I just got home so I can add to this.....I changed soo many things in my life and house to acommodate Gavin. I re-arranged furniture to make it easier for him to hobble straight down the hallway to his dog bed by the couch and the one by the front door. I made ramps when he started having issues; 1 for the couch, 1 for his chair, and 1 for the bed that included a large platform. All that takes space and time, my bedroom was 1/3 dog ramp. opening the front door led immediately to the couch ramp. If I had visitors, I had to move the couch ramp. I had throw rugs everywhere, yoga mats in the kitchen. I got a dog wheelchair for the beach, a dog stroller for walks, and a dog wagon. All of these take money and space to store them. When he could no longer use the yard on his own, I made a ramp for him and used the ex-pen to funnel Gavin's path, which is not... attractive. I often carried him out to go pee because it was easier and quicker then either his harness or wheelchair. I would lift him onto my bed and off again so he could see me. I would transfer him from dog beds a few times a day because I was moving rooms and wanted him with me without waiting for him to get up.
And just imagine travelling to my Mom's; every night I had to set the motel room with rugs and dog beds, and then go get Gavin (wagon was very useful). I also brought his 4 dog beds, stroller, harness, lots of dog socks and booties, and wheelchair 2000 miles to my Mom's. When I brought him downstairs with me when I worked or exercised, I had to make several trips down the stairs as Gavin needed my full attention to be carried.
I was able to do all this because he was MY ONLY CONCERN. I miss him dreadfully, and regret none of this and would do it all again in a heartbeat, but I fully acknowledge that not being able to do these things does not in any way means someone loves their dog less. And Gavin being a single dog made this possible; another dog would have taken time and attention away from Gavin. Not everyone is in the position (or has time or the resources) to deal with all the things that come with a a dog that has extra needs (I prefer to think as Gavin as mobility challenged). I was fortunate in that Gavin's mobility decreased rather gradually after the initial problem came up, so that changes I made were not all at once but over time.
You are doing so much for Tully. I hope no one compares themselves to me but rather is inspired to try things they wouldn't otherwise thought of doing. My biggest worry if people giving up on their dogs when they have issues instead of trying to help them maintain their best life. You are giving Tully her best life!
