In a split second everything can change. I discovered this as I took my dog and the dog I am sitting inside on Sunday. I set my camera down, turned to usher the dog up the stairs when I noticed she was gone. I looked, saw paw prints in the snow and up ahead and across the road.... the dog. I ran quickly fearing the dog I was babysitting (who had taken off) would go on the busy road. I grabbed her collar and turned around only to see my loyal and loving dachshund companion chase quickly after me. As usual to be by my side. That day was not my day. He was struck by a car and I watched in in slow motion.... I thought I would throw up with the fear I had for him. I quickly passed off the other dog, scooped my baby up and took him inside. I wrapped him in a towel and worked calmly. As I lifted him gently off the floor he cried in pain and lashed out biting my left cheek -- leaving scratches. I knew the intensity of pain my fur baby must have been experiencing. He is the gentlest dog. I tried again to lift him, he bit again this time getting the other cheek and puncturing me and causing bleeding. The irony? I could care less. I had my pup in my arms and was ready to get him to the doctor.
Now it is a day later and he is stabilized but with surgery needed. Expensive surgery. I have cried and cried. All day I have wrestled with what the best thing to do is. To put him down? To get the surgery regardless of cost? Wondering if my desire to keep him at my side is selfish. Oh how I love this dog. My sweet and loyal dog who knows when I have a migraine and curls up next to me. Who would challenge a bear (in all likelihood) to protect me. My sweet little doxie who makes me smile and giggle when he bounds through the snow. I thought I could let him go. I'm not sure I can after all. He was with me through 2 very tough years, always loving me. Always there.
Tomorrow is a new day and I pray to all the powers there are that the answer of what I am to do will be apparent. Right now I have no sensibility. Money feels like a selfish reason not to do the surgery. Yet, is the surgery too much for my short legged buddy? I want to be kind, yet also cannot help but want him with me. So, I am sure I will shed more tears. As I miss having his face looking up at me for one more night. Praying that he will be fixed soon and back with me.
Please get better Cricket....
