Day 454

Sweet Ranger is still battling that intestinal issue! He is watched constantly (even at night) and is just as sweet as ever. His whispered bark every couple of hours is almost apologetic! As a mom...doggy or human...I feel he is my responsibility, but I have other eyes on this big guy as well.

Lilly is a constant companion, but that is not so unusual. The surprise has been the two pups. They will not leave his side. Now, our boy is not acting that different and would eat a steak if we offered it. The problem arises when his tummy tries to deal with food. (For now, it is boiled chicken and rice.) So, it is a wonder that Gus and Sam are so entuned to his plight. It is pretty sweet.

It is so comforting to have loved ones near when you are under-the-weather. Dogs and humans alike swarm in when one of us is not feeling 100% at The Big White House on the hill. That devotion has a special kind of healing property that defies medicine!

When I was a little girl, in this same house, my parents were so wonderful when I was sick. I remember...

*Vicks under an old diaper pinned to my nightgown when I had a cold.

*Musical beds, so a parent could always be with the one who didn't feel well.

*Cool hands on my forehead when needed.

*Dry toast (and crisp bacon) when on the mend.

7-Up by the gallon.

*Hand-holding...that was the best.

Today's children have so many advanced options when they don't feel well. My favorite is the Beanbag Buddies that go into the microwave to emerge as a warm, cuddly friend. The medical field has also moved lightyears ahead with remedies that are just short of miraculous.

Still, when sweet Asher is ill, the snuggles, hand-holding and a cool hand on the head are still the best medicine.

However, there are few feelings as wonderful as the recovery of a loved one. So, with Mr. Ranger, we ALL watch him like hawks and literally touch or hold his paw as he works his way through this tummy issue. He doesn't even know how loved he is...but then, most of us don't.