I thought it was time for a check-in with my favourite love-y dog, Jimmy.
Jimmy's having a bit harder of a time these days and it is breaking my poor heart. It's hard to talk about. It's even hard to type about.
He is still happy and sweet and gentle and... did I mention happy? But he is showing me how much older he is now. On Boxing Day (the day after Christmas, for my non-Canadian readers ;o)) he hurt his back really badly. Our poor friend B who was caring for him was so scared and worried - he didn't know what was wrong yet; that must have been so terrible for him. I still feel awful that I was out of town when this all happened. B took Jimmy to the vet and learned that two of his vertebrae, up close to his front legs, are basically fusing together with calcium deposits. This means that from now on, Jimmy is a limited-mobility dog.
And of course! Guess who gets to do the limiting of said mobility? ME - the one with the responsibility. I am supposed to keep him from tugging, jumping, twisting like a goof.... basically all of the things that are super fun for dogs! I also have to give him medication now. He gets muscle relaxers (yeah dude, they really chill him out which is good because he's really jumpy by nature/personality and it's good for him to move slowly) and anti-inflamatory and anti-pain meds.
We are in the process of adjusting our lives to accommodate Jimmy. I bought about a dozen 2' X 5' little rugs for my house because I don't have carpet anywhere and he was having a bit of a hard time keeping his footing. (B also bought rugs for his house; he is such a good friend to us!) I have also moved my main 'hanging out' space in my house from the basement to the main level so Jimmy doesn't have to navigate the yucky stairs in my house to spend time with me. Our friend J has lined up a baby gate for us to use at the top of the stairs so that Jimmy doesn't accidentally fall or go on the stairs when I am away from the house.
So... this is how things are in our house now. I have a senior dog who has more special needs than ever. The good news is that he has spent 14 years earning whatever accommodations need to be made to keep him happy and comfortable. Bad news is only that it is very sad for me but this is what we do for our beloved pets so I am just considering it part of the process.
Thanks for reading! Puppy kisses and kitty headbutts all the way around to my furry and non-furry friends in blogland!
I really feel for you and Jimmy. Keep strong and try and be happy. I don't know why I keep having dogs.....yes I do....they keep me young and happy for at least fifteen years at a stretch. The best company I've ever had are dogs. They are perpetual optimists and rarely sad.
ReplyDeleteyou know how much I love Jimmy and the story is breaking my heart for him and for you and for Oreo. but all the love through the years and going through all of this is very much worth it and we just have to do what we can to keep them happy and safe. that picture with the squinted eyes made me laugh. he is still so beautiful and does not look his age.
ReplyDeleteI am sure Jimmy is getting the best possible care from you.Give him lots of hugs.
ReplyDeleteWhere to start?
ReplyDelete....It would seem to me(periodically) and many whom think they "may" know me that I have no heart at times.... due to my razors edge?
However upon checking in with PI today, AND reflecting on my canine friends both here and gone...I actually DO have a heart in here somewhere.
Perhaps one resembling Dr. Seuss's Grinch character whom gets under the spell of Cindy Lou Hoo....and his wee crusty heartbeat as per original tale.
JJCCP the limited mobility pooch has paid his dues and being an elder with such a fantastic history of being one of my best pals....can do whatever he pleases (as long as mom is ok with it) when he comes to visit.
Whizz on my deck?.....keep doing it Jimmy.
Wash my face with your stinky dog breath?.......please do...some more.
The ever famous Jimmy Nad stomp? ....meh...I don't really use them much anyway...so as above, keep on keepin' on.
@ Sandra...we know Jimmy is a favorite and you love him like heaps.
That said, to have met him? Your love would have no words to describe the volume of said love.
I say that as I myself am very wordy and tend at times to try and quantify such....nope..cannot do it?
As one of Jimmy's long time pals/walker of pooches I Josey thank-you for your kind words.
Sister Krista...how you plan to get Jimmy to "stop" chasing his tail?
If you can succeed at that one? There won't be a problem you cannot solve.
As in the beginning when Jimmy taught Floki to chase her tail, I initially thought "great just what I need"
That was so...yesterday.
Today? I embrace the hell out of her pulling a JJCCP.
Well I am officially out of saline now....so mosey off I shall.
I FREAKIN" LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH JIMMY(you too Krista), as do my two goofs!
Oreo knows I dig him...as he too is quite a stellar kitty.
Awww Krista..... I wish it didn't have to happen...but, it always does. Not only with our furry buddies...but, with us humans too. Been having some mobility limiting problems myself the past few months.... it sucks.
ReplyDeleteSending you some hug.s..
Vee
It's so hard when a dog you love so much gets old, and harder still because it seems to come much too soon. All you can do is make the adjustments that will help make life easier for him and give him all the love you can. My daughter's dog is at a similar stage as Jimmy, and it is difficult to watch her struggles with her limitations. Heck, I'm sure my kids say the same thing about me--oh, wait, that's their laughter I'm hearing.
ReplyDeletePut tears in my eyes over here. :( Sad to hear about such an amazing dog getting old, but Krista he's lived an amazing life. I mean look at his owner! He's been photographed and up and down Canada and he's had Oreo to mess around with. By dog standards that's one of the best lives you can have. Jimmy's handling it with his usual good humor and that was raised in him. :) Give him a few extra kisses from us please!
ReplyDelete