Red is looking great, his scabs and sores are gone, he’s gained a pound or two, we’ve been working the sheep every day and he is in fine form. I am always reluctant to share news of any dog’s health issues on the Internet, because it becomes a huge drama to many people, part of the perfect life notion of loving with dogs – they never die, get sick or have any problems if they are well cared for. People demand constant updates, tell me about their Uncle Harry’s dog, remind me that there is veterinary care, scold me for being callous and indifferent for not being upset and preventing it.

But it’s important to do it, to speak against the emotionalizing of dog’s and their lives. Working dogs are out in the world, bumping into things, chasing animals, eating feces. I got a lot of messages advising me that heartworm medications can cure worms and parasites, as if I didn’t know that, and I smile, since Red in on heartworm medications, and of course they do not  prevent all worms or parasites, not even close. Life happens to dogs as well as us, we cannot give them a perfect life, just a good one. Red has a very good life, it will cause him some pain and suffering. That is not a drama, it is life.

I am glad I share this news, though, because it is important to say again and again that real animals live in the real world, not our fantasy world for them. Medicine cannot keep all of life’s dangers a way. Dogs will die, get sick and if they live Red’s life, will be exposed to injury and illness, parasites, bugs and infections.  Red could be kicked by a donkey any day, tear muscles or ligaments, get caught on thorns and wire, get infected by worms and parasites, ever more resistant to popular medications, contrary to  pharmaceutical myth. I don’t want Red to live his life in this neurotic and unrealistic cocoon of expectations, I can’t offer him a life free of illness, injury and pain. I can just be there to help him live his life and treat him as effectively and quickly as I can. And to love him every day.