Happy Birthday Baby Dog
Today is our German Shepherd's 12th birthday. As many of you know, not only did she suffer a torn ACL some years back, but also a spinal cord stroke in the summer of 2015. She continues to be strong, loyal, intelligent; she listens to commands and still tries to chase down her tabby cat sister.
She has not taken stairs nor jumped into our Ford F150 for almost three years. It is far too difficult for her, even if we use the belly band and sling. This means Jim and I alternate nights sleeping on the couch upstairs so we can remain close to her. A senior dog (much like a middle-aged person) may wake up several times during the night to use the bathroom. Or maybe take a pain med or perhaps anxiety medication. Or just for a drink of water and a small cookie. Jim and I don't mind because she is our family -- she is the cement that keeps us together through dark times.
Our goal is to keep her comfortable throughout the day and nigh; to spoil Shania with our love, attention and affection. She is making the best of the snow, ice, slush in her yard and still enjoys walking about watching the turkeys and neighborhood dogs on the other side of her chain link fence.
Shania has not been able to run like the good old days. She has trouble with both back legs and sometimes will drag one through the snow. However, it doesn't keep her from trying to reach the fat squirrel in the tree or the 4-wheeler speeding down Primrose Lane.
She is a fine example of a loving, forgiving, protective pet. No matter her age; no matter if she wakes me up during the night; no matter that she begs for people food and barks when the cat gets on my lap she is my dog, my companion, a partner in crime. I love her more than anything in this world and to prove it, this morning I baked three dozen dog treats for her. And two cookies are shaped as "12" with a heart above it.
We spoil our dog. She is the one obedient child in our lives. My joy, my friend, my protector, my love. Dedicated to Lady Shania K. Bellissimo.
Happy Birthday Sha-Sha from Daddy, Mommy and Sam Marie (age 15)