Everyone who knows me knows the way I feel about my dogs. Chase and Chelsea are my two babies. I love them with all my heart, much more than I ever thought that I could love another human being; the fact that they are dogs has no bearing on that love. There are people who have no idea what they are missing and that is too bad. A dog loves unconditionally. There are people that can take lessons in that particular department.
When I say that there are absolutely no conditions I mean none. All they ask for is food, water, some attention, and our love in return. They need to be cared for and in return they give us companionship and unconditional love. A dog does not know how to hold a grudge. He does not care if you are not pretty. He doesn't care if you gained a few pounds over the holidays and haven't even started working out. Dinner, a scratch behind the ears, and a nice walk will suffice.
Chase will be six years old next month. Chelsea is four. Although they are both the same breed, Rat Terriers, they are as different as night and day. Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. Maybe the same holds true for dogs as well.
Today Chase had to see a Specialist and have a procedure done. About a month or so ago I had noticed a small bump and discoloration on the side of his nose. His nose had been all black and now seemed to be turning pink/white. Although it is a small area it is noticeable if you catch a glimpse of it in the light.
Tom and I brought him to our vet and the vet referred us to a specialist, as the nose is quite a delicate area. Today the procedure was performed and now the waiting has officially begun. We will have to wait until Monday for the results of the test.
Tonight, Chase is resting beside me. He's out of it and every now and then he lets out these small whines. It makes me want to hold him close and comfort him. I find myself playing over so many different scenarios in my head and the waiting will only intensify this effect. However, for right now, Chase is fine. The paw prints they leave on our lives are unexplainable. Just the way their lives intertwine with ours is unbelievable. There is nothing like it. You will never experience unconditional love until you share that bond with a special pet. And according to Tom, Chase has many years to share with us. With God on our side we have to think on a positive note. And I do. Chase and Chelsea have left their paw prints all over clothes, my furniture, but more than that, they left their paw prints all over my heart.
Update on Chase’s condition: 04-09-2008
Chase had gone in for surgery on 01-2007. He had almost ½ of his nose removed due to abnormal cells. He is doing well and follows up with a Dermatologist when needed. He’s had a few flair-ups in between in which he is put on medication and that helps. Since his nose is somewhat disfigured it’s hard to differentiate what is normal and what is not. If any of you know me, (just read Kennel Cough) you know how quickly I can jump to conclusions. And when it comes to my baby Chase I hit the ground running.
Another Update 08-25-2008
Chase is doing well. He is on Claritin for his nose and a joint medication since he is getting older. He has always been a nervous dog because of a bad experience his first Fourth of July. When they say dogs don’t have a memory they do not know what they are talking about. Chase remembers very well. He remembers where he leaves his bones for future chewing as well as hiding them from Chelsea.
If you want to see some pics of these babies hop on over to MySpace and find me there. While your there you can “friend me” and find out what I’ve been up to.
Coming soon. Chelsea’s story.
 

Pawprints on my heart. 01-15-2007

The Rewrite