Greetings from North of the Tension Line

/ J. F. Riordan

The blessings of Saint Augustine.

No, I’m not actually back on the Island. But I do feel that I am back from the brink of grief. We have had a rough month with our six year old German Shepherd, Auggie.

Without getting too gruesome with the medical details, there were times when I left the veterinary hospital sobbing, thinking we would have to let him go. He was in and out of the hospital for the better part of three weeks. Even after his second surgery to remove two enormous cysts, we did not know if he would ever recover. Then he got pneumonia.

We couldn’t explain to him why he was in pain, or why we left him with strangers. The veterinarians didn’t want us to visit because it upset him for hours afterward. It upset us, too.

But…Auggie is nothing if not obstinate…and so are we. We promised each other to do whatever we could to save his life, and we were blessed with a dedicated and relentless team of veterinarians, who studied, and researched, and watched, and consulted, and kissed him, and fed him braunschweiger. He has a neurologist, but not until a week after his surgery could we begin to hope that he did not have a vanishingly rare neurological condition which is, essentially, untreatable, and would have meant he could not go on.

Auggie goes back to the surgeon on Wednesday to get his staples out–he has an incision that must be 20 inches long. He is healing–so far as I can tell–beautifully. I know because we cannot keep him quiet.

He has blasted through two hard plastic cones (the soft ones were too easy for him to get around) and the one he’s wearing now is patched together with duct tape. He has figured out how to use it as a battering ram to open doors and push past his brother, and also how to position it so he can pick up his beloved green ball. He is not permitted to run with green ball, but carrying it comforts him. I have piles of boxes and baskets on the chest on the foot of our bed so he can’t jump up, but he wants desperately to be cuddled. We have had to keep him tranquilized to prevent him from ripping out his stitches, which are both internal and external. In the process he has had nine separate prescriptions which need to be given at varying intervals of six, eight, and twelve hours, which has meant lots of middle of the night, early morning, and late night alarms. Also lots of braunschweiger, freeze-dried tenderloin, and Secret Cheese.

I haven’t gotten much writing done.

But along the way I have learned once again how much it matters to count your blessings. And since I am inexplicably locked out of Twitter, I will be putting my energy into more blog posts, and more serious writing. Please pass the word for me on twitter with @audacityofgoats so people know to look for me here.

Cheers to you all. And to Auggie.

221 thoughts on “Greetings from North of the Tension Line”

  1. Bless you and Augie! So worried about you, was concerned when you were not on Twitter. So awful and trying and thank goodness there is some good light. His little brother must be so concerned, and of course Charlie! We will be praying for you.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Omg, I am so happy to hear that he’s mending. I thought for sure you’d lost him. The invite to Bluesky stands if you decide to go back to social media. It’s a kinder, gentler place. Dog ppl and many of your followers are there.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. J.F.

    How you have made my day!

    I left Twitter when The Musk-Man took over. I do not miss Twitter for a moment.
    But, I miss you, the Boys, The Island.

    I hope you do more frequent blogs. I read your postings and feel a smiling calm.

    My best to you and Auggie.

    Love, Nancy

    Sent from my iPad

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Have been wondering why no posts. Have you joined threads yet. I looked for you there also. So glad Auggie is making a recovery. All have been in my thoughts and prayers.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I was beginning to get very worried about Auggie when I wasn’t seeing your posts on Twitter. I am so glad he is mending. I hope you can get to more blog posts. I truly enjoy them.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. So sorry to read about Auggie’s health struggles. He is very fortunate to have humans who love him so much to help him through his recovery. Wishing all of you the best as you continue through this difficult process.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I know you all must have been terrified, and are still on that edge of fear about Auggie. I was wondering where you were on Twitter, and appreciate the update!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m so happy Auggie is doing well. I do miss seeing your post. I will continue sending prayers to y’all. I know about giving tranquilizers. We had to with Raven after her TPLO surgery.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I was glad to see your post pop up in my email, as I deactivated my Twitter account, but sad to read about Auggie’s terrible ordeal. I know how much you love him. Sending earnest healing wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I am so glad to read this! I missed your posts on Twitter. Auggie is very lucky to have you two. I pray that his recovery continues in the positive direction it appears to be taking. I know how hard it it to keep a headstrong 12 lb dachshund quiet. I can’t even imagine trying to subdue a German shepherd! And by the way, Baron has joined our family and little by little Gretel is beginning to warm up to him. Of course 17 straight days of rain of between 1-2 inches each day hasn’t helped our house breaking attempts. I believe winter has now come to Galicia!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I am so sorry to hear this, but am grateful to know the big guy is on the mend. I have been through this touch and go with my dogs in the past and I understand the anguish all too well. I will keep fingers, toes and paws crossed for his full recovery.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Oh, Auggie! What an ordeal – so good to hear he’s made such progress. Your heart must leap every time he shows you he’s feeling a bit better. Hope Wednesday brings great news!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Thank you so much for letting us know about Aggie. My Twitter feed has been so strange lately, so I wasn’t sure about his condition. Your family has been through so much and I can’t imagine all the emotions involved. I hesitate writing you because writing is not one of my talents, but I had to let you know how much your postings have brightened my days. In fact, I still miss Pete! Thanks again for opening up your hearts to us. Hopefully, you feel our love in return. Take care and I hope for continued progress with Auggie’s health. He is lucky to you have you and Charlie by his side.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I have missed you so! I am no longer on Twitter (my choice) so I have often wondered how the Germans are. I’m so sorry Auggie has had such struggles (and you, Charlie and Eli too) but I’m happy to hear he’s feeling much better. You and your dog updates bring me so much joy.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Dear J.F, Thank you for letting us know what has been happening. I am grateful to know that Auggie is getting better. What a really awful series of medical events he and you and your husband have been going through. We have missed your updates on Twitter. I will look for your news here. Keeping you all in my heart and thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Oh my goodness, JF, what an ordeal. I knew Auggie had been hospitalized and thought he was on the mend. Thank goodness he is now. And here’s me thinking we hadn’t heard from you because you had covid!
    Praying hard for the very best outcome.

    Liked by 2 people

  29. I really feel for you all and especially Auggie. While you are sick with worry, at least you can understand what’s happening. l think it adds to your stress that you can’t tell Auggie and that’s made worse when you can’t see him. Hoping things pick up for you all and you can settle back to normal day to day events and enjoy some time on the sofa in front of the fire. Sending you all my very best wishes x

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Oh my, you’ve all been through so much! I’ve missed seeing your updates on Twitter/X. It’s great to hear that Auggie is doing better. It’s a testament to the love from his people and his doggie brother. Take care and I’ll follow here as well.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. I’m sorry to hear this news JF You are amazing parents to Auggie and sounds like you have an incredible vet team too. High drive dogs are the worst for being quiet while healing and you have no choice but to tranquillize.. been there Sending lots of prayers for Auggies healing and for you guys too❤️ Mary P

    Liked by 1 person

  33. My heart has been heavy with worry for Auggie and for your family. Thank you for giving us an update. I hope he continues to recover and you continue to be strong for him. I know first hand how difficult that can be. God bless you all. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Oh, how my heart hurt reading what Auggie & you guys have been through. But, laughed to hear his cone is being kept together with duct tape. Shows what a fighter he is. I’ve missed you on X & am shocked & disappointed to hear you are blocked. I hope to be able to follow you some way, some how. Hugs & kisses to Auggie, Eli, who must be terribly missing running around with Auggie, &, of course, to you & Charlie. Be well.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Have been very concerned, worried that you might have lost Auggie. Nothing for a long time on your Twitter account. Very sorry for the difficult time you all have been undergoing re: dear Auggie. Sending hope and love to all.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. I’m so sorry to hear about Auggie’s illness. That dog could not be in better hands with you and Charlie providing him all the loving care he needs. I’m always so glad to get one of your emails as I left Twitter years ago. Auggie will be in my prayers.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. I have thought about Auggie every day since you posted to pray for him. I am not on Twitter, and it would not let me read your account. So many emotions. You know we all love Auggie, and this is heartbreaking but also a relief that this beloved boy is fighting his way back to you. Hang in there. He is blessed to have you. Please keep us updated and let us know how sensitive Eli is handling all this. Most of all please kiss Auggie. He is loved.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. I am so glad Auggie is on the upswing and you are feeling a bit better. I do understand what it is to loose a pet, and I’m about to find out what it feels like again.

    My best to the whole family.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Thank you, so much for this post. I knew something was up and felt it had to do with Auggie. I so hate everything you all have had to go through. I’m praying for Auggie’s complete recovery and healing. He’s a special boy and we all want him here for as long as possible, healthy and happy! I’m sending all of you much love. I’m praying for strength, rest and peace for all of you. I’m looking forward to hearing good news about both your precious boys! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  43. Oh, this is such great news. I was very worried when I didn’t see any updates on Twitter. Was worried that something awful had happened to Auggie. But I am so glad to hear he’s on the mend and headed in the right direction. We (Sherry and I) went through this type of thing with our dog Bella (kidney failure 3 times) and it sounds like Auggie is every bit as strong as she was. You all are in my prayers.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Thank you for the update. Intuitively, I figured that Auggie wasn’t doing well. Looks as though things are looking up a bit, and for that, we are all so grateful. Keep us posted, and know we are all praying for Auggie and all of you!

    Liked by 1 person

  47. When pets are ill, we feel so helpless. I went through having to let my senior cat go due to inoperable cancer earlier this year. He is missed beyond belief.

    I’m so sorry for what you all are going through. Sending lots of prayers for you all. Hopefully Auggie will get better & better each day.

    Bless you all! – mg

    Liked by 1 person

  48. So glad to hear that he is on the mend from what obviously has been a very trying time with a roller coaster of emotions. Our hearts lead our heads and thankfully yours will be given a kiss, rather than a tear. 🙏 up for your entire family.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Wishing beautiful Auggie a full recovery. I’m praying for all of you and hoping your previous wonderful life together begins again as soon as possible. ❤️💙🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

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