My Dear Berner Buddies,
I am sorry for my lack of updates lately, and thanks to all who have
enquired about Sweet Stevie.
Stevie is doing quite well. Today is the last day for any and all of his
meds. Wooohoooo. He is steadily progressing and has good days and some not
so good days. He is much steadier on his feet, but still has a bit of a
problem when we are outside and not on flat ground. There is still so much
ice and snow and bitter temperatures here, which of course, does add to the
problem. We are patiently awaiting some traction boots that have been sent
by Stevie's Guardian Angel, I am sure once he gets some confidence back, it
will be very beneficial. His "displaced" eyes are slowing moving their way
back to proper alignment but are still off somewhat. His eating habits have
greatly improved but he now has different "tastes" than before the accident.
His favourite new treat, (I think I met have mentioned it before) is peeled
baby carrots with Three Cheese Ranch Dressing. He just loves them and
"smiles" when he smells me take it out of the fridge. His muscle tone and
strength have a long way to go but once his exercise is able to be increased
I am positive that this will improve dramatically. He is still having
acupuncture, therapeutic touch and massage, but just once a week now. Stevie
has an appointment with the Neurologist next Wednesday, just for a follow up
and to test his mental acuity. Stevie has been under some rather intense
emotional duress here at home. My personal life is in tatters, but this is
not the forum for that and those of you who have kept in contact with me
personally know some of what is going on. In any event the stress is very
large for me and of course this reflects ultimately on Stevie. I try to
protect him as much as possible, but cannot completely. And on those days
that have been particularly bad for me, Stevie seems to be depressed and
very sad. This breaks my heart to see him this way as well, but then I will
receive some warm wishes and kind thoughts from my Berner friends all over
the world and it helps to put things in perspective for me. Then I am able
to pass this on to my precious boy. I know that I continue to do some fairly
heavy leaning on many shoulders just now and believe me I am not used to
being the one doing the leaning, but I thank each and every one of you.
I try to stimulate Stevie with little games to keep him happy and bright!
This seems to alleviate some of his stress. But I think that just as much
as I worry about him, he reciprocates and worries about me and now that he
is somewhat physically better he is able to demonstrate this more. How did
these gentle giants get the insight and intellect that they so readily
demonstrate? Stevie and I share a bond and a love that normally would take
fellow bipeds years to develop, if ever. From the posts here lately and the
tragic turn of events for so many, it becomes more and more apparent to me
that these big, black, hairy "children" of ours serve a much higher purpose
than the non-berner owner can only imagine, and of course not fully
understand, I don't fully understand it myself. Unfortunately all of this
love and devotion comes with a price. I can only sum it up as simply as "I
could have missed the pain, but I would have had to miss the Dance" This
line of Garth Brooks song has become a very poignant focal point in my life
as well as others and I truly believe it to be true. It is obvious that
Stevie was sent to me for a reason, just the same as all of you out there
and all your Beloved Berners. Yes we have experienced some huge highs and
devastating lows, but the joy and the love that I feel when I look deep into
those beautiful brown eyes and that soulful face makes everything worthwhile
and it helps to get me through the day.
Sorry that this is lengthy, and kind of heavy for a Saturday Morning but I
feel that I am among friends and able to share. This too shall pass. Perhaps
with Spring (hopefully on its way sometime soon!!) and the rebirth of the
earth, so too will we be!! Thank you to all for your concerns and inquiries
and your continued support and prayers.
Berner Hugs and Gentle Kisses
from
Karen and Stevie
xoxo
