The Responsible Cut

My buddy Bailey had part of his doghood removed yesterday. Yes, he was neutered. As you can see from the photo, he's taking it easy on the chair in my study.

Bailey taking it easy while recuperating from surgery.

Bailey was a bit sore and groggy when we brought him home from the vet, but today he seems to be doing very well. He almost seems to be his old self -- bouncy and full of energy -- something we need to harness a few days while he heals from the surgery.

We'll have to keep Bailey in close quarters for a couple of weeks. That means he won't be seeing his doggy friends Sandie and Lady during his recuperation. They love to frolic about in the yard, something Bailey must avoid at this time. But they'll be playing again before too long. 

Bailey weighs about 7.8 pounds and we don't think he'll get any bigger. He was a one-pounder when we brought him home last December as a rescue pup. He's a healthy, lovable pet who has fit perfectly into our family. 

Bailey wore a onesie to keep from licking his neuter stitches.

Why neuter? I guess the easy answer is because it's the responsible and right thing to do. The ASPCA offers a list of  top 10 reasons for having a pet neutered or spayed. 

I really can't add to the ASPCA list other than my wife and I want the best for Bailey -- and while Bailey might argue the point if he could -- we know in the long run  that he'll be healthier and happier.

Until the next time...

Story Songs: Shannon

I've had several friends deal with the passing of  a "best friend" in the past month or so -- their beloved dog.  Some people will say it's like losing a member of your family.

For dog (and cat) owners, it is losing a member of your family. It's painful. It's tearful. And it's sad.

Henry Gross wrote about the passing of a dog in "Shannon."  The song was somewhat inspired by the loss of Beach Boy Carl Wilson's Irish setter, Shannon," that was struck and killed by a car. You can read about the story behind the song on Gross's website.

The tune beings with the mother having problems dealing with the loss:

"Another day is at end
Mama says she's tired again
No one can even begin to tell her"

Then we learn about Shannon:

"Shannon is gone I hope she's drifting out to sea
She always loved to swim away
Maybe she'll find an island with a shady tree
Just like the one in our backyard"

And we learn how her loss affects those who loved her:

"But finally the tears fill our eyes
And I know that somewhere tonight
She knows how much we really miss her"

One comment I read about the song was that it couldn't just be about the passing of a dog; that it had to be a metaphor for personal loss. All I can say is that the death of a pet is a painful, personal loss.

Gross, a founding member of Sha Na Na, is so expressive in the lyrics and his high-pitched vocal -- it simply sounds sad without even knowing the story. It can move you to tears.

"Shannon" reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. Gross, now 61, is still an active singer-songwriter.

So for Doug, Mark, Sharon, Jerry, Jim, Linda, and others who mourn the loss of their dogs (and other pets), this post is dedicated to you.

"Shannon" lyrics

(In the spirit of the holiday season, the digital price of "Laments: Short Stories" has been reduced to 99 cents on Amazon.com, B&N.com, and Smashwords.com.  If you decide to purchase, please leave review/feedback).