Rhythms of daily life

Well, Dieter is almost 3 weeks post-op, and has started chemo.  His stitches are out and the incision site looks amazing.  Totally closed up.  He seems to be taking chemo well, although he has had some nausea.  Our vet is wonderful and she sent us home with some medications that have helped.  Today I was able to coax him onto the bed (I took it off the frame so it would be lower for him) and I’m hoping he got the message.  Before all this started, he was my sleeping buddy every night.  He’d jump up on the bed and sleep right next to me.  I have really been missing that (seemingly) little thing, and I know he has been, too.  We’ve slept together on the sofa a couple of times, and also on the floor a couple of times since this all started, and each time he’s snuggled up real close.

Now that all my travel is done for the semester, and class is winding down, I am turning my thoughts to the rhythms of our lives and how this has all disrupted that.  This has been so much for everyone to take in, and it’s hit my little family hard.  Otto is struggling as well, I can tell, and he’s put on some weight since he hasn’t been on his daily walks for about a month.  Remember my post on nicknames?  Well, now I have a new double nickname for the two of them.   Jabba and Luke.  Get it?

I feel like all three of us are at the point where it’s time to re-establish routines.  They will have to be different, so more change is in store.  Otto is a sniffer on walks.  I call walks with him “sniff-peditions.”  He has to sniff every last leaf, needle, rock, etc. along the way, so Dieter was always pushing the pace.  Well, now that he walks even faster (I have to jog sometimes), there’s no way I’m going to be able to walk them together.  At least for now.  Dieter needs to be pushed to exercise on multiple shorter trips, so he can build up his strength and balance, and Otto needs lots of long walks to burn off the fat.  So, more changes, more changes.

Being essentially a social psychologist, I know that the effects of change on people accumulate, and I think it’s no different for dogs.  Hopefully new rhythms to our days will give us all a sense of security and continuity.

Until then, we’ll just chill…

Chillin

6 thoughts on “Rhythms of daily life”

  1. What a sweetie!

    I know what you mean about the jogging…and I’m too old to start now. Murphy just has to go at the fastest I can and call it good.

    Kathi

  2. I know what you mean by the changes. Everything in our lives revolved around Shooter and his schedule, but it becomes the norm.

    Glad to hear Dieter is doing good and he looks great.

    Take care-
    Luanne and Spirit Shooter

  3. OMD!! That photo! That mug!! ‘Cannot stop smiling!! Love that picture!!

    Wnderful update! Glad Dieter is dong so well AND it is still very early in recovery!!

    I love how you re-framed “changes” to new rhythms. Nice twist.

    Sorry ne’s had some nausea. It happens sometimes!

    Not being able to sleep with yojr dog is HUGE in my world! I’ve not been able to help my Happy H;annah up my old stairs to bed……yet. I’m still working on it ! I still have one four legger bed buddy thankfuly! I’ve slept with my dogs ever since I was a little child (and that was a long darn time ago)! I love it!

    Gus, you keep n enjoying yojr sniff-peditions’ okay? And Ieter, you take it slow, okay? Too much too early ks not good.

    Thanks for taking the ti e to update us. It’s always delightful to hear good news!!

    More pictires of that mig! Love it!

    Sally and Happy Hannah

  4. OK I’m loving that picture too!

    Yeah, there’s an adjustment to the new normal that’s for sure. Walks will be different, routines will be adjusted, but in the end it is all SO worth it. Some folks have a harder time with it than others but I’m betting the farm that you won’t, you have a good head on your shoulders and with Jabba and Luke leading the way, you can’t go wrong.

    Many hugs to you both. What a great update!

    P.S. If you want to update us about the medications that worked for Dieter’s nausea I know others would love to hear about it in the Forums if you get a chance.

  5. Thanks (as always!) for the support and encouragement. Tonight I said, “oh, what the he!!” and walked “the boys” together for a short walk. They were both so happy, and I could tell that Luke was happy that Jabba was with him. So maybe we’ll all just start slow together and work our way up as a pack. 🙂

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