December 13, 2010
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JOSIE, A LOVE STORY!
Our big, sweet Josie is starting to fail after giving us years of joy and love. I brought her home on Christmas Eve twelve years ago when she was just six weeks old. She is the best Christmas present I’ve ever gotten.She’s slowly losing the use of her hind legs and she’s starting to gag for no apparent reason, like she’s trying to cough . The vet says that the gagging is an indication that she has fluid and congestion building around her heart and lungs.
Her hind leg problems are just a symptom of what most large dogs eventually suffer from and she’s no exception. She has trouble getting up stairs and seems to almost pull herself up with the strength of her front legs. Sometimes her back legs stumble and she slides back down the stairs.She hasn’t lost that loving sparkle in her eyes and still has a good appetite. Even though she eats well, she’s down to about 110 pounds. I think she eats well because the little dog will get it if she leaves something in her bowl. (We call Libby the little dog even though she weighs 80 plus pounds.)
Why do the good things in your life never seem to last long enough?
Comments (4)
Oh no! I’m so sorry! She is so beautiful. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her through your posts.
She is very lucky to have had you in her life. I hope she feels okay and that you can enjoy each other for longer than expected. Give her a scratch under the chin from me.
Oh, damn. That’s so sad. I agree with the vet on the coughing… probably congestive heart failure. :(
We disagree (quite strongly, lol) on a lot of things, but have common ground, too… like this… know that reading this makes my heart hurt for you & for Josie.
Yes , why ? and especially for the dogs who m life is too short . i had only one dog on my own in my life . She was the companion of my 6 children then she goes away .What a sadness !
In friendship
Michel
Sad to hear about Josie..always sad for owners rather than pets, who, in the main, do seem to live out their allotted spans probably better than we do, because of the better exercise and loving care. I can sympathise about her legs- my hind legs are a bit wobbly these days !
I do hope she gives you all at least one more loving Christmas, Paul.