Guest sheila Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Kiowa is starting into his 13th yr. In many ways he is still a puppy at heart. He plays with his toys and runs a lap or two in the yard with Sammy and has joy in his eyes and a spring in his step. However I can see him starting to decline. Several times in the last month he has lost his back end and ended up doing the splits on the floor and I have had to help him up. He is also losing his bladder control 2-3x a week. He will be walking towards the door and just stop and let go. It's like he either doesn't know it's happening or he can't control it. I took him to the vet yesterday and he had some Depo-Medrol injections. The vet did gently mention to me that a 13 yr old greyhound will never be young again and I told him, 'I realize that, but he can at least be comfortable and as long as he still has more good days then bad then it's not his time.' I also have to realize my own limitations. I am a single person with a low wage job and I honestly can't afford to spend $100's a month for meds and treatments that are only delaying the inevitable. I weigh less than 100lbs and the only way in/out of my house is by steps. There is no way I can physically carry a 75lb greyhound in and out. (Yes I can get harnesses etc for awhile and I will) I work full time and doggy day care or home visits are not an option in my rural area and even if they were I could not afford it. For now I am laying down rugs in the house (so he doesn't slip) and getting a ramp so he can get down the steps and in/out of the truck and putting him in a diaper while I'm at work. This just blows though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jester Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Quote Deewith June Bug (June Bash) & Jazzy (Superior Jasmine)Squirrel Wars Blog (http://thesquirrel.is-a-player.com)Missing Lizzie, Maisy Ann & Bella Ann, Chadcek, Lady, Cooper, Tiera, and Sider from Greyt Expectations Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlackandBrindle Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Getting old sucks, but knowing that you're loved, well it makes up for most things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 I'm sorry. It is so hard to see them decline. I was there at the beginning of this year with my 13 yr. old boy Keno. You have my sympathy and empathy. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 It blows big time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallgreydogmom Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Hugs and kisses for giving the ol' guy a chance. Quote Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the Day comes, God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man. (Persian Proverb) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 (edited) AT 12.5 Future is not having any of the issues you describe yet with K, but I know they are coming. You are right, it does stink. I have had Future nearly 9 years. If I had him for another 9 years it would not be long enough. Kiowa has been very lucky to spend his life with you Sheila. Edited November 13, 2007 by gazehund Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaotic1 Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Just remember when the time comes it's your decision. You don't have to justify it to anyone. Just listen to your heart and what is best for your pupper and you will make the right decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xan Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Reality bites sometimes, doesn't it? The love you are sharing, and have shared with Kiowa is what has given him the wonderful life he'll have up to the last moments. :bighug Quote My Inspirations: Grey Pogo, borzoi Katie, Meep the cat, AND MY BELOVED DH!!!Missing Rowdy, Coco, Brilly, Happy and Wabi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 You have my sympathy too. Our Hobbes is 13-1/2 and has difficulty walking, some incontinence issues, and assorted other physical problems. He came to us at 3 and was a vital, energetic boy. It is hard to watch him in decline. Because I'm tiny I have trouble lifting him. I miss the "old days" when he was young! Hugs to you both! Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greylyn Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guinness_the_greyt Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Sending hugs. And some scritchies for your handsome fella. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysandmollie Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 It completely sucks.... And I all I ever wonder was..where did the time go..... Quote Donna and...Lucy and Chubb Rascal H 10/1/91-5/22/04 My best friend and Bounty Boon 1/23/99-6/25/07 My boy with the biggest heart Cody 7/28/99-8/1/13 My boy that always made me laugh and Dylan 5/12/04-12/29/2017 The sweetest boy ever Miss Mollie 1/1/99-1/30/15 and Pixie -10/10/2017 Lincoln -2/14/2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynthia Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 "He will be walking towards the door and just stop and let go." Monty was doing that this winter just before he got really sick. I thought he had dementia. He's still technically sick, but has come so far since the dark days. It may not be all downhill from here ,even though it seems that way right now. It's amazing what you can adjust to Hang in there, you'll figure out the best way to make life as good as it can be for both of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inugrey Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Getting old sucks, but knowing that you're loved, well it makes up for most things. Very well put. Quote Colleen with Covey (Admirals Cove) and Rally (greyhound puppy)Missing my beloved boy INU (CJ Whistlindixie) my sweetest princess SALEM (CJ Little Dixie) and my baby girl ZOE (LR's Tara) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lothianjavert Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 :grouphug I'm there with Sebau right now too. Getting old does suck. Quote In vino veritasRachael with Rook, missing Sully, Sebau, and Diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WileyandBadger Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greensleeves Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 I was where you are about 2 years ago. Whistler started to look like an old dog when he turned 11--the frailty and LS weakness just aged him so much overnight. But we got him on a good routine, and his last year was actually the heathiest he'd been in a while. It was hard to watch him fading before our eyes... but the decision came very quickly and was actually unrelated to all his "old man" symptoms. In a way, that was almost better. Yes, they don't live nearly long enough... but the time you have is time to cherish. DON'T worry it away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytNut Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 It's hard to watch a much-loved pet go into decline and know that you can't do anything about it. Quote Kristen with Penguin (L the Penguin) Flying Penske x L Alysana Costarring The Fabulous Felines: Squeak, Merlin, Bailey & Mystic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirley44 Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Quote Miles October 4 2002-Novembre 19 2013 Mommy loves you big boy Tatum December 1 2004-January 23 2015 Love you Miss SiSi Bums Rowdy October 26 2001 -November 5 2015 Miss you Bébé Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Becki Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LolasMom Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Getting old sucks, but knowing that you're loved, well it makes up for most things. Amen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VelvetEars Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Yep, it sucks. Wouldn't it be nice if they stayed young and healthy forever? Unfortunately, just like people, eventually their bodies start to wear out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.