My little big dog has aortic stenosis. He was born that way and is mostly OK. He is my special little one, but he's as hard as nails. He was a bit off colour this morning, nudging me in the kitchen and then helping himself to my bed after my husband had left for work. I thought he might be a bit hot, so we went outside to play.
It was a beautiful morning, and he was fine with the ball games as usual. He and the big big dog then played tug-o'-war happily together while I completed the mandatory 30 minutes on the treadmill in the summerhouse. I started a new painting and they sat at my feet.
Then, the demon gardener arrived. He works next door and is quite a challenge. I can't say I like him and I know the dogs haven't warmed to him either. He arrives with a toot in his huge 4x4, roaring down the driveway. Then makes a real spectacle of collecting the bins and recycling boxes, whistling and banging as he goes. After that comes the lawn mower up the tarmac driveway to pick up leaves! and more leaf blowing, all the way into the road.
The dogs bark at him. And he shouts back. I've asked him not to acknowledge the dogs, I don't think he understood. So, if I'm around I stand at the fence, making sure the dogs are otherwise occupied and he keeps well away.
But I was miles away with my painting today. I kept an eye on things and it seemed OK, then the barking and running in circles started. The two dogs egging each other on, until the little big one collapsed.
I had stopped to watch and saw his back legs go, then he toppled over onto his side, convulsing and frothing. The big big dog was alarmed and so was I. I held his head, his eyes rolled back and his tongue was pale. He was down for about a minute but it felt like an age.
I do hope this isn't the start of poor health for him. The vet said his murmur is getting louder but there is nothing we can do about it. He is such a lovely dog and even wanted his walkie this afternoon. We just had a short walk and now he is asleep in the lounge. What a day.
