Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Rainbow Bridge

  Two weeks ago I wrote about our five hour ordeal at the animal hospital with our boxer, Vito.  I am sorry to report that our beloved pet died that same night in his sleep.  I am so thankful that we decided to bring him home that night.  It is still unbelievable to me that we could take a happy, healthy five year old boxer to the Vet at 5pm on a Sunday evening, and he was dead at 5am Monday morning.  Today we can take comfort in the fact that we had ruled out anything that could have been fixed or prevented.  Our Vet believes that it was probably a tumor that had begun to bleed,  which caused him to become so disoriented. Even if we had found it that night, he assures us it would have been inoperable.   It has been a very tough two weeks, but each day seems to be a little easier...so....  Let me tell you a little about ''my doggy".
   Vito was a celebrity in our neighborhood.  My husband, Ron was his favorite, and they walked every night.  If they walked every street in our development, they would do two miles, and everyone knew them.  Folks who don't even have a pet, bought dog bones to give 'Big V' a treat when he stopped to visit.  He was a ninety pound gentle giant who loved everyone, and now we realize how much everyone loved him. Friends swear that when they smiled at Vito, he actually smiled back.   We have received fifteen cards from family and neighbors, as well as an edible arrangement, and two plants.  Every day we had cards in the mailbox.  Our favorite is a handmade card from one of the little girls around the corner, and another contained a beautiful poem.  One card described the Rainbow Bridge, as the place where we will meet our pet one day.  The author is unknown, but it is beautiful sentiment, and gave us comfort.
    Ron has taken a few walks around the neighborhood in the last two weeks.  He walked every day until he had told everyone personally.  He brought a couple of tissues for him, and some for everyone he might meet.
He plans to walk and thank everyone for their cards and  gifts.  Ron gave the food, treats and dog dishes to the young couple who got a boxer because they liked Vito so much.   This weekend we passed on two of Vito's dog beds, and a bunch of toys and other supplies.  Some things will be thrown away, and some special things will be saved forever.  It's a lot of decisions and a lot of emotions.
    Pets are such a big part of any family, and our daily routine.  I still look for him to be catching the sunshine, sprawled out on the living room rug.  He could always find the sun streaming in some window, and was right there to catch the rays.  He met us at the door when we got home, and waited for his treats before we left the house.  He loved ice cubes, and was always sitting by his dish when I turned around from the ice maker. I automatically have one in my hand ready to give him, and I'm sure I will  for a few more weeks.  It makes me want to laugh and cry all at the same time.
     My husband says that we will never get another pet because Vito was the perfect dog.  He never barked, chewed anything, or got into anything that he shouldn't.  Ron always called him an angel, and they were inseparable.  I think that when the time is right, another dog will find us because we are dog people.  We know that we can never replace Vito, and will only get another dog when we are ready to move on.  We have already had four dogs since we have been married, and each time we thought we'd never get another pet.  Vito was extra special, and if love alone could have saved him, he never would have died.....
     Matt suggested that everyone hug their pets, and he is calling often to make sure we are OK.  Have a good week everyone, and give your pets some extra love.....and the beat goes on....the beat goes on.....

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day

  I want to wish all the Dad's a very happy Father's Day, and send a special shout out to my Dad !!   I look back at my own childhood, and have so much respect for my Dad.  He was hardworking and dedicated to my mom, my two sisters, my brother and me .  My mom didn't drive, and so it was his job to get us all anywhere we had to go.  He never complained or seemed aggravated no matter how hectic things got.  As a matter of fact, he was just as happy to play board games, or go ice skating or sledding or swimming.  He worked for the phone company as a linesman, which meant putting telephone poles and lines in every new neighborhood in Massachusetts during the 1950's.  As ship-to-shore technology paved the way for long distance communication throughout the entire country, he was asked to take classes and learn how to implement it.  In order to pass, he would have to take a three hour verbal test.  He got the top grade from his group which gave him seniority status, and the chance to work indoors.  He retired from the phone company after thirty-two years.  So much of what we take for granted and enjoy today, is only possible due to the hard work of  dads like mine.  Let's all take a few minutes and thank them.
   Have a good week everyone...and the beat goes on....the beat goes on...
    

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Man's Best Friend

   We just spent the last four hours in the Animal Hospital's Emergency Room with our boxer Vito.  He had vomited Friday and Saturday nights, and wouldn't eat anything today.  We were afraid that he might become dehydrated, and he appeared to be "out of it".  Hundreds of dollars in test ruled out the obvious.  He didn't eat anything, and all the blood tests were negative.  He was sedated and given some fluids, with instructions for a bland diet for the next few days.  He was still in a very deep sleep when we got home, and so we picked him us in his blanket like they'd do with a dolphin, and carried him to his bed. If he bounces back tomorrow, we will all breathe a big sigh of relief.  If not, it will mean more tests for neurological causes.
  Vito is just five years old and is definitely my husband's dog.  I'll sleep in the recliner tonight because  Vito does not look like he will be awake enough to climb the stairs. He looks like he might get up, then just lies back down and goes back to sleep.  It is scary to think that our lovable dog could be very sick.  We promise to take one day at a time, and not get ahead of ourselves.  I know that things can improve greatly overnight, and so I'll sign off now, and keep you all posted...please keep a good thought everyone.....and the beat goes on....the beat goes on.....
 
  

Sunday, June 3, 2012

We Win from Within

   I just watched the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat in overtime tonight!  On paper, the Celtics do not look like they should have a chance against LeBron and the younger guys.  No one should be ready to count them out, because these old guys won't quit!  Two games were decided in overtime, when the Heat were expected to cruise through the series.  One of the commercials during the game featured former NBA champions, and the quote I liked the best is that we "win from within."  I also like the Celtics commercial that says something to the effect "We are not Hollywood, and we are not South Beach, we are Causeway Street (which is where the Boston Garden is located)."  My take away is that attitude is everything.
   Years ago when I was in direct sales, every consultant had a chance to earn a trip to Hawaii. We needed to meet requirements of total sales and recruits in order to win the trip.  I thought it would be fantastic,  because Ron and I  were celebrating ten years of marriage.  Our team leader told us that "whether we thought we could qualify, or if we thought that we couldn't ...we would be right".  In other words, we probably would not have a chance if we didn't believe we could do it.  I decided to go for it, and I won the trip!  I kept my eye on the prize and took one day at a time.  Every day I did something to work towards my goal, and I used the theme from the Rocky movies for motivation!  I was told that if I reached for the skies and failed, I'd end up in the clouds, which would still be really great!  I learned that those of us who earned the trip would  only have to work ten percent harder than those who failed to qualify.
    Tonight I decided to take another look at my goals for 2012.  If the Celtics can compete, then I can stop making excuses about being too old, and get back to work.  No matter what happens to the Celtics in games 5, 6, and 7, they deserve a lot of credit.  I hope they win another Championship for themselves and their fans!  They are proving to the world that when we work hard and stay in the game, anything is possible.  Never underestimate the heart of a champion.  No excuses for age or injuries...just keep  going.
Take what you like and leave the rest....and the beat goes on....the beat goes on.......