Nurse Roxie

I had a bout with some sort of virus that included a sore throat lasting over a week. That's a tough order for someone in a profession that requires a lot of talking.  After working the whole week, I finally broke down and took last Friday off for rest and recuperation. It felt wonderful, even though I felt less than 50%, to lounge around in my jammies and sip tea with honey. 

It is during these times, when I am visually at my worst and physically weakened, that I truly appreciate the companionship of my doggies, Roxie and Bentley. Both of these dogs are in no way as super cool as my Hardy was, but they both deserve honorable mention for lying around in bed with me, keeping me company as I dealt with the blahs. The best moment happened when I was awakened by my scratchy throat rattle as I unsucessfully tried to sleep in, finally deciding to get up at around 6 a.m.  I placed both feet on the floor, and felt the warmth of where my Roxie had slept all night next to the bed. 

Once my feet were on the floor, she quietly moved toward the door to get out of my way. I got up and ungracefully stumbled out the bedroom door with a moan. Being careful to stay out of my way, she walked politely by my side, and we worked our way down the stairs and into the kitchen. I'm not sure which behavior comforted me more: the warmth of her body next to my bed (that told me she was there by my side for most of the night), or how she carefully walked with me as I went downstairs. In any case, it reminded me how much I value the loyalty and companionship of a dog. I hope every animal lover gets a chance to feel it too someday.