Friday, July 27, 2012

TGIFF: A sad little finish...

Lainey and Melody
It's a sad little finish this week and I'm expecting another 'finish' in the not too distant future. My poor little Lainey's body has been failing her. In dog years, she's 98. In human years, 14, which is damn good for a cavalier. As well as mitral valve (heart) disease, Lainey has a large lump on her, err, 'upper thigh', and some neurological failings which cause her to stumble and occasionally fall over. Her heart meds have started to cause complications, including an infection which has caused her to lose control of her bladder. The poor love was SO embarrassed the first time it happened, and has looked horribly perplexed every time since. I've done a LOT of washing this week - of bedding and dogs when poor Melody cuddled up for warmth and got more than she bargained for. On Tuesday night, I did a 10:30pm dog wash, blow dry and load of washing, then repeated it at 7am the next morning. It's been heart-breaking as well as messy. But after 11 years of faithful companionship, what else does one do besides, wash, dry and continue to cuddle?

Well, besides getting to the stage where a doggy diaper helped me keep my sanity, I did a little more plastic sewing.

After throwing out 3 cushions and a dog bed, I went and bought a new 30" cushion insert and some plastic sheeting - of the outdoor tablecloth kind - to cover it with. To minimise the risk of dogs (or liquids) sliding off, I put on plastic sides rather than just sew it as an envelope.


It was a little tricky getting around the sides when it came to putting the bottom on and I didn't put a zip in so I could easily whip the cushion in and out as required. And it probably won't be needed that long anyway...

Unfortunately, this labour of love did not meet with canine approval, even with a blanky on top. It's rather cold at night at the moment, and they missed their bed with sides. So Melody jumped onto the couch, pushed all the couch cushions and two quilts onto the floor to make things cosier for them both, and I woke up to find them cuddled up on those - but mercifully no accidents. She seemed a little perkier today, and the bed with sides has now dried and been deodorised so hopefully, with this cushion in it, we'll get through tonight better.

I think I'm probably winning dog-mum of the year at the moment, but as Lainey has won 'gentlest spirit' (as well as 'most persistent in the kitchen') for the last 14, she deserves it.

A much cheerier animal to visit is Stop That Owl, Bronwyn's blog, where TGIFF is being hosted today. Scoot on over and check out her finish and join the linky party.

22 comments:

  1. Oh bless that poor Lainey. and well done "dog-mum of the year". Yes I totally agree that you deserve that title.

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about your little friend. You are all in my thoughts.

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  3. Aww, poor wee soul! She can just tell that road map fabric isn't for girls ;o)

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  4. You absolutely get the title!! HUGS to you and your girls!

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  5. Oh bless poor little Lainey. As you say, what else can we do but everything they need to be comfortable after so many years of love & loyalty. I am having the kitty equivalent at the moment with my 20 year old. The thought of why I will soon not have to get up at 3.30am & clean up when he falls over in his litter tray & lands in his No. 2s is even more distressing as having to do so. How lucky are we though to have such long lived furbabies! Will be thinking of you & both your girls. Tracee xx

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  6. Totally know what you're going through at the moment as have had similar issues with an old beloved Gemma dog and Sooty the cat and now our Molly dog is 12 and arthritic with two dodgy knees and an ever so slightly dodgy bladder. The hard part of owning a pet comes at the end but is a labour of love after all the happy waggy tail moments in their lives.

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  7. Hang in there! The love they have given you will get you through this tough time.

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  8. I sounds like you are going through a very hard time, but handeling it with true grace! I will keep you and both of your girls in my thoughts.

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  9. You are a great momma to Lainey. I know just what you are going through as we are dealing with a 14 year old pup with age related problems as well. I too had to make a couple pair of doggie diapers for my girl. Our goal is to keep her as happy and comfortable as possible. You are doing the best you possibly can and I'm sure Lainey appreciates all your efforts.

    Cindy

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  10. Sorry to hear that Lainey's not doing so well! You're a fab dog-mum going to such lengths to make sure she's cosy and comfortable!

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  11. :( I wish I could take all that away from her. And I wish I could be there to help you too. You are a great puppy mommy! Keep it up. That little lady is a super lucky pup!

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  12. Not a good prospect ahead of you. We have been there recently with our German Shepherd and when you finally make that decision it's the hardest thing - thinking of you during this time of love and battling on what's right and when's right

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  13. They look so cut cuddled up in bed together like that.

    Poor little Lainey. And poor you. ((hugs))

    And I'm really impressed she leaves the doggy diapers on :)

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  14. Very sad. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat last year. I still miss her. Thinking of you ((hugs))

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  15. Oh poor Lainey. :( But she is lucky to have such a great mum to take care of her, and sew her requirements of the moment. Hope she remains comfortable.

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  16. I know what you're going through. We have a 15 year old Pug who's loosing function over his rear end. Sometimes he pees and doesn't know it, sometimes he poops laying down. His rear legs spaz out and flex on him so he either ends up on his butt with his legs pointing skyward or stiff as a board like a ballerina. Our vet thinks he has cysts on his spine but feels no pain. If we knew he was in pain, it would be easier to make the decision. I'm sure you know what I mean!

    Good luck with everything, I know what you're going through.

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  17. Poor Lainey! Our dog went through something similar towards the end and it was so hard to watch. Lainey's very lucky to have you and Melody. Good luck!

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  18. so sorry to hear about the old lady, and think you are a super mum!

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  19. Awww, love to both you and Lainey. I'm sure Melody will be missing Lainey when the time comes.
    My nine year old Kelpie cross is goign through treatment for an eye ulcer at the moment and we are living with the dreaded bucket over the head. But he's so worth the scraped legs as he pushes past.

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  20. Poor little Lainey, and poor little Lainey's Mum.
    She's lucky to have you and I'm sure you're lucky to have her too.

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