In the last post I was telling you about how I talk for my animals, creating voices distinctive to their looks, personality and behavior. As nut-zoid as it sounds, it comes easily and comfortably. The animals only talk in front of Bob and close family, of course!. And if you think I’m goofy for talking for them, check this out: Bob not only talks back to them but engages in dialogue with them! Ok?? So, it’s not just me! It really is natural…swear! Bob says that one of the things he hates most when I am away is that the animals are silent.
Of course, one night when we were watching the Two and A Half Men episode where Alan was using that stupid ventriloquist dummy, I said to Bob, “You know, it almost makes Alan seem crazy.” Bob looked at me I disbelief and said, “You’re kidding, right? That’s what you do when you talk for the dogs!” I looked at him and thought about it…………………………….NOT!
My Brandy almost reached 16 years old.
Brandy & Molly
Pretty excellent for a Lab – as they typically reach their max around 12. Her health was excellent to the end. She had some deafness – she could hear some sounds but they had to be really loud. I would just touch her when I needed her attention. Easy. She never had any problems with joints or other typical things. She did have a bout with a stupid foxtail, having obviously eaten some foxtail grass… One evening I realized she couldn’t open her mouth very much and when I investigated, found her very much in pain as well as the beginnings of swelling around her face under her eye. A trip to the vet and an expensive surgery later retrieved a foxtail making its way up the side of her head, having gained entrance via her gums. She was fine…other than ‘suffering’ with the cone they have to wear…I know pets are miserable with those things on but it is so funny to watch them get around (!). And navigate the doggie door? Oh, my stars…!
Brandy was blessed not to have debilitation’s typical of old age. And then, one Thursday evening when she came out with us to feed she stayed by the back gate – lying dowsn – for a long time before coming out behind the barn. Then lying down again. Not a good sign. The same was repeated on Friday only she didn’t make it to the back of the barn. That night she slept on our bed as usual (at the foot on my side in her later years…more room) but had a hard night panting – which got worse in the morning. We realized we had to help her so Bob called our vet (mobile equine vet – we always use him for this so all is here at home) and left a message. Our vet called back in 10 minutes but Brandy was already gone. God bless her. And I so thank God that she went quickly and without suffering.