I inherited my screen name from our big flashy Boxer, Tucker. Today he went to the Vet, after not eating for three days. Turns out he has serious problems in his mouth. He is scheduled for oral surgery, much work to be done on his teeth and gums. He's resting easy now with lots of antibiotics and pain medication. Some of you know he survived a massive stroke several months ago. He has had several TIA's (minor strokes) since then. He has regained most of what he lost to paralysis, thanks to a good Vet.
It's amazing how much this big guy has blessed our life. During my recent medical adventure Tucker was constantly by my side (when I was at home). He somehow sensed that I was ill, and refused to leave me. It's hard to communicate the comfort a big warm dog can give you. He insisted on lying next to me in bed, his big warm body stretched out full length along mine. He would get up to eat and go outside, nothing else. Now he's hurting, and we're doing our best to make him comfortable until he heals enough to have his surgery.
We have never understood how anyone faces this world without a loyal pet. He's our friend, protector and family comedian. He's much more entertainment than TV. He even likes cigars! When I light one up he is instantly by my side, trying to lap up the smoke, and he likes some cigars better than others. No matter what I do, I can't get him away from me when I have one lit.
He's now eight years old, and we won't have him much longer. Boxer's don't have long lives. It'll be tough when we have to face losing him. He is extremely well trained, travels everywhere with us, and never causes trouble. I often take him with me into retail businesses, and nobody has questioned us yet. He heels right along with my wheelchair and behaves so well I can only assume that people think he is a service dog.
We also have a tiny (way undersized) Miniature Schnauzzer (Biscuit) and a tiny Long Coat Chihuahua (Nemmy), and Tucker is very protective of his little "sisters". Between my power wheelchair, and these three traveling companions, we haven't considered any vehicle but a van for many years. Our extended family know if we come visiting, our furkids come with us. They're welcome everywhere we go.
I'll post a picture of Tucker in a day or two. I've enjoyed seeing the dogs, cats and birds of others on the photo forum, and wish more would post their pets. This life is full of pain, discouragement and trouble, there's nothing like a faithful friend to make you smile, and stick by you "through it all".
One of my favorite quotes (I don't know who said it first) is: "I wish I was half the man my dog thinks I am". Love your puppy, and bring him in out of the cold.
Tuck
