Day 59

7/10/22

We have ALL been injured by our beloved dogs...I know I have! From a broken toe and later an ankle (Arthur) to a leash burn that went straight to the bone (Oreo), all of my precious pups have left their mark.

The best story, and worst injury, came from Sweet Ranger. One day, we had finished our walk down by the river and I led him into the back, fenced yard. I was on the shuffleboard court when I released his collar and that's when it happened. I was looking at something in the distance and took a step forward while Ranger leaned into my legs. I went DOWN! I tried to break the fall with my left arm and, somehow, protect the furry culprit with my right. In doing so, my head hit the concrete with a sickening thud!

I was on the ground and actually thought I had shattered my cheekbone and brow. I felt around my face and realized I was bleeding from somewhere. There was a moment when I thought, "I HAVE to get upright, or maybe I never will!" That did it! Slowly, I tried to stand without looking like I had just fallen. For some strange reason, I didn't want any witnesses to worry about me!

I was up! I went into the house and called for my son, Jimmy. I had my hand over my eye and his expression said it all. An icepack was placed in my hand and out the door we went. Jimmy had a stricken look on his face, but he was the ultimate in comfort and strength! Onward to Mercy!

Jimmy called Mac, who was at a meeting, and he flew to the hospital. We were in the ER and someone gave me a new icepack. It's never a good sign when the hospital staff makes a face as if to say, "Oh, my goodness! That is really awful!"

The gentleman sitting next to me had kidney stones and he was in REAL pain! He was moaning and rocking back and forth in agony. I thought to myself, at least I just have a bump on the head!

When Mr. Kidney Stone was called, he looked at the nurse and said, "You better take her! She's in far worse shape than I am!" That did not boost my confidence level in the least!

I insisted he go first and soon it was my turn. The ER was packed! They took me to a room and had me try to hop up on a bed. Mac was there by then, so he was a great help and comfort. An ER doctor walked quickly past my room and then did a quick back-step or two. He asked my if I had the golden retriever Therapy Dog and, when that was acknowledged, things started to happen.

He sent me in for a CAT scan and was in my room with the results when I got back. By this time, I could see the lump above my eye hanging over my eyebrow like an awning. Before he gave me the results, I told him I had always wanted a black eye. Did he think I might end up with one? He guaranteed it! He also told me I was one of the luckiest people around since I did not have the expected brain bleed.

Whew! They took a cursory look at my elbow and cleaned that up and sent me home with a variety of medications and appointments. I was so happy to be out of there, but extremely grateful to be OK.

Two days later, I looked like a prize fighter who had not only lost the match, but probably spent some time on the floor before being dragged out of the ring! I had an appointment to reevaluate the damage and I caused quite a stir. I could tell that people were staring at my face, which was at least half black and blue by this time. At that appointment, I did mention that my elbow still hurt a bit. Checking the profound bruising, I was sent to x-ray to rule out further injury.

Broken elbow! At least I didn't feel like I was complaining about a scratch!

Well, sweet Ranger had no idea of the situation he had inadvertently been a party to. I am so glad HE was not injured! I never would have forgiven myself! If he had been hurt, who would have been there to be MY Therapy Dog?

Looking on the bright side, I got my black eye (total face), I received special consideration because of Ranger's volunteer work at the hospital AND I had this story to share! Not a bad deal all around!