December 2
Overnight,
the first snowfall frosted the pines with powdered sugar that spilled over
grass and fence post and pond. Like children eager to run out and play, Nala,
Max, Gracie and Goose charged through the yard, all snowy noses, wagging tails
and smiles. We played some red ball, kicking up drifts of white as the ball
skidded back and forth between us. When we came back into the warm living room,
Nala crawled up onto my lap and fell asleep in my arms in front of the fire.
All thoughts of reading or knitting were quickly replaced with the gentle
rhythm of petting her, and her quiet breathing.
It was a moment for simply being.
December 3
The
Pincushion
This
afternoon Nala went to our local vet, Meadowbrook Animal
Hospital, for her first
acupuncture treatment. Dr. Walski has had success treating other cancer
patients, helping restore their energy and improve their quality of life. Today
we were calling on the big guns of the alternative treatment world.
It was determined that Nala’s chi needed more yang, and a
treatment was designed to reduce pain and balance her energies. As Nala pressed
her head against me, one might have taken her response to be one of
embarrassment for looking like a little pincushion, as much as her usual
veterinary-induced timidity.
She seemed
happy to rest at home, till hearing something outside, she shot up out of her
chair, began barking wildly and suddenly, darted after a tennis ball and
retrieved it with a sparkle in her eye we haven’t seen in months. She truly
seemed to be energized and happy. Being a pincushion has its perks.