This past few days, I have smelled death in my house. My heart told me it would be one of my dogs. Jessy, the younger, age 12, has a heart murmur and her heart is huge. Literally and figuratively. Her older sister by a year, Molly, has seemed to be in good health. That is, until last night.
At about eight o'clock, both dogs were sent outside to the bathroom. I put them in their room earlier in the evening now. Mostly because of Molly. She is hard to arouse when she falls asleep about seven o'clock in the evening. Jessy usually is asleep as well beside Molly in the living room.
Awaking Molly means you stand back. She often does not know where she is or who I am. Jessy arouses her friendly and easy self. Sometimes Jessy looks lost. I believe both dogs are experiencing some type of organic brain syndrome. I don't expect either to live another year. Nor does the veterinarian. Cocker spaniels typically have a lifespan of fourteen years.
I was in bed early last night. This was to be my retreat weekend after a 2,400 mile road trip to see my children and visit New England. I thought about the dogs on my trip. Something told me one of them was not in good health. Just a feeling. I have learned to listen to my intuition.
The entire day yesterday was spent easy. Cooking, light cleaning, gardening. Even an early morning trip to the local Farmer's Market, a latte and I was home by eleven a.m.
Molly seemed fine throughout the day, even when I put her to bed. As I was about to turn off the light in my bedroom, I heard a consistent thumping. At first, I thought it was a washing machine sound but I had already done the laundry. Then I wondered if the water heater was having an issue. Ever so carefully I walked toward the utility room where the dogs were sleeping. Immediately, I saw Molly on her left side, paws flailing and banging against the floor. She had heavily soiled herself and the room so I got in as carefully as possible. Immediately, I started Reiki on her. In time, it seemed to help. She tried to stand and fell repeatedly. Then she jumped on me again and again.
As soon as she seemed somewhat stable, nearly an hour or so later, I took her outside to toilet. She was in her harness and leash at that point. Mostly for her safety. It was obvious she had to be contained. She walked up the stairs easily enough. The crate I use for isolating the dogs was put up and Molly placed inside after a quick spotted bath. She seemed to calm down some.
Throughout the night, I checked on her until my body could no longer stay awake. By five a.m. I was up and both dogs were ready, standing by the gate to the room where they sleep. Molly seemed fine.
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