The secret life of dogs and cats

Our dog Sam was sick yesterday. We don’t know what it was. It could have been something he ate off the sidewalk the night before. But in true dog fashion he kept it hidden as long as he could. The first indication was when I took him out to play around midday and he ran out of energy or enthusiasm much more quickly than usual. The first real indicator, however, was his evening walk. Not only did he not do his “business” like usual, but he didn’t want to stop and sniff anything, and didn’t pull. That is definitely not Sam.

Then in the evening after the kids went to bed we found him lying on the couch. That was a total surprise. He’s never shown the least interest in getting on the furniture before. He likes to rub himself against it, but never lay on it. We knew that couldn’t be a good sign, so we let him stay there. His nose was dry and warm. He was clearly not feeling well. We went to bed wondering just what we’d find in the morning.

This morning he was pretty much back to normal. Whatever it was seems to have passed (perhaps literally, as he did his business just fine this morning).

It’s one of the drawbacks of pets that you really can’t know for sure what’s going on with them. They can’t tell you what they’re feeling, where it hurts, or how bad. You’re left to read their body language and hope you’re not over- or under-reacting. I know, it’s that way too with babies. But I haven’t had a baby to care for in nearly ten years. We’ve had cats and dogs be sick numerous times in that time. It’s never fun when a loved-one is sick. It’s even less fun when you can’t even learn what’s wrong. But just because it’s not easy sometimes doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

It’s certainly a pleasant relief to see them get back to their usual selves.

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9 Responses to The secret life of dogs and cats

  1. Yes, it was almost enjoyable to be dragged by Sam along the icy streets this morning. 🙂 Seriously, though, I much rather have Sam being Sam than having him be calm and ill.

  2. Huh kauhee!
    Onneksi Sam tuli kuntoon yön aikana.
    Kisses to Sam <3

  3. Huomenna soitan Sallalle Halmistä, kun luulen että sillä on hammasvaivoja… Nyt illalla se oli sylissäni ihan rauhassa ja siirtyi sitten sohvalle ja kuinka ollakaan, luulin siltä kuolaavaluneen hameelleni, mutta se olikin verta… Se on muutamana päivänä ollut vaisu syömisten kanssa ja tuli mieleen että jos on jokin hammasvaiva niin eihän sitä mielellään pureskele raksuja… Niinpä survoin pehmeää ruokaa ja se söi sitä rauhassa…. Toivottavasti päästään heti huomenna näyttämään….. Ei ole kivaa 🙁

  4. I would never change our Scheldon-Charles, Deanne and I would be lost if he was changed in any way Thom Stratton.

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