Katie Bell...

[persephone33]

is the name of our family's black labrador retriever. She's really not even named for the Quidditch player in the Harry Potter novels, despite me being that much of a dork. We got Kate in early '99, and I didn't even read the first JK Rowling novel until June of 2000. We named her Katie Elizabeth. That's a mouthful. And I went to high school with a girl named Katie Bell. She was a few years older than me and had lots of charisma, outgoing, and was one of those people who, when you say their name, you say first and last. Katie Bell.

And so it stuck for the puppy. Who we've had longer than either of our kids. It's a toss up some days which one I love more.





I'm sorry if you think that you have the best dog in the world, I really am. I hate to break it to you, but you're wrong. Kate is sweet and loving, happy to see you but not hyper, never, ever licks without express permission, and keeps my feet warm in bed at night. She alerts me to visitors before they even ring the doorbell, gives me a measure of safety that no alarm system can ever match, and even makes sure the crumbs are taken care of under the dining table.



She's precious. But she's old. And with increasing frequency, I've been taking her to the veterinarian, for big things and little things, and just general wear and tear. Today she went for a double earache. And Katie? She doesn't complain. She takes her medicine with great dignity. Especially when I mush it in with Peanut Butter. But the peanut butter sticks to the roof of her mouth, poor thing.



Katie doesn't have a lot of "tricks." But she sits, even when I whisper it. And the minute her butt hits the ground, her paw comes up. Just, you know, in case you want to shake it. Which I always do.

Miss Bell is on several steroids, and anibiotic and 2 kinds of topical ear meds. I'll have to give her treatments 2 times a day for 8 days, minimum, but you know what? I will. Gladly. And not complain. Because Katie is my first baby.



I seriously don't know what I'll do without her, when the time comes.

Comments

[seegrim.livejournal.com]

*sniffles*

Aw, Carrie. Seriously, I teared up.

I'm glad you took her to the vet this morning - and I'm glad it wasn't anything worse like you were thinking.

*hugs to you and Katie*

[persephone33.livejournal.com]

She on some stuff for her stomach, just in case. *crosses fingers* She's eating just fine, and was really disappointed when I put on her leash this morning and all we did was get in the car. She shot me a look like, "Really? No walk? Okay." If dogs could roll their eyes, she totally would have.

[persephone33.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize we had the same icon. I may have to fix that. :)

[seegrim.livejournal.com]

You didn't? We've both been using it forever. It's a gooood one, so no changing!

[seegrim.livejournal.com]

Good. I'm glad she's doing better, then! Yay, Katie!

[adelagia.livejournal.com]

Aww, she's darling. *hugs you both*

[mynuet.livejournal.com]

What a sweetie. *sniff*

Have you tried mashed potatoes as opposed to peanut butter? Still fairly easy on her stomach, but not as sticky as peanut butter.

[nbaeker.livejournal.com]

It is so so so so hard to watch our dogs get old. I grew up with puppies and dogs on the farm, and I miss it so much.

and then it gets to the point where your dog starts aging. It's hard to watch, for sure. I'm sorry :(

*hugs you tight*

p.s. I adore the bit about lifting her paw right away "just in case"

[maureen.livejournal.com]

She's adorable. There's nothing like having the kind of pet that you love like that... that you bond with like that.

[blithelybonny.livejournal.com]

She looks just like my old dog Buster. Labs really are such good dogs though. <3

[idreamofdraco.livejournal.com]

She sounds lovely. :) I'm not a dog person, but she seems like the kind of dog I'd love to have. I also enjoy her Texas-shaped dog tag. :D

[dragonsangel68.livejournal.com]

She's just lovely. I hope her ears clear soon; earaches are never fun.

[mugglechump.livejournal.com]

I'm glad Katie doesn't have anything more serious. I have a hard time remembering that Picabo's getting older. It's just unfathomable that she won't be there one day.

Katie

[(Anonymous)]

Give her a hug and kiss from Granny.

[heyurs.livejournal.com]

Aw! *smooshes her* I'm glad she has her meds to make it all better. This is really sweet to share, Carrie. ♥

*huggles you* x)

[sue-bridehead.livejournal.com]

Funny, I always thought her name had to have come from the Harry Potter series. Now we have the backstory.

I hope she gets better soon. Perfect dogs like her don't come along every day, you know. :)