Leggs
Sport climber
Home away from Home
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Mar 12, 2013 - 06:05pm PT
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"Doggie time out."
Not only is this a great photo, but the caption is quite funny...
Your dogs give great expression.
~peace
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The Larry
climber
Moab, UT
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Mar 12, 2013 - 06:38pm PT
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They learned their lesson. Lol
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Leggs
Sport climber
Home away from Home
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Mar 12, 2013 - 06:39pm PT
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Hahahahahahaa! It looks like it.
Their expressions are classic. (hahahahahahaa!)
Thanks for the giggle.
~peace
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The Larry
climber
Moab, UT
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Mar 12, 2013 - 06:49pm PT
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Mar 14, 2013 - 09:59pm PT
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Springtime in SoCal.
Listening intently to "What The Hell Did Jesse Jackson Say?" on the radio.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Mar 15, 2013 - 12:40pm PT
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Maddie's cancer continues to grow. The tumor is about the size of a large half-golfball on the side of her face. Secondary infection has become more prominent in the last couple of weeks, and there is an oozing mix of saliva and pus on the outside of her mouth, in spite of a regular cycle of antibiotics. She lays in bed, and the ooze stains her pillow and blankets. The smell is tremendously bad, and I try to make it better for both of us by washing her bedding regularly, and wiping her mouth with a warm, wet towel, to which she patiently and appreciatively submits.
She must be somewhat septic at this point, though her demeanor is still relatively positive- we went out for a walk today in the Park, and though her energy is much lower than usual, she was excited to get out there. She tires easily, however, and crashed hard when we returned.
The recent snows really bummed her out (as usual), but though it's been warm of late, she's not showing great signs of her usual psyche to be outside and in the warmth. That, in itself, is worrying.
Each day, there is a routine that we go through…a routine that confirms we are here, and still with each other. Each night, I let her out to pee, and when she comes back in, she gets a treat. She expects this, and it's one of the small, seemingly-silly-yet-all-too-important moments that means everything to her. Lately, I give her that treat, and she drops it on the floor, painfully trying to eat it.
She's been on antibiotic pills that help keep secondary infection at bay for some time now. Two pills in the morning…two pills at night. Every day. I carefully embed these pills in a wad of soft, cold, smelly dogfood, then place them between my fore & middle finger for her, extending them and encouraging her to eat it all, wondering if this time will be the time when she just can't do it again.
The single-most confirmation that she is still here…still with me and us in this world…is the warm, wet feeling of her little tongue licking off my fingers. I'm not sure I will ever forget this, as it feels like the one of the purest connections with a living being that I'll ever experience.
I'm at a loss. A couple of months ago, when considering surgical de-bulking & the associated risk, I opted against it because her demeanor seemed relatively good, and I figured that the point where her disease overwhelmed her quality of life would become blatantly clear. It doesn't seem to be working out that way. I'm having a hard time telling when the line of 'deteriorating quality of life' has been crossed.
It's breaking my heart, no matter what. I've never had to euthanize an animal I was this close to.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Mar 15, 2013 - 12:51pm PT
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I'm having a hard time telling when the line of 'deteriorating quality of life' has been crossed.
Oh boy...I know what you mean. I went through it with my last dog and the vet said "it will become abundantly clear"...and it did. Every situation is different but eventually my girl, just didn't want to get up. She didn't appear to be in bad pain, but just totally deflated.
Hugs to Maddie and you...
Susan
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Gal
Trad climber
a semi lucid consciousness
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Mar 15, 2013 - 01:10pm PT
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oh Apogee, that is heartbreaking. So sorry to you and Maddie, and glad you are enjoying every last moment. I'm sorry to everyone who has lost their dog... I know the day (someday) will come over here... I dread it so much... keep enjoying these moments... i feel for you. I remember reading when you first knew that things were going to decline, and just so sorry that the time is here. Sending good thoughts to you & Maddie...
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Mar 15, 2013 - 01:27pm PT
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Peace apogee.
Your post is especially hard for those of us who have been through this.
At least I know it's hard for me.
Take solace in knowing you gave your friend a great life, and enjoy all the time you have left.
I feel for you.
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Leggs
Sport climber
Home away from Home
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Mar 15, 2013 - 01:42pm PT
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The single-most confirmation that she is still here…still with me and us in this world…is the warm, wet feeling of her little tongue licking off my fingers. I'm not sure I will ever forget this, as it feels like the one of the purest connections with a living being that I'll ever experience.
Our furry companions speak to our hearts and directly into our eyes.
Love, warmth, support and peaceful vibes to you, apogee... I am so very sorry you're experiencing this.
~peace
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Mar 15, 2013 - 01:59pm PT
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Thanks, everybody.
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10b4me
Boulder climber
takin' the scenic route to Montana
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Mar 15, 2013 - 03:18pm PT
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Apogee, so sorry for you and your dog. it's tough to know when to make the decision.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Mar 15, 2013 - 05:23pm PT
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Best thread ever.
Apogee, sorry for your dog. Keep up the love, bro. This stuff happens to our canine friends, just like us. Be positive to her and let her know she's loved.
Our dog friends dig that.
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stunewberry
Trad climber
Spokane, WA
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Mar 15, 2013 - 07:11pm PT
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Having a chat about serious stuff.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Mar 15, 2013 - 08:13pm PT
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Great thread of love and devotion.....Here's Josie on the summit of Ralston last week, looking forward to Pyramid tomorrow.....our young beast Josie has much spirit and tons of energy (ears are normal).
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Mar 15, 2013 - 08:52pm PT
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apogee, I'm so sorry...................................sigh.
)-;
Saludos.
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weezy
climber
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Mar 15, 2013 - 08:59pm PT
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apogee, my heart goes out to you, man.
i've had to euthanize two dogs in my life. i almost collapsed walking out of the vet's office after putting down the first one. it's hard. but let just know that it is one of the greatest acts of love to relieve them of their suffering and be in the room with them when they move on.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Mar 16, 2013 - 11:57am PT
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This is Ty doing a jib/ log gap in the San Francisco Peaks.
Rest in Peace buddy!
"All dog's go to heaven"
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Mar 26, 2013 - 09:28pm PT
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FRUMY
Trad climber
SHERMAN OAKS,CA
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Mar 28, 2013 - 08:16am PT
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Two best buddies playing in the sea.ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN.
Bo the chocolate Retriever past a couple of years ago - Sol the big nut is still my constant companion - we both miss Bo - Bo, a mans man gentle with children, polite and attentive with women.
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