Hope and a Howl
I haven’t heard a howl in over a week now, and I miss it. I wouldn’t have thought I’d say it, but I do. Most of the time, I’m busy saying, “TOO LOUD, Maud–SSHHH!” Maud is our 10-year-old, bluetick hound dog. She is quite a character: comical, loving, determined, sweet, uncouth, whimsical, loyal, charming….. and LOUD. Maud is a hound, and as such, she howls—ALL of the time: She howls to greet you; she howls to say good-bye; she howls for breakfast and dinner; she howls when it’s time to go outside, she howls when she’s happy, sad, or jealous; she howls at Dash for his rawhide; and, sometimes, she just howls. If she’s really excited, her feet may even lift off the ground as she howls. There’s nothing she likes better than food, Dash, belly rubs, and hanging out with us. She’s also known for her deliberate doggie kiss, which we’ve nicknamed “the slow lick.” It’s a little icky, but it’s given with love–especially when she looks up at you with those droopy, hound dog eyes.
We adopted Maud almost ten years ago. She appeared on Green Hill Farm one snowy, February morning when she was only 6 months-old. After a brief stay at the animal shelter, where she waited for her previous people to claim her, Maud became a member of our family. Being Maud’s person has sometimes been challenging– but always worth it. She has enriched our lives immeasurably, and we love her dearly.
In a recent post, I mentioned that Maud had become seriously ill last week with a life-threatening autoimmune disorder. She spent six days in our local animal hospital and is on heavy medication to suppress her immune system. We are so grateful to the tireless and compassionate staff at Peaks View Animal Hospital for saving her life–especially Dr. Al Henry and Dr. Les Mulligan. Maud isn’t recovered by any means and is still very frail; however, we were fortunate to bring her home yesterday. She’s maintaining her progress and eating. And, for that I am thankful.
Here’s the thing: I miss my Maud’s cheery face and energetic manner, but mostly…..I miss her happy howl. It’s my hope that Maud will soon feel well enough to serenade us with one of her melodic howls. And, when she does, I’ll know she is truly on the mend.
Acrostic Poem:
Hope
Having an
Optimistic heart, while
Patiently awaiting a desired
Event.
by Tonya R. Hengerer
Categories: Photography, Poetry, Reflections on Farm Life
I keep my fingers crossed that you’ll hear that howl again very soon.
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Thank you so much. 🙂
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Keep us (me) posted…
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That’s very kind. Thank you for your interest. I certainly will let you know how she’s progressing. 🙂
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My heart is with you all. Feel better, Maud!
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Thanks, Gina. I really appreciate it! 🙂
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😀
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I’m glad Maud is home and I love all the “Howling” pictures. Too cute!!
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Thank you, Mel. We’re glad, too. Farm guy looked at those pics, laughed, and said, “It looks like all she does is howl.” I said, “Exactly!” I know Maud is happy to be home. 🙂
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Good to hear she’s back home, maybe that will make her recovery quicker. I know these things can be expensive, you good, or need any help?
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I think you’re right. Maud seems a bit better since coming home. You are so thoughtful to ask that question. Since we have many animals to care for, we established a special savings account for situations like this a while ago. I believe we’re okay, but I was touched by your kindness. Thank you. 🙂
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Glad Maud made it back home. 🙂
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Thanks so much. We are, too. Maud is mainly resting right now, and her appetite is fairly good. She had been anemic, but she’s starting to get a little pink back in her eyes and gums. We’re hoping to reduce her steroids by Friday. I think she’ll feel more like herself if we can do that. 🙂
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That’s good. 🙂
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“woof” to the puppies
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Thank you, Jim! 🙂
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Most definitely sending healing energy Maud’s way. Here’s a little coincidence; my first and only pet as a child was our little fox terrier named Maud. xoxo Cher
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Cher, that really means a lot. Thank you so much. That’s lovely! I really like the name “Maud.” And, I’m sure your little Maud was a sweetie, too.
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Well your dear Maud is extremely lucky to have such great parents!! Ah, that is really kind of you to say. She stays in my heart always. Thank you!! And the healing energy continues for your dear girl! Cher xo
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Thank you, Cher. Your kindness is much appreciated! 🙂
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Hope your fur baby feels better soon. It’s so difficult to see them not well.
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Thank you, Cherity. That’s so kind of you.
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Wishing Maud a speedy recovery Tonya. You’ll hear that howl soon, I’m sure! 😊
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Thanks so much for your well wishes and encouragement, Ritu. 🙂
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☺️
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Oh, those beautiful eyes. Hope your cheery Maud comes back to you soon, Tonya.
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Thank you, Laura. We do, too. 🙂
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Brought tears to my eyes. I hope you’ll be happily annoyed by Maud’s howl soon. 😂
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Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. 🙂
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Sending good energy and healing vibes Maud’s way and hoping that howl is back soon!
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Thank you very much, Karen. That’s so generous! We appreciate all those good thoughts and vibes. 🙂
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Such a sweetheart! My prayers with you and Maud. Hope you hear the howl again!
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Thank you for your prayers and kind words. And, many thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂
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Glad she’s home and hoping she will be back to her normal howling self soon. 😊
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That’s so nice! Thank you, Donna. 🙂
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I am so glad you have got her back home. and I hope you will soon be serenaded by her howls! 🙂
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Thank you, Judy. Those howls will be very welcome! 🙂
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Funny isn’t it, how much we long for the very thing that used to annoy us in the advent of an event like this. Fingers crossed for Maud and her return to comfort and good health!
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You’re so right! Howling is such a part of Maud’s personality—how she interacts and communicates. Maud just isn’t herself without the howl. I truly miss it, but I know I’ll hear it again. Thank you so much for your thoughtful words of encouragement. 🙂
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I wish Maud is back to normal with her howls and kisses ❤ Hope is the key as you summed up so well here, Tonya.
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Thank you, Prajakta. 🙂
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I am thinking of you and Scott and hope you hear a big ole howl very soon…which will be music to your ears!
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Thanks so much, Becky. We’re looking forward to Maud’s sweet music! 🙂
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I’m so sorry. I hope she gets better and you hear her howl again soon!
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Thank you so much for your concern. Maud had a good day today, and I feel encouraged. 🙂
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Happy to hear!
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😊
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Just catching up… I’m so glad Maud’s days are getting better 🙂 This is just a little bump in the road, she has many more years left with you and you will hear her voice very soon to tell you the same !!!!
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That’s so nice, Anna! Thank you for the encouragement. 🙂
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In the pictures, I could really see the howls! 🙂
Glad Maud is home. Wishing her a complete recovery, and very soon she will be back to her normal self. 🙂
~Carl~
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Thank you very much, Carl. Maud seems to be getting stronger. We’ve been seeing a little more tail-wagging. She’s going back to the vet tomorrow for a check-up. 🙂
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I’ll join my hope with yours for a speedy recovery for Maude.
Thanks for liking me.
Melinda
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Thank you, Melinda. Your kindness is much appreciated. You have a lovely blog. Thank you for the follow. 🙂
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Thank you, FarmGirl. You’re welcome. I’m enjoying yours as well.
Melinda
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😊
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