It Will Break Your Heart

I haven't really written about my constant companion Lucy lately. She turned ten this past fall and can now officially be considered a senior citizen. Her mind is still as sharp as it ever was. She is still very playful and has a lot of heart and wants to go everywhere. While she has the heart she just doesn't have the legs for it anymore.

She is experiencing what many dogs go through in their later years. She has developed a lack of strength in her hindquarters. While we still go for occasional walks, it saddens me not to be able to take her on the big outings that we use to go on together. The trails behind our home are quite steep and rugged. If we do take one of them, it is at a pace that doesn't challenge her physical state. I say that, yet I do find myself helping her with obstacles from time to time. Her wellbeing is always at the forefront of our activities together. This is part of the daily routine when helping an aging friend enjoy life.

Stiffness and discomfort is part of what she is experiencing in the aging process. One of the things I do for her to ease her stiffness and discomfort is massage. This takes place first thing before she goes to bed at night and then again the first thing in the morning to get her up and moving. It seems to help, I just wish I could do more. We've spoken with the Vet about different things that might be done for her condition but there are no real solutions to the problem. The best advice the Vet gave us was "let her do the things she wants, she'll tell you when she not up to it, just pay attention to what she's telling you. It will break your heart, but she'll let you know!"

I guess the next step in the evolution of my aging boxer is a doggy wheel chair. At least this will provide her a means to get bit of quality outdoor time and exercise. The newly designed chairs actually exercise the hind quarters while the dog uses its front legs to propel themselves. I'm a bit apprehensive as to how accepting to the chair Lucy will be. Only time will tell... Stay tune for the new adventures of Lucy the White Boxer Dog with her new wheels. Until next time... Peace be with you and enjoy the time you have with your favorite critter and friend.

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Just got back...

Well these are sad times... My mother passed away this week.  I had to go back to North Carolina for the funeral.  As prepared as we think we may be for things like this, you really are never prepared to say goodbye to a parent.

My mother and I we not close over the last couple of years and this saddens me.  Our differences were due to things that happened a long time ago and the haunting memories that lingered up until right before her death.  But you know, even with the differences and the separation of time and distance, I still miss her!  If I could make any one wish come true, it would be to talk with her just one more time.  I did get a chance to go back and visit with her a week or so before her death.  It was the best thing that I could have done and it did ease the pain a bit, but there were so many wasted years.

I don't know what your relationship is with your parents but if I may offer you one piece of advice, call your folks and say hi just a bit more often.  It will pay big dividends in the long run!

When I returned home from the funeral I found what a great support group I have.  My wife and  my dog Lucy have been a big part of my recovery from the sadness that I feel.  I know that I've written about this before but I have to say it again.  Dogs have a special sense of when something isn't right.  Lucy has been at my side ever since I got back.  When I'm really sad she comes over to me as if to say "everything is going to be all right! Pet me and you'll feel better..."  And you know, after petting her I do feel better.