I hope none of you faint from shock since I'm posting another blog within four days of the last one! I stated in the last post that I'm trying to figure out how the professional bloggers (of which I am not) manage to write multiple times a week. I still have no solid clues about this, but I thought I could at least make the effort to write a post twice a week. That's my new goal, but I make no promises. The new school year is about to begin with more questions than answers, and I may get a bit overwhelmed and slack off on the blog posts. I will try my best to reach my new goal, but I am realistic enough to know I may fall short.
So, this week has been a rough one for many reasons, and I've not been able to do any writing or editing on any of my WIPs (works-in-progress). I worked at the vet clinic all day Monday and a half day on Tuesday. Sadly, I experienced my first euthanasia since starting this new adventure. It's hard enough watching someone say good-bye to the furry friend they love dearly. But this particular pet whose name was Dash was a salt-and-pepper miniature schnauzer just like my sweet Abbey. From the moment I ushered them into the exam room, I felt myself tearing up. Dash's family looked at me oddly. I quickly explained that I am a schnauzer mom myself and know how truly special these dogs are. They nodded in understanding as I gave them my most sincere condolences. I gave Dash a quick love and told them the doctor would be right with them. (Oh crap, I'm tearing up typing this). Those of us who've been through this process know it's painless and doesn't take long; so within a few minutes, Dash was gone and his family left heartbroken.
Witnessing the sadness of this family brought back all the feelings and memories of losing our sassy, little Hayley nine months ago. We still miss her terribly, and she's never far from my thoughts. I am thankful that both she and Abbey are forever captured in the pages of my book. So today, I share a teaser from Book One with my two sweet pups. I hope those of you who are dog-people will enjoy it, and those of you who don't consider yourself dog-people, maybe I can work on converting you.
~~~Having finished their business, Abbey and Hayley began pulling at their leashes to go back to the truck. Blaze still needed to find her spot. He tried to bring the girls his direction, but they were insistent about going to the truck. What was up with these two, he wondered. Jillian had never mentioned they had separation anxiety, but that’s sure how they were acting now.
Blaze finally cooperated, so Travis turned the dogs toward the truck. He practically had to run to keep up with Abbey and Hayley because they were pulling him toward the pickup. Travis had no idea why they were acting so strangely until he stepped around to the back of his truck.
In the dirt behind the pickup, he found Jillian laying facedown in a crumpled heap. Travis dropped to his knees murmuring her name over and over, while her dogs strained to get closer to her. Turning Jillian over carefully, he began to check her for injuries as his paramedic training kicked in. He cradled her in his lap and noticed the thin trickle of blood dripping from a cut across her neck. He also felt a large knot forming on the back of her head. Feeling for a pulse, he was relieved to find it strong and steady. He gently began rubbing her cheek with his thumb and speaking softly in an attempt to wake her.
“Jillian, can you hear me?” Travis asked. “Open your eyes, babe. C’mon, Jillian. I need you to open your eyes and look at me.” He peered down anxiously waiting for any kind of a response from Jillian. One pup was nudging her hand with its nose as the other was licking her face. They, too, were eager for their mama to wake up.
Within seconds, Jillian’s eyelids began to flutter, and she let out a soft moan as she began stroking the head of her sweet girl, Abbey. Hayley and Blaze immediately vied for Jillian’s attention, too. Travis’ initial reaction was to brush the dogs aside, but he could see they were getting the job done for him. Jillian’s beautiful green eyes were now wide open and staring up at him questioningly.
“What happened?” Jillian stammered. “Why are we sitting on the ground?”
“Think, Jillian,” Travis urged. “I came back from walking the dogs and found you collapsed on the ground. You have a huge bump on the back of your head and a shallow cut on your neck. Did you fall or did someone do this to you?” Travis held on tightly to Jillian in an effort to keep her close and safe.
Jillian struggled to gather her thoughts, which for some reason seemed a bit fuzzy. She made an effort to remember what had happened and the harder she concentrated, the more the memories began coming back. Little by little, Jillian started to put the pieces together.~~~
See how concerned and protective Abbey and Hayley were to their mama's distress? That's why dogs are such awesome animals, and I cannot imagine my life without them.
My Abbey and Hayley have always been great companions. They are extremely loyal, are always happy to see me, and love me unconditionally. Just as I'm sure Dash loved his humans.
To Dash and Hayley-enjoy your new lives over the Rainbow Bridge. Chase squirrels and rabbits, chew lots of bones, and eat lots of treats-you both deserve it! We humans miss you something fierce.
To all of you with dogs (and cats, too), love your furry friends every chance you get and treat them with the love and kindness they deserve. It's the least we can do to thank them for the joy they bring to our lives.
On that note, be kind to yourself, be kind to each other, and stay safe out there.
Until next time,
Jodi