Ode to the dog.
Marley & Me. This pic was taken in early 2011 - I was so sick.
Staring at 4 walls while you lye in bed every single day - all day - for over a year - is more than any one person should have to. It crosses over from challenging into extreme isolation. I know people who get the flu & 2 weeks in bed drives them up a wall.
This is how Marley & I spent all of our time early on & some of our time now. He doesn't seem to mind (0:
When I was at the peak of my health struggle, there was a friend that suggested I give up my dog. Marley is my best friend and family. Giving up Marley is not an option then, now or ever. Anyone that knows me well & better yet, respects me.....knows that Marley comes first in my life. The day that Marley is ever sick? I will remain by his side - as he has mine- through it all. It's just what you do.
Dogs are the most loyal creatures and beyond intuitive. To this day, if he hears an ambulance go by....he is upright, ears alert & sitting by my head. He is ready. I always reassure him that I am just fine & I can actually feel his body relax.
When you get sick and as a result are in & out of hospitals, ER visits, traveling to Mayo Clinic, etc. your dog has to adjust endlessly to the lifestyle changes & stress of it all. Marley had no choice in the matter. He was sent from condo to condo - staying w/ various friends. While I was in Scottsdale, AZ., he even stayed w/ a couple who took him on vacation w/ their own dog to St. Louis, MO. Marley, the traveler. I love it. He was always taken care by the most loving people but when I arrived home, I can tell that my boy had missed his mom. I missed him something fierce. When I was at Mayo Clinic my heart would ache b/c I just felt so awful that I left him. There is something about him - this particular dog - our bond runs deep. We are actually friends.
I have learned so much through the unconditional love of my dog. They teach us so much about TRUE unconditional love, loyalty, forgiveness, friendship and kindness. I think they are the best teachers & that if anything, we can learn more from them about all of the fruits of the spirit, than humans.
I will be doing several 'dog posts' regarding everything from 'Raising a Carnivore or Vegan Dog', 'Chicago Review of Dog Walkers, Groomers & Green Eco-Day Care Centers' and finally a book review of 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein.
After I wrap up my multiple series on dogs, dating and adrenal health (so varied), we are going to dive right back into VEGANSIM and share some delicious summer recipe staples!!!
