What do you do when your dog begins getting older? You begin to notice little things about them, they aren't as quick on the draw, it takes them a little time to get up and down and their eye sight begins to fade. This week it became unbelievably clear that Lola Mae is old.
We had noticed a few weeks ago that Lola was drinking a tremendous amount of water and began to use the bathroom in her sleep. Our first thought was that she had diabetes and then we thought that it was her age. We took her to the vet and they did a series of test. We were so happy to find out that she wasn't diabetic. We did find out that she had two urinary tract infections and her kidneys were slightly elevated. Our awesome vet put her on some antibiotics and Lola was on her way...until last week.
Lola's eye began weeping and she was shutting it. She has cataracts in that eye and the doctor said she was blind, just in the one eye. At the same time, her ear got an infection. We took her in again and found out that she has glaucoma. Glaucoma is very painful for dogs and can lead to the eye being removed. Besides having glaucoma, she had an eye infection. She was now fighting off four infections. We again were given meds. This time, the vet gave us the serious talk about Lola not being around much longer. We asked what we could do more for her and the vet's response was, "just love her." The vet said that she will continue, along with us, to make sure Lola is comfortable and given great care but once her quality of life is less, than we will discuss options.
For the past week, I have done nothing but go between being numb and crying. Finally, yesterday, I decided I have to "just love her." I have to enjoy my time that I have with her now. To play gently with her, alter our walks, give her little special treats and snuggle more.
Loving and caring for older dogs is a challenge but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It makes me cherish every day, every second with them a little more.
4 comments:
These are hard times. I am glad to hear that you have found a way to face your new normal and give and get what you need from a situation beyond anyone's control. Lola will continue to have the best life she could have had.
Oh Lola... it's hard when they get older. Lots of love to Lola. A couple naughty treats, a few broken rules, whatever makes her days happier and more enjoyable. Big hugs to you and OMP as you go through this.
It's so hard to "just love" when you want to hold on and help. Being a good mama to an old, sick doggie is the hardest honor. Big, big love for Miss Lola Mae, and big, big love to you too, sweetheart.
It is so not fair that they have to face the pains of growing old when we still think of them as pups. Booker's beard has grown so white that I can no longer remember what he looked like when his face was all black. The little changes - not dramatic, but still there - in his activity put me into full denial mode. He is "the Baby". My heart goes out to you and all of your family, fur and skin. Lots of love to sweet Lola. She is a tough old gal, and she will love you as long as she can.
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