Luke's Best Friend

Lukes Best Friend

As I've mentioned before, our cat is Luke's best friend. They spend the day together.

She adores him, and vice versa.

Here she is, keeping an eye on things from the balcony.

This was a Tough Day

This was a Tough Day

We had a follow up visit today with the Veternary Surgeon that originally repaired Luke's damaged ACL, and the news was not what we wanted to hear. Our surgeon advised that the earlier procedure had failed and Luke must have additional surgery.

I learned today that the procedure to repair a torn ACL involves resecuring the tendon ends with a filament type line that is double clamped to hold it tight. The filament resembles the kind of high test line used in deep sea fishing. It sounds primitive, but this is how it's done.

The photo above was taken after Luke's first surgery. According to our Vet, the upcoming procedure won't be as invasive and will not require as long of an incision.

I think about the little aches and pains I complain about daily, and then I realize the discomfort this poor animal has endured. Inspite of this, he wags that tail and is always ready to play.

I need to keep this in mind next time I catch myself whining about something.

Can Dogs Smile?

Can Dogs Smile?

Sure they can. Dogs show happiness through a number of ways. A wagging tail. Playful energy. An open mouth and bright eyes. These are just a few of the ways to know you have a happy animal.

Ever had a Prayer Answered?

If you've read any of this blog, you can't help but realize how much this dog means to me. Luke came into my life from two good friends when he was about 7 years old. I instantly felt a bond with this animal that words can't describe. And while I've loved every animal that God has blessed me with, my old "Lukey Boy" is truly something special.

As Luke and I get older and our hair gets whiter, I can't help but think about how to make the most of the remaining years we have together. None of us know just how long we'll be on earth, but it's likely that Luke will get to heaven before I do. Sometimes when it's just the two of us, I'll tell him "Luke, just promise me you'll live one day longer than I do."

I've often wondered about Luke's younger years, and wished I could have known him as a puppy.

I guess God heard my thoughts.

Out of the blue, Luke's former owner came to see me recently and asked me if I'd like to have several old VHS tapes that he'd saved from 1997 when Luke was 1 year old. These tapes were taken of Luke when he was a puppy, and you can literally see him learning, growing and getting bigger as you watch each tape. Lukes loving characteristics and his "desire to please" are clearly evident in these decade old tapes.

For me, watching these tapes is like being able to step back in time.

It's like having my prayers answered.

Goin' for a ride

Time for a Ride

Me and my main man have been falling behind on our riding time. It's harder for Luke to get in and out of my SUV, and harder for me to pick him up and lift him in. Once he's in though, riding around with the window down and his head out the window is one of his favorite activities. He especially gets excited when people in other cars talk and wave to him, and tell him how beautiful he is.