This is my yellow lab, Squirt. Yes, I am perfectly aware that she is no "squirt." I have been told by every friend, family member, solicitor, and delivery man that has come to my door unannounced. She was five months old when we rescued her and changing the name would have been too much hassle. So, she is still named "Squirt." You've got to admit that there is a certain humor in that "got-cha" moment when a person first realizes that the "squirt" is a 70lb. Labrador Retriever. At least I have enjoyed looking at the faces of those shocked to realize that the biggest dog in the house is the "squirt."
You can't tell by looking at this healthy, happy dog that she has seizures. They go untreated because our vet refuses to treat her until he sees one in progress. Well, she can go 6-12 weeks and not have a seizure and I can't afford to board her for that long. So she has been left to suffer.
That is, until I stumbled upon the most remarkable thing. Squirt had a seizure while my husband was at work. She started thrashing and while I couldn't stop the seizure, I tried to help her through it by massaging her back. Amazingly, she stopped thrashing immediately and was able to sit up. Now she still trembled as she fought against that short circuit in her brain, but she was able to regain control over her body. I have to tell you, to me it was a miraculous thing.
She had another seizure today and once again, I began to massage her back as she sat there trembling and slobbering all over me (it's okay, I don't mind doggies' slobber). But the important part is that she came through the seizure minus the trashing uncontrollably. I just think that somehow the massage makes her relax and the seizure easier to bear.
It's amazing what a simple gentle touch will do. Think about how a baby responds to the mother's touch, how a husband/wife responds to the touch of their wife/husband, how hospice and nursing home patients respond to the touch of a dog or cat, how the silent touch of a friend helps when we are at a dark, tragic place in our lives. A touch is a powerful thing among us humans, too.
The Psalmist Aseph knew the power of the Creator's touch as he wrote, "Yes I am always with You; You hold my right hand." (Psalm 73:23) David also knew the comfort of a touch, "If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me." Just imagine the comfort that is available because God is willing to hold our hand. And it is even more comforting to know that, just like a loving parent, God takes my hand (when I let Him) and LEADS me in the way I should go. To me THAT'S comfort and security!
There is nothing more comforting than a human touch. When you don't know what to say or what to do, try a hug, a hand on the knee or shoulder, or holding your friend's hand. It gives the recipient the freedom to be who they are at that moment without reservation. It's like by touching them you are assuring them of your unconditional acceptance of who they are and are willing to be with them through the journey ahead. The same way God holds our right hand continuously through our journey in order to comfort and lead us.
Squirt is resting now. Just like in humans, a seizure leaves her drained. But like us, a silent touch makes her journey easier. I think I'll go pet her to remind her that I will always be there for her. It always works for me.
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