Everyone should meet an Oliver at least once in their lives. He’s a nearly human, funny, witty, observant, and expressive standard wire-haired dachshund. Weighing 25 pounds, he’s as strong as a black lab with very, very short legs. Rather like an earth mover, his center of gravity is low. Being a very strong and stubborn little guy, he likes getting his way. He keeps me on my toes.
Three years of his life have passed by. I keep waiting for him to grow into Dog-Hood. He’s firmly parked at Puppy-Hood and enjoying every single little bit of it. He does zoomies with an expression challenging me to race him to the finish. There is no catching him except with his form of kryptonite. Treats. He’s a sucker for dog bones or cheese. Truly, he’ll do anything asked if there’s a payoff. Slowly, he’s learned he can wait me out and get his treat first. I’m a sucker for his dreamy green eyes.
When working as a team, as long as he knows I’ve something yummy in my hand, I have his full attention. Once I give him the “All Gone” hand signal, he’s off to another adventure, not having one second more for me. Oliver and I have been to hell and back. To say I love him is an understatement. I respect him for all that he puts up with on a daily basis. He gives me grief until he sees enough is enough.
Last week, I was in the middle of spa maintenance. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best about reading instructions on bottles of lethal chemicals. My thinking follows this route. If said chemicals are sold over the counter, they are meant for people like me that really hate rubber gloves or eye protection. After working for so many years on the farm, there are very few things that scare me about home chemicals. Obviously, never mix Clorox and Ammonia, unless you have a death wish. Try not to breathe noxious fumes. But, for most things, just go with it and get the job done. Gloves and eye protection are such a bother.
VST would have had quite the opposite view, always on the look out for unsafe working conditions. With every chemical, one must read instructions while looking for all possible hazardous outcomes. It was nice to have him around to remind me that some chemicals are not cleaning supplies, but potentially dangerous liquids.
After losing VST, I’m left to my own devises. With the sun getting lower in the sky, the filters had soaked for three hours. Taking them out of the vats of acid solution with gloved hands, I carefully rinsed them off and set them out to dry.
No problem, yet.
Until.
Going back into the house, Oliver was complaining. Whining. Wanting to go outside to check for toads. Opening the door, there was no stopping him. Like a bullet. Without one zoomie he went straight to the vat of acid. Nose touched acid quicker than I could gasp in horror. Luckily, the smell caused him to back up, but not before a bit of the diluted solution had touched his sweet and delicate little nose. He looked confused and bewildered, coming to me right away for a hug.
Why, Oliver???
Why? Why? Why?
Immediately retrieving the empty bottle, I read all instructions again, this time looking for signs of possible poisoning. Whisking him off his little legs, I wiped his nose and checked his mouth. Everything in good order, we went to the couch and cuddled for awhile. His eyes told me he loved this part the most. For 30 minutes I watched for excessive salivation, vomiting, blisters, measles, Covid, anthrax poisoning. Any sign that he was ill.
Nothing.
I went to the vat of caustic chemicals. Carefully I put a fingertip in the solution.
Nothing.
It felt like water, so I rubbed some on the top of my arm for closer observation.
Nothing.
Hmmmmmmm.
I didn’t put my nose to the bucket or take a lick, deciding it was more sensible to remained unharmed in case Oliver needed my assistance. Chemical burns can be nasty.
As with small children, when they do something out of the ordinary, you need to wait things out, watching for the normal to continue happening. Oliver enjoyed a piece of cheese. No problem. He had a bowl of water. No vomiting. I prepared his dinner. Gulping that down, he pooped normally. His after dinner nap took him to puppy dream land without a care in the world.
After two hours of observation, I’m happy to report that Oliver remained his sweet little self, none the worse for wear. He survived a possible poisoning event. I’m a little ragged around the edges after that one. It was a reminder that our furry friends use about as much judgement as a blind and deaf salmon when there are new things to taste and smell. They need us to be prepared at all times. Remember that some house and garden plants are toxic to dogs. If spraying for insects, be sure that you choose products that are pet friendly.
Oliver is happily at my feet. Throughout the day and night, I checked for any signs of damage. I’m happy to report that there were no side affects. Through it all, he remained happy as a clam and enjoyed the extra attention.
As the days go by, there are more times when I get brief glimpses of a wonderful grown-up dog. I’m relieved, having passed my Puppy-Hood many moons ago. Hug your pets, keep them safe, and have a great day.