Bringing back Butchie

I would like to thank Dr. Dennis Linemeyer of Leadville, and Dr. Christine Murphy, of Breckenridge, for giving my dog Butchie back to me. When he was very ill, they restored him to health.

Butchie is a spirited dog. He “finger paints” nose smudges on the car windows. I get whapped in the face with his tail, wet or dry, when he jumps from the passenger seat to the back. He has a mega bark; growl-woof, growl-woof, growl-woof, then medium breath, then three more barks. He doesn't seem to need much air as an opera singer — or as I might need. He delights in chasing “kitty dearest” around. Who would think I would miss all this chaos, but I did, and so did “kitty dearest.”

Butchie did not eat or drink, and became very dehydrated — he barely moved. Kitty stayed right close to him. Driving back and forth to Breckenridge, the clouds were gray and ominous; the mountains, pyramids of ancient doom. I was so afraid Butchie would die.

Then, after an ultrasound, the problem was found. He was medicated and immediately was just about back to normal. Driving home that day, the clouds were giant waves of a benevolent whale. The mountains were meringue peaks and layered cakes of sweetness.

Butchie is back to his old tricks. He still has to be coaxed into the car; I threaten to leave him home. He is barking and chasing kitty. He follows me everywhere, close on my heels. Running up and down the stairs, we compete. Butchie hugs the banister and I have to force him outside. The banister is mine!