We’re suffering from sleep deprivation today at MHC. Our dog, Riley, is a rescue who had a tough life as a young dog. He also had heartworm when we adopted him and had to go through all the grueling treatment for that disease. He has a very bad hip – most likely hip dysplasia. Because of that, he has trouble navigating at times. Even though he is about 7 or 8, he walks like a much older dog. Lately he has been falling while trying to get up the steps – from the den to the living room, or up to the second floor. It all started with one specific fall where he landed on his tail end after trying to get up the two steep steps to the living room. Clearly, he has suffered some trauma to his left hip and trying to deal with stairs just exacerbates it.
So, husband and I have been trying to figure out a way to keep Riley from the steps and help him climb them when necessary. We’ve finally decided he can’t go up or down the stairway to the second floor until he shows signs of healing. Since we (Scout, Riley, husband and I) all sleep in the same room every night this presents a problem. I volunteered to stay downstairs with Riley and sleep on the sofa in the den. Husband would have none of it. He wanted to get our Aero Bed out of the closet and inflate it, then install it in the living room and we’d all sleep there for the night.
The reality? The Aero Bed is too small for two very tall adults, every time one of us turned over, the covers were pulled off of the other, it was cold because the bed was on the floor, our charming clock which chimes on the half hour and on the hour kept us awake half the night, the dogs were thoroughly confused by the whole thing, and at 4 in the morning we were still awake. At 6 am, Don suggested I go upstairs for a couple of hours to sleep then I could come downstairs and he would go to bed for a couple of hours. And that’s what we did.
When I came downstairs, I was shocked to see a lot of snow on the ground. Seriously, I had no idea there was any snow in the forecast. I think I’ve been so worried about Riley that I haven’t taken in the outside world.
Tonight, I will sleep on the sofa and share the den with Riley. Tomorrow, Don will take a turn.
Anything for our boy.
Riley, you are the cutest and the very sweetest boy. Your Aunt Mere is sending you positive healing thoughts all the way from Florida.
Sending Mom and Dad positive sleeping thoughts, too!
Riley is beautiful! So sorry you’re all going through this. I truly hope Riley is well soon and can navigate the stairs ok. We’re expecting a lot of snow tonight, and the sun was out today, what a mixed up world! BTW, when I have to use my inflatable bed, I place wool blankets underneath it and helps it not to be so cold.
Maybe you could carry the dog up and down the steps at night and morning, honey. That might work, but aero-beds don’t, trust me on that one.
xoxo,
Connie
Oh, Claudia, I feel for you! I know all too well what you’re going through and have had many of those sleepless nights.
I worry about Kodak as he’s suffering a bit from hip problems lately and like yours he sleeps with us on the bed.
We’d have to do what you guys are doing, take turns sleeping in the family room. But they do get confused . . they want their family altogether at night.
Have you checked with your vet about Glucosamine/Chondroitin?
Riley is so sweet! Give him a tummy rub for me.
((Hugs))
Marsha
aw. poor everyone at MHC. i can just imagine your chilled and uncomfortable night. boy, that little riley sure is loved.
xo
Well, I cannot even stand the sound of a ticking clock. Drives me round the bend and gets instantly banished when one dares to tick. Sorry about your night and poor Riley. (That is my grandson’s name.) Maybe you’ll need to have him fitted for one of those little wheeled thingies I see on disabled dogs that help them get around. Wonder where you’d find such a thing? Ask your vet what to do.
Brenda
Sure hope Riley is feeling better soon. What a cutie. Love his smile in this picture.
We pretty much wake up with snow everyday here outside of Chicago. Enjoy it while it’s white…he-he…
Big believers in a KING here.
you poor thing and all your poor pooches too. hope riley gets better quick!!! claudia, you are the best with animals!!! it sucks when they are in pain and you feel helpless with them….good luck and best wishes your way!!!!! stay warm.
s
Riley is such a beautiful boy! Look at that face! And you two are angels. What a sweet story. Sorry you’ve been sleep deprived, Claudia. Hopefully that will change with tonight.
You’re doing such a good deed.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Poor Riley…..and poor you.
Makes sense to take it in turns though…at last one of oyu can get some sleep that way.
Hope he feels better very soon.(((()))))
Oh I do so hope your sweet boy feels better soon! I know it is hard for you all when your sleeping arrangements change. You are good parents!! Can he not take any pain meds for it? I hope you guys are all back to normal soon!
Hugs, Lisa
I would do the same thing for my puppies. She got bit by a spider and I had to carry her (65 lbs) to the car even though it was her face that was swollen! I am such a sucker for doggies!
HI CLAUDIA,
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RILEY, I AM A LOVER OF DOGS TOO. I HAVE A SHIH TSU, HIS NAME IS ALSO REILLY, SPELLED A LITTLE DIFFERENT. HE IS 14 YEARS OLD, AND GOING BLIND. OUR BLACK POODLE TUCKER IS HIS GUIDE DOG, IT IS SOMETHING HOW THEY GET AROUND. I HOPE YOUR RILEY FEELS BETTER SOON. I’LL SAY A PRAYER FOR HIM.
RIZZI
It is so sad when our pet get sick or have trouble walking. My daughter and her husband have to carry their older golden retiever upstairs each evening. He has really bad hips. I hope all works out for you dear doggie. Hugs and kisses for Riley…
Sorry to hear about your doggie. Hope he gets better.
Riley looks like such a sweet boy. We hope he feels better soon!
Hugs,
Jill & Hagrid
Oh, Claudia, I hope poor Riley is feeling better very soon. The poor baby. I hope you and Don are able to get some sleep as well… Donna
Oh Claudia
So sorry to hear that Riley is having problems, and that is has the trickle down effect. I know how it is to care for a pet with an injury – they’re our babies!
Wishing you sweet dreams!
Leann
You are such a good mum to Riley the sweet boy. I know what you must be feeling, I have been through the same thing a couple of years ago with our 14 year old cat who developed a brain tumor. I sure am sending loving thoughts to your boy. Scout must be upset too. I am wishing you a better night.
Love,
Sue
Oh Claudia, I completely understand this love and I would do the same for my Toby. Your Riley is so beautiful and the sacrifice that you and hubby are making now mean every thing to him and to both of you! Our pets are the true meaning of unconditional love!!!!
Love and hugs,
KRyn
Hi Claudia, I’m doing a catch up comment! Thanks so much for the sweet “shout out” about the print! I’m so glad you love it and enjoyed the wrapping, I thought it looked “spring-y”. Your poor pup, he’s such a sweetie,I’m hoping he will do better. Did you know there are supplements for dogs and cats that help with joint problems? I feel so bad for him. AND I love your gorgeous bulletin board. IT IS almost too pretty to cover! We’re expecting snow tonight, I think I’m “over” winter. LOL!
hugs,
Debra
My Brindle has bone cancer and is still able to make it up and down the stairs slowly, but when the time comes to where he can’t, we’ll figure out how to carry that beast up and down the stairs. I better start working out now, huh?!
I hope your baby is doing better!
Oh.. just heartbreaking to see them hurting, isn’t it? I do hope he’s feeling better soon… LOVE his sweet photo! ~tina
oh- hugs to you and sweet Riley Claudia. Poor guy. I was going to suggest the same as Marsha. My Mother-In-Law gives Glucosamine/Chondroitin to her dog with hip problems. I am not sure if she had it cleared with the vet or not, but it does seem to help her dog out- worth asking your vet’s opinion. Cold weather does not help, I am sure :( I hope he starts to heal soon♥
Oh, Riley is darling! Poor little fella … hope he is getting better. I’d be doing the same thing for mine, if I had any anymore. Momma’s & Poppa’s gotta be with their ‘wee ones’.
TY for your sweet notes. They mean a lot to me.
Have a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~ Marydon
Oh Claudia sweetie…
Riley is so worth it. He has the cutest little baby face. I just love him. Thanks for sharing him this morning.
Snow, don’t miss it, don’t wish it on anyone. Fun to look at, but horrible to live with and live in. People don’t know how to drive in it, and it freezes so many pipes back there. Nope I don’t miss it. Give me the desert any time. I am a true Desert Rat now after 25 years.
Have a restful night tonight. What we do for our babies. I will add Riley to my prayer list. His body may have been feeling this snow coming. Dogs with arthritis are pretty good weather men.
Country hugs sweetie and so much love..>Sherry
Poor Riley!!! What a cutie pie, too. Claudia, I know that we do things for our pets that are only for their own good. Sleeping with them is a sweet thing to do. What a great mom and dad Riley has!
How tall are you? I’m 5’11″…so it is fun to know others are up in the clouds like me. ha.
Get some rest…
xo
Becky
Aw, the poor darlin’. I know he appreciates you staying downstairs with him. Hopefully an easier sleeping arrangement can be made. I’m 6′ 2″, those areo beds are ridiculous for tall people, let Riley have it all to himself :0)
Lynea
So cute, Riley…we do so much for our babies, no matter if they are children, dogs or chickens! I hope it’s getting better for all of you. Maybe is time to re-decorate? Have the bedroom downstairs? Ciao Rita
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Oh Riley is so cute! How sad that he hurt himself. I read what Connie posted and that sounds like a good idea… to carry him up and down if you can.
Blessings!
Gwen