yes, my buddy Ren, is going down hill fast. He will be 17 on September 27th but for some reason since about March, he doesn't eat as much, sleeps more and is very feeble on his feet.
I know most would have put their dog to sleep at this stage but I just can't do it.
I just can't. I tended him all weekend and will make him comfortable as I can.
I had taken the quilt off one of the beds and put in the hall floor to take down to the laundry and low and behold, he had crept over and made himself a happy napping spot while BG and Abbie and I went strolling/walking.
Needless to say, I didn't grab up the laundry and let him sleep in peace.
I held him alot this weekend, more than usual and between him and Abbie getting her attention, I didn't get but a few stitches in and that was tonight about an hour ago when Abbie was fully worn out from being up with me since 4am and Ren was settled down after his timely drink of water at 10pm.
He has a routine.
But mostly he walks in circles and that drives me nuts. I know he still knows who I am and he just rests his head on me while I talk to him and love him.
I can say firmly that letting go is not one of my strong characteristics.
As long as he is not hurting and still eating, I'm going to hang on.
I keep remembering this one day that I went back to the store to get him.
He was 8 weeks old. They had put him in the back because I was deciding on whether to spend that much on a puppie at the time. It was alot. I remember the day I went on to the back and he was in a kennel and that look he gave me, like "take me home, please?" and an I love you look.
I then promptly told the store owner I wanted him.
Ren and I have been through alot. If he could only talk, I would let him write the book.
There's a video that Parsley had on her blog and I asked her if I could use it. It's from U-tube.
If you haven't seen it please take a minute, especially if you love dogs.
Scroll down to the bottom and mute the volume of the playlist and the video is right above it, 1.4 minutes and make sure you have a kleenex.
Letting go is the hardest part...but remember you never really let go fully you will always have him with you....I think what you are do is right, i would be doing the same.
ReplyDeleteHugzz
Precious, precious, precious.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video. Cried some
more. Missing Gabe. Praying
for Ren...and you.
Love,
Sandy
Jennifer, make lots of time for Ren, keep him very close, treasure every breath he takes, every glance he makes and every bit of his sweet self from tip to tail, inhale his sweet loving self, time will come when you'll be glad you did. Caring thoughts are with you my friend:)
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy for you, Jennifer. I know how hard it is to watch your fur-babies ail. Thoughts go out to you and to Ren (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI saw this last night and couldn't comment. You know my heart for Ren and with the recent passing of Henry, I truly feel for you. I hope it is peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers to you and to Ren!
ReplyDeleteMake sure you have talked to your vet and he has assured you that your precious boy isn't suffering.Remember, Ren can't speak for himself. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is let go. I had to with one of my beloved kitties. It was hard, but I knew that her suffering ended and that the Lord held her and comforted her. Ask yourself, do you want Ren to live for you or for himself?
ReplyDeleteI know how hard this is for you because my Whiner was 18 years old and acting much the same as Ren is. Spoil him with love and basically anything else. I never would let Whiner have chocolate but during his last days I gave him plenty. You are both in my thoughts and I sent a special message to Whiner to watch over Ren.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,I know how hard it is to see how your dog fades slowly. My mastiff died at age of 15 and I had a great sadness because it was the companion of my adolescence. It was so good and faithful! Now my pet is a beautiful Persian cat, Strike, but although sometimes behaves like a dog, nothing compares with the company of a dog.
ReplyDeleteLove the video and I use some klinex.
I Send to you a strong hug
Pilar
jen, it is always a difficult decision to make but you and ren will know when the time comes. You will have wonderful memories. I also love all your jane austen stitching. Hugs to you and ren.
ReplyDelete