Bloganuary: Jan. 14, 2022

Today’s prompt:

Write about a challenge you faced and overcame.

As I sit in the waiting room of the emergency vet, I can’t help but think of the last time I was here. You know, all of 2 weeks ago.

Before I recount the trouble of the fortnight past, I’ll let you know that I’m at the vet today, mainly to assuage my anxiety, as Toby is having some bowel difficulties. His vitals are good, as are his appetite and demeanor. It’s just me, looking for reassurance that he’s ok.

The big challenge for me was a few days after Christmas. After a year of not snooping around, Toby seems to have figured out that the items on tables and counters are at his disposal. Regardless of how edible things are, he’s finding joy in ingesting them. One such item was a bag of brown rice. Uncooked, of course.

How the heck that was appetizing in way still boggles my mind. I can’t imagine it smelled good to him. I just have to assume that it was something for him to simply try. I found the ripped plastic and a scattering of grains when I returned home from my short trip to the grocery store.

Had he eaten any of it? How much rice was in the bag? Dogs eat rice, so it’s fine, right?

I honestly didn’t think anything of it. He had eaten 4 beefsteak tomatoes 5 days prior, and that was ok. He ate a plantain, and that was ok. I figured, this would be ok, too.

Well, it wasn’t ok. For those who don’t know, uncooked grains can be very dangerous for dogs, so get them a vet ASAP. Toby started throwing up rice at 11 that night. Then again at midnight, 3am, 5am, 6:30am, and 8:30am. Each time, I thought that that would have to be the last of it. Each time, I was wrong.

I went to the ER vet, and they hooked him up to fluids to make sure he remained well hydrated. They took x-rays to see if and where any rice remained in his system (which there was in his intestines). He was admitted and spent the next 20 hours in their care. After a morning enema, he was cleared to return home.

Thankfully, Toby survived the ordeal, and he’s back to being his quirky self. I, on the other hand, obviously still have some challenges to overcome. I can tell I lack the confidence I once had, when it comes to taking care of him. On days like today, waiting to talk with the doctor to see if Toby’s ok, I question whether I’m cut out to be a dog mom. But, deep down, I know that’s my anxiety talking, and after I catch up on sleep, I’ll feel better.

I guess that’s what it’s all about: do everything possible to keep Toby safe, and when the inevitable challenges arise, tackle them as best I can, and overcome.