March 16, 2012

How does one say goodbye?

I'm feeling pretty damn blue this morning. And angry. And frustrated. And just plain fed up.
Part of it is, I'm sure, the overlay of fatigue I've been dealing with for weeks now, so heavy it is like a Nova Scotia weather forecast - alternating between foggy with sunny periods and sunny with foggy periods.
But the deepest indigo is about my dog.
Chutney. Sweetest poodle ever, but still a puppy, given to scrambling off after interesting smells, wanting to play, demanding attention and love. As my walking capability has rapidly decreased to where it is a rare day when walking seems like a good idea, Chutney becomes more of a problem. He knows I'm in pain. He follows me around, holding a toy, looking at me sadly with his brown eyes. He foolishly has to pee and poo, and today, when ice covers everything, the near miss of falling is scary. I can't see managing a puppy and a walker together. He's strong enough to pull me over.
Initially I thought I could handle having a dog. I got Chutney as a statement of hope. I was moving to Nova Scotia, my life was moving forward, I just knew I'd be better in a more temperate climate, instead of suffering through the heat of Ottawa summers. I knew there'd be beaches for Chutney to romp on.
What I didn't know was that I wouldn't be able to easily walk those beaches, that pain would accompany me everywhere, that my leg spasms would become so significantly worse.
Chutney isn't without his faults. He knows when I'm too tired to play and he uses it to be bad. He whines if I don't pay attention to him and he costs a fortune in doggy daycare costs I can ill afford, but feel I must so that he gets some sort of quality life. The cost in treats alone is harsh, but he needs things to chew, probably because he is so frustrated with having to watch me sit about all day.
So, it's time for us to part. I have a friend who has a friend who has found him a home with a yard to run in, another dog to keep him company, a healthy family that can play with him and take him places and afford the food and toys and such. I'm hoping they like each other and that I like them, cos I won't send him away with anyone I don't like.
But...I am broken-hearted. To go with my broken, broken body.

1 comment:

Have Myelin? said...

Ohhhh.... I am sorry. I really am. I have a daschie who is quite demanding and she wears me out too. So far we are okay. I worry about later.

I hope you get "visiting rights". That is, if you want them.