It is with great sadness that I tell you about Radar, sweet Radar. After a particularly awful Monday night, we took Radar to the vet for chest x-rays. Pictures of his chest revealed so much "stuff" that we had no other humane option but to have him euthanized. The last four months have been filled with unlinkable symptoms that have left us scratching our heads in confusion. Nothing seemed to connect. This sweet dog didn't even exhibit lung issues until 6 days ago, yet this was the telling sign. For the sake of putting questions to rest, we all agreed that an autopsy was necessary. What David (our vet) found was a 64lb body that was riddled with cancer....specifically his lungs, spleen, and extensive tissue within his abdomen. I can only assume that he must have had neuro and osteo involvement as well, given the extent of the cancer and his symptoms. How he managed to have good days (including swimming in the pond 6 days ago) is beyond all of our comprehension. What a trooper, ambassador, therapist and tender sweet friend we have lost. As he was the official greeter to all at Ararat Acres, I can be pretty sure that he has assumed that position at the pearly gates.
He was "The Love Radar". He loved all, and he was loved by all.
As I type, Radar is laboring away, grabbing breaths. We have an appointment at the vet this afternoon for x-rays. I am not looking forward to what we will most likely find. My greatest concern is that we do not cause him to live the remainder of his life with extraordinary pain and discomfort. Maybe God needs another good dog up there sometime soon? If so, I am willing to share.....hard as that may be.
God means for us to enjoy all that he has entrusted to us. But stewardship isn't always fun and games, nor is it for the faint of heart or spirit. We should feel obligated and grateful to have the opportunity to be good stewards of what has been given to us, whether that be children, inanimate possessions, land, or animals. Several old testament books in the Bible, including Leviticus and Deuteronomy, are not horribly interesting in that there are no great stories about David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah, or Solomon's great temple. However, there are tremendous amounts of information regarding how we should act in all aspects of our lives. Not surprisingly, God often includes treatment of the animals and land that we have been entrusted. We know now (thousands of years later) His reasons for including crop rotations, preserving the balance of animal populations, and the proper handling of body fluids into his "manual of life".....although I'm sure back in 1500BC, the Israelites were scratching their heads trying to figure out exactly why God thought such things were important.
Here is part of a brief article from a Christian magazine, Creation Care : God is concerned about more than plants and dirt. He is also an avid animal lover. When the Israelites were enjoying an all-inclusive wilderness vacation, God oddly asks Moses to preserve the balance in animal populations, to be a "game warden of sorts". Job and Deuteronomy reveal a respect and admiration for animals we often overlook. Psalm 50:10-11 reminds us to whom the animals belong: "For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the bird of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine." God says, "I have created and care for the animals. They are good." Proverbs 12:10 puts it in simple terms: "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animals." Solomon says that a person of character and righteousness- someone who reflects God's heart- should also be compassionate towards animals. This is actually an excerpt from the book, Green like God, by Jonathan Merritt. It is newly available on Amazon, and hopefully, I will be able to find a copy and read it someday.....the reviews on Amazon are all "thumb's up".
We can't save them all here at Ararat Acres, but we can make a difference in the lives for whom we have been entrusted to care.
I do not see many of you on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis. This blog, emails, or perhaps an occasional phone call are all you know of my daily life. It's not much, I know. You get what I'm able to put on "paper", but certainly you miss the nuances of living as "Liz and Charlie" on a farm full of animals who have definitive personalities and feelings. You don't see the day to day "living" that goes on here. Only a snapshot. I sometimes wish my camera was rolling 24/7 so you could really understand "us". To be sure, there is a lot of living, dying, birth and new growth going on at Ararat Acres. I mean this physically, metaphorically, and emotionally.
I give you a snapshot of events. But as Paul Harvey would say, "What about the rest of the stories?".
2009- Pain and Provision - We continue to ride the wave of uncertainty in 2010. Charlie is still unemployed and the construction industry is still stagnant in the Dallas area (regardless of what the government reports on an improved economy) . My job, on many days, is vampire-like in its ability to suck the life out of me, although I am extraordinarily aware of, and thankful to have a job. Let's just say it's a love/hate relationship right now. I am praying for improvements. Charlie is (as I type this) in New Mexico, taking a certification course that will enable him to be a mediator/arbiter for construction disputes. I believe he will be of good service to both sides in disputes as an open-minded, fair, knowledgeable, and Christian mediator. He definitely has the personality to do a good job. We are hoping that this will provide additional avenues for possible employment here in this area. I worry that, should this employment drought last much longer, my sweet husband will feel compelled to find work outside the area. Although we've done it before, the prospect is less than appealing (on many levels) to this working inside, outside, AND around the home, farm girl. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to work thru this time in our lives.
Radar Report 2010- Radar continues to amaze and baffle us (and our vet). We've nicknamed him "The Comeback Kid". He has had a handful of serious health events since February, and each time he has rebounded. He has been tested for just about every disease and ailment known to dog-dom, and all are negative. To date, we have narrowed the possible cause for his mysterious malady, and we believe he is suffering from a neuritis that is secondary to a meningitis like infection. We do not know 100% for sure that this diagnosis is accurate, but it is, at least, making sense. He is on a tapered regimen of steroids, and is feeling well enough to swim in the pond and roll in horse poop. That means he feels pretty good (today) in a dog's world.
If you are reading this, and you think to yourself "why would you spend so much time, energy, and money...which you are not loaded with at this minute", you clearly do not know myself or Charlie well. This was (insensitively, I might add) directed at us a few nights ago on a phone call from someone whom I'm sure doesn't read this blog. I was literally speechless. Yes, we know that animals are not people. Yes, although we love our animals, we do know that a human's life is even more important. Yes, our funds are tight right now. Yes, I am realistic on how far we could go in treating the ailment of an animal (read: no organ transplant or chemo for cancer, etc). And yes, regardless of your beliefs.....we believe that God wants us to care for, and be responsible for the animals we have been charged with.
Proverbs 12:10- A righteous man cares for the needs of his animals.
I also believe there is something to the fact that while God found it necessary to end most of human life on earth with the flood, he clearly felt that the species of the earth were worth saving for a new generation of humans.
Almost all of our animals are in our care at Ararat Acres because someone else did not feel it was their responsibility to care for them. They were the dumped, the discarded, and the unwanted. We will not let them down.
What I've learned as a former Biblio-maniac 2010 So, Easter came and went. I did not go out and splurge on books galore the day after Easter. No friends....... I have learned moderation, and I can actually walk into a store, peruse the book section, and NOT buy a book (or even drool). It has been 4 weeks since Easter, and I have only bought one, (on sale) book for myself. I have since bought several books as gifts, but the gifts needed buying anyway, and I am a big giver of books, as I think EVERYONE should love to read :). Just thought ya'll would like to know that while this is one habit that doesn't deserve to be kicked, it did need a little help, and I am woman enough to own up to my weaknesses :).
I think this post is long enough, so I'll stop now. However, if you ever want to know "The Rest of the Story" on a future post, please feel free to shoot me an email, and I will be happy to oblige.
and a good looking Farmhand (who also happen to be married to said blogger).
I love my place of peace, my piece of place. Surrounded by these special things created by God. It is where I belong, and where I long to be when I'm not.
I wish it weren't true. It is. We have a terrorist on site. He has infiltrated the ranks at Ararat Acres. And now damage, destruction, and mayhem abounds. If he weren't so darn cute, I think I'd beat him (just kidding PETA!). Leo the Wonder Kitty has struck again. TWICE I have planted my spring garden in little peat pots.
The second time, I thought I learned my lesson, and I planted them WITH PROTECTION. Charlie and I both thought my little pots would be safe from a wanton kitty cat. I should have known better. He was showing way toomuch interest to my initial planting process.
This morning, I went out to check on my pots, and I was met with this: (and yes, there are supposed to be dirt, seeds, and seed markers in the aforementioned pots).
I think I need to plant some catnip for a hyperactive cat.... maybe a little herbal "medicinal weed" for my sweet little (appearing to be contrite) kitty? Contrite my foot, I think he's planning his next terrorist event. Look out world!
I love books. I.LOVE.BOOKS. This past week I found myself lusting for books (and I was only at SAMS). My heart was beating a bit faster, and I was definitely salivating. Did I say that I love books? Perhaps this stems from growing up without a TV. If so, do I thank my parents, or should I, in some odd way, feel a little cursed?
I actually didn't even realize that I had this problem, until I participated in our most recent women's Bible study at church. On the first day, we were encouraged to give up something that we love. I can't give up Charlie. I won't give up my animals (also family members). Ooooooooooooo.....don't ask me to do this. I put my pinkie toe in the water. I hear a voice. "Just do it". I close my eyes and dive in. No buying of books thru Easter. There, I said it.
The following week, others share about what they have decided to give up. I keep my mouth shut because:
A) they will probably laugh,
B) they would probably not understand how hard of a proposition this is.... and,
C) what if I can't keep this commitment? (and I pride myself on keeping commitments).
Aside from animals, books are my Achille's heel. They are to me what shoes and purses are to some other women. It is darn hard for me to walk past a bookstore without going in. Once I'm inside, I am mere putty. So many choices. Time stops, and the books are calling my name.
I love the heft of a book; the smell, even of a musty old one; the feel of the pages. History. Fiction. Non-fiction. Educational.Big books. Little books. I don't understand how anyone could forgo the "experience" of a book for The Kindle (a sacrilege to a true bibliophile). The characters in books (both fiction and nonfiction) become friends, and I am often sad to see a book end. I probably should have been a librarian instead of a pharmacist :). I am in awe of truly gifted writers and their abilities to make the words come alive on a page.
Last week, I broke down and told Charlie what I had committed to do. He laughed at me, because he DOES know how much I love books. He has frequently said he can trust me in any store (because I am Miss Frugal), except in a bookstore. I suppose there are worse addictions.
This has been an eye opening event for me. I knew I loved books, but I honestly thought I "had 'IT' under control". When I was in SAMS, it had been a month since I'd bought a book, and I think DT's had set in. I picked up about a dozen books on display. I ran my hands across the covers. I thought about all the friends hiding between the pages. I even read the back flaps. I was so close. I almost put one book in my cart. But then, I heard that voice: "You promised". I put the book back on the shelf, backed away, and wiped the drool from my face, with the realization that I do have a little problem exercising control when it comes to buying books. Maybe after Easter, I thought, bidding farewell to my future little friends.
I post all of this with humor, but unfortunately, it rings true to anything that grips us somewhere in our lives....whether that be the internet, our cell phones, food, etc......or books. I have discovered that even a "healthy thing" like being a book lover, can become unhealthy when you feel compelled to own every book that catches your fancy.
So, for now, I look forward to Easter, for many reasons. But in the meantime, does it count if someone loans me a book? :)
This is a tale with a happy ending. Radar is one of our foundlings. He is a Highway 121 dog. A dump. Your fairly common typical lab mix. He initially was a rescue back in 2000, and we almost found a home for him several times. Each time, the placement home fell thru, and we grew a bit more attached to his lovable, doting, intensely loyal, intelligent, unwavering steadfast personality. He is typical, but he is not. We almost lost him on Febuary 7th. Charlie called me at work on Friday. Radar was not feeling well. His symptoms: not eating, lethargic, and trembling. I advised him to drop whatever he was doing, and to take him to the vet immediately. I am not an alarmist, but I do know my animals, and I know when something is very wrong, even over the phone. Radar is stoic. He rarely shows discomfort, is never short on energy, and he NEVER turns away food. Trembling would mean either intense pain or some sort of muscle spasms. Our vet, David, was very concerned. He admitted him, and started him on fluids, antibiotics, pain medication, an anti-emetic, and began the methodical process of eliminating what it was NOT, in an attempt to try to determine what exactly "it" was. Over the next 2 days, Radar was xrayed, sonogrammed, and tested for just about every possible malady known to dog-dom. Nothing matched his symptoms, and things were getting worse. Additionally, for some reason, he was producing no urine, indicating that his kidneys were ceasing to function properly. Our poor boy's cells were literally drowning in their excess fluid, and his electrolytes were starting to swing wildly. David told us all of this on a late Saturday evening phone call. David knows us well, and he knows how much we love our animal family. He also knows we are stable, logical, and educated in the ways of the animal health. Because of this, he is always honest and forthright,even when the news is not positive. This call was not a good one. He indicated that if there was not improvement by Sunday, we would be needing to think about ending Radar's trauma. We ended the call with the understanding that he would be in touch with us if any changes should occur, good or bad. Charlie and I were in shock. Literally, not 48hrs prior, Radar had been his normal happy self. We both spent a very restless night thinking about our sweet dog, and praying that he would make it thru the night. Sunday morning, we had not heard yet from David, so we headed to church. It was my day to work in the nursery for the early service, but truthfully, I really wanted to be up at the vet clinic sitting with Radar. I didn't much feel like being where I was at that moment. One of my friends came by the nursery and very innocently asked how everything was going. I'm sure she meant on "the nursery level", and didn't expect the copious tears that came with my explanation of Radar's dire predicament. Cynda, my nursery partner and dear friend, immediately came to my side and said, "We are going to pray for Radar, right now." And she did. Aloud. .....I cannot remember the exact prayer, but it was beautiful, and it was heartfelt, and I knew that she was not just praying for me, but was also lifting Radar up for a healing of the heavenly variety. It was a prayer that calmed my heart.
It is sometimes lonely to be the "to the core of my being" animal lover that I am, because I know not everyone shares my closeness with the beasts of the world, and I don't expect people to really understand my feelings of grief when an animal is in danger or pain. I know and understand that people and animals are on a different plane of existence, but that doesn't mean that animals do not have feelings and true needs that deserve to be met. Basic needs such as food, shelter, water, and yes, love. Proverbs 12:10 says, "A wise man cares for the needs of his animals." Biblically, I believe that we are going to have to answer to God some day for all that we have been given stewardship. This includes how we treat creatures that belong to us, and also those that we see being treated inhumanely......but do nothing about. If the word of God states (more than once) that He cares for the sparrows, why would he not care for the dogs, cats, chickens, cows, horses, etc? Anyway, I digress...sorry about that! :). Back to my story............
Well, we wrapped up the morning in the nursery, and I headed out to go to the second service with Charlie. My cell phone rang. It was David. He said, "Well, I'm not quite sure what happened, but Radar is suddenly acting like he feels better. I did not expect him to make it thru the night last night, and when I came back this morning, he didn't look any better. However, he just peed. ALOT. I re-ran the tests, and already his BUN and creatinine levels are decreasing. I think he's going to make it." You can bet I hopped in the truck and headed up to the clinic to see our recovering boy. I missed church, but I think God understood.
As I write this, 3 weeks after the event, Radar is fine. We ran more precautionary tests on him, but everything came back normal. 2 days after he nearly died, he was completely back to his old self. David has no explanations as to what went wrong or why. I'm ok with that. He also has no explanation as to why Radar recovered so rapidly. I do. Prayer......it works. Even for a dog.
