It's a dog's life

This is Bailey who is visiting me this week. more on Bailey to come.

I have been remiss about blogging. So much going on in the world, in the US and here in MD. The problem is nothing much is going on in the job search world. I did get to go out with colleagues and friends last night celebrating one of our group that got a new job, in another state. It was so good to see these wonderfully bright and funny women.

Nothing much going on in the job search world and I am reflecting upon what I really want to do in life. Still not sure but that's a discussion for another time. Now, I am distracted by Bailey. My son and daughter in law are out of town so I am babysitting their white lab, Bailey. Bailey is 2 and acts like it. He is massive in girth and has no clue how big he is. He is lovable but needy. And I am exhausted!

I always had dogs but almost 2 years ago, my dog Shelby died after almost 13 years with me. She was the best dog ever and I miss her even today. I had thought about getting another dog so when the opportunity came to babysit Bailey, I jumped at it.

After only 24 hours, I am cured of wanting another dog. Bailey has her own schedule of eating and walking and it does not meet mine. Lovable as he is, I am exhausted. Bailey is very social and loves to walk me. He takes his time finding just the right spot to deposit his waste products. He listens really well and bothers no one, no other dogs or people unless I tell him its OK.

He is shedding and though I have taken up out to brush him, my house has a white dusting of fur EVERYWHERE! Bailey loves to play and has no regard for my needs to attempt to find work! Today I am taking him to get groomed. I am doing it for my salvation mostly. And tomorrow evening, hopefully, he will be back home. Bailey is a great distraction though a constant one.

Life and Death

It was a beautiful weekend in Baltimore. The sun was shining. We had a great weekend. I got to see all my grandchildren because I also went to Hanover PA to visit my son, daughter in law and my granddaughter, Cassidy. She just turned 1 yr old and is walking while holding on. Playing, laughing and a real joy.

Then came back to my daughter's with her 2 bundles of joy. Their dog Jake is dying a very slow death. That is the worst part of the weekend.

It's hard to let go if a dog that has been part of the family for over 17 years. But he can't walk anymore, can't hear, can't eat or drink and is having respiratory problems. Today we are taking him to the vet to help him by letting him go. Very sad. My daughter is struggling with the decision but the dog has no life and is in pain and moans constantly.

I realized that letting go for the dog is like letting go of a portion of one's life. Being laid off is like a death of sorts also. I don't mean to be dramatic but it is letting go of a significant portion of one's life; a profession by which one is known to a certain group of people. For me, it's something that has defined a portion of my life.

Yet, I know that by giving the dog an end, we bring him peace and solitude. We need to let go and move on. Isn't that true of all aspects of life and living?

And so, we all must move on....even me.