Hi It did rain finally and its much nicer down here now. Hopefully we wont have that level of oppresive heat again. I've booked a week off work soon so i can do lots of early morning stuff with them because I think August maybe a hot one. had a funny night thursday my old dog with long nerve demilination couldn't breath. He always has breathing difficulties now due to the laryrnx problem and he was ok with it and I was used to it. They can because of this condition get food in there lungs which is very dangerous. I was just going to go to the emergency vet when he choked violently and a piece of food shot across the room. So releaved he was fine then, I had been up with him for hours massaging his throat and keeping him calm. Its such a worry but he perked up and started to breath a lot better. He's never got food stuck before so I think certain things will have to be removed from his diet. I've had to cut out a lot of hard stuff because of his choking and breathing. I had a lovely weekend and got up really early so that my 2 others could have a good run. They played in the river and enjoyed themselves without getting too hot. I also saw a sparrow hawk catch a bird which I've never done before. Beautiful bird was very startled Rory tried to nick its thrush so it flew off, we were that close. I had to abort another amazing photo due to Roryness. He startled a little egret a few weeks ago just before my photo was taken I'm beginning to think he thinks its a good joke. He would he's just that kind of boy. S
Welcome from me and my two labs, Wispa (3, yellow) and Tuppence (1, black). It sounds as if you've done very well with your old dog. The heat has been getting to Wispa a bit - she tends to get excited when she's playing, so I've had to restrict both walking and playing when it's been really hot. Even walking upstairs made her pant in the extreme heat, so it's good that it's now cooler.
Hi Granca Glad wispas a bit more comfortable is so hard to restrict them even if for their own good. It rained again down here so I was straight out the door with the walking dogs The old boys a bit better too. He went for a little walk late last night. It perked him up because hes so nosey. He had a bit of a wobble then decided that was enough and we went home, he only did about a 100 yards one way then back, but he enjoyed the whole ritual of getting his lead and going to the gate just like he always has. I saw one of my old lab walking friends and she had seen me a few days before without Doug and it was the usual thing off" I didn't want to ask he is ok then?" She made me laugh and I told her not to worry I would tell her when he was dead,told her not to feel uncomfortable we all know it will be soon really for doug to go, but while he's happy and enjoying things I can manage him. We both have labs so she understood totally. I'm at the stage were people i know reallly well look like they want to ask how he is but dare not ask because he might well be gone. He seems very determined to carry on mentally he's fine, bit slower because he's deaf now and his eyesight is starting to go. I think thats what amazes me the most his spirit. I supose its easy to see I'm using this site as a form therapy. I think i'm just trying to prepare myself. everyone seems really kind so far. I've never done anything like this before and it seems like most members understand the road I'm on at the moment. Hope it stays cool for you and your doggies S
This site is good for therapy! It's a huge wrench parting from our dogs - I'm not sure I should have had a other two puppies because it will happen again one day ... We had Wispa when our our two dogs were old, as over the years we've tended to have an older dog with a young dog to 'bridge the gap'. The puppy has also breathed new life into the older dog (our creaky Tibettan terrier lived to nearly 17 after we had our first lab puppy). Our collie cross (13) collapsed when returning home from a walk with Wispa. She had had a cruciate ligament op three years earlier and had a bit of arthritis, but was always keen on her walks. Hoever, it transpired that she had cancer of the spine, so sadly had to be pts. Our old lab-look-alike (14) was blind and very creaky and slow. Sadly I found he had just died one morning when I went downstairs to let the dogs out. He had got up from his bed by the radiator and was just by Wispa's crate. He'd still been eating well and enjoying his plods in the garden. Wispa was very good with him and almost became his eyes. He's the only dog I haven't had to take the decision for, but it didn't make it any easier. Your Doug sounds much like him, a great character and still enjoying life. Let's hope the cooler weather continues so he doesn't have to battle with the heat.
Oh, Sar, I really feel for you. Thank you for sharing your story of your beautiful Douglas. It's obvious how much you've done for him, how much you've sacrificed for him and how much you love him. However much time he has left with you, it's certain he'll feel loved for every minute and, when the time eventually comes, he'll go to sleep knowing that you were there for him. Bless you x
Oh Sar,This lovely Forum is a lot of different things to a lot of different people so I'm glad you've found us at a time when you need some comfort and support x What a shock I bet you got when Douglas nearly had your eye out with the violent expulsion!Glad it came out though,sounds like you know exactly what to do to keep him comfortable. Best wishes to you Angela x
Doug sounds like a real trooper. He sounds like one in a million. I'm sure he'd say the same about you as you're obviously devoted to him and to his care
morning thanks everyone so kind it really helps. I would like it if he just died peacfully at home but I know that its probably going to be a thing I'm decide when its time. His mind is really good but his body is not. When the thing flew out of his throat the other dog caught it and ate it midge is so funny. I think it was fried egg? Maybe? he's been busy making me laugh. He tried to bark at 2 huskies but his bark doesnt work well any more he sounded like a teddy bear who's growler has broken.This in turn made him want to cock his leg because he felt all boysy and tough. He hasn't managed that for months. I just really enjoying him being around he's very silly. He still trys to join in games with the other dogs and they seem to adore him. They often stop mid romp and go over and have a quick try to teeth fence with him. Sometimes he even forgets and gets so excited he rushes in to play with them. Its nice having the others around they seem to understand his problems but they sit with him and make sure he doesnt feel exclued. thanks again everryone S
We love hearing about older dogs on this forum as much as the puppies. I think its good therapy talking about our dogs when we are worried. And there is almost always someone on here to help
I lost my old boys at 14 and almost 16 a couple of years ago, and I know how all-consuming it is looking after elderly dogs - and how much we love them.
Your gang sounds like they are lovely friends! Life with an aging dog is so hard some days, but it teaches us to appreciate every day we have with them in a special way. Glad you have found your way here, many of us have walked that road before and we certainly know what it's like.
morning Lisa had some great news last night at Dougs weekly hydro physio appointment His pain is now back under control after a gastro upset and his hips are less sore so he's doing well. So happy. I know what you mean about walking that road. logically its ok and part of life but the emotional stuff is so hard. Its good to talk to people who understand and appreciate the downside of having dogs. It is hard having aging dogs but whats been the big surprise is how much I've loved it, even now I still discovering things about him and how he thinks. Every age has been a joy. I think I stopped worrying so much about his death a while ago and just try to enjoy him being with us for a little bit longer. He seems very determined Doug is so lovely just your typical sorted old guy who has seen and done most things and thinks everything is funny. He's relaxed about everything and still puts the effort in to do things as he seems to think its important. His weight is not a problem anymore so he's getting spoiled. I've broken all my usual rules and he loves our little sneaky secret. The other dogs are aware something is going on but we've not been court yet so funny. thanks for your reply S
Hi Sar, I've been away for a couple of weeks so just catching up on everyone's news now,glad to hear Doug got a good report from his hydro session,great news to hear you've got his pain under management too.... Sounds like you have great fun with them all,take care x