Max has had a decent day so far since I’ve gotten up. Maurice said that Max seemed in pain when he tried to move him, and was crying a bit, I’ve seen that too, but then he settles, so it’s hard to know if it is frustration or pain that he’s having.

A big victory for Max today was he was getting restless and trying to get up, and Maurice got him to the grass and Max was able to hump over and have his poop! It’s the little things in life that make us smile. It was loose and watery but he’s on meds and I suspect that’s the cause of it. We are giving him things he’s used to eating, his crunchies and his human food, so nothing new there. He’s taking water so we are thankful for that, keeping him well hydrated.

I am so very very impressed with how Maurice has taken to being Max’s nurse. He’s totally amazing with him, and it brings tears to my eyes just watching the love between them. This is a hard time for us all, but Maurice has been Max’s rock, and mine.  We continue to watch for the small improvements and celebrate those.

at 3:20 I looked up and he had moved a bit, pulled himself forward, and I went over, he had peed on his bed, but that might have been my fault as I didn’t see him move, I was writing this post.. 🙂  we’re all cleaned up  now, on a new bed and his sheepskin bed is in the wash.. it’s all good. 🙂

…Pam…

I was reading about dogs with mobility problems on the ‘net and found this lovely bit of work.

I thought 2 was wonderful, 3 was so true (and one of the reasons I had to leave my job – when trust in the people you rely on is gone, there is no point in being there), 4 made me think how very true, yet I hadn’t thought of expressing it that way, 7 just made me nod, and 9 is so so true. 10 I don’t want to think about, but agree with, with all my heart. It was no great hardship to be with Buck in his final moments. It was indeeed comforting.

A PET’S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, maybe I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak, I might even have a toothache.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

It’s early Thursday morning, and I’ve sent Pam off to bed. She watched him all night and he rested pretty comfortably. I took him out, and it’s raining, which he doesn’t like! He had a quick squirt, then he wanted to come right back in…

He’s trying to get around once in a while, but his legs are letting him down. His rear one seems to be a bit stronger. If we can get the rear one going, then the front one is not that big a deal. Lots of three legged dogs around! It is heartbreaking to see him struggle so…

I haven’t had the heart to go for a run without my little buddy. Doesn’t seem right. Silly, I know, cuz Max will never run with me again. I’ve got to accept that, but it hurts to think of it…

There have been so many changes in my life lately. Being forced to leave my job due to a racist office manager and a general manager who lies to support her… poisoned by the company I spent 13 years working for, with no hint of responsibility or apology… memory loss so significant I can’t remember my 31st wedding anniversary… and now poor old Maxie is in trouble.

At least, I’m at home to give him the care and support he needs.

Max is resting comfortably outside. His rear leg seems to have a little more strength today. His front is not good, but if his back can keep improving, his mobility will be difficult, but not impossible.

He got up and tried to walk a few times today. That is so very encouraging. I was in despair because he seemed to be just not caring enough to get up. But i think maybe i was rushing things. I do hope we can continue to see improvement every day.

He is so alert, so bright. It’s nice to see that his mind is clear, and his vision is good. There has been no muscle involvement with his face at all. So maybe it was not a stroke? Who knows. We might have to do the MRI. It’s pricey, (1500-2000) but I think I need to KNOW what it is. You can’t make informed decisions if you don’t know what it is you are deciding!

I sure hope things continue as well tomorrow!

Max is giving us reason for optimism. He has dragged himself around the house a little. Nothing major, but it’s a good sign he’s TRYING! His left front leg is the most gimped, but the rear one he seems to be working a little harder with… it’s something anyway. At least he is ready to try to get moving again! He seemed willing to not even try to move yesterday.

It makes me so happy to see him making the effort! He is alert, and when I came downstairs this morning (Pam took the “night shift” sitting up with him) he started to wag his tail, which has not been all that active! That was good to see too.

We’ve been putting a harness under his chest and supporting him to try and get him to walk, and he’s made an effort, but just won’t do his “business” outside (or inside!). So if doesn’t do something soon, we’ll have to take him back to the vet for “draining!”

But, I’m a little more hopeful today.