the soldier mentioned she was aging rapidly now the last time he was home. She is blinder than ever and doesn't want anyone around but me... very adverse to crowds and lots of chaos is what I am saying. She prefers to be home alone with me. She knows she is okay and no one bugs her.  Because she can't see at all now that I can tell, a bunch of people moving around makes her fearful.

Anyway, she sick as hell. Of course she doesn't want to go to the doctor who is sure to bother her, annoy her, torture her, she is just so damned old. The soldier said to give her a day and if not better take her in.

So I guess I will take her Friday morning but I think she is really sick and I am scared they are going to inform me she is dying and we will have to put her down. Oh, this poor dog. If she has to die I wish she could die at home. I don't want her to die somewhere sterile but I don't want her to die at all.

i'm sorry--

and i hear you about not wanting her to have to "die somewhere sterile" -- yeah, i get that

I'm so sorry Elsa.

yes, she doesn't like the vet and she doesn't like the car either, especially when she is feeling like shit.  She is wobbly and stuff. I'd rather she die in her bed then have to stand on a metal table and get poked. :(

I also rather the soldier was here because when you go to the vet with Dora, they treat you like a dog abuser. :(

I never knew an animal who liked the vet, no matter how good or caring the vet is-- Animals know what's up and they feel the energy of the people, if the people are nervous or sad or accepting of whatever is happening, etc. Anytime I have to put a cat in a carrier? Oh man--

Awww (((Dora))), Elsa I am sorry she is not doing well. This sucks!

I love dogs.

Hope Dora is okay.

Are there vets who do house calls in your area? 

cherie, that is a good idea, thanks. I didn't think of that. It also occurs I may be able to bring them a stool sample but no dog. I will call around tomorrow. I mean, there is nothing to see She is a skinny blind dog who doesn't want you to touch her, just let her lie in her bed, she is not up for adventure.

she is not in pain by the way. I mean, she is not wincing at all, just clearly very sick and changing, as the soldier said, rapidly.

It's so strange, my hair lady's mother is very old, in her 90s.  Her mind is good but she's just sick of making the effort. Quit bathing it seems.

"I don't do anything," she explained.

::smiles::

Dora does go outside when the weather is warm. She stands in the middle of the yard and gazes off like Obama.  I tell the soldier she's out in the yard, posing for Newsweek.

Us Italians like our old people and don't mind if they're crazy.  

Elsa I'm so sorry.  There are mobile vets and hopefully one who services your area.  Often they are around the same cost as a stationary vet clinic.  I hope that she rallies again but if she doesn't I hope that she remains peaceful at home with no pain.  

Thanks, Lupa. I feel better at the moment, she is eating rice. Spanish rice, actually. ;-)

Good.  You and she are in my thoughts.  Damn dogs just get under our skin.  

I've had animals die in my arms or next to my bed when they couldn't be touched any more :-( There are professionals (and non professionals who know what they're doing) who will come into the home and administer healing agents or euthanasia.  This would be akin to hospice for Dora.  Or, you can make her comfortable, give her medication and wait it out since she trusts you.  It sounds like you're providing Dora with what she needs and she knows it.  Sometimes it helps to have a little support for yourself, though.  Will the Soldier be home to be with his girls anytime soon?

Sending love to Dora, Cluck, and your whole family.

It looks like I wrote and posted at the same time and with some of the same info as Lupa.  It takes a village . . .

((Elsa))

(((dora)))

:-/. it's really sad to watch your pets go.

((dora & elsa))

(((Dora & fam)))

Oh, I am so sorry.  Elsa, I had to put my cat down last spring and a mobile vet came to my house for that.   The thing is, I was bereft and didn't hold back in front of the vet, and it really was unexpectedly comforting to have her there.

You are all in my prayers.  I am so glad Dora has you.

 *sending much love to Dora, Elsa and the Soldier*

Poor puppy...    I'll wish for healing, and barring that, peace.  Keep us posted.  (((E & fam)))

So sorry, sending much love. My old fella is really attached to me too, he's like a second skin sometimes. I would feel cold without him. ((Dora + Elsa)) 

Oh Elsa, I am so sorry - she has rallied so many times before, I hope she does again, but if not, she knows how very well-loved she is.....

She knows you love her!
sending love, safety and peace.

(((dora)))

:( hope dora feels better and doesn't have to go somewhere sterile.

I'm sorry Elsa.

((Dora))

Oh, no. :( I really hope you can find someone to help Dora at home.

The worst part about it is you can't tell them, "I'm just down the road, I'll be back for you soon!" I can't stand to think of my animals sick and frightened in that horrible place, thinking I've abandoned them... that thought plagues me. I went through it with my former cat. I hope you can avoid it, make her comfortable at home during her final days/hours. 

How come human beings haven't learned how to make death a peaceful and loving experience? Being able to die peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, should be the norm, not the exception for the privileged few who can afford it.

I think we should even have the right to bury our family members in our own back yards, if that's what they/we want. 

Love your line about "gazing off like Obama." 

Sorry to read about Dora (whom I've loved from afar for quite some time. ) 

 My old dog died in his sleep about a month ago - laying right by our bed.  He just got disoriented earlier that evening, but not really in pain, but it was clear what was up. It was more like he used to behave when the vet had given him drugs - muddy and unsure of his surroundings.

The few days prior, he had clearly begun getting weaker and more tired.  It wasn't too hard to read the signs (even when he's already pretty weak and tired all the time, just from age.  There's a qualitative difference.)  He was glad to be home for it all, I expect.  And it was easier for us not to have to take him to the vet, which we were preparing to do.  If it's time, I hope for this for Dora.  We were probably calmer at the end, because it was at home.  I think the calmness is good for them.  

Hugs to you guys. 

I'm glad the housecall vet was mentioned.  It's really common up here in the boonies.

I'm so sorry to hear this.  Sending waves of peace and light from my very soul to all of you.

How's Dora doing today?

I'm sorry to hear this! We lost an old kitty earlier this year, and it was clear it was coming. She went into the vet about a week before and I was afraid they were going to want to put her down, too, but they didn't. A few days later we knew it was coming and just comforted her as much as possible. It's very hard but it helped she didn't have a hard time and wasn't in pain...

Sending love out to you, Dora, and the family.

I'm sorry to hear this.  It's hard to have a sick animal.

I'm glad a mobile vet was mentioned.  You can get Dora's vet records transferred as well.

I'm using three different vets' offices at this time.  It's complicated.

Dora seems better, not worse.  Just sleepin' and dreamin' and lyin' here. :)

Gr8 news!!!!

Dora "Lazarus" P.

My old dog Tiger has bad joints and is also blind. I really hope Dora stays better... (((((Dora+Elsa))))))