Friday, October 8, 2010

Update on Old Sam

To start off my day, I see that blogger has once again seen fit to change the dashboard...Or is mine the only one that has changed?  I can no longer see all the new posts from the blogs I stalk--Only a few of them.  I'm wondering how I can go back and read blogs that posted yesterday that I didn't get the chance to look at last evening--Is there a way to get back to the "old dashboard" that showed updates on blogs for several days and NOT just hours?  I really hate change, especially at times like this.  
Sam remains unchanged, there is still a lot of blood mixed in with his urine and he has become almost totally incontinent.  (I've put a "male wrap" on him to help keep him clean).  But this morning he was still laying in the same place as he was last night when I went to bed.  I did get up and check on him several times, and he was very quiet and sleeping.  Quite a change from the night before.

The other dogs have all been very sweet around him.  I've noticed our boy Sam, Charlie and a few others laying by him.  And when I've knelt down to talk to him (and change him) I've noticed more than once several of them standing behind me looking on...They know...

Yesterday I decided that I should e-mail Patti, Doris's daughter, and let her know about Sam and tell her that if she wanted her Mother to be able to see Sam, that it needed to happen in the next day or so.  Patti responded back to me that her Mom had spent the day at her house and had wanted her to call me.  Apparently Doris, who is still very much missing Sam has been worried about him and felt that he may not be doing well--How did she know?  Actually, I know how she does...But Patti felt that there was something to that and didn't make the call.  I assured Patti that if they'd called I would never have told Doris how Sam was without telling her first--I'd never want to upset Doris.  Patti said she was going to have to think about it--I hope she doesn't think about it too long.  I've decided that with Sam's not eating and drinking very little water, and having trouble standing on his own, I cannot and won't let him continue, there is now no quality of life for him, and I think he feels miserable.  I made an appointment with the vet for Saturday morning--I will change that if Patti decides that she would like Doris to see him.  

UPDATE:  I just heard from Patti, she wants me to bring Sam to see Doris on Saturday...

39 comments:

  1. tough times Kim....hang in there and i know you will do what is best for old Sam.....
    xoxo

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  2. Hello Kim
    Thanks for popping in and for your Welcome Home - we've been back nearly a week now and I'm still not really functioning 100% Hopefully things will be back to normal after the weekend and life will begin again in real time lol
    I am so sorry to hear about Old Sam and the problems he is going through. You are such a good foster mum to your brood I know you won't let him suffer for too long, also with a bit of luck Doris will be able to say her goodbyes without too much of a toll on her emotions
    Take care
    Cathy

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  3. I am so sorry you have to make such a difficult decision. I am so so sorry Sam is in pain. I hope Doris gets to see him, I am sure Sam would love that.

    PS: my dashboard is changed as well.

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  4. So sad, but you are doing everything you can for him. How sweet that some of the other dogs are supporting him through this time.

    Take care of yourself too. You are doing such a wonderful job.

    xxx

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  5. Woof! Woof! This is the change that's hard to accept. We are hoping that Doris decides to see Sam. Sending Sam lots of Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  6. Boo!!!! to blogger not working right!!!! Mine seems ok ~ hopefully yours will straighten out soon.

    Poor sweet Sam. It is so hard to see our four legged friends suffering, made worse by them not being able to tell us how they are hurting. Poor pup!

    Sending you and Sam warm thoughts today Kim!
    xo Catherine

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  7. 'Morning Kim,
    Tough day for all around, Sam, you, Patti, Doris. It's a heart wrenching situation, wish I could come and comfort you in person. I will be with you in spirit tomorrow, on your ride to the vet. I know, it never gets easier and they are each a special piece of your heart.

    Yes Blogger is being unusual for me too.

    {{{Hugs}}}

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  8. I'm sorry to hear That Sam is doing so poorly. It's not an easy thing to deal with. We lost our Priscilla Cat (Prissy) last week. She came in one day acting really strange. Mike said she was drooling and acting skiddish. But she went right back outside and didn't return. I can't help but wonder is she got into some sort of poison. We do get a lot of mushrooms in our yard, perhaps she even ate one of those. We looked for her, but never found her. I'm glad her kittens were mostly weened. Of course, we've had more kittens show up on our doorstep literally. We now have 8 frisky kittens in the house, and one wildish one hanging out with the chickens. I wish you comfort with Sam. From what it sounds, there's really only one way to go. Hope it's easy for all of you.
    ~Randy

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  9. Please find peace in your decision. I actually don't know if it is better for Doris to see Sam. It may be better for her to remember him the way he was. But, that is a decision that is out of your hands. I will be thinking of you and Sam on Saturday.

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  10. My thoughts are with all of you. It sounds like it is time. I hope Sam has the energy to be able to see Doris. Sounds like he is pretty weak.

    Sending positive energy your way to help you and Sam do what needs to be done. Hugs to all of you...

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  11. This whole series of events just breaks our hearts.
    Doris, Sam, you what a tough couple of days.
    We are praying for you.
    God Bless

    Sheila & Bob

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  12. So sorry that this is happening. So glad that Sam is safe in your hands during his final days. I pray that he remains comfortable enough today and tonight so that he and Doris will have a chance to say goodbye. I think it will mean allot to both of them. Take care and bless you for your wonderful heart.
    Tammy

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  13. I was shocked to see the way blogger blogspot had changed. I don't do well with change either.

    I will be thinking about you as you go through these difficult days.

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  14. Hi Kim
    God willing Doris will be able to see Sam and be able to say goodbye. May you have the strength to endure these difficult days.

    Hugs/licks,
    Nadine Apples & Neeli

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  15. My dashboard is working, but the pix are really big. It's kind of strange....

    I'm so sorry about Sam. It's a tough situation. It was really nice of you to call and let them know what was going on. I hope he remains comfortable and is able to visit with Doris tomorrow.

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  16. We are happy that Doris can see Sam one last time. Very thoughtful. Hang in there just a little longer Sam.

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  17. I am thinking of you all...pls give Sam a gentle hug for me!
    xoxo
    ~K

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  18. We will pray that Sam and Doris get their time together. Thank you for keeping us updated.

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  19. Kim, my thoughts and prayers are with you - and with Doris. This will be hard on her too, but she and Sam will be reunited one day.........

    (((HUGS)))
    Lynn

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  20. Definitely not good news about Sam. I do want to hear all about the Doris & Sam reunion if you get a chance to tell us about it.

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  21. We wish you good luck and strength. It is hard to let someone go, but it is for the best. We are all praying for Sam and you. Give him a pat on the head and a throat rub from all of his followers.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  22. Thanks for your visit, it was nice to talk to you Kim. I am sorry for what you are going through but it is what you singed up for and I admire you for doing it.
    On your Edit post go to that and click on view that will show you your blog and all the comments for that post to date. Any more questions ask.
    Come back again soon.
    xxoo, Bambi & Fern
    PS No the coons would not like to be with us. They stay in there own yard real good for the last 20+ years or so!!!

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  23. We'll be thinking about Sam this weekend. It brings back painful memories, but memories full of love.

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  24. Here's to closure for all -

    AND here's to lots of special people that so recognise it is about the dogs -

    As for the others knowing, yes, they do - they smell it - and sense it -

    Way before we can make ourselves accept it -

    Thinking of all who've given Sam such a GReat life!

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  25. Dear Kim;
    My heart is with you right now Kim, times like this are the most difficult for an animal lover and it is never easy to let go. I do so hope Sam will make it long enough to see Doris one more time, that will be my prayer today. Please do hug him for me, he is loved even though we have never met! Let Doris know that many people are thinking of her and sending warm, loving thoughts to her this day. Please when you feel up to it, let us know the outcome...
    Oh and Blogger has changed format for me also and I am not liking it for the same reasons you mentioned.
    Hugs xo Tina

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  26. Hugs to you Kim, Firstly I am also having the same issue with Dashboard-it won't list all of my blogs that I follow and it is frustraing but hopefully will change back soon.
    Again please know you and Old Sam as well as Doris and Patti are in my prayers. I'm praying Sam can hold on to see her one more time. Just breaks my heart for all of you. I'm so thankful that you were there to help out and take him in when Doris couldn't care for him-I know you've both been rewarded for your kindness and again Sam thanks you!
    Wish I was there to help with this.
    Noreen

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  27. My thoughts are with you and old Sam.

    Riley's mum

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  28. We kept thinking of Sam all day...
    Sending you and him all our love and hugs...

    yeah, Blogger has changed. and we are not liking it. it is much easier if we can see older posts.

    wags,
    Bud n Gin

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  29. Sam has lived a full and much loved life. Will be keeping all concerned in my thoughts.

    My Dashboard was changed as well. I had to go through Google Reader in order to see all of the blog updates. What a pain!

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  30. Kim...you are one of the all time great caregivers! I am so glad Old Sam is in your hands...the sweet boy.
    Making these decisions will never be easy, but you know deep down when something has to be done. Thank you for being you.

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  31. It was last year at this time that we had to take my son's Golden, 'Kelly' to the vet to be put to sleep. My heart breaks for you, Sam and everyone else... Tomorrow I say a special prayer for you.

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  32. We will be thinking about you Kim on Saturday. It is time and you have made the correct decision for Old Sam.
    Jim

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  33. Sweet Kim
    What can we do for you sweet friend?
    We can feel the emotions mounting in you....
    Tomorrow when you take Sam to see Doris,,, our thoughts will be with everyone. We know this will not be easy,,, it will be diffacult.
    And we will send special prayers and thoughts that hearts will heal,
    and memories will sustain,especially Doris.
    Again I say that you have been chosen, to be the angel, to help these poor helpless doggys feel love in their last days.
    You have been chosen,,,, but even chosen ones, get broken hearts.
    Our love to all
    tweedles

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  34. Hang on Sam! You'll be able to rest very soon.

    Gentle hugs for you, Kim...

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  35. Hey there Kim
    I'ts Saturday morning here in SA...so you have a few more hours before your difficult day starts.
    I've said a little prayer for Sam, for you and for Patti and Doris.
    May you have lots of strength for this day...I'm thinking of you.
    Sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  36. What is there to say. You are just so, so kind. Our thoughts are with you, Sam and Doris on this day of farewells.

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  37. Thinking of you all there. Wanting to hug each and every one. They know, and that's incredible. Blessings.

    Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
    Sierra Rose

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  38. oh, I just read all about Sam and Doris. I am sitting here sobbing. I am so glad she got to hold himk in his last hours, and I am heartbroken for you for having to go through these tough, tough moments as these precious souls' caregiver. You are "cursed" to love them and be loved by them, and the pain during such difficult times is a reminder of that special curse.

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