Tuesday, January 25, 2011

This is hard


Mick and I took Poko to the vet last week. She has been having unusual episodes where she momentarily loses her balance, she can't stay on her feet, or she can't walk a straight line. She seems to lose focus, and in one episode I actually wondered if she were blind. The news is not good. Our vet says she is having seizures. Most likely, at her age, they are caused by a brain tumor. I knew it was coming. She is 12 and aging quickly. While searching for a picture of her to post with this entry, I was struck by how much older she looks now than she does in the picture I chose which was just taken in 2009. Now that it is upon us, I just feel so sad.




Apparently we would need a CT scan and/or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. The vet seemed to be pretty certain that the diagnosis would be confirmed. I guess in 3/4 of the tumors found treatment does nothing to change the eventual outcome. So, we brought her home, and we will spend time with her and love on her until we see signs that it is getting worse. When that time comes, we will go with her to the vet's office and comfort her and pet her and speak softly to her until she is gone. I will not let her linger and suffer.

13 comments:

  1. It's hard when pets age. Our oldest dog has become incontinent. I wish Poko the best.

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  2. Sorry to hear this. She knows you love her and will help her. Hugs.

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  3. It's very hard when a loved dog gets old. Our old Golden developed abdominal cancer, and we brought him home with some pain meds and he had a few good days where he enjoyed some of his favorite things - like rolling in the grass and sitting on the porch with us - before he told us it was time.

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  4. I'm very, very sorry to hear that. We just went through the same thing last spring--a tumor in our old dog and resulting decline. We kept her going until she lost her quality of life, and it was very obvious when that day came. Then, I held her as they put her to sleep. Looking back, I'm so, so, so happy I did it that way. We had an extra year with her where I really had an opportunity to say good-bye right. I hope the same thing for you--or more, if possible.

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  5. This is so hard. We recently put down a 15 year old Chahuahua mix we had because he had these kind of symptoms. When he fell off of the back step and couldnt get up, that was the last straw. I knew he would wand to go with dignity.
    I could tell he was having neurological problems and he was losing his eyesight too.

    They are with us such a short time, but give us much joy in that time!!!! Hang in there.

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  6. Your beloved and lovely Poko is going to leave a hole...they always do. Enjoy every second...I know you already have.
    Take care, you are such a great partner to her! So sorry in advance.

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  7. It's so hard when our animals age and then leave us. So hard.

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  8. Know the feelings. Our Hagar, was lost to us with a throat tumour last month. I am truly sorry for this.

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  9. I am very saddened to hear this. I know what it's like to watch and wait to determine what is the right time for a beloved animal. Whenever that is, trust yourself and don't second guess. It'll only make your journey harder for you. It's going to be hard enough as it is.

    If there's anything I can do, please let me know.

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  10. So very, very sorry to hear about Poko. I was going through dusty stacks of stuff this past weekend and came upon Lacey's collar. Made me tear up. Our dogs are with us for WAY too brief a time.

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  11. She is beautiful Char. My thoughts are with you and Mick. When this time comes, we never seem prepared. More time...could we just have a little more time. Come what may, I know you've given Poko a very wonderful life.

    Sam and I had to make the difficult choice for our 11 year old black lab, Rumbeau, last June. Rum will be there waiting for Poko.

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  12. I'm so sorry to hear that. She's a beautiful dog, even in her dignified old age!

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  13. I'm so sorry. It's always hard when you know the end is near. She's had a good life with you and I know she'll be comforted with you with her when she goes. Hugs to you!

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