Brooke update

I think it can be more challenging than caretaking for a sick person. There is no family leave, (most)people don't understand the time and emotion involved, (most)people don't understand why you are doing it. You get less support (physical and emotional) from many of the people in your life.

So, please, use us and vent here!
 
Cindy said:
I think it can be more challenging than caretaking for a sick person. There is no family leave, (most)people don't understand the time and emotion involved, (most)people don't understand why you are doing it. You get less support (physical and emotional) from many of the people in your life.

So, please, use us and vent here!
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So true, you summed it up exactly.
 
I have some super long threads on Gavin's leg issues on here; I know people here will care and listen when most other people are sick and tired of hearing about it.

Brooke is lucky to have you as a Mom, and we are here for you!!!!
You went and borrowed a dog stroller for her, and take her out with your other dogs. And I know it isn't easy to do that; a dog stroller can be a handful with just the dog inside (they are not light!). That with walking other dogs on leash can be a real workout!
 
Brooke is not only back to normal, she is about 150% !!! Turning her circles, barking, poking us with her nose when dinner is not fast enough in arriving, excited and joyful in life. We could not be happier about that. Every once in a while I break down in tears knowing it won't last, I am such a worrier by nature, but I am trying very hard to live in the moment. We feel OK now about leaving her for a couple of hours or so - to run errands, groceries, go to the gym etc. Life is almost normal.

Our vet really wanted us to wrap her in cotton wool, so to speak, and not let her get excited, do exertion, etc. Well, we got the stroller to facilitate taking her with us for the family walks which is working out well. We let her walk a bit, and yesterday she was trotting right along, happy as a clam! Then she jumped OUT of the stroller at one point, impatient to catch up with Faith and Eli who were ahead with my husband, I about had a heart attack. There is a small leash type attachment but I did not have it on her collar. I know a harness would be safest to belt her in, but she can't have pressure on her abdomen. We will try and rig something up today to be safer. Luckily, it did not hurt anything or start more internal bleeding. I can't really zip up the cover because it's a bit small, so when she lies down her chin is resting on the outside rim.

I guess my point is, we have to choose for her what life she now leads, and we've decided, rather than deny her all the things she enjoys doing, we will concentrate more on the quality and allowing her to move about, within reason. After all, I can't control everything - if someone knocks on the door, she is GOING TO bark, spin and get excited. I can't have a panic attack about it all the time. We think she'd rather live now even if it's shorter, than do nothing and be kept quiet and still all the time. I know it's the decision I'd make about myself.

So hard knowing if you are doing the right thing but we think we are. She sure is one tough little dog who is surely not ready to leave us just yet. :fl

And, my hubby made popcorn especially for her last night. :biggrin2:
 
She sounds like she is having a blast. Gavin never tries to get out of his stroller; he is happy just chilling out even when dogs come up to him!
popcorn..yummy...
 
I have to say, Sharon, you have the right outlook. As hard as it is for us worry warts, we know it is best to live in the moment and our dogs teach us that! So glad she is feeling so well.
 
Sharon, I am with you 100%. Brooke needs to live life to the fullest and squeeze every moment of joy she can out of each day. We never do know what the future will bring, so living each day as fully as possible is really all that counts. WTG, Brooke!!!!!!!!!! :)

Trini
 
Sharon, I think you are spot on in your treatment! Brooke doesn't know she's sick, I think it's one of the gifts dogs are given since they have so little time with us even in the best of circumstances. I'm so happy to hear she's enjoying life, but I know how hard it is for you. It's wonderful that she's happy and pain-free. Enjoy it!
 
Sharon, I think your plan is perfect. Let her enjoy whatever time she has left and live it to the fullest. Not only will she be happier, you will be less stressed trying to manage every little thing.

So glad she is feeling good. Hope she continues to have many more good weeks and months.
 
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