| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Norma |
Posted - Nov 30 2006 : 12:46:20 PM
Dear Farmgirls,
I need your prayers, please. My dearest friend and partner was helping my Dad last Tuesday at his home. Daddy had five shepherd mix dogs and two puppies. One of the male dogs took one of the puppies away and hurt it; the mother dog was practically wailing for help. Kathy found the puppy and took it back to the mother dog, set it down, and when the mother smelled/saw/tasted its blood, she jumped up and bit Kathy. When she attacked, all the other dogs followed suit. She was mauled by five large adult dogs. If it were not for a neighbor hearing her screams and coming to help, she would have been killed. The man jumped the fence and threw rocks at the dogs to get them off her and called 911. Kathy also (during the attack, mind you) called 911 and called me to come to the hospital. The animal control people and police had to kill one dog right then to keep it from attacking the emergency people. Another dog died from EXHAUSTION. All the dogs who attacked have now been put down. My friend had surgery that night, where they closed all the wounds that could be closed. She was bitten literally from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Most of the injury was to her arms. They bit her right ear in two, and bit behind her left ear; and we are thanking God that they didn't bite a few inches lower! All in all, she has had over 400 stitches, and has had these marvelous devices on the larger wounds that help the healing and help prepare the skin for grafts. If all continues as planned, she will have surgery for the skin grafts Friday afternoon (Dec 1). After that, if everything is successful, she will still be in the hospital at least another week.
Daddy (85 yrs old) witnessed all this, and the trauma took a real toll on his already-present dementia. He went downhill every day, and had a lot of health problems made worse by all this. He is now in the hospital (the same one Kathy is in) in a place that will hopefully help him think more clearly and remember things better. He just got so confused and forgetful he was not safe at home. Bless his heart, when all the dogs were off of her, he sat on her back to keep the dogs from coming back to hurt her more. He did all he was able to do.....in his limited physical capacity.
Please pray for all of us -- Kathy, her two children (Kathy's mom is here to help take care of the kiddoes), my Daddy, our own fur babies who miss Kathy very much and don't understand where she is, and me, who needs to be cloned to be in all places at once. We all could use your prayers and well-wishes.
This website has been a place of peace and happiness for me, meeting all of you and reading what you write to each other. I know it's one big family, and I am asking for your support.
God bless you all,
Norma |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| shelle |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 4:05:25 PM
(((Norma)))
You have been through so much!! I am so sorry to hear about your father. My husbands grandfather and my grandmother died with Alzheimers so I understand the road you have been down with that. Just know he is in a better place and will no longer suffer in this life.
I hope that Kathy is doing ok now. Bless her heart for what she went through with the attack. I cant imagine how horrible that was for her. My little brother got attacked by a dog when he was about 3 and I was witness to that and I was about 6 yrs old. I know how troubling that was for me and my brother and his injury was minor compared to Kathy's. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Blessings
Shelle
http://janzenfamilyjournal.blogspot.com/ |
| blueroses |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 3:09:04 PM
Norma,
So sorry to hear about your dad, but you were a good daughter to him. I had somehow missed the earlier parts of this thread and just read it all today. Hugs to you and your family.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| mommom |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 11:26:46 AM
So sorry, Norma. But, please always keep those wonderful memories you have of your dad close to your heart. That way, he'll always be with you! Susan |
| Beemoosie |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 11:07:29 AM
Norma,
My prayers and condolences are with you and your family. Very sorry to hear of your daddy's passing. It's been a touch few months for you, (((HUGS))) to you.
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
| sunshine |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 10:58:45 AM
I guess I have been in my own little world with sick family for the last 5 months I have missed this entire thread. My heart and love goes out to you. I know your father is safe in his loving wifes care. I pray that your partner will mend fast and be well both mentally , physically and spiritually.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com
my web stores www.sunshines.etsy.com and http://vintagethreads.etsy.com
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| Mumof3 |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 10:02:04 AM
Norma- I am so sorry to hear about your father. I am sure he was grateful to spend time with you before his passing. (((Hugs)))
Karin |
| akcowgirl |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 08:49:07 AM
I am so sorry for your fathers passing. It is so hard to lose a family member you are so close to. Many (((Hugs)))
Valerie
Yes, I live in my own little world. But that's ok they know me here.
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
 |
| Buttercup |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 04:41:07 AM
Norma,
I was not here when all this began, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you and sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. I wish you comfort and peace.
Hugz,
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
| Kim |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 04:24:47 AM
Prayers and healing light. I am so sorry. (((HUGS)))
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
"Go confidently in the directions of your dreams; live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://midwestmusings-kim.blogspot.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| Phils Ann |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 04:18:41 AM
Norma, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear Dad. He sounds like such a special man. Sending hugs and prayers for you.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 12:37:24 AM
Dear Norma - I am so saddened to hear of your Dad - please know that there are farmgirls "out here" sending you the best thoughts, wishes and (((((hugs)))). Thinking of you...
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
| lamamama |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 10:46:34 PM
Oh, Norma
I am so very, very sorry to hear of your dear Dad's passing. May God bless you, & may you find comfort in happy memories.
Please let us know how things are going.
Melanie |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 8:28:18 PM
hugs to you Norma..it is never easy losing a loved one. please take care of yourself during this time and allow yourself the time you need to grieve. hugs, Tina
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
| Norma |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 8:25:21 PM
Hello and Love to all my Farmgirl Friends out there,
I just wanted to let you all know that my sweet little Daddy went Home this past Thursday, March 22. He slipped away peacefully and quietly, and I was able to be right with him. I cried so hard when he drew that last breath, but then cried happy tears when I realized all the troubles he would never have to deal with again. I'll write y'all more later, but I just wanted to let you know. We had his service today, and everything went beautifully from start to finish, and I had many people tell me it was the sweetest service they'd ever been to. I was very blessed to have many friends there. We went back to visit the gravesite this evening, and they had already made everything look really nice, and reset the headstone with his and Mother's names on it. It looked so "right" to see them back together, lying side by side.
I thank each one of you for your support and friendship you've shown me.
God Bless You,
Norma |
| Aunt George |
Posted - Jan 18 2007 : 6:52:07 PM
Norma, Kathy and "Dad",
I know I'm late on this, been away for a while, but I just wanted to say you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay on the mend! Enjoy your weekend, you have earned it!
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
Thanks for checking out my apron musings! |
| hollyhock81 |
Posted - Jan 12 2007 : 6:09:03 PM
Many prayers,how hard it must be on so many levels for all involved.This brought tears to my eyes.Bless you all. |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Jan 03 2007 : 12:12:53 PM
Norma,
So glad Kathy is healing and at home, what an awful thing this has been. I know how hard it is to have a family member in a nursing home too. You need a nice weekend away. Buy yourself something nice and try and have a good time.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Jan 03 2007 : 12:07:31 PM
Well there is my friend Kathy, how are you and what are you doing, update, update. Think of you often.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| EnchantedWoodsGirl |
Posted - Jan 03 2007 : 11:11:13 AM
The truama from all of this is overwhelming. I am reminded by reading your post of what happened to me - my one cocker got in a brawl with my poodle and when I went to break them up the poodle got out behind me and in the middle of all of this my shepherd heard me screaming and got a hold of the poodle. As much as I tried to get the poodle from her jaws, I could not - but my shepherd never once tried to bite me. Finally she dropped him when my husband came out and his jaw was broken, I had to put the poodle down. I remember feeling angry at my shepherd, but also remembered how she was only trying to protect me (the worst thing I did was scream). I did not stay angry, but am ever so cautious now.
Also, I had a neighbors dog - a pit bull attack one of my miniature horses. I could not get the dog to let her go and finally I mustered up the strength to get between the barn and the dog and horse and yanked him off and threw him in the stall. Tore up part of the horses face but nothing serious. The police wanted to kill the neighbors dog but I told them not to (not that I like pits any better). It is frightening what an animal is capable of doing and I now pay attention more -
I pray that all involved in this will recover - I am sure Kathy does not hate dogs even though she was mauled but it will emotionally scar her for sure. It was a long long time before I was normal again and I was not even bit.
Take care and know you have support here.
Blessed Be
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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| Phils Ann |
Posted - Jan 03 2007 : 10:52:45 AM
Norma, Your update sounds so positive! What a very intense time for you. I'm so glad for Kathy's healing, and for your dad to be more himself in the morning. It's a grueling story--surreal. Hope your trip is delightful for you and you are able to get re-charged. I'll continue praying for healing and peace for you all.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Jan 03 2007 : 10:10:38 AM
Norma- I am so glad your friend is doing better. I have a friend whose German Shepherd attacked her in her dining room- right in front of us. It was horrible and scary.
I was so touched by your comments about your dad. This morning, my parents came down for breakfast, as their furnace gave out and it was COLD in their house. When my dad left, I watched him walk up the hill home- a cane in either hand, cautiously taking each step. It made me so sad to see this once energetic man having such difficulty. It is so hard to watch our parents slip into old age. I'm glad you can see your dad frequently.
I hope you have a great time on your trip. You certainly deserve it!!
Karin |
| Norma |
Posted - Jan 03 2007 : 07:20:00 AM
Dear Friends,
Just wanted to send you all an update on everyone. Kathy is home and doing very well. Her wounds are mending nicely, the skin grafts took fine and she is seeing the doctor every two weeks now instead of every week. The home health nurses are coming only a couple of times a week, as they say "you guys dress these wounds as well as WE do!". When Daddy left the hospital, he moved into a nursing/rehabilitation facility just around the corner from his home (and just about 5 minutes from my home). It's still so hard to believe things went downhill so fast for him. I usually go see him after work, and it's upsetting every time. His nurse recommended to me to try to come earlier in the day, so this morning I got up early (yawn....) and went to see him before I came to work. He was all bathed, shaved, dressed and sitting in the dining room, waiting on his breakfast tray. I hugged him and he looked at me and said "well, look who's here!". The nurse was right - he was much more alert and responsive in the mornings. So, I'm going to try to add this visit every day. It will help offset those evening visits when he's so groggy and seemingly "out of it". I appreciate your continued prayers for his health and for Kathy's recovery.
This weekend, we get to go to a quaint little old-fashioned town, Jefferson, Texas, to stay at a favorite bed & breakfast on a bayou. Can't WAIT! It's the first time I've gotten away in I-can't-remember-when! There'll be antiquing and quilt shop visiting this weekend!
God bless you all, and I wish you all a Happy New Year!
Love & Farmgirl Hugs,
Norma |
| Libbie |
Posted - Dec 14 2006 : 09:57:41 AM
Norma, how are YOU doing, and how are Kathy and your Dad? I was thinking about you all earlier this morning and hoping that all is going well. Sending healing thoughts and love...
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| mommom |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 11:11:01 AM
I am so very sorry this happened....yet what your dear daddy did to protect her by sitting on her doesn't surprise me at all. My dad had alzheimers and he saved me from being hit in the head by another person in the home where he was. He didn't know my name, but he knew he had to protect me just like your daddy did with Kathy. I am asking our God to wrap the cross around her to protect her from infections and anything else that may come her way. My prayers are being said now and will continue to do so. Bless you, too, and please keep in touch. With love and blessings, Susan |
| katiedid |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 07:54:32 AM
Norma!! I don't know how I missed this!! How horrific!!
For everyone involved! I know first hand how hard it is to the one who holds it all together. It is so hard to see the people we love suffer!
Be so careful, and try to take care of yourself.
I have had some serious health problems lately, and these FarmGirls have been SOOO kind, I have had so many prayers, positive thoughts and some great cards and gifts in the mail!!
You are right, this is a great group of sisters.
I am doing IV antibiotics from home, and really, it's not such a huge deal, you can help Kathy with getting the meds all "hooked up" and truely, she will rest better in her own bed!
Good luck, I am thinking of you and yours
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
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