Friday, May 23, 2008

Puppies help the medicine go down


The last few months have been a trial on the family, particularly parent, front. Both my parents are getting on in age, and their physical bodies break down a lot more often than they'd like. Good thing that they don't get sick at the same time, otherwise my siblings and I'd be up the creek!

Recently, it was my mother's turn, and she had a long hospital stay which showed just how difficult a patient she is. Ornery my mom, especially when the doctor tells her to stay and she doesn't want to. After being released from the cold, institutional arms of her flower filled hospital suite, it's been like pulling teeth to get her to go for her blood tests every other week followed by a doctor's visit. Mini-tantrums, lots of phone calls, loads of drama just to get her there and back. Even my dad, who has had his fair share of hospital visits and doctors' consultations, can't understand why she has to go through this process each time. Last night, he told me in an aside "Your mama, so tigas ulo (hardheaded)!" pointing to his head like he was trying to crack a hammer on it.

This week's issue was that she didn't like the tone of my dad's caretaker who has been helping my mom with her test schedules and doctor visits. My mom cancelled her doctor's appointment and test, decided to go off with the grandkids on a shopping spree. My sister and I texted one another in frustration, wondering if she was just making it difficult for a reason or was it some kind of dementia or maybe fear of what the follow up had to say. Probably a bit of everything.

Backtrack a bit to a week ago, I had chosen to get a new pet, a puppy of ten weeks, to join me and my feline taskmaster at home. Me, my cat, my dog, full house! A furry, cinnamony brown puppy with soulful eyes and sweet disposition, whose main occupation is to find a warm spot on my lap and sleep like a cinnamon roll. I began to hatch a plan. I would bring the puppy to my mom, see if the furry bundle of joy could make her a bit more reasonable then attack with a logical (if not insightful dialogue to make her see reason). Good friend M was also facing a similar situation that same night with her aunt, who depends on her for support during medical crisis. So with M's "good luck with the dog plan" ringing on my cellphone, I brought dog, and two tasty gifts (a pan of raisin bread and jumbo pastillas de leche) to court my mother.

I first gave her the food, since it's not just a man's heart that needs feeding. Once she was looking peppier from the sight of the pastillas de leche, I brought in the main act. Bingo. In less than 10 minutes, my mom had succumbed to not just the dog but to my request for the test and doctor's visit. Where grandkids and pleas that fell on deaf ears failed, the dog won the day. Completely worth all the puppy potty training and vaccine shots and swarovski studded dog collar!

9 comments:

christine said...

Awww, I'm not surprised she succumbed to the cuteness of that dog! Omigod, she IS a little cinnamon bun isn't she? I'd love to hold her soon! Having a pet dog can really do wonders for your health, I can swear by this. I can't tell you how often and just how quickly my dog lifts my spirits (and I speak for all of us at home), relieves stress and literally has me roaring with laughter sometimes. I don't think I could ever live without a dog (or want to live without one). :) I'm sorry to hear about your parents, but I hope they'll come out of this funk.

Katrina said...

Awww, you're a sweet, thoughtful daughter, Mila. I can understand what your mom's like, as my lola was the same -- actually, A LOT worse, even in her late 90s! My poor mom had to deal with it on her own, since her only sibling was abroad. Her stress was terrible. I hope your parents both enjoy some good health soon.

ChichaJo said...

Aaaaaawwwww!!!! Too adorable!!! I am not a pet person at all (no nurturing instincts) but I actually like playing with other people's pets (well the ones that are nice to me), especially my mom's poodles who look (well, when they were pups) just like your puppy! Is this a poodle? Coz my mom's were exactly like this when they were little...same color! Oh! I want to squoosh it!

ChichaJo said...

Hope your parents feel better soon!

Watergirl said...

Thanks ladies, I know it could be way worse so I'm really thankful for how things are with both my parents. And it's good to have a dog again, it's been over 18 years since my last dog, so there are ups and downs, but I can look forward to a lot of ups. Nena, let's have a doggy playdate!

Anonymous said...

at least the story ended in a light note... Cute dog.. Like what doctors will say.. anything that can help is good...

christine said...

Haha! Oh Mila, you obviously haven't seen my dog. Everyone is intimidated by his size and his bark, but let me tell you, he's the most misunderstood dog on the planet. :) He's really a sweetie, I'm just worried he doesn't realize his own strength and weight when he plays with your baby.

Watergirl said...

Thanks Sakai!
Nena, i love big dogs! If I had a yard I'd definitely have a slew of big dogs.

christine said...

Me toooooooooooo! :)

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