The Dog Lady Blog

Since Friday the 12th, one week to the day of Daisy's entropian surgery (for her eyes), I began snipping out the stitches rimming her lower lids. I do it while she's asleep and as of this morning I've gotten all out but three stitches easily out. Dr. Pepin did a fantastic job--Daisy's eyes look perfect, even with the three sutures still in place.

I want to let everyone within my geographic area that Dr. Pepin's staff sought me out after the debacle in January with my sanctuary and my dogs. They and Dr. Pepin are determined to see that any animals I have or rescue in the future have excellent veterinary care at a more than reasonable cost.

All my current dogs here are very, very happy. This morning the Daisies are all playing outside, with occasional forays into the camper to check in with me, wrestle on their cushions and bedding only to romp back outside. Clarkie is doing great and fell right back into the sanctuary groove despite being away for three years. He's very handsome and very happy. He'd prefer to ride along on errands and such with Norman, Franklin and I but I'm not going to encourage extra passengers. I used to have six to seven dogs that rode everywhere with me but I have to admit, it was a chore at times especially in the summer months when I'd have to leave the truck idling with the air conditioner on while I was in the laundromat, grocery or library. Needless to say, I watched my truck guzzle gas every summer as a result of it's full cab of canines.

I have a dental appointment this afternoon, thanks to Jenny P. who has been donating to my non-profit often and generously since January. Her latest "donation" is that of her dentist, Dr. Don Feeney in Louisville. I actually don't mind going to the the dentist but I haven't been in about three years. I have very good teeth that I floss and brush like I own stock in P&G. Jenny
has provided a spark of hope caring as she does about what I do, understanding the profundity of it all and offering her help whenever she can. I hope she comes up here soon to see my place.

Last but certainly not the least, I want to thank my friend Todd C. with all my heart for taking initiative when I could not and sending me to his personal physician. Toddy called me a few weeks ago just to "check in" as he's done very gently since learning of the plight of my dogs in January. I've been shell-shocked since January 12 and in February when Todd "peeked his head in", via an e-mail to ask, "how are you?", I finally collapsed mentally and physically. I had been dealing with a low-grade fever for a couple of weeks, probably a sinus thing from crying so much. The manner in which my local government came after me, my dogs and our sanctuary (essentially my life) pretty much pushed me to the edge (which was their collective intention). To say I was feeling "sick" is putting it mildly. I was moving quickly past the point of helping myself; I was in a panic.

Without being condescending, judgmental or invasive yet knowing my financial situation is a bit precarious, Todd asked if I would go to his doctor if he set it up. I knew I needed help so I think I blubbered, "yeeesssss...". By 9:15am the next morning, Todd had called his physician, setting up my initial visit within 48 hours (I expected a dreadful couple of weeks wait) requesting I get bloodwork/and anything else needed done. He even thought to pay in advance so I couldn't back out! He's chivalrous and smart (he's also much savvier on the computer than me--but then who isn't?--and said he'd help crack open my myriad of photos and videos (aka my portable hard drive), uploading them onto my various web pages. Stay tuned..). So the good news is that I'm on the mend. Thanks, Toddy. You're a real mensch. A good man. A sweet friend. A doll.