Smoke Signals and other news
It’s mid-April and we have had our share of rain. While it’s dreary, it is so necessary. I’m sure we will ask, “Where is the rain in July and August?” Kids have missed baseball and softball practice days because of the rain. The rain gave the grass a chance to grow ever taller. I don’t know about your pets, but my little dog refuses to go outside when it rains. He will wait for hours until he has no choice, and then run out, quickly take care of his business, and run back in.
My little rescue dog, Charlie, has indeed had his share of unwelcome events in his five years. He was tossed out as a young pup and roamed the roads alone until a kind person caught him. Having had no luck finding his owner, Charlie’s rescuer let us adopt him. He was terrified of all human contact, thin, hungry, and dirty. It took time and patience to convince him not all humans are bad.
On his first vet visit, after all the puppy treatments, I asked, “What is he?,” expecting something like a mixed breed.... I was surprised when I was told he appeared to be a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier. I didn’t know there was even such a breed, but if you google that breed, it looks like a picture of him. Once he got settled in with us, we took him for a ride to get him used to traveling and knowing he would return home. Arriving home, he jumped from my lap to the ground and broke his leg. After many weeks of surgeries, cast, and having to be kenneled, he was fine and my wallet was lighter.
Two years ago, he went outside where a red hawk was looking for dinner. The hawk scooped Charlie up with his huge talons. We do not know how he escaped. He was lifted in the air as the blood pooled in his abdomen, showing he was airborne. He was ripped deeply in several locations by the talons. He bled little because his fat tissue pushed through the cuts and stopped the bleeding. His long coat was shaved and many staples later, he began on another healing journey. Again, my wallet was lighter. Now, he misses Doug. In some ways, I think he is waiting for him to return. They were the best of friends. He has lost four pounds with Doug not feeding him half his meals. He is glad to be home with me after his stay with my daughter while I was at the hospital and rehab. If anyone else is there, he wants to be in my lap to “protect” me. Otherwise, he has his favorite spots.
I’m still in physical therapy three days a week. I have made great progress, but I am still struggling to bend the knee at 90 degrees. I still get around with the walker, and I do well if there is a smooth surface. Grass and gravel are a lot more difficult. There is still more pain than I would like there to be, but it is undoubtedly much better than before.
Mike Hamblin continues to improve daily with kidney function improving, talking some, and responding. He even had his first real meal this week. Physical therapy and occupational therapy continue to work with him. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901-246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.