52

Ok - so again I need to find some more time for me but that is a whole other topic. Easter has almost come and gone for another year and I think it is the only year I haven't taken a photo of Earl in his bunny Ears, simply because I couldn't find them. Earl had a lovely Easter and was feeling good.

My family were up visiting, including my sister's dog who is a year older than Earl, and in a bit rougher shape in terms of aging, but I think getting Earl and Bailey together again, made them feel young. Even on Earl's short walk yesterday, he was full of energy, and didn't drag his feet near the end of it either. This morning, even his usual slow and cautious steps down the stairs to breakfast were full of pep, and he bounded down like he was 5 again

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Imagine Palliative Care for a Dog

February 7th 2011 01:12

Its been a long time since I wrote anything - the late fall and Christmas season and all were very busy for me.

But I write today as I am sad - so if you are already in not so hot a mood, I wouldn't read on

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Hair Hair Everywhere

November 18th 2010 01:17

If you've ever had a golden retriever you know exactly what I am talking about when you read my title.

'Tis the season for shedding. Earl is in major shed mode now - dropping clumps of hair everywhere - every minute. He's been groomed, he gets brushed - but it still seems to come from somewhere on him

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Morning Glory

November 11th 2010 03:25

I was having an unusual morning, adjusting to the time change, trying to get my kids to adjust to it, and endlessly debating over what to wear. By the time I was dressed and presentable enough to go to work, I had missed my Earl cuddle time. He was already being fed by my husband.

I went downstairs, packed my lunch, ate some breakfast then went about getting ready to get out the door - which, with a 2 year old, is a feat most days that I dread. This morning, in particular, I wasn't in the mood for debate or discussion about having to leave, I just wanted to go

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I Wish My Dog Could Talk

October 25th 2010 19:12

Watching Earl get older is really hard, harder than I ever thought it could conceivably be. We went for a walk last night and he started dragging his back leg, like it was a dead piece of meat, and it made the most horrendous noise on the pavement. The walk didn't last very long - a little more than a block.

He is also starting to get all these little growths on his body - not lipomas, but cysts that seem to grow one on top of the other, until a little tower forms, then he scratches them, they bleed, pieces fall off, then more little cysts grow on top of the other ones. Every time I pet him, I find more

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Food - What Food?

October 7th 2010 01:32

Picture this: Earl is 2 years old, it is Thanksgiving and my husband (then fiancé) and I are visiting my soon to be in-laws. They have several people over for dinner, some who brought wonderful things like fresh bread, pumpkin pie, and green beans. My brother-in-law had spent a better part of the month learning about how to perfect a turkey, and was attempting to excute his new knowledge on this glorious holiday.

We were gathered in the dining room in the middle of catching up, having a drink or two and a few appetizers when we hear a crash. I run into the kitchen - knowing that Earl has to be involved, and there he is with a full loaf of bread hanging from the grasp of his teeth - my in-laws were none too impressed. (Wait, it gets better

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Welcome Home

October 4th 2010 00:23

I was away for a few days and a good friend of mine, fellow dog lover as well, looked after Earl. He always comes home from her house with clean teeth and ears, cut nails, a freshly brushed coat and exhausted. I couldn't be luckier really.

When we left, he knew we were going, but I am pretty certain that his expectation was that he was going to be in tow. He was happy all morning, wagging his tail, running from the front of the house to the back, and my husband said to me, "You know he thinks he's coming right

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January 2012

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April 2011

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