Kimber's world keeps getting smaller. She had to rest halfway through our walk around the yard yesterday. Three times, she tripped herself and needed help back up. There's one side of the yard that's a steep slope and she's really struggling with it, either up or down. We have three steps leading to the porch of our front door and almost every time now, she waits for me to help her down. (She's needed help up all the time for at least a year.)
She's pooping in her sleep about once a week, now. Even if she's eliminated before bed, or if someone's home to let her out.
When I do her Range of Motion exercises, I can feel how little muscle she has in her back left leg. The last appointment with the holistic vet for acupuncture and chiro work made her happy and energetic, but we didn't see the improved mobility we used to see.
I can see differences from even just a month ago, and they are not good differences.
Through it all, though, she's still so darn cheerful. When she falls, she tries to get herself up and if that doesn't work, she patiently waits for one of us to set her back up. When she poops, she seems oblivious when she wakes up. She loves sniffing the yard, and she often looks up the street, where we used to walk, in a, "Can we go that direction?" way. She wags happily when she sees us or when she gets praised, and if anyone is within 5 feet of the treat cup, she's your shadow. She comes running if she hears the cheese drawer in the fridge open. Now that it's cooling down, she wants to sit in the front yard and bark at deer (who have learned she can't chase them, and are now ignoring her, which makes her mad!) I dug out a Nina Ottosen game she hasn't played with in years, and she was just as curious and determined as she was as a youngster.
And of course, she's eating just fine.
It's really hard to watch her deteriorate physically while mentally, she shows no signs of aging or slowing down. We keep moving the goal posts for judging her quality of life. Six months ago, it was "can she do the three things she's always loved to do." But that came and went- she can't chase frisbees, or go for hikes, or do even rudimentary agility. But she's not in pain and she's still an active part of our life, so we say, Someday, but not today.
Hug your labs, guys. The years go too fast.
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
Wow we really are right at the same place aren't we. Kimber and Rock are two peas in a pod.
Sounds like she is doing well thru it all and is happy. Interest change as we get older as well, I am sure sniffy walks are just that much more fun/special and on the top of the list now. The games have really helped Rocky. Food is really THE big time of the day but he will eat a bowl in seconds. So I've been working to extend meal times as much as I can with the games and exercises.
Rocky had a poop incident the other night, but they are not frequent.
It is hard to completely enjoy these moments without thinking of what they have lost and what is to come. I've gotten better at it. Mostly by taking Rocky's cues.
Ivy
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kimbersmom (10-04-2017)
I think about both of you almost daily. Watching them grow old is so difficult, knowing there is truly nothing you can do for them. There really is no advice I can give you, as you both are basically doing what I would do and feeling what I would feel (and have felt too many times). All I can say is enjoy every second you have with them. Please give Kimber and Rocky a hug from me.
kimbersmom (10-04-2017)
When I read these updates, it makes me realize that while our dogs are young and healthy we take it for granted they will be like that for a very long time. As a very smart man once said, time is relative.
Barry is so right, we need to love them very second we can for as long as we can. My Gabe has turned to a senior now and he is showing a white muzzle.
Sending hugs to both of you and your pups for much more time of health quality and much love for all. for all.
kimbersmom (10-04-2017)
This mad me sad and happy at the same time. It's hard to watch this happen but she's so lucky to have you who care so much and help her so much.
kimbersmom (10-05-2017)
All good thoughts for Kimber. Our criteria are pain that we can't relieve and distress. That's pretty much it. Fran sleeps like a champ but she's good.
kimbersmom (10-08-2017)
It's very hard to see them deteriorate. I went through the same thing with Jules. I was pretty depressed when i couldn't take him on walks anymore. The thing about labs though is their optimistic personality. They just wanna keep going.
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kimbersmom (10-08-2017)
The years DO go by much too quickly......hugs to Kimber, hugs to Rocky, hugs to Cilek and all the other special seniors, and hugs to my own precious Molly.....
kimbersmom (10-08-2017)
Hugs to all those special seniors. I first joined when I lost my Dakota at 14 and 1/2. That was around 8 years ago. Time does go so fast.
Good thoughts to all!
kimbersmom (10-08-2017)
I was just looking at pictures of Tanner last night as I think of him often. I let him go 2 1/2 years ago and it's amazing how fast the time goes by. He had a weakened back end and bad LP breathing problems, but everything was still manageable until he stopped eating. That was the big trigger for me. Watching the decline is awful. It sounds like you're doing right by Kimber and still able to manage mobility issues and bathroom duties. The fact she is still eating and is generally happy is good also. Best to you and Kimber!
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!!!!
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