Thursday, March 09, 2017

Animals make me happy

It is day 22 of what I like to call my "concuss-eration"! I am definitely improving, if more slowly than I would like. Some days are better than others, but the overall curve is upwards. Concussions suck, even so-called "mild" ones.  Gordon worked from home yesterday, and drove me to the massage therapist. That was really helpful! He also made me lunch, and generally doted on me. Lucky me!

The pets just would like me to nap 24/7....


Dodger cracks me up.

And here is my friend Jackie, who does chores here on Sundays, with Monty...


101 lbs of total dorky sucky-dog!



Poor Mootie has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, but she is tolerating her meds well and gaining back the weight she lost. She is such a happy little thing! No teeth, nearly all deaf, but loving and content.


Poor Millicent just got back from a few days at the vet's. She had some nasty congestion from an upper respiratory infection, but she's much better now. I gave her extra snuggles today.



Honey is always happy, so long as you are cuddling her.

I do not nap. I hate napping. I only nap when I am really sick, or apparently when I am recovering from a concussion. Today I just had a 20-minute lie-down with no sleeping but last Sunday I slept for 90 mins in the middle of the day, which is absolutely freakish for me. But I have to say, I felt much better afterwards, so clearly my body and brain need the rest. Still, I am running out of patience for this crap... ;)

But Dodger was thrilled to have a snuggle this afternoon...





Yes, he was sleeping like that. And the other day I got to rest with Choe and Gigi...




People are being super-nice to me. Last Friday my dear friend Brian came to visit, and he brought a yummy lunch to share, from The Green Door in Ottawa. Then we went out and communed with the pigs for a while...



Today my friend Deborah dropped off lunch from the Quirky Carrot. She did this for me last week, too. It was so nice, because I'm still not driving (although I intend to try this weekend, with Gordon in the car.) Doc said I should take a week or two off, and we are just at two weeks since my doctor's appointment.

My friend Ronna sent me homemade soup last week, and this week I got two pieces of the delicious chocolate/pear tart she made!


SOOOO good! She put in two pieces so Gordon could have some too. I reluctantly shared.


Meanwhile, here are cats in boxes...


Archie


Pip


And Honey invading! Cat beds in boxes on top of dog crates.


Daisy and Mootie.

The terrible trio of puppies keep destroying all the fabric cat beds, so I got out these old wooden boxes to try. The cats LOVE them and the dogs haven't destroyed them yet, nor have they been able to fish out the blankets in side.

Daisy prefers a heated bed...


aka the floor vent! 


Gigi likes any bed!


It was windy and cold yesterday and my 101-lb lap dog was happy to sit on me. I have been working with him every day on obedience training, and also making sure he stays calm around the goats and pigs. He is going through a teenage ass phase where he thinks it's fun to chase the goats and try to play with them. This is something livestock guardian dogs often go through on their way to maturity (at the age of 2, argh!) I use clicker-training and positive reinforcement and he responds really well to that. I have faith in his ability to grow into a very good guardian for his herd.


And here is lovely Ella, my friend's horse who is boarding here. She is very sweet and beautiful! The Friesian/Paint Princess.

Today my barn helper Bernie rode past the kitchen window and down the laneway on my horse Roo (he often rides our horses after he has done chores.) I burst into tears! It was nuts... I'm so emotional lately. I really miss riding my horse... once the ice is melted, I am going to take him for some walks around the farm just so I can spend some quality time with him.

I will be glad when I feel 100% back to normal, but for now I am trying to rest and also I really appreciate the kindness so many people are showing me! My friend Pam has offered her chauffeuring services on more than one occasion. I am so grateful.

Animals make me happy... and so do kind people.


16 comments:

  1. So much love! So many beautiful animals.

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  2. Ya know what? You really needed a break. However, it didn't have to be from a concussion. You've gone a long stretch without a break.

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  3. What a long road you've had. So sorry for the misery but so glad you've got your animal family, your friends, and the wonderful Gordon to give you love and affection.

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  4. Hi Natalie, so glad to hear you are improving. You are surrounded by so much love and support, that's wonderful. I am happy to hear that Mootie is responding to her meds. You know I do have such a soft spot for her. Her double, our late cat Linus, had hyperthyroidism too.
    Take care Natalie.
    Robin

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  5. If animal love is an actual cure, you should be better in the shake of a lamb's tail!

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  6. You are surrounded by love, the furry and friend kind! So glad you are healing but it just takes time. Hugs!

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  7. I love your animal pictures! All of them look so content... including you. Now I have to go back and see what posts I missed as I didn't know that you had a concussion. Animals are great comfort givers... so you should be well soon. And as for napping, I just read an article saying how good napping was for us... so don't shirk the naps!

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  8. You are so totally attached, physically and spiritually to your animals! I can tell you my concussion took about 6 weeks before I was feeling my self again and I certainly agree, it sucks!! Take care, XOXO

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  9. Sometimes it is hard to get your ya-ya back after a prolonged convalescence. Treat yourself well and don't rush into thinking times up!
    Your kitties are just the sweetest.

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  10. Cats in boxes. Brilliant.
    Take care and 'a hint' from your animal friends (all that warmth and nesting).

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  11. I think I'd burst into tears, too. Glad you're on the mend and know the menagerie misses you...well, not the cats and dogs :) Love the box beds for the cats!

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  12. simply gorgeous! Glad you are getting "sick of this crap" because that means you are getting better!! If your body tells you to rest, REST!! oxoxoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

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  13. Glad to hear you're feeling some better. You definitely have the right recipe, lots of love from family, friends, and all the animals, with good food and rest added in for good measure.

    Those puppies are real characters!
    Eileen

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  14. I get impatient with long recoveries too. But I'm glad you're taking a break and starting to feel better, Natalie. If love heals - and I think it does! - you will be as good as new very soon.

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  15. You wrote such a nice post full of love and caring!!! Your animals are so beautiful:) Hope you will Keep feeling much better!!!
    Jessi

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  16. Naps are good things, especially after a concussion. And the emotion stuff is definitely related to your knock on the noggin. Be prepared for some longer term effects - higher stress levels, emotional stuff. Please be patient. You are lucky to have so many great animal "nurses".

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!