Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Weary


The problem with having a beagle is that sometimes it's hard to tell if they're feeling bad since unless they're getting offered a cookie or about to go on a walk, their normal expression is pretty much a "hang dog" one. Our seven-year-old beagle, Rowdy seemed a little more lethargic than usual a couple of weeks ago, and one day when I came home from work, he didn't even get up to greet me, which is way out of character. Russ took to him to the vet and brought him back heavily sedated, with three prescriptions, and no definitive answer from the vet about what was wrong with him.  Nearly $1,000 later, a three-day stay at the animal hospital, and quite a few evenings of tearfully knitting, of course, thinking Rowdy was done for, the vets now think it was not "Valley Fever, cancer, Cushing's Disease, or a tumor. They think it was a really bad infection of unknown origin, and that he should completely recover. We're still not totally convinced, but he does seem much better and even has taken to lying in his favorite position on his back. Our nephew's fiance, who was in a car crash seven months ago and had been in a coma ever since, died during the middle of our dog woes. Such a true tragedy quickly put our dog worries in perspective.  Still, we  do love our lazy, old beagle so much, and it's been hard being in limbo about his health...O.K, and shelling out so much money.
The nice thing about knitting is that it's the perfect activity no matter what's going on in your daily life. I'm still trudging along with my elegant empire sweater, but I needed a mindless project just to pick up too. I knit this little "paper bag" hat from Susan Anderson's Itty Bitty Hats last week. It's for a friend who just adopted a baby girl last month. It seems kind of big, but cute. The picot edge is knitted, which I've never done before. I'm not sure I like it as well as crocheted, but I'm satisfied overall.

My family generally respects my knitting obsession, which extends to loving sheep; but even they had to make fun of me for the movie that I found on Netflix last week. I just happened upon it. Sweetgrass is documentary about sheep ranchers. It has no narration or music, just the sound of sheep "baaing" and cowboys cussing, and it was wonderful. So far, I haven't been able to entice any members of my family to watch it with me, but I would watch it again if they would. It obviously appeals to a fairly narrow audience, but I loved it.

9 comments:

Willow said...

I'm sorry you've had so much going on, especially the loss of your nephew's fiancee. Hoping your puppy is on the mend!

Oh, and I'd watch Sweetgrass with you!

Rani said...

I'm sorry about your families loss. How terrible!

This seems obvious, but I have to ask - did they check the pup for Lyme's disease?

And now, I am off to put on my headphones and watch Sweetgrass. I am a kindred sister, my friend. I also have a love for chickens and will, despite my husbands protests, own my own flock someday. May I suggest "The Natural History of Chickens" on netflix instant play. It's a riot!

Tracy said...

Oh, my goodness... So very, very sorry about your family's loss... and all the puppy worries. So glad he is OK. Love the little hat--so cute! The Sweetgrass sounds fun--I'm off to go see about that. :o) Thinking of you all... ((BIG HUGS))

Thimbleanna said...

Ok, after that sad post, you made me laugh with the sheep obsession. I love them too -- I'm thinking maybe I should add it to my queue! So sad about your nephew's fiance. Sorry about the puppy -- that's the hard thing about our animals -- if only they could talk!

Torhild said...

So sorry about your families loss- and I agree with Thimmbleanna. you made me smile in the end- I would love to watch that movie with you ;-)

Joansie said...

Sorry for your family's loss.

We love our pets so much. I have had beagles in the past and they are so sweet tempered. It costs more to take a pet to the vet than it does a child to the pediatrician.

Anyhow, here's wishing that your dog continues on the path to good health!

Anonymous said...

Oh, how sad for you and your family. I understand your upset over your dog - when we had to have our last dog put down, Malcolm said he would never have another one, he was so upset - after all, a dog is one of the family.
On a lighter note, I love the little hat!

JayJay said...

Wow, that's some pretty sad stuff to deal with. :( I'm glad your beagle is feeling better at least.

I have the Itty Bitty Hats book, and was going to make my first hat from it. I am actually using thinner yarn than the pattern suggests, so if they tend to come out big that will work well.

labatterie said...

. I also have a love for chickens and will, despite my husbands protests, own my own flock someday.