Family Lore holds that Jekyll was born on April 1st. Really, because he was a 'rescue dog,' the Matron and her husband just picked that date. He's turning 16! Really, really really old in dog years!For the past few weeks, this old man has been awake for about 1 hour out of 24. He will falld own the stairs if he gets too close because he can no longer see them. Today, he climbed out of his chair not knowing a big bouncy ball was there and he went rolling. Every morning, the Matron tiptoes to the chair he is sleeping in and gets real quiet. To see if he is still with them.
Dear Jekyll, the Matron heard a vet on the radio discussing when to help end a beloved pet's life. She was very happy you didn't meet the criteria! You still enjoy your food-- very much (when you know who doesn't steal it)! You smell your family and that sense allows you to follow us for fondling. The ocassional accident aside, you are good on the elimination end, too (better than you know who, in fact).
The Matron hopes you can just sleep-ease your way into death without intervention. The only thing that concerns the Matron is that, as of late, it takes you a very long time to get up or down -- those tiny hips just aren't oiled to move like they used to.
You shake now, sometimes, without reason. Perhaps the Matron will shake too-- like those late leaves that keep hanging -- when she knows she is late in her season.
Snout kisses? Time to bestow one upon your faithful pet.
15 comments:
I'm sending a virtual kiss to him, then going to pet my 18-year-old cat.
(My word verification is "proul." I think that's the cat purring!)
A very hard decision to make.
You'll know when it's time - we did. And I hope for your sake (and his) Jekyll does go in his sleep.
Such a sweet face...
The decision is tough. We lost our 17 year old dog in November. Her ashes were spread in the garden, her favorite place. I am sure the flowers will be extra beautiful this spring. Enjoy your time with Jekyll.
He just looks so sweet.
There is nothing like a devoted dog. Our senior dog, aged 14 or so and about 80 pounds, has gotten a new lease on life since we started giving her glucosamine chondritin and Rimidyl (the latter is kinda like doggie Ibuprofen) twice a day. The change in her is miraculous. You might want to talk to your vet about whether that might help Jekyll with getting up and down and moving in general.
Aw. Hope he goes peacefully and with all the dignity you've given him.
awww, I have tears near my coffee. We've had the privilege of knowing some sweet pets till their ripe old age, most of whom went in their sleep. I had to smile at the image of poor Jeckyll on the bouncey ball.
As a fellow dog owner, I am just sending all my best to you & Jekyll as you go through this period in your time together ...
Such a lovely tribute.
I'm an old woman (46) to have only lost two dear dogs in my life. I have three now and all are relatively young. Snout kisses for all!
I have one that is entering her "old age" and I so don't want to have to intervene. So hard.
Aw Matron.... Tears here. What a lovely post to honor a faithful friend. May his dreams always be full of rabbit chasing and yummy bones.
I know exactly how you feel...
Sweet, sweet doggie.
What a sweetie -- he's lucky to be with y'all.
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