Lucky update(s)

[scotzoidman]

I've whined publicly about the gradually deteriorating health of my long-time best furry friend, Lucky, & the encouraging PM's I've gotten tells me that more than one pixie here cares enough about the situation to want to know what's what; since my pm box stays on the full side, & I don't have a lot of spare time to clean it out as I should (& my packrat tendencies keep me from that as well), I've decided to start this thread for updates as needed. I know this won't be of universal interest to all, & anyone who doesn't care can pass this thread by with no hard feelings from me. I'm just gonna update, notify, complain, or vent as I feel the need, & any that do care can comment here without filling up my inbox.

I guess I can start off by posting (or likely re-posting) the most recent pic I can find of this handsome dog...(the pink freckled thighs are mine, & yes, that spot on my lap is his favoritest place in world...at least until I insist on grooming his hair or nails)

[scotzoidman]

Lucky joined the family sometime late in 1992, after the untimely death of B-Bear, a cock-a-poo that somehow got into rat poison (sorry, no digital pics available). His cage at the shelter stated he was an 11 mo old Pomeranian mix named "Roster"(?); we wanted to take him home immediately, but the shelter didn't take plastic for the adoption fee, & I was very short of cash. It was Sunday, they would close before I could get back from an ATM...it was decided that I, working nights at the time, would go back Mon am with the cash, & bring him home. The trouble with that was he bonded to me as The Alpha Male, & all these other pack members would be forever betas, & of little concern to him & his arrogant Pom way of thinking; he has had little use for our Stupid Pet Tricks we tried to teach him over the years, "Fetch? You gotta be kidding me..." His chief activity was to lay on the back porch, ready to pursue any squirrels that dare to tread in his realm, & the occasional play-fight; his growling often sounds very human, the only dog I've ever known that could say "noooo".

The squirrel pursuits were amazing sometimes, for a little short-legged dog he was surprisingly quick; I once saw him miss a squirrel's tail by inches before the little gray bastard made it up the tree. Cheaters!!!

[scotzoidman]

For the last few years, he's slowed down, lost his vision to cataracts, & generally gotten old & cranky (something I, unfortunately, can relate to). But it hasn't taken away his joie de vivre, just takes his pleasure of being a dog at a slower pace. Running into walls, chairs, tables & such, he takes with no complaint; his nose still leads him to dinner, he can lounge for hours either in his spot in the hall or his kennel. His bladder control isn't so good, & we have a lot of carpet to replace when he's gone.

Last week, he quit eating the dry food, rawhide chews he had sworn off years ago...apparently crunchy chewy things hurt now. Soft canned food he lapped up greedily, but went right thru him. As his weight fell, I rushed him to the vet, where she prescribed an antibiotic & soaking his dry kibble in chicken broth. Trouble is, he has never liked soggy kibble, even with that chicken flavor. I tried Moist & Meaty, but it ran thru him as well, & the antibiotic failed to stop the runs. That's where I was Friday night, depressed because if I couldn't get him better, I would have to end his suffering. Saturday the vet on call didn't want to deal with his quality of life issues, but she did suggest Immodium & chicken with rice baby food to get his diet bland & low fat. He has responded well to the new regimen, & is as spry & perky as he ever gets these days, so...looks like the call from governor came thru. He still pisses the floor, & he has a little string of poop in his tail fur I haven't had the stomach to clean up yet, but he seems happy to be my dog again...

Pound for pound, he's a pretty tough old son of a bitch. He fell off the porch over the weekend, far enough that it shoulda coulda broke some bones, but after he got his breath back, he got up & moved along like it was no big deal. I'm carrying him down the stairs a lot now, which doesn't help my back, but hey, he my friend...he'd do it for me if he could...

[dicksbro]

Quite a little dog, there, Scotz. Sounds like he's going to make the best of life as long as he can. Good for him. And, a good lesson for us as well. Tell him we're cheering him on! :boink:

[scotzoidman]

Following is a quote from one of the PMs I got (I don't think I'm betraying any confidence here, I suspect jax sent this to me in respect to my personal feelings, not his; if he doesn't want his secret out, well, tough chit, buddy ;) )

Just a quick note. 17 years for a dog is really impressive. You must be an awesome dog owner. From one dog owner to another, they are a great gift to us, and the end is 'not so fun'. You have my sympathy, but know (not that you don't) that your dog is really lucky to be with you and appreciates it. Jax

I wish I could take credit for his longevity, but other than making him an almost exclusively "Purina Dog", I didn't have anything to do with it. I've had a number of dogs in my life, & I loved them all, & tried to keep them going as best I could, but somehow all but 2 (which had to be given to new homes) managed to find their way to early graves :tear: That's why I'm all wound up about this guy; it took me most of a half-century to find a dog that could live long enough to deal with end-of-life issues, & this is all new territory for me.

[Aqua]

I feel for you, Scotz. Sometimes it's tougher to lose a four legged family member than a blood relative. (Depending on one's family of course.) Looks like Lucky going to hang out with you a while longer though. Hopefully he'll stick around just as long as he needs to and will step on out peacefully.

[Teddy Bear]

Scotz, my heart goes out to you. The end is never easy and yes, it hurts just as much as (sometimes more then) losing a family member. Having lost dogs both to old age and had to have one put down (who came up with that horrible term?) I understand where your at right now. They are loyal and loving til the end.

Sounds like little Lucky is indeed lucky to have found his way to you. ((((Scotz)))))

[themi01]

My condolences

[scotzoidman]

10-06-09 Still hanging in there. His weight seems to have stabilized on a diet of baby food & chicken broth, but his hind legs seem to be gradually getting weaker. Wife unit & I have agreed that if/when he can't walk anymore, that will have to be strike three. Of course, with this dog I can only expect the unexpected. This a.m. he messed his kennel again, so that got my day off to a roaring start...

[scotzoidman]

The end had to come for Lucky tonite. Mid afternoon, I looked out the door to see my dog having a seizure, laying on his side, legs kicking wildly...when I got to him he had a clump of previously pulled weeds clamped in his jaws so tight I couldn't force them open. #2 son & I rushed him to the vet's (fortunately <.5 mi away) where his seizure eventually subsided, but he was left weak & unable to stand or walk on his own. We'll never know what caused it, but the vet suggested that for a dog his age, a brain tumor would be her 1st best guess, & 2nd-3rd guesses wouldn't be any better prognosis. I asked what she would do if it was her dog, & she said she'd take him home & watch him for a couple hours. I did, and while he got some strength back after some chicken & broth, he was terribly unsteady on his feet; when he could keep on his feet, he wandered around everywhere like he had no idea where his was (before, his blindness would make him seem a little out of it, but he clearly had some memory of where things were supposed to be; this was very different). After we got to where we couldn't bear to watch him any more, the heartbreaking decision was made. I took him back to the vet, told her it was time. I stayed in the room with him for the procedure, much as I didn't want to, but I couldn't make him face the end not knowing I was there for him. It's embarrassing to be a big grown man crying for a little dog, but I was with people who understood (& here I am tearing up again), and for the 1st time in a while, I'm not worried about whether he's all right now; I know he's at peace. Tomorrow, as soon as the rain lets up, I will start preparing a place of honor for him in the garden.

RIP LUCKY
1992-2009

[jay-t]

Scotz its NOT embarrassing for a grown man to cry,it shows you have a heart and love for a good friend! I feel for your loss may he rest in peace

[Lilith]

(((Scotz))) Lucky was indeed.

[PantyFanatic]

I'm sorry my friend :cool:

[dicksbro]

Our hearts go out to you, DM! Lucky was truly one very lucky dog and you were very lucky and blessed to have been able to share the years with him.

As you said, RIP Lucky!

[Oldfart]

Peace for Lucky and the family.

[jseal]

scotzoidman,

When he left, he was with someone who loved him. That is more than many can hope for.

Always remember your friend. In time, you will forget your pain.

[Sugarsprinkles]

I'm so sorry, Scotz.

Hopefully this will help just a little bit:


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...

[scotzoidman]

Thanks, SS...that just made me tear up again :tear: And thanks to all of you as well.

We're adjusting as well as could be expected, maybe better than we could hope for. I have been comforted greatly by the knowledge that, for the 1st time in a long while, I'm not worried about Lucky; I know he's at peace now, he's not hurting, or in danger of being hurt, & most of all, he's not bumping into things now! I see looking back now, it would not have been wrong to end his pain anytime in the past year or so, but I waited to make sure HE was ready; his last hours proved to be the last straw. His heart was, literally & figuratively, strong to the end, & I feel no qualms at having given him one last lap.

[Aqua]

Scotz, having been through a similar experience all too recently you have my sincerest condolences. For what it's worth, I cried while reading the 'final dispatch' above, so don't be embarrassed about crying when you were actually there.

:console:

[AngelicVampires]

Working in a vet's office, I get asked a lot how I can do my job when it comes to animals being put to sleep. The way I look at it is that I am helping them when life has gotten too painful for them. They give us so much more than we could ever give them and ending their suffering is a small kindness that we can do when it comes time. My thoughts are with you and I hope you spend more time thinking of all the happiness Lucky brought into your life rather than being caught up in the hole he left in your heart.

((((scotz)))))

[Teddy Bear]

(((((scotz)))))

[scotzoidman]

Working in a vet's office, I get asked a lot how I can do my job when it comes to animals being put to sleep. The way I look at it is that I am helping them when life has gotten too painful for them. They give us so much more than we could ever give them and ending their suffering is a small kindness that we can do when it comes time. My thoughts are with you and I hope you spend more time thinking of all the happiness Lucky brought into your life rather than being caught up in the hole he left in your heart.

((((scotz)))))
Glad you posted this, cuz it reminds me how compassionate the good folks at our vet's office were thru this whole ordeal, even going as far as sending us a condolence card the next day; the doc talked me thru my options, assuring me that there's no right or wrong way to do it. I now have a real appreciation for the whole veterinary profession, & how much love for animals it takes to do what you do. And yes, I do comfort myself with the happy thoughts, rather than dwelling on what we've lost. We also have a big advantage in our other dog, Riley, & the way she's helping the fill that void (& probably healing her own loss as well).