Four medications …

Ned playing in the snow!

Our 13 year old pointer-collie is now on four medications because he shows signs of pain with his arthritis, muscle loss and failing hips.

He is on Cosequin which I pull apart and mix into his food. He is also on Deramaxx which he takes as a treat. He gets one Tramadol at bedtime which seems to help keep him comfortable through the night.

We are having routine bloodwork done on him. He has one slightly elevated liver value and everything else is normal. I have purchased a liver supplement and we are trying to give it to him once daily. It needs to be given 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal and I’m struggling to get it in him properly everyday! I am hopeful it will help keep his liver a little safer since he’s taking the nsaid daily. Thankfully, he is on the low end of the dose currently.

It is so difficult to see him age. He’s always been such a happy and playful dog. It is hard to see him have a bad day, struggle to get up and down, fall and to be grumpy!

How do they steal our hearts?

I’ve never loved a pet like I’ve loved my dogs!  For some reason, DOGS steal my heart.  My own dogs own me and other dogs sure do grab my attention.

I’ve never met a dog I didn’t like.  I don’t believe there’s such a thing as a bad dog.  If the dog is acting up, I believe it is the dogs’ humans who haven’t helped the dog learn!  I’m sure there’s exceptions to this as there is with everything … but typically, there’s no bad dogs!

I’ve seen giant dogs be gently giants.  I’ve seen what some call stubborn dogs listen better than a child.  I’ve seen a PIT BULL be bossed around by my 10# pom!  The PIT BULL would run under the deck when the POM barked.  The PIT BULL would also let my POM hold its leash and lead it around the yard.

I wouldn’t turn my pom loose with just an pit bull … this was a friends dog … and I knew how it was being raised and trained.  I knew it was a gently dog with good manners!

It doesn’t matter what the breed is or even if it is a “mutt”, I love each and every DOG that God created! 

DOGS REIGN!

Missing Manda

Manda went to heaven in November 2007 at the age of 18.

She was diagnosed with “heart disease” several years ago. She had a heart murmur for many years which us unsymptomatic so she didn’t have any treatment for it. However, I always kept her on a healthy diet, knowing that a heart problem was impending.

After our greyhound, Russ passed away from cancer, Manda, our pomeranian started having health problems. Her heart murmur got worse. Within six months after his passing, Manda had to start medication for heart disease.  It was my first experience with seeing a dog grieve over the loss of another dog.  She really missed him and it harmed her health.

I don’t remember the exact date but I remember the signs, symptoms and being at the veterinarian as Manda was diagnosed with renal failure or kidney disease. (I hear the terms used interchangeably.) We began more medications. Life was managed with “pee pads”, gates, nice kennel type play pens and lots of love.

She had given so much to me for so many years. I couldn’t turn my back on her now in her time of weakness and need. During the last month of life, we managed although I could tell the quality of life was declining. Manda never did “doggy things” anymore. She just wanted to sleep. She didn’t seem comfortable even with high doses of about 10 different medications which were given around the clock. She was high maintenance by this time and a special needs dog but I never begrudged a single moment spent taking care of her and I never begrudged a single penny spent on her.

A couple of months earlier, started this little “shiver” thing. She would do it as I took her outside. She would do it when I took her to the vet. She would do it when company was at our home. I assumed she was scared because she was blind and deaf by this time.

On Manda’s last day, we were at the veterinarian because it was obvious to me that she was doing worse and medicine wasn’t managing her pain. After diagnostic testing, it was revealed to me that Manda had a tumor in her neck the size of my thumb. She also had kidney stones and even more arthritis was visible. Her trachea was also collapsing more.

Afterwards, I believe the “shivering” was from pain from the tumor in her neck. It’s just my opinion. The times she would “shiver” seem to be when I was lifting her or putting her down. I’m not sure I should of assumed she was simply frightened.

Afterwards, I got to thinking about those last couple of tough weeks. I took her to the vet asking if they could tell she was really doing worse. I just needed someone else to be able to see what I was witnessing. The testing showed that she really was doing worse. My bubbly demanding little dog was not the same little dog.

I remember many years ago when the veterinarian found the heart murmur. I was told at that time dogs can live a long time with heart disease and that it could be something else that takes Manda. That veterinarian was right, Manda didn’t die of heart disease. We managed it. She didn’t die of kidney disease. We managed it. She died because she had a myriad of health conditions including arthritis, a collapsing trachea, kidney disease, heart disease … and then the kidney stones and tumor in her neck.

After my loss of Manda, I suddenly had two free hours each and every day. I never realized just how much time I spent care giving until she was gone.

I miss my little dog so much! She was always under my feet. There are still mornings I wake up and move carefully because I’m expecting my tiny dog to be somewhere. Losing my dog has been very difficult.

~Trina

Manda’s Last Days

I could tell she was growing weaker. I could tell she was having more bad days than good days. She was developing more problems.

She still asked for food but ate it a lot slower. She still greeted me when I woke her up. She was always happy to know I was nearby. She handled not seeing or hearing so well that most people wouldn’t realize she had any difficulty with either.

I optimistically called the veterinarian and made her an appointment telling them “she’s doing worse”. Her veterinarians, Dr Elizabeth Lauron and Dr Gale Kerr and their staff have provided excellent care for Manda for many years. I left the house alone with Manda saying we’ll be back soon.

I have utmost confidence in them. I had every belief that we could just add more medicine to her regiment of already taking 7 different medications three times daily. Dr Kerr seen Manda on this day and an examination and testing revealed that in addition to renal failure, congestive heart failure, and a collapsing trachea, Manda now had kidney stones, one of which was in her urethrea and a mass on her neck which was the size of my thumb. The mass was not visible to the eye or when touching her neck. It was obviously causing her problems though.

After seeing the results, I called my husband and he joined me at the vet’s office. We had to send Manda to heaven where she’ll get to run and play with our greyhound Russ who went to heaven in 2003. We had 18 great years with Manda and are thankful God sent her to us to love. She added so much to our lives and we miss her terribly.

This happened on November 22, 2007. My husband is a stand up comedian and he had a show that night. We had planned for friends to join us at the show and we had made plans to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with them. They are great friends and they offered comfort, love, support and didn’t judge me when I excused myself and went to bed while they stayed awake with great conversations until the early morning hours.

The veterinarians and their staff sent us a beautiful arrangement of flowers which lasted through the holiday seasons. The funeral home even called us. The urn is done beautifully.

I’m so thankful that I got to hold Manda during the euthanasia. She wasn’t scared or stressed. I am grateful that she went peacefully without struggle.

I miss her so much. She’s been my faithful little companion for many years. I miss her demanding yet loving attitude. I never begrudged a dime that I spent on her nor a moment that I spent with her or caring for her. After she was gone, I suddenly had two extra hours in each day. I didn’t even realize her care was taking any amount of time.

Nedd is doing well. He has missed her and is adjusting. He is 12 and this is his first experience being the only dog in the house!

If you’re looking for the best veterinary care in the Columbus OH area, please contact Elizabeth Lauron DVM and Gale Kerr DVM at 614.871.1111.

If you’re looking for entertainment for 2008, check out my funny hubby at: www.MartyDaniels.com.

Still going!

Manda at nearly 18 years old, with heart disease, congestive heart failure, renal failure, arthritis and a collapsing trachea is still going strong. She is also nearly blind and nearly deaf. She has also started having “episodes” where she collapses. It’s only happened three times within the last three months … so we’re not doing a lot about it.

She still greets me at the door, recognizes people and pets she knows, wags her little tail, loves to eat and loves to be with her human family. As an old dog, she no longer tolerates nail trims or being brushed even though she use to enjoy being groomed when she was younger.

I cherish my time with her. She thinks taking her seven medicines every day is a treat! She spins in circles as I prepare her meds two or three times daily. I admire her attitude and spunk! What a life lesson!

Quality Time for my Geriatric Dog …

Manda is 17 1/2 years old. You may have already been following her story. She has good days and bad days because of heart failure and renal failure. She also has a collapsing trachea, arthritis and is anemic.

She has a great attitude. She is still as demanding as she was when she was young. She no longer tolerates being brushed or having her nails done; which never was a problem until the last few years. She doesn’t see very well and will walk into things occasionally. She doesn’t hear very well and no longer hears the tone of my voice.

I still try to spend time with her. I no longer take her places unless I am traveling overnight. She doesn’t enjoy it like she use to. She doesn’t mind the hotel stays as long as she has her mesh kennel. She doesn’t like to be picked up or held any more. She doesn’t want to sit and watch Letterman with me at the end of our days as we use to. Instead, she lays on her own doggy bed next to my chair. She no longer jumps on and off the bed; instead, she sleeps near me on her own blanket. She no longer plays and doesn’t seem to enjoy a walk anymore. While I try to spend quality time with her, basically, it consists of sitting on the floor or ground with her and gently petting her. Her little tail wags as I tell her how much I love her and that she is beautiful. That seems to be the extent of our quality time together at this point.

During the last few months, she has really bonded with my husband. They always liked each other, but now, there’s a new bond. I am the one that forces meds down, gives subq fluids, cleans her body even when she doesn’t want it done and he’s the one who only offers her gentle touches and food! It’s been hard to see but I’m glad they’ve bonded.

When she is left alone, she waits by one of our desks, knowing that when we come in, the computer is one of our usual first stops! She patiently waits under the computer desk. I’ve moved a doggy bed into the office to help keep her comfortable.
~Trina

Still treating Heart Disease & Renal Failure

It’s so hard. She has both heart disease and renal failure. As we treat one, we make the other worse.

I am praying she isn’t suffering. I’m not always sure as the last few days have been really rough. She has had continuing loose stool which is caused from a “bad gut”. She has been up nearly every night with a coughing/wheezing episode. She is panting more and more.

Her medicines are increased and we’re moving toward every 8 hours instead of every 12 hours with the veterinarians advice.

She is currently on Tramadol, Benazapril, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sulcrafate, Sub q fluids every other day, Furosemide, Famotidine, Hydrocodone and Pet Tinic. She thinks she is getting treats because most of the meds are hidden in something yummy. I don’t administer the subq fluids as I should because she runs and hides which makes it really hard for me to do. She doesn’t like the sulcrafate slury but I give her the pet tinic afterwards so she tolerates it pretty well.

She can’t hear or see. She still greets me with a wagging tail. She spins in circles as I prepare her food. She still barks and is demanding. She uses pee pads as she can’t always wait on someone to be able to take her out. She is still bright and alert.

I keep praying she’ll pass in her sleep someday. It is so hard to watch her body fail.

Gracefully Aging

Aging Gracefully

I was told ONE YEAR ago that my beautiful little dog, MANDA didn’t have much time left. At that time, she was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and depression (over her best buddy, Russ passing away). We went through a series of medications to find a balance.

Her diagnosis has worsened in the last 12 months. She now has an enlarged heart, collapsing trachea and her liver, kidney and potassium levels have changed. She now has arthritis too. She has even made me a believer of the effectiveness of acupuncture!

Manda has a great attitude. She gets up everyday DEMANDING breakfast. She eats three or four meals everyday. She still loves to go outside and go for a walk. She now has to stay on a leash because her eyesight is so terrible.

She has to be carried up and down steps because of her eyesight and because of her arthritis. She patiently waits to be picked up.

Instead of sleeping on the bed with us, she sleeps on her own special pillows beside the bed. Manda still surprises us occasionally by jumping on the bed to say goodnight.

She is now on medication every 8 hours around the clock. She thinks it is a treat and is so excited as I’m opening medicine bottles and hiding the pills in a bite of something yummy.

Manda sleeps more than she did when she was younger. She has a lot more white than she use to and she still holds onto being the alpha dog in the home.

She doesn’t like to be groomed anymore. It’s a battle we only tackle when necessary.

Manda still runs and greets me when I walk in the room. She gets so excited that it usually results in a coughing episode.

She doesn’t hear very well but doesn’t let it stand in her way. She still spins in circles. Her tail still wags.

Manda traveled with us over the Christmas holiday and she still enjoyed it. It was amazing to see her enjoy being with us just like she’s done all of her life.

I believe my 16 ½ year old dog is aging gracefully. I believe she is happy. I believe she is not in pain or suffering. I understand and am accepting her health is declining.

She still has a job to do. She’s still part of our little family. We give her the best nutrition and diet possible. There’s a lot of great foods on the market and a lot of terrible foods on the market. We feed Blue Buffalo Dog Food. It has nutrients in it that helps fight toxins and is packed full of quality ingredients.

Manda needs more care than she use to need when she was younger. Manda is loved and I believe she knows she is loved. I expected her to pass a long time ago and am thankful she’s still around!
After all the years she has loved me and served me, it’s my turn to be sure to give her plenty of respect and love. I try not to leave her out. I try to make sure Manda knows she is needed and loved and valued as part of our little family!

Can you imagine having that many things wrong with you and still having a good attitude, being happy and loving? She could have a lot of reasons to stay in bed, give up or be grumpy!

24

I’ve tried for a while to come up with a title for this blog. Nothing seems to fit. I hope you find the blog interesting despite the lack of a great title.

Marty & I make time to watch 24 nearly every MONDAY night. We’re looking forward to the 2 hour special which is right around the corner.

Ned, our pointer collie mix hates the show. He can’t lay in his bed like he normally would do when we watch something. He paces the floor until we get tired of seeing him pace and tell him to go to bed. At that time, he goes to the bedroom and covers up in bed. Yes, he actually covers up!

I wonder if Ned has any idea how much he has it made. He’s one lucky dog. He’s treated very well. For the last few years, I’ve found and been feeding him food that is full of quality ingredients and nutrients. He lives inside with us. He does his outdoor business really quick on cold days like we’ve had this week. He’s treated better than some people treat their kids. He actually listens and has better manners than some kids I’ve met.

There’s been stories on the news this week about dogs dying because they’re left outside with no shelter. There’s been humane society workers rescuing dogs and saving them from a painful death. The shelters are now overflowing with dogs. These dogs are in need of a home where the new “pet parent” has the time, energy and money necessary.

It takes as much time as you’re willing to give. Bringing a dog into your life is a big deal. It’s a lifetime commitment. It takes energy even when you don’t have any to give. It takes some money. They have needs just like you and I. They never ask for brand name anything and I believe their needs are fairly basic.

I grew up with dogs not being permitted in the house. My dog had a nice wooden structure called a dog house outside. She also was given HAY in her house in the winter time. This HAY was changed frequently so it was always dry for her. Her dog house even had a little flap hanging over the entrance to keep the elements from blowing in and making her wet and cold. She was provided shelter.

I can remember begging my parents to let me bring my dog inside when I’d see these horrible weather reports on the news. On occasion, they’d let me bring her into the utility room/mud room/back porch just for the overnight hours. The funniest thing is….the dog was so happy when daylight came and she got to run back outside into the cold!

We all have different opinions and styles of taking care of and loving our pets. As long as it is done, that’s all that matters!

I can’t believe the stories I’ve seen of dogs just roaming on a chain or roaming in a fenced backyard with absolutely no shelter. They lay on the cold ground, lay on a concrete porch and their water buckets are frozen.

These are animals that God made. I believe it is our responsibility to care for them. I also believe they are a wonderful gift that God has given us!!!