Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Canine compassion

My dental appointment this morning took three hours. I ended up getting three teeth prepped for crowns instead of two, and impressions made for a bridge to fill in the space where one tooth was removed. (I got temporary crowns and a temporary bridge to hold me over for the two weeks it will take to get the permanent ones back).

The work wasn't too painful, but there was a lot of blood because of having three teeth cut down around the gumline.  I have a headache now, too, which is typical for me whenever I get the numbing shots dentists use. Since I knew the work would take hours and I wouldn't feel great afterward, I took the day off work.

When I got home just now, the dogs were thrilled to see me. George was his typical boisterous, good natured self. He jumped up and down and wagged and ran around in circles in his excitement. Ginger reacted much differently.

As soon as I entered the gate she knew something had happened. I kneeled down to pet her, and she sniffed my mouth very, very carefully and then looked into my eyes with warmth and concern. She's been subdued and by my side ever since.

My Ginger is such a good dog! Intelligent, protective, and full of more compassion than most humans I know. She does her best to take care of us. I love her so much.



21 comments:

  1. So much love to give. Ginger is such a sweet Baboo.
    Some dogs just know.
    I am so glad this part of the mouth work is done !

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. It's uncanny sometimes how much she seems to understand. And she's a great judge of a person's character!

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  2. What a wonderful story. Ginger sounds like such a sweetie ♥

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  3. How come George didn't react in the same way I wonder?

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    1. George isn't nearly as mature as Ginger, and to be honest, Ginger is much smarter. He's a sweet boy, though.

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  4. Your nurse dog.
    Bless her.
    Now rest and heal.

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    1. When my husband was undergoing cancer treatment, she was his nurse dog. I knew I was leaving him in good hands (paws) whenever I went to work. They really bonded tight in those days!

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  5. May I borrow Ginger please?
    Wow Jennifer, three hours in one sit at a dental appointment is a very long time. Feel well soon.
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. It WAS a long sit. I'm glad it's done.

      You would love Ginger. She's a wise old soul in a dog's body!

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  6. Some dogs just have a phenomenal level of empathy and understanding. You will be so relieved when all that dental work is finally complete.

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    1. She knew something was up before I left the house this morning. I was dreading the dentist, and Gregg walked me to my car asking if I was sure I didn't want a lift. Ginger hovered around us looking at both our faces, searchingly, as if she was thinking, "Uh oh...what's wrong?" She's more like another human adult than a dog, really.

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  7. Isn't that interesting that Ginger picked up that all was not well with you. I am sure dogs have empathy.

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    1. Ginger's empathy and level of comprehension amaze us daily. She's become that ideal older dog, a perfectly behaved, highly intelligent person-dog.

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  8. So sorry about the dental work and unpleasant recovery. Ginger is amazing. It's fascinating how some animals ... and sometimes even some people ... are so sensitive to changes and the needs of others.

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    1. The stories I could tell about that dog--sometimes I feel that I don't talk about her enough here on the blog. George is so boisterous and goofy - sweet that I think I probably post about him more often simply because he's entertaining. But Ginger deserves a huge shout out for being such an outstanding dog!

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  9. Crikey ..... how good are George and Ginger, aye?? I always know when Mom's crook too. I sit on her so she can't do anything. Do you think I'm a big help? I think I am. Mum hopes you are feeling better now. She hates dentists. They scare the living daylights out of her.

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    1. Charlie, I think you are probably a TREMENDOUS help! Ginger likes to sit on my feet and lean back against my legs if either of us is nervous. Whatever comes, we're sticking close together! 💕

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  10. My first ever dog (Hamlet) was a shaggy version of Ginger. A more intelligent and caring dog would be difficult to find. Ginger looks lovely.

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  11. Ginger is very special - she fits you and Gregg, as you are special, too!
    My old cat Mimi (I raised her from when she was 12 weeks old and had her until she was 17) was a bit like that. She always knew when I wasn't feeling well, and "took care" of me.

    Did you really have to take the day off? Wouldn't something like that qualify for sick leave? I mean, even the medication alone should be enough to make you unfit for driving, for instance.

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  12. I would love to hear more about your dogs. Ginger is beautiful and has a very intelligent look in her eyes. I don't think my schnauzer would win any prizes for empathy, but he is gorgeous all the same! I still miss my first dog . He was very much MY dog, from the day we first had him aged around 5 and I was only remembering yesterday , how if he knew I was only going to buy the newspaper, he would watch me go down the drive from the window, and still be there 5 minutes later when I returned. He lived to the grand old age of around 16 albeit very deaf, and had cataracts towards the end.

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