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the Lysto Log

Fond Farewells

I have learned that my back legs are misbehaving due to something called Degenerative Myelopathy. It will get worse and worse til it is dreadful. Mom says this is 'known' in GSDs and some other breeds, and one breed is listed as 'possible' - Pyrs. We sent a vial of my blood to a University so they could see it and prove it is in Pyrs.

Yesterday, my back legs stopped working altogether, and my front legs started weakening. It was very frustrating not to be able to walk. Mom and Dad said that this was 'crossing the line' - and they would fix it.

And they did. We went to the vet, who took my blood to send to the research people, and then she made me sleep, and I woke up here, with my brother Pally. Some of my old friends from St. Mary's are here - they look much better, and happier, and had treats and tummy rubs.

My legs work fine now, the little patch of my fur that they shaved has grown back already, and I feel more energetic than I have in years. I miss sitting with mom and dad, but mom assured me that this place is 'no farther away then her heart' and since mom's heart is always with me, I know it can't be far. Pally can show me the way, later, but right now, I have to take messages to a bunch of our friends, to let them know their moms and dads still love and remember them, and know that their pups are watching over them.

I have lived 8 wonderful years with my family - years so good, that the first five have faded into obscurity. I have known, always, that I am loved and wanted, and that I am mom's Precious Girl. I have never doubted it. Everyone who ever saw me knew that I was a content and well-loved girl. Everyone except those first half dozen or so families I lived with, before I found my forever family.

Funny - that all those families could have me living with them, and throw me away - and now that I am not living with mom and dad, I am still not thrown away. I am still confident of their love and caring, and of the miracle that our family is. I know that I am 'Forever their girl" just like the song mom sometimes plays.

I will be watching for you all, and watching over mom and dad. I am not gone - I am just cured, like mom and dad promised, with the only cure that would make me happy, keep me from suffering, and allow me to do the things I like to do - long walks, laying in the grass, and loving my people.

Farewell,
Calysto

The Season of Miracles...

Last night, mom came home and when she knelt down to say hello, I put the top of my head right against her chest. I have her trained really well so that when I do this, she scratches my head and hugs me a lot. It's my way of telling mom that I remember those first few years, and how lonely they were, and that I know I am home, and loved, and wanted - and that I am happy about it. Some days, you just have to say it in a way that even a human can smell....

This is my season of miracles - it was a November when I came home, and once I got settled, everyone started decorating and making bright lights for me. Now they do it every year - mama says it's about family, and the love that I have found and given, and the way that I shine, like a star of hope, for people who need love and for dogs with no home yet. It's amazing how many people are so happy for us, me and my family. Everywhere we go, they are all celebrating the same thing.

Go give your people some hugs, kisses, or a ball - however you tell them that you are happy they are yours. Happy Howlidays.

Winter Wonderings

It's cold - the kind of cold that makes your hips hurt after sitting in the cool barking weather for a while.... I am spending more time inside. Since mom started giving me bread with all my meals, I am feeling much better (she thinks I don't notice the little blue pills inside, but I do - I just don't pay any attention). I have my old energy back, but I am still a littl stiff. Mom says that's not from my thigh-royd, but because I am 'venerable.' I'm not sure what that means, but every time she says it, someone nearby says "yup - you don't see a 13 year old Pyr every day, that's for sure" so I think it might be a way of saying I'm old...

Why d'you suppose the humans cool off the play area this time of year? Is it so we'll sit inside and watch football with them? Or do they just figure they might as well turn the heat down out there, since they are inside anyway?

And how come when it snows, mom always puts a cap on the water bowl? (she forgets to take it off, too - but I jut go out, pop it one with my front paw, and it breaks - and then I have ice water!). She uses the same stuff to protect the sidewalks - but then, when she has to walk on them, she complains they are all slick. So why did she wrap them in ice in the first place? (it had to be mom - dad's always out trying to scrape it away when mom isn't home or is busy...)

D'you suppose Santa Paws knows what a good girl I've been? Or does he think Pyrs don't live to 13, and he's going to skip me? Naw - mom wouldn't let him do that. And she'd sure have a thing or two to say to him if he left stuff for Phobos and ignored her best girl!

Happy Howlidays to everyone - it really is a season of miracles. It was November when I found my family - 8 years ago last month, they ran into me at Animal Humane. Although we moved away from Albuquerque five years ago, I still send presents to my friends at AHA now and again, and times like these, looking out the window and wondering what everyone is doing, I wonder if they know how much they changed my life. If you live in Albuquerque and are reading this, they are on Virginia street and they would love your help. You could also help my friends at Enchantment Great Pyrenees - there are always pyrs in rescue in New Mexico, and even though none of them is as special as *I* am, some of them are very close.... if you're not in Albuqurque - someone, somewhere near you is making miracles for dogs like me - stop in and lend them a paw..... At our house, it's the "Spirit of the Season"