Changes

It may be my imagination but I think I am starting to see some subtle changes in Bella.  Yesterday I noticed that her stool was a bit looser than normal.  Dr. Wonders mentioned that diarrhea was a possible side effect of the Predisone.  I am also seeing a change in her breathing.  It seems more labored at times...like she can't quite catch her breath.  A few days ago Sherry said she thought Bella was struggling to breath and sounded like she was trying to clear her throat.  Otherwise she's acting pretty normal.  Still eating and drinking normally and still retrieving tennis balls.

If you watch this video you can see her rapid, shallow breathing.

Today was a decent day for Bella.  The Kubota dealer came to pick up our tractor for service and Bella and I walked to the barn to meet the driver.  Bella brought a rock to me and dropped it at my feet.  The driver watch me throw the rock for her to retrieve and was amazed that she could bring back the same rock over and over.  He said, "She must be able to smell it".  That seemed like a massive statement of the obvious, but I guess if you haven't been around bird dogs, it must seem like a bit of magic.

This morning Bella came to my office and sat beside my desk, trolling me to pet her.  I obliged her and leaned down to kiss the top of her head.  Her musty smell, earned through doing everyday dog things, greeted me.  I wish I could bottle that smell and save it for those times, coming soon enough, when she's gone and I am missing her.  I wish I could bag her loose hairs that are everywhere in the house and that will eventually be vacuumed away forever. But as sure as the sun rise itself, eventually all physical traces of my sweet girl will be washed away and I'll be left with nothing but memories.