Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Still plugging along

She's about a hundred years old in dog years. Every time I play with her spouse reminds me of this. She doesn't seem to be aware that her body is falling apart and still enjoys playing our game of me grabbing her maw and her trying to playbite my hand. I think she sees it as a cookie getting game since after a few minutes of playing it, she'll stop and run over to the pantry and stare at me until I go over and give her something. It's true, she has me trained. I took her out for a walk on Sunday. I really think it was her last one. She just loves being outside amongst the world of smells but her feet drag and trip her up all the time. This week she gets whatever she wants. And ten thousand kisses.



She really hates the camera though. Every time I try to get a picture of her, I have to hide the camera or she'll immediately turn away and skulk, tail between the legs like it's some kind of torture device.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

She's really beautiful. I feel for you. I went through this with my dog about two years ago and it was gut-wrenching. Take care, all of you.

Snooze said...

She has such a lovely face. Heart-breaking to read about your walk with her.

CoffeeDog said...

It's hard to see them decline. I went through that with my old Lab. My thoughts are with you all.

Anonymous said...

Sarah looks like Madonna, camera shy and aloof. She is really clueless as to what the humans have planned for her. She is Queen of her realm. What a beautiful old girl. ed

Lemuel said...

She is a beauty and a lover!
But I'm with her. I don't like my picture taken either.

My adventures said...

Big Hugs! When the time comes, it will be the right thing! And give her every single one of those kisses!

RJ March said...

Couldn't watch the video-- you know how I am.

Lacey said...

OK so she's dragging her feet and she needs a little help going up the stairs, so let's just kill her off? WTF? My dad is dragging his feet and also needs help going to the potty, but....

dpaste said...

Tough tough tough times. I'm not sure I will be able to read your posts this weekend. I've been through this as well.

Greg said...

Aww, she doesn't seem so bad off, excepting a healthy dose of disinterest in the Media attention. I bet she doesn't like when you hold the camera up and she can't see your face.

Put it away and just schmooze with Yer Best Girl.

Rox said...

The toughest part about being owned by a pet is knowing when it is time to let them go and leaving them with some dignity. It's the hardest thing to do but it's humane to not let them suffer.

When I'm old and crapping myself, I certainly hope there'll be something like this for me.

GayProf said...

It broke my heart when my childhood dog died. She was also very old by do years and even started losing her teeth.

Let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.

Anonymous said...

I know a tough decision and my thoughts are with you both - a great freind and companion and I know you are thinking in her best interest -- and it is tough. Give her the best week ever!!
Aaron

Patricia said...

I love you, Sara.

Mark in DE said...

Aw, she's so pretty. And smart too, since she can tell when you're pointing the camera at her and when you aren't.

Mark :-)

Devo said...

Oh Torn, what a pretty old girl. I think it is the humane thing to do. There are many people who wish it were accepted to do it for humans, there is so much needless suffering in the world. I'm sure she has pain and just can't tell you about it. Give her tons of love, she is so lovely.

Birdie said...

What a sweet girl. Look at those eyes. Kisses to Sara, Torn.

A Lewis said...

Why, I'd grab her and kiss her right square on top of the head...and tell her I loved her and thought the world of her. Such a sweet thing.

Anonymous said...

Good pet. Sara loves you very much. Yeah that's true..she is around 70years old in dogs years. Hard to say but have to say 'Be prepared dude!'

Hammy said...

They give us the unconditional love, and we take the responsibility for their quality of life.

That's the deal.

I have 2 boxergirlies, from the same litter, 10 years old on Saturday. One frolics like a pup and the other can barely get up on the couch or climb the steps due to stiffness in her hips.

I dread that I will be in your shoes soon, but they trust us to do the right thing.

Best thoughts to Sara.

Summer said...

Oh Sara, I just want to reach out and give you a nice scratch behind your ears. Enjoy your pampering.

Polt said...

When we put our dog down 5 years ago, I insisted on being there with her when it happened. And it was really tough, but now I'm glad I did it.

I know what you're going through man. Just show her all the love you've got and enjoy your time with her.

HUGS...(and big doggie HUGS to Sara too)....

Anonymous said...

I didn't see the option to comment on this post yesterday, so I'll repeat some of what I e-mailed you...I'm glad that you were able to share this photo of Sara because the only one that ever comes to mind is the photo you shared of her doing her business. And the video helped "bring her to life" for those of us who have only seen her in "stills." (((((Torn)))))

Lyvvie said...

Love her up and make you both happy.