Twelve years ago when we decided to keep six puppies from a litter of eight, it was fun. It was a lot of work and loss of sleep, but it was fun. I learned so much about pack dynamics from them but mostly it was laughter and games and lots of clean up.
When you're holding several warm wiggly puppies it's easy to focus on the present and not think about how it will all end. At the time Dr B warned me that the time would come when they were all old dogs and we'd start losing them, possibly close together. We were all aware of the future but we went ahead and enjoyed our pack of littermates.
The future is here. In August we lost Bailey, in January we lost Fudge and last week we lost Sebastian and Noah. It's so hard but it's the deal we made.
Unfortunately we're not finished. We have three girls left and they each have some health issues that we're aware of and trying to deal with.
Two weeks ago Norma Jean had a serious accident that left her unable to walk for several days. We discussed letting her go, but Norma Jean is a tough girl and though she's pretty wobbly, she's getting around on her own. She has a neurological problem that has our vet stumped and she takes pain meds daily but we're taking it day by day.
This morning Lola collapsed on the stairs on her way to breakfast. We carried her upstairs and gave her something for pain. She was unable to stand for awhile but now after several hours of rest she's telling me that she's hungry and looking forward to her dinner. She's walking on her own again but she also has some other problems. She has masticatory muscle myositis so that she needs soft food. She also has pretty severe arthritis so that she moves stiffly.
Finally there's Tess who has arthritis in her deformed front legs.
We trying to spend as much quality time as possible with the girls because we know our time together is short. I knew going into this how it would end. That doesn't make it any less painful, but I would make the same choice all over again.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Sue and Rob - you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so so sorry that you have so much to deal with now. These babies are our family and bring us more pain and joy than our children do because they need and depend on us at a different level. I love how much you share your love and joy with them. All we can do is to know that we do the last best thing for them. My heart goes out to you. May your best memories fill your days with joy and not loss (eventually).
We have had the very same experiences with our pack over the years. I now have three who are very near the 16-year mark, Amber being one of them. Amber is in kidney failure and our time with her may be limited. Fortunately Max and Jennie are still fairly healthy for their age. But you know what they say. It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. And I know both of us love our packs with all our hearts.
Sending you a hug tonight..... And prayers for the girls.
You are right, it doesn't make it any easier. And they are all getting to that age. Just enjoy the time you have and all the memories!
You have been in our thoughts and prayers so much lately. We are so sorry you have to endure so much pain, but as you say, you have lifetimes of beautiful memories with all of your sweet babies. We can only send you our hugs and good thoughts, and we hope that your pain will be eased by the happy times you have shared with your wonderful pups.
Hugs and Woos - Lightning, Misty, Timber, and Mom
The love you've gotten from them has been priceless. This is a very hard time for you, but the happy memories are yours forever. Thinking of you in these dark days, and hoping for rays of sunshine to peek through in Portieland.
Sorry we've been scarce lately ~ butts I've been thinkin' of you guys and the hard times you are going through. I totally get your decision to keep the pack together all those years ago. Just think of all the years of joy and laughter and love you had with them, and that they are forever have a piece of your heart and soul. No puppers could have a better home than yours. I knows things are gonna get harder, before you can breathe. KNows we are all here for you, and we are sending loves and slobbery kisses your way. And lots of AireZens.
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Sending gentle hugs -- wishing you peace and understanding, now and in the days ahead
I know what you're going through, and how you're feeling. All my best of vibes for everyone in your house now and always!
I’m so sorry. But you’re right. We would always do it over again.
Post a Comment