Heavy hearts here. We may be saying goodbye to Z'ev today. He's not eating, drinking a lot then vomiting it up - clear liquid with undigested kibble. He did poop this morning.I stopped his carprofen in case that's bothering his stomach but he's been markedly weaker over the past 48 hours. I have a vet appt today at 4 to assess his status - of it's viral, heat stress or are something he shouldn't have, well wait it out. But something ominous, week make the call, not gonna let him suffer.

As bad as i feel, hubby is devastated. Despite we both knew this was coming probably sooner than later.

Poor boy. Hopefully it's nothing serious and he will bounce back. Definitely don't want to suffer. None of them deserve that. It's been a rough year on all of our pups it seems. Some from age and others from unfortunate instances. Fingers crossed the vet appointment will go better than anticipated.

The news was better than expected. I think. Blood work was normal (vet initially suspected kidney failure) then did x ray because she felt "something" in his right lower abdomen. Turns out was full bladder. Said there was nothing to suggest euthanasia is indicated. So home we came.

But then on the way home, I began to wonder. Sports he have neurological damage that preventing him from emptying bladder...

They checked for bladder stones?

So that was short lived euphoria. Z'ev won't eat anything, won't even drink the broth i cooked good chicken in - i added a tiny bit of salt and sugar for electrolytes and calories but he won't touch it. A few sips of plain water but that's it. He's confused, keeps getting himself into corners and can't get out, he's not safe to let out by himself at this point, not responding to collar warning and i found him in the ditch by the road too weak to climb out. He's been pacing all morning, finally got him to sleep resting beside my leg on his sheepskin and blanket. Unfortunately, his vet is out of the office until tomorrow but at least, at the moment he's resting comfortably. Hubby has declared that in to stay here beside him as long as it takes some he's comfortable and safe. He did provide me with a pillow for my back, my phone, a cup of coffee (cold, leftover, the power is out) and a box of Kleenex for my tears. And the snotty nose that comes with tears. If this is it, for Z'ev, husband says he can't imagine a better way to die.

I guess, 14 years old is a long life for a Siberian, my mom wanted no artificial measures at the end, and neither do we so perhaps I should just let him be, since he's comfortable.

But sure 1 box of Kleenex is gonna do it.

Oh Amy, i was worried about this. Do you have anyone that can make a house visit? we used those services and it was the best to be able to do it at home with them.
i hope you have a back up of tissues.
you 2 brought him home and changed his life, he will be forever grateful for that. talk to him, hug him and spend as much time as you can with him right now till it is time.
hang in there, HUGS!

I had a bird dog that had presented with similar things years ago and she had suffered a stroke. She was very confused and lost control of a few functions for a time. They did eventually come somewhat back but not fully and she had terrible sundowners afterwards.

Life may have started rough for him, but you for sure gave him all the spoiling and love he should have always had these last years that he's been in your care.

Amymeme wrote:

Who knew we would become so attached to a dog that bit each of us a few times.

Oh, you mean like how many times Sasha bit me? Is there something that says "If you feel strongly enough to bite me then you must feel strongly enough to care"? I put Sasha down when she couldn't maneuver dependably (she'd get lost in the back yard) one of my last memories of her are when she fell into a hole in the front yard and she looked at me with an "Oops!" expression. (Damnit, crying!)

We all know that there'll come that day and there's nothing but dread. Did I wait too long, did I not wait long enough? How do we really know when it's time ....? I have two more here who are geriatrics - both are 13ish? Avalanche has been "my puppy" since I brought him home at one year and when that time comes one box of Kleenex ain't gonna be near enough.

What do we do? Love them for as long as we can ...

TwisterII wrote:

I had a bird dog that had presented with similar things years ago and she had suffered a stroke. She was very confused and lost control of a few functions for a time. They did eventually come somewhat back but not fully and she had terrible sundowners afterwards.

Life may have started rough for him, but you for sure gave him all the spoiling and love he should have always had these last years that he's been in your care.

I've kind of wondered if he may have had some sort of stroke - he just seemed like he's not there the last 2 days. One of the things that both of us have cherished in the last few years is he looked at us with complete innocence, trust, sweetness. And since Monday it's been vacant. Like he's not there any more. But enough there that when i sit on the floor with him and rub his ears he totally relaxes and sinks into my thigh.