In the blink of an eye!

Things sure can change in the blink of an eye. These days, it seems like life is continually schooling me in the truth that we are only guaranteed this moment, that’s all.

It has been a rough couple of days. One minute Squirt is healthy and strong, loving life and the next he has a crazy head tilt, unfocused eyes, poor balance and an unsteady walk. He apparently has had an episode of "old dog vestibular syndrome". Being approximately 10 years old, he is in the target demographic. I am thankful his symptoms are not as bad as some dogs. He can walk. He is eating and drinking. He is trying to do what I ask of him.

I talked to my vet and am following his advice. Apparently it takes time to recover. I am trying to find an acupuncturist here. It's scary to see him like this and it is pretty much a knife in my heart. He has meant so much to me.

Before his attack, with the knowledge that Squirt is an older guy and will not be able to work at a high level forever, I made the decision to leave Florida early and seize the opportunity to train with an awesome scent work teacher. I felt in my heart that it might be our last chance to work as a team at this level. I am hoping he recovers to the point that we can participate.

Recognizing that nothing is guaranteed is a double edged sword. On the one hand, you seize the moment and live with no regrets, no “coulda, shoulda, woulda”. On the other, you are acutely aware that nothing is forever; not the great stuff nor the bad stuff. And losing the good stuff hurts.