He’s sweet. He’s kind. He never holds a grudge. He takes nothing personally. He has no ego. He takes the high road. No, I’m not talking about spiritualist Eckhart Tolle, but I could be. My dog Simon is all these things but has one MAJOR flaw that’s driving me insane…
Simon’s 13 years old and incontinent. He loses control. Several times a week. Inside the house. I’m at my wit’s end.
I brought Simon to the vet who said he has kidney issues. No kidding.
This situation is causing him to drink rivers of water which is causing
him to lose it in the house. A lot. I was given special food to feed him and pray
that it works.
Now I know lots of people would take a dog in this condition
to the vet for the "final visit," if you catch my drift.
And part of me understands this decision. After
all, it is your home and no one wants it messed with, literally. But I look at this animal and even though he’s
half-blind, stone deaf, arthritic, hoarse and incontinent, he’s happy.
Simon still follows me everywhere, creaky and
wobbly and visibly relieved when I settle down in one spot. He lies in our dining room each morning, not
only catching a sun bath, but keeping one eye on me as I write in the kitchen.
He still loves his dinner time at 4:00 p.m. prompt, circling
around while I place his dog food in his bowl.He still loves his treats.
He still smiles.
He still makes three slow turns before easing down into his
doggie bed each night. He still gives a
content sigh after closing his eyes.
In his young pup days Simon was a great watch dog, alerting
us if anyone set foot on our property.
He’d stay by my side protectively if any repairman or stranger came to
our home. He taught my sons kindness and responsibility.
He showed understanding when I’d put him on his outside leash,
get distracted and forget to bring him back in.
An hour later I’d remember and dash to get him. One time I did this when
it was cold and rainy and I felt shame as I wiped him down with a towel. “I’m so sorry,” I murmured, leaning my face
into his damp forehead. Simon wagged his
tail.
Simon has taught me several big lessons in life – how to live in
the moment, how to love unconditionally and how to forgive.
Now I’m getting one last lesson, how to be patient. And
yet as long as Simon is enthused about life, I’ll keep going.
I’ll try and help this crazy-looking hound I adopted ten years ago. I'll try and give him a comfortable and
merciful old age. After all, I know Simon would do the
same for me.
Still, these days can be trying. One minute I’m swearing as I'm cleaning
up another accident. The next I’m sighing, scratching behind his
ears. And always is the question, what do I do with this dog? And always is the same answer...love him.
Do you have an old pet you just can’t quit? Comments are always welcome and if you’d like
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Yes. I've had two dogs that became incontinent as they got older, and it was awful.
ReplyDeleteMost recently, our dog Gus had to be put on pain medicine when he had cancer, which caused the worst messes while he was sleeping. Every morning, I got up, rinsed off his bed with the hose, put it in the wash, washed him off, then took a spot scrubber and washed the carpet. We put up with that for 5 months before I felt it was time to call the vet for a final visit. Afterward, I called in an industrial carpet cleaning service. I probably would have pulled out the carpet if it couldn't have been salvaged.
I know exactly how you feel. Our dogs give us so much, I feel like it's the least we can do for them in the end.
So true. Its a tough time of life for both animals and humans!
DeleteJust saw your link on my blog… Oh Simon! Have you tried those belly bands? I know that the rescue I'm about to work with uses them. I truly have no idea what I'm getting into, do i? : )
ReplyDeleteCathy, You'll be fine with your rescue dog. They give so much love and good energy to a home. I'll look into those belly bands. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteWe have a rescue dog and she has got to be the sweetest thing ever. I've always believed when a pet is ready to go, they have a way of letting you know. If they still have joy then it's probably not yet time.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Simon still loves his routines and his life. I could never take that away from him. When he seems listless and no longer interested in living, that's another story.
ReplyDelete