|
Not the best shot, but how many opportunities does one have
to get a shot of your dog on a kayak with you! Annie looks like
she's thinking, "What the heck, is that all water down
there?!" She was so high from doing this! She loves the
water.
Note: In mid 2009, Annie was diagnosed
with Cushing's Disease. She probably had this before we knew
it, as the symptoms mimic old age anyway. She is 14 and is
now blind and almost deaf. She is having some kind of seizures
which are made worse by exposure to bright light or sudden
noises. She is on Phenobarbital, Vetoryl, and Proin
(1/4 pill) for incontinence which has worked well. At this
stage of her life, she sleeps a lot and is eating only one meal a
day. She is still quite vocal and has her good days and bad
days.
We can walk her at night
only. She still enjoys her walks, they are just slower and
not as far. We can't play ball anymore, which was her
favorite game. We would take her to the lake almost 3
times a week and she would swim and play dunk ball. But with
the glare of the water and her sight, she can't find the ball.
What seems to make her the
happiest is when me, Dave and Annie are all together in the
bed. When she is clean and free of fleas, she plays happy
puppy. She rolls around, lolls her head, smiles and does
little woof sounds.
Dave built some wooden stairs so
she could climb onto the bed, as jumping was getting hard on
her. Although she can't see, I'm so proud of the fact that
she has learned to use the stairs at her age. Sometimes she
misses going off the bed, but sometimes she is right on, and climbs
right up on her own. It took us only a few weeks, to get her
to know what we had in mind. She is so smart. First she was
my puppy for years, then we started calling her Granny Annie, and
now she is our Vampire dog, as she avoids the sun.
Annie has been one
of the most treasured purchases I've made. She brings me so
much love and is teaching me daily how to be a steward of a loved
one who is getting on in years. We've included her in many
vacations, including last year when we took her to Georgia. That
will probably be her last trip.
She's been to Cape
San Blas, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia with us.
I remember as a
puppy, pushing her little rump in the water. She was so
scared. But after trial and error, she loved it and water has
been a part of her life ever after.
This makes me feel
like I need to try harder to make these last months or years more
enriched. Maybe a sunset dip in the lake would be a
treat. Hummmm............
Anyone who wants to talk about
Cushing's and medication, please contact me. If
anyone wants to see the seizures, please contact me.
Annie left this
world at 9:15 am, July 16, 2010. She was my first dog. She
was 98 years old and her quality of life was not good
anymore. She would not eat or drink and was producing only
bile. She didn't want to move and was nauseous.
She was fully
loved. We played a million dunk balls at the lake, gave her
hugs, kisses and baths. She will always be remembered and
will forever be in our hearts. Your mommy and daddy, Andrée
and Dave
 Rainbow
Bridge
Just this side of heaven is
a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they
can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are
warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times
gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they
each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His
eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group,
flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and
faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally
meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted
again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again
caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting
eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from
your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
To those of you who are caretakers
of older, sick dogs, this may help you. Andree. This was sent
to me by a friend whose dog also passed.
To My Best Friend
You're giving me a special gift. So sorrowfully endowed, and through the last few cherished days, your courage makes me proud. But really love is knowing when your best friend is in pain, and understanding earthly acts, will only be in vain. So looking deep into your eyes, beyond, into your soul, I see in you the magic, which will once more make me whole. The strength that you possess is why I look to you today, to do this thing that must be done, for it's the only way. That strength is why I've followed you, and chose you as my friend, and why I've loved you all these years........My partner till the end. Please, understand just what this gift you're giving means to me. It gives me back the strength I've lost and all my dignity. You take a stand on my behalf for that is what friends do. And know that now what you do is right, for I believe in you. One last time, I breathe your scent, and through your hand I feel, the courage that's within you to now grant me this appeal. Cut the leash that holds me here, Dear Friend, and let me run, once more a strong and steady dog, my pain and struggle done. And don't despair my passing for I won't be far away. Forever here, within your heart and memory I will stay. I'll be there watching over you, your ever faithful friend and in your memories I'll run....a young dog once again.
|
