Thoughts on operations and dogs

Many thanks to everyone who sent messages of condolences. My family and I are truly touched.

We are still in a state of shock. It is the suddenness in the way he went. I now understand that cancer of the spleen is relatively common amongst older male dogs. If they can stop the bleeding and remove the spleen, there is often a good outcome. BUT because any operation is fraught with danger (including blood clots), vets prefer to wait until the tumour has burst. In Joss's case, they did stop the bleeding and successfully remove the spleen, it was the blood clot which was the problem.

One tends to think once the operation is over, all will be well. However, this is why he was in the hospital. These things happen -- to humans as well as dogs. It is why for example humans wear surgical stockings...

So we are slowly adjusting to our loss. He was a big part of the family -- always wanting to play fetch with anyone -- capable of raiding bins in search of paper to fetch, trying to communicate through any squeaky toy and adapt to sing. He also loved to run, had incredible stamina and loved being on the go. He was highly intelligent in a manic border collie way and would attempt to anticipate your next move, particularly when out on a walk. He just was.

Death

Joss died. He survived the surgery but at about 9:15 am, a blood clot went to his brain or his heart and he died.
This was not supposed to happen.
He was such a wonderful dog. And we all loved him so very much.

Worrying times

My plans for yesterday were put on hold. My plans for today which included a lunch with the members of the RNA Northumberland have been cancelled. Our border collie Joss had to undergo emergency surgery yesterday. He had a burst tumour on his spleen and began to bleed internally. As of 9 pm yesterday evening, he was breathing regularly and coming around slowly. However, the vets caution that he is an old dog (10 years old) and has lost a lot of blood. But we are hopeful. I will know more later today.

There was no real warning. On Tuesday, he seemed a bit slow on his run with my husband. And we thought that he might be gaining weight again. He was off his food on Wednesday night and yesterday morning, he was not right. Then, he really went downhill -- vomiting, being lethargic and by the time it came his appointment, not being able to get into the car.

Of our two dogs, I would have thought Chile would be the first one...anyway fingers crossed.

Luckily my deadline is not until the end of July.

The other dog

As I posted a picture of Chile (who is doing fine btw), I thought I had best post a picture of the Border Collie, Joss.

Labradors are laid back, Border Collies are manic. They have one track minds, and having done something once on a walk, they assume they will always be going in that direction.

Joss who is named after Joss Naylor, the legendary fell runner is a wonderful dog, but he is never happier than when he is out for a run. His main job in the house is to round up the ducks at night. He does not bother about sheep (thankfully) but ducks are his responsibility.

Unlike Chile, he is not pedigree and comes from farming stock. Or rather his father was a sheep dog that jumped off the back of a quad bike one day. His mother was a family pet (and apparently a bit nervy) Joss tends to be nervous around big machines as he went exploring as a very young puppy and encountered a tractor.

Would I get a Border Collie again? Probably not. They need bags of exercise and walks can be stressful as they want to be doing something. Walks are not just an opportunity to get out, but to do. But he is a wonderfully loyal dog...if a bit manic. The children adore him, even if the ducks and hens don't.

The wip is getting better, but still going slowly. Some day, it is going to be a really good story but at the moment, it has its faults. I have forgotten short scenes.

And for those of you who are interested in travel programmes, the BBC 4 Travel century with Benedict Allen continues tonight with a focus on Laurie Lee.