Wow, what a night!

I came home from choir last night to chaos in my house. First, the house was full of the smell of gas. Mike was the only one at home, so I quickly went hunting for him, throwing doors and windows open and envisioning him passed out on the floor. I found him in the basement tinkering with the hot water heater which has been working only minimally for about a month. As I was scolding him for working in the gas fill house I got a call from son #3 saying something was wrong with Cinnamon, our 13 year old Bassett Hound. I raced upstairs to discover that Cinnamon was stumbling around the house gasping for air.

I called Mike out of the basement and phoned the vet. In minutes we were off to the animal hospital, praying that Cinnamon would hang on until we got there. Of course, we ran into a closed road and a detour! But when we arrived at the Vet's, Cinnamon was still breathing. Dr. Lee showed momments later from a normally 25 minute drive. He examined Cinnamon quickly and determined she was choking on something. So he anesthesized our dog, reached down her throat and pulled out a six inch piece of rawhide! If that sounds gross, I'm sorry. It's nothing compared to being there!

Cinnamon spent the night in the hospital and I am happy to report she is fine today. Mike retrieved her and brought her home to Mocha (the 2 year old Bassett) who was doing her typical cheerleader welcome for Cinnamon. Both dog are happily exploring the backyard again.

I am reminded today that God has his eye on the sparrow. I know Cinnamon is "just a dog," but she is also one of God's creatures. As such she has captured our hearts. I'm glad she will be with us a little longer.

Oh... and as to the hot water heater and the gas in the house. Son #3 called Pattengales while we were at the vets. Phil and Carol Ann finished up Mike's work, which they said was basically in order. (Thanks Phil and Carol!) The house aired out and I had a hot shower for the first time in weeks today!