Talbot's Tale: Recovery

Talbot’s Tale: Recovering

I’m back & apparently you are too. Are you ready for the next installment of Talbot’s Tale? I left off with the inauguration of Talbot’s name. He seemed to like it. After all, he looked at me when I said it. Then again, he looked at me when I called him “Numb-nuts” too. The important thing here, is that he responds. I was happy for that. He was responsive, albeit, a little delayed at times. It was kind of hard to watch this guy constantly scratching himself. I just wanted to grab a rake and do it for him. He seemed so delicate. I picked him up frequently and gave him hugs (despite the rammish odor) from time to time. It didn’t take long for him to relax when I handled him. He got used to my camera. I think he actually posed sometimes. Like in the pic…




It was one of the few times he sat still long enough for me to press the shutter button. While he was recovering, this crate was his home. He looked so sad in there. It was bad enough to be itchy, flaky, and scratchy. Then to be cooped up in this glorified gerbil cage is no more thrilling than watching paint dry. He couldn’t get well fast enough. I knew he would get better. But admittedly, there was a part of me that liked this because it gave me a sense of purpose. Call it my maternal instinct, if you will. I liked caring for him. I liked being there for every step of his recovery. And apparently I liked crispy flakey canine skin on my clothes, because some of my shirts looked like glitter had been sprinkled over them.

I let him out as much as I could. He seemed clever. He figured out the parameters of the yard pretty quickly. He was responsive to my voice. Good sign. He will make a great companion for someone one day. I thought to myself. Even then, I did not intend to keep him. I already had 2. And I really didn’t want a 3rd… really. But I wasn’t about to hand over a sickly pup. I had to see his recovery through.

Also, here is the first video I took of Talbot… but he wasn’t named at the time. The video gives you a better idea of what watching this guy was like. Mind you, this was going on for weeks. I brought him home in October. This was about 3 weeks later. He still had a long way to go. But I tell you, I never had children, but this was probably the closest I have ever felt to actually raising someone. I had little proud moments whenever he showed progress. Each day was one day closer to him being better and eventually a healthy dog. But also, each day brought a little more warmth to my heart.



Remember in the last post when I said I’m not sure who is luckier? Maybe now you understand a little better. As much as I cared for him… he did something for me. I learned something about the capacity for love in my own heart. Don’t get me wrong… It isn’t as though my heart was empty or full of malice. It was nothing like that. What I learned through Talbot was simply this: No matter how much we have in our hearts, whether joy or sadness, whether hope or despair, or even iniquity… there can always be love. One can’t ever be truly sated from love. At least I don’t think so. There is always room for more.

So, my friends, this concludes Talbot’s second chapter. Tune in next time… (I’ve always wanted to say that) for the next installment. You will see Talbot as he is now. Trust me… you won’t believe the difference!

Thank you again for taking the time to read this. I really mean it when I say I appreciate it. It means a lot to me that you take time out of your day for this. I hope you find some pleasure in reading my stories. I enjoy writing them and sharing.

Until next time,
Be Well

Stephan