This bug may look intimidating, but it's harmless. It's a hornet-mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), which as its name suggests, makes a career out of looking like a scary hornet. Supposedly that helps keep away predators. It's the biggest hoverfly species in the UK.
Here it is next to another, much smaller type of hoverfly. I've seen this hornet-mimic hoverfly in the garden for several days now, usually around this dusty miller plant (Senecio), but I didn't have my camera handy until yesterday.
I promise I won't turn this blog into daily updates about Olga, but she seemed to have a better day yesterday. We have not scheduled another vet appointment. We got some medication from our vet visit earlier this week that's supposed to help blood flow to her brain, which might help her balance -- so we'll try that first. Despite my desire for more specific diagnostics, I don't want Olga to spend her last days or weeks going back and forth to the vet, if we can help it.
I think we've entered a phase when she's going to have good days and bad days, and that's just how it is.
She spent most of yesterday snoozing in the garden...
...with me either beside her on a blanket or sitting on that bench in the background. I've been reading more of "The Man with the Golden Arm" and it's growing on me. I'm about 160 pages in -- basically halfway through. I have developed an attachment to the characters, which helps, because this is a very character-driven book, as opposed to plot-driven. The more I read it, the more I focus on the people and their motivations instead of the card games and boozing.
Sweet Olga. We’d be doing just what you’re doing.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to know Olga is doing OK, it's a worry every pet owner has, and I think you are doing great at balancing her needs without too much prodding.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are right not to be trekking Olga to the vet too much. She looks very comfortable on her bed in the dappled shade. You will know when she needs extra " help".
ReplyDeleteSo long as Olga is comfortable and happy, that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI would have been afraid to get close to that faux hornet ... just in case!
The bench in your garden is at hell of an angle. I never realised that your garden sloped so much as it clearly does. Obviously, in the past, you have used trick photography to suggest that your garden is flat. I suspect that you learnt how to do that at The Royal Photographic Society. Let's hope sleeping Olga does not slide down into the bushes.
ReplyDeleteit's amazing how a story can slowly shift your focus until the characters feel almost real.
ReplyDeleteI like books better when I can form an attachment with the characters. Olga looks peaceful.
ReplyDeleteHoverflies are amazing beasts. I'm seeing a lot in our garden at present.
ReplyDeleteUpdates on Olga are essential and help you to track her progress.
I agree with your approach to Olga's care. She doesn't want to be an invalid for her last months.
ReplyDeleteWe all care about Olga but we do know what the future will hold, hopefully one day in the distant future.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a sweet looking dog.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing right by Olga; she looks so peaceful in her garden spot.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be on a blanket beside Olga in the garden (however, I would then have to try to get up off of that blanket & the process WOULD NOT BE PRETTY).
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha!
DeleteI wish I could spend my day snoozing on a padded bed in the garden. If I tried it sans clothing like Olga, I would be a giant beet in a lot of pain by evening.
ReplyDeleteOlga is as much a part of this blog and blog family as anyone so share away. We love her and we worry about her. I'm so glad today is a better day. She has "good people."
ReplyDeleteI love your concerned, yet practical take on this phase of Olga's life. Yes. There is not much to be done about it except to make as much of these golden days as you can...for her sake and yours.
ReplyDeleteSleepy Girl - And Daily Updates Will Be Just Fine With Me - The More You Share , The "easier" For Processing - Sending All The Best Vibes Your Way
ReplyDeleteStay Strong ,
Cheers
You are making the right decisions with Olga. The medication needs a chance to work and she has all she needs with you and Dave taking care of her.
ReplyDeleteI love those bright yellow flowers.
The picture of Olga in your summer garden is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteI, too, think your attitude about your sweet girl is the right one. I sometimes wonder if all the stress of late-in-life treatments and tests for our pets doesn't actually contribute to an earlier death.
Those hornets sting like crazy too. They need their space.
ReplyDeleteKeeping Olga comfortable is best and with you nearby, she loves her nap in the sunny garden.
Interesting about the hover fly. I have many wasps and other insects buzzing around. Maybe some of the others are hoverflies.
ReplyDeleteI agree with The Padre. Updates are welcome and make any hard news less of a shock. That is a sweet photo of Olga!
ReplyDeleteYup, that bug would scare me.
ReplyDeleteHopefully that medication will help Olga. She looks so sweet in this photo.
Codex:
ReplyDeleteI've loved hover flies since I was a kid. Amazing shot, which camera are you using?
As to Olga, for those of us who've been through it, it's hard to read. She's a purebred and has you to thank for 15 years of great care. They rally. Make her comfortable, she could have months or a year rather than weeks.
I would venture to say the majority of your readers want and appreciate frequent Olga updates. I know I do. As for good days and bad days, I've already reached that point and I don't consider myself old!
ReplyDeletePlease don't worry about posting daily updates. We are all so invested in hearing news about dear Olga. Beautiful pictures as usual.
ReplyDeleteWendy (Wales)
I would worry if you didn't mention Olga so please post as much (or as little) about her as you feel like! Book Club books often grow on me the more I get to know the characters. Since we read mainly literature, many of our choices are more character than plot driven. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're on summer holidays so you and Dave can spend these days with Olga. Glad she had a better day today, and may the better days outnumber the worrisome ones for a good while yet. You've been down this path before, and your priorities are wise. Quality over quantity.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
She’s lost a little weight dear Steve x
ReplyDeleteOh Steve. I've been away from blogging for a bit, dealing with my shingles, etc. I always love reading about Olga, and I was so sorry to see that Olga has had some issues. I know you love her and you will do everything to make sure she is comfortable.
ReplyDelete