Hope and a Howl

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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

Tagged as: , , , , , , ,

55 Comments »

    • 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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  16. 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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  20. 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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