Miniature Schnauzers are alarm sounders, ball fetchers, and squirrel chasers; but my 12-and-a-half-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Jersey, is also a nurse. Whenever I’m feeling sick or sad, she snuggles as close as she can, comforting me with frequent soulful glances. Jersey loves to make eye contact. Now that she’s older and can’t leap on and off the couch at will, she waits patiently for me to move her portable stairs from bed to couch and back again so she can clamber up and provide her special medicine…cuddles.
Today, at 6:00 AM, I’ll be checking in at the hospital for gallbladder surgery. Since my gallstone attack three weeks ago, I’ve been monitoring symptoms and eating only bland foods (no coffee, cheese, chocolate, butter, or anything with any taste!) as I wait for this scheduled procedure. I’m not looking forward to surgery, but I am looking forward to seeing my little four-legged nurse waiting for me when I get home this afternoon. Of course, my husband will be assisting her…toting me back and forth from the hospital, keeping an eye on me after anesthesia, heating up chicken broth and serving it up in a coffee mug; but Jersey knows she is the charge nurse. She’s the one who leans in close, sits quietly, watches me read, and pats my forearm with one soft paw if she thinks I’ve been on the computer too long.
Everyone needs a dose of Jersey.
(Jersey, posing with a book stack a few years ago)
12 responses to “Nurse Jersey”
-
Jersey is a sweetheart! Looks just like my Fitz. Have a speedy recovery with your surgery – you will feel so much better. Thinking of you today and happy reading when you come home to recover! Lots of time to read and write – hugs!
-
Thank you, Kim! Gallbladder is out. Apparently, despite my labs prior to surgery, the gallbladder was “acutely inflamed.” It’s a real answer to prayer that they were still able to take it out laparoscopically. Surgery took three hours instead of the 1 and half the doctor had told us.
-
-
Jersey is so precious, as is your post! “Jersey knows she is the charge nurse. She’s the one who leans in close…” So sweet! I’m glad you have such a dear nurse, and I hope you recover quickly. My best to you, Lori!
-
Thanks, Heidi I’m so glad to have the surgery in my rearview mirror. Despite some soreness, I’m feeling better already.
-
-
Lori,
Jersey is adorable. I see Kim Johnson, also a dog lover, is here. We had a schnoodle who lived almost 20 years. He and a kerri terrier we had stayed by my side when I was super sick w/ covid in 2020. I knew I’d recovered when they let me pet them again after two weeks of close proximity w/ no head pats. And you will feel much better after the surgery. You’ll be back to eating the good stuff in no time.-
Thanks, Glenda! I’m glad you had two nurse doggos to help you through Covid. I’m sticking to bland for the weekend, but next week I’m determined to try something with some flavor. I am, however, going to try half a cup of coffee this morning.
-
-
Following up to see how you are doing. Let us know when you can! I’ve had you on my mind.
-
Thanks so much for checking on me. Though the surgery took twice as long as expected, they got me in and out of recovery quickly. I normally have extreme nausea after sedation; but it was not bad this time (another answered prayer). This morning, I’m up early but moving a little slower. Fortunately, my post-op directions included short walks every couple of hours. Nurse Jersey loved that yesterday; and if the rain holds off, she’ll be happy to go with me again today.
-
-
Wishing you a speedy recovery. You have a precious nurse there. Sounds like she knows just the right medicine you need.
-
Thank you! She is a good little comforter.
-
-
May your recovery be quick and uncomplicated. You’ve got the best nurse. In no time, you will be eating all the good stuff again. My husband had gallbladder surgery last year and he did better with it than with a root canal. Blessings!
-
Thanks so much! I’m so glad to hear your husband had a good experience with gallbladder surgery. I didn’t realize how bad I actually felt until, even with the soreness, I felt so much better once the gallbladder was out. Apparently, despite the lab work (which didn’t show any problems), my gallbladder was “acutely inflamed” once they got in there. The surgery took three hours instead of the hour and a half the doctor expected. I’m glad I had so many people praying for me and thinking of me.
-
Leave a Reply