April 05, 2013

Focus on Life - Up Close

This is week fourteen for the Focus on Life series of photo prompts.  I missed last week and I haven't left comments for everyone participating so I plan to get back at it again.  This week I did NOT take an amazing macro shot.  This is an analogy of my life up close......

I am feeling like the little stream I happened to drive by yesterday.  I stopped for a few minutes to gaze at it and take pictures and noticed it was almost overflowing it's banks.  Only a week or two ago, there was hardly any water in the bed and it was frozen and still.  Now it has melted and is flowing fast with dark murky water.   

Run off causes streams to swell and flow quickly
Such is life it seems.  Sometimes we have little happening and can slow down and enjoy our days.  At other times, the water rises and events make the waters dark and it is difficult to see our way.  I noticed that there was a big boulder in the middle of the stream and it caused the water to change course and come to a near stop before it rushed past on it's way.  Like that boulder, we need reminders to slow us down and enjoy what we have.  
Water is murky and dark
I nearly lost my new Boxer dog Rosie on Thursday.  I took her in to be spayed and because she has an irregular heart beat, surgery is considered to be quite dangerous especially when waking up.  They assured me there would be special monitoring during and after surgery so I felt at ease leaving her.  When I picked her up late in the afternoon, the vet told me that her heart problem would likely get worse because the heart enlarges and is harder to pump blood.  He said that typically they live to be 6-8 years.  She is now four.    

Another problem during surgery was that she did not stop bleeding so they had to take extra measures to stop it.  They applied a pressure bandage and held it in place with what looks like a diaper.  Not a simple spay procedure by any means. 

She seemed fine when I left the Vet Clinic, but as soon as she got in my vehicle, she started whimpering and whining and thrashing about which lasted the full half hour drive home.  I was a wreck by the time I got home.  Later, she would panic and jump off the couch (where we made a nice soft bed) and frantically pace around the house before nearly falling flat on the floor.  Her eyes were full of pain and she had a look of fright.  I wasn't sure she was going to make it through the night.

I made a special bed for her in the living room and slept with her all night and she finally settled down.  Today (Friday) she seems so much better and her pain is tolerable.   She does a lot of sleeping but at least she is alive!  I am so thankful.

In spite of having so many things I need to do - I spent most of the day sitting on the couch and snuggling with her.  We have only had her for 50 days but she has us totally smitten.  I can honestly say that I have never seen a more loving and friendly, good natured dog.  She has such a beautiful spirit and she has given us so much more than we could have ever imagined.

Not a macro shot but this is Rosie - Up Close 

This was a typical week of so many things happening but in the middle of it a boulder was placed.  It forced me to change course and stop for a moment and realize what is important.    

If you want to see what everyone else saw up close this week - go visitSally's Blog

As always, thank you so much for stopping and leaving your wonderful comments.



19 comments:

A Polymer Penchant said...

Oh Katherine, I have to type though the tears in my eyes. What a beautiful post. I hope Rosie is like that boulder in other ways too solid and immovable and rooted in place for a long long time. You brought me right back to when I had my cat spayed. She had a small hernia they were going to take care of at the same time. She is a pretty small thing, all black. I picked her up and she was all ready in her carrier, soft black interior so she looked settled enough. She was so quiet on the way home I thought she was still good and drugged, usually she goes nuts in the car. When I got home and took her out my heart broke as she was trying to meow but she had no voice. Her scar was about 4 inches long, her whole belly shaved... I wish I had been prepared. She slept wrapped around my head that night. Morning came and I was so relieved to hear her purring and chatty, yet still croaky meows. So Rosie we wish you speedy recovery!

AntiquityTravelers said...

what a beautiful post! Rosie seems like such a sweetheart, and no doubt she has much love to give! I hope Rosie makes a speedy recovery and is with you for many years to come!

Alice said...

I love that you chose a different way to present this challenge. In today's world we are all zooming around so fast--like that river. We do need to slow down and enjoy the life we were so lovingly gifted with. Thanks for the reminder.

Wishing Rosie a speedy recovery.

LoriF said...

What a wonderful, thoughtful post, and what a beautiful dog. We are their slaves! I hope Rosie continues to improve from her surgery and blesses you with many more years.

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Katherine,
I enjoyed your post today, but then I always enjoy your posts. Sweet Rosie I wish her well and pray that she will be around for a good long while.
Therese

Becky Pancake said...

Katherine your post brought tears to my eyes. I lost my dog, Frank Easter morning and I miss him terribly . I sure hope Rosie is alright. Your stream pic is very pretty.

brokenteepee said...

I hope Rosie continues to recover well.

Mary K. McGraw said...

I am so glad Rosie is doing better after her surgery. Your close up of her is precious.

Adrienne said...

So sorry to hear that, must have been nerve-racking. Hope all is well now! I love the analogy of the stream and life!

Beti Horvath said...

Sorry to hear about Rosie's ordeal (and yours) but that picture of her face up close is precious!

Christine Altmiller said...

this post had my eyes welling with tears and my heart swelling with love all at the same time. however much time Rosie has, they are sure to be the best times in her life. She is with someone who loves her no matter what :-)

Alicia said...

Oh, my, Katherine, what an ordeal - for both you and sweet Rosie! Wishing her a speedy recovery - I hope you'll have many moments together to enjoy.

kimmykats said...

Life can wait while Rosie needs help. Wishing you both the best!

Tanya said...

I hope Rosie is on the road to recovery. Your photos are great and your message was one I needed to hear. Thank you!

aneri_masi said...

Wishing you a speedy and comfortable recovery, sweet Rosie!

Shel said...

Your post choked me up. Love your words/analogy of life - made me stop and think. I'm pretty sure that Rosie's 'close-up' is macro enough for the week and I'm so glad you snuggled w/her and that she's doing better!! What a cutie she is!

Annette said...

Rosie is so lucky to have you. I hope you have many years with her in spite of what the vet says!

Mary Harding said...

Your post is so moving and is just as full of insight as a close up photo. I hope Rosie recovers soon and well. You both are lucky to have each other.

My Life Under the Bus said...

Poor baby I hope she is doing much better we have 2 rescues one we've had for a year the other about a month - I can't even imagine loosing one of them we are all so attached. Here's to continued good health!