One of the prices of divorce is the pets. When I left, I left our pets behind. Between my depression, moving out, leaving my ex practically everything, working two jobs, and trying to start over, I couldn’t handle the responsibility of two dogs and two cats. The cottage didn’t officially allow pets, and as much as I loved my boys, I needed to not have that extra responsibility. Pat wasn’t working, so he spent the most time with all the animals, and the dogs had a big fenced yard. I could see them whenever I wanted. I missed them, but it was best for everyone – though I feel guilty about it. They still love me. They all come to give kisses when I visit. Dusty, my darling kitty, always come straight to me, and I’m still the only one allowed to pick him up for cuddles. Mel never fails to give me a disdainful big yellow tomcat greeting. Champ, Kelsea’s dog, generally wants a belly rub and a kiss. And Roscoe never fails to greet me with a toy in his mouth – I have always been his absolute favorite playmate.
So when Pat called last week to say that something was wrong with Roscoe, I was naturally worried. After all, even though I don’t live with him anymore, he’s still my last baby. We got him at the pound as a teeny tiny puppy only 4 1/2 years ago. At the time, they thought he was Australian Shepard/Golden Retriever. As it turns out, he’s 9/10ths Great Pyrenees, gigantic, cuddly, and adorable, though not as good as he might be with other dogs, as he likes to play “I’m gonna eat your face” which is a game a lot of other dog owners don’t understand.
Roscoe was moving stiffly and wouldn’t sit or lay down. Pat found a hole in his back, like a puncture. At first, he thought it was a bullet hole (we went through that with our most beloved ever first dog, Tug), but the vet said no, he must have just poked a hole in himself. The x-rays showed no bullet. The vet cleaned up the wound and gave Pat antibiotics to fend off infection, along with instructions on bandage changing and some painkillers.
A few days passed, and Roscoe was no better. I wanted Pat to take him back to the vet, but he insisted on waiting until the course of antibiotics was gone. And the day the antibiotics wore off (yesterday), one of Roscoe’s back legs swelled up to three times its normal size. So Pat took him in. And they did surgery on him last night to remove a 9-inch wood spike that he had somehow driven into his body and broken off. The surgery took two surgeons, and the incision is down a large part of his left side. It is badly infected. They have a pump pumping pus out of him and have him on massive antibiotics and painkillers.
They are not sure yet that he will survive.
So please set your prayers and intentions, send healing juju, and use any otherworldly powers you might have, to help my Roscoe get through this and get back to his old self, with no PTSD. I just want my boy to greet me with a toy in his mouth again, and I promise him a good long game of “I’m gonna get you.”
I may not live with him anymore, but I still love my boy.
23 comments
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February 15, 2012 at 10:21 pm
slpmartin
So sorry to hear about Roscoe…one’s pets become friends and family all too soon and their pain and injury effects us in ways many cannot understand…here’s hoping that he does not suffer.
February 15, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, slp.
February 15, 2012 at 10:28 pm
marjulo
My sincere sympathies for poor Roscoe. I hope he rallies! Our pets are so important to our well-being.
February 15, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you again, marjulo.
February 15, 2012 at 11:19 pm
pamsplanet
Oh, SS… I am so sorry to hear about poor Roscoe. I’m calling on the kind spirits of all my former dogs to speed your dear dog back to health. I understand the love you feel for your pets. They are strong relationships, indeed. Who else will listen without judging and love you no matter what?
He is young, and hopefully, that will work to help in his quick recovery.
P
February 16, 2012 at 11:44 am
Seasweetie
Thank you, P. Calling on all angels for help. Love you.
February 16, 2012 at 4:10 am
cantfindmenow
My prayers are there! I will pray for the beloved Roscoe and my beloved friend’s heart. I shall remain in a hopeful place for you and call out for healing! My love is with you.
February 16, 2012 at 11:43 am
Seasweetie
Thank you, cantfindmenow. I miss you.
February 16, 2012 at 4:34 am
TBM
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and most importantly Roscoe. I had to leave my animals behind after a separation before and it broke my heart. I wish Roscoe a speedy recovery.
February 16, 2012 at 11:43 am
Seasweetie
Thanks, TBM.
February 16, 2012 at 6:41 am
suzicate
Lifting prayers for Roscoe.
I know how we love our pets and how it hurts when they’re sick.
Hope Roscoe is romping and playing with you soon.
February 16, 2012 at 11:42 am
Seasweetie
Thank you, Suzicate. Me too!
February 16, 2012 at 8:04 am
Celeste
Sending prayers and positve energy for your puppy!
February 16, 2012 at 11:42 am
Seasweetie
Thank you, Celeste – hope you are well. Spring is coming soon.
February 16, 2012 at 12:08 pm
waywardbound
The unconditional love and loyalty of Roscoe can not be bought, sold or duplicated. I hope that he gets better so you will have many more years with him.
February 16, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, waywardbound. Hope you are well. I was thinking of you this mornning.
February 16, 2012 at 1:26 pm
waywardbound
I am well and I loved your VD post. So much to learn, so little time. 🙂
February 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Seasweetie
Good! I hope we can get together again this year.
February 16, 2012 at 3:26 pm
waywardbound
looking forward to it !
February 16, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Cin
Oh sweety 😦 My thoughts are with him! Poor dear. 😦 ~hugs~
And I understand. My babies (the cats) got left with my ex. I couldn’t afford to take care of them. Its hard. But we have to make the choice that will be best for them.
February 16, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you, Cin dear. Expect an update later tonight.
February 18, 2012 at 6:13 am
Meg
O no! I hope your baby is okay!! I cannot even imagine getting through a divorce without my babies…and I dread the day something like this happens to my Aussie Shepherd mix. Heal Roscoe. Heal!
February 18, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, Meg – spent a couple of hours with him today. He’s still having a rough time, but the vet thinks he’ll make it. Long recovery though. He’s still not eating, which is very concerning.