Recovery and Return

I apologize that issues of Creature Thoughts have fallen by the wayside. Since Ryder’s cancer diagnosis, life revolves around him, and I haven’t really been able to get things back on track. This month, therefore, I’ll just send an update, and hope that by next month, things will be more calm, and I’ll have a useful article to share with you all.

As many of you know, on September 15th, Ryder had a “bleed.” This means that the tumor on his spleen began very suddenly to bleed into his abdomen and, in brief, I came very close to losing him. He was saved by using Yunnan Baiyao, a Chinese herbal formula, in emergency mode.

It’s been a slow recovery, and Ryder is not back to 100% yet (in fact, it’s possible that he won’t fully return to his pre-bleed level of health). Our main struggle right now is getting him to eat (*). To think that I would ever say that about this dog, whose appetite in healthy times is phenomenal…. However, he had a follow up visit with his vet on Monday, and she feels that, under the circumstances, he is doing very well. Though he still has to be watched carefully, and treated gently, we are able to exhale a bit again.

After the bleed happened, my thoughts and emotions were totally focused on Ryder, and I was unable to do any consultations. Now, however, I am trying to return gradually to work. I’m limiting sessions strictly to email-only, as there is no way of knowing when circumstances will give me a stretch of time when I can stay grounded enough to work. Although this has been a policy for a while, I do tend to make exceptions if people object, or if email is inconvenient for them. I can no longer do that, though…not as long as Ryder may need me at any given moment.

I also want to thank you all. So many of you have written to ask how my boy is doing. Your kindness and concern truly touches my heart.

For now, Ryder is doing okay. He’s comfortable, spoiled, enjoying slow, gentle walks in the autumn air, and knows that he is treasured beyond measure.

PS: I am not looking for advice for encouraging Ryder’s appetite. With 40 years of Salukis behind me, and even longer in professional animal care, I do already know all of the tricks. Thank you, though, as I know the temptation to advise is because of the love in your hearts.

News and Information

It’s October, and do you know what that means? The Holiday Season is snapping at our heels. How does that happen so fast? Watch This Space in November for Holiday Special information.