Early morning here at the cottage. Early.
The last few mornings here have been foggy and mysterious. I love fog.
It suits my mood lately, which has been a little blue. Too many worries. Too many broken nights of sleep. Allergies haywire. More than a tinge of sadness. At times, a feeling of hopelessness.
I get up a couple of times a night to check on Riley to see if he needs to go outside. Before I go to sleep, I tell myself that I will wake up at a certain time and I usually do. This time is arrived at by a set of calculations: when did he pee last, when did he poop, did he drink a lot of water? I run the numbers in my head and come up with a time I need to wake up. Last night, it was at 3:30 am. Usually, I come downstairs and he is agitated and needs to be helped outside. But this early morning, he was sound asleep. I went back to bed, thinking that I needed to wake again in a couple of hours. And I did. At 5:15. And that was it. I was up for the day.
I’m happy that Riley is able to get up by himself a few times a day. But it presents another problem. He can’t see all that well and he ends up being wedged in a corner or under a table. If I’m here, I quickly extricate him. Yesterday, I ran an errand that took approximately 45 minutes. When I returned, Scout was agitated and Riley was wedged under the coffee table. He must have been trying to get up, most likely barking for me to rescue him. These episodes are hard on him as it takes a lot of energy for him to use his back leg muscles. He was exhausted for the rest of the day. Breaks my heart.
We had a little scare with Scout last week. She suddenly couldn’t put any weight on her back legs. She was clearly in pain; her ears went back, her leg trembled and she looked at me with those big eyes, confused and sore. I gave her a Rimadyl and prayed a lot. The next morning she was a bit better and I could see that the pain was coming from her left rear leg. She was limping. Time has helped and she is doing much better. I imagine it’s arthritis. It’s hard to see my most agile and fearless of dogs become more careful, more hesitant to jump up on the sofa, more cautious when laying down.
This little one was out on the front lawn this morning.
Yesterday, as I was mowing the back forty, I saw a little creature (that I first took to be a large field mouse) scurry under a log, trying to avoid the sound and menace of the lawnmower. It seemed to have somewhat larger ears than normal. I kept on mowing. Then I saw it again, near another log, again scurrying for cover. And I realized it was a tiny baby bunny. Adorable. I usually don’t seen them around here when they’re that young. The lawnmower must have scared the heck out of him. I moved away from that section of the yard quickly, so that the little one’s heart could slow down a bit.
That’s all I’ve got today, my friends. But don’t worry. I’m resilient.
Happy Thursday.
Primitive Stars says
Hello Claudia, beautiful foggy picture,sweet little bunny. Sure hope the dogs o.k. sending up a prayer, need to keep our beloved animals happy. Blessings Francine.
Robin Larkspur says
Our beloved dogs mean so much. It is difficult to see them hurt, both physically and emotionally. It is one of the hardest things to go through. Wish there were words to help. Hugs to you.
Dianne says
Time down the road, you will feel peace and comfort about the loving help you gave your four legged furry loved ones…your blog is very special with your sharing of your genuine thoughts and feelings..DBH
Crystal Rose Cottage says
Thinking of you Claudia….sending you prayers and hugs. ~Patti
thistlewoodfarm says
That pictures reminds me of looking out my back door. I love the early mornings with the foggy background. Sweet, sweet bunny!
blessings,
karianne
Linda @ A La Carte says
The foggy photo is perfect for how I feel sometimes lately. So much going on my mind feels overwhelmed. Love on the sweet dogs as much as you can. Sending you a big hug, Linda
Lynn says
You spend so much of yourself inspiring us it’s no wonder you are temporarily tapped out. Time to coddle Claudia for a change. Take care . . .
Kris says
We worry about our furry friends the same we do about our kids! I hope the days and nights get easier for you!
You need a new yarn project to lift your spirits!!!
Hugs,
Kris
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says
It’s so hard as our dogs age…you are so devoted and loving…how could we be any other way? Baby bunnies are just the sweetest little creatures…
Mereknits says
Yes you are, I am hoping I am too.
M
Cozy Little House says
I know you are. We women are made of stronger stock than men think we are. Loved the fog. So mysterious and romantic at the same time. Love you, my friend.
Brenda
wrenandstitchy says
What a beautiful photo of the fog. I live in such a dry climate that fog is a rarity, which makes it even more beautiful to me now.
That was so kind of you, to mow elsewhere so the frightened bunny would be less frightened.
Caretaking is sure a mixed bag of emotions, on top of being physically demanding. Hope you’re able to grab a nap to offset the disjointed sleep, and have some meds to help alleviate the allergy symptoms.
Glenda
Debby says
Oh so sorry Claudia. You must be really worried sick about your furry babies. You probably don’t even feel you can go away from home. Sending ((((((HUGS))))) for you. Hope things get a little better.
missy says
I,too, love the fog..Poor Scout..It can’t be easy for either of you..This is the time of year that the baby bunnies leave their nests..We have an abundance of them..
Lynne says
I love foggy pictures. We get wild rabbits around here too, the babies are too cute!
I’m sorry about your dogs, it’s such a worry when they are ill.
Take care!
Balisha says
Hi Claudis,
I love fog too and especially pictures taken in the fog….so I enjoyed yours.
I can feel your pain as I read this post. It’s so hard seeing our pals suffer…yours are especially lucky to have you for a Mom.
You tugged at my heart strings today. Hope things look up soon for you.
Hugs, Balisha
Mary says
I read this post early AM but didn’t comment – problems with Blogger for me today. I’ve been thinking of you and the babies all day………..I’m sad knowing they are struggling and you are trying so hard to be up for them.
Know you are a good ‘mommie’ ………..it shows clearly through your words and thoughts dear.
Warm hugs – Mary
Wicked Faerie Queen says
The fog looks so peaceful. I wish you were having a more peaceful time Claudia. I know what you are going through. I held my breath every morning when I got up and checked on Penny.
It is one of natures cruel tricks making our beloved pets age faster than us.
Thinking of you,
Sue
GardenofDaisies says
I agree with the above commenter… the fog to me looks so peaceful. Dreamlike. Magical. Sorry your days and nights are filled with so much worry. It’s hard to rest easy when someone in our family (yes that includes our pets) is aging and hurting.
Muddy Boot Dreams says
Gorgeous foggy pic.
My heart goes out to you, and your sweet babies…this isn’t easy on any of you.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Tammy@T's Daily Treasures says
So sorry to hear that your pups are having such difficulties. Makes it very hard for you, worrying all the time, and trying to make it easier for them. Sending healing hugs to you all, Tammy
ImSoVintage says
I’m so sorry for your worries, Claudia. Sending up some prayers for your furry loved one. This is a time of year that seems to bring on a bit of melancholy. The light is changing letting us know that summer will soon be coming to an end. Hope you feel better.
Hugs,
Laura