So sad to watch the decline. I know you guys want what's best for Hudler.
I have to go away this weekend for dog shows, so my husband is in charge of the 5 (taking Jagger, so our brown 5 are staying home). I asked him to really look at Hudler and think about what he sees. I feel like the meanie, constantly looking at him thinking about if it's time to put him to rest. We changed some medication up the other day and he seems less steady on his feet. He can barely stand long enough to finish a pee and often falls right afterwards. Poop mostly happens while he's asleep on his bed. His appetite is up, but the crying and yelping is up until he falls asleep. We also found he has the start of kidney problems. While we are ready to work through that, if he can't get up to potty.... I don't know. Everyday we keep him with us it seems more for US than for HIM. He's eating, sleeping, crying, pottying...he can't do anything he used to like to do. I'll have to see what Dave says when I get home on Sunday.
Jen
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So sad to watch the decline. I know you guys want what's best for Hudler.
Sue
Chase 9/29/2006- 6/30/2017 Always in our hearts
Lark 12/25/2012- 2/2/22
Henry 7/14/18
Joey 5/14/2022
“Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
― Mary Oliver, Hidden Content
That is so hard, I am sorry. Having been there myself, I think the fact that labs are generally just so happy and good natured makes end of life decisions even more difficult with them, it is so hard to know when their quality of life has completely diminished.
The description reminds me of when we have started 14 or 15 year old dogs on Tramadol. Or when we had to start or change seizure drugs on young rescues; those dogs did worse than Hudler, literally staggering into walls. May you figure it out soon or may he adjust to the meds soon. It is hard to watch. It happens to older people, too, as the body does not metabolize drugs as well. Sometimes lowering the dose at first while the senior builds up tolerance helps.
I am so sorry. It is so hard to make the decision of quality of life when your heart is involved. Your description of the crying, yelping and falling would just be heartbreaking to watch/hear. Sending prayers of comfort.
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Tammy
Maxx and Emma Jean
Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.
I am really sorry. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I really believe in what they say, that he will let you know.
Cookie Black Snowflake
July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.
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i am so sorry you all are going thru this sadness.
it just isn't fair.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. The pooping in bed wouldn't be an issue for me (Mulder does this all the time) but the crying especially would make me consider. The falling would depend on whether it seems to bother him. For her last year or so Jolie would occasionally fall but it was more of a graceful sink to the ground and didn't seem to phase her in the least, so we didn't worry too much. For me, as long as they are eating and seem like they are still getting enjoyment out of life, mobility isn't quite as important as long as we can find a way to help them get around.
Sure hope you can find a way to get him feeling happier soon .... I've been in that position where you start to wonder and it isn't a fun place to be in.
Annette
Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009
And remembering:
Scully (HC Coventry's Truth Is Out There, UD, TD, RN) 4/14/1996 - 6/30/2011
Mulder (Coventry's I Want To Believe, UD, RN, WC) 5/26/1999 - 4/22/2015
And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014
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MontananDakota (10-27-2014)
No words... just (((HUGS)))
Oh, the crying is the worst! I remember CC walking into corners and getting stuck and crying for help. She'd finally settle down but I'd put a bowl of water near her and inevitably she'd fall asleep with her head in the bowl and that would wake her again and get her crying. The decline is so difficult. (((hugs)))
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