Must Love Dogs

Roman

Although getting cooler, it's at least sunny so I decided to sit outside on the porch and watch the dogs.  As mentioned before, gone are the days where I can just let Roman out to sit on the front porch to watch the people walking by.  Many times, he has wondered off and we get calls from the neighbors that he is in their yard or they will actually bring him back to us.  No one minds because he's as gentle as a lamb.  But all it takes is one car coming up the street and Roman not looking and that's the end.  We tried tying him up outside but he barks to be let in because he doesn't like to be restrained.  So now beyond walking the dogs, I sit myself out there just so I can keep an eye on them and they don't wonder off.

Enjoying the warmth of the sun for as long as he can.

Maggie, our other dog, doesn't wonder off as much as she tries to escape from the house and bolts across the street.  Once again, it would only take one car and that would be it.  My worst fear, for my kids, is that this may happen eventually.

My Aunt Pam gave Maggie to us in February of 2009 when she was three years old.  Maggie, not my Aunt Pam.  Anyway, the dog is half nuts but has just started to calm down.  She works my nerves to no end but the rest of the Family loves her to pieces.  The one thing that I do actually find good about her is that she barks when people walk by.  I feel it's important that people/strangers know that we have dogs in the house that aren't silent.  I'm sure in a few more years, she calm down to where I may actually kinda like her.

Yeah, I'm talking about you, you nutball!

I've mentioned before that I'm no longer a "dog person".  I used to be one before the children came and then something changed in me.  To be quite honest, I think it was because I had real babies to deal with and then Roman slowly turned into a second class citizen.  Don't get me wrong, I still love him.  The important thing is that Fred and the kids treat the dogs like royalty.  Actually, they treat them better than they treat me.  Yes, I am jealous.  So see, they are still loved and spoiled.

But as in life, all things must end.  I'm not quite sure how much longer Roman will be with us.  The obvious slowing down has/is happening.  Once again, his mind wonders and then so does he.  I think his hearing is fine because he can still pick up on minor noises.  But his eyesight is fading.  He will no longer take the stairs if the lights are dim.  And just the other week, he missed the last couple of steps and tumbled down them.  He's okay, nothing broken but still, I feel bad for him and will now hold his collar as he's descending the stairs.

Fred and I have started the "talks".  No one likes to see animals in pain so if we think that he is suffering, then we will make plans.  I have taken plenty of pets to the Vet for their last time.  It's no picnic.  I have recently found a Vet who will come to the house.  I don't want to scare Roman in his last moments.  And furthermore, I want him to be surrounded by all of us in his home.

But you never know, he may be around for awhile.  I just thought that it would be nice to write a little bit about him while he's still with us.  Plus, most of you didn't even realize that we had dogs.

He's a good boy, our Roman.

Your Friend, m.
Tuesday, 10/25/11:  All my lovely comments from yesterday disappeared.  Thank you all for visiting yesterday and showing my puppy some love.  Sorry they are gone.  They were great comments.