One moment you’re having a blast with your dog, and the next, he appears unwell. It’s astonishing how quickly happiness can shift to concern.
This is what Susan and Gene Jaworowski experienced when their dog, Bessie Smith, suddenly seemed to lose her spark.
The couple considered whether they might have overexerted her or if she possibly had a heart condition.
However, no one anticipated the true situation with Bessie.
Bessie Smith, The Incredible Canine Star
The day was beautiful at the lake close to their home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Gene and Susan enjoyed a delightful day out with Bessie Smith.
For clarity, this is not the Bessie Smith, the legendary jazz artist.
Their Bessie is a Border Collie mix, born from a purebred mother and an unknown father. All of her littermates were named after renowned jazz musicians, and they were adopted from Bounce Animal Rescue Fort Collins a few years ago.
When Gene and Susan welcomed Bessie into their family, she was just six weeks old—a tiny little pup. They did everything they could to nurture her, and Bessie blossomed into an exceptional dog.
Given that Border Collies are renowned for their energetic nature, Bessie exhibited her athleticism and enthusiasm for outdoor adventures. The Jaworowskis cherished Bessie’s playful spirit and vivacity.
Living near a beautiful lake became a routine for them, turning walks and exercise into daily events. Bessie thrived during these outings, and if she could express her thoughts, she would declare she’d never part from the lake.
However, it wasn’t long before the couple noticed that Bessie barely moved her feet when it came time to return home. She seemed so fatigued that her humans grew concerned something might be amiss.
“During her second year with us, she was dragging her feet up the hill to the car after an hour of fetching sticks in the water. After observing this for a few days, we began to think we were pushing her too hard with the exercise and that she might have a heart issue,” Jaworowski shared with Newsweek.
It’s no surprise Gene and Susan were anxious. Heart conditions can be common in dogs across all breeds and might arise at any point in their lives.
The couple swiftly brought Bessie to the veterinarian, where she underwent a variety of tests. Everyone feared the worst and held their breath. Could this be the last chapter in their delightful journey with Bessie?
When the results came back, Gene and Susan felt a mix of relief and embarrassment, realizing they had worried for nothing.
Bessie was perfectly healthy.
So, what was the cause of her apparent fatigue? Why did she seem to lack energy when it was time to leave the lake?
The answer was straightforward: Bessie simply didn’t want to go home; she wanted to stay at the lake longer!
Her dragging paws and low energy were a clear sign of her discontent.
Oh, Bessie, if only you could vocalize your wishes to stay at the lake a little longer!
Now, who will reimburse Gene and Susan with $150 in vet bills for their unnecessary fears, huh?
