Don took this photo with his iPhone. He came in the door after having run an errand and this is what he saw.
Maybe my favorite picture, ever.
You all know that Don had a few ‘adventures’ with Scout while I was away. The first, and scariest, occurred around 10 pm one night, when, just as Don was about to go to bed, he noticed copious amounts of blood flowing from Scout’s left ear. He called me immediately and, when it became clear the bleeding wasn’t going to stop, he took her to our local Vet. A relatively common growth inside her ear was the culprit and the next day, the doctor cauterized the growth.
On another night, he came home and couldn’t find Scout. He looked in the kitchen. He looked in the living room. He looked in the den. He finally realized she’d somehow managed to close the bathroom door during one of her bathroom patrols and was stuck there. In the dark. For how long, we don’t know, but she was a bit panicked.
The third incident happened during the night. When Don got up the next morning, he saw Scout laying/lying (I’m never sure and I’m tired of looking it up – don’t bother educating me on this one, I guarantee I won’t retain it) on the kitchen floor with what looked like a rug beneath her. However, as he quickly scanned the room, he noticed that all of the throw rugs were still in place. He looked more closely. She was sleeping on top of the large 5×7 indoor/outdoor red rug that is just inside the kitchen door. How could this be? As he bent down to look, he discovered that one of the jump rings on her collar had caught on the rug fiber, she hadn’t been able to extricate herself, and she ended up dragging the whole rug – which is heavy – across the kitchen floor, until she gave up and went to sleep. Thank goodness she was okay, but poor baby! That must have been a heavy load to carry.
Needless to say, her collar is now removed every night. A chair is put in front of the bathroom door every time we leave the house and before we go to bed at night. More throw rugs will be added this week (it’s looking like a crazy-quilt in here) to help her get up and down – wood floors are daunting for an elderly dog.
This girl. This beauty. She continues to shower us with love, worry us, add more gray hairs to my head (I can’t speak for Don’s head), and make us laugh. She’s the best girl ever.
Happy Sunday.
Good Morning on this wonderful Sunday! Our fur babies give us more love and laughs. Enjoy your day, Doris
It’s beautiful out there today, Doris! Have a wonderful day.
Forgot to say I love the picture of Scout. She looks like she is thinking there you are! Doris
I think she was. Sometimes when she hears the car, she jumps up on the sofa to look out that window.
Oh my, she certainly did have some adventures while you were gone! There are few things more special than the devoted love of a dog. I do believe they are the most human of all animals. Love the Scout picture that Don snapped … it’s so cute.
Those ears!
Enjoyed the stories about Scout. What a sweetheart. I can understand how she is such an important part of your lives. Especially, now that we have just our one dog, Lilly, we seem to love her just a little harder and spoil her a bit more, too:)
I think they deserve to be spoiled, Karen!
I know you don’t want education, this is for my memory….yesterday a facebook entry gave 20 common words we misuse. The example of lie and lay. Lie is personal. I lie down. Lay is for objects. lay the book down. Now that I have used this I am supposed to retain it..ha. Scout is a treasure.
Well, that looks promising, Gayle. Maybe I’ll retain it – fingers crossed!
The photo of Scout is just lovely!
Between yesterday’s and today’s posts, I couldn’t help but reminisce about past pets. I was too annoyed yesterday to comment and negative thoughts have no place here. It bothered me no end that a reader would leave you such a comment about caring for an animal. I hope that you keep striking a comfortable balance for yourself and continue to blog. You might like to know that a lot of your posts serve as a springboard for discussion with younger people.
The smoke from the forest fires was so bad yesterday that we couldn’t go outdoors. A nephew further north is sending his wife to stay for a while. Her baby is due this month, so they decided not to wait for official evacuation orders. It’s all very worrisome, but I’m sure there will be an amusing story one day as she’s also bringing two small very active boys and a Great Dane. We have very high ceilings in our loft condo – maybe I can install a swing..
For a moment, I was worried you were annoyed with me!
Well, I couldn’t believe it at the time and it still pisses me off, a few years later. She, in her delusional frame of mind, became angry with me because I told her I was deleting the comment. She tried projecting the whole thing on me and I was having none of it
I haven’t missed her presence for one second.
I am so sorry to hear about the fires, Barbara. It sounds simply terrible. But how wonderful that your home will provide a refuge for family members. Sending positive thoughts your way for everything – family members, children, dog, baby on the way and for an end to those forest fires.
Uh oh, sorry for any misunderstanding.
I get awfully worked up about people interfering. Some years ago, a former coworker took me to task about the way I was raising my daughter. I’m not sure why she thought it was any of her business, but she certainly felt compelled to tell me what the right way was. Oddly enough, the other day my daughter remarked out of the blue about what a happy childhood she’d had. Almost makes me want to run into that former co-worker again ..
Thank you for all your positive thoughts – blessed rain started 10 minutes ago! :)
Way to go Scout! Keep your Mom and Dad on their toes! :D :D :D
She does that very thing, Snap! Thank goodness!
What a sweet picture..You and Don are such good doggie parents!
We try to be, Nancy. We adore our girl.
That is such a sweet photo of Scout! Gosh she is a pretty girl. I know I am having to make some changes here as my Charlie ages. He gets confused at times and then is fine (I call it kitty dementia) and he has lost some weight but still can eat like crazy at times. I just love him and care for him the best that I can. I’ll enjoy all his time with me as long as I can. I know you will do the same for sweet Scout.
hugs,
Linda
She gets confused, too. And she’s very thin, but her appetite is good. We love our babies and do everything we can to keep them happy and feeling safe and secure.
Oh, sweet Scout!! When our oldest Grey received her cancer diagnosis, we did the throw rug thing here, too. Made it so much easier for her. I still can’t bear to put them away, even though she isn’t with us any longer. Anything to make their lives easier. She has had some “adventures” while you were gone! Bet she was really happy to have you home!!
Hope your weekend is going well. We are having our first blast of heat and humidity here. It has been such a nice summer so far. We do need some rain but it seems to go just north or south of us. The only good thing is the mosquitoes seem to have a few less in their army without the rain.
It’s been hot since yesterday – and I fear we’re getting the humidity, as well. Yucky. Have a great weekend, Chris.
Don took an adorable picture of Scout! Oh the misadventures of Dame Scout…poor baby. How does this stuff happen? I can see why you feel you are getting more gray hairs. But it sounds like you now have everything under control…at least for a bit. It’s hard to anticipate a pet isn’t it? Here’s to an uneventful, relaxing Sunday! ;)
I’m finishing a book that I am to review tomorrow, Donnamae. Hanging out on a hot day. Maybe some lemonade later on….
Hurray for those who share our lives gracefully with our animals. I couldn’t have a cat without feeling she (I’ve only ever had girls cats) was a part of the family. I covered my living room floor with paint tarp because our kitty has decided that she would occasionally use the living room floor as her litter box and vomit corner. She has an intestinal disorder that interferes with nutrient absorption, and it acts up sometimes, resulting in a mess. The paint tarp makes clean up so much easier, but I do miss seeing my Oriental rug. We never scold her, it’s not her fault, we just go about cleaning up the mess.
The bit of extra work just gets incorporated into our lives, like you and Don making sure the bathroom door won’t close on Scout, removing her collar, and having more throw rugs. You know, that’s just what has to be done, if we are to take our responsibilities to our furry loved ones seriously, so we do it.
My Sunday is just beginning, hope you are well into a nice one for yourselves.
Indeed – our dogs are part of the family. No yelling at mishaps they can’t control. Just soothing words and clean-up. Wouldn’t do it any other way.
Have a great Sunday.
Hi Claudia,
So much to think about in this post today! I like your amount of personal sharing– not preaching (usually hehehe) but still clearly stating your opinions and thoughts in ways that we can then reflect on our own feelings. Keep going please!
Scout looks so adorable and beautiful in Don’s photo. I am home alone with Nellie this weekend as hubby and son look for an apartment for son in Boston. You would faint. Faint. Even Southie is out of control! It is our 35th today but we have learned to celebrate when we can, as kids and jobs and other obligations, in this case my beloved brown dog, intrude! Nellie needs pretty much constant attention now as she has trouble getting up and she is having a breathing issue too. I’m not ready to face this and I certainly would not like an insensitive lecture from someone, in real life or in a blog comment! I’m hurting enough already.
Well have a wonderful day with your two special ones. I hope the humidity dissipates a bit this week!
Linda
p.s. I tried to stop myself but I couldn’t resist. Scout was lying on the rug. Unless you found an egg under her when you picked her up. :)
First of all, good way to determine lay and lie – thanks!
I’m so sorry about Nellie, but I understand. Someone pretty much always has to be with Scout, too. It’s hard for her to get up. We help her out the side door. As long as she still has a good quality of life – and she does – she will be helped, loved, taken care of and doted upon. As will your Nellie.
Are you referring to rental rates? They were bad enough when I was there and that was 20 years ago – thank goodness I eventually snagged a rent control apartment in Cambridge, but that building (after I left) eventually turned condo. I don’t know how anybody does it there! Good luck in the search!
xo
Oh yes, I was referring to the rent. Otherwise Boston is still a wonderful, exciting city!
Except for that darned rent! You know I love Boston!
What a sweetheart your Scoutie is! Poor little thing having her fair share of “adventures”. I guess that will happen to all of us in time. Give her a hug and kiss from me.
I will, Tana!
What a cute picture of Scout. I enjoy the stories about her adventures. I have a sweet granddog named Crosby that I just adore. Every time I see him it’s like he hasn’t seen me forever. He gets so excited and I get lots of hugs and kisses. Even if it’s 2 times in one day he can hardly wait for me to get into the house. Sometimes he’s sitting outside waiting for me. Dogs just add so much to our lives.
I cannot imagine not having a dog in my life, Kathy. Crosby sounds like a wonderful dog!
As they get older its like having a puppy again. Lucy had her bad days also, but I wouldn’t have traded her for anything. She was my 4 legged baby along with her partner in crime, Desiree. Nothing will ever replace the 2 of them. Just love them and cherish the time. That’s a really cute picture. It’s always an adventure!
hugs
It is, indeed! We are loving every minute we have with her. She’s a treasure.
Aw…that is a sweet photo. Hope she has a great week ahead. :) Deb
Well, she’s always surprising us – so let’s hope it’s smooth sailing ahead!
What a sweetheart your Scout is! Poor little thing. I can’t imagine the stress she must have felt in all her adventures. Thankfully her Daddy came to her rescue each time.
We have a senior Pekingese – “Mister” McConaughey. He is 14, almost 15. He has problems with his hips and his neck along with really bad anxiety. He cannot be left alone for anymore than about two hours. That requires my husband and I to spend a lot more time at home but we love our little guy so much that we don’t mind.
The day will come that he will no longer be with us and I fear that day will be coming to soon. We just love him thru all his problems, his anxiety as best we can. We make adjustments to our lives and our home for him. We too have rugs all over the tile to help him walk more easily.
He is our joy! I don’t mind all the time and care he requires at all. He is my heart.
Blessings to you and yours,
Belinda
Absolutely. Any adjustments we make for our beloved pets/children will never match the love they’ve given us. Good for you, Belinda. Sending a big hug to Mister McConaughey.
i think that photo of your adorable scout belongs in a frame and am glad don got such a great photo, but i am even more glad that you, don and scout all have each other. your mutual love and care come through loud and clear.
may you all have lots more time and only happy adventures together.
kathy
Thank you so much, Kathy!
ps …
congratulations on the magazine article!
your garden is beautiful! and a lot of work, am sure. enjoy!
watched”tootsie” on tv last night and (during the audition and soap-opera-filming scenes) thought of you, your work on the play (congrats). have you seen that movie? if so, did you like it? one of my favorites. :)
and wish i could find a small “chatauqua cottage” here in des moines!
kathy
Tootsie is one of our absolute favorites. Makes me laugh out loud no matter how many times I watch it.
What a charming photo of a charming dog. She appears to be thinking, “Well? What’s next?” (Isn’t that what dogs think all the time?)
Lemonade and a good book; what a great combination on a hot summer day. At least, I hope it’s a good book. We’ll find out from you soon.
Please give Scout a little kiss for me.
Hint: it is! A kiss is on its way to Scout.
What a sweetheart Scout is! As I read this I gave my “baby” a scratch behind the ears. Our dogs give us so much love!
They sure do, Debbie. We’re crazy about our little girl.
Poor Scoutie, I can just imagine how frustrated she was, being attached to that big old rug. Tuckered her right out. But she has a Mom and Dad who’re always looking out for her safety and comfort, which makes her a very lucky girl too. What an adorable photo! Too cute for color TV! With that priceless expression on Scout’s face it says “Frame me.” Have a wonderful, relaxing lemonade Summer Sunday… :>)
I think it is Don’s favorite picture of her, as well. She’s darned adorable, that’s for sure!
I can just imagine what Scout was thinking, (when the collar was stuck)….”Oh!! boy! What a fine mess I’ve got myself into this time!!! Mom & Dad are going to be in a panic!!! Maybe if I just……”
Scout is a pretty girl too!!! My motto is: life is not worth living without a dog in the family!!! I Love my sweet girl too!!!
Addie
Agreed on dogs (or cats, if that’s your thing!)
Claudia, Bless Scout’s heart, she is giving her all. She’s been have a time of it . Hope she’s happy when you are with her and Don…I know she must miss you and worry for you. Pets are family. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
She’s much calmer and happier now that we’re all here.
Dear Claudia
Nothing can make me happier than seeing pictures of sweet Scout! you know I”m her south american fan and this picture tells me like yes I”ve been in some troubles lately but everything is all right now! she looks adorable as ever ! I also want to congratule you for the article of your dollhouse in that famous magasin.As a dollhouse owner I enjoy your posts about your additions to the house which Ifind adorable.By the way your posts about Chatauqua made me desire to be in that marvellous place ! beautiful! I”m in love with victorian houses and that place seems paradise to me.Well before you fall asleep reading this a kiss for you and a special one for Scout!
xoxo Alicia Buenos Aires
So nice to hear from you, Alicia! Thank you so much for your kind words!
I just love that photo, too…she really is the sweetest dog. Your love and devotion to her touches my heart…xo
I finally got a puppy to keep my Harry company after Sooner died from lymphoma last December. It’s been hard, trying not to compare a puppy to my precious boy who died. But my new boy sure has made the household more exciting — sometimes too much. I’d forgotten how much a puppy can chew! Love the beautiful picture of Scout and I’m always happy to know someone who loves her dogs as much as I love mine.
What a lovely photo of Scout! I have a real soft spot for senior dogs. I lost my girl 2 years ago, at 14 1/2, and I love that Scoutie is still hanging in there. I know you treasure every moment with your Sweet Girl. Hugs to Scout!
I have never grown a dog quite as old as Scout but I totally relate to ongoing accommodations we have to make for aging pets.
I always used to take the dogs’ collars off at night but I then became too scared about earthquakes (I’m in Calif.), fearing they could bolt and get out somehow without any identification although our dogs always have microchips. I have seen one of my dogs basically nailed to the floor when her collar got caught on a heavy rug but, oh dear, to think dear Scout was having to drag it and then just gave up…well, at least it wound up that she could lie on it but I bet it was a lot of stress for her, dear baby.
I am currently dealing with my elderly cat who is soon to be age 19 and trying to decide if…rather, when…I should put him down. He mostly sleeps, yet is always quick to get up and greet me, wants to eat and drink, wants to be petted and fussed over, still tries to dart out the door. But he quit grooming himself a couple of years ago and is terribly arthritic in the hips/back legs. I hadn’t realized arthritis was such a big problem in old cats…I’ve always been a ‘dog’ person but seem to wind up with cats, too, so it’s been a learning process for me. Anyway, we take the cat to the vet every week to get combed out and cleaned up (it’s getting expensive) and he gets an ‘arthritis shot’ once a month but, wow, he’s really starting to sway on his back legs and there’s just a host of issues related to that, i.e. relieving himself and if his legs will stay strong enough to let him finish. It just preys on my mind a lot in terms of his quality of life and ‘has the time come’ (and you can’t always count on the elderly pet to give you the sign you need) but he’s a noble beast, my old guy, and I refuse to have him suffer too many more indignities; mostly, too, I’m afraid of him falling, since he still insists on climbing (cats like elevated places) although I have anticipated that and have basically lined the floor with crash (cushioned) padding and he has an electrically-heated bed to keep his joints hurting less. I had a veterinarian tell me once that sometimes it comes down to when it’s too much for you as the human to cope with as opposed to when it’s too much for the animal to contend with but, after 18 years with him, I also refuse to end his life just because he’s become ‘inconvenient’ and requires more care. We’ve had a lot of pets over time and sometimes I’ve felt we’ve humanely euthanized either too early or too late; never an easy call.
I had an ancient, blind spaniel who could walk into a corner and not figure a way out. I’d be missing her, start looking for her…and she’d be behind a door, cornered. She also became impossibly incontinent, sweet girl…and, well, as you do with Scout, we dealt with it but, have to say, it was mostly I who was always sleeping with one eye open, listening for her movements to try to prevent household accidents (my husband needed his sleep for his job, so I’d do potty-duty/potty-watch) and, I’m telling you, it really disturbed my sleep pattern. After she passed at age 15, it took me a LONG time to get back into any kind of sane night’s sleep because I was so accustomed to being half awake. I don’t know that I can go through anything like that again (I was slightly more bullet-proof in those days; definitely younger!). But we all do this kind of stuff…we love our pets and will help them out as much and for as long as we can in their short tenure with us.
Ha! I used to have those bathroom scares with our rottie, Max. He would go into our small bathroom forward, and then bump the door with his butt when backing out…. I guess the door would just go shut on him. When he didn’t show his face for an hour or so I would start calling him, look EVERYWHERE, and then finally find him shut in the bathroom. LOL He’d just be sitting in there waiting for someone to open the door and rescue him. They do get themselves into some predicaments sometimes, don’t they?
Glad to hear Scout’s ear is okay!!
What a love!!! Just hate to hear of anything even slightly bad happening to her. She’s such a grand girl, with the best parens
jane-in=tx
Scout is just so sweet. It feels good to know she is so well loved and cared for by you and Don.