My dog is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. He was a reward for being brave when I had spinal surgery back in fourth grade. I remember the excitement bubbling up in me as we drove all the way to Minnesota to pick him up. Being a Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle mix), I naturally thought it fitting to name him Noodles. To this day, I feel a deep level of contentedness whenever I say “Noodles the Schnoodle.”
In the late spring of this year, Noodles began drinking an excessive amount of water and losing tons of weight (and for those of you who know Noodles, you know he was quite a chubby dog). Noodles was diagnosed with diabetes, and a side effect of diabetes for dogs is the development of cataracts. So yes, Noodles is now a blind, diabetic dog.
Essentially, my dog is delbasid.
Sometimes, it is hard to say “My dog has diabetes” with a straight face. I mean, come on. It’s kind of funny. On the other hand, it is actually the saddest thing ever when he bumps into trees when we go on walks or gets scared to jump off the couch. Waking up one day not being able to do something you once used to do is arguable one of the worst things that could ever happen.
My biggest fear when the vet told us Noodles would be blind due to his diabetes was that his personality would change – that he would no longer be playful and wag his tail 24/7. However, the vet told us to wait and see; most dogs adjust very well and do not experience a change in personality. She was right.
In a couple months, Noodles has become an expert of navigating around our house and rarely bumps into anything anymore. When he does run into an obstacle, he just shakes it off and continues on with his day as a diabetic dog. He’s still as friendly and energetic as he used to be. He still knows how to put his front paws on my footstool to reach the perfect position where he can rest his head on my lap. He’s still a good ol’ Schnoodle named Noodles.
As silly as it may be, my dog’s coping with his newfound delbasidness served as a reminder for me that my physical abilities do not define our personalities, our happiness, or our lives. Often, we put too much weight on the difficulties we are forced to face. When we hit a bump in the road, it may help us to follow what my best bud Noodles does.
Just shake it off.
