One Year Later....

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.    

- Ben Williams

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader.  He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

 -Unknown

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.         - Andrew A. Rooney

My little old dog: A heart-beat at my feet.
- Edith Wharton

  This time last year my buddy Storm was fighting for his life.  He became extremely ill with a liver disease, which baffled our vet, and we almost lost him.   We don't know how it happened or what caused it , but his liver was green and not functioning properly .   For several days I watched him waste away and  lie around on the floor at the vet office getting only a small wag of his tail every now and then as a sign that he was somewhat aware of my presence. I'd spend hours there in the cage with him -petting him, talking to him, walking him and giving him as much love as I could.  It was so hard to leave him there and  at one point it was recommended that I put him down because he was so close to slipping away which only crushed me further and I cried for days! 
   I felt so helpless but determined to fight whatever this was and go to whatever lengths needed to get him back to his playful self.  I told my vet to do whatever he could and if it didn't work I would let him go.  I needed to know in my heart that I did everything I could and then I would be at peace if I needed to say goodbye.
  It took intense treatment, which consisted of several meds and feeding him with a syringe, and lots of round the clock care.   It was difficult and exhausting not to mention stressful as I knew the bill was getting larger by the minute.   After a few days at the vet we were able to bring him home to continue his treatments.  Yay!       With all our love, my cooking ground beef and rice for him , and all the prayers our friends and family were sending out,  he slowly recovered , gained back his weight and even some muscle mass which our vet thought may never come back .
  Soon he was back to normal... better than normal.   He was like a new pup!   Playful,  rambunctious and healthy!   I was sooooo happy!   I had my best friend back, my sidekick and shadow .
  It's been a year and so far so good.  Storm remains healthy and happy which makes me very grateful.  I love my doggie and anyone who has a pet knows what that bond is like.  He is not just a dog, not just a pet, he is my best friend and loyal companion.  He is always happy to see me, doesn't care how I look, or act, doesn't judge me , always ready to go for a walk with me and always makes me smile. 
  So looking back at Storms battle I am reminded what he adds to my life and how happy I am to have him .  I only hope he feels the same about me xoxo