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Message started by Ed L. on 04/18/15 at 10:23:50

Title: Well This Stinks
Post by Ed L. on 04/18/15 at 10:23:50

I'm dealing with some of the hardest parts of being a pet owner right now and don't have anywhere else to vent it. Murray, my older Aussie is getting close to his 14th birthday and has been fighting lymphoma since last August. We did chemotherpy and he has been in remission and doing well up till last week when he lost his appetite. Been cooking him chicken and steak but he still won't eat a lot. I'm at a loss as what to do, he is still bright eyed and walking, just not eating like he used to.
We lost Roonie last year suddenly and now with Murray starting to run down my wife is freaking out. Don't know what to say to her, it turns into an argument. We all deal with stress in a different way.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/18/15 at 10:55:42

I've seen hamburger and rice be just the ticket. Broth to keep it moist and tasty. 14,,,,wow,

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by savskad on 04/18/15 at 11:22:05

That's always the downside to pet ownership...we humans out live most of the common pets. My wife and I have a couple dogs, Niko (Chihuahua/Poodle mix) and Lola (Schnauzer/Poodle mix) and they're both young. I don't like thinking about what I'll do whenever they begin to get older, or what my wife will do for that matter. She loves them dearly, (I do too, they're her babies though). I wish I had some "professional" advice for you... My advice though, hug 'em, hug 'em again, hug your wife, and y'all hug 'em together.

I saw this short the other day, it's beautiful, in my opinion. Worth a watch, just be careful, I got all teary eyed the first time I saw it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2E0x704I2s

Best Wishes, Sir.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by ToesNose on 04/18/15 at 15:09:01

14 years is a good run Ed and I'm sure Murray has had a Good life. What does the vet suggest?

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Dave on 04/18/15 at 18:09:45

We just lost our 15 year old Black and Tan Coonhound just before winter set in. We were on bonus time...her brothers and sisters were in other families and died more then 5 years ago.

It was a huge loss for us....our first dog in our marriage.

It is horribly hard........our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by stinger on 04/18/15 at 19:02:21

14 is getting up there in years for almost all dog breeds. What does your vet advise? He have a answer for why he is not eating as much? I would assume as with people, the older you become the less you need to eat. As long as the dog seems to be in no pain and still looks like he is enjoying life, then let him do just that. Maybe it's time to surprise your wife with a new puppy!

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Ed L. on 04/18/15 at 19:15:10

Got him to eat some spaghetti with ground beef in the sauce tonight. Going to get him over to the vet Monday and see what tests can be done.
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes, it helps. I'll let everybody know what happens.
Already have a one year old puppy named Frankie who is a handful.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Ed L. on 04/20/15 at 19:12:57

The old guy is doing a whole lot better, the vet gave us some special food which seems to have hit the spot. Been cooking chicken breast with a dash of oregano for him and he is getting back to his old eating habits. :) :)

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by mpescatori on 04/21/15 at 04:55:56

Not many people realize animals have feelings => they get depressed too.

I would advise against overcooking meats - their instinct is still that of a hunter i.e. raw meat.
Also, I would advise against feeding them too many carbohydrates - like feeding hotdogs to a horse ;)

Make sure their water bowl is Always full and fresh, not "any older than 8 hrs. old.
It's like drinking from last night's glass :P

Splitting their food into two or three smaller meals may also help.

I once had a dog when I was still in school, but that's... 35 years ago...

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Art Webb on 04/21/15 at 21:12:13

Glad your old guy is doing better, I cringe when I think of losing my furkid, I hope he will last a while yet, as long as he isn'tsuffering

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by gerald.hughes on 04/25/15 at 07:38:48

The pain you feel is because of the love you got.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Ed L. on 04/29/15 at 12:59:47

Well got some bad news today, the old guy has been off and on his food since last week so he made a trip over to the vet for an exam and bloodwork. Results were not good with his liver enzymes all over the place. He has been in remission from lymphoma and there is a real good chance the cancer is back and in the liver. Going to have an ultrasound done to see what is going on but at his age it becomes a quality of life thing.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by youzguyz on 04/29/15 at 13:20:15

Most of us have felt that pain, and know all too well what you are going through.

If it comes to it.. the hardest thing we ever do, is that last act of love and kindness.

Some of the longest, hardest, loneliness rides I have done in the Hill Country was after such experiences. It helps..

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Trippah on 04/29/15 at 20:39:25

tough times for sure. try to keep the good times in your mind.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Todd James on 04/29/15 at 21:29:49

"God gives us love. Something to love he lends us"
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
My prayers are with you and you wife, Ed.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Art Webb on 04/29/15 at 21:53:55

Prayers for you, your wife, and the old fella, ed
this thread has the right title, this stinks :'(

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Ed L. on 04/30/15 at 13:56:49

We are taking it day by day, don't expect any sudden recovery just time wearing him down. Not planning to do any riding right now, my head isn't focused enough, would rather head over to the range with my dad's Sedgley Springfield and my Remington 700 both in 30-06. Need to bruise a shoulder at 100 yds. Been doing a lot of reloading last few days just to keep busy.
Still waiting on a return call from the vet about getting an ultrasound done for whatever it will show.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Art Webb on 04/30/15 at 21:57:34

Please keep us in the loop

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Ed L. on 05/01/15 at 20:27:13

Just got back from the vet and the ultrasound shows a large tumor on his liver. At his age we won't go for surgery just make him comfortable for the next few days. Don't think he will make it more than a week or two on the outside. It is what we expected but it doesnt make it any easier.
Thanks for all the prayers, he's been a good dog. I'll post when he crosses over the rainbow bridge. :'(

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/01/15 at 21:30:44

I've been dodging this thread because of the, well. We've probably all lost loved ones. The attachment can be deep. Not much reason to share our lives with them if we don't love. I'm sorry for your loss.

Title: Re: Well This Stinks
Post by Art Webb on 05/02/15 at 07:27:09

I'm so sorry to hear that Ed, hugs for the ol fella, I know you will make his last days as comfy as possible