A Lucky Star

His coughing is getting worse. His lungs are congested, he hacks up phlegm and despite his efforts to play his favorite game of tug of war, a coughing spell consumes him in a matter of minutes.

We understand there isn't a cure for his ailments, it's just part of his condition so our goal is to make him as comfortable as possible. Through trial and error, the veterinarian finally found a medication which offers him temporary relief.  When his prescription ran out, I brought him to the clinic for an over all check and a blood test to see how his vitals are tolerating the medication.

As the vet examined Archie, he tenderly stroked his head and looked into his blind hollow eyes and told him how he fell under a lucky star. He proceeded to say not many people would give him the care he needed.

I was over come with emotion listening to the vet talk to my dog and, while holding back my tears,  I was thinking we are the ones who were blessed with the lucky star when Archie came into our lives.

We had no idea what lay ahead when we brought our Archie home 5 years ago. He seemed like any other playful puppy until his health began to spiral downward.  Through test, X-rays, medications and more vet visits than any dog should ever encounter, Archie has kept his crooked arthritic tail wagging. He bays loudly at dinner time, finds mischief around every corner, wrestles with his mates, destuffs a toy in a matter of minutes, and brings you his rope for a game of tug-of-war.

Not only is he a joy to have around, he's proven a happy, exuberant, positive attitude  can trump failing health.

 When he gets disoriented and bumps into a wall or door or whatever is in his path, he shakes his head and presses forward until he reaches his destination. He'll seek you out, put his head in your lap, lay on your feet, hides his toys under the couch then paws and scratches until you recover them. Once you think he's content, he'll push his toy back under the couch and begin pawing and scratching all over again. It's another one of his games, like a kid in a high chair who keeps dropping a toy expecting you to retrieve it - over and over again.

The husband refers to him as, 'The finest hound dog around," or 'his wonder dog.'  It's true in every sense of the word and I believe Archie understands exactly what he means.