I called Dr. Elliott last week the morning after our return from the hospital to ask about the clot that had formed and stopped the bleeding around Stuart’s heart. Whether I should worry about it breaking off and moving somewhere. Should he be jumping off of his little sofa onto the floor? Or going up and down steps quickly?
She’s more concerned about his heart rate than about the clot.
At first, I think she was amazed that he was so active. Then, she told us not to “put him in a bubble” – to let him be himself and not worry. There’s nothing we can do about anything, except that if we see him start to jump off the sofa, just help him. Don’t let him do it by himself if we happen to be right there.
I started to cry. One of those chest heaving cries that you can’t stop very quickly. And she compassionately, but forcefully, admonished me.
“Be happy around him. If you need to have a meltdown, go into another room. Be happy. I want you to BE HAPPY AROUND HIM.”
Wiser words were never spoken. Not even by Stuart.
The Scottie Chronicles - Winston's World 
it’s so hard not to cry, but that is so true…. stay calm and scottie on… it’s the time you have together for hugs and cuddles…
Yep and it’s the hardest thing to do.
Lily & Edward
aaww – “be happy with him”. Terriers are hard – I know from Houdini here my friends. Stuart is a fighter – look at him go now. He’s not giving up and neither should we. Hogs and snout kisses sweet peeps. XOXO – Bacon
i cried to when i read this. it is so hard to go through this with a family member. stuart’s posts just make me smile everyday.
It’s harder for humans than it is for us dogs. We live in the moment and just know that we’re happy right now, like Stuart is. He has his family, his home, his bed, his toys, and all the things that make him happy, so why wouldn’t he be? It’s the humans who think and worry about the future so much, so it’s a lot harder on him. Try to be a little more dog-like and just live in the moment with Stuart. You have each other right now. That’s plenty to be happy about!
(Harder on THEM — humans — not HIM. Momma can’t type today.)
Awwww… I’m so sorry. I would be melting down too. You sound like you have a very compassionate vet – you are very fortunate. Yup, Stuart doesn’t know he’s ill right now so let him party on! He’s such a sweetie pie – could just eat him up!
Scottie On. xoxo Stuart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It is so hard to do but is so important. Our fur babies pick up on our every nuance xoxoxo
DakotasDen
Yes, be happy around him. Let him live out his life as he always did. I understand about the meltdowns. Stuart is the greatest. Just stay calm and love on him!
It’s so hard. I wish I lived close enough to be a comfort to you.
xo
Lynn
oh stu! so glad to hear you are active again. Lay off the jumping for now…let the peeps do something nice for you! Scottie on!! Aroooo….
Love your Vet. Love Stuart. He is Happy at home and needs you to be happy.
Bentely
You’ve been given a gift-a git of time. Use it wisely else one day you’ll wish you had.
It’s so hard to look in those big brown eyes and not cry but Dr. E is right. She’s told me the same thing in the past. For crying, I recommend time in the car alone, although you have to careful to be able to see to drive…..
Smile because Stuart is home with you now.
Sweet William The Scot
We agree…wise doc…loving ‘parents’… sweet scott . Best combo one could ask for.
♥ L&M
Agree with all here. Animals don’t use the English language, but body language and Energy. Body language never lies, so All the love you both have for him needs to be focused on peaceful thoughts and love. Again, we should All be living this way All of the time, even when it’s so hard. This will be your gift to him, as it is his gift to you💚❤️🙏. We all stand beside you and are here for you when you need strength, support, or a helping hand. You have our e-mail, so please ask, and a phone visit is easily arranged, ok?
we agree too – just do the best you can for Stuart – let him feel you love 🙂
OK now…. paws and prayers for you peeptress! I know those heaves and cries too well… everyone has spoken volumes of gems for u and all of us to remember. Know it’s hard, but your love for Stuart is what is keeping him going.
Ozzy & Callie’s mommy
Yes! Remember too that his love for You will keep You going😍
Such wise words even if its Hard,xx Speedy and Mum Rachel
Skyler here. We puppers have special mood radar, so I have to agree with what our peers have said about being calm and happy around Stuart. I also like your Vet a lot! She seems quite prescient, and that’s a blessing too. So snuggle, walk, talk, special treats…it’s all good. We all have your back. Much love and empathy, Skyler Braveheart
Be strong for Stuart! You can do it because we all will be strong for him with you!
It is so difficult to keep the smile on your face when you know he won’t be with you, but you are a scottie mom and you can be very strong. Sending you love and hugs. Just live the moment.
It is great advice. Be happy for him and enjoy every second with him.
We think that is the best advice we have ever heard. We only have this moment right now. Fill it up with happiness. The Scottie girls send happy arroooos to you today.
Bonnie, Kenzie and their staff
Yuppers! That is so true…that’s why I’m sendin’ you a margarita, so you can stay happy around your boy! Every second is a treasure, and every moment a gift. {{{hugs}}}}
Kisses
Ruby ♥
Follow Stuart’s lead. They are smarter than we are. He will know his limits. We send our love
Susan, Sidney,Shelby, and Sophie.
Dr E is right. . Stuart (and all animals) are always in the current moment. They remember everything and worry when we are sad. Just now as I was reading your blog Noodledog put her feet on the sofa to look at me with her little Scottie face. And her face was clean! Made me smile. Let Stuart be Stuart and make more happy memories
Noodledog Nessa and her mom
Sounds like you have a wonderful vet. Easier said than done we know – be happy you have this time to cherish every moment with Stuart
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
Dogtor Elliott is right – rejoice and be happy around Stuart. Let him feel the joy he brings you. (So much easier said than done during this difficult time). When you get to one of those moments when a snot cry is coming on, just go to your hidey place and have it. You have to let it out so you can continue to be strong for him. I’ve had a few of those cries over Elsa. She is still here, who knows for how long. We love her hard each and every day. Stuart knows you love him hard as well and that will help him continue on. Peace to you and your partner Peep. (The kids Mom here).
It is very difficult to put on a happy face when you are heart is suffering so. We pray that you and Stuart both continue to grow stronger every day, to comfort one and other with a blanket of happiness and show him that together you can move mountains!
Love & hugs,
McDuff & Mom
yes we gotta be brave for one another. When the nurses told me my fiancee was not going to make it, they took me into a wee room and I just choked with crying. Then they applied make up to my face and told me not to go into his room until I had pulled myself together. Yes it is just as bad regardless of how many legs your loved one has. I have lost 2 and 4 legged loved ones and it is no different. Sending all three of you lots of cyber support.
Aunt Sharon. XXX
Scottie on…many aroos, hugs & POTP
Edgar and his mum
They may be wise words from the Doctor, but I know where you’re coming from, Stu’s Mum!
Your feelings of Grief ARE NORMAL, so I think it was OK for you to break down talking to the Dogtor. When you’re with Stu, I know you are HAPPY because he is with you and you cherish his presence! You were already doing what the dogtor reminded you to do, so please, do not be hard on yourself! Lord knows you are going through such a terribly difficult time so just remember that your feelings are genuine and NORMAL! I would not have been so stern with you, because I know you are being happy around him, how could you not be?
With love understanding, and deep empathy for you, Stu’s Mum, I remain your concerned friend,
Laura, ( Riley-Puppy’s and Tessie-Girl’s Mum)
Hi Stu and Peeps greetings from Mexico City Janis and her peeps send you all the love we can stay strong and receive all kisses We love you guys
Smart advice. Dat are what me and momma are tryin to do right now.
We’re sending you bucket load of happy thoughts that you can dip into Mrs Peepster, whenever you feel low. Big hugs to you all xxx
LOVE LOVE LOVE to Stu and the Peeps!
We are so shocked to read this news. Hugs to you all! Sweet Stuart.