Charlotte K. (07-19-2017), Java (07-19-2017), Mollysmomma (07-18-2017), MontananDakota (07-17-2017), Tanya (07-17-2017)
Tanya, Rocky has YOU. That's what he wants more than anything. The sniffies and a little pee marking is great but it's being with you and you with him.
You are doing an admiral job of determining what he can and can not do, so keep it up. He WILL surprise you with your successful short adventures.
Sending joyful hugs for you and your boy- you are both amazing!!
Charlotte K. (07-19-2017), Java (07-19-2017), Mollysmomma (07-18-2017), MontananDakota (07-17-2017), Tanya (07-17-2017)
Yep. Today, Kimber's evening walk was 9 minutes long. She sniffed every plant along our driveway and started asking to turn around at our neighbor's mailbox. We gave in before we got to the next neighbor's house. But she seemed content with that amount.
Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
Birthday 9-13-18, Gotcha Day 11-11-18
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Miss Kimber, CGC, 6/15/2005-1/27/2018 forever in our hearts
Well crap Kimber and Rock got the same memo!
but exactly they don't really seem to care?
Rock would not pee after work so we went out 3x for 5-10mins of sniffing it was wayy too hot to stay out much longer. Cool downs between tries was required. So this is how we'll tackle it i guess, out for 5, cool down/rest, out for another 5.
Ivy
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They are in sync! Kimber had zero interest in walking this afternoon but it was over 90. It cooled off and we did our evening stroll. No poop. So just now we did a mosey around the yard. Still no poop!
I think that's going to be the big challenge for us- she really needs to walk a while to get her bowels moving, but "walk for a while" ain't happening.
And so so we continue to adjust to the new normal, right?
Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
Birthday 9-13-18, Gotcha Day 11-11-18
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Miss Kimber, CGC, 6/15/2005-1/27/2018 forever in our hearts
I think the both of you are doing the very best that can be done with their physical limitations. And, they seem to be satisfied. I remember the days when Mardi could just make it to the end of the driveway and back, sniffing every blade of grass and enjoying herself to the max. If that's all she could do and she was happy, then I was happy for her. Oh, did I remember the long walks and feel their life was now lacking, but learned that was not so.
Do try some gentle range of motion exercises daily at home, inside. It helps keep joints mobile and helps a little with muscle mass. It was one Melody's favorite times each evening and she so looked forward to our evening chats.
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Kissing Bandit
Charlotte K. (07-19-2017), Java (07-19-2017), kimbersmom (07-18-2017), MontananDakota (07-18-2017)
Do you have air conditioning? I remember having the fan on in the middle of winter for Tanner's LP. I wouldn't even worry about trying to walk him, except getting him to go potty. Take a break from it. As you are aware, Benedryl and Doxepin have shown some off label success with the LP breathing issues.
Also, my guess is he's probably in some level of discomfort as a lot of dogs his age can be and therefore NSAIDs, Tramadol, etc. on an as needed basis may help him. The Gabapentin alone is probably not cutting it. If your current Vet will not even discuss these things, you may want to consult someone else, even if it's on the phone for a preliminary Senior discussion.
Best thoughts to you and Rocky.
Bob
Griffin growing up!
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Griffin Male Black Lab 03/14/16 -
Yukon My Wonderful Yellow Lab 11/20/06 - 03/12/19 Will cherish the memories!!!!
My Precious Tanner Boy 11/25/02 - 6/25/15 Will miss you always!!!!
Annette47 (07-18-2017), Charlotte K. (07-19-2017)
Cookie Black Snowflake
July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.
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Charlotte K. (07-19-2017), Java (07-19-2017), MontananDakota (07-18-2017), SunDance (07-18-2017), Tanya (07-18-2017)
I know the therapist held Cookie in place but I still wonder why she didn't put a non-slip surface under him...that tile made it harder for both of them.
I'm glad you posted that...it'll come in handy for me one day, too.
Charlotte K. (07-19-2017), MontananDakota (07-18-2017)
I let my dogs dictate what they want and need, and have learned that they need less than most owners think as far as long walks. The summers are so hot here and couple that w/ rattlers and cheat grass, I cut our off site walks off in June. Mine are fine w/ that. Granted, I have 5 acres fenced too, so they all go out in the early am and do their mighty mouse hunt instead. Mata (12.5) has a touch of the raspiness too, btw, but I think her's isn't so much the heat as it is excitement when it happens since she still loves to sunbathe in the hot sun.
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The WindyCanyon Girls (taken Summer 2018)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Northern Spy CDX RA JH OA OAJ CC (14.5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Ruby Pink BN CD RA CC (4.5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Kanzi BN CDX RE JH (5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon ItsOnlyMoneyHoneycrisp BN RN CC (16mos)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Pippin BN RI CC (2.5 yrs)IntCH WindyCanyon's Envy CDX RE JH CC (10.5 yrs)
IntCH HIT WindyCanyon's Kiku A Fuji Too CDX RE JH CC (10 yrs)
MontananDakota (07-18-2017)
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