Day 297

3/9/23

Today was one of those days that certainly pulled us along the continuum of emotions!

First of all, our sweet Gus presented us with a large growth on his neck earlier this week. Since I am ALL OVER those pups with love and brushing, I am certain it appeared around Monday morning. We carefully observed it for a couple of days and then decided to we needed the amazing Doctor Duke to check it out.

Since my first reaction to situations concerning ailments with my babies is over the top, we decided to take a breath and see if it changed. Hoping it would shrink was our prayer, but when it didn't, we took him in.

Dr. Duke prodded, explained a few possibilities and then took him back to draw some fluid out of our poor boy. (You might recall, this pup lost the sight in his right eye, had exploratory surgery for a blockage in December and now THIS!.) Of course, I sat with my "rock," Mac, in the exam room with tears adding to the numerous ones shed this week.

Good news! The good doctor, after examining the fluid drawn from the lump, strongly felt it was due to some kind of trauma. Perhaps hitting a wall? Perhaps a wrestling move by Baby Brother Sam? Perhaps...anything that would cause fluid to build after a hit to the side. Although we were told to watch him until it dissipated, we were beyond relieved! (Cue more tears.)

Home for supper and a reunion with the other three Goldens who had a "Sniff-fest" of grand proportions! Then off we went to the last Obedience 1 class for Gus! He was a rock star! They even played "Pomp and Circumstance" as our graduates went up to receive their certificate!

The question I have been asking myself since we left the veterinarian's office is, "Why do I always believe we are going to face the worst-case scenario?" I had felt that lump at least 50 times a day, shed copious tears and had everyone who visited feel that thing for their opinion...hoping for reassurance that it was really nothing. Of course, we could have rushed him in for results right away, but I didn't want him to go through any more trials if we could avoid it. (His digestive exploratory blessedly showed nothing, but it was horrible!)

The next time I face something concerning in life, I am going to strive to not worry so much. My college roommate used to tell me it was a waste of time and I do believe that! She would go on to say that all the time one worries could be used to think positive thoughts and be productive. Worry is NEVER a productive quest!

So, I hug my Gus and try not to bother what is left of that lump. I also congratulate him on his accomplishments and resolve to not worry about things so much!

For those who know me best...good luck with that!