Small Stitches

Our Golden Retriever, Vegas, recently had surgery to remove some small bumps on her back. We were most thankful that they were in a place she couldn't reach so the cone of shame was not required for her recovery. Her stitches were pink. Had she been able to see them, I'm quite sure she would have approved. Our greatest challenge during her recovery was preventing her from throwing herself on her back (where the stitches were) and squirming with delight. "Do you see that big pile of leaves?!? Let's roll in them!!" or "Do you see that pile of dirt?!? Let's roll in it!!" We would run over to where she threw herself down and stand in such a way she could only express her joy on her side. She was dismayed, to say the least.

Vegas suffers from crippling arthritis in her back and legs. She has a brain tumor with a Parkinson like tremor that is noticeable when she is tired. Her new name should probably be "Lucky". She can't walk up stairs anymore and we strap her into a sassy little harness to get her up to our second floor. She should be indignant but she wags her tail and seems perfectly happy for us to assist her in the climb.

I can't remember the last time I expressed delight when being helped. Most often I feel that I have failed in some way when I can't accomplish a task on my own. Work is crazy busy and the stress of a project which spins out of control makes my chest hurt. At no time did I contemplate throwing myself down in sheer delight in a pile of leaves.

But maybe I should. Maybe that's what Vegas is saying to me. What she is always saying to me. Stop. Kick the leaves (that the human types just raked) and smile at the absolute beauty of it all. Smile at the craziness. Ignore the stuff we can't control. Smile at the helping hand someone gives you.

It's all good. And if it's not, know that there's a rescue dog out there that loves you just the way you are.