Monday, March 12, 2007

News on the Homefront

As you may have noticed, it's been awhile since I have posted any novel updates. This is because of my rigorous work schedule, but I've been turning over plot twists in my mind in my brief periods of rest. I have found new inspiration recently. I'm reading Tricia Goyer's latest book, Valley of Betrayal, and I am pleased to announce that I will be reviewing this novel here as part of her blog tour on the 21st of this month. I hope to have completed the reading it in a couple of days.

I have sent out one query regarding my first book approximately three weeks ago, and I'm anxiously awaiting an answer and researching more avenues. Juggling my writing with my full time job is proving to be a handful, but don't give up on me yet! As you other writers know, we find time for this love of writing any way we can. Keep checking in for updates, even though I know I'm behind schedule in writing and posting updates. Someday you're in for a big surprise, I just know it.

In more domestic news, my son has suffered injury at the teeth of Maggie. We had her groomed, and I fear the traumatic day she had may have caused her to be more irritable. Or he may have gotten on the spot where she had her shot. I don't know, but I'm heartbroken that this has happened and don't know what to do about it. I really feel that I cannot keep her. Chase does not want me to give her away or have anything done with her. So this will be traumatic for us all. His little hand is healing well, and so far no signs of infection. Maggie is on her 7th day of being restrained in the yard. She doesn't like it, but these are the rules the Health Department has to ensure she is healthy. She's had all her shots, but they want to make sure. I suppose I shouldn't have brought a cocker spaniel home. I have heard they are temperamental and sometimes not good with children. I do not want to believe she is vicious in any way, but the couple of wounds on my child tell me that she has the potential to be a dangerous animal. I don't want her hurting him again--or anyone else. At the same time, she's our family pet, and we really don't want her put to sleep. Any of you had any experiences with this? And what did you do to deal with the problem?

4 comments:

Gina Conroy said...

Hurray for you and your novel! I should be plotting my cozy, but don't feel like putting in the effort.

Sorry to hear about your son. I know your pain, except for giving the dog away part. My oldest was bit in the face when he was five by my dad's Akita. He had over 100 stitches, but the story is a miracle in itself. Needless to say, I really don't care for dogs to this day, though last year I got my kids a Cavalier King Charles. He's got the look of a cocker spaniel except smaller, but the temperament is sweet, gentle and compliant.

It's a tough decision. My dad put the dog to sleep, but maybe simply a change of environment, maybe a home with no small children would be an option for your dog.

Nadine said...

Good luck on the book. I've written one too and in that lovely process of getting it noticed.

We had a dog that once bit my son so what we did was advertise to give the dog away to a family with no children. The couple lived on the farm and signed a waiver stating they knew the dog had bitten our child.

Diane Viere said...

Cindy,

Oh, I am so sorry this happened! We had a Shih Tzu for 16 years...and while she was a fabulous family dog--she required her own space on days of grooming, the vet visit, or those "leave the Queen alone days!" Yes, she nipped at younger children who would box her in a corner...and yes, she bit one of our children, drawing blood, but not requiring medical attention.

It was my job to make sure they understood that they couldn't chase her into a corner and expect her to be happy about it! When we had visitors.....Cooler was delegated to her kennel in the laundry room. While kenneling the little sweetie was hard, she soon began to appreciate the solitude and I didn't have to be so anxious every time a houseful of people were there. As she aged, she calmed down.

So--my experience withholding, you must do what your gut tells you. Try kenneling her/him on those days you know she/he is moody. If you find that she/he is moody everyday...then maybe he/she is not for your household.

Let us know what you decide...so we can support you through this!

AND WOO-HOO about the novel progress! 3 weeks is still early in the game relating to Queries (so I've read!)....but I understand the anxious awaiting! Will look forward to your review. What a great thing to do.

Talk soon.

Diane

Sista Cala said...

Thank you dear readers for the doggie advice. I have tried to stay out of it all, since my reflex action would have been harmful to the whole family. I am a bit protective of my golden boy nephew. All is well so far.
God bless you all. PT2006