FergusonK's journal - Goodbye Java Jewel.

[frustratedearthmother]

I know that panicked feeling...my old Westie became blind and nearly deaf in his old age. He still loved life and he had his very own seeing eye dog (one of his daughters) and would play with a ball (with jingle bells inside so he could hear) up until his last days. BUT - then came that day when I couldn't find him. I had let them out to potty and he didn't come back. I was so afraid he'd find his way to the pond and not be able to find his way out. Thankfully, when I found him he was inside the house again, lol. I don't know how he'd made his way back in - most likely because I would leave the back door open when I let them out to potty. He must've come back in and went straight to nap. He just hadn't been able to hear us calling....whew!

It's hard when we know they are coming to the end of their days. Hope you have more quality time with your guy.

 

[norseofcourse]

I've had the same happen, too. Abby, a terrier mix I had, most loving dog ever. A year or so after I moved here, somehow the back gate got left open while two of my dogs were outside (they spent nice days out dozing in the sun). When I finally noticed hours later, I saw the other dog still asleep, but Abby was nowhere to be found. She didn't go outside the fenced area, so she wouldn't have known her way around. She was by then deaf, so calling was no use.

Almost anywhere she headed would have taken her to acres of woods and fields. Instinctively, but with dread, I headed for the absolute worst direction she could have gone - towards the road. And that's where she was - thankfully, she had gotten into the deep roadside ditch along the front of my yard, and was unable to get out. I was so relieved as I climbed down and carried her out.

I'm so glad you and FEM got your dogs back ok, too. Knowing the time has become short is very tough. They're never with us long enough

 

[Ferguson K]

He still has more good days than bad.

Last week was a bad week, only two good days.

He LOVES car rides but has a hard time getting in and out so we have to carry him to the truck and I hope I can take him on a few this week. Come May I will have had Titan at my side 15 of his 17 years on this earth. He comes with me to milk every morning and waits diligently for me every evening. He's like a best friend with many secrets.

I've said it a thousand times but we've been through a lot together. I hope we have a long time with him, but I also know when it's time we will know. He's at that stage in life where he wanders and does dumb things, but also still tries to be spunky when he's feeling up to it.

He's not ready to go yet. He still has life in those blind eyes of his.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Hard to watch our friends age like this

 

[Baymule]

I am glad that had a happy ending and you found him. You are facing a tough decision in the future with him, I don't envy you. I hope you have more happy times with him.

 

[samssimonsays]

I am so sorry that happened and glad you found him where he was safe. The hardest part for me is that we are forced to make that call for them.

 

[babsbag]

I know I always hope that I just find them "sleeping" and that I don't have to make that decision. But I have never had that happen, I have always had to make that hard choice.

 

[samssimonsays]

I know I always hope that I just find them "sleeping" and that I don't have to make that decision. But I have never had that happen, I have always had to make that hard choice.

We have always prayed for that as well. It happened with Rumely but no other time. It was completely unexpected yet we are thankful that the decision was made for us as we would not have been able to make it easily.

 

[babsbag]

The closest I ever came was a cat that died when the vet administered to drug to relax him. Now coming home and finding a young animal has passed would be entirely different and not something I would like; no one would.

 

[Ferguson K]

The kids are getting BIG.

Prudence's wether is almost 30lbs...