We’ve been parked in the living room for days now. Maneuvering down the two steps into the den is done rarely. We have the air conditioner in the kitchen running constantly and it keeps both rooms nicely cool.
I’ve covered the rug with a large mat. Since Riley can’t always control his bladder or bowels, it just makes life easier for all of us. Bless his heart, though, he still does his best to let me know he has to take care of business and, more often than not, we make it outside in time.
Riley can’t get up by himself anymore. There’s always hope that might change, but for now, when I sense he’s trying to get up, I run over and lift him. He can walk; sometimes with relative ease and other times with great difficulty. He falls over a lot. And when he does stand, he can’t stay upright too long unless he’s moving. When he walks around the room and keeps moving, he does a pretty good job of it. To help him with that, I bought these:
They’re unattractive, but who cares about that at the moment? They give him traction as he moves from the living room to the kitchen. They’ve really made a big difference.
His appetite is still very healthy. He loves to eat. And he drinks a lot of water. Occasionally – and when it happens, I feel a spurt of happiness – he joins in on one of Scout’s extended barking arias. She barks, he barks, she barks, he barks. Just like they used to. When that happens, I jump right in and bark along with them.
Scout is concerned. Whenever I’m trying to maneuver him, she’s right in the midst of things; frankly, she gets in the way. But she knows, as dogs do, that he’s not well and it worries her.
This morning she’s in ‘the tunnel’.
It’s her safe place. She’s almost fully recovered, by the way. Every once in a while she stumbles and I notice that she lies down a bit more carefully than she used to. Otherwise, she’s back to her feisty, naggy, funny little self.
That’s where we are at the moment. As for me, I’m sleep deprived. I go a little stir crazy at times. I wish I could open the windows. Some fresh air and the sound of birds would be welcome as I sit in the chair watching over my boy.
It’s not time yet. As Don says, we’ll know when it’s time. Right now, he’s sleeping peacefully. For that I am grateful.
Happy Friday.
Oh sweet Riley, you Aunt Mere loves you very much, hope the rugs help and you are not in pain. You are a good Mother, Claudia.
Mere
Oh, God. Claudia your are a good, strong woman and you`re going to have to be stronger.
Thinking of all of you and sending good vibes your way.
S
xo
Dear Claudia:
You’ve reached a difficult time with old dogs and I feel for you. I know what you’re going through as we’ve been there all too often with our retrievers.
Our gauge is “when they no longer wag their tails”, because then you no that life is no longer being good to them.
It’s the hardest decision we ever have to make for our beloved pets. They give their all to us for all of their lives, and it’s the last gift we can give back to them…to unselfishly help end their suffering.
Our dear vet in Wisconsin, with whom we’ve been friends for so many, many years told us that the high quality dog foods and veterinary care have helped keep our pets alive for longer than their systems were ever designed to keep on. Some small comfort, right?
I know you and Don will do the unselfish thing when the time comes. I’m sorry that you’re faced with such sad decisions, my friend. I hope it helps to know that others know what you’re going through and are here to support you if you need/when it.
xoxo
Donna
All this, your story and the understanding comments from your friends, is bringing tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat this morning dear. It’s so hard – I did it with my cat after 21 years, but haven’t had the old and dear dog predicament………..so sad. As Donna says, “you and Don will do the unselfish thing when the time comes” and, after that, once the hardest part is over, you will be happy in your memories knowing you gave Riley the best life ever.
Thinking of you all and sending hugs.
Mary X
With 3 cats and 2 dogs in this house I know I will go thru this eventually. My little pug is 12 and hard of hearing (except she can hear a potato chip bag rattle) I know she isn’t long for this world and it will be hard.
Good luck. We are all here for you. pam
Hi Claudia,
We have been in the same situation a couple of times with our Springer and Cocker. It’s so hard for we humans to let go. Our pets have given us unconditional love and look to us for help when they need it.When the time comes you will know. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Balisha
Claudia this is breaking my heart. I am crying now because we lost our two wonderful babies, Duffy on December 6th. and Penny on March 6th. They were both around 14 years young. I miss them so much even though we have brought two more darlings, Rufus and Daisy, into our lives. Everything you have written about Scout and Riley these past few weeks is just like us with Duffy and Penny.
Enjoy every minute with Riley and Scout. These will be the hardest weeks of your lives. There is nothing anyone can say to make it easier. Just love them. My heart and thoughts are with you, Don, Riley and Scout.
hugs,
Sue
Bless your heart. I have tears in my eyes for you. As someone with two beloved dogs myself, my heart reaches out to you in this time. When the time comes, I pray for you to have the strength to help your sweet buddy cross the rainbow bridge.
What a bittersweet time you’re going through.
Last October we had to say goodbye to very old, painfully arthritic Promise. It was one of the hardest and at the same time, sweetest pet related event of our lives. To have her pass sweetly in our arms was an event I’m grateful to have experienced.
Praying for you all. . . . Riley will let you know. He will let you know when it’s time.
(((hugs)))
Claudia you are a strong and loving person. I know this is hard but you are enjoying these last days with Riley. Sending you much love and big hugs. Linda
What a loving and devoted Mama you are. I am so very sorry. We have been through this, and it is so hard. Bless you both!
XO Kris
My heart goes out to you and your doggies. Stay strong and take care!
Very sad..Been there, done that but still come back for more..Love my animals too..Unfortunately, the ending is always the same and far from easy… All the best..
When one of my dogs was getting very old and was having problems, I asked a friend how she decided it was time to euthanize her dog. She said, “You’ll know when it is time”. That frustrated me, but when Ollie’s time came, I knew. You just know in your heart that the time has come, and you are prepared.
nancyr
Claudia,
This reminds me of all the heartache with my cat, Sam. Sending a hug your way. Brew up a cup of camomile tea to help calm yourself just a little.
Fondly,
Karen
Claudia, you are a good dog mom! So in tune to the needs of your pups, and willing to do whatever is necessary to make them happy and comfortable. Treasure these days … Riley knows how much you love him.
You are wonderful dog parents. I’m going to keep you in my prayers and hope that Riley still has lots of time with you. We are going through the same thing with Mr. Ed since he fell backwards off the couch and damaged his hip. I’m going to add the same type of mats you did to the kitchen floor. He slips a lot but has a wonderful appetite and loves to be on the deck. I know exactly how you feel. Hugs to you and all, Deb
Seems we all share the same feelings on the subject. It is so difficult and I will be facing this soon with my Justice.
I have to leave lights on all over the downstairs now because otherwise she bumps into things..and I have to stomp right next to her before she knows I’m there. But as one girl said and you have said, she still loves to eat and still wags her tail, and still snuggles up right next to me.
I suppose we both should be thankful we have enjoyed them for so long. We lost my dear Libbey after 7 brief years so I’m thrilled Justice is heading toward 12.
Claudia, sad days are coming and my heart aches for you and Don… You WILL know the right time and you will be blessed forever with the companionship and love you have shared with your Riley.
Meanwhile sleep dear girl, sleep <3
xxx
z
Take care of yourself Claudia. I wish there was something I could do to help you. I’ve gone through this stage of life with my cats and it is heartbreaking. J
Wishing you all peace and comfort, and thanking you for reminding me not to take my dogs’ health, love and loyalty for granted.
Its so hard at this time of a beloved pet’s life. I’ve been there too and it is heartbreaking, unconditional love.
Bless you Claudia, I think anyone who has outlived a beloved dog, and that would be most of us dog owners, know what you are going through. Hugest hugs from across oceans to you, Don, Scout and especially Riley xxx
My dear friends, my heart goes out to you and your precious Riley and Scout. I know how so very difficult this is for you and how much you love your babies. Hearts hurt, but you are doing your best to make them feel comfortable. Sure wish I could be there to give you a hug and to hug the dogs, too.
xxoo
Becky
Oh Claudia, your post brought tears to my eyes, because I’ve been there, too, more than once. It’s so hard to watch our pets get old, and not be able to ask them what we can do to help. All we can do is trust our instincts and let them know they’re safe and loved.
I completely agree with what you said about knowing when the time is right- our longtime vet really brought that point home to us when he said “if you think it’s time, it’s probably time”
Thinking of you and your family.
Oh this made me cry…Claudia you are such a good Mom. No, it’s not time yet. As long as he still has joy…It’s not time. I’m sending You and your Family all my love and prayers. Please give Riley some kisses from us.
Blessings, Joanne
Claudia, you know my heart is with you. And Don’s right. Only the two of you will know when it’s time. As someone above said, you’re facing what everyone who has had an old dog has to eventually face. It is one of the hardest things ever. But please know we are all here for you. For now, I hope Riley and Scout are enjoying one of their barking concerts right this very minute… Donna
Loving thoughts your way, dear Claudia, as you selflessly care for two sweet creatures who bring you such joy. What gems they are.
Been in this situation twice; no, it is by no means easy (so exhausting and painful)…but those of us who love our dearest canine family members keep this committment with unconditional devotion to our beloved furry ones. Your loving care to give each of your dears every minute they can possibly be with you and your husband is truly wonderful and will eventually give you some comfort. Sending best wishes and Blessing to all of you during this difficult time, and you will know when it is time to let go ….Dianne
Claudia dear,
Your vigil is all too familiar to me. I still haven’t gotten over the loss of my Una. Why can’t dogs live longer, healthier lives. It is a heartbreak, but you are an angel for your baby.
Cobble Court is at 21 Charles St.
Love to you,
Sharon
Acho que todas as palavras já foram ditas. Acho você muito corajosa e forte e mãe muito amorosa. Deixo pra você um grande, apertado e quente abraço, querida!
Zilda
Im sorry Riley is having such a hard time..I have been away from blogging for a while so Im not sure what is wrong with Riley but I will pray your sweet one.. I too have 7 dogs and 4 of them are senior citizens.. 1 have diabetes.. One of my diabetics is blind, a little deaf and has a hard time with her back legs but shes holding her own for now.. It’s so hard to see them get old because we love them so much..
Sending you and the furry ones much love
Robyn
Hugs to you and Don! To some people this seems like a huge sacrifice but for us dog lovers this is what we are suppose to do.Wait, Love them. I know how tire you must be. Ciao Rita
Thanks for the update on your precious fur babies. I’m so glad to know that things are going OK. You’re all in my thoughts. xo Jennifer
Claudia, you’re in my thoughts… you’re so kind to give this gentle time and care to Riley.
Oh–It makes me so sad to hear that he is failing. Poor boy- and poor you- I know your heart is breaking. Blessings- xo Diana
My heart goes out to you and your husband, Claudia. I know how hard it is to lose a pet.. Riley is still with you but when you know the time is coming you feel it in the pit of your stomach..
Pets are family and are sooo loved and cherished..
We’ve had two dogs and lots of kitties.. Our oldest kitty was 20 years old and a real sweetheart. The only one we have now is 17, doing well, but we just don’t know how long we’ll have him here with us..
You are being such a good, caring Mom to your boy.. Blessings to all of you. Know that you’re in my thoughts. Hugs and a pat on the head for Riley.
Charlotte in Va.
Oh I’m crying – I honestly couldn’t read all of your post. It was this time last year that Maxie started to get sick and not eat. It’s so hard…even a year later…
Hugs to you.
Manuela
we do worry about our pets so, but then for some of us they are our children. I did all the same things with Heidi, I recognized the rugs situation. Anything to make it better. Please take care of yourself and get some rest.
Love sweet Scout in that tunnel!
Brenda
Riley’s such a handsome fella. What a great idea to have the non-skid mats around to help him gain traction.
That’s nice that Scout has her special place that is her safe-n-cozy spot. For one of our dogs, that place is the dog crate; for the other dog, it’s curled up as close to me as she can get, with her head resting on my foot =).
I hope your back is feeling better.
Glenda
Oh! I am so sorry to hear about Riley. Both of our dogs are at my feet and I can’t imagine them not being there some day. It is so hard to see our pets age. We want them to stay forever young.