Bonded Brothers

Look at them. What gentle-souled, loving, compassionate creatures they are. I love this picture of them so much.

It is truly amazing to see how incredibly bonded Milo is to Achilles. He knows that Achilles is not feeling well. He hovers around him all the time and sniffs his head. Milo is normally the more touchy-feely affectionate one of the two. Achilles tends to be a bit more independent and likes to have his space. That's why these moments are so meaningful for all of us. I sense that Achilles is comforted with Milo close to him, especially if we're not in the room.

Like I said, amazing. I mean, we adopted them from the same rescue, but it's not like they'd met while at the rescue. Achilles was up in Orange County and Milo was down here in San Diego with Peggy, his foster mommy. The first time they met was August 9th of last year, the day Ed went to pick them up and escort them to their forever home. But, they've never had a bad moment between each other. Got along right from the start. Achilles will defer to Milo for affection and the lead on the walk to the dog park. Milo defers to Achilles for food and the lead on the walk home from the dog park. It is the sweetest thing to see.

These two pictures are from last night. Achilles seems to be showing some improvement from his vestibular syndrome. His head isn't bopping around as much as it was the first few days. I call him my "Golden Stevie Wonder". He is still holding his head cocked to the right when he stands. It is sad and cute at the same time. Does that make sense?

Many pet owners think that it's the end when they see signs of vestibular syndrome. It sure does seem like it at times. I mean, Achilles can't even stand up on his own. The vet gave us a sling to help him rise up. Once he's up, he shuffles along on wet noodle legs. But, with time the major symptoms do clear up, but sometimes the head tilt will still remain.

Milo is such a GOOF. When I pull out the sling to help Achilles get up, he comes galloping over thinking it's for him. I can just imagine what's going through his head, "Wheeee, Mommy!!! Is it time to play? Can you swing me too like you do for Big Brother Achilles? Looks like fun!" Then he tries sticking his own head through the sling while I'm trying to get it under Achilles' chest. Trust me, it's a circus affair at times. *sigh*

But in these two pictures, they are precious, sweet, peaceful, and off in dreamland.

As for the humans in the household, let's just say we are "DOG" T-I-R-E-D. Whew. Last night little Achilles' labored panting woke me at 12:30, 3:10, and 5:00. Strapped him up in the sling and carefully took him out to pee and get his business done. Ed had the night shift the night before. And so on and so forth. Achilles has to be fed at this resting position and have his water put directly under his head, otherwise it's hard for him to center his head and keep it from weaving about.

I have absolutely no fucking clue where we would be without More Mommy and More Daddy. Lynne & Amos are our Golden Angel Network here on earth. Lynne drives up with her Passat wagon in the mornings, we gather up Achilles and place him in the back. Milo jumps in the seat. She and Ed drive the boys down to their house, set them up, and then Lynne drives Ed back home so he can get ready for work. Achilles and Milo are watched and cared for lovingly and patiently. My heart stretches in my body when I think of how loving and generous these mortals are. After work, I go home, change clothes, walk down to their home, and Lynne drives me and our Golden Duo back to our house.

Not that Lynne & Amos expect anything, but even if they did, there is nothing that I could offer that would be worthy of them. No material gift or words of gratefulness will ever capture what it means to us to have them in our lives. Absolutley beautiful people. All I can do is humbly pray for their lasting health and happiness, and for that of their sweet daughter, Katie Magoo.

In a week gone absolutely mad, what with the mentally draining and emotionally charged weekend retreat, Achilles' and Milo's battle with Giardia, the insanity at work, preparations for the remodel and for our trip to Europe, Achilles' sudden vestibular illness, lack of sleep, family calling with all of their drama, my parents' health, my grandmother's Medicare issues (their 800 number SUCKS!!!), and my ever gracious monthly visitor (good grief, it just couldn't wait until next week to start, could it!?), it is really an exercise in patience that I force myself to sit down, close my eyes, and say THANK YOU for all that is good and right in my life.

Now, how much longer before it's the weekend?! :-)