Stumbling Blocks
Life has a way of throwing in a few stumbling blocks every now and then just to see if we can get past them. This past week has been so chaotic I’m here to report I’m not doing very well. I’m falling over blocks!
My old dog, Bitsy hurt her back leg. She was walking outside and suddenly jumped in pain. She’s been to the vet, had x-rays, medication and they think she pulled something. Nothing shows on the x-ray, but she still won’t walk.
Instead, she barks for me to carry her everywhere. Bark, I want to go outside, I’m thirsty, I’d like a treat, can you fix me dinner? She seems perfectly happy, and even wants to play with her toys. If someone comes to the door that she really wants to see she’ll get up and walk, but otherwise I carry her everywhere and she watches my every move. I can’t believe she could learn that I will carry her if she barks. Have any of you ever heard of something like this? Now I’m worried there might be something else wrong.
Then there’s my husband the absolute animal lover. Our neighbors know how he is, so they tell him if they see any lost or injured animals. He’s heard about a little cat in the neighborhood, dragging it’s back legs and coming around houses looking for food. He’s been watching for it. Yesterday he saw it!
1. The cat showed up in our front yard.
2. My husband grabbed it and ran for a carrier.
3. The cat was biting him all the time.
4. We spent the AM in the emergency room.
5. Animal Control took the cat. Has to be tested for rabies, plus it’s back legs are severely injured.
6. Today hubby went back to the Dr. because of red streaks going up his arm.
7. He now goes to Dr. everyday for 4 days for a antibiotic shot. Guess where?
I’m cooking, cleaning, doing chores I never even knew existed, carrying Bitsy, and anything else you can think of . I’m trying to pick up those stumbling blocks as I go along, but more keep showing up! Ever have one of those weeks? Not much is getting done in the Bunny Hill studio. Life got in the way!
I’ll keep you posted on my patient’s progress.
Hugs,
Nurse Sutton
49 Comments
Christie
Loads of hugs to you & Bitsy from Shellie & I! There’s nothing worse than having a furkid who hurts and you don’t know why! And God love your hubby for caring enough to help a poor frightened animal. Here’s hoping there’s no rabies – poor kitty probaby got hit.
HUGS!
Patty
We had a dog that figured out that if he pretended he was going to throw up we would let him out of the car. So guess what we had to stop alot. They are so smart.
Janet Holland
Oh my – you know life seems to run in streaks and you’re definitely on one! We have two Bichons and I have real empathy for your dog. Our little Emmy at about 2 yrs. it was determined that she has a dislocated knee cap. She can run, jump, play hard with little Abby at times, but once in awhile she’ll limp and then bounce back. Maybe you live at such a fast pace that tiny Bitsy just wanted you to slow down and give her some good old fashioned TLC! You and your husband sound absolutely wonderful taking care of everyone and everything!
cindy roberts
Anne, when life gets in the way, I think it’s time to slow down! Hope your husband and Bitsy are okay….
Sandy
Dear Nurse Anne. I know just how you feel. Yes life does have a way of keeping us in line. I have a blind Blue Healer,and my dog Lucy gave birth to puppies July 1st. I can tell she’s so drained from having the puppies. I won’t let her have any more, course it was a surprise that she had them anyway. So now I have pups to sell. I do hope that things will get better for all of us.
Oh and are you still working on your Crocheting? I know how it is if you haven’t, life does have stumbling blocks.
Sandy from
Love ya to stitches
Christine
Nurse Anne, your hands are full!
Bitsy’s injury sounds like what happened to our dog last year. It took a week or two to heal and she is as good as new! Hang in there! I’ll be praying for you, your husband and Bitsy.
Julia
Oh Anne,
my fingers are crossed that your sweet little Bitsy is getting well soon (she is one clever dog, though! – had to smile while reading about her way to command you).
I hope your husband will recover soon, too! I’m glad you didn’t underestimate his injury ~ but you must be so proud of him to have rescued the poor cat…!
Sending hugs & the hopes that this week will be much better,
Julia
bea
Did you check her for a tick? I thought my dog had a stroke & ran him to the vet & had hundreds $$ of blood & tests & found out it was lyme..He went on meds weeks & got better :)
But it began with his being unable to walk & get out of bed.
mimi'sdarlins
Oh my, what a darling little thing! You can’t get mad at her, that’s for sure, guess you’ll just have to carry her. I hope she gets better, I hope your husband gets better, and I do hope life gets easier. Try to relax, things have a way of evening out :-)
Sue
Oh, a fellow animal rescuer. Just FYI, we had a cat who couldn’t use her hind legs, she had fractured her pelvis. She spent about 8 weeks in a crate with food and water. We had to clean it daily…boy was that an adventure. But the end of the story is good. She lived happily ever after. I don’t know if I could have done this for a stray (well, yes I probably could have), but for our beloved Steinlen we did it.
connie
when my dog Lucky presented with the same symptoms she had Lyme Disease..2 weeks of antibiotics and she was back to her daily walks…Lucky is 12 now and still loves to walk and take car rides.
kathleen
You can be certain it will only get better!
Sinta Renee
It looks like summer has provided you with anything BUT smooth sailing! So sorry to hear of all the commotion in your life and your poor husbands’…I’ve had that red streak before/yikes! I hope you are following your little doggies advice and are at least having Sweet Dreams (pillow by her in picture).
Nancy C. in Utah
Anne, I’m so sorry that Bitsy isn’t feeling well. I just had to write when you wrote how she is acting. We had a little dog that was badly abused the first 4 months of her life. She was just a darling little mutt with short legs and the long low heavy body of a Corgi. Most disturbing was that her abusers were friends of ours who had always impressed us as kind, caring people! My husband was at their house one day and there was Molly, right where she always was, in a bare, cardboard box so small that she couldn’t even lay down in it. Her back and neck had obvious, serious injuries. My hubby simply picked her up out of the box and told her owners that he was taking her home with him where she would be loved and cared for. The vet said she had almost the equivalent of ‘shaken baby syndrome’ without the brain injuries. Point is, that we nursed her back to health, but her back was so fragile her entire life that if she played too hard, she would be immobile for a few days. But when her back bothered her, she would do exactly the same thing Bitsy is doing…whine first, then bark to tell us what she needed, and we carried her wherever she needed to go. Much like a babies cry, we learned quickly what the different barks meant…need to out, I’m thirsty, I’m hungry, etc, just as you said. Sometimes it would take her over a week to get back on her feet but once she was, we just couldn’t slow her down. Consiquently, we carried her a lot during the 12 years we were blessed with her company and love. It was worth every step. I also had to remark about your hubby’s cat bites. My daughter worked for a vet for several years and a number of times she got bitten by cats, even through heavy leather gloves. She learned very quickly that a cat bite will almost always become infected almost immediately. Of the five time she got bit, four of them required daily trips to the doctor for the heavy duty antibiotic shots in the same place (I’m certain) that your hubby is having his. She could barely sit down after about the third shot, but it did take care of the infection and streaking on her hands and arms. As for ‘life’ getting in the way of our normal routines…Red Skelton called things like this “lifes little Anne, I’m so sorry that Bitsy isn’t feeling well.
Ina
Oh my gosh!! I started out laughing reading this post about how Bitsy has you trained and then read about hubby and his serious infection….OH MY GOSH!!! What a chaotic mess. Poor husband. Poor Bitsy. Poor stray kitty. Last, but not least, poor Anne!!
Hope all settles down soon. You’ll have to buy hubby thick leather yard gloves. If he is going to rescue animals he needs to protect himself! ;0
my best, Ina
Sandra
I sure hope that Bitsy and your husband are well soon, we feel so helpless when our animals are hurt because they can’t tell us what hurts. I know I would carry my Zeusie every where if he was hurt (kitty). Bless both of you for caring about God’s animals. I hope things are back to normal for you soon.
Bari Jo Moore
Oh Anne! I am so sorry to hear that this has been such a hard week – thank you for being vulnerable and sharing so I know how to pray for you and yours. I am praying He will give you perseverance through this trial and wrap you in perfect peace even in the midst of chaos – like a favorite old quilt around your shoulders with a cup of tea – as you run about caring for those you love! Blessings to you today! Love, Bari
Jill Majers
I hope your husband and Bitsy are feeling better soon. I know what you are going through, our dog recently got a piece of a weed lodged deep down in his ear. It became infected and had to be dug out. He totally lost his equilibrium and at first we had to carry him everywhere. He is doing much better but we still have to lift him onto things. Yes, I know we have totally spoiled him, but he returns the favor with so much love. What would we do without our little animal children!
BJ
What a week you have had. Oh my. Thank goodness it was not when you had major schedules to meet, etc. Those stumbling block weeks do happen, the best part is when we get over that last block and then have some time of smooth sailing again.
Glad your DH is getting cared for – you don’t mess with that streaking. Hope your dog gets less ‘needy’ soon too.
Today is a new day, full of possibilities!
Carrie P.
I guess old dogs can learn new tricks. Their own:D Hope everyone gets better soon and this week is much better. Yes, Life has a way of changing our routines.
Jean
I’ve had many weeks like that. Thankfully, they don’t last forever. At first I was happy to see a picture of Bitsy as I’ve been missing your little dogs. But then I was sad to see she was injured. She’s a smart little girl. “Arf, Mommy, I need you!” Maybe one of those baby slings would work. Did your Hubs get checked for cat scratch fever? If I lived closer I would come over and help. I would love to help out a friend, first. Second, it would get me away from my hectic day here. You hang in there!!!
Yvonne Matthews
Hi Anne,
I do so know how you feel, I have just lost 2 dogs in 5 days, I have been desolate, Barney was my best friend & greeted all our customers, such a shock, BUT we now have Bailey, just 11 weeks old & such a joy, all the visitors love him, even though his teeth are like razors!!
Give Bitsy lots of hugs from us here in NZ & be kind to yourself too, & don’t forget as my mother would say ‘God is good!” Oh so true
The Chocolate Cat
Thinking of you and your patient’s and sending hugs to hope the stumbling blocks are soon gone!! Take care.
Patty
Oh Anne, I SO understand. We took our Corgi, “Freckles”, on vacation to San Simeon with us…he refused to walk 10 feet away from our room’s sliding doors, he’d throw his body on the ground. We left our trip early (because we felt sorry for his bum hip), and he’s been chasing squirrels in our back yard ever since we pulled into the driveway! Unfortunately, they can’t talk…maybe…I still love him…
Julie Isa
Hang in there!!! Tell your hubby he’s wonderful and hope the ‘very smart’ pooch, that she’s a very lucky little doggy!
Take care!
Lynda
Many years ago my husband and I rescued our neighbor cat after his mom died and her nephew threw sweet Rufus out. It took a while to gain his trust, lure him into our garage for meals and one day spike his food with kitty tranquilizer from our vet. We had a carrier ready, and a blanket, but Rufus was NOT interested in visiting our vet, and he was so terrified that the tranquilizer had little to no effect on him. My brave husband held on, even though Rufus bit his hand clean down to the bone. We got him to our vet, had him checked out and treated for a myriad of health problems, including a severely infected mouth.
After leaving Rufus at the vet for an overnight stay, I took my husband to the ER for HIS treatment. He got heavy-duty antibiotics (which, thankfully, were all he needed) and was told to take his wedding band off before it had to be cut off, due to quite impressive swelling. He has several scars on his hand, but never held it against Rufus.
That precious boy only lived for 14 more months, due to his severe health problems, but we like to think they were the best months of his life. He added so much to our lives, and he trusted me completely. I’d wake up some mornings to the feather-light touch of his paw on my cheek, as though he was reassuring himself I was really there. I really was, and I’m so grateful he was, too.
Here’s hoping YOUR sweet husband, your darling puppy, and you yourself all recover from this unsettling chapter in your lives. My best to you all.
Vicky
Oh, gosh, you truly have your hands full! Hope hubby gets well quickly. And poor Bitsy, bless her heart. I hate that she’s hurting — but it sounds like she may be milking it for all it’s worth! We’ll know for sure if you start sitting on her command! (((hugs)))
Tina
Bless you and your husband for being such caring folks, as well as so many of your fellow bloggers. I can’t begin to tell you of the injuries our wonderful pets have had over the years and the trials that went with each of them. I also include in that category all of the hurt and injured wildlife my husband has agonized over – from baby birds to a baby fawn and just last month to a small black bear in our front yard.
It does sound like Bitsy pulled a tendon or muscle and I’m sure she will be back in the “pink” soon with so much love and care. My prayers go to the little stray cat and I hope all turns out well for her/him. As for your husband, he sounds like a terrific guy and I’m sure all will be well with him, too.
Now, time for a small glass of wine for the nurse……
AnnieO
Bitsy is a fast learner, is all! Sorry to hear she got injured, poor old dear. And your husband as well–scary! The wild cat seems to have got him good. Hope both heal up quickly and you can return to your normal programming. Anyone for a RESET?
Debbie
Hi Anne, sorry to hear your having so many problems. I hope things get better very soon. Could the dog have something in it’s foot?
Marcia
Oh, your poor dog and hubby. I was attacked by a dog as a child of 6. Then my brother was about 12, he was too. In his case, it was at the park, and the owner gave him false info, so he had to have rabies shots. Back then you had to get them 14 days in a row, in the stomach. It made me feel like I’d gotten off easy :-)
I hope both patients are feeling better soon.
Blessings,
Marcia
Mary on Lake Pulaski
Hope things improve soon Nurse Sutton!
chickie
Dreaming of Paris? That,s why we travel, so we can handle life! Ann Loar had the same biting of her cat and the doctor had to see her every day also, do hope pup is better soon. Keep looking at your photos. love chickie.
SheilaC
Actually, something similar did happen to my daughter’s dog, who is bigger than yours, about 30 lbs
She ended up having trouble with her knee, the tendon that holds the knee in place had slipped or something. She had to have surgery but now she is fine, runs and plays etc.
Maybe your vet could take a closer look at the knee to be sure.
Hope hubby is okay…. my other daughter had to get those shots after getting bitten by her own cat (who had gotten out and she was trying to grab him and he got scared, etc etc) Awful infected mess
HUGS to you!
SheilaC
Sue
Cat bites are serious and my mother had the same thing happen to her that happened to your husband. As for Bitsy, I think she has you trained VERY well. I do hope she gets better soon.
Loved the article on your studio and sewing area for your granddaughters.
Hope all back to normal soon.
Donna Liljegren
Goodness, Anne. Injured Bitsy is a genius. I ought to try this with Handsome! Hope hubby is alright and that it’s nothing more serious than what antibiotics can clear up.
xoxo
Donna
Stefanie
Nurse Anne,
I know that the stumbling block will soon become rays of sunshine! They always do!
I will be thinking of you and all of your patients. When everyone is feeling better, Nurse Anne will need a vacation! Until then, buy more shoes (comfortable ones since you have a lot of walking to do).
XOXO,
Stefanie
Lisa
Aw, poor little Bitsy! My mom’s rottweiler had that happen last summer. Turned out she shattered her knee. I never even knew dogs had knees! She had to have surgery for it. They would have seen that on your baby’s xrays though.
And I can totally relate to your husband. I would be the one that takes in all the poor little animals in our family ☺
Hope you have a better week!
Kathy
I’m sorry to hear about your dog. My dog suddenly started hobbling around and holding her leg like she couldn’t put weight on it a few weeks ago. I thought it might be her hips, since she is an old dog (13 years). I took her to the vet, who did a bunch of tests and determined it is a torn ACL in her knee. I decided not to do surgery, due to her age and other health factors, mostly. She is doing better and doesn’t act like it bothers her much now, and she isn’t limping now. I’m a big advocate of waiting to see if it gets better on its own! I hope your dog makes a good recovery. It’s hard to see our pets suffer.
Diane cannon
Oh My Anne–You have had a “fun” week–but I am glad hubby got the cat and was able to get it some kind of help or put to rest!!
You need to read this site post—foodiefarmgirl.blotspot.com and then you will see you have actually had a “mild” kind of week!!!!
but I will be prayin for you all –so take care!!!
Hugs, Di
Vickie E
Anne, I hope Bitsy gets better. It’s tough having a pet under the weather as they can’t tell you what really hurts :(
And your husband…poor guy, I certainly hope that isn’t serious.
Andrea
Hi Anne,
That is so terrible for you and your hubby! I can totally relate to wanting to help a sick pet, however (I am a veterinarian on Vancouver Island). Your hubby sounds like he developed a bacterial infection secondary to the bite wounds. I’ve been bitten many times, and been lucky, but several of my staff have gone through the same thing. I hope the cat is being helped (or at the least, not suffering any longer). As for Bitsy, I’ve seen soft tissue injuries cause tremendous discomfort. They can take longer than a broken bone to heal (6-8wks). Did they check her cruciate ligament? Patella? Something you may want to ask them. A cruciate tear is not visible on x-rays, but can be found on exam. It’s a ligament in the knee. A patellar luxation is unlikely to cause this type of reaction, unless is was fully out of joint, which I’m sure they would have felt. Did they put her on pain meds? The problem with this, however, is that they sometimes feel too good and use their leg too much and further injure it. G’luck with it all!! I’m sure Bitsy will come around! Sounds like she’s a cheeky monkey!!
Andrea
LoriD
Dogs are so smart. I think Bitsy’s pulling one on you and I’m hoping that is all that is wrong with her.
I hope hubby is better soon!!
It can only go uphill from here, right?
Sandi
I hope Bitsy is feeling better soon. If she gets up and walks when she’s interested in, she’s probably fine. She’s just found a sucker to carry her! Years ago we had a doberman who ruptured a disk in her spine. The vet said she could have a $500 operation which had a 50/50 chance of fixing the problem, or we could just wait and see, which also had a 50/50 success rate. Needless to say, we waited. She couldn’t move anything behind her ears, so we put Depends on her and carried her where she needed to go. A week or two later, we were at a family gathering and a relative brought their new puppy. Brandy was fascinated by that puppy (and vice versa), and she started pulling herself around on the floor to play with the puppy. Eventually she was able to walk and even trot again, and had several happy years after that.
Mary Ann
Loved the article in Quilter’s Home, this week though sounds like the kind of “keeping it real” photos The Pioneer Woman shows sometimes. Hope both sickies in your house recover quickly and hug the husband, such a sweet spirit.
Marcia
Awwww. Please tell your hubby thank you for me. If you know how the injured kitty is doing please add that information as well. Hugs for bitsy and thank you for being a good mommy.
Mary Flynn
She has taught you well and we are such suckers for animals that we are willing spirits. She is so little that I was thinking some sort of wrap that can cradle her next to you would work….they make so many things for pets now that are similiar to infant kid items. You may want to look into that. As for your husband…bless him. I’d have done that same thing and been paying for it myself. I’ve got the neighbors pets living in my garage and Anne…I do not own any pets.
Barb
Oh Anne, you do have your hands full, don’t you? Sometimes it just seems that everything goes ‘wrong’ all at the same time. I do hope your husband and Bitsy both get better quickly and your life gets back to ‘normal’ soon.
By the way, the article about you and the photos of your beautiful studio in Quilter’s Home were so much fun to read and look at – all in all it appears that you are very fortunate!
Stephanie
Fingers crossed you have a better week ahead and hubby gets healed. As for Bitsy…is it possible to make a sling pet carrier for her to snuggle in like new mom’s use for their newborns? Wishing Bitsy a speedy recovery too.