it's now been 5 months that Frank has been with us, and i am a little ashamed to say that i didn't think he was going to last this long. the start of this year was hard for him, and i really think he was ready to move on even if i wasn't ready to let him go.
before he came to live with us, he had turned a corner. he had started showing interest in life again, started being more present for my sister. i kinda feel like i robbed her of time with him, but i'm still glad he's here.
every day, i do a head to toe inspection. it usually entails a rub down, so i can check his skin for rash or crusty bacterial infections. then a quick look and sniff in his ears, a little cleaning to make sure his ears aren't clogged. i give his hips a massage, check his face for signs of pain or discomfort as i do it, and then it's play time.
for his part, he suffers through the inspection, and usually i see only positive things, which leads me to feel optimistic about his longevity. sometimes, though, i find troubling things, like that weird growth on the outer hind foot pads, the patch of hair that refuses to grow back, the hitch in his step when he first wakes up etc.
he is an old dog, i know he won't last forever, and it will be the hardest day of my life when he does decide to leave me. but that knowledge is what helps me to give him the love and attention he needs and deserves on a daily basis.
and for my part, i feel lucky to have such a cool dog.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
cautious optimism
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Aww, what a great picture of Frankie! Love that tongue action.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I totally forgot that last month was his bday. How bad is that?!? So, he is 14 now. 14! I miss him, but I know he is in good/better hands with you. How lucky are we to have such an awesome dog? Very lucky.
yeah, i wondered if you remembered. we tired him out, took him to the river, to the marina, fed him wheat and grain free sweet treats (with carob). he had a good weekend :-)
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