They say that a dog is man's best friend. Well, he's this woman's best friend too. When God called me away from my family and friends to the wilderness of Wyoming, Faulkner came with me. He was my companion when I was far from those I loved most. When I felt like my heart was breaking because I couldn't be with my girls, Faulkner was there with his tail wagging, giving me kisses, glad to see me, laying by my feet or putting his head in my lap to let me know that he loved me. When I felt beaten up and misunderstood, Faulkner was overjoyed when my car pulled up at the end of the day. He loves me no matter what.
He followed me to Wyoming and then laid in a crowded car for 3 days while we drove back to Washington State. He was thrilled when we pulled into Spokane and he saw Jessica again, wagging his tail faster than I'd seen him wag in a while and running to her as fast as he could. Then we arrived back in Tacoma and soon he saw Tracy and the thrill of seeing a long lost loved one was repeated all over again - he covered her with kisses and just like Jessica, Tracy was overwhelmed that he remembered her. But of course he did!
Now I've learned that the dog that I love is allergic to Washington State. I'd forgotten all the allergy problems he had before we moved to Wyoming. I'd forgotten how often we were at the vet; how much he chewed on himself; scratched. He's miserable. For over a month I've tried to treat him myself. Benadryl, steroid cream, anti-itch spray, the cone of shame... nothing works. Faulkner chews until he bleeds and itches non-stop. Yesterday Tracy took him to the vet for me and the diagnosis is allergic to Washington State. Different antihistamines, different steriod spray, weekly prescription shampoo, anti-diarrhea medicine (his allergies are upsetting his stomach).
I'm feeling sad today. My dog is miserable and I really love him. He is my companion. He's here when I come home at the end of the day - whatever time that might be. He's here when I wake up in the morning. He reads me - knows when I'm down, when I need a kiss, and when I'm sick, he lays right by my side. But I don't want him to be miserable - and he is. I can't imagine not having Faulkner so the tears are flowing. Maybe it's premature but I'm not optimistic that all this medicine and the weekly baths will help - I'm remembering his history.
Jessica is offering to take him to Spokane where the air is drier and there's not as much pollen. He would still be in the family which would be ideal. But he wouldn't greet me at the door. I wouldn't see him laying across my chair when I drive into my parking space. He wouldn't be my buddy. So today, I'm sad. My dog really is my best friend - at least he's my best companion. But, he's miserable and I love him too much to let him stay that way.
