Hey Woofa’s,

My Dad has been in hospital for 6.5 weeks now!!

He had a bad fall and fractured his neck (c2) and some ribs!!

While he was in hospital they found he also had pneumonia and blood clots on his lungs!

So he spent about a week in ICU with a Do Not Resuscitate on him (if things went that way) because they could potentially break his neck in the process.

He is in hospital still with a slow recovery period.

Mum and I (family and friends) are very grateful he is still here with us.

Our new normal is planning most things around hospital visits.

With me trying to work, keep the household going as best as I can, spending time with Billy and Dean etc as well as picking up mum and both of us going to visit with dad, it can become draining.

Everyone keeps reminding us to look after ourselves, which we do try to do also, but sometimes when someone you love is in hospital, everything becomes about them.

So this Father’s Day we’ll be spending in hospital.

Now I hear you say – well what’s this got to do with dogs and dads??

THE BEST THING YOU CAN GIVE YOUR (DOG) DAD THIS FATHER’S DAY!

One (of many) things I noticed while spending so much time in hospital is that time runs differently.

Even the patients lose track of time!  I’ve had quite a few ask me what time it is or what day or date it is because hospital appears to be of it’s own world of time.

You become familiar with the other patients sharing a room with your loved one.

You observe who gets visitors and who doesn’t.

Then you start to make unjustified judgements on those family members who don’t seem to be taking the time to visit their loved one in hospital.

You walk in and sit with your loved one and some days time seems to be standing still, nothing is improving and but nothing is getting worse.

Some days with time brings frustration with your loved one because they don’t seem to be helping themselves improve their situation.

So you say harsh words in the hope it’ll get them moving.

But at home that night in bed time brings you worry about what you said because ‘what if things go worse and that’s the last thing you said to them?’

Other visits you learn when meal time is because the patient in the other bed has their insulin shot!

Each visit you see the Nurses diligently working with each patient spending the caring time with them that they need.

Wondering if the Nurses ever get to go home because each visit they are always there.

Some time after certain visits you wonder if you made any difference by being there.

Only to come home and have a phone call from your loved one asking if you’re coming again tomorrow!

TIME!

The absolute best gift you can give your (dog) Father is TIME – YOUR TIME!

There is nothing more valuable than time.

Everyone claims their lives are so busy (social media has a lot to answer for)!

Hardly anyone has time for really truly connecting with people anymore.

Time doesn’t cost you anything either.

Take time to be with those you love.

Give up the social media BS for a few hours and go visit with someone, connect with them in person.

In such a technologically connected world we are so physically disconnected from each other.

If you are lucky enough to still have your (dog) Father in your life, then take the TIME to go and visit with them.

Make memories – that is so much more valuable than any gift you can give.

I was beside myself because I didn’t know what to buy my Father for Father’s Day this year!

We usually go out for lunch and we give him a gift!

This year I’m just so grateful he’s still here and nothing seemed to be appropriate or came close to expressing that.

Then I thought, just being with him and having him here is much more valuable than any store bought gift.

WHAT’S THIS GOT TO DO WITH DOGS?

Spending time with your (dog) Father is just as important.

You may not have anyone or your (dog) Father in hospital, but it’s just as important to take the time out of your day to spend with them this Father’s Day and always!

To make those memories, take those pictures and have lots of laughter.

Sit and reminisce with your (dog) Father about the fun things you have done together or the fun things your dog has done to make you laugh.

Just take the time out of your so called busy life and actually spend it with the (dog) Father in your life.

That’s it, that’s how simple it needs to be.

It doesn’t cost anything either.

So Just Do It!

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

It’s Father’s Day this Sunday!

All you need to do is take the TIME out of your busy schedule and go spend it with the (dog) Father in your life!

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW– HOW YOU’RE SPENDING THIS FATHER’S DAY?