Dear Readers,

Well, our calm didn’t last for long. A week ago Momma had a tumble that caused this tiny Aussie to take on an even greater role than the emotional support dog I always play.

We were upstairs, and as usual, Momma was engrossed with who knows what on her computer. She had been at it so long that I came up to check on her — and frankly to let her know it was getting close to dinnertime. As usual, she said something placating like, “I’ll be done in a minute, Lina,” then turned back to her screen. 

After a while it was becoming dusk, and she realized she needed to turn on a light so she could check on a password. (I have mine on my iPad, but Momma still lives in the dark ages and has a ten or more page typewritten list of passwords, most of which, she has been warned, have been compromised.) But I dogress.

Momma stood up suddenly to reach for the switch and stepped out with her right foot, which was “sleeping” as it turns out. Actually, the leg/foot wasn’t operational at all, and her foot curled in and down she went. As was her habit, she cried out my name. A few times, in between moans. Luckily I was at the ready, and immediately began circling and licking her face. I even licked her right foot, having determined with my excellent support dog skills that it was where the injury was.

Long story short, Nanny Becky came over and took charge, with me as her assistant. We got Momma all situated in a bed downstairs and I went off to a blessed night of peace at Nanny’s house. Next day they left me to tend the home fires (not real fires this time, thankfully), and drove to Tria Orthopedic Center in Bloomington. Tria is great, and it did not take long for the doctor to determine that Momma had a couple of fractures and some sprained ligaments. And I would not be exaggerating to woof that both Momma and Nanny loved Dr. Jones. I don’t think Momma really needed to tell him he was “straight out of central casting,” though, do you? After the doctor visit (who pawmazingly said he gets at least one patient visit a month from a foot “sleeping” accident), Momma was fitted with a boot, and they headed home.

What do you think — Momma kinda likes the look of the boot and finds it garners her sympathy and attention and better service when she’s out and about. Which is good because she must wear it for 4 – 6 weeks.

To speed the process along, for both of our sakes, I continue to provide aid and comfort for my charge. And I’m thinking about loaning myself out to Tria as part of their medical team. Maybe I’ll woof to Dr. McDreamy about it.

I just can’t wait to see how our trip to the airport and Florida goes. I’ll be stuck in the carrier and can only give her support through mental telepathy I guess. I’m also thinking Momma will, for once, hop on one of those electric carts for transporting passengers with mobility issues. And this year she won’t be tempted to accuse the driver of agism when he offers her a ride. Just woofin’. Don’t worry, I’ll spread the charm and all will be well.

Lina, Bone fide support dog

WOOFDA!