Bad week for a Good Boy.

My friend has had a bad week.  The stiffness and discomfort in his hips and front right leg have made any movement difficult.  The Novox seemed to help at first, but now it's giving him little relief.  I got another prescription yesterday which helps to inhibit his pain.  It makes him sleepy, but under the circumstances, this is a blessing. 

Luke's favorite activity was to catch and retrieve a tossed tennis ball, and he could do it for hours.  Seeing him barely able to stand now is heartbreaking.

It's a helpless feeling to realize you'll soon be faced with a very difficult decision.  You can tell yourself that not allowing your animal to suffer is the greatest act of compassion, but it sure doesn't feel that way. 

As long as his tail keeps wagging, I'll keep doing all I can to make him comfortable.   I love this dog. 

 

Happy Birthday Champ!

Tomorrow is Luke's 13th birthday.   He's laying here beside me napping soundly (I can tell from the snoring).  We're having a quiet Sunday morning.   I've already given him some of his birthday present (his favorite chicken treats).

Luke's arthiritis had worsened over the last year.  He's now on daily medication to ease the pain, and to make him more comfortable.  He has trouble getting up, and has to be carried upstairs each night.  It don't think it will be much longer before he needs help going downstairs also. 

He's also gotten almost completely deaf.  I'm careful not to startle him when I approach him from behind.  Since it's hard for him to get up, sometimes he makes a short bark when he's wakes up alone as if to ask "is anyone here"?

Doesn't bother me.  I'll come whenever he needs me, and I will gladly carry him anywhere. 

Happy Birthday old boy!

Road Trip!

We went back to Mouth of Wilson, VA again today. After weeks of rain, we were blessed with the most glorious warm and sunny day. Luke and I could not resist, so we loaded up and took off. I have been putting in long hours and I haven't had much time to spend with Luke, so we needed a Road Trip!

We went back to our favorite spot on the New River, where I took Luke on his birthday. I spread out a blanket, stretched out and let Luke roam around, explore and sniff. He's an inside dog for the most part, so when he's outside he gets "lost" in the unlimited new scents of nature and traces of wildlife. That's what a Golden Retriever lives to do!

After we soaked up some rays, we took out our trash bag and cleaned up the road side and river bank. I'm pretty sure that the place by the river that I like to park is on private property, and I know one day the owner will "catch" us. I guess I figure how mad can he get if he catches me picking up litter? Seems like a pretty fair trade.

Besides, who could stay mad for very long with a friendly old Golden Retriever wagging his tail at you?

My Pretty Boy

This is my sweet boy posing for the camera in the garden. He does exactly as he's told and is very patient as I try to get just the right photo.

Sometimes he and I sit out in the garden and talk.

Sometimes we just sit.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Luke!

This is Luke on his 12th Birthday (3/08/09), on the banks of the New River in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Moments after this photo, Luke waded out to meet a flock of Canadian Geese that landed on the river. This beautiful animal loves the water, and today was an especially glorious 70 degree day.

What an incredible blessing and special dog he is.

(Notice the date of the previous post, and the difference in the weather.)

Lukey the Snow man.

Let it Snow!

Luke likes his fresh air, no matter what the weather. Here he is plopped down in the snow letting it slowly cover him up.

I love that Dog.

You Dog You!

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can get going without pep pills,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you

any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, ...

...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!