A Few Months of Grieving and Back To Life!

It's been tough - I won't make any bones about it.

First we lost Skallywag in January, and then Rusty in June.  They were such sweet and wonderful souls - they brought so much goodness and light energy to our home.  Both Samson and Simon were devastated by the loss.  They've also been helping me grieve, as well.

So, for the first time since we said "Farewell, old friend" to Rusty, we ventured to the River for some exercise and sun. 



What many don't know at this time, is that Simon walks with a brace now. 

Last year, when we took Skally in to the vet (her last visit - due to cancer that had metastasized) Simon also went in for x-rays.  They discovered he had torn all the ligaments and tendons that held his knee together with his lower leg - so all he has is bone-on-bone action.  Ouch!

So, the option was to operate and try to hold him quiet for 8 weeks (that would take a miracle!), or the brace, which would have the same end effect - arthritis (owie!)

We were also told that he needed to be walking consistently to keep the muslces in his leg strong.  We'll also be looking at underwater treadmill therapy, besides his walking and other regular routines. 

So, Anyhow, off we went today to the Sandy River in order to visit the Thousand Acre Dog Park.  Well, we weren't the only ones to arrive...So, we parked about a mile away and walked across the road to the river where dogs needed to be leashed. 

Sammy and Simon didn't really care!  They were so excited!  Off we went.  We took the path in the woods, as the riverbank didn't really look all that easy, and I was a little worried about his brace coming off (it's a lot of Velcro stays).  They scurried and hiked so youthfully! 

We finally came to the river and in went Simon!  BAM!  He ran with the other dogs, and his brace kept coming off (sand and Velcro don't mix).  So, I took it off him and allowed him to swim and chase sticks in the water.  Boy!  I haven't seen him that active in ages! 

Now, Samson was one of two smaller dogs there.  He had no interest in dealing with the other one (a puppy) so he blended into the sand (see above) and enjoyed the sun!  Loved watching him laugh and scurry along as we walked further along the riverbed. 

So, the day was long for them, but full of life and vigor.  They'd been up since 6 this morning, and at 645 pm they are finally dimming their lights for the day. 

While our dear ones may have left us physically, their ethereal presence was felt and inhaled today at the river. 

New Breath of Spring

I only just discovered this.  I felt it a good thing to post, even if events present here are no longer the same.  It gives new breath and helps with closure.




The Winter has ceased.  The gloom and pall of death still lingers a bit.  But there is a new energy guiding the pups at home.

Rusty has taken over as the Alpha in the house - odd, but true.  This sage, laid-back guy has become more and more assertive since the passing of Skally.

Not one of these pups is the same, now, that she is no longer keeping watch over them.

Here's what's changed, thus far:
1)  Our walks are shorter.
     Simon doesn't always go for walks in the morning, nor does Rusty.  Instead, they seem to enjoy resting while Sammy and I hit the 'hood.

2)  Cuddle Sessions Are A Must!
      Rusty demands more attention, now, and will nose his way (forcefully, I must say) to me and shove the others out.  Simon loves being rubbed, as he always did, but now he demands more.  Samson crawls up on my chest and licks my face (Curse you Candy Crush Soda Saga - I cannot do both!).
So, lots of love going around.

3)  Don't Bump Rusty!
     This means you mayn't bump, touch, cross closely in front of, hit, knock down, annoy, tease, or do anything that Rusty mightn't like.  If you do, there is a nasty snarl/bark, and his jaws come crashing down on whatever he can get his jaws on.  Oh, yes!  That loving fluff o' fur is standing up for his rights, now.

4)  Samson cannot sleep without Pig-Pig, Timmy Mouse, Ricky Racoon, and Hammie Hedgehog.
5)  Rusty will chomp on your fingers while playing as you attempt to tie your shoes.
6)  Simon hates his new leg brace.  We'll be trying it on every day and leaving it on a bit just to get him used to it.  But, rather than walking away with it, he goes down and refuses to rise and walk.  He's stubborn.

They're all stubborn.

Sammy is frightened of both Rusty and Simon, now.  I've no idea why.  He plays a great deal in the small dog paddock at the park, watched over by his "aunties", who dote on him and try to have him play with their little uns.

This should begin a flow of new and exciting adventures - and we will see in the near future.

A Paean to Rusty

My Dear Old Laddie:

You came to us afraid and abused.
Your life began again, as your sadness became curiosity and amusement.
You ran, danced and explored for the first times in your life.
You kept your humor about you and were so very trustworthy and loyal.

For nearly four years, you've been by my side after a close brush with death.
But your past crept up and seized your weakness - your left leg and hip.
Although the pain was awful you kept mustering on.
But even pills and love couldn't take that away.

I am choking as I write this and you sleep in the other room.
Your eyes tell me it's time, although I wish it wasn't so.
It's been nearly two months since you woke me early to rise and shine and walk,
Your energy is sapped from dealing with the pain.

I hear your pleas each time you snarl and snap at me when I try to help.
I love you old laddie, my Rusty, my Budagabu,
You'll always remain in my heart.

Although I know the pain is strong,  I still pray for another end,
Wherein you cuddle for four more years, my dear old fluffy friend.
Your smile in spirit, eyes and heart will leave us all in a void,
For they will be missing every second, my dear old darling boy.

This morning you woke me with a cheery bark.
Your eyes so soft and loving and smiling.
You seemed to savor every moment until you, once again, collapsed and vented your pain.
I wish you peace and tranquility with Skally and others.
Please forgive me for not bringing you joy for longer, but the pain was too great for you.

My heart aches and the tears will flow with every thought of you.
I love you still.

A Bittersweet Catch up.

We lost Skally, our Queen, on January 23, 2015.

it was difficult, especially as the remaining three attempted to forge their right as Alpha.  Well, Rusty won out.

During the past 6 months, we've walked, played, and had a pretty laid back existence.  It took some time to adjust, as Skally used to be the one who would, after dinner, begin to hit me to play.  These guys are nothing like that - they aren't instigators, but Rusty soon became one.

We trotted about the neighborhood and went on jaunts to the beach.  Rusty didn't fare well, there.  His hip/leg was becoming more arthritic and he was completely lost.  There was a time when I began to look for signs of dementia - but it was pain.

Simon's leg had been x-rayed and we discovered he had no ligaments or tendons surrounding his knee, which meant either surgery, a brace or both.   We went with the brace.   If I had to try to keep him down for 8 weeks of recovery, I'd lose my mind, as would he!

Samson has mellowed.  Since Rusty took over Sammy is cautious.  This is concerning, but they tend to get along pretty well.

Now, on to Rusty.

If you look back on this blog, when it first began, you'll get his story, and this will help you understand what I'm about to say.

Tomorrow, 6/30/2015, may be Rusty's day of departure from our world.

No, he hasn't cancer or any disease that is bringing him down.

Because of his inactivity for his first 8-9 years, his left leg has always been stiff.  He still managed to leap over logs at the beach, run with the other dogs, and walk long distances with joy and laughter.  And yet, at this juncture, the pain from that leg has become unmanageable.  We've done as much as possible, but if he rests he's good for a block walk, then he becomes agitated and rife with pain.

His quality of life is not good.  He sleeps most of the time, now, and we allow him to walk about when he cares to - but he does slip and collapse where he remains until he feels he can get up.  

He's been attacking Samson and Simon for no apparent reason, and he's been snapping at me and others for simply petting him.

He's in too much pain.  I hope you understand.  Mentally, I do.  Emotionally I am a wreck.

And so, tomorrow, barring anything that might occur that could change things, we're following the advice of Enzo in "The Art of Racing in the Rain".  It's time.

There is a part of me that accepts this is the best course for him, albeit the ultimate act of kindness; however, I feel, deep down, it's an abandonment of him.

There are no words that convey the love of an animal and his "parent".  There are no words that convey the hopelessness one feels at the time of the act of allowing them to enter that sleep that will bring reincarnation to them.  But life moves on and we deal.

Please keep Rusty in your prayers and thoughts as he had no one until that day I brought him home, all 90 pounds of him, ungroomed, unhappy, confused and unloved.  His life changed in so many ways it seems senseless he wasn't to have more years of happiness to enrich our lives.  

A Time For Rest

Skallywag Hunt

September 2, 1998 - January 23, 2015

Yesterday was the true end of an era.

My dog-wife, Skallywag (Skatia Matilda Carmetlita Marie) passed on to be with her two brothers, Syd and Cubby.

This wasn't unexpected.  But the hole in our lives is truly a wide and deep abyss.

Skally has had some health issues, and slowed down in a rather reasonable fashion.

She stopped standing in the window of the car for the entire trip; then just sat.  After a while, though, she began standing again, and it was amazing to see her bright eyed and happy with that wind pouring over her.

She stopped going into the yard.  This was in the past month.  She would stand on the deck, but would walk, instead, to the front door and let me know she needed to use the facilities.

This past week, her smile, for the most part, had receded, and it was obvious she was in pain.  She moved slowly and deliberately, and surprised me a couple of times with her bursts of energy and speed (galloping across the fields, or through the house).

When the time came, though, she couldn't walk anymore.  She ate, albeit only turkey, cheese, and dental chews - this in her last 15 hours.

Her last full day, she was up and bounding about the house.  We went for a walk, and returned, and she ate ravenously.  She was doing quite well.  So I was surprised when I returned from work to find her extending her left hind leg, and hobbling, then collapsing when trying to go to the bathroom.  Later that evening she couldn't even rise to her haunches.  Then I knew.

I stayed up with her from 2am (when she woke me with barking - she wanted help moving from the position she was in in the living room), and we chatted about her life.  So much to remember!  So many adventures!  So much fun and wonderment.

She'd had a grand life.

She was an icon.

So many people have expressed their thoughts and regrets on her loss.

I had no idea how empty everything would be without her.

The three remaining have a great deal of life, but that ominous presence of hers is notably missing.

She was my companion, my counselor, my best friend, and my greatest thorn.  I've no real words that would put  into perspective what she meant to my life.

The past 4 days I kept thinking to the first chapter of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, and realizing this was the message she was giving me.

My heart is still with you and your brothers, my pet.  I have more loving to give to the others, but our history is long and a fantastic tale.

I miss you and I hope you save a place for me when the time comes for me to join you.

What Have We Been Up To??????

Wow!  It's been some time since I last added to this blog!  Why?

1.  I've been on vacation

2.  I've been busy with my mom who's in Memory Care - I have another blog for that, just to keep people informed on her status, and about Lewy Body Dementia.

3.  I had an auto accident (the other driver was found liable, so no jokes).

4.  I've been somewhat lazy.

So....Here goes the update!

Samson:
     He recovered from his staff infection.  He's doing very well!

Skally:
     She is slowly winding down.  It comes and goes.  Her birthday is September 2, and then she'll be 16.  I'm praying she makes it.
How is she winding down?  Well, she's moving rather slowly, now - unless she's barking at the foot of the deck stairs for me to come get her - then, when I do come down, she runs away - sometimes very quickly, but mostly just fast enough to escape my grab...
     Her attitude is marvelous, but she seems so tired.
     Her nails were getting too long, as well - so as soon as I was able (I was in an auto accident and without transportation to get them to the groomers - I don't trust myself with clippers) I had them clipped - and then she did much better - but a week later, and she's in need of a second clip..wow.
    The heat really sapped her strength.  The other day it registered 102 at my house, and I took them to the park when it was in the upper 90's.  I kept them there, then for a very languid walk.  I may have overdone it for her.   The others were fine - she seemed terribly lethargic when we came home - but revived in the 74 degree house within an hour.  Then she couldn't get enough of my chasing her around the yard!
    Her appetite is voracious!  She's even spending more time with me in the evenings - sitting close by and trying to get my attention...this is different, but wonderful!

Rusty:
   He is doing well.  The vet says he's getting an abscess on one of his back molars, but he hasn't shown any slowing down.  I put Oral Care rinse in their water, and this seems to be working for their teeth, in addition to the brushing.

Simon:
    We put Simon back on his thyroid medication.  What a turnaround!  Now he's really burning up the grass and going after that ball - even in the heat!  He's much more playful, and he's losing weight!  He was up to 113 pounds (earlier I thought it was 122, but I was wrong).

I did go on vacation and left them for 8 days.  My step-niece took care of them, and they were quite well-behaved!  They were a little excited when I returned home...but it wasn't the onslaught I had expected...maybe I'm not that special any longer....:(

FLEAS!  FLEAS!!!  FLEAS!!!

We had a terrible flea experience!  Before I left, Skally was shaking her head - and even though I bathed her thoroughly, nothing seemed to change this!

We went to the vet, and she gave them an oral pill that killed the fleas within 30 minutes.  That worked for about an hour.

When we arrived home, they were back at it!

I tried another oral pill that was supposed to kill them - it wasn't that effective.  So, I finally went to Costco and bought Frontline.  It worked!  Yah!

The vet gave a good report card to all four - except she seemed to hedge on Skally.  Fortunately, Skally seems to be doing pretty well, but slowly.  She's on Meloxicam, which seems to do the job for her.  I probably should be giving it to her in the morning, but the afternoon seems to suit her just fine.

The walking in the morning seems to really invigorate her - and she does a swell job of staying up with the pack - when she wants - she has a predisposition to sniff out as many things as possible....which means stopping quite frequently - nothing new...but it is sometimes irritating...

All in all, we're doing quite well.  The summer is winding down slowly,

BAD DAD!!!!!

Ai Me!

A few weeks ago I went to Costco and picked up some lamb treats for the pups.  They love them.
Now, these are strips, and, without thinking about the ingredients, I bought them, not realizing they had wheat gluten in them.

What a stupid thing to do!

This past week, I began to give them out to the pack and they delighted in the smell - I mean, who doesn't love lamb?!  Right?!

Well, Samson's body doesn't like this serving of lamb!

At first I thought it was fleas.  He began scratching - especially around his groin.

Then, despite all the brushing I was doing, his right ear kept looking oddly disheveled, and began to mat.

I found, on his neck, a lump of something that could have been sap, blood, whatever - but it wasn't sticky, and it didn't wipe off.

I caught him scooting.

Rusty began chewing his leg.

So, bath time!

During the bath, I found a hard lump, ball-like, in Sammy's groin area.

His mother, here for a wedding, told me that she thought the neutering was incomplete, and they couldn't find a testicle.

So, I phoned the vet and told them this.  I also wanted to see what was wrong, as he seemed oh so miserable.

Preliminary tools for Sammy

I took Sammy and Simon to the vet.  Simon won't let either Samson or me out of his sight!  We got there and Samson stayed very close to me...I'd like to think he understood we were doing right by him.

 Dr. Leddy preps for the exam

What did we find?  Hot spots and a staph infection - on his neck and in his groin!

They took him in the  back to finish his exam.

Simon waits patiently for Sammy to return.

They removed his fur, and gave him a couple of injections to help clear the infection.  They washed him and removed all the pus from his neck and groin.

Sammy's neck exposing the infection.

The lump was a swelling of his prostate.

a  partial view of the groin area - it's really nasty!

I've never seen him so miserable.  He was not going to let me near him!

He lunged at me when I tried to take a gander at his groin.

Yes, he's improving, and moving much better.  The scratching has ceased.  But, he still won't let me near the groin to clean it and put cream on it - in fact, he bit me!  He has bitten me more in the past 2 days than he's ever done (that was in play - this is serious!  This is "Don't you ever ever ever ever ever ever try that again!).

Lesson - Read the ingredients!

     AND - never underestimate a cute dog as being able to annihilate you!

He screams from just the touch of the cream.

I hope in the next day or so he'll be back to feeling up to trusting me, and not feeling so much pain.