When quitting is not an option, it is a death sentence...

When I first started writing today I was going to write about me.  It was going to be about the techniques I have used of late to manage my temporary life of severe restrictions.

But then something happened to stop me in my tracks…

As I was tiding up dogs toys today (we have a lot of them!) I made three piles:

 Keepers - to be washed in the washing machine

Dead toys, to be disposed of

Undecided. 

Simple plan you would think, what could go wrong…

I placed the “dead” toys on a table, the “to be cleaned” toys in a neat pile on the floor and the “keepers” in the toy box, the “undecided” were located close to the “keepers”.  As I did this, all four dogs were fast asleep, or so I thought.

I went upstairs and returned to find all the “dead” toys happily living on the floor and the smallest toy ever (from the undecided pile) in a corner near the front door.  All dogs were fast asleep in the garden and in the dogs’ room.

So what happened in the minutes I was upstairs?

I can guess who was responsible for the removal of the toys from the table because every time I go to throw out a toy he decides that it is the best toy ever and starts playing with it or puts it somewhere only he is allowed.

But what I did not understand was why the smallest toy ever was under corner protection, almost hidden from view.  That is not normal behaviour for Superbrat, he is the most honest and open dog I have ever known, some might call him brash with some of his behaviours, but I chose the words predictable and self-assured….  He does not do secretive or unusual, no way did he place a toy into a corner, unless I don’t know him as well as I believe that I do…

I puzzled over this scenario for a few minutes.  I was pretty confident that the world’s smallest toy was not a prized possession for a Superbrat dog, so I came up with a plan.

I strategically placed all the toys and walked away…

And my plan worked.  I returned to find the world’s smallest dog toy in a corner, but this time it had extra protection.  A very growly dog was standing guard over it.  As I approached his growling became louder.   This toy was his and no way was any dog or human going to take it from him.

This was the point I burst into tears.  My gut instinct was correct.  Spike had chosen to save probably the only toy that Superbrat had no interest in.  It did not squeak, had little stuffing worth removing and it came from McDonalds.

None of that mattered all that mattered to Spike was that it was his.  A dog found on the street in a horrendous condition, he is a survivor and a fighter when it matters.

Through my tears I was still able to connect with Spike and he allowed me to pick up his prized possession and play with him, it was a very special moment.  Two years ago he would have bitten me if I tried to take his toy.  I have always respected his fear and that is why he has never bitten me, he trusts me now.

Spike has been struggling recently and his deformities cause him great pain, each and every day.  Spike has amazing supporters that help him and he is on daily pain medication, but drugs can only help to a certain point.  We made a promise when we adopted Spike that when he stopped loving life we would help him over the rainbow bridge.   I remember this vow every day.

However if you cannot run as you want to, live as you want to or even be as you want to be… if you feel passionate enough to save a teeny weeny toy then the rainbow bridge is not calling for you yet. 

Silver harnesses will have to wait for Spike, he wants to live with us for as long as possible and we will ensure that he gets what he wants.

It is our promise to him, forever and a day…