Calico-boy is hangin' in there. The stroke was pretty mild. He wouldn't eat anything until a little while ago; I coaxed some ice dream into him, and the vet said to give him anything he'll eat. I blockaded him in the kitchen while I worked today, and he didn't even pee. Now that's a good dog! He's a little perkier today. A friend told me this morning that she went through the same thing with her dog last month. She'd had a second stroke a few weeks after the first, and it left her completely disabled, so of course they euthanized.
This is strange for me. He's the oldest dog I've had and he's been my shadow for 14 years. Losing him is going to be tough. My mood is swinging wildly between near despair and euphoria. His poor appetite could indicate a whole host of end-of-life issues, yet I'm rather optimistic because his appetite was fine before and shortly after the stroke. Plus there was no "gastric distress" at either end (I sure hope he keeps that ice cream down.) I hate the fact that I know next to nothing, but I'm sort of relieved that I really have no decisions to make as of yet. All I can do is wait and watch, because I refuse to let him suffer.
You know, it could be a lot worse.
Pretty much everything could be worse, but it's still tough and having been there myself, I feel for you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lola
Found your post by chance. Enjoyed my visit. I have been in the same position and know how hard it is. Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteBeen there a few times and they aren't easy. The only suggestion (not advice - is there a difference?) is to adopt a new one now so you will have a companion to ease the pain when it's time.
ReplyDeleteCoffeypot: Please tell that to BH! We still have Sadie (who's really jealous of all the attention Cal's getting) and three cats. And in all seriousness, things are heating up at the Big Airline, so we could be getting the phone call any time now. We'll get another dog after we move or when we know we're not moving. I do wish our next dog could learn his manners from Cal, though. He was raised by THE BEST DOG EVER, and it shows.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and healing thoughts - hope your fur-baby gets better
ReplyDeletePax
Tough situation. I hope your dog pulls through.
ReplyDeleteYou're in my prayers. Most of the people I know, I could give a shit if they live or die. I never met a dog I didn't wish would live forever.
ReplyDelete