Trying to live in the present.

[labsnewfy]

We are going through the same thing with Bailey. He has arthritis in the middle and lower parts of his back so he has had bowel incontinence on occasion. We tried to talk some this past weekend about quality of life when to make that final trip. Bailey's adequan injections are not working for him anymore the pain meds help but he is still uncomfortable at times. He has a hard time getting up we have to help him stand and he is now starting to whine again sometimes when he goes to sit. He drags his back feet a bit if he tries to move to fast across the yard to visit with the puppy next door.

The boy is making it very difficult for us trying to decide what to do. Many times I have wiped away a tear seeing his goofy fuzzy face, tongue hanging out peeking around the corner with his monkey baby at his feet looking for a moment or two of play. He is such a puppy at heart his body just can not keep up anymore.

We will keep you and your Hershey girl in our thoughts along with the rest of the senior babies and their families.

[jenebekka]

Thank you all again. I cannot express enough gratitude to you all for responding. It helps to know others are walking or have walked down the same path. Hershey is still doing okay - some days are better than others. She has the condition where the nerves are dying - I can't think of the name. Therefore, she is getting weaker and is losing some ability to handle her body. However, she is doing well all things considered. Hershey still pulls my arm off when I bring her in from outside and it's time to eat. So, I'm really trying to take it one day at a time.

I'm very emotional so I dread this next vet visit. My vet and the staff know how I am and they do try to give me comfort. Still, I must find some strength to not be completely upset. =(

I do plan on getting another dog immediately upon her passing - and this will be in her memory and honor. I would like to rescue if I can a Lab - this breed is in my heart forever.

On a side note - I am from Kentucky and there is a Lab Rescue - "KY Lab Rescue". Do any of you know about this facility? I'm reading mixed reviews.

Again, I'm thankful for this board and I greatly appreciate your words of comfort. It means a lot to me. (((HUGS))) for you all.

[Bridget]

Jenny, I just want you to know that I know exactly how you are feeling because I am at present going though the same thing. My German shepherd is the love of my life, my best friend. She will be 13 next month and is having most of the same symptoms your Hershey is, the weakness in the rear, incontinence (Heidi is on Proin), etc. Yesterday, she had so much trouble getting up, so I called the vet, and he put her on Rimadyl. I have heard so many scare stories about it, but he said at this point in her life, pain management is our first priority and I know that is true. Heidi has hip dysplasia. For the first time, when getting her medication filled, I asked them to only give me a three month supply so none will be wasted. The implications of that made me want to cry. Hopefully, both of us have many more days with our girls, and yes, we must try to live in the present and enjoy one day at a time.