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Newfoundlands => Newfoundland Discussions => : BarkleysMum May 07, 2006, 05:28:59 PM
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Had our usual vet visit on Friday evening. The increased prednozone is helping the glands to maintain their size now but didn't shrink them this week. :-\
His appetite is still very large, but his muscle mass is really going. The prednozone has that effect on the muscles. We have to help him to get his hind quarters up off the floor now ... we've always had rubber runners and rubber backed mats for him, but now even those don't help. Once he's up, he's fine ... it's just the getting up.
And last night he had an bowel accident in the basement overnight. God bless him ... he's so considerate. He goes to the blanket and does it there so it's not hard to scoop out of the house.
This might sound crazy but I had said to him in the very early days of this diagnosis to give me kisses on the face when he felt it was time. Barkley has never been a kisser. Last night he gave me a little lick on the face when we were laying on the rug.
Please tell me this is just a bad day. My heart is heavy today looking at him. :'(
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Myself and Angus send all our best wishes to you and Barkley. I hope he starts feeling and has a good day today.
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:'( Thank you so much for keeping us posted, I was thinking about you two this past weekend.. Your both in our thoughts and prayers
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The two of you were on my mind and thus in my prayers a lot yesterday. I'm so sorry to hear that he seems to be worsening! As hard as it is, it does sound like the time is really drawing near. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers that it would be clear to you that he is either improving to hold on longer or that you know that it is time.
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I am so sorry. I do hope he has a good day today.
Lisa
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I am very sorry to hear about Barkley not feeling so well. Maybe the kiss was his way of telling you. As sad as it is - what an amazing animal for letting you know just as you asked him too. I truly do believe in that kind of thing - you do not sound crazy at all!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Barkley :-*
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I'm so sorry he's having a hard time. You are in my thoughts often since I lost my last dog to Canine Lymphoma so I know a lot of what you're going through and I remember how hard it was. The one thing I can say, and maybe others will have different experiences, when it is time you will just know. For me it was a feeling in my gut and it was so powerful I had no doubts about it at all and never have. Watch his eyes. For me, that's how my Kerry let me know. Something just went out of them and I just knew it was time to let him go. Barkley will let you know when he is ready, have faith in that. You are in my thoughts and prayers, I'm hoping so hard that he has a better day today. Hugs and slobbery Sadie kisses to you and your boy.
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My heart goes out to you and Barkley. We went through this two years ago and it's not an easy road. Hope Barkley has some very good days. Let that boy do and eat anything he want's to. Give him chocolate, sweets anything his big ole heart desires.
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You and Barkley are in our thoughts. I hope he has a good day today. We're sending good thoughts and prayers.
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I'm very sorry that Barkley is not doing well. How is his personality does he appear to be in pain, or annoyed with himself? I agree with MomtoSadie - at the right point I think we just know what we need to do for our beloved friends.
Barkley and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts today.
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I am so sorry to read about Barkley. It is such a hard thing for us to see them failing. I hope he was just having a bad day.
Someone on one of my Lab lists always tells people that it is better to be a day to early than a day to late. I'm sure you will see his signs when he is ready and we will be here for you when that time comes.
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I'm very sorry that Barkley is not doing well. How is his personality does he appear to be in pain, or annoyed with himself? I agree with MomtoSadie - at the right point I think we just know what we need to do for our beloved friends.Â
Barkley and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts today.
His personality is still his same old goofy self! He doesn't appear to be in any pain, although he's also very very stoic (sp?) so sometimes it's hard to tell. That's why I take him to the vet every week. I want to be sure that I'm not just getting used to seeing him and starting to overlook signs.
His eyes are still bright and good. It's coming near the end, I know, but I don't think we're right there yet. Oh today is just a bad bad day for me (I'm at work....he's home basking in the sunshine) I know. I think my heart is getting ready. My husband is still completely in denial about the whole thing. You guys are amazing ... thank you all.
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*hugz* to you and Barkley . I had a Siberian Husky for 6 years , he became so sick with Chronic Pneumonia and Chronic Bronchitus , that we were in your shoes . Although he was so sick , we had him on meds , etc ... Ack , I'm getting all choked up now . What I'm trying to say is , I was so scared to make him suffer but at the same time I most definetaly didn't want to make the choice too soon , but there was just one day when I just knew . He didn't want to go outside , he just layed by himself , that sparkle was gone from his eye .
I am not trying to depress you , I just want you to know that you WILL know when it's time . Barkley will let you know . And if you're still having second thoughts , come on here and everyone will help back you up , k ? We love you two !
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I just got back from being gone for two weeks... and I can't tell how many times I wondered about you and Barkley. I'm sorry he's starting to slide!! I agree with everybody else that you will just know when it is time; but it is just so d**n hard to lose someone you love SO much. Please know how much we care and are with you all the way!
Hugs and drools to you and Barkley!!!
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:'(
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Thank you for the update, its hard to read but its nice to at the same time. I hope to keep getting these Barkley updates and will be thinking about you both. Tim & Kali
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I'm so sorry to hear that he's not doing so well. They never do lose their love of living as long as they're with us, do they? My Benny didn't. He was so brave. I'll be praying for you, your husband, and Barkley, please know that. Hugs and slobbers from the girls too!
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Yesterday and last night weren't good ones for Barkley. His right front paw appears to have swelled and he's favouring it a lot. It appears to be giving him some pain as he winces when it is touched - just slightly. Knowing his threshold for pain, that's not good at all.
He had another bm in the basement last night ... mid evening too. He made it through the night no problem.
I think we are going to have to make the appointment in the next few days. As selfish as this sounds, I just need to make sure the timing is right. My husband and I both agreed yesterday that once we have the time set, we're going to cook him up a great big old t-bone steak, and give him all the treats he hasn't been allowed to have over the last few months. He's not picky - he loves apples and carrots, and grapes. He's never had a piece of chocolate in his life. He's going to go out with a full belly and in style .... knowing he is loved!
I'm going to take him in to get that paw checked today. I'll keep you posted, but I expect you'll hear we've made the decision in a day or two.
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I'm so sorry. :'(
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Oh I am so so sorry :'( I am praying for you right now .
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I'm so sorry to hear that he is getting worse. You have done all you can for him and you should feel very good about that.
Hugs to him, we will be thinking of you.
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I'm so sorry that you feel like it's almost time. So sad for you. I love your idea of giving him all the treats he was never allowed to have though. It's a great idea. That's the way I'd want to go out too. Full stomach and surrounded by the people who love me. Love and hugs to you from me and my crew. Please keep us posted. :'(
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I'm so sorry he hasn't been doing well. The decision is always hard and you've had 7 good weeks with him which is always something to be happy about. I'm sorry you have to make the decision and remember we're all here for you.
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I love the idea of giving Barkley every good thing that he loves. Lucille, our female Newf, went out with chocolate frosting on her muzzle from the HUGE piece of chocolate cake that the vet gave her. As hard as I was crying, I still think it was the very best way to go....with all those who loved her with her and chocolate on her face. It's the way I'd want to go too....but with a martini on the side!!!
We are with you no matter what!!! We all know how hard this time is and you have our complete love and support! :'( :'( :'(
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It is such a hard road you are on right now. When we had Katie laid to rest last May. We made her a big ol stake potatoes gravy and the works. That was part of a way for us to say thank you for being such a loyal and loving friend. We will be thinking of you. :)
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:'( I haven't been on in awhile and I'm so sorry to hear about Barkley. My thoughts are with you.
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:'( :'( :'( Give him an extra hug from us. I told "Rosie" who is at the bridge to get ready to welcome a very special boy.
Lisa
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Update on our visit to the vet:
He had a temp, and his right leg was indeed swollen. She said due to the large doze of prednozone that he is on, it could be that he's contracted an infection of some sort and just has nothing with which to fight it. She said the temp was almost a good sign, although his paw and leg was also cool to the touch, which could be a sign of poor circulation and drainage ... which could result in a cardio event of some sort. She gave him a shot of antibiotic and we came home for the night.
He didn't move all night. Wouldn't eat his dog food supper, but lapped up the chicken and rice I cooked for him. Lay on the basement floor and didn't get up to go to the bathroom .... we had to physically lift him up and make him go out at one point.
My husband and I pretty much made the decision that we would spend today with him, and make the appointment for this evening. Our vet can't even talk to us about it without crying - I don't know how we're all going to get through this!
He slept through the night (I slept downstairs with him) - no messes in the house. And then of course this morning....he's frigging rallied! He ate what was left of yesterday's dog food supper, scarfed down another bowl of chicken and rice, went outside to pee (still hasn't had a bm since yesterday afternoon though) and came upstairs in the computer room to hang out with me. My husband decided to go into work, and I'm off today to hang out with Barkley.
Darn this is so hard! Maybe he's feeling better because he knows he's going to be out of pain soon ... I don't know. But now that he's rallied, I almost feel like it's not right to follow through with making the appointment for this evening.
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Sniffle... I know that this is a really hard time and a really hard decision for you.. I can understand that torn feeling that you have right now. I know your taking advantage of every moment that you have with him. Were praying for a great day w/ Barkley and help with your decision.
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Sounds like he is giving you a gift of today with his mommy.
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 And then of course this morning....he's frigging rallied! He ate what was left of yesterday's dog food supper, scarfed down another bowl of chicken and rice, went outside to pee (still hasn't had a bm since yesterday afternoon though) and came upstairs in the computer room to hang out with me. My husband decided to go into work, and I'm off today to hang out with Barkley.
Darn this is so hard! Maybe he's feeling better because he knows he's going to be out of pain soon ... I don't know. But now that he's rallied, I almost feel like it's not right to follow through with making the appointment for this evening.
I can so relate to what you are going through. 3 years ago to almost the day, we were going through this with a 5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog. We were told he only had a week or so to live. After having a bad day, we had made an appointment for that evening. Once we got to the vet he perked up, grabbed his leash and started tugging me back to the door. There was no way i could go through with it that evening and went back home with him. The next day he was even worse so we made the appointmnet again. He didn't make it to his appointment time and passed away at home. To this day i'm not sure if i did the right thing by bringing him back home, but at the time i felt that is what he wanted me to do.
I know how hard this must be for you and your family right now and wish there was something I could do or say to make it better. You and Barkley are in our thoughts.
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I can so relate to what you are going through. 3 years ago to almost the day, we were going through this with a 5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog. We were told he only had a week or so to live. After having a bad day, we had made an appointment for that evening. Once we got to the vet he perked up, grabbed his leash and started tugging me back to the door. There was no way i could go through with it that evening and went back home with him. The next day he was even worse so we made the appointmnet again. He didn't make it to his appointment time and passed away at home. To this day i'm not sure if i did the right thing by bringing him back home, but at the time i felt that is what he wanted me to do.
I know how hard this must be for you and your family right now and wish there was something I could do or say to make it better. You and Barkley are in our thoughts.
Of course you did the right thing -
Barley will know that you always did the right thing for him also, he is very lucky to have such a loving family and of course in return you are lucky to have him in your life. Whatever your decision, just know that Barkley loves you and knows you will do what is right for him. Enjoy your day with him.
Thinking of you often today.
Randy & Harley (and Stoli who is playing at the bridge)
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Further update:
There will be no visit to the vet tonight for Mr. Barkley! He has perked right up! I stopped into the vets today, and described how he was doing. She believes that he had contracted some sort of infection which the antibiotic is dealing with....so we got two more days worth of that pill and home we came! I picked up a great deal on chicken today, and am still planning to treat him up the next few days. He's really doing well though ... and I'm not just fooling myself now. I can see a marked difference in him, and the swelling has even gone down in his leg.
Thanks again for all the support in the last 24 hours. I know the day is coming ... but we've staved it off for one more day and it's ok ... he's not suffering! Yay Barkley!
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Oh , God bless his sweet heart !!!! I'm so happy ya'll have more time together ! My old horse Speedo has good days and bad and sometimes I have a hard time telling if it's time or not , but like Barkley yesterday he perked right up and I thanked God for another day of horsey kisses !
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That is the BEST news of the day! I am thrilled for you and Barkley!
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Great news....very glad to hear! Enjoy your Mother's Day with your special boy.
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OOOH YAH!! you go with your bad self barkley!! he just wants to give his mommy the best mothers day present ever!!
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;D Great news, hope today is a fun day for you and Barkley.
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YAY Barkley, what great news! ;D
Oh, how awesome, I'm so happy for you! Enjoy your beautiful time with Barkley. Try not to think about "that time" (I know - easier said than done), but enjoy your time with him, I'm sure he'll appreciate it ;) :-*
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How is Barkley today? I am just catching up & was so happy to hear that he is doing so much better! That is such wonderful news! :)
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How is Barkley today? I am just catching up & was so happy to hear that he is doing so much better! That is such wonderful news! :)
So last night (Friday), my husband and the two kids took Barkley and Sheba up to the ball field while I was out at a meeting. I am told, this morning, that he had a good walk up to the field and then became indignant when the usual game of toss and fetch wasn't being played. Indignant enough that he interrupted the human game of ball by snatching said ball and, although not quite a full gallop, certainly loped away with it. My husband tells me that a low key game of toss and fetch, with Barkley deciding when it was time to lay down and simply chew on the ball, took place.
He is in great spirits this morning, and had a completely non-eventful overnight. No mess ... great sleep ... devoured his breakfast (chicken, rice, cottage cheese, canned and kibble dog food mix....yuck) and is presently resting comfortably on the back deck after a love-in session with our 8 year old.
This dog is amazing me.
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How is Barkley today? I am just catching up & was so happy to hear that he is doing so much better! That is such wonderful news! :)
So last night (Friday), my husband and the two kids took Barkley and Sheba up to the ball field while I was out at a meeting. I am told, this morning, that he had a good walk up to the field and then became indignant when the usual game of toss and fetch wasn't being played. Indignant enough that he interrupted the human game of ball by snatching said ball and, although not quite a full gallop, certainly loped away with it. My husband tells me that a low key game of toss and fetch, with Barkley deciding when it was time to lay down and simply chew on the ball, took place.
He is in great spirits this morning, and had a completely non-eventful overnight. No mess ... great sleep ... devoured his breakfast (chicken, rice, cottage cheese, canned and kibble dog food mix....yuck) and is presently resting comfortably on the back deck after a love-in session with our 8 year old.
This dog is amazing me.
Go Barkley!!! That's great! I'm so happy you're getting to have these good times with him. Barkley sounds like Superdog!!! :)
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I'm so happy Barkley is doing better for now!...Right now every day counts!...I am currently going through the same kind of thing with one of my much loved feline babies...I had an appointment yesterday to take him in & see if the vet thought it was time & yesterday morning he was chasing my foster kittens all around the house & up the cat trees!...I canceled the appointment... I wasn't going to ruin his good day by dragging him into the vet...I am doing the same thing you are right now...Taking it one day at a time but it is so very hard...My thoughts & prayers are with you & Barkley...God bless all of you there.
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Awww, well were cery happy that Barkely is good.. Fumble just listened to your story! Hope you enjoy your weekend with your angel!
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This dog is amazing me.
....and me too! He really is an incredible guy! Please enjoy every second...and keep sharing with us how he's doing! I LOVE it that he's decided to hang around longer!!!