Dog Community

Prayers for Sheba (pics included)

Posted : 3/16/2010 2:29:08 PM

My poor old girl is going downhill. I have an appt with the vet tomorrow to see if there is anything I can do to make her more comfortable. In the last two weeks she's slowed down considerably. She used to stroll around & go outside, but last week she decided she didn't want to do that anymore. She could still get up & walk a little, but the last 3 nights we have been assisting her. Yesterday she didn't move at all, she stayed laying down next to the bed. She lost interest in her regular kibble Sunday night, so I've been adding canned food & she likes that!! I always told myself the day she stopped eating would be the 'day', this dog LOVES food and everything to do with it. She ate this morning, but have yet to see her drink.

this morning she had an accident and I had to help her out to get cleaned off. I contacted her previous owner letting her know that she's having a rough time. she was having a rough time last year around october, but bounced back - we were even helping her walk, but slowly she got her strength back up & walked on her own from November until now. She hates being assisted, but I would too if I layed in one spot all day until mom came over & insisted that I had to go outside & go potty.

Its hard seeing her have no strength & energy. She's now 14 years old, I think she's had quite a long life for a 'rotterman'!

I think her previous owner is coming out soon to see her. I'll keep everyone updated on what the vet says tomorrow. I haven't even gone in to work this morning, I think its just really hit me that she's going downhill fast.

She's had a great life ( and started a new one with me at the age of ten), she doubled the lifespan of Akyra, She's such a sweet girl, she always surprised me with being kind and gentle to every dog she met. She loved kids and had no problem sharing her doggie bed with them & letting them lay all over her. She always loved people too, never had any problems with meeting strangers.

She even loved the kitties. I think knowing that she had a full life helps me.

Here are some pics of my sweet girl....

in healthier days:

bicycling with Akyra

sharing her bed with Gir the kitty

My first year with her in 2005

Modeling her collar I made her.

on vacation in southern CA

my girls

happy days.

one of my favorites - out for a chilly morning walk

calliecritturs

Posted : 3/16/2010 2:46:18 PM

I'm at work now so there isn't a lot I can take the time for but there is quite a bit you CAN do for an elderly dog (Kee was 19) --

some massage with essential oils (not expensive), Knox Nutra Joint, gut problems aren't unknown and sometimes you have to roll with a bit of Pepto to control diarreha, or maybe change the diet a bit to help it be absorbed a bit better.

I know this is farm life, but some of these things really aren't difficult. Even a cup of chamomile tea (stir ti soggy herbs right into her food and either give her the liquid by syringe or add to her food. It can ease a lot of pain without causing stomach discomfort.

Ask the vet to do a urinalysis - VERY OFTEN elderly dogs will run a UTI that you can *NOT* see at all. It can cause diarreha (yep, true) and all sorts of discomfort. Just a cheap drug like sulpha-tri (not often used any more but for an older dog it can be very cheap and very easy) can truly bring them around.

akyramoto82

Posted : 3/16/2010 4:40:44 PM

Thank you Callie, I will get some Chamomile tea today, and I"ll remember to get the vet to run a urinalysis.

bunni

Posted : 3/16/2010 6:00:23 PM

I just wanted to say that I feel for you. I have an old girl too and it breaks my heart to think about having to let her go.

akyramoto82

Posted : 3/16/2010 6:06:04 PM

She had another accident when I came home to check on her, so another 'booty' wash for her. She can't even get herself up to go :(

Her previous owner called and is coming over after work. She hasn't seen Sheba in a long time. getting the BF to pick up some pepto for Sheba's tummy, hopefully that'll make her feel better. Kinda dreading getting her to the vet tomorrow. She can't walk unassisted, and have to get her 80lb butt in the car without hurting her or myself.

mrstjohnson

Posted : 3/16/2010 6:31:04 PM

(((HUGS)))

cakana

Posted : 3/16/2010 6:45:34 PM

(((HUGS))) from me too. My older girl is 15 now and I see some of the same tough times ahead. I know you'll do the very best for Sheba and she's been truly blessed to have had these years with you. I love that picture of her sleeping with the kitty. Angel

shamrockmommy

Posted : 3/16/2010 7:28:19 PM

(((((((((((SHEBA))))))))))))))) It is so hard watching them get old. You have given her a wonderful life. Can you line her beds with some underbed pads to catch the pee?

Sending many strength vibes to you and Sheba!

akyramoto82

Posted : 3/16/2010 8:50:07 PM

Came home & Sheba needed another 'butt bath' poor girl. got her cleaned up & her previous owner came and sat with her and talked for a good hour or so. She told me stories about how she took Sheba to get adopted ( I believe they were originally her fosters) and no one would adopt her, she said that Sheba enjoyed going for a car ride and meeting new people. Hard to believe that no one took her home. I fell in love with her from day one. This is her house! She's lived almost her whole life in this house, it makes me happy that I was able to keep her here into her golden years.I always told people it's not my house, it's Sheba's house.

My BF brought home a vinyl table cloth to lay on, as I predict I might have some more messes to clean up, she's worth it though. she happily ate some dog biscuits and became alert again when my BF came through the door. My kitty ( the one in the prior picture) came up and was rubbing o her. Shared some stories, it was good. She's even going to come with me to the appointment tomorrow ( her previous owner).

she did eat & drink today, gave her some pepto for her belly, so hopefully that'll make her feel better.

punkchica321

Posted : 3/17/2010 12:17:52 AM

Sending good vibes to Sheba and you guys! She reminds me of my first dog, he had issues where he couldn't get up and had to be assisted. It's very upsetting. :-/ Hope she feels better soon! Give her some hugs for me. :)