Saturday, March 13, 2010

A Long Night With Cowboy

It's my usual time to get up, but I feel as if I've not had any sleep at all.

You may recall back in February I told you about our senior boy, Cowboy who we think is about 13-14 years old. He came to us 2 years ago from a shelter in West Virginia--You can read more about him and his story of rescue here: http://lifeatgoldenpines.blogspot.com/2010/02/our-valentines-day-gift.html

Yesterday morning we noticed that Cowboy was not his usual self. When we were out for our morning walk, he only walked around a little bit. There was none of his continual tail wagging or barking, there was none of his usual rolling in the grass either. When he came back in, he laid down in the kitchen. He didn't get up for his breakfast, so I fed him in that spot. Thinking that the rain and the return of the cold weather was bothering his arthritis Carl and I both went off to work--Of course I worried about him the entire time. When I got home, Cowboy was still in the same place as he was when I left in the morning. When I let the other dogs out, Cowboy tried, but couldn't get up. I stood him up, but he's unable to walk without being steadied on his feet. I made him a dinner of "chicken-soup" with rice, which he ate. We then helped him out, and put him on a dog bed where he's stayed. Cowboy sleeps in our room and I got up several times during the night to check on him and anytime there was any noise I woke up. He did get sick once during the night...His feet and ears are nice and warm, his gum color is good, and he's alert...

Of course it goes without saying that I really love this goofy old boy and I'm really worried. I don't know what all this means, and my hope is that he'll snap out of it. But of course my head is telling that he is an old dog that's had a long life and his time to leave us may be near--but my heart is not ready to let him go, he practically just got here.

I hope you'll keep him in your prayers...

13 comments:

  1. Oh no :( We are so sad reading this. Cowboy, we hope you are okay. We love you buddy!! We are thinking of you Kim, and can only imagine how worried you are :(

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  2. Kim,
    I will say a pray for you and cowboy.
    I truly hope he will be ok.
    Hugs being sent your way.

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  3. So sorry to read about Cowboy. I know you will keep him comfortable and give him lots of hugs to let him know how much he is loved by your family!

    Liz

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  4. So sorry,poor Cowboy.I feel for you so much,having been through the same thing with our first golden.I think you will know in your heart when the time is right to say goodbye...I hope his tail keeps wagging for a long time yet!

    Bellaboo :o)

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  5. Oh my goodness Kim--I am so sorry that Cowboy is not feeling well. It is so hard when one of our beloved companions are sick. It is difficult to know what to do to comfort them. I am sure Cowboy is comforted just by feeling the love you have for him. I will be thinking of all of you today. Sending lots of hugs your way today...
    xoxo
    Mimi~

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  6. Here's a big smooch for Cowboy on his kissable muzzle. xxxxxxxxxxx -Sometimes they just get tired when they are that age. Their precious minds are telling them they are happy, but the message just doesn't get to their tail. You just know he is grateful and happy to have such a wonderful pack. Always brave, always there for us. Lady and I will pray for your boy.

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  7. Despite your tiredness and angst, your love is so prevalent! It is so hard with these precious, aging pooches. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you and Cowboy! Lots of strength to you!
    With love
    YOUR FRIENDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  8. Dear Cowboy, You are in our prayers and we sure hope you rally. We know your pack is taking the very best care of you.
    Love and Cuddles ,
    C-pup

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  9. We will say a prayer for him - and for you.

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  10. Oh no! We are all thinking of you and of Cowboy. Having an ill pet can be such a worrying time. :-(

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  11. I'm so sorry Cowboy has had this happen. I know how hard it is on you to see him this way. We are never ready to say goodbye. He is loved so much and you have given him a wonderful home and life. I hope he improves quickly. Hugs to you.

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  12. Ms. Kim,
    Our mom and dad know what you are feeling. That is a price you rescuer must pay to be able to give us senior rescue our best golden years. We'll all pray for Cowboy to get better and turn the good vibe machine on to full blast. We know that you'll give Cowboy the best care that you can. He has undoubtedly had at least two happy years in a loving home and the time before that doesn't really matter as there is nothing that you would change about the life that he has had with you. The good times always outweigh the bad times. Mom and dad endure the pain of losing a member, like Chance, Rusty, Penny, Gordon or Old Bear Dog and think they can't do it again but then they learn of yet another senior Golden in need of a home and start all over again. What is life when not shared with a senior Golden in need of love and willing to give you all of his.
    - TBH&K

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!