I have no idea how I could be laying on the floor and playing around with camera settings and captured heart shaped bokeh behind my Heart Dog - but I did!
I love her. More than I should? Guilty. You know her story - I searched for forever for a female blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It is not a breed with a lot of "pet" puppies available. Most seem to go to show homes. I was on the list and the sonogram showed not enough pups for me. Then, low and behold, her coat became "fluffy" - too much hair to show. That "major fault" for the breeder is one of the loves of my life. We did all of the dog schooling together and then started Pet Therapy until we worked our way up to the Neuro-surgical ICU here at Cincinnati's University Hospital. We sat with families, stroke victims, beating victims, gunshots and stabbings. We attended one family after a death. She knew exactly what she was there for - to be petted and loved on by folks in pain. And she did it well.
Then came all of the strange symptoms and the search for a diagnosis that finally ended on my 60th birthday when I came home from a day of fun, took one look at her and just knew that she was dying. Thank doG that we took her to the ER and she was finally diagnosed with Addison's Disease. And of course it is rare, just like Maggie. But, once diagnosed, easily managed with one pill a day and a shot every month.
We've been through a lot together, Maggie and I. I am her safety net when the world is too much for her and she is my sweet, sweet girl.
What a wonderful story and a beautiful picture. We had a corgi when I was a child, she was rejected by her breeder because she had long fur too - much better than the standard I would say! Our friends' Jack Russell had Adisons, like your lovely dog she was at death's door until she was diagnosed. She used to have daily pills and extra ones when she had had a shock. She lived for a long time after diagnosis.
I just adore this photo... and the story made my eyes leak a little. She is definitely a very special dog... anda very lucky one to have such a very special owner. And she has a fabulous name... we have a little Maggie, too! :)
She has the look of love in her eyes....how lucky for you both that the breeder didn't want her. Her story made me tear up a bit as well, I love my 2 rescue dogs, and miss them as I am away from home for another week. I know how crazy they will go when I get home!!
What a story! I have caught parts of it with earlier pictures but this retelling really puts everything in perspective. What a great gal. (and your dog's nice too!)
awe cathy. your words choked me up. what a wonderful story to read and she is such a gorgeous dog!!! i know what it is like to love a dog soooo much!! and when i lost mine after 11 or more years it just was not the same without her...we were the best of friends. But now, i have a new pup, alot like my old one, and i love him just as much!! pets are so amazing to have...we always have them to lean on. Love this shot...the heart bokeh is a perfect touch to your loving dog :)
beautiful bokeh, beautiful girl...I totally know your story!!! It's hard when you have to deal with them being sick because they can't tell you what's wrong. My girl was diagnosed with diabetes last year and is now almost completely blind. Its sad but that means you spoil them that much more :)
Tears in my eyes after reading your story and seeing the love in this photos, hard to beat that bond between canine and human, they understand more than we could ever dream to understand about love and life, thanks for sharing
Now I'm crying....that is a lovely story. we love our big dog just as much and he is truely part of the family. But I definitely can't see him in a hospital....all the drool would be a health hazard. It's amazing how pets make you feel when you are sick. They just know.
I happened to see this photo on the PP and had to see who's dog it was as I was following someone who has a dog similar in looks to yours and has finished her project. What an amazing story and a gorgeous photo. I have had cats and lost one after 18 years with multiple ailments, the last was a silent killer, liver cancer and so unexpected when he collapsed. Tears in my eyes as I love animals. What a gorgeous photo of a gorgeous dog "Maggie." So glad you found out what was wrong with her and she is being treated for it.
What a beautiful dog. Caught my eye because my dog's face looks exactly the same (down to the one blue eye). I'm glad she's okay. I know what it's like to love a dog too much.
Lovely story !
Thank you all. I must have touched a nerve with Maggie. I think so many of us know that love of a dog. She really is a huge part of my heart.