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Prayers for my Cassidy

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Posted 2/11/2009 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Cassidy is one of my dogs, she is our stray, who my son brought home about 16 years ago. She's been a wonderful companion, just a great dog. Her health has been failing her recently. I've had her at the vet every other week because I do not want her to suffer and I keep making sure she is not suffering. She's having some significant arthritis in her hips and also has cognitive problems (doggy dementia), so she becomes very confused, gets lost in the house, I have to go find her and bring her back to me. Thankfully, I work at home so I'm pretty much right here with her. She still loves her walks, although much shorter now and we went on one yesterday but suddently last night, she refused to get up, or couldn't get up. I gently raised her back end and she sort of stood. It looks like her back legs just won't support her. Thank goodness, she is only 47 pounds, down from 65 over the past year or so, but still, I don't think I can carry her down the stairs if need be. I wanted to take her to the ER vet last nite, my DH said no, wait til tomorrow and see how she is. Well, helloooo! He goes off to work and here I am ALONE. Well, that's another story. I've been up with her for an hour and she hasn't wanted to go out, but it is raining and she doesn't like the rain. Just praying that she's feeling the weather maybe? I know everything has to end, but it is just so painful and sad. Maybe with prayers, she will rally for a bit?

thanks

Miriam

Posted 2/11/2009 1:20 PM (GMT 0)

Aww ((( Miriam ))) and here's one for ((((Cassidy)))).  Aren't strays the BEST!!!!  Its so hard to watch our dear doggy family age and start failing. 

If you're getting the same rain as we are here in N/E IN I don't blame her for not wanting to go out.  Its been absolutely pouring here and very foggy. With the weather, like it is, my hips are absolutely killing me.. maybe that's why Cassidy is having a bad day.  Do you give her doggy asprin??  We gave it to our sweet Jack and it seemed to help him.

about a year or so before Jack passed away, he had doggy dementia.  He would forget that he had just eaten or had just gone out.  He would get lost in the house too.  Its totally heartbreaking.  So I feel your pain. 

I hope everything is ok for you and Cassidy.. please give her a little kiss on the head for me.  And let us know how she's doing.  We're here for you.

Warm gentle hugs, 

Posted 2/11/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)

Oh Miriam...I went through the same thing last week with our 18 year old Dalmation and really thought the vet would put her down, but she is still with me.  However...last night she wandered into the kitchen in the middle of the night, as she sounds like she does what your dog does and has some dementia and slipped on water she was slurping out of the bowl.  I don't know what made me wake up but I heard her flopping around and don't know how long she had been there but she can't stand up again.  So off to the vet again today.  Your doggie will let you know when it's time and I pray that she's not ready to give up yet.  I too am making sure Vesta isn't suffering.  Give Cassidy a kiss and a hug for me and know that I am thinking of you.  Think RALLY!

Huggies for both of you

donna

Posted 2/11/2009 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Patti and Donna,
Thanks so much for your good wishes. It really does help to know someone is out there sending good thoughts.

Patti, yes, we are expecting a lot of rain today, but so far, it has been a very light drizzle. I did finally manage to coax her outside and she peed...YAY! I was expecting her to do it in the house, the way she was going, so one hurdle accomplished! Would you believe she's only had one accident in the house her entire life? Is she amazing or what? When my son graduated college, he decided he had no idea what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, so he drove off to Taos, NM and spent almost a year there waiting tables and skiing, and pondering life. One day, when it was too warm to ski, he went hiking and that is when he found Cassidy, at the bottom of a canyon, drinking mud! All he had left of his lunch was an orange, and he offered it to her. She ate it, peel and all! She followed him back to his jeep and spent the rest of the time he was there with him. During the day, he would go off skiing and she'd meet up with the rest of the strays in town and at night, she would hear his jeep and follow him home! When he left NM to come home to Chicago, he brought her back and she's been with us since. She's been an amazing girl, such good house manners, never any training. Maybe just grateful to have a good home?

Well, she ate breakfast, so another good sign. Maybe she's having a bad time because of this storm moving in??? It affects me, so maybe her too? One can only hope.

Thanks again for your good thoughts and taking the time to write to me,
Miriam
Posted 2/11/2009 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Miriam and Donna my heart breaks for you both. Miriam it is raining here a little too but it is still 50 degrees, I know my whole body is feeling it this morning so I hope that is Cassidy's problem.

 

These are both rescue dogs that have given soooo much love to your families and deserve the best to the end. I hope you both get good news today.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 2/11/2009 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
miriam,

{{{{{{hugs}}}}}} for you and your cassidy. (and for donna and vesta, too) it is so hard when our four legged loved ones develop health problems. they come into our lives and we fall in love with them and when they get sick it is so, so hard i know. we had the most wonderful rescue dog a few years ago and about 3 years after we got her she started having seizures. the vet couldn't figure out what was wrong with her and we unfortunately aat the time couldn't afford to take her to the "doggie specialist" in ann arbor so we just made her as happy and comfortable as we could. about a year after she started having seizures she had one that was so bad it just went on and on for hours. we ended up having to take her to the 24 hour dog hospital in the middle of the night and have her put down. the people there thought she probably had a brain tumor and i was just devestated. i cried for days..i just loved her so much. my heart wasn't able to open up to a dog again until last summer when little benji came into our lives and now he is such a dear to me...they do just move into our hearts so fast, don't they?

my heart goes out to you miriam. i am so sorry cassidy is having problems and i do hope it's just the weather affecting her. both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted 2/11/2009 3:26 PM (GMT 0)

Miriam.. what an incredible story, Cassidy was MEANT to be with you!!!!  You're a good Mom for both your son and Cass.  I will be thinking about you all day.

Donna, Soooo sorry Vesta's having problems again.  I'll be keeping you in my thoughts today, too.

I just took my dear Chloe to get a haircut.  When we adopted her she had a broken right front leg. (Her previous parents couldn't afford to have it taken care of.. so we did, to the tune of $500.00 and worth ever penny)  Hubby was reluctant to bring another dog in the house since our sweet Jack was so old and having problems of his own.  But it turned out to be a good thing.  Jack taught her all of his special things and, though they were only together for 3 weeks, she learned everything from him.. I swear his little soul jumped into her body when he passed away.  (and YES, I do believe that dogs have a soul.. because they give so much love and isn't that what it's all about?)

Our furry friends/family are so special to us.  I know what you're both going through and I'm here for you.. with loving thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Warmest hugs,

Posted 2/11/2009 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
You are all simply the best! I cannot tell you how you have touched my heart with your thoughts and good wishes. Cassidy is laying next to me, where she is most of the day, in my office and her eyes are looking a bit brighter. I am really hoping that she's just having a bad day due to the wild changes in the weather.

Donna, I just went back and read what you wrote and realized that Vesta is once again having some problems. I am sending out warm thoughts and prayers to you both.

I realize there are people that don't feel the way I do about animals, and obviously some of you do and I apologize for taking up time and space. For the people that do feel as I do, you know how much joy and love these beautiful creatures bring into our lives. They truly give us unconditional love. Cass is getting a lot of extra kisses and hugs today and ear rubs from me.

Danielle, I have a Benji too! He is a Golden, we adopted nine months ago from a Golden rescue organization. Benji is 7 years old and spent most of his life with an alcoholic who, we don't think, abused him, but did neglect him. His hip muscles were so underdeveloped, from lack of exercise and he constantly ran away from home, probably because of lack of attention and exercise. Since he's been here he has not run away once. I think he's figured out he's found his forever home. He's a joy.
many warms hugs to all of you
Miriam
Posted 2/11/2009 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Miriam, you and Cassidy have my prayers, too. I think almost everyone on the forum has been through this heartbreak and can feel for you. Diane
Posted 2/11/2009 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
  I'm so sorry to hear about Cassidy! I know how hard it is. I will keep you and Cassidy in my prayers.

Corinne

Posted 2/11/2009 6:01 PM (GMT 0)

((((Miriam)))) Poor,poor puppy.Its probably the weathers got her down,I'm with everybody else,Rally! I so understand,we just found out that my dog,Loki,has Red Mange...eewww.He looks like crap and has been down awhile.We finally got some extra cash to start treatment,but if this doesn't work we'll have to put him down.I just can't stand the thought.The bad part is he got it from his momma,and when we got him we had no idea,he was fine.A couple of months ago he started itching and scratching,and I tried everything.I sure hope this works,he is a great dog,but right now i can't hold him or play with him,he's just to sensitive.I can only pat him on the head.

Hang in there,and i will pray for your pup.soo sad..... cry

Posted 2/11/2009 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Miriam, I'm sorry Cassidy is having this problem.  If she has arthritis, it could very well be the weather changes.  You know how we feel when the barometric pressure changes.  I'll be praying that this is all that is going on with Cassidy.

 

Donna, I hope Vesta is fine.  She probably strained that muscle again.  I'll be praying for her, too.

 

I know I would be lost without my pup.  She is my constant companion.  So my heart goes out to both of you and your dogs. 

 

Sherrine

Posted 2/11/2009 6:22 PM (GMT 0)

Miriam, I am sooo glad your dog is feeling better.  And for those of you that mentioned Vesta in this post, thank you so much for your concern.  We just got back from the vet and she is walking again, which is miraculous because we had to carry her to the car.  But she ran through the office!

Miriam, I don't know if you might want to consider this but if you are having trouble with pacing etc from 'doggie dementia', my vet gave me valium to give her every twelve hours and it has REALLY helped.  It does NOT make her a drugged up zombie...she just seems more relaxed and at ease.  I don't give it to her everyday, put when she gets into the pacing mode, it breaks my heart so I give her one (5mg).

Kisses for Cassidy and Huggies for you!

donna

Posted 2/11/2009 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Miriam,

I hope you and Cassidy are doing better today. In all my years as a registered vet tech, I know that eating and drinking is always a good thing. Also, please don't ever hesitate to take her to the Animal Emergency Clinic. I worked emergency and critical care for nearly 10 years, and I would always tell the owners that if they think something is wrong, don't hesitate to bring your pet in. It's always better (and a weight off of your shoulders) to be a little too careful. I can't tell you the number of people who said, "I'm so glad I came in" even if there was nothing really wrong with the animal.

Anyway, I will be thinking of you & Cassidy. 16 years is a long time, but you can't put a time limit on love. I always say that pets leave paw prints on your heart. Best wishes, and if you think you need to take her into the ER, then take her. BTW-if you are going to take her in, it's always a good idea to call the ER first. Sometimes the doctors are in the middle of a surgery or some other life threatening procedure. Also, if Cassidy takes a turn for the worse, it's always a good idea to call them to let them know you are on the way. That way everyone can be ready when you come in. Those few extra minutes could save her life.

OK, sorry for talking like a vet tech.blush I'm just trying to give you some info. I really do hope that Cassidy feels better. yeah
Posted 2/11/2009 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
I think Vesta is really a miracle dog. So glad to hear she is doing better!

For Cass' doggie dementia, we have her on Melatonin, 3 mg tablets. She gets 1 to 2, two times a day, and it is helping. It doesn't make her sleepy but seems to help with the anxiety. Several years ago, I had a Bichon, Herbie, who had doggie dementia and we had him on acepromazine, which did drug him and I hated that. I only gave it to him at night, right before bed, because without it, he'd get up around 1 or 2, go downstairs and start barking his head off. Anyway, thanks so much for the information about the Valium. If the melatonin stops working, I will ask my vet for a script for the Valium...thanks everyone. You are all such wonderful people!
Miriam
Posted 2/12/2009 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
Miriam,

We lost our 14 year old dog in August and it's been tough. We sure become attached to our animals don't we? They give us so much more than they receive.

I hope that your Cassidy feels better soon.

Take care,
Julie
Posted 2/12/2009 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Just an update on Cassidy. She seems to be ok! Well, as ok as a 16 year old is, so I do think it was the barometric change that caused her arthritis to flare. If you could have seen her, she just couldn't lift her back end and her eyes were so glassy, but maybe that was pain? I don't know, all I know is she ate last night and was walking around and this morning, she was smiling. Thanks everyone for your prayers and warm thoughts. I really appreciate it.

Kelly, somehow I missed your message yesterday. Of gosh! I love that you are giving advice as a vet tech, or an ex-vet tech :) Believe me, I am not afraid to take my dogs to the ER vet clinic. At one time, they knew me on a first name basis! I had a Golden named Shannon, such a beautiful girl, inside and out. She was diagnosed with lymphoma when she was 7 years old. I was told that if we did nothing, she'd be dead within two months. If we did chemo, she could live as long as 3 years. I was also told that chemo does not affect dogs as it does people, doesn't make them nauseas or lose their fur and she could have a very good quality of life. So, we went ahead with it. My husband was out of work at the time. The chemo gave her an additional 15 months and as far as we could tell, it never bothered her. She went into remission 3 times, for as long as 3 months at a time. We were seeing a vet oncologist at the ER clinic. There were so many times that I was there in the middle of the night, because I thought something might be going on, or I felt one of her lymph nodes and it felt swollen to me. Anyway, they got to know me quite well. In the end, we took Shannon there to have her euthanized, when it was time, and when it was over, the oncologist's tech came over to us and gave us an imprint of her paw that they had taken with soft clay just before she was euthanized. Shannon always put her paw in my hand. Now, we have the imprint. Ok, have myself in tears now...anyway, thanks so much for your input. I feel the same as you, not be afraid to take your dog in. My problem with Cassidy night before last wasn't me, it was my husband, telling me to wait. Guess he turned out to be right.
I hope everyone has a great day
Miriam
Posted 2/12/2009 2:41 PM (GMT 0)

Miriam, sorry to hear about Cassidy. Your story touched me on how she was found. Bless her heart and you and your family also for rescuing her! I know she has had a full and wonderful life with her owners- 

Donna, happy to hear Vesta perked up a little bit. I know this is hard.

GamJill

Posted 2/12/2009 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Miriam... thanks so much for the update!!! I'm so happy she's feeling better (and you too).
Give her a kiss for me.. and hug yourself for me too!!
Take care,
Posted 2/12/2009 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Miriam,

Thank you for letting us know how Cassidy's doing! I am so happy to hear that she's feeling a bit better. I know how hard the weather changes are on my body, I can't imagine how hard they must be on an older dog. Give her a big hug and sweet pat for me please!
Posted 2/12/2009 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, ladies!
How dumb of me not to realize how much the weather could be affecting Cass' arthritis. I mean, I can predict the weather better than any meteorologist, I should have known that it was her arthritis. Well, lesson learned. From this point forward, I hope I will remember. I think I just panicked, with her being such an old girl, thinking it was something awful, like a stroke, because it came on so suddenly or at least seemed to have come on so suddenly. Anyway, thanks so much for your warm hugs and support. I've been giving her many, many extra kisses and hugs and she lets me know she's happy, with her wagging tail!!
gentle hugs to all
Miriam
Posted 2/12/2009 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
This is great news!  Maybe talk to your vet about a mild pain reliever when you have fronts like that that cause Cassidy to hurt.

 

Sherrine

Posted 2/13/2009 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
I have Cass on 325 mg of aspirin, twice a day. I buy her Ascripton because it is aspirin coated with Maalox. She was previously on Novox, a prescribed anti-inflammatory, but it just got too expensive, so switched her over to aspirin. I had her in last week or two weeks ago for a checkup because her walking was getting bad and the doc recommended opioids...yes, seriously, she said they are starting to use narcotics...of course, I can't remember which one now, but I did chuckle driving home from the vet. I guess doctors have come a long way. There was a time that they wouldn't prescribe narcotics to humans for chronic pain, but now they are giving it to dogs...
Miriam
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