My Leg, Part Two

I am happy to report that my leg is feeling better. Mommy took me to the vet to get my stitches out Friday. She was very surprised to learn that I had taken out all but three all by myself! I wonder if dogs can be nurses and doctors when they grow up. Well, I guess not. It was OK to take out my own stitches with my teeth since I don't have fingers but I guess other patients wouldn't like that.

I don't understand something. My leg is feeling much, much better but Mommy still won't let me do anything fun. When she goes out, I get locked in the kitchen all by myself. When she is home, she will not let me get on the sofa. I was trying to get on the sofa to cuddle with her and this is what I heard, "No, Ethel Frances. Get off, Ethel Frances!" That hurt my feelings. Why didn't my mommy want to cuddle with me? I tried again and for the first time in my life, she held her legs up to keep me off. She thought that would keep me off. I just stepped on her legs, got on the sofa, and lay across her legs in case she thought about pushing me off.

Mommy looked in my face and said, "Ethel Frances, I don't know what to do with you. You are not supposed to climb, run, jump, play,or go for long walks for two more weeks. Your leg needs time to heal from surgery. I know you don't understand but pretty soon you will be allowed to do all the activities you love to do. Just try to be a good girl and stay off the furniture. OK, honey?"

All I understood from all of that talking was that Mommy was right. I do not understand, but I will try to be good anyway because that makes Mommy happy.

Speaking of happy, Happy New Year everyone and thank you for being interested in my life and my stories!

Ouch! What Happened to My Leg?? (a long blog)

My bad day actually started last night. Mommy picked up our water dish like she usually does when she cleans it and fills it. She cleaned it and put it on the floor empty. What was she thinking? She never did put water in it. When we woke up this morning, not only did we not have water but she didn't give us food either. LuLu started barking at Mommy. "Mommy, please feed us. We are hungry. Mommy! Did you hear me?" LuLu looked at me and Izzy and shrugged her shoulders. "Oh my sisters. I tried to get Mommy to feed us. I barked and barked and I even cried, but she ignored me. What's going on here?"

Mommy didn't eat breakfast either. She looked at us and said, "Girls, I know you are hungry. I am, too, but Ethel Frances is having surgery in a little while so she is not allowed to eat or drink. I don't think it's fair for all of us to eat when Ethel Frances can't."

Surgery! There's that word again. The first time I heard it was last week. Dr. Burns and Mommy were talking about it after he moved my sore leg around and made it feel worse. All I know about surgery is that Mommy said it will fix my leg. I hope she is right because my leg has been hurting. Mommy hasn't taken me on any long walks and she hasn't let me run for a while and those are two of my favorite activities.

Mommy brought me home after leaving me at Flower Valley Veterinary Hospital. That is where Dr. Burns is. I usually like to go there because everyone loves me and I get lots of attention and hugs. Today was different. When we got to Dr. Burns', Mommy and I went in, but only Mommy left. "Mommy! Wait! Where are you going? Why aren't you taking me? Don't leave me here, Mommy!" Mommy looked at me and said, "Ethel Frances, you have to stay. You need surgery to fix your poor leg. I know you don't understand but you just have to trust me. I love you so much. I want your leg to be better so you can run and play and go on long walks again." She gave me a big hug and kiss and then she left. It looked like she had tears in her eyes. Why was she crying? I am the one who got left behind. I cried, too.

Kim took me in the back and put me on a big table. She stuck me in the arm with something sharp and I got very sleepy. Next thing I knew I woke up in a crate. All of the hair on my leg was gone and it hurt so bad. I didn't know anything could hurt that bad. I thought my leg was going to be fixed. I thought it wasn't going to hurt anymore. Is everyone crazy? Don't they know they made me hurt more? Before I could say anything to Kim, I fell asleep. Why am I so sleepy?

Mommy finally came to pick me up. I was there so long that it was dark outside. Kim called out to me, "Ethel Frances, it's time for you to go home. Your mommy is here." I was happy about that but I had so much trouble walking. I was sleepy and my leg hurt too much to walk on it. I held it up in the air and walked on three legs. Then I had to get in the car. I hate to get in the car when my leg doesn't hurt. Now I hated it even more. Kim didn't wait for me to get in myself. She got Stephanie and they lifted me and put me in the back.

Mommy put my bed and blankie in the kitchen and put up gates to keep me in there. My leg hurt so much. I cried a lot for a day or two and then it started to feel a little better. I started putting it down when I walk. Mommy bends and straightens my leg. She stops when it starts to hurt. She calls it physical therapy. Mommy said I can't go up steps or get on furniture for four weeks. She keeps a gate up at the steps and put a table and chairs in front of the sofa.

I figured out how to go behind the chairs and Mommy found me curled up on the sofa! She told me not to do that again, but I did. Maybe that is why my leg was hurting more tonight. Maybe I will stay off the sofa tomorrow. Oh, I also ran up the steps when Mommy forgot to put the gate up. I will try to listen because as Mommy keeps saying, "I am doing this to help you. It's for your own good."

Valentina Part 2 - LuLu Got in Trouble and I Watched

Sometimes Mommy takes LuLu and me out together but today she took us one at a time. I got to be first. Mommy said, "Come on, Ethel Frances. Want to go for a walk? You can go first because you asked first." She put my leash on and out we went. Oops! Mommy made a mistake. She didn't close the door all the way. LuLu stuck her nose in the crack, pushed the door open, and ran past us like a bolt of lightening!

"LuLu! Come! LuLu! LuLu! Want a treat?" Mommy was yelling loudly, but LuLu didn't come. Next thing I knew, Mommy dragged me home, shoved me in the door, and shut the door all the way. I didn't like that for two reasons: she shoved my butt which is rude and I couldn't open the door. Even though I couldn't escape, at least the blinds were open so I could watch.

I saw LuLu run to the right. Then Mommy ran to the right. Just as she reach LuLu, LuLu ran to the left. Then Mommy ran to the left. They went back and forth and back and forth. Mommy was getting tired but LuLu was going strong. The interesting part of this story is that LuLu never would have done this before Valentina came to our house. Valentina gave LuLu courage and confidence.

I watched LuLu pass Mommy a few more times, but suddenly she stopped and was sniffing the ground. I could see that it was a candy wrapper. That was good for Mommy. LuLu loves candy and she also loves to eat paper. She was so happy with it that she forgot all about Mommy. I saw Mommy tip-toe quietly and she leaned forward, grabbed LuLu's collar, and started dragging her home. I couldn't wait until they got closer so I could hear what kind of punishment LuLu was going to get. Time out? Short walks? No treats? I have received all of those punishments more than once. I try to be a good girl, but sometimes I can't help it.

As they approached the door I heard Mommy saying, "LuLu! I don't know what to do. I am very angry that you went out all by yourself and I am even more upset that you didn't come when I called you even though you had five hundred chances! However, while you were being naughty, you were using your courage and confidence. It's the first time in five years that you weren't afraid while you were outside. You should be rewarded for that, but that will encourage you to do it again and that isn't safe -- for you or for me. I guess this is like a football game and they are offsetting penalties."

I love sports and watch games with Mommy so I knew exactly what she meant. LuLu gets scared when Mommy watches games because she screams and yells at the TV so LuLu doesn't know what offsetting penalties are. Mommy could tell that by the confused expression on LuLu's face. "Let's get in the house, LuLu, and I will explain everything."

They came inside and Mommy told LuLu to sit and Mommy sat with her. "LuLu, it is dangerous for you to be outside without me. If you run in the street you could be hit by a car and that would hurt. If you run too far, you might get lost and never find your way home. That would make Ethel Frances, Izzy, and me sadder than sad. That is why you should be punished. You know what you did was wrong because I have talked to all three of you about this."

"Oh boy. Here comes the punishment," I said to myself. Mommy said, "When Valentina came to visit, you learned that people aren't scary and you weren't afraid of her parents, Anita and Frank. You also aren't afraid when other people come to the house. You certainly weren't afraid while you were running all over the neighborhood. You should be rewarded for being brave. So you do the math, LuLu. One reward minus one punishment equals zero -- no reward and no punishment. Just a lecture and a request that you never do that again."

"LuLu, I am proud of you for getting over your fears and I love you." Mommy saw me sitting and listening and she gave me a big hug. "I love you and I am proud of you, too, Ethel Frances." Then she saw Izzy sitting there. She gave Izzy a small hug and a quick kiss and said, "I love you, too, Izzy." Izzy doesn't give Mommy a whole of reasons to be proud. Maybe she will when she gets a little older.

Valentina Came to My House

Friday morning after we ate breakfast, Mommy called us. "Ethel, LuLu, Izzy come here please. I have something to tell you." We looked at each other, asking with our eyes who did something naughty. Mommy laughed. "No one is in trouble. I just wanted to tell you something exciting." We ran over to her and sat. "Guess who is coming to our house today for the first time. Valentina and her mommy and daddy. Won't that be fun!" We all agreed and we were on our best behavior while we waited for them. We didn't want to have a time out when we had company.

Valentina is my friend. We met her when I was volunteering at the Hebrew Home. We met a lady named Sophie. She asked Mommy if the dog is a guide dog. Mommy told her that the dog (that would be me) is a family dog who is in the pet therapy program. Sophie was very friendly and she was scratching my head and my back. It felt so good that I didn't mind that Sophie and Mommy talked for such a long time. Sophie told Mommy that her daughter is blind and she has a guide dog to help her. So then they talked even longer and it turned out that Sophie's daughter is Anita and her guide dog is Valentina.

While they werre talking, Anita, Frank (Valentina's daddy), and Valentina came to visit. I liked Valentina from the second that we met. I ran over to her and we sniffed each other and then we started playing. We ran around and around Sophie's room. Valentina likes to pull my ears and I like to grab her legs. Now we are all good friends and it all happened because I am a volunteer.

Mommy hasn't been able to take me to the Home for almost a month, but that is another story. Anita and Frank and Valentina wanted to visit because they missed us and we missed them, too. Mommy put Izzy in the crate because she isn't nice to other dogs. As soon as LuLu heard people at the door she ran upstairs to hide because she is afraid of people.

Mommy and I were so happy to see everybody. Valentina and I were playing like we do at the Home. We were having lots of fun. We got tired after playing hard and we both were lying on the floor resting. All of a sudden LuLu came downstairs and started playing with Valentina. To tell the truth, I didn't want to share LuLu so I shoved her away from Valentina and I played with LuLu. When we stopped playing something amazing happened. Lulu didn't go back upstairs. She sat on the sofa next to Mommy, right across from Frank and Anita, and she stayed there. She wasn't afraid.

Ever since the day Valentina visited, LuLu isn't afraid of people when they come to visit. She stays downstairs and she even lets people pet her. We are all so happy and proud of LuLu and grateful to Valentina and her mommy and daddy. For some reason that LuLu hasn't told me, having them in our house helped LuLu get over her fears. I hope they come again soon!

Yellow Rectangles - What Are They and Where Are the Kids?

Mommy and I were walking this morning and the strangest thing happened. A big yellow rectangle on wheels rode onto our street. It stopped at the corner, right in front of a bunch of big kids. The rectangle had lots of windows and and two doors, one on the side and one on the back. The side door opened and I could see three steps and at the top of the steps I could see a person sitting behind the same kind of wheel Mommy sits behind in our car.

Suddenly, the kids ran up the steps and it seemed like they disappeared, but when the rectangle rode away I could see their faces at the windows. I have never seen anything like that! What was that rectangle and what happened to all of those children?

After the rectangle drove off with the kids, Mommy and I continued on our walk. When we got to the next corner, the same thing happened only this time the kids were little and their parents were with them. A yellow rectangle on wheels drove up and stopped in front of the little kids. I still didn't know what the yellow rectangles were but I knew they were not dangerous because the parents helped their little children go up the steps. The parents came out and that rectangle left.

I was so confused that I started talking to myself. "What in the world is going on around here. What are those rectangles? Why do I only see yellow rectangles on wheels? Will I see yellow circles on wheels next?" Talking to myself helps me sort things out, but I usually don't have the information to answer myself.

I can't speak English and I sometimes get so frustrated trying to talk to Mommy. This was one of those times. I communicate by barking, kissing, wagging my tail, and drooling. How in the world could I make my barks, kisses,wags, and drool say, "Mommy, what was that yellow rectangle on wheels and why did children go inside and disappear?" After the second rectangle left, Mommy started walking. I didn't. Mommy looked at me and said, "Ethel Frances, heel." That meant I was supposed to stand up next to Mommy's left leg and walk next to her. I knew what it meant, but I didn't do it.

Mommy looked surprised. "Ethel Frances, heel!" Mommy said that a few more times. Each time, her voice got louder, but I wouldn't budge. Mommy squatted next to me and looked in my eyes. "OK, Ethel Frances. I know you know what 'Heel' means so why aren't you doing it?" Now I had two questions: what was that yellow rectangle and how was I going to ask Mommy my questions. Sometimes life is so complicated.

While I was sitting and not heeling, a strange thing happened. A big smile appeared on Mommy's face. She clapped her hands, jumped up, and exclaimed: "Ah ha! Ethel Frances, you want to know what happened with those kids, don't you?" Then a bigger smile appeared on my face and I jumped up and gave Mommy a big kiss! My mommy understands me and we can communicate even though we don't speak the same language. I kissed her again so she would know that she understood me.

"OK, Ethel Frances, I am going to tell you. Remember when you went to school? Al was your teacher and we met Bentley and his mom there. Remember? You had to get in the car and I drove you to school in our car. Well, human kids have to go to school and there are too many of them to fit in a car. The schools have school buses, see." Mommy was pointing at the street. I followed Mommy's finger and saw that she was pointing to a yellow rectangle driving by. "There goes one now! The bus driver goes to all of the neighborhoods, stops to let the kids get in, and drives them all to school. When school is over later in the day, the bus goes to the school, stops to let the kids get in, and drives them home. That's all there is to it. Now can we finish with our walk?"

I wagged my tail extra fast so Mommy would know that I understood. I am so happy I can go to Mommy with my questions. She always makes time to listen and to help me get answers. I bet if she spoke dog language she would be wagging her tail extra fast too!

Good Help is Hard to Find

I wonder what happened to Mommy. She was always so helpful to me with my stories and now it has been months since she has done anything. I have so much to say but I haven't figured out how to use a keyboard to tell my stories and I am frustrated because Mommy is the only one I know who understands Dog Language. Without her, my keyboard is silent.

It all started when Mommy asked Izzy if she wanted to go bye-bye. Out the door they went, but Mommy came back alone. She said she took Izzy to the farm. She usually takes LuLu and me to the farm without Izzy so I was confused.

The next day Mommy came home from work, took us outside and back in real fast, fed us, took us out again and then started running around the house picking up our things and putting them in a bag. She picked up our water dish and food bowls, our toys, and even my bed. LuLu doesn't have a bed because she sleeps on the sofa.

She grabbed us and all of our things and asked us if we wanted to go bye-bye. I love going in the car, but LuLu doesn't. She didn't have a choice. Mommy dragged her and shoved her in the back seat with me and off we went. Mommy parked the car and I looked around and realized we were someplace LuLu and I had never been.

Mommy got us and our things and we were walking up to a strange house. I didn't have a chance to get nervous because the door opened and out walked Frid, Mommy's best friend. Frid loves us and we love her. Mommy said, "Here we are at Frid's house!" We went in and LuLu and I ran all over the house, looking in every room. It is a very nice house. Or it was until Mommy kissed us good-bye, told us to be good girls, and left. She left Frid's house and she left us in it.

I was sad and confused and I even cried. LuLu was scared out of her mind. I thought Mommy would be right back but she was gone a very long time. One night when Frid was walking me, I saw another dog. I got so excited and I started running as fast as I could, without realizing that Frid was holding my leash. I pulled hard and when I broke loose, Frid fell down. I didn't mean to hurt her, but I did. A stranger came and got me and put me in Frid's house and then an ambulance came. Frid had a broken arm, shoulder, and collar bone! I felt bad about it, but when Mommy found out about it, she felt worse!

Frid left in the ambulance and a little while later, Aunt Paula and Uncle Greg came in Frid's house. What in the world was going on? They gathered up all of our things and took us to their car and said we were going home. I didn't believe it until we got there.

LuLu and I ran to our front door, so happy to be home. Aunt Paula opened the door and there was Mommy on the sofa. "Girls! You're home! Come here so I can kiss you." LuLu and I looked at each other and at the same time we ran past Mommy and ran upstairs without giving Mommy a chance to even touch us.

We had a talk upstairs because Mommy taught us that we should talk about our problems and our feelings. We didn't have a problem now that we were home but we did have feelings. We were angry at Mommy for leaving us at Frid's even though Frid loves us and took very good care of us. We decided to stay upstairs until we knew for sure that we would be staying home.

The next morning, we woke up and we were so happy to be in our home that we forgot about being angry. We ran downstairs barking and laughing and we got in Mommy's face and gave her about a million kisses. "Girls! You aren't angry anymore! I am so glad. I love you so much and I missed you so much while you were at Frid's. I was in the hospital so the doctor could fix my back. I couldn't take care of you until my back was better and until I was strong enough. Remember? I told you all of this before you went to Frid's. Frid was wonderful to keep you so you wouldn't have to go to the farm and so you two could be together. Then Frid got hurt and she couldn't take care of you so I got you back a little earlier than expected.

Now you are home and I am better and Frid is almost better. I sure did miss you!"

A few days later, Jacob came to our home and he had Izzy! Even though Izzy is annoying and naughty, we all missed her and were happy to have her home with us.

Last night Mommy called me. "Ethel Frances, come here honey." I went to Mommy and sat in front of her. "Ethel Frances, now that I am feeling better I can help you with your blogs again. Do you want me to help you with a new post?"

If you have read this new post to the end, you know the answer to Mommy's question. I hope you are as happy as I am that I can tell my stories again.

LuLu's Sad Story

Mommy adopted me when I was only eight weeks old and we adopted LuLu when she was eight weeks old. She was very cute, but very shy. I was so excited to have a new baby sister and I wanted to play with her, but when I got close to LuLu she would run and hide. She was afraid of me and she was afraid of Mommy. I didn't understand. I never thought Mommy and I were scary people. I tried to talk to LuLu to tell her she didn't have to be afraid but she wouldn't stay close enough to hear what I had to say.

Mommy told me she was taking LuLu to the doctor for a new puppy check. When they came home, LuLu ran and hid under a chair. Mommy sat on the sofa and called me over to her. "Ethel Frances, come here Honey so I can talk to you." Mommy looked sad. "Uh oh, I said to myself, "I hope I didn't do something to make Mommy look so sad." 

I went over to Mommy and she gave me a big hug. "Ethel Frances, the doctor said LuLu is very healthy. which was very good news but then he said that LuLu has a sad story. She was taken away from her dog mommy when she was only two weeks old.  Taking a puppy from its mother so young doesn't give the puppy a chance to learn how to do things on its own.  The doctor continued with the examination.  He looked in her eyes and ears and when he looked in her mouth he said, "Oh my gosh! Now I know why poor little LuLu is so afraid. Someone knocked some of her bottom teeth out and damaged some other bottom teeth." 

Mommy cried when she told me and I cried too. Why would anyone want to hurt a little, tiny puppy?  Mommy said, "Ethel Frances, we have to be very patient with LuLu and very gentle. She will let us know when she feels safe. OK, honey? I sure hope you understand me." I can't talk so I wagged my tail and gave Mommy a kiss so she would know I understood.

Sure enough, after a couple of weeks of trying to help LuLu, she ran over to me and asked me to play with her. I was so happy! We ran and ran and wrestled and we even played tug of war with one of Mommy's socks. We were happy but Mommy wasn't until she realized how happy LuLu was. "Girls, I should be mad at you for ruining my sock but I am so happy LuLu is having so much fun!  Ethel Frances, you are the perfect big sister for our litte LuLu."

One day Mommy's friend Frid came over. Frid and Mommy have been friends since they were young. She went with Mommy to bring LuLu home from the shelter when we adopted her. Frid held LuLu on her lap and Mommy drove the car. When Frid came over, LuLu ran right over to Frid without hiding at all.  Frid sat on the sofa and LuLu tried to get in Frid's lap. Mommy and Frid and I were so happy. We all gathered around LuLu and hugged her and told her we were proud of her.  

I didn't understand why LuLu wasn't afraid of Frid.  Mommy didn't understand it at first either.  All of a sudden, Mommy and I figured it out at the same time.  Just as I was thinking, Mommy said my thoughts out loud. "Frid!  You went to the shelfter with me to pick up LuLu and you held her in the car all the way  home.  LuLu remembers that and she remembers you so of course she would love and trust you."  I jumped up and ran over to Mommy wagging my tail as fast as I could and I gave Mommy and Frid kisses.

"Ethel Frances, you do understand!  You know why LuLu loves and trusts Frid, too.  You are a smart and a sensitive girl! I love you and I am very proud of you."

It has been five years since we adopted LuLu and she hasn't made much progress except she doesn't have separation anxiety anymore when Mommy leaves.  Separation anxiety means that LuLu thought than when Mommy went out, she would not be coming back. Once when LuLu was a few months old Mommy went to work and decided not to crate LuLu anymore because LuLu was a good girl.  Not a good decision.  Right after Mommy left, LuLu freaked out.  I tried everything I could to get her to calm down.  I promised her Mommy would be home later and asked her to please settle down.

Instead of settling down, she tore up -- the carpet!  And she shredded the padding underneath.  She made me very nervous.  "LuLu, please stop!  Please!  Oh, what will Mommy do and say when she gets home.  I promise you she will be home."  She didn't stop until she was too tired to tear anything else and she plopped down on what was left of the carpet and went to sleep.  I started pacing, wondering what in the world would happen when Mommy came through that door.

When I heard the key in the door, I told LuLu to hide, but she didn't.  Mommy came in and LuLu ran to her and gave her a hug.  I stood back, waiting for Mommy to see the damage.  "Hi, girls!  I'm home!  Did you miss...oh my gosh!  What in the world happened in here?  Who did that?"  I am happy to report that Mommy knew I would never do anything like that.  I only get into food.  "LuLu!  What happened?  Were you afraid I wouln't come back?  I will always come back because I love you and I love Ethel Frances and this is our home."

Mommy picked up the phone and called our doctor.  He gave Mommy pills for LuLu.  Then Mommy had to act like she was leaving when she wan't really leaving.  After six months LuLu didn't take the medicine again and now she knows that Mommy will always come home to us, butI think she will always be afraid when she is outside.  As long as she is home with her family and sometimes Frid, she is the happiest dog in the world.

Please share LuLu's story.  Maybe it will help save another puppy from being hurt.  We really thought that LuLu would grow up and forget about her life before we adopted her.  She never did.  Actually, we all think about it every time we see LuLu get scared -- every single day.