Story: I get by with a little help from my friends
TweetAt any given moment on any given day, one is likely to find me surrounded by members of my posse. The animals of the house tend to follow me from room to room, sprawling across floor, desk, and lap.
The company of my furry family members is always welcome, but never more so than when I’m sick or hurting. Last Tuesday, I had surgery to repair a torn tendon in my arm. Technically, it was to fix tennis elbow–a tad ironic since I don’t play tennis.
The surgery was done in a surgical center so I was home the same day. I was greeted at the door by all the cats and dogs, who then proceeded to sniff-inspect every inch of my body, paying particular attention to the area that was affected. Exhausted, I crawled into bed and was soon surrounded.
Over the past week as I start to heal, I’ve spent a lot of time with my dogs and cats. It’s been an incredible challenge to write, as my left arm is essentially useless, and I’m not allowed to type until the surgeon gives me the okay. Thus, I am relying on the dictation tool that comes with the Macintosh operating system. It is a whole new way to think, and to write. But my muses are with me all the time, purring, snuggling and generally making it all worthwhile.
Here’s how my friends are helping me with my recovery. (Please forgive the short post, and the possibly poorly written content. It’s a challenging adjustment to learn how to dictate instead of type.)
There are many combinations of animals sharing my bed, as I spend a lot of time resting and recovering. Dawn likes to take up her post on my lap, and often there’s at least one other cat or dog on the bed as well.
Athena takes her post at the corner, Dawn hangs out on my lap and Tucker keeps a safe distance.
Calvin and Tucker
Sometimes Tucker uses Jasper as his pillow.
“He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother.”
Often, all three dogs will share the bed.
The cats visit from time to time, scattering if one of the dogs barks–because if one dog barks, all dogs bark and everyone has to go investigate..
Jasper, is there room for Calvin?
Some folks sent me an edible arrangement and a balloon to help cheer me up. Elsa Clair is fascinated by the balloon.
Must have shiny floaty object.
The balloon intrigued all of the cats. Curly ribbon floating through the air was just too interesting.
Three cats, one balloon string
My daughter, Corinne, came from Brooklyn to stay with me and to help. We were all amused by the cats as they played with the balloon ribbon.
Athena plays with the string, while Elsa Clair supervises, Calvin watches from under the coffee table, and Corinne is amused.
Everyone kept an eye on me–whether I was in bed…
I’m watching you.
… or on the couch in the family room…
Just making sure you’re okay.
… or resting in the living room.
Athena, on my lap, keeps a close watch, purring.
Best medicine there is. I get by with a little help from my friends.
How do your pets help you when you’re under the weather?
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Mr. N is a little more calm when I’m sick but he still wants his walks anyway!
Oh, nothing gets in the way of walkies! Luckily we can play in the backyard and my right arm works well enough to throw a ball.
I recently had two surgeries within a week of each other and was worried my dogs (especially my agility/herding dog) would be going nuts but they just napped with me the whole time, it was so sweet! Hope you feel better soon!
Thank you. I think the hardest part is the mental aspect of having to figure out how to do everything with one arm, including writing.
OH dear – can’t imagine trying to write a blog when you can’t write! Hope you are better soon. In the meantime, the photos are great. Dogs and cats make such good nurses don’t they…if only they could cook for you.
You are right. They do make the best nurses. And they are great for rehab too. I’m supposed to use my arm in a limited manner, and petting a dog or a cat is perfect therapy. 🙂
Seriously love that ‘I’m watching you pic’ … so cute.
You have one big pet family 😉
Thank you! With three dogs and four cats, there’s always a story somewhere. Best entertainment ever.
It’s good to have friends especially such supportive and caring ones. Here’s to a speedy recovery!
p.s. Your pictures are great!!
Aw, thanks! With a little help from my friends, I’m sure I will get well fast.
Cinnamon says: “How do I make friends with cats?”
Walk softly and let them snuggle. Cats like warm!
Sorry you had to have surgery, but it sure sounds like you have a great nursing staff at home. Hope you have a rapid and complete recovery.
Thanks! They’re the best!
Such wonderful pets 🙂 Recover well!
What a pawsome team of caregivers!! I hope you’re feeling better now! That fruit looks yummy!
Wags to all,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
Thanks! They certainly helped me heal.