Winter Wonderland

While our kerosene heater is burning and spreading a pleasant warmth in the house, I look at the last remnants of the snow that turned our world white yesterday evening. Winter has arrived early this year and is blowing its cold breath over our now barren landscape. These cold days always bring back memories for me of the times when I immediately grabbed my camera, called the dogs, and wandered around a white wonder world for hours. They are memories of the wonderful adventures I shared with Rowan and Myla, my precious Malinois. The winters of recent years have given me few opportunities to experience similar adventures with Skipper, and the moments we do have to create memories are different.

Every year around this time my mind wanders back to those magical winter days when the world was covered in a thick layer of snow. Together with Rowan and Myla, I wandered through enchanting landscapes, enjoying the simple joy of walking in the snow. The white splendor around us provided the backdrop for countless hours of fun playing, running, and watching my two four-legged friends lose themselves in their world of joy and excitement.

Photos remain as Memories

The memories are still so vivid after all these years, but the reality is that only the photos remain as memories. The photos I took during those unforgettable moments make me long for those moments every time. Unfortunately, reality is different. Rowan has not been with me for four years, and Myla, my brave old companion, recently stopped my heart with a terrifying experience.

Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome

Two weeks ago we were shocked when Myla suddenly could no longer walk and kept falling over. Her head was tilted, and the confusion in her eyes was heartbreaking. A flashback to Lexxieboy, our German Shepherd who was experiencing Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome, flashed through my mind. This syndrome, a condition in older dogs, causes dizziness, and coordination problems and can be frightening. That was the case with Lexxieboy, and now with Myla we recognized it, but it was no less terrifying.

The resemblance between Lexxieboy and Myla was unmistakable, and we hopefully determined that it was GVS. We quickly made a video and sent it to our vet for confirmation, and to ask for a consultation. Our suspicion was quickly confirmed, with good news. It was indeed really GVS, the bad news is that there isn't much you can do about it. At most some medicine for the dizziness and nausea that the dogs suffer from. Two weeks have now passed, and to my relief, Myla can do everything she did before quite normally again. She climbs back onto the couch, walks again without falling over, and occasionally plays as if time has stood still. Fortunately, it is not yet her time to say goodbye to her life.

Reflection and Gratitude

As the days get shorter and we slowly move towards the holidays, it feels like a special time of reflection and gratitude, and I recognize that about myself. I get this feeling every year. As I sit and reflect on the past year, my thoughts wander further away. Myla's 15th birthday is also approaching. At the beginning of the year, I was afraid I would have to let her go before then. Two weeks ago I was afraid I had to let her go, but Myla is still there. She perseveres, she doesn't give up and I can only hope that she can reach this milestone. The power of recovery, evident in the way she overcame the challenges of Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome, is a testament to her willpower and the unconditional love she gives us every day.

Love keeps us warm

As we count down to Myla's 15th birthday, and with it almost the beginning of spring, the time of renewal and hope, I cherish the moments with Myla even more. Every day with her is a gift, and I am determined to embrace every moment, just like we did in those winter snow adventures with Rowan. Life may change, but the memories of Rowan remain, and the love I still receive from Myla every day keeps me warm inside even on the coldest days.

Bring on the Snow

So now, as the last bits of snow melt away today, I embrace the magic of the season and the precious time I have left with my brave Myla. Together we enter winter, with hope in our hearts and the love of our shared memories that will never fade. Bring on the snow, Myla's love keeps me warm, and my love for her keeps my old little girl warm!