He’s very weak. Layed in the same spot all afternoon by the door. He wanted to get up to pee and asked for my help by staring hard at me and letting out a low growl like “hey you, help here please?”
With his harness, we can get around together. Took him outside to pee and came right back in and collapsed in the same spot. Drank, ate well, pretty much normal attitude, just weak.
The bed is only about 6′ away, so at midnight, he was moving around and I woke up. Took him out to pee again and then he came back and asked to get into bed with me, which for 9 years is where he sleeps. I boosted him up, which was a struggle for him, but then he seemed so content and his cat brother Cowboy scooted in beside him, like all the nights we’ve shared. He slept soundly and quietly all night.
He woke up at normal breakfast time and ate laying on the bed. In the struggle to reposition himself and excited about eating, he had some incontenance and peed a bit. I can’t blame him, he had tons of fluids for 24 hours. I have a waterproof cover on the mattress, so no biggee, I’ll change the bedding.
He rested a bit, then asked for help out of bed to go outside. To his surprise, there is about 7″ of new snow on the ground. Only the 2nd time in his life, it’s very unusual here. Here’s a video of him going out. He made it out on his own. 🙂 But had to lay down soon.
Normally he’d accompany on farm chores, but he layed there and watched me. When I came back, he had gotten up and gone quite a ways off and was laying in the pasture where he normally does his rounds. I was impressed. I left him there to rest for a bit.
He got to eat snow for the first time, he was doing it when I went out to him. Here’s a video of him and Mom’s puppy, a first for both!
When I came out to feed the bobcat, Billy Bob, I often toss a hardboiled egg or two to the dogs. Raven saw me coming and jumped up and wagged his stubby, ears up, begging for his egg. 🙂 Here’s a video:
So, he’s certainly out of the woods, he would have died without the ER on Saturday. And did fine off the fluids at home and has apparently recovered from whatever episode he had. Tom wants us to come in this morning at 9:30 (30 minutes) for an ultrasound so *he* can figure out what is going on.
Now, here I am…laboring with the decision. It could be an infection (the records from the ER actually said infection in the mass was suspected) and be removed/clear up. That may make him feel better and he could live for quite a while like his old self with the lung mets. They are brand new and he’s never coughed. Or, do I end it now and not put him through this. I’d only be buying time and he is so tired. But so normal and alert and happy too.
Since his 9th Birthday Pawty with the tripawds and friends next weekend will undoubtedly be canceled, Mom came and gave him his present this morning. It’s a little stuffy Rottie that squeaks. He politely took it, nuzzles it and cuddles with it. 🙂 I gave him a bone that is edible, which he bounced around for as he saw me getting it, very happy. And settled down for a good chew like any other day.
He snoozed with his stuffy for a while, then got up and hopped to his dog bed by himself. 🙂 He is sleeping soundly now.
Instead of one day at a time now, I really am trying to focus on each moment, for which I am so grateful and will soon only be memories.
Oh beautiful Raven. It’s 9:30 and I’m hoping for good things for you and your mom.
Cemil
Praying for you and Raven. I so hope it is an infection that can be cleared up. Raven can live quite a lot longer with lung mets. Look at Jerry.
Debra
I am so sorry and sad for the heartbreak you are feeling. I lost my Rugby boy in July to hemangiosarcoma suddenly and unexpectedly. He helped me take care of my 3 legged baby, Comet. He was a normal shep mix, full of energy and happiness. No signs, no symptons – just gone 3 hours after collapsing. (heart tumor)
I wish you all the best in poor Raven’s struggle. I didn’t get the chance to prepare and have had a tough time with depression in myself, but mostly Comet. It’s been hard. I hope you are at peace with whatever happens.
Lots of hugs and barks.
I am so sorry you are going through all this. My heart is breaking for you. Raven is such a beautiful dog. My thoughts are with you as you figure all this out. Sometimes I feel graetful that Zoe can’t read xrays or a vet report. It does look like you are all enjoying your time together right now…so good of you to capture those moments in the snow. I can tell he was enjoying himself, despite the setbacks!
It really is one moment at a time, fill these moments with love as you are. I can feel your love for him in your writing and he knows.
You are in my thoughts as you face this time. There are no other words……….Gineej & Paris
One moment at a time… That’s all you can ask for right now. Raven is such a precious dog… You can see he is tired… but he still enjoyed the snow… the egg… the new stuffed toy, and sleeping on your bed with you and Cowboy!
Good luck with the ultrasound… and whatever you and your vet decide afterwards…
Give that sweet boy of yours a hug from me!!!
Angel Jake’s Mom
I love the pictures of his cat brother watching over him, snoozing with him. Yoda always wanted a cat, but it wasn’t in the cards : ( Best wishes. Still keeping you and Raven in my thoughts and prayers.
You look so content Raven. We love the pictures! Keep enjoying the moment. Good luck in the days to come, we are thinking about you.