<p>We got a really large top of the line HD TV (the master bedroom in our new house is very long, so we needed a big TV in order to see it from the bed) this morning, and I am making myself wait until 9:00 pm to go upstairs to watch it for the first time.</p>
<p>You see, our 13 y/o lab can no longer navigate stairs, and our bedroom is upstairs in our new house. If she cannot go upstairs, then I’m not letting our younger dog upstairs, because I don’t want the lab to feel deserted and alone. Consequently, I always try to spend as much time downstairs with them as possible, since they are pack animals. 9:00 seems to be a time they are ready to settle down for the night and don’t need our company.</p>
<p>We are going to watch It’s Complicated because of the beautiful scenery. I’m thinking scenes of the California coast will be fabulous on a new high def TV. It’s 8:30 pm where I am, so counting the minutes…</p>
<p>How do you alter your life in little ways or big because you are thinking of your adorable canines?</p>
<p>I step over gates to get from one room to another. I let her have her favorite seat curled up next to my stomach, even when I’m having a hot flash.</p>
<p>I never complain about picking up all of the polyfil stuffing she has removed from her stuffed toys and has spread all around the house. And no matter how crazy and punky she gets, I cannot be upset with her. She just brings me so much joy. I actually enjoy her mayhem.</p>
<p>Last summer my H and I took turns sleeping in the living room on the sofa for about a month when our Saint Bernard could no longer get around very well. And then hubby spent about the last 2-3 weeks of her life sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag next to her. I vowed no more big dogs so that when they get to that stage, we can just pick them up and take them where we need them.</p>
<p>because when we bought our first new couch in our lives (I’m 63), the first, second, and third considerations had to do with dd. (darling dog) ;)</p>
<p>Oh my gosh, that is one of the most touching animal stories I have ever heard. Makes my “sacrifice” absolutely pale in comparison. Must have been a wonderful dog.</p>
<p>Because the other night I went out to sleep on the couch because the old guy (not H) was snoring so loud I couldn’t fall asleep, but I didn’t want to wake him up. Also, I’m not saying I cook an entire extra dinners worth of food every night for the three of them. I’m not saying that to anyone.</p>
<p>When our current dog adopted us, she was all stitched up and was a terrified little thing (runt and bait dog). My dad slept on the couch with her for weeks with her sleeping on his chest. </p>
<p>While looking at apartments, my first consideration was whether or not they were dog friendly.</p>
<p>When my dpg had abdominal surgery after eating a book 4K, My H an I took turns sleeping downstairs, with him as he couldnt climb stairs, and we wanted to keep an eye on him</p>
<p>When our doxie had surgery to remove 3 tumors, I slept on the floor with him for 3 nights because he couldn’t move himself when he wanted water or potty. When he came home from the hospital he still had drainage tubes coming out of his body. Bless his little heart. </p>
<p>When my pets fall asleep on/near me, I won’t move unless I absolutely have to. They look so sweet when they sleep that I can’t bear to disturb them. </p>
<p>Carried my 65pound white Shepard up and down the stairs, slept in front hallway with 16year old border collie, talked to the dogs out loud on our walks when one went blind, got up in the middle of the night to let the dog who is barking know the world is safe, saying those black pants she chewed the crouch up were old anyway…</p>
<p>I basically plan my days around my dog’s walks and meal times. My 11 year old Lab gets lunch as well as breakfast and dinner, so I make sure I’m home around noon. If I can’t be home at his meal time for some reason, I stuff a couple of Kongs and leave them in different rooms so he’ll find them when I’m gone and have a tasty surprise. If I actually need to leave all day for something important, I’ll bribe my daughter to come to stay at the house, and I’ve even asked my Dh to come home from work early to be with the dog. :rolleyes: And he has. :)</p>
<p>I spent Christmas night a month after my mother died by myself, because our dog was too old to take to see my oldest D. ( which was where my H & other D were)</p>
<p>We had to start downsizing dogs after my parents had surgeries which left them pretty weak. Our 50-some pound pit is about the biggest they want to get now. Our last huge dog was a rott/GSD who was well over 100 lb. There was no moving that dog. She was a great dog, but stubborn as a mule. </p>
<p>I can’t wait to move back this summer. I have the OK to foster dogs when my parents move out. Our dog is great with other dogs but she tires easily and doesn’t want a permanent companion. When she’s ready for bed, she wants all others to go away so we’ve been a one-dog family for a while. Yes, she rules the house and we wouldn’t have it any other way. </p>
<p>I want to foster a boxer though if I had my choice (not picky though!). I miss taking care of dogs who need some TLC.</p>
<p>In my parents’ semi-retirement stage, they have started treating the dog like a grandchild. (Yes, they refer to her as their granddoghter). I came home last weekend to find that my mother has started baking treats for the dog. I said “you don’t even bake for me!” To which she responded “yeah, I like the dog more most days.” She’s kidding… I think. :rolleyes: hmmm…</p>
<p>I have been up since 3:15am because my old Beagle had another reverse sneeze episode. And just in case I didn’t hear her myself, my soon to be 4 year old Corgi-Akita mix came over and nudged me and licked my eyelids until I got up to attend to her. Beagle is fine, sleeping soundly. Corgi-Akita is fine, snoring loudly. I am wide awake!</p>
<p>I used to re-wallpaper the kitchen below the chair rail when we were expecting company, since my 2 Westies were very adept at removing it. I became very good at it, although not as quick as they were!</p>
:rolleyes: hmmm…</p>