tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556371561007953336.post2781265941568320788..comments2024-03-16T16:44:18.220-07:00Comments on Bad Cripple: You Can't do Thatwilliam Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00223601480542461802noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556371561007953336.post-40144333224391571402016-04-11T04:41:34.393-07:002016-04-11T04:41:34.393-07:00Unfortunately I have heard a variety of remarks ma...Unfortunately I have heard a variety of remarks made about my dog who was handi-enabled and happily rolling along in his wheelchair. People ask what is wrong with him. Will he get better. Does he use the wheelchair at home, etc. All questions are answered enthusiastically, as it helps to spread the word about Degenerative Mylopathy. It also gives me the opportunity to let people know that just because your dog has DM, it doent have to equate to a misersble life or an unhappy dog. Unless of course their humans are too lazy, too busy, too selfish or too uncaring to deal with the challenges of a handicapped pet. Personally, I feel there is nothing more beautiful than a dog playing ball in a wheelchair. They dont see themselves as handicapped, nor feel sorry for themselves. There is no such thing as "I can't" on their mind. <br /><br />The comments that get to me are those said as soon as we continue on our way. Even after I just explained his capabilities and zest for life, and that there is no pain directly associated with DM. The first whisper I usually hear is, "Poor Dog" or even worse is, "I would just put my dog down." Some days I just let it go. I would pretend I didn't hear it. But my big mouth can't always remain shut. So, to the second most heard comment, I say, "My dogs are part of the family, would you put a family member to sleep in the same situation? Response to the fisrt comment, "This "poor dog" is still so strong and fast that I can't keep up with him. He recently dragged me down the driveway, then felt bad, because he caused "me" to fall." He was at that time doing much better than I was physically. I am in chronic pain daily, and show clear signs of pain and discomfort, as I struggle to keep up, yet no one notices of feels "sorry" for me. (Thank God) What they do see is a perfectly happy and otherwise healthy dog, doing normal things like romping and playing and enjoying the park, yet they feel sorry for him? Only because he is in a wheelchair. How sad for them for they can learn many valuable lessons from a handicapped dog. <br /><br />A few weeks back I took my dog to vet when he had a severe bout of diarrhea. All this vet saw and wanted to discuss was his DM and quality of life and the prognosis. She wanted me to put him to sleep. I kept reminding her I was only there for the runs. He was having an off day and he only looked that way, well because he wasn't feeling well. <br />Told het i would vontinue hospice care at home and keep him comfortable. I reported her to the owner/head veterinarian. Thank-you for letting me share this parallel story on your blog. I needed to vent about the insensitive and ignorant comments people make when they see my German Shepherd dog enjoying life to the fullest. In sllte of the cards dealt to him, he's not ready to give up. He will let me know when it's time. Until then I will stand beside him, protect and live him, but most of all accept him the way he is.<br /><br />I can relate to what you go through, your blog is great and interesting. You are also a very good writer. Thanks for sharing your experiences,thoughts and feelings. Dux Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17725741669095976451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556371561007953336.post-16603492231946288762015-11-14T16:18:47.789-08:002015-11-14T16:18:47.789-08:00I would have told the woman who almost hit you tha...I would have told the woman who almost hit you that she was too old to be driving, and where was her caretaker? To the little girl, I would have said that I WAS having fun, until she came along and spoiled it.<br />I'm not as nice as you are.Miz Kizzlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05650747741395559803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556371561007953336.post-43487055733951675052015-11-05T04:32:30.478-08:002015-11-05T04:32:30.478-08:00Great piece,William!! Great piece,William!! Claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16543116782485633235noreply@blogger.com