Macy & the Wedding

Macy cheerfully got up with me at 4:30 this morning to watch the royal wedding. After we went outside, she enjoyed her breakfast. And then...she seemed a bit quizzical.

Why was I turning on the television? Why was I sitting down? Like most dogs, Macy appreciates routine, and I was operating outside of our normal zone.

I explained how exciting all of the festivities were going to be, and although she may not have quite agreed with my perspective, she was happy to go along with a different plan.

'Alright, we can stay in this room':

'I just need a bit more rest before I can get too involved with a project at this hour':

'I do, however, support anything that involves an extra cookie':

'Hooray for the happy newlyweds! Maybe just a few more snuggles before I get up...':

Any activity, or none at all, is fine with Macy. She simply likes to be together.

I, of course, was riveted by the stunning couple (on my television screen):

And the amazing Abbey:

And the bride! The dress! Wow!

I loved it all.

I just realized that I also married @ 11am on a non-Saturday in a place of historical note, wearing Chantilly lace with my hair down. Our wedding was just a touch less grand, though, so my dress did not have quite the same scale:

I may not have become a Duchess on my wedding day, but my sweetie will always be my prince!

Not Yet Spring

I recently changed our master bedding from winter (down comforter with duvet) to summer (quilt). It was a bit overconfident of me, given the recent weather, and so I tucked the comforter into my den in case we should want it again for a chilly night.

The dogs, however, had other uses in mind for it:

It may not be comfortable when spring finally decides to join us, but for now, someone has found another favorite snuggle spot!

The Wizard

Macy is feeling wonderful! And it is all thanks to this wizard:

Hailing from the south and coming to our area most recently from Colorado, Dr. Carey McInnis, DVM, MS, of AEC Associates is a wonder. She has such a kind manner, and her care for Macy has made all the difference. Just as importantly, Dr. McInnis explained each step of Macy's care to me very well, answering all of my questions and calling me in between appointments, just to check in to ask about Macy's progress. Really fantastic service!

Macy has been blind for some time, and she has no trouble walking and finding her way, but she had also been in quite a bit of pain when she arrived to OBG. We immediately went to visit Dr. McInnis to assess how best to proceed.

Can you imagine having a migraine all of the time? The doctor explained to us that little Macy felt that way, and yet she remained sweet to all. Pain medication could help to lessen the situation, but it was not the best long-term plan. Macy is only about seven and should have many fabulous years to enjoy.

Based on the doctor's recommendations, over the next two weeks, the team performed two types of procedures: her left eye retains the appearance of the eye, although not the functionality (a procedure known as intrascleral prosthesis), and her right eye was removed (known as enucleation). The result? Macy is now pain free and more sweet than ever. I cannot believe just how happy she is!

Macy made friends all over the AEC office. Kisses:

These lovely ladies went above and beyond with Macy's care, cuddling with her before surgery (and check out their cute scrubs!):

Thank you!

The Big Questions

When people find out that Macy cannot see, three questions seem to dominate the initial conversation:

1. How does Macy get around? 
This type of question is, by far, the most common. I certainly appreciate the inquiry, as I wondered the same thing before meeting Macy.

I do not completely understand it myself, but Macy just seems to sense things. She uses her ears, her nose, and her paws to assess where things are in relation to her, as well as what they may be. People, other dogs, furniture, steps—Macy is used to being blind and identifies things around her easily.

The first time Macy visits a new area, such as a room or a yard, she likes to do what I call a 'perimeter check.' She walks all around, sniffing and listening and just generally getting the lay of the land. After a little time, she usually finds a soft spot and gets comfortable.

Most important to Macy is her connection to her people. She just wants to be part of whatever is happening around her!

2. Does she seem happy?
Macy is a charmer. She is so friendly and loves visiting with people. We recently had the exterior of our house painted, and one of the painters summed her up perfectly: 'She cannot see, but she has such a happy heart.' She gladly accepted his rubs and attention!

3. What does she do?
Many people assume that Macy must not be like other cockers, that she must not enjoy the same things, that she just lets the world go by her without noticing. But they would be completely wrong...

If something piques Macy's interest, she gets up to explore it. If it is time for an outing, she will let you know. If she thinks a meal may be coming, she perks right up. If the opportunity for a walk presents itself, she is at the door. If you need some extra attention after a long day, she is happy to give it to you.

In other words, she is just an adorable dog. As long as she is near her people, she is happy to do whatever you like.

Quite a Week!

Macy and her foster house have had quite a week!

The first few days after Macy's surgery seemed to be textbook perfect, but something had changed, and Macy seemed to become uncomfortable over the weekend. We checked in with the great team at AEC on Monday, and they were able to make her feel about 1000% better. She is back to being charming and lovely and snuggly, and she just loves being with her people! 

We love to give Macy lots of attention, but a recent development has meant that coddling is out of the question: her foster sister had to have emergency spinal surgery on Monday and is now on very strict rest restrictions. She must be carried everywhere, and we need to watch carefully to make sure that she does not run into anything, and that no one runs into her. Our little girl is really hurting, and we all need to protect her.

I am amazed that Macy seems to understand all of this, even though she cannot see us. She just seems to sense that although I would love to scoop her up, she needs to find her own way—because I am already carrying one dog, and I cannot carry two.

As long as Macy is near me, though, she is fine with whatever is happening around her. She is cheerful and respectful, and really just a delight. Everyone melts when visiting with Macy. She just brings out the best in people.

More photos soon!