Hope and Cabin Fever

These are terrible times. We are seeing humanity at its dumbest (stay home, people!) and its cruelest (hoarding without regard for others). Our leaders are failing us and increasing the risk to our lives by putting corporate greed over the health and safety of their constituents. 

Yet, some businesses are taking it upon themselves to make sure their workers have sick leave pay. Stores are saving special times for their most vulnerable populations to shop. Our doctors and nurses and researchers are working around the clock to keep up with the carnage. Without the proper equipment, they do this at risk to themselves. Our restaurant, grocery store and pharmacy employees, never before recognized for how critical they are, are still going to work, every day, so we can find a way to carry on. 

This gives me hope.

Like you, I’m home, quietly doing all I can by staying home. This is no sacrifice; it is my responsibility. It is THE responsibility of the rest of us. The only other thing I can do, I do happily–Free books.

Just click on the picture for the opportunity to collect a bunch of stories offered for free. If you’re like me, the distraction will be welcome. 

#stayhomesavelives #washyourhands

A picture of spring flowers, with the words, Spring into Love.

A Sad Goodbye to My Darling Chloe

I am so sorry to have been away so long. It has been an unusual and stressful month—as I imagine you all have experienced. Mine started in early March. About two weeks before the world changed, my 16 year old puppy died. My Chloe.

One day, she began to cough and couldn’t stop. She also was having trouble catching her breath. A two day ordeal at the veterinary ER then hospital revealed she had developed pulmonary hypertension. She was unable to get enough oxygen into her body. They treated her with medication, put her in an oxygen filled kennel, and kept her comfortable. The prognosis early on was good. Since they’d figured out what was wrong, they knew how to treat it.

After a couple of days in the hospital, it was clear she wasn’t responding to the treatment. She continued to need oxygen. Just a few moments out of the enriched air she struggled to breathe. And she looked so tired. My usual feisty baby girl barely responded to my voice or my touch. The vet sadly told us that at this point, given her lack of response to the medication, Chloe would get much worse, suffering terribly. We made the only decision left to make.

It was horrible. I still can’t think of those moments without crying.

Chloe, claiming the box.

Chloe, headed somewhere.

She loved riding in the car.

Chloe in her element

The stinkier the smell, the better. Plus, itchy.

Food, glorious food.

Chloe looking for Toby’s leftovers.

The Siblings

Chloe, here with her little sister Molly and little brother Toby. There was no doubt who ruled the roost.

After this sad ordeal, there was barely time to grieve before the rest of the world turned on its head. But I’ll write more about that another day. In the meantime, remember your pets cannot transmit the COVID-19, #washyourhands, and #staysafe.