Post by Lannie on Jun 29, 2013 13:13:32 GMT -5
He was 9 or 10 when we got him, and I KNEW I wouldn't have enough time with him, but I've managed to keep him healthy and mobile for 4 years now. He's been picky about his food for a month or more, and now he's refusing things he used to gobble as treats. I managed to get him to eat a few bites yesterday, but he doesn't want anything today, and today I had to carry him up the steps for the first time, coming in from potty.
He's lost too much weight, although he needed to lose SOME, and he's wobbling too much now. Last night he had a dizzy spell just after we all came in from outside, and just keeled over onto his side. He straightened up right away, but his head was wobbling side to side. I sat next to him and hugged his shoulders to give him a feeling of stability, but I could still feel his muscles twitching as he felt the room spinning. It only lasted about 5 minutes but it scared the crap out of me.
He's been the absolute BEST dog I've ever had. He's never ever done anything wrong. He never chewed anything, he never growled at the other dogs for being obnoxious (but once in a while he'd say "hmmmmmmmmm" to one of the cats if they were rubbing on his face), and he always, ALWAYS does what he's told. Up to now. He just wants to sleep, and now he's in the stage of starving himself to death. He had a big long drink this morning when we came in from outside, but when he starts refusing water, I know it will only be a matter of hours or possibly days. I am SO not ready for him to leave.
He's had a happy life since he came to live with us 4 years ago, but he's just such a great dog, I want 4 MORE years. Or 10 more. But I'll be lucky to get the next few days, I think. I hope I'm wrong. He used to be so happy and boisterous. Every time he came in from outside and made it up those killer stairs, I'd clap my hands and tell him, "Good BOY!" and he'd grab Mr. Porky the squeaky toy and squeak the crap out of it for up to 5 minutes! It was so hysterical watching him. Now he only sometimes gives Mr. Porky a glance as he walks by. He used to gobble his food so fast, I had to hand-feed him one piece at a time so as to avoid the dreaded "bounce-back" phenomenon, but now I can't find anything tempting enough to get his interest.
I know he's tired, and he has a bad hip that probably hurts worse than he lets on (I have him on Carprofen for that), and I should just shut up about it and let him go, but I'm going to miss him so much.
Here he is about a year ago, playing with Missy:
I'll miss my boy...
~Lannie