I have raised, shown and otherwise competed with my Gordon Setters under the Holly Hollow prefix for about 12 years. I also have a couple of English Setters and an Irish Setter. During the last 7 or 8 years I have belonged to Setters-L, an email list for Setter lovers, and several other Setter related lists and forums. When there is a dog or person in need of support or prayer the term Setter Zen is used on these lists. I had not told very many of my setter friends about this tumor but I needed to try to find some help in taking care of my house/kennel full of dogs so they don't hop or bop around me when I come home for surgery. If they were to even slightly bump the surgical area it will be very bad and I'm a bit nervous of how some of my younger dogs may behave if I'm lying in bed or moving slowly. So I sent an email to the Setters-L administrators explaining my dilemma and asking if they could help me find someone to possibly foster a dog or two for 2 to 4 weeks. One of the admins, Gail, saw through my request and realized that I also wanted to let everyone know, but was hesitant of posting to the list myself. It is like if I sent the email it makes it more real and a bit scary. She posted my email for me and another friend, Ginger K, thought to ask if she could post it to another Setters list that I belong to.
The outpouring of support has been wonderful and helps so that I don't feel so alone. I can feel the Setter Zen flowing from all over the country to me here in Mattapoisett. I have asked for Zen for my dogs in the past when we had an emergency or illness but felt a bit weird asking for it for myself. I have had offers of help, Zen, prayers, and support from friends, acquaintances, and Setter people I haven't met from all over the country and another good friend from Michigan called me as soon as he heard to say that he would do anything at all to help (Thanks so much David N!). We are still sorting through the offers and trying to decide what would be best.
Just wanted to say "Thanks!" to all my Setter friends for the wonderful Setters Zen. I know it helps and at the very least I don't feel so alone :-)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Hi Sue,
I have been very busy and just catching up on my setters-l mail. I wish i was not on the other coast, or I would be happy to foster any dog for you. I hope that all goes well with your surgery. Setter-zen does work miracles, and I'm sure all those good thoughts will make a miracle for you! Pumba will be missing her mom, and will be waiting in earnest for you to come home. It sounds like Pumba is just like my 11 yr. old GS, Lincoln, as he can't even be left in the car for 2 minutes without missing his mom!
It sounds like you have a GREAT attitude about this, and will fight hard, and you'll have lots of extra Zen helping you as well.
In support,
Kimberly Turner and Lincoln and Aidan the setters.
Post a Comment