We’ve had a very nice time together. Of course, it goes by much too quickly; this morning, I drive Don back to New Haven. And tonight, I’m back in the theater, taking notes on Hamlet. We’ve walked Scout, I took Don on a little walking tour of Hartford, we’ve talked and generally lazed about. Oh, and we did laundry.
Hey, you do what you have to do.
Scout is not feeling tip-top. She’s been throwing up her food occasionally. And I’ve noticed she urinates less often. I know that older dogs can develop kidney problems, so I’m concerned. But I’m trying not to worry too much, as I am the queen of worriers and worry can be debilitating. (I’m not too successful, though.) She’s almost 16 and I have to accept that, as well as the chronic diseases that can develop as our dogs age. Hopefully, I can get her stomach to calm down and then take her to the Vet when I get back home. Say some prayers, okay? It seems like there is a constant worry for her in the background of my days now. All the time. Don tells me that I need to let go of the worry, that I’m a wonderful mom, and reminds me that Scout is about a hundred years old in dog years and that means things are going to happen.
I know we’ve all been up against this. I certainly have with our dogs Winston and Riley.
I cannot contemplate life without her. I simply can’t.
I want to hang onto her as long as I can, of course.
I meant to write about Hamlet, but I’ve ended up writing about Scout and my worries about her. This is what happens when you write a blog with a new post every day, written on that day. No scheduling. Just real life, warts and all.
Happy Tuesday.
Claudia,
Worrying is a natural thing when it comes to our older pets. I had a total meltdown several weeks ago over our cat Keeko. Same thing as Scout, not eating, not walking without pain, etc. He’s 90 in cat years, but I can’t even imagine our life without him. He has been our comfort for so many years and he is Laura’s therapy animal. He breaks my heart.
On a brighter note, I wanted to tell you about a bookstore I just read about this morning. In London, there is a bookstore called Waterstones. It is the Trafalgar Square branch. It seems an American tourist was accidentally locked in at night and was rescued after Tweeting about it. This caused the owners to come up with a marvelous idea. They are having a contest for 20 winners to stay overnight in the store this Friday. They will be able to read all night, explore the store, what ever their heart desires. They will be able to find prizes and will be feed and have the option to sleep. Sleep in a bookstore that I have been locked into is not something I would do! Anyway, thought this might cheer you up some :)
I went to the link with the clip of Our Town. Don is amazing! Is there a Hamlet link? Both of you are so very lucky to be in the theatre. I would adore that life!
Safe journeys for you and Don today. Give Scout a gentle hug and pet.
Hugs to you both.
Deb
I’ve been to Waterstone’s – such a wonderful shop. And that is such a great idea! Wouldn’t it be fun to spend the night there?
No Hamlet link that I know of yet.
Can’t help worrying..the vomiting could be associated with her kidney problem..Is she drinking?? I could go on about what I think but it’s not going to change anything..Nature will take it’s course..Glad you all had a good weekend together..Headed down the home stretch..
Yes, she’s drinking. That’s a good sign.
Saying prayers for you and Scout. I know how much you love her. If only our beloved pets could live as long as we do. It is definitely the hardest part of having them in our lives, but oh, they bring us so much love and joy when they are with us. xo Laura
I wish she could live a much longer life, that’s for sure.
How can you not worry about the ones you love with your heart and soul? We lost our rescued Cavalier, Jack, in January and our fourteen year old female Cav is really started a steep decline. My mother passed in late August, so the thought of another loss so soon is devistating . On a cheerier note, thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us. Tracy
I know and understand. I lost my mother in April and my other dog passed away about 2 years ago.
So sorry to hear Scout isn’t doing well. I’m hoping and praying she will get better. When our dog had kidney problems and throwing up, our vet told us to feed her chicken and rice with some chicken broth, It really settled her tummy.
Carol Ann
I usually give her white rice and cottage cheese. I have to get out and get some today.
Try to have a better day today, if you can :-) I can relate to your feelings concerning our aging “babies’. Our little senior gentleman continues to have a few of his anxiety issues and I try my best to be patient with him. All we can do is continue to show them how much they are loved and hope for the best for them. It is my sincere wish that when the time comes, both of our beloved canine buddies simply close their eyes and head toward their next journey in the universe.
Mine too. Having to make the decision is so very hard.
So sorry to hear about Scout. When our dog has been vomiting, we give him a break from eating, and then we feed him rice with homemade chicken broth. If she is drinking, that is a good sign – you don’t have to worry about dehydration. Sending prayers, and good vibes, to Scout!
She’s definitely drinking, Susan. Thanks for the prayers.
I couldn’t imagine my life without Annabelle, either, and losing her a year ago hasn’t made the reality easier. You just do one day at a time. I am so happy that you have had this little trip with Scout. She has had moments of being a young girl again, and I can hear your heart sing as you recall her little romps in the park. Each day is a gift, as you know. How lucky you and I are to have had such lovely girls to share life with.
We’ve lost two dogs in our married life and it doesn’t get any easier and I still cry over both of them. She has had a great time here, but it’s time to go home. We may leave a little early, if it’s okay with Darko.
Poor Scout! I know how you worry and while it’s easy to say don’t, it’s near impossible I think. We love our fur babies so much and it’s hard to contemplate life without them. Praying for you and Scout to have healing and rest this week.
hugs,
Linda
Thank you so much for your prayers, Linda.
I know you worry about Scout…and telling you not to, won’t do a bit of good. There are things in this life of which we have no control. Don is right…you are a great mom! I’ll keep Scout in my thoughts. Hope your day goes well…you can tell us about Hamlet some other time! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
You are so lucky that you found each other. All five of you. What a wonderful situation for a dog, to be the center of such tender, loving attention.
Blessings….
Thank you, Nancy.
I am well aware of what a worrier you are Claudia..sometimes I worry about how worried you are over something..but Don is right indeed..and what will be will be..Sending hugs to both of you..
Thanks, Nancy.
One of our neighbours is a professional athlete whose idea of relaxing is to go on extreme ‘adventure’ holidays. While she’s away, we mind her elderly cat who seems to have some of the same issues as Scout. We have taken to dividing her meals into small portions so that she can only eat a small amount at a time. If she’s okay with it, we give her a bit more until she finishes the entire meal. This takes a lot of time and patience, but it seems to work for her.
Thanks, Barbara.
So sorry to hear about Scout and her not feeling well. My Zippo that’s been with us since he was 4 months old, is now 15-1/2 and in reality, I know he won’t be with us too much longer either. At the max, maybe 5 more years. I don’t like to think about it. He’s my #1 fur baby. As a friend of mine that recently lost her cat of 18 years said, she chose to focus on the positive: that he lived a long, happy, loving life with her. So I try to think of it that way.
Too hard for me to think of it that way, Melanie, try as I might.
I think you’re both right, Claudia. Don’s right to say “let it go” because in the final analysis, worry never helps and only stresses you out. And you’re right too. It’s impossible for women not to worry about the people they love. Even when those people are animals. Maybe especially so because animals can’t tell us where it hurts or what they need. My brother just had “his pal” of 18 years, his kitty Clawdia, put to sleep about a month ago and although he knows he did the right thing, he’s absolutely heartbroken. Nearly 20 years with anyone is not something you get over quickly – or at all. You’ll know when it’s time for Scout but it’s not now, so I’m sending all the positive healing vibes I can Hartford-way! Hang in there, my friend…
Thank you, Janet.
Hi Claudia,
Two years ago our lab started vomiting her food…..not all the time but enough to worry me. Also, I noticed she had a decrease in urine. After seeing the vet, we found she had crystals in her urine and she was put on a prescription diet. She has done extremely well on Hills cd. Not sure Scout has the same problem but it may be as simple as a change in diet. Stay positive and know it could be an easy fix. Have a blessed week. Patty Mc
She had crystals years ago and had to have surgery. She’s been on either CD or WD or both for many years, so I don’t think it is that, Patty. I wish it was that simple! Thanks so much.
We have so much love in our hearts for our four legged kids don’t we? I’ll say a prayer for both you and Scout. So many worries in this life and yet worrying doesn’t really help anything. I’m a terrible worrier too and have been working on it for much of the past couple off ears.
Blessings,
Betsy
Sometimes, I’m fine and can let go of worry. But at other times…it is an impossible thing to do.
Claudia, I am sending prayers for Scout and for you. I know you worry. I am hoping things will settle down to Scouts routine once you are back home. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Thank you, Susie.
Oh! I’m so very sorry Scout isn’t feeling tip top. It’s so very hard to watch our beloved furry families age.
I’m a terrible worrier and ruminator, going round and round, stuck in a loop. My husband doesn’t worry – or he puts on an Oscar worthy performance of not appearing to do so. Sure must be nice.
Thinking of you, sending hugs xo
Oh, how can we not fret over our babies. It is so very hard as they get older. With each one we have lost I have sworn “never again ~~ I can’t do this”, and yet there is always another one who comes along who needs us ~ or most honestly,,, WE need them.
I hope you are able to leave sooner to get home w/ sweet Scout. She will be happy with her familiar surroundings and it will maybe temper her tummy a bit. I know with all of the noise etc. where you are that you are also ready to be back wandering the paths of Mockingbird Hill and that sweet cottage that is home sweet home.
Sending prayers for you and Scout.
Have you ever tried pumpkin to settle Scout’s tummy? I usually give our little mister a couple of tablespoons every day, just as a precaution. I buy the organic canned, but with this being pumpkin season, fresh can be scooped up at a great price. Bake chunks in the oven while cooking something else, or steam chunks and peel away the hard rind–easy as can be. And it freezes very well! Worth a try and if she doesn’t care for it, you can use it in your own soups or stews :-)
Saying a little prayer for sweet Ms.Scout this evening – and another for you my dear.
Mary x
Being a mom is not easy. Hard to impossible not to worry. Hang in there.
So glad Scuot has perked up. Hope it’s very LOOOOOONG lasting.
I’ll remember cottage cheese and rice if Candy gets to feeling poorly.
Carol Ann