For the Love of Chloe

"I know no ways to mince it in love, but directly to say ‘I love you’." 

 ~William Shakespeare

Our journey with Chloe as she heads down the path of healing from her recent double Bilateral Cruciate Imbrication surgery is an incredible one. Watching my daughter care for her so tenderly warms my heart, as she is such a good mommy to Chloe. Chloe and my daughter share a special bond and watching it through these trying times is...simply put...amazing.

During this journey, as many of you who have gone through traumas with your furbabies can relate to, it is a roller coaster of emotions that have filled us, especially fear. First absolute fear when Chloe first screamed in pain when her legs went lame. Fear of the unknown. Fear of not knowing what happened to her. Fear of not knowing what her future held. 

Then comes determination. No matter what...Chloe would be healed. There was absolutely no other alternative to the situation. As a family we discussed that if we did not get an answer we liked, we would continue on until we did. Then fear crept back in while we were waiting for a diagnosis, and fear pounded even stronger when we were sent to an orthopedic surgeon as she lost use of both hind legs and was in obvious heartbreaking pain.

Then relief flooded in when advised there was a surgery for her condition. Then fear visited once again when she was in surgery. Then relief tangoed back in with a positive post-surgical report, with a side dish of anxiety that kept close company with fear throughout the whole process. We wondered, "Would she be okay?" "Would she walk again?" "Was she in pain?"

 So many questions. So much fear. And a whole lot of faith.

And then the tears of joy came when we saw her "walk" a few steps several days after surgery to greet us...managing a wag of the tail and a kiss for her mommy, my daughter. Tears stung my eyes at the mere sight of our beautiful girl that day, so brave...with everything she had been through...the joy and love that shone in her shaky, shaved, and scarred body shone through like a bright beacon of love. After she was home for a few days, we we cleared by the surgeon to allow her to walk with the aide of a sling on a flat, rug-covered floor. Seeing the determination in her face was...spellbinding. Our little girl is a true fighter.

"None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have Faith.”  

~ Paulo Coelho

Watching Chloe each day is amazing. To watch her adjust to her situation and trust us as we lead her down her path of recovery is something that impresses me every day. I am so proud of her. She watches my daughter's every move and she knows...absolutely knows...she is loved, safe, and cared for. We talk to her and explain everything during each step. And I hear many conversations between her and my daughter - and yes, Chloe is very vocal! And how welcoming to hear that voice once again. Our house was too quiet, even our other Sibes were strangely quiet while she was at the hospital. Now that she is back home, they "woo" and howl to each other occasionally from one side of the house to the other, staying in contact with each other while separated. 

Each day Chloe is becoming a little bit stronger, both physically and emotionally. She is still heavily sedated, but Chloe knows she is on the road to recovery. She knows her routine. She knows she has to stay in her crate, but has accepted it. She visits with her pack family briefly each day during her nature calls, and knows they are waiting for her to heal. When Chloe sees my husband, her "Atlas" if you will, you can see it in her face that she has confidence in him carrying her through the house and into the yard and back. He is a true champion.

As each minute turns into another day past, Chloe is gradually growing stronger. She wiggles her tail at the end of her shaved body every time my daughter is with her. They now share some quiet snuggle time outside of the crate, which reaffirms the love between them. Then, satisfied, she hobbles back into her crate to have her E-collar put back on and then settles down on her bed with her toys, and somehow manages to get her favorite one tucked inside the E-collar close to her face! She takes her meds like a trooper, and then rests to lullaby music, cartoons on the television, or the sound of my daughter's voice softly speaking to her as they fall asleep together, each keeping a constant watch on the other.

Chloe is so courageous and I find that inspirational. Watching her I realize once again, just how much we can learn from our canine companions and just how truly amazing they are, no matter what they are faced with, they adjust to it and face it head on. Something we can all learn from.

My heart swells with pride when I see my daughter with Chloe. I am so proud of her and how she is caring for her. It's been a big challenge that both girls have risen far above and in a way, they are taking care of each other. They have complete faith and trust in each other and now work together as a single unit toward healing. Love. Trust. Compassion. Care. What better life lessons are there than that? 

Through all of this, we also feel very fortunate to have the support of all of you. The notes, comments, wishes, prayers, meditations, cards, and gifts have been so comforting and we know Chloe feels the love and healing light being sent her way. Thank you for all your continued support. It really does mean the world to us.

The road to recovery is not a short one for Chloe and our family, but one well worth traveled. For the love of Chloe, and all of our Sibes, this road is one they can rest assured that we will always travel together with them...with trust, faith, and love.  ❤

And speaking of love...today is a very special day. We wish the FiveSibes' awesome Hu-Dad, and all of your Hu-Dads, a very special and Happy Father's Day!