A Jude Update.

[kacaju]

((HUGS)) what a nice story! How nice of her to give you his show pictures!

 

[minkydog]

It was so good of you to take him to see his former family. I'm sure it was good for him and for them. It sounds like things are gradually slowing down for him. I know this has to be hard for you both.

 

[Jennasis]

Hugs, Dawn. Please post some more pics of that beautiful boy if you can.

 

[Jockaroo]

Thank you so much everyone. It is wonderful to be able to share all of this with people who truly understand. There are so many people, even those with dogs that have a "he's just a dog" attitude. Maybe more people should behave "like dogs". They are loving, loyal, appreciative and live in the moment.

For Dawn and Jude:

"It' Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile....because they "just don't understand."

- Anonymous"

You are with people who do understand. Jude remains in my prayers.

 

[DawnCt1]

For Dawn and Jude:

"It' Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile....because they "just don't understand."

- Anonymous"

You are with people who do understand. Jude remains in my prayers.

Thank you for that. It's beautiful. Jude ate well last night. His blood work came back. Even though he has hematuria, his CBC was good. His BUN is starting to creep up, Here are some of the results of Monday's test. The norms are the second two numbers.

ALBUMIN 2.8 2.5 - 4.0 g/dL
�

TOTAL PROTEIN 5.9 5.1 - 7.8 g/dL
�

GLOBULIN 3.1 2.1 - 4.5 g/dL
�

BUN 31 7 - 27 mg/dL
HIGH

CREATININE 1.7 0.4 - 1.8 mg/dL
�

CHOLESTEROL 286 112 - 328 mg/dL
�

CALCIUM 9.7 8.2 - 12.4 mg/dL
�

PHOSPHORUS 3.0 2.1 - 6.3 mg/dL
�

TCO2 (BICARBONATE) 17 17 - 24 mEq/L
�

CHLORIDE 119 105 - 115 mEq/L
HIGH

POTASSIUM

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

I wish I understood those numbers. I cannot tell you if they are good or worrisome.

I do think you are wonderful to share Jude with his first family.

Pixie Dust that you can give Jude great memories everyday forward.

 

[ambgoph]

"It's Just a Dog" was beautiful - thank you for posting that - I printed a copy.

Dawn, glad to hear that Jude is eating & that the CBC was good. I know you will make the holidays extra special for him.

We all "get" that Jude is more than just a dog. Please continue to keep us posted.

 

[DawnCt1]

I wish I understood those numbers. I cannot tell you if they are good or worrisome.

I do think you are wonderful to share Jude with his first family.

Pixie Dust that you can give Jude great memories everyday forward.

She called last night. She said that both her DH and her were very touched that I brought Jude and they were thrilled that he remembered the house, where the food was stored, and gave them so many kisses. She could see that he was happy and that I gave him a better life than she could have with so much on her plate. (Jude is an only child here ) I told her that I was really anxious that when it was time to go home that he would want to stay and was relieved when he picked up his toy and "said", "lets go". I feel like I have some resolution here. One of my DSs said "Don't get another dog from her, they die". The reality is, dogs do die, often all too quickly but it was bad luck, not the line nor the breed. We got Jude in his later years; he was 8. We have had him for more than three years. When DS said that, it helped me to put things into perspective. I would rather spend 3 years with a gentle, sweet, perfect dog, than 15 years with the dog from hell. Its been an honor to care for Jude and I hope one day she will offer me another "older" dog to love.

 

[DawnCt1]

Jude still likes being outside for a short time.

 

[MerMom60_94]

..... One of my DSs said "Don't get another dog from her, they die". The reality is, dogs do die, often all too quickly but it was bad luck, not the line nor the breed. We got Jude in his later years; he was 8. We have had him for more than three years. When DS said that, it helped me to put things into perspective. I would rather spend 3 years with a gentle, sweet, perfect dog, than 15 years with the dog from hell. .....

To this I say AMEN!!!! I agree it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.

Dawn, you are a good DogMom to Jude and he is lucky to have landed in not one, but two homes in his lifetime where he was truly loved and cared for. I am sorry you are going through this. I can't wait to get home so I can see the new pictures you just posted (can't view them at work).

 

[disney1990]

Dawn -

It's only been a couple years since our DD's family lost their golden retriever. They didn't get a chance to say goodbye. They just woke up one morning and he was gone. My DD just told me yesterday how she still cries when she thinks about what a great dog is was.

How nice of you to take Jude back to see his original owners. Sitting here with tears. He looks so good in his pictures; he has such a wonderful family. Thank you for sharing Jude's story with everybody.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The years do go by too fast in the life of a dog. My girl will be 6 on her next birthday which is hard to believe. I got her during my cancer treatment so it's bittersweet - I'm happy to keep having birthdays myself but I'd like hers to slow down a bit.

FWIW, dogs the size of ours' live to about 12 or so, give or take a little. My first two dogs passed early due to acute situations (~7 to 8) but of the last three that lived out their lives, two passed at 11 and one made it to 13 1/2 but had a lot of health problems during the last two years.

I do think that losing them is the hardest part of pet ownership, especially when there's a health decline and you need to make the dreaded decision. I hope it helps you to know that so many of us have been in the position you're in now. I'm sorry it's happening this time of year, but it sounds like you're doing a good job of spoiling him (which is one of the few times I advocate that, lol) and doing what's best for him. He is a very fortunate dog.

You hang in there. PS labs aren't too bad, what were his BUN/Creat to start? (Cholesterol's a little high - easy on the pork roast. )

 

[agnes!]

Thank you so much everyone. It is wonderful to be able to share all of this with people who truly understand. There are so many people, even those with dogs that have a "he's just a dog" attitude. Maybe more people should behave "like dogs". They are loving, loyal, appreciative and live in the moment.

Yeah, a pet will never stab you in the back or spread gossip. They don't judge or complain...they just love their people. They don't look at their families' "status" the way the world does. It doesn't matter if you're a king or a pauper, to your pet - your cat, your dog and all their brethren - you are the world.

And when we feel like we don't matter, it's nice to come home to something that says we *do*.
agnes!

 

[DawnCt1]

The years do go by too fast in the life of a dog. My girl will be 6 on her next birthday which is hard to believe. I got her during my cancer treatment so it's bittersweet - I'm happy to keep having birthdays myself but I'd like hers to slow down a bit.

FWIW, dogs the size of ours' live to about 12 or so, give or take a little. My first two dogs passed early due to acute situations (~7 to 8) but of the last three that lived out their lives, two passed at 11 and one made it to 13 1/2 but had a lot of health problems during the last two years.

I do think that losing them is the hardest part of pet ownership, especially when there's a health decline and you need to make the dreaded decision. I hope it helps you to know that so many of us have been in the position you're in now. I'm sorry it's happening this time of year, but it sounds like you're doing a good job of spoiling him (which is one of the few times I advocate that, lol) and doing what's best for him. He is a very fortunate dog.

You hang in there. PS labs aren't too bad, what were his BUN/Creat to start? (Cholesterol's a little high - easy on the pork roast. )

I don't have his lab work when he first got sick and the local vet decided it was a UTI without even doing a rectal exam. But at the time everything was within normal limits. I think his BUN was 27 or 28 and I remember thinking that I wished it was in the "middle". That was about 3 weeks ago. The only time that I have ever had to make the "decision" was when our 14 year old golden bloated and was in shock when I got home. It was an irreversible condition and death would have been within a couple of hours or less. Annie became acutely ill from aspiration pneumonia, secondary to mega esophagas. She got bad during the night at the vet. I got to the vet to see her, she leaned back and died in my arms on her own. She waited for me. Chelsea was 16 and a half. Lived a good life for a toy poodle, was senile and she just slowed down and died in our arms. She wasn't suffering and we didn't want to frighten her with an injection. She hated shots, the vet, etc. I know I will have to make the decision with Jude. Its inevitable. I hope I have the strength and the wisdom to do the right thing.

 

[locolala]

Dawn, I think you are a wonderful mommy to your pup. I wish all people owned by pets were half as responsible as you.. you're an amazing mommy. Jude is so lucky to have a family like yours, and I know he's thankful for every single moment he has with you. I know that he wishes he wasn't hurting you by being sick and that he loves you with all he has. Many, many hugs to you and your family. Keep that puppy snuggled close and spoiled, we'll be thinking about you over here.

 

[kirbydog48]

I don't have his lab work when he first got sick and the local vet decided it was a UTI without even doing a rectal exam. But at the time everything was within normal limits. I think his BUN was 27 or 28 and I remember thinking that I wished it was in the "middle". That was about 3 weeks ago. The only time that I have ever had to make the "decision" was when our 14 year old golden bloated and was in shock when I got home. It was an irreversible condition and death would have been within a couple of hours or less. Annie became acutely ill from aspiration pneumonia, secondary to mega esophagas. She got bad during the night at the vet. I got to the vet to see her, she leaned back and died in my arms on her own. She waited for me. Chelsea was 16 and a half. Lived a good life for a toy poodle, was senile and she just slowed down and died in our arms. She wasn't suffering and we didn't want to frighten her with an injection. She hated shots, the vet, etc. I know I will have to make the decision with Jude. Its inevitable. I hope I have the strength and the wisdom to do the right thing.

I don't think you have to worry about that. You seem very in tune with him, and he will let you know. He sure looks great, which must make it even harder. He is so lucky to be part of your family and have so much love. So sorry you have to go through this.

 

[Magic Mom]

I'm so sorry Dawn.

 

[Lanshark]

It is a unfortunate fact that our animal companions don't live as long as we'd like them to. Fortunately, for those willing to go through the heartbreak of losing them too soon, they give us much more than they take

It sounds as if you're enjoying every moment you have with him.

 

[momrek06]

Dawn, to you and your family.

 

[Holly]

Dawn


Prayers for your sweet guy.