My 7 year old (?) Rez dog rescue who has had FHO surgery, extensive upper leg orthopedic surgical reconstruction followed by PT, and shattered tibia orthopedic surgical reconstruction - totaling over $10k not counting her regular health exams, vaccinations and dental cleanings - was just diagnosed today with a UTI, secondary to diabetes mellitus.
I have known a lot of wonderful dogs over the years, but she really is one of the very sweetest dogs I've ever known - everyone who meets her just adores her personality, so I know it's not just my bias.
I gotta think that she was given such an amazing temperament in order to more easily tolerate an early life of pain followed by being poked, prodded, and frequently hospitalized. Now we start the journey of daily testing and injecting and no more treats, ever - she might actually get grumpy over that last bit.
She's such a good girl, and I can't help thinking that her coming into my life just a few years before I was diagnosed with a chronic illness was providential - I never questioned her value despite all the costs and challenges, which is an acceptance I might not have been so quick to extend to myself, had I not learned it first from her.
Dog is God and God is Dog.
For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.
~ Carl Sagan