All diagnoses were uncertain and any relief based upon medical science appeared to be temporary, at best. My personal attachment to “man’s best friend” comes in the form of an eight year old chocolate lab. Since her earliest days she has endured recurring bouts with bladder infections. As a young pup and for her first few years these bouts were annual events. As the years added up, the frequency of the infections increased as well. She would be in discomfort only during the period of the infection itself and she responded very well to medication – nothing to worry about; maybe scratch your head and wonder why, but nothing to worry about until recently. The frequency passed semi-annual a while ago and was now heading toward a frequency greater than bi-monthly. After exhausting all non-invasive, medicine only, options and considering that she likely has several years of quality life remaining (the good LORD willing), we opted for the surgical option that promised to provide clearer answers and hopefully cure things once and for all…that was a few weeks ago and all is going very well. However, a significant portion of her bladder was removed (which will grow back) and until she has fully recuperated we take her outside every two hours or so, regardless of the time of day. My kids are now adults and I never thought I would have a small baby to care for again, but I certainly have one now…and I am very tired. Yesterday I was finishing a rather busy day and thinking about my dog’s doctor visit today (her re-check appointment). As I headed home from my meeting at the church a bit after 9pm I was thinking of the things I must do in the days ahead and only after driving a few minutes did I notice my car was pulling to the right. Fortunately I did not hear anything out of the ordinary and my drive home is short; when I arrived home my front tire was flat! Continue reading →