Puppy Dog Eyes

black and white photo of Chihuahua
Sweet Sadie

Our sweet Sadie took a tumble yesterday and must’ve landed on her already arthritic back legs.  We’re not sure what happened but one way or another, she ended up on the floor, wandering with a wonky leg.  The pic I’m sharing is from yesterday morning – sweet Sadie nestled in my lap – after her unexpected gymnastics. Even though she can’t talk to us, we knew she was hurting.  Pain was in her eyes. 

We took her to the vet to check her out, explaining when we called that although she’s not ‘voicing’ that she’s hurt, we can see it.  Likely the result of an unintended dismount from our bed.  Good news?  Nothing’s broken.  After a full body massage and evaluation, our dear vet said, “Sadie’s a tough cookie” and while she’ll be achy – on account of her age (she’s 13) – no harm done. Whew.

Still, I feel terrible about how it happened. Our senior girl LOVES the ‘big bed’ (yes – we talk to the dog like she’s a small human).  The ‘big bed’ is our king-sized bed and it’s a reward that Sadie relishes after a long day of, what, exactly?  Napping in the sun?  No matter – the point is that she’s thrilled when it’s ‘big bed time’

Prior to Sadie, we knew nothing about small dogs, Chihuahuas, and burrowing behavior.  Golly, IT IS a thing.  Even when it’s hot and humid, this wonder ball of fur still loves her blankets and lots of them.  Our best guess is that her accident occurred as she got tangled in her beloved blankies and fell overboard – yikes – onto our hardwood floor, softened only by a sisal-like rug. 

While perusing news feed this morning and snuggling Sadie, this sweet resource surfaced, and I melted.  I love when well-timed tidbits FIND US, don’t you?  Yes indeed, puppy dog eyes and this: 

“…our human connection to dogs, cats, and other pets is similar to the bond between a mother and a child. This bond, in part, is formed through oxytocin, the hormone associated with love, attachment, and trust.”

Cuddle muffin Sadie says good morning and reminds us of the power of touch, connection – and the importance of well-landed dismounts, with or without your blankie. 

xo,

Vicki ❤



13 responses to “Puppy Dog Eyes”

  1. An Audience of One Avatar
    An Audience of One

    I’m so sorry to hear of Sadie’s tumble. 🥺😢 Our dog is the same age and I was smiling about the “big bed” because Whistle Britches is the same way. Gets sooo excited when we’re heading to bed. Loved your post and learning about oxytocin. Never knew all that. And… sending well wishes to Sadie for a quick recovery! With lots of snuggles to help with that! 🤍🤍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Whistle Britches??? I LOVE that! What a terrific name! Thanks for the Sadie love — I’ll give her some extra snuggles ‘from Kendra’. xo! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      1. An Audience of One Avatar
        An Audience of One

        Haha! And yes – please do! Be sure to tell her it’s from me! ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Poor Sadie. We’ve all found ourselves in similar situations, dodgy dismounts happen. Blankies and healing hands help.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are right-on about the ‘healing hands’. Our vet has just the right touch. Thanks much, Ally. Hope you have a great day! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I find it amazing how our pets can’t talk to us … but we’re able to build such strong bonds and know when things are not right. They find a way to dig and nestle a spot in our hearts. Interesting read. Sorry to hear about Sadie. Hope she’s improving!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. She IS improving — all snug in (yes) a favorite blanket!
      Thanks, Brian. Big smiles! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    2. And my warm wishes for a speedy recovery to Sadie as well!

      I do find it just awesome “how having pets in our lives can make us better humans” as this short and touching video shows (no audio needed)

      Liked by 2 people

      1. OMG — LOVING this — and WITH the audio, it’s fab, too! Thanks for sharing and xo to you! I’ll go give Sadie some snuggles from you! ❤❤❤

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Ikr? I saw it and I loved it, too!

          And let us know how the healing is progressing?

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Will do — today was a MUCH better day. Moving like her regular arthritic self…which is sweet relief. xo!

            Like

  4. […] sweet senior pup Sadie’s struggling.  Last week she took a tumble (read about it here, if you like) and although she’s mostly a-okay, she’s feeling her age and can’t quite make it […]

    Like

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