27 August 2012

The Song of the Sirens

Man must be arched and buttressed from within, else the temple wavers to the dust.

~~ Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Roman Emperor (and co-Emperor for eight years), the last of the Five Good Emperors, and considered one of the most important Stoic Philosophers, AD 161 – AD 180

Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body.

~~ Pythagoras, Ionian Greek Philosopher, Mathematician, and founder of the religious movement called Pythagoreanism, 570 BC – 495 BC

HEALTH UPDATE: All of your well wishes, crossed paws, and kind words and thoughts are working! I am doing and feeling much better. The medicines have helped with my balance issues and my arthritis, so I am walking more and walking better. I am still coughing but not nearly as much, and my energy level has slightly improved. Thank you all very much! I could not have progressed this far without you!

The heatwave had broken from days of 100+ degrees Fahrenheit to days of 90+ degrees Fahrenheit. While still hot for an Alpha Male Malamute such as myself, I was claustrophobic from spending all Summer in the house. It was time to head back outdoors. Despite my human’s (K) best attempts to keep me inside, I would have none of it. Outdoors is where I belong (I also belong where there is snow, but that is another story). Anywoofs, the air was hot, the sun was shining, and I was calmly lying in the backyard in the shade. Then I heard it: faint singing, enchanting music, sweet voices. As if being pulled, I followed the singing and ended up in the dry bed of the creek. I feel asleep to the song of the Sirens.

Eagle-eyed K found me. She saw me from the bridge. Do you see me?

It's about time! Get me out of here.

I awoke to K calling my name. I had been in the creek for hours! And yes, I was stuck. K was baffled by my inability to get myself out, but she assumed it was due to the high steep sides along the creek and my arthritic back legs. So began the routine of K sliding down the side into the creek, leashing me, climbing back up the side, and then pulling me out of the creek. After that ordeal came the long walk home. We had to walk back home the long way, across the bridge, because the only place K could enter, and have us exit, was from the street side of the creek rather than the yard side. It was during these walks back home that I would collapse and remain motionless for quite a few minutes. It was very frightening to both K and I. What had those Sirens done to me?

Hey, K, did you hear the Sirens, too? [You can see the bridge in the upper left corner of the picture.]

Silvius, I hope you waxed up your ears.

Why should he have all the fun?

~~ MOMENT OF BEAUTY ~~

Triumph of Neptune, Roman mosaic, pavement from a house in Sousse (ancient Hadrumetum), Tunisia, circa middle 3rd Century AD (Musée Archéologique de Sousse, Tunisia)

Poseidon, sculpture at Københavns Havn, guards the gates from the harbor to the Queen's Palace (Copenhagen, Denmark) [I cannot locate any information on the artist or year. If you know, please let me know. Thank you!]

Back to me...

Repeat this scenario for the next two weeks. K was getting exasperated by the situation but she did not want to leash me due to my illness. K knew the effort to get me out of the creek, and then the walk home, was very stressful for me and she feared that the next collapse may be my last, so she repeatedly told me that I was not to go back into the creek. But the Sirens continued to sing and I continued to heed their call.

Yes, back again. It's not my fault! They lured me with their voices.

Can you see me now?

I am defenseless against the Sirens.

O.K., I am ready to be pulled out of here. Let's go home! [This is the spot where K pulls me out of the creek.]

Then one day the songs stopped. It was the day after K got me out of the creek as the sky darkened by an approaching storm and thunder echoed all around. The next few days were quiet, and I stayed away from the creek. The songs had stopped and I wondered if the storm had carried the Sirens away. I finally went back to the creek two more times to investigate. I heard and found nothing. However, to K’s happy surprise, and to my shock, I was able to get out of the creek both times on my own. No more enchanting Sirens to trap me in the creek.

Can you see me now? Cow dung (aka poop!) here I come!

From the irresistible sound of the Sirens to the irresistible smell of cow pies (aka poop)! The bulls are back across the street and my nose smells something sweet to eat. Good-bye creek, hello field of dung! I’m just sayin’…

35 comments:

Parsley said...

So glad to hear you are feeling better, Suka! Now...to the field of dung...don't you know humans don't like the smell. Better keep your distance or your human will give you a B-A-T-H!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Suka, we are so happy to hear you are feeling better. We will keep our paws crossed for it to get even better. Now about those sirens - just ignore them, the dung is much more appealing, don't you think? And what happened to our rain? We got all of 0.04 inches over the whole weekend!!! And the heat is back.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Finn said...

I am so glad that you are feeling better and that you went down to the c reek a few times. Did you really get stuck?? Hope you can go down there again real soon!

Dachshund Nola said...

So glad you're feeling better!
Nola

The Daily Pip said...

Hi Suka! I was just thinking about you! So glad, you are feeling better. Power of the Paw really works! I hope the coughing slows down soon. I still have problems with coughing, too.

Take care my dear friend!

Your pal, Pip

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Sweet Suka
I hope you continue to feel better. I know how frightening it is for you to get stuck. And it is also frightening for your K to worry about how she will get you out of the creek.
Stay close to home- and enjoy that sweet aroma from the cows.
I hope the weather cools down for you. And YES,.I saw you in your creek.
love
tweedles

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I think the string prevents me from hearing their khalls!

Thanks fur sharing your adventures -

Woo were furry lukhky K found woo AND khould get woo out too!

We are SO happy woo are feeling better - we'll fire up all of our paws fur the khough to be gone!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and The Golden Khousins MERDIE! and Harley

White Dog Blog said...

Glad the healing has begun! We continue to send woos (that are far sweeter than Siren songs) that you stay safe and continue to get better! K is the best, isn't she?

Maxmom said...

Dear Suka
I've been so distracted that I didn't know you've been ill. (I'm sorry) I am so glad, though, to hear that you are feeling better. It's always best that you listen to K...even if the sirens do call.
Sending warm wishes and good vibes your way.
Lotsaluv
MAXMOM AND THE GANG IN SOUTH AFRICA

WFT Nobby said...

Suka,

So pleased that the medicines are doing good and you are making progress and your legs are feeling stronger. Some cooler weather must surely help too.

I must try out the 'Siren' line next time I get the urge to chase a deer....

Toodle pip!
Bertie.

Mary Lou said...

Suka....
What a colossal relief to read that your health is improving!! Keep getting better!! ;)
Love, Raelyn.... And Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!

Tanner and Beth said...

Im so glad to hear you are feeling better and getting outside some. But I am sorry that K has had to work so hard! Guess that is the good and bad of having a healthy puppy!!

Doggy Kisses,
Tanner

Anonymous said...

Hey Suka, Jet here. Hi Miss K.

Miss K, you are such a special human to understand Suka and her enjoyment of the Siren's call. We held our breath as we read Suka struggled so to journey home. Glad to read that she is having a slightly easier time and has now shifted to cow pie investigation.

Sending Jetty kisses and JJ hugs to you Suka, feel well.

Remington said...

I am happy to see you smiling! Take care of yourself, my friend!

Lakeland adventures with Lola and Milo said...

Hi Suka.

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better and the temperature is starting to come down so you can have some outdoors fun.

Your pal Sheba.

Murray's Mouth said...

Great news I see! Best wishes for continued health!

Berts Blog said...

My Vickie has been away and I have not been on the computer but I think of you every day and I am so glad that you are feeling better. Your poor human must have been a nervous wreck when you were tempted by the sirens.

YOu be careful and don't push yourself too far too fast.

bErt

Unknown said...

Suka you gave us a scare there and gosh your peeps must have been worried. Sounds like you are more like your old self now. Take Care. Have a great Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

Unknown said...

PS also put you on my blogger buddies page to follow you as can't seem to find anywhere here.
Best wishes Molly

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're glad you're feeling better. You sure do like that creek. But don't6 keep scaring K.

Donna said...

I glad u starting to get better!! :)

haopee said...

You got out? That's great to hear. What are those sirens anyway? How potent can they be? Are they more persuasive than treats?

Suka, please be careful next time. We are all worried about you. I keep wondering when the next post would be because we have no idea what to expect.

Don't forget to stay close, okay?Be safe and get better!

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

Finn said...

Thinking aboutcha today Suka!

FiveSibesMom said...

Suka...just because Mom posted about Poseidon and Neptune doesn't mean you are to go exploring the far creek beds! Now never you mind those Sirens...you are giving your mom and us a scare! I'm glad you found the cow pies and will now stick a little closer to home so you are not walking so far! Harley (who loves everything stinky) says be sure to get in a good roll in a few of those pies! Don't forget to rest up before exploring...stay strong our beautiful friend! Husky hugs! xo

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! I always wonder if we don't hear from you ... Sending you Lots of Golden Thoughts n LOVE my dear SUKA. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

bbes tribe said...

Suka those Sirens are tricky. Luring you do the deep creek and just leaving you there for K to find. We think the cow pies are probably more fun for you and K - well not for K if you roll in them.
Glad you are feeling better. K must have had a really hard time getting you up that bank. Sasha fell on the stairs a while back and M couldn't get her out of the basement - until a friend came by to help carry her up the stairs. BTW she is doing better too - like you.
Tailwags to you our furiend
Ernie

Duendes said...

Hello Suka ,
I did not know their disease but I hope you're okay now ...adventure that you lived must be very beautiful mermaids ...but beware they have a great power of seduction.this beautiful place that you seem too good to wait for the autumn...big hugs.

Chicco said...

Hello dear Suka!!!!!
Now i'm back, I missed you!!!!

Oh I didn't know that you had been unwell but i'm so happy to hear that now you're better. I'm praying for you!!
Gosh, your story with the sirens looks like a film!!! But be careful with those strange creatures, Suka. You better listen to your humans :)

Have a nice week and get well soon, my friend.
Woof, woof,

Chicco

tubby3pug said...

We are back from our blogger break and we are so glad that you are feeling better, that is the most terrific news!

urban hounds

♥ Sallie said...

"Irresistible smell of cow pies?" Are you sure you are ok? I'm worried!

Just teasing. :)

We will keep sending love and good vibes your way!

Hugs,

Finn said...

Stopping by to see how you are doing....thinking of you here

Lakeland adventures with Lola and Milo said...

Hi Suka I've just awarded you two blog awards.

Sheba.

Lakeland adventures with Lola and Milo said...

Sorry i forgot to say you can pick up your awards here http://ian-mydogshebaslifestory.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/two-new-blog-awards.html

Duendes said...

Hello my friends ,
we have a new project on our blog if you like you are very welcome!!
hugs.

Oskar said...

I'm so happy you're doing better!

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar