Our time on stage is so brief

"Our time on stage is so brief." -Ruth Kirk, writer.

Just watched an elderly Kirk say this on a Channel 11 special on frontierspeople of the American west. She seemed close to tears. It made me wonder who she was addressing: the young or herself.

Our time *is* so brief. There are some people in particular in my life who I wish would realize this. They treat time like it's everlasting, but as I see it, so many memories are passing us by.

Phoenix, rising

Take a look at this photo and consider this: this is the best this dog has ever known. Despite being post-surgery, wrapped in thick bandages, and stuck in a recovery cage at the vet's office, this day is far preferable than almost any day in Midnight's past.

The hematoma in Midnight's ear was so severe that she required surgery. The ear you see poking out from the bandages is her good ear. In addition to ear surgery, she was also spayed on Monday. Midnight can't tell us if her hematoma was caused by repeated head shaking due to ear infections, or physical trauma. As far as I have heard, her ears aren't infected, leaving one to surmise that the people who tied her to a jump rope are responsible for more than animal neglect. :(

On a happier note, Catherine (the animal rescue queen :)) and I have given Midnight a new name: Maple. Maple trees are strong and beautiful and especially noticeable in the Fall. Thankfully, so was Midnight/Maple. :)

Hope Springs Eternal

Midnight has been rescued! The animal rescuer reports that she is a sweet, affectionate dog (despite what she's been through!) who is starved for attention, and is basking in the joys of being petted and cared for. She is skinny and starving and has a severe case of fleas (being treated with medication). The rescuer noted that her hands were almost black after petting Midnight, she was so filthy and neglected. :( So, today begins Midnight's new life, already leagues better than the one she left. I wish her a happy future of walks, a full tummy, scratches behind the ears, favorite toys, and kind caretakers.

Midnight, alone.

Tonight, like who knows how many nights before this one, there is a hungry, neglected dog in an Indiana backyard, tied up with a child's jump rope, without food, or water, without a warm bed, a friendly pat on the head, without love. A smallish black pit mix, the rescue group trying to save her is calling her "Midnight." I'm guessing her "family" hasn't even given her the honor of a name themselves.

As the rescue group wrestles with the legalities of how to rescue Midnight, I wonder - how do the people in that house sleep at night? There is a dog suffering only feet from their beds. She has fleas, gnats swarming, fur falling out...a hematoma in one ear...broken teeth from chewing on who knows what (a fence to try to escape? rocks because she was starving?). The people in the house "want her gone by this weekend." The rescuer said the family has several small children.

I look at my dogs curled up warm and snug, tummies full of water and kibble, and cry to think that any dog suffers like Midnight. I look at my 4-year old son curled up warm and snug, tummy full of last night's dinner, and cringe to think that any family could teach their children to disrespect animals in such a profoundly cruel way.

I can't get Midnight out of my thoughts. I hope she knows there are souls out there caring about her tonight.

Inspiration

Welcome to my blog, "Nothing Less Than Everything." My title was inspired by lyrics to a Sugarland song, which has been stuck in my head (in a good way!) for days now. I've had enough so-so for the rest of my life...and, I, too, don't want to settle for anything less than everything.

"Settlin'" lyrics by Sugarland

Fifteen minutes left to throw me together
For mister right now, not mister forever
Don't know why I even try when I know how it ends
Looking like another "maybe we could be friends"
I've been leaving it up to fate
It's my life so it's mine to make

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything, yeah

With some good red wine and my brand new shoes
Gonna dance a blue streak around my living room
Take a chance on love and try how it feels
With my heart wide open yeah you know I will
Find what it means to be the girl
Change her mind and change her world

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
I ain't settling no, no, no, no, no, no, ohhh

So raise the bar high