Jerilyn

Lucy, as you know, I was just in this exact situation with Lila. And as you also know, it’s not easy. The signs are not as clear as we would like them to be, especially when the body is failing but the spirit is still engaged. Spirit doesn’t seem to be as stoic as Lila was, but his personality adds an additional challenge too. Is he screaming because he’s in pain or because it’s a change to the routine? Then add in trying to figure out if you’re making the decision for your own needs or his – it’s a very difficult time. Hindsight being what it is, I think that if you are wondering if it is time, it probably is time. I don’t think I waited too long for Lila but if I had made the decision a few days or even a week earlier, it would not have been too soon. As hard as it is to think of, he’s not going to get better, only worse. The one thing can suggest is to have a plan. It sounds like you have a good relationship with you vet and can get Spirit to the office. But what if something happens in the middle of the night or on the weekend? My vet gave me some injectable sedatives to have on hand so Lila could be calm and relaxed until she could get here. I did use one, but just knowing I had it available was a great relief to me. Working with a palliative care vet was a great experience. Hugs to you and the venerable Spirit!

Again, thank you all! Your words bring me a great deal of comfort. I'm thinking that Lila's hole might be her final resting place. It seems appropriate.

I love this story! It's got everything - compelling characters, international intrigue, and a happy ending. Missing Whiskey, but I like to think he and Lila are finally together over the rainbow.

Thank you all so much! I am touched by your kind words about my girl!

Lila (Good Looking) 9/2/2006 – 12/2/2020 My best girl is gone and I am heartbroken. She reached the amazing age of 14 ¼ and was with me for 10 ½ years. It was not enough. Lila really was a perfect girl, she came into my home and immediately settled in. She was sweet but stubborn and easy-going but opinionated. She had her idea about how things should be and if she didn’t want to do something, nothing could make her. Her only “badness” was being a pesto when I couldn’t give her my full attention. She was the dog that people who don’t like dogs loved. She was my Adventure Dog, always excited to go somewhere and see something new. We had some wonderful vacations together. She loved to ride in the car and had to have her snoot out the window, even if it was pouring rain or below zero. She was well known for her thick bunny soft fur, the fact that she would steal any other dog’s bed, and her need to be at the front of the pack when we went for group walks. Lila was a good racer and she loved to run, she was still doing zoomies in the yard the day before she died. I would try to stop her because her legs couldn’t handle it, but I couldn’t and it made her so happy! She was also still digging in her hole the day before she died. There was such joy in her eyes when she would dig and spin around in her hole then take off running. She taught me to be patient and flexible; from her first night home when she refused to sleep in my bedroom through caring for her changing needs as she aged. I miss her peeking around the corner at me, wanting to go out when I was in the middle of a work meeting. I miss her excitement when I came home from even the shortest trip. I miss her staring me down for a treat every single time she came in the house. I miss her big gentle eyes and her velvet ears. Good bye my love. ETA: How could I forget her inexplicable hatred for alpacas?!?

Happy birthday Punkin cute as pie! Nice work with the donation and you will for sure beat lazy Aiden at the kibble game!

Happy 14th Katie!

I've been dealing with something like this with Lila (now 14.2) for a couple years. It could be lots of stuff and there are lots of good suggestions here. My first assumption is that it is some kind of pain issue. It took a really long time and trying multiple things with Lila. For her, it ended up being her tummy. Things that she ate without issue for years now give her some gastric distress and she's doing much better on a 100% home cooked diet. She also had a bad reaction to Gabapentin, which resulted in more pacing and panting. It can be a lot of trial and error. I hope you can find a resolution, it is so hard to see them in distress!

Happy birthday, Buddy! It looks like you had a great celebration.

Lotsa love to Cletus and Mom from me and Lila (14.2)!

Good job Cletus!

Happiest of birthdays, sweet Sweep!

That snake too realistic looking for me to want to have around the house.

Wow! He's stunning!

Happy Gotcha Annie & Punkin!

Lila has a big hole that she works on regularly. About once a year she will pee in her hole then cover it with dirt using her nose. Then I have to clean pee-dirt off of her nose.

Those people who say that dogs don't do things spitefully have never removed the preferred sleeping spot of a greyhound.

I'm so sorry about Andy. He was a good role model for my old girl who just turned 14 herself. They new guy is absolutely gorgeous!

Yes, IE 11 is not good. Were you expecting the updates to work for all browsers? I can get you screen shots if needed.

Please join me in celebrating Lila’s 14th birthday! We’ve had a few rough days recently, but she’s doing really well for a lady of her age. She’s a bit wobbly sometimes but she can still beat the neighbor puppies in the fence races. She’s had quite a life from her days on the farm to a successful racing career in Dubuque, Dairyland, and Sarasota. Then back to WI for retirement, spending time in the adoption kennel and two foster homes before we found each other. I am so grateful for the 10 years of adventures we have had together. Here’s the birthday girl today. Please ignore the messy fur, the Big Shed is still in progress, and the crumbs on the carpet, we’ve had a lot of biscuits today.

Happy birthday Sophie!

I keep reading the title of this post as 'bath house' and wondering if the concern is the hound being bothered by naked people traipsing through the yard.

Just how important the routine is! Do something one way two or three times and you've established a pattern that must not be broken no matter the circumstances!

A lovely space befitting the lovely Sweep!

It's OK Cletus, I like emus. They are friendly and curious, unlike their cousins the ostrich, who are out for blood.