Single women of a certain age often wonder who will care for them if they have an accident or become ill, especially when they live a fair distance from relatives, as I do.
Well, now I know.
In the early spring, I was chatting with my neighbours at the park where we run our dogs every morning when I was taken out from behind by a big, super-fast, frisky dog. I literally flew sideways through the air before landing my back, knocking the wind out of me.
My girlfriend screamed “don’t move!” fearing I had broken my back.
As I lay motionless on the ground, the firefighter in our pack got down with me and spoke calmly and gently until I could breathe again. After accessing it was safe to do so, he and the others helped me to a rock to sit on, where my dog, Daisy, promptly placed her left paw over my right leg in a protective gesture. Once I had regained some composure, they walked me the few blocks home — I insisted on no ambulance — with one of them taking Daisy by her leash.
And the kindness and concern didn’t stop there. Another dog-owning neighbour, offered to watch Daisy (you never know how long you will be in emergency) and drive me to the hospital. Still in shock, I declined the drive. I was diagnosed with multiple rib fractures, a in my left knee and a back injury. When I returned home, my lovely neighbour gave me Daisy back — plus a homemade lasagna and salad for dinner that night.
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but dog owners are life savers. My dog-walking friends organized a schedule to walk Daisy. They did my groceries, brought me dinners, soups, pecan tarts and even surprised me with a chocolate Easter egg!
I had only known these neighbours for a few short years, but they treated me like a lifelong friend.
What they couldn’t do — or at least I didn’t feel comfortable asking — was stay with me overnight.
That’s where Daisy soared!
Getting out of bed with fractured ribs and a torn knee ligament involved rotating the top of my body as gently as I could so as not to make my ribs spasm until I could push up on my good arm to try to sit up. It was scary. One wrong move and I would tumble off the bed.
That’s when Daisy came to the rescue.
The first night I struggled, she came in from the living room where she sleeps and sat in front of the exact spot I would fall from if I fell out of bed. I tried to move her, but she wouldn’t budge. She was my safety net.
Another night, I was in so much pain and so frustrated, I thought I would weep. At that point Daisy (who is part , a breed known for their aloofness) turned and licked my face, then ran to the end of the bed and licked my feet. She continued alternating between my face and my feet, until all I could do was laugh. Well, not out loud. That hurt my ribs. I got the hint and I finally got up.
It became a daily ritual. Each morning Daisy urged me to get up and not wanting to disappoint her I complied. Slowly we headed back out on the trails. Daisy stayed at my side, ignoring rabbits and squirrels, and on extra high alert for anything she saw as a danger to me.
Recently, while outside talking with neighbours, Daisy spotted a dog across the street. It looked a lot like the dog that took me out and Daisy began barking ferociously. My friends and I were perplexed. Daisy is not a barker. Then one said: “OMG! She’s telling that dog not to come near you!”
I believe that was exactly what Daisy was doing. She is my hero. As are the friends and neighbours who carried me through this dark and difficult period.
I’m recovering — thank you physiotherapists! And instead of feeling sorry for myself, I feel grateful I have loyal friends I can count on. That includes my sweet Daisy.
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