julierichmond

Sophie is sick. We got a call from the vet around noon. The diagnosis yesterday was that she was fine, and we were being overzealous

.Today the tests came back. Her liver and kidneys are failing. They have prescribed a low protein, low fat dog food, and given us an IV set up to give her fluids every day.Her kidneys are working at 25%.

We have another visit scheduled for two weeks to see how the IV and dog food help, she won’t eat the food. Or sniff the food.

But she barked at the neighbors and strolled across the field at Houghton’s. She rolled in our yard, and drank the fancy spring water with electrolytes.And now, she is on the sofa, glaring at her food, at the world, or at me, because she feels that workouts are overrated, or should be done outside, where creatures are not trying to nap.She might be in pain. Doesn’t understand why Purdue’s grilled chicken pieces haven’t been offered as an option.Or has been following the news.I know I am not the only lucky person with the best dog ever, but Sophie is. We watch dogs in our home, and Sophie has sacrificed her bed, snacks, and yard, to all of our guests, with patience and grace.If you walk by our yard in East Milton Square, and are annoyed by the black and white pup growling behind the ugly fence, say hello. She might be saying goodbye, or reminding you that Bassett Street belongs to her, and she’s not going anywhere.