A day without a "happy" that's ended as okay as it can be.

[Stinky The Clown]

We took Mama in to the vet today. She'd been limping and she seems to have increasing trouble getting up. The occasion for the vet, however, was a routine checkup and some booster shots.

Anyway, we'd had her in to be checked for the limp maybe a month or three ago. The vet gave us some doggie-specific arthritis meds and, if they helped, that would likely be the diagnosis. The meds helped, so now she's on the meds pretty much permanently.

What's sad? It all went well. The outcome is an improvement for the dog.

What's sad is that she's getting older. She's still the alpha in the house, but the other two seem a little less deferential to her, particularly the tiny one; the GSD is a little more respectful.

The good news is now that we know its arthritis, we can once again walk her as long as she wants to go. On the chance that her limp was an "episode" rather than a "condition" we had been advised not to walk her. Now, walks are good as they keep her legs strong.

Best of all for her, she can chase the white tailed rats (deer) that she so loves to run down. She took her first run at them this evening. When I let loose the hounds, she outran the GSD!!!! She looked like a puppy!




By the way, we asked about using aspirin instead of the prescribed Rimidyl. The vet said the effects are similar but that doggie guts can't tolerate the aspirin as well as humans can, particularly as a palliative. Once in a while is okay, but not long term.

[MuseRider]

1. We have two oldies

and two youngsters.

We were just noticing that the two oldies have pretty bad cataracts. The last check ups the vet said they were getting kinda bad but not horrible, I think we are getting on toward horrible. They limp and are slower but still go on walks around the farm and run, but not as much.

It is just so hard. I am sorry, it is hard when the happy days are replaced by OK days. Still, she had a great run at the white tailed rats I hope the OK days go on for a long long time with many happy days scattered in.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. We've had a number of geriatric dogs over the years, so the aging is not surprising.

It is, literally, *this* dog. I never bred a dog and this one was fixed before we got her, but if ever there was one I would breed, it would be her.

She's very special. I'm certain others feel about their dogs that way, too . . . . .

Thanks for understanding.

[MuseRider]

3. Our Golden was like that.

Best and sweetest dog in the whole world and we thought we were going to die when they told us she was (she had a cancer on a toe that spread all over her body in the 2 weeks since we thought she had a hot spot). We waited and thought and suffered over what to do, we had 2 others and they were grieving. We ended up getting our first Standard Poodle, a female and I swear to you she is our Golden returned to us. Never has there been a sweeter dog. After so many dogs over all these years I can honestly say I have loved each and every one no matter what oddities they ended up with or being but these two females could not be better. I would swear they are one in the same. We are lucky

It is hard. I am so sorry but you have more time and that is great. I really really do understand. Some are just special and touch you in ways that others just do not. Give her a scratch for me please, she is making me smile just reading about her arthritis and still chasing the white tailed rats.

[uppityperson]

4. I like "white tailed rats". I call them garden rats.

Ours has finally stepped up and is chasing them out of the yard. We've had a coyote mousing in our meadow the last few days which makes the almost yr old pup get really fluffy and barky. She is very spooked by the coyotes which is good. But the garden rats? Chase them right away.

[NMDemDist2]

5. my bubba is about done

his hip dysplasia is to the point he can barely make it to the yard, even with the ramp, without falling.

he's scared and embarrassed about the 'accidents' caused by massive doses of Lasix to keep his congestive heart from drowning him

and he's too damned smart to have to live like that.

it's coming and soon. i hate having to be 'the grown up'

i'ts about gonna break my heart Stinky, I swear

[2theleft]

6. It will break your heart, that is for sure.

My Scout, who was 16, beat cancer twice, had Cushings, tore both ACLs (or whatever the dog equivalent is) in her rear legs. BUT, she lived to be 16, in a pretty darn good way. It was only the last month that I could tell she was ready. Unfortunately, I was out of town for work and my boyfriend called me. It appeared she was having a seizure. He took her immediately to the vets. Her cancer was back, her organs were failing and she was tired. And in pain. My boyfriend had to make the decision and be the one to be there with her. I am sad every day I wasn't there with her to go through it, but I know he made the right decision.

I guess I'm writing to let you know that while it is heartbreaking, you will know when it's time. Your baby will know, too. And, you just have to know that you are easing their way to the rainbow bridge. What comforts me is knowing that her last few minutes were pain free. My vet gave her a shot to relax her, and let her be pain free while Dave said goodbye and gave her love. He said he could tell the instant the medicine took effect because a look of pure calm came over her face and she even wagged her tail a little. The she licked his hand. For me, that was her way of thanking him for ending her pain.

Hang in there. Good thoughts for you and your baby.

[NMDemDist2]

7. yes, we said goodbye on December 14th

it was time.

he was the best boy ever and i miss him every day.

thanks for you post, so sorry for your loss of Scout.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. .....

I hate that we outlive them. Its the price we pay for their unconditional love.

[NMDemDist2]

9. ...

thanks pal