Gavin's dotage

[Cindy]

Gavin has been pretty spunky this week. He loves his new job cleaning the recycling dishes!
But he still falls down while pooping.
If he goes outsides and doesn't come back in within a minute or two, I have to go outside and check on him.
If he isn't chilling on his outside dog bed or sniffing around, he is often times laying down in the yard after falling down while pooping.
Some days are better than other, but it is still a regular occurrence. something that was really rare before Christmas. I'm just used to it now. sigh....

When I take him for a poop walk, we use a full harness that allows me to keep his rear end from falling down (its not a rear harness, it seems all he needs is enough pressure to keep his midsection from dipping down due to his gait) and that helps. it's only when he has to go before I realize he needs to poop and not just pee that he uses the back yard.

 

[Sharon7]

It's difficult watching them struggle with just the basics of everyday life, but you are doing a wonderful job of coping with any issues Gavin has. He's a super guy and you are a super mom!

 

[Piper's mom]

I can understand how difficult it must be for you to see Gavin having difficulties Cindy and poor Gavin mustn’t like it either. My dogs hate having a poopy bum and are always full of energy and happy after I clean them off. I’m sure Gavin appreciates all you do for him as well.

 

[Cindy]

thankfully, poopy bum and poop on his legs/feet issues have decreased. I think we are in a state of equilibrium. things are stabilizing, and we are adjusting. the best way for him to poop is on his flagline harness with me standing right next to him so he can't keep circling (and hence can't step in his poop or get tripped up). he loves going through the recycling. He has figured out I am OK with it, so at all hours he will go over and gently pick up a container or two. sometimes he gets impatient and tips it over

 

[Piper's mom]

thankfully, poopy bum and poop on his legs/feet issues have decreased. I think we are in a state of equilibrium. things are stabilizing, and we are adjusting. the best way for him to poop is on his flagline harness with me standing right next to him so he can't keep circling (and hence can't step in his poop or get tripped up). he loves going through the recycling. He has figured out I am OK with it, so at all hours he will go over and gently pick up a container or two. sometimes he gets impatient and tips it over

Kinda like me letting Blueberry clean the dirty dishes in the dishwasher...she enjoys it so much and I figure they’re already dirty. Now clean dishes I have to draw the line lol.
Gavin helps you out by cleaning the recycling, you save water by not rinsing it off!

 

[Ann]

I love that, Cindy! It makes me smile reading about Gavin and the recycling. The seniors have to have their special things. It's like Checkers getting a half piece of toast every night before bed. I cut it in three pieces since she can't chew well and heaven help me if I forget a piece or miss the time I'm supposed to start doling it out. At this age, whatever makes her happy makes me happy.

 

[Cindy]

anything for my little old man.
today was the dog park overlooking the bluffs near SF. was raining earlier so not many people.
but one of Gavin's dog friends has a tumor on her cheek and gumline and it doesn't look good.
So we want Abby to have as much fun happy time as she can.

 

[Piper's mom]

anything for my little old man.
today was the dog park overlooking the bluffs near SF. was raining earlier so not many people.
but one of Gavin's dog friends has a tumor on her cheek and gumline and it doesn't look good.
So we want Abby to have as much fun happy time as she can.

Glad Gavin had a good time, a rainy day is better that hot and sunny for a Sheltie lol!
I’m so sorry about your friends dog, far too many dogs getting cancer!

 

[Cindy]

yeah.. fast growing, came on quick. It's maybe golf ball sized now.
vet was not optimistic.

Gavin's cancer tumors were both removed when they were pea sized.
Gavin's largest tumor (of many, probably lipomas) is lemon sized but seems stable. it's the hip of his good rear leg, so I can't even imagine what recovery would be like if I was crazy enough to do surgery. at 16 years old, what are you gonna do?
I did have his cauliflower tumor removed last year, that was easy and they just did a local cause it was mostly external.

 

[Caro]

So Gavin has done better this week than last (I blame his beach visit 2 weekends ago on his slight regression).
He is regularly cleanView attachment 18843 View attachment 18844 ing the recycling. and begging while I am eating my dinner.
still no visits into my bathroom while I showering (that means he is doing really well).
So the question is, beach or not this weekend?

Ok, that's hilarious. Not only because the vista of a senior poking through the recycling is something I'm always being greeted with - but I even have that same recycling bin!