Frustratedearthmother's Journaling Journey

[Britesea]

I am so sorry for your Grace! I know dogs can get dementia, just like people, and it sounds like you may need to start watching Maddie very carefully.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

@Britsea - thank you. I've been doing research on CCDS (canine cognitive decline syndrome). I am heartsick at what I know is coming for Maddie...

 

[Mini Horses]

I am so, so sorry to hear this. It's hard to lose them -- yes, always the special ones -- but even worse with how. I know you've had Maddie for a long time and it's so sad a situation.

You still have Cowboy and Missy (?) right? You know this was not Maddie's norm, so please try not to be angry with her too long. It sounds like more hard decisions are coming. Maddie may well be losing some hearing, always speak as you go into her area to alert (awaken) her, she doesn't want to hurt but sounds like something is not working right. I sure know this is a double hurt for you.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Thanks @Mini Horses I do still have Cowboy and Missy. One of the reasons Maddie "retired" and moved to the back yard was because she and Missy weren't getting along anymore. She was great in the backyard for months - seemingly just chilled and relaxed - until she wasn't.

I could have put a bullet in Maddie's head at the moment I found Gracie injured...but by the time we got home from the vet my anger was just sadness. I never even raised my voice at her - no point. She stayed 'hidden' in the backyard for several days after it happened. She has/had a pretty big wound over her eye and several spots on her legs, but they're healing. She's just not the same dog she was.

 

[Mini Horses]

 

[flowerbug]

I'm done with the Nubian prima donnas! I will keep one though because she's my favorite goat ever. I probably shouldn't say that - or she'll die.

@baymule - the pic you posted on BYH hit home for sure.

We had the most horriffic tragedy on the farm last week and I don't think my heart will ever heal. We lost Gracie. I've been crying for a week. We lost her because Maddie killed her. They had been living together in the back yard since late last summer without problems. Then about a month ago they had a disagreement. We separated them and there were no other problems. But, I guess Maddie held a grudge. A week ago today I found Gracie motionless in the yard - breathing - but that's about it. When I ran to her she lifted her head and wagged her tail and that was the last movement she was able to make. We rushed her to the vet and he started her on massive doses of steroids and antibiotics. She rallied for a bit, but then went downhill again so we had to make the hardest decision, but the right decision, to let her go. She had brain swelling from being shaken by Maddie. She never had a chance with a dog twice her size and weight who shook her like she was a rat. Brain swelling - or basically "shaken baby syndrome" killed her.

If we're lucky we have a few special dogs in our lives and Gracie was the best I've ever had. I know I can't replace her, but I love the breed so much that I'm on the hunt for another English Shepherd.

Maddie is almost eleven and I see changes in her behavior, her energy level and her patience. She's either going deaf or suffering from cognitive decline or likely - both. Vet says don't ever trust her around another dog. I startled her the other day and she jumped up and snarled at me. She stopped as soon as she knew it was me, but decisions will have to be made at some point.

oh dear, so sad to hear all of this @frustratedearthmother !

 

[wyoDreamer]

@frustratedearthmother My heart hurts for you. Such a sad situation.

My husbands German Shepherd is having vision problems again. About 2 years ago, he went blind. The specialist thinks it was an auto-immune response to something and his body rejected his retinas (?). High steroids and meds for 2 months, then 3 months of reducing steroids and he was fine. Maybe not full vision, but there was no indication that he had reduced vision, so who knows. He is starting to resist going outside at night, which is so unusual for him and the other day he snapped my hand like he thought I had a treat for him, so he obviously is not seeing clearly again.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Thanks ya'll.

@wyoDreamer - that's so sad. Hope there's something that can help him.

Years ago I had a Westie who went blind and deaf. We had retained one of his daughters and they were inseparable. He would go around the yard right behind, and to one side of her, with his nose almost glued to her hip. That worked well for them for a very long time.

 

[baymule]

Oh no! I just want to give you a big hug and cry over Gracie. Wow. Just wow. It’s hard enough to lose your baby, but for another of your babies to kill her is unbearable. I am so sorry. Words are not enough. Losing Gracie and a hard decision on Maddie coming up, double heartbreak. I hurt for you.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Ya'll keep your fingers crossed Even though Gracie can't be replaced I feel like one of the ways to honor her is to continue to support the English Shephard breed. There aren't enough representatives of this wonderful breed around, but I've been on a hunt. I found a breeder in Arkansas and we chatted for a long time. She has a litter due this week - probably tomorrow. We started comparing our dogs and their ancestors and this is the craziest thing. The dog that is due tomorrow is Gracie's half-sister! They have the same sire but different mothers. I am on the list for a pup but there are at least 6 people ahead of me. I'm praying that she has a huge litter! I want one of these pups so badly that I can hardly stand it. I'm afraid to get my hopes up though... I'll have to accept whatever happens.

They'll probably all be tri-colored, but I hope there is a sable in the group. I'd gladly take a tri if there are no sables. I prefer a female - but I'll gladly accept a male. I just want one!