This Little Boy

I’m Gone Too Much

When we first got Ernie, I was retired. So, my time spent with him was constant. I do believe he needed that time to adjust. He was in pain, he moved in with us, so he was in an unfamiliar place. There were a lot of things going on with him and his health. He did need me by his side. So, I’m glad I was able to be there. 

Happy Dog

Ernie is a happy dog now. Runs around, wants to play constantly. He’s comfortable in his new home. There was quite an adjustment period for him when he first came. His mistrust of males extended to my husband Gary. He would growl at him in certain situations. He has made peace with him now, but it took almost a year for that to happen. No matter what anyone says, dogs do not forget. 

Sad but True

Now, I am back to work. I read something the other day that made me sad. There was a photo of a dog with a caption above it. It said, “Don’t leave me for long periods of time. I’m only here for 10 to 15 years. I know I’m not your whole life, but you are my whole life.” It made me stop and reflect because it seems as if I’m always leaving Ernie because of work. It cannot be helped right now. But, I may cut back hours somewhere to spend more time with him. He will be 13 on the 15th of this month. Who knows how much more time he has with us. I believe he spent his first 12 years of his life alone. I feel bad when I leave, even if it’s for four hour increments. My four hours sometimes extend into five or six hours with my job. 

He Knows

Ernie knows when I’m going somewhere as soon as I change into my work clothes. His head goes down and he gets up on the bed. Instantly I feel regret. It makes me sad to see him sad. Here’s wishing we had a million dollars in the bank so I wouldn’t have to work. 

There are good and bad points about working. It keeps me social, interacting with people is always a good thing. Working two part time jobs keeps me busy. Dementia is forever at the forefront of my mind.

Dementia Always a Worry

I’ve called the hospital in town because they are putting on a seminar about it. An hour and a half informational meeting. I’d like to attend but do not know if I’ll be working at that time. So it’s uncertain and up in the air right now. The library needs me Tuesdays and Thursdays which are my days off with my other job. It works but it means I’m constantly running, it feels as if I’m never home. I went from being bored to overworking myself. I’m hoping there is a middle ground somewhere I can find. In between where I can take a day just to spend with my husband and our dogs. 

Dogs do not live near long enough and when you take on the responsibility of a dog; it is a lifetime responsibility. Their lifetime.

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Our four-legged furry friends. Spend all the time you can with them. They are gone too soon.

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God needs them up in heaven.

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