Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Wednesday, June 6, 2012


(Note to readers:  I had to write this on behalf of a family member who did not have access to a pen at the time of dictation.  I am relaying the story the best I can,  but I had to paraphrase occasionally.)

I had just woken up from a wonderful dream.  It was full of puppies and carefree running through fresh cut grass.  I have this dream often, and it really makes me feel good.    This day started out as most days.  I woke up after hearing the newspaper land on the driveway.  I felt hungry and thirsty, but there was no food to be found.  I had a dry throat and my stomach began to growl a bit.  I’ve gone for stretches without food and water before, so I just took it all in stride and conserved energy the best I could. 

We got in the car and headed out to either a park or a doctor’s office; I didn't know where or why.  I couldn’t even tell you the day of the week.  The news played on the radio, so I just heard a lot of talking.  Who really pays attention to all that anyway?  I shifted my interest more toward the scenery and the other cars on the road.  The wind blew in my face and I felt exhilarated.  I must admit, I have a great life.

Well, I guess it’s the doctor’s office.  It’s not my favorite place to be, but hopefully it will be a quick visit.  I’ve got so many more enjoyable things that I could be doing with my life today.  Maybe I’m a little nit-picky, but I get the feeling that I may not be the doctor’s favorite patient.  I don’t get the same TLC as I do at home.  Well, at least the doctor is civil to me; I’m probably reading too much into things.

Heartbeat, check… lungs, ears, nose and mouth – it’s the usual drill.  Stool sample? Wait, is that really necessary?  Why don’t you take a picture, it will last longer.  Well, I suppose it’s all in the name of health.  Now we’re going to the stupid scale; I never stand still on that thing, so I’m sure that my weight is not accurate. 

No, no, not the needle.  I hate those things.  Can you please take that away from me?  Oh, it’s too late.  I’m no match for the doctor and the nurse holding me down.  You know, I’m starting to feel kind of relaxed. Oh no…

I’m beginning to wake up now.  Where am I again?  Oh, that’s right – the doctor’s office.  It’s a little noisy in here, what with all the crying.  I’m beginning to feel a dull soreness, and I have no idea why I should be sore.  I didn’t do anything.  We just drove here a little while ago.  Everything was just fine.  Wait a minute … say it isn’t so; you’ve got to be kidding me.  I think I’ve been snipped.  Yeah, I’ve heard about this.  That must be what happened.  Let me tell you, I’m not happy about this at all.  I mean, I don’t know for sure because  I’ve got some kind of white plastic shell around my neck and it’s blocking my view of almost everything.  They must have put me to sleep and taken care of business when I wasn’t looking.  What could have possibly possessed anyone to do this to me?  Well, it’s not like I was ready for a family anyway.  Maybe it’s not such a big deal.

Life has a way of sorting itself out.  It’s been a while since that trip to the doctor’s office.  I’m back to my old self now and things are just great at home.  My family loves me and has been giving me lots of attention.  There’s plenty of food and water; and on some days, for no reason at all, someone will give me something fun to chew on.  I may be short a body part (or two), but there’s still so much to live for.  There are new pathways to discover and new friends to be made.  And at the end of the day, I still have a warm place to sleep.  Oh, I've got to go; someone's at the door.  Woof!


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