Alayne took this photo of me removing the sutures from Carmel's eyes this morning. Carmel had gone blind from a corneal dystrophy that destroyed the corneas in both eyes. The condition was extremely painful. After consulting with a number of veterinary ophthalmologists, our vet Dr. Brenda Culver learned there was nothing we could do to eliminate the pain but remove her eyes. The operation was a couple of weeks ago.
After coming home from the hospital, she's become a different dog. She is playful, carefree, and clearly enjoying being pain-free for the first time in a long time. Before, she would walk around the house, blinking and cringing because she was afraid she was going to bump into something with her throbbing eyes. Now she bounces up and down and twirls, and she doesn't worry about it any longer!
There's something else that's different about her, too. Our suspicions are growing that she has decided to become my minion -- my second one, after Ellie May! She has started following me around everywhere, and hanging out in my office when I'm in here -- often curled up right next to Ellie May on a dog bed. Alayne reports that Carmel now gets upset when I leave the house and she's left behind inside. (Carmel must have realized early on that the minion-quota for Alayne was already way oversubscribed by Dachshunds and other assorted camp-followers and now exceeded safe levels.)
I suspected something was going on because of what Carmel had started doing these past few evenings. After dinner I often sit down in a comfortable chair in the living room with my laptop to get some more work done. Carmel has started coming over, standing up on her hind legs with her front feet on the chair, and tries to climb into my lap. Now, there just isn't enough room for both laptop and Beagle on one lap, so I had to choose: computer or dog. Carmel thought the choice was a clear and simple one. So yes, I'd set the laptop aside and scoop up the Beagle for some loving.
Speaking of blind Beagles, look who was sleeping on the couch next to us while I was removing Carmel's sutures (do you think Widget looks comfortable enough?):
When ya got it, ya got it. If you figure out what it is that ya got, bottle it and sell it to the rest of us. I don't have a minion unless I've been gone a few days or have chicken on my dinner plate.
Posted by: Mircat | July 15, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I am so glad she is not in pain anymore. That she is playful and full of life. I am excited that she has found a you.You are special people and I can never thank you enough for all you do.
Posted by: Kathy Soden | July 15, 2008 at 07:06 AM
I'm so glad to hear that Carmel is doing so well, pain free and full of fun! We all need a few minions in our lives. A "lapdog" is much better than a laptop in my book. Hugs to everyone at RDR!
Posted by: Shelli Smith | July 14, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Frankly, I'm surprised you don't have 40 dogs following you around at all times.
Posted by: Kelly Luchtman | July 14, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Aw poor baby... happy to hear she is pain free and enjoying her life again!!!
Posted by: Daethian | July 14, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I can only imagine how painful Carmel's eyes were; I'm thrilled she's dancing around and is able to show off her real personality!
Widget is probably waiting for Mr. Caterpillar to move so she can pounce and play with him...she's not really sleeping. : )
Posted by: Boundforglory | July 14, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Well, you know Steve, every rock star needs his own entourage...looks like you're building a great one! Hooray for no more pain.
Posted by: Debbie | July 14, 2008 at 05:32 AM
It's a good thing Ellie May seems to be willing to share you, Steve, with a second minion!:-)
I'm so happy to hear that Carmel is finally pain-free and enjoying life to the fullest.
And Widget certainly knows how to pick a *very* comfy spot for a nap...;-)
A huge hug to you all.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | July 14, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Carmel is such a sweetie pie and now we know she has good taste too! We can't wait to see her again on our next visit to RDR!! Thank you for always doing what is best for these creatures!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | July 14, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Carmel is such a sweetie pie and now we know she has good taste too! We can't wait to see her again on our next visit to RDR!! Thank you for always doing what is best for these creatures!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | July 14, 2008 at 12:11 AM
You are so wonderful & Carmel adores you for helping her become pain free. I love to hear that she is jumping & twirling around. Oh yes, a lapdog is so much better than a laptop. What a ruff life for little Widget, another pillow, please!
Posted by: Colleen - San Antonio TX | July 13, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I'm so happy that Carmel is pain free at last :O)
Widget has such a tough life!
Posted by: Sarah NZ | July 13, 2008 at 08:49 PM
I'm thrilled that Carmel is such a happy dog now that she's free of pain! As far as she's concerned, you were the magician that made that horrible stuff go away, no wonder she is head over heals for you! Now would someone please get Widget some cushions? That poor girl is going to get a bedsore!
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit--who brought me a baby snake Saturday morning while I was asleep
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | July 13, 2008 at 07:18 PM
You look so comfortable doing that, Steve. Once again, bless you for taking care of these guys.
Another minion, too!
Posted by: Kay Stemnock | July 13, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Yay, Steve! TWO minions for you! Congrats! :)
I love how in most of your shots there is a dog (or two) snoozing away in the background. So cute :)
Posted by: Kristen D. | July 13, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Congratulations on getting another minion, Steve! It's about time. :D Yay for Carmel and her vast improvement! I'm happy for her. Now if someone would just get a few more cushions for Widget back there, maybe she'd be comfortable. ;D
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 13, 2008 at 03:45 PM