There isn’t much I can do for Red now. He is almost totally blind, and if he moves too quickly or in the wrong way, he drops suddenly to the group and can’t move. The sheep are not only ignoring him, they are beginning to butt him and try to drive him away, as they do other sick animals.
Sheep have amazing instincts for the health of other animals, something their lives often depend on, they tell me the truth how Red really is..
He’s going to get more acupuncture treatment on Monday, and we have anti-inflammatory medication if the pain is too great. But Red is failing quite visibly, and there is nothing much else for me or anyone to do. I believe in the faith of radical acceptance, I respect life. And death.
I’m not going to keep Red alive for me, only for him.
One thing I can do is stand with him as we look out at the sheep, grazing in the rear pasture. I can see that Red loves doing this, it connects him him to his work, to me, and to his life. He is most at ease when I am standing alongside of him, he gets restless and uneasy when I am not close.
So this is something I can do to preserve his pride, dignity and peace of mind. To bring him comfort.
As long as I am with him, and he knows where the sheep are, and can sense or see them in some form, he is at peace.
It is something I look forward to every morning, it is healing for me as well to be able to do this for him.
Another stunning picture.
I would love to do this picture in watercolor. Would you give permission to use your work? I respect your work greatly
Of course, Mary, all of my photos are open to painting or other use..I don’t copyright or bookmark my pictures, I see the all as angels sailing out into the world..I might sell this one..
If it turns out well, I’ll share it with you. Definitely sell that pic. It tells such a story. It calls to me.
I have a 15 year old black lab named Bella. We got her as an 8 week old pup. Her favorite thing in the world is to retrieve her squeaky duck that I’ll throw in the pool. She will retrieve it for hours. She is having a hard time getting up now and sometimes messes herself. She eats less and less and sleeps a lot. The little dachshunds run around her and knock her down, like fighter planes swarming on a wounded bomber in a WWII film. She has a hard time getting back up and getting up and down the stairs. There is no way she can jump in the pool this year. But I am bound and determined to get her in and give her a last swim this year. She looks at me by the pool the same way you described Red looking at you with the sheep. I dread the day that it’s her time but I know she will let me know by telling me with those same eyes.
How d is Red now? What an amazing dog he is ?
You are such a wonderful friend to Red. You are giving the most humane and loving care to him. Enjoy this time together. ☮️❤️?
What a beautiful photo. Beyond its beauty, it speaks of the loyalty and love between you two. So touching…brought tears to my eyes. You have over and over and gradually redefined what work is for Red in his current and changing state…I feel his gratitude and yours. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Pam, lovely message..
I want to express as well my own gratitude to you for sharing so much of Red and your relationship with Red with your readers. A remarkable dog and relationship!