Doctor E., the holistic vet came on Thursday to see Gus. The disease (degenerative myelopathy) is progressing faster than I'd hoped it would. Gus can (still) get to his feet, even though one back foot knuckles under.
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| ~Gus on Thursday~ |
He doesn't realize where he's placing his feet, so this makes finding his balance a little tricky. Another increasing problem is that once Gus gets onto his feet and gets going, he's not able to control how fast he's moving and can't stop himself. This is why twice this week he has unfortunately tumbled head first down the two outside steps. Thankfully Gus has not hurt himself, but we're no longer allowing him to be around the stairs by himself.
Dr. E and I discuss at each of her visits Gus's quality of life. We both agree that it's still good for him, even though there are physical changes and he can't get up and move around as easily as he once did. So as Gus stumbles ahead, falls down, gets up, barks at me because I'm not getting his dinner to him fast enough and tries to chase the lovely Ms. Yellow, he is still happy. And onward we go, spoiling him, and giving him everything he wants.
Except the cat of course!
Hes a lucky boy to have you! Gotta love that mug of his!
ReplyDeleteYes, quality of life the the deal-maker. You go Gus.
ReplyDeleteOh we don't know.....maybe he should get the cat once in awhile! As long as he's looking forward to dinner and he knows what time YOU'RE supposed to serve it, it's quality of life.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that Gus is keeping on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteCute post, you sound happy.
We think Gus is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteStella rose
As long as Gus has no pain but does have a smile on his face.
ReplyDeleteGetting on your feet is the main thing. Direction and braking can be left for another day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so good to him.
ReplyDeleteHowdy Gus, I know how ya feel mate. My foot is paralysed and I knuckle it too but I keep on trying my best. You look like you are a happy boy and we will keep paws crossed you continue to enjoy yourself and have fun annoying that kitty cat hehehe.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, and slobber, Rory and Stella
I read each post, enjoying the progress on each and everyone of your wonderful charges, and having a lump in my throat when I read sadness, so while Gus still has a reasonably good quality of life, he couldn't be in a better place being looked after by you, you are so dedicated & I admire you for all the hard & tiring work you do..
ReplyDeleteAw, a dog with no brakes what a sweetie. But you're doing exactly the right thing. quality if life is so important and you are doing a grand job with him.
ReplyDeleteLoves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
Poor Gus...it is always hard to see them strugle...poor baby...our iris have strugle too with stand up....so Sad to see...she is over the 15 years now.....lovely sunday ...love Ria ...!...x!
ReplyDeleteThe cat looks just horrified at that thought!
ReplyDeleteHe does look happy. Give him hugs from us.
Monty and Harlow
I am happy that Gus is happy! He is so sweet.. I am also happy he has you to look after him... Cute photos! Have a happy day and new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteAwe poor old Gus . At least he still has his spunk and spirit regardless ! No Gus your not feasting on the kitty lol ! Glad he has you and your clan though . Thanks for sharing give Gus a big hug from Miggs and I and Papa of course ! Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteoh, that sweet boy... and sweet ms. yellow!
ReplyDeleteGus is blessed to have such a loving and caring family.
ReplyDeleteGus is beautiful. Very handsome. He is definitely blessed to have you and Carl taking care of him. Oh and lets not forget Ms, Yellow for keeping him entertained.Hugs. Ana
ReplyDeleteMorning Kim, please give sweet Gus a big hug from me, he is so beautiful. That face is priceless. Thank goodness he is in the best place possible, Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot of Gus's cat :-).
ReplyDeleteoh gus.
ReplyDeletefirst.
any guy named gus. well. special. that's all.
and your face says it all.
you're an inspiration to all of us humans gus. keep on keeping on my boy.
and your kitty? even though you can't get too very close . . .
she is beautiful! and i can see why you're smitten. LOL.
I know exactly how you feel. It was so difficult to see our Steffi deteriorate with the same disease but as long as she was happy so were we. I'm not sure if I told you this story before but we had a baby gate at the bottom of our stairs to keep Steffi from venturing up. One day my husband didn't latch it tightly and Steffi pulled it open and managed to pull herself up a full flight of stairs and walk down the hall! I was in our bathroom and saw in the mirror her enter our bedroom and couldn't believe my eyes or her tenacity! She wanted in on the action. Of course she had a personal escort back down and we made sure we latched that gate every time we went up.
ReplyDeleteWe had many of those issues with Bentley. He couldn't do stairs without help but he tried every chance he got. We had to put up gates to keep him from the stairs. He had lots of trouble getting up and down but once he got moving he did OK. He'd fall a lot and sometimes needed a hand getting up again. It's sad to watch, but he was a happy boy.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Gus!
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
I am sending sweet Gus lots of love. Please give him a hug and a treat from me! I love how you're making your decisions based on Gus's happiness. He is so very very very lucky to have you, and vice-versa. What a wonderful boy he is. I once had a dog named Acadia who lost the ability to move and feel her hind legs in the last year of her life. She had a wheelchair (which some jerks in town felt the need to tell me was "cruel" to her because it was "humiliating" for a dog to use one). As long as she was happy, we were too, and she adored so many parts of her life, even though she'd lost her mobility. So, I hope that you've had a good weekend with Gus and all of your pack (and Ms. Yellow)! You're amazing!
ReplyDeleteCrikey ..... couldn't he have just one go at the cat???????? He's looking real good AND happy!! How lucky he is to have you, aye??? You are WONDERFUL. So is GUS!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe can tell by looking at Gus, that he is very happy. He has all the things that matter to him. The most important thing that matters to him is your love, and he can feel that.
ReplyDeleteWe love Gus,,,and all the other Goldens as well.. And we send healing vibes to him.
love
tweedles
No different than having someone disabled is it, we can find how to help them be Enabled. I think Ms Yellow is his therapy :-)
ReplyDeleteThose are very beautiful pictures of that boy!!! hugs....stella rose
ReplyDeleteMs. Yellow Thanks you for that! Sweet old Gus, keep looking at that silver lining buddy!
ReplyDeleteDM is such a tough disease. I hope Gus will have a good quality of life for a long time to come.
ReplyDeleteSweet Gus! We do hope he continues to enjoy each day!! But think that perhaps he should give up chasing the CAT!! As long as he is still happy and pain free, that is what counts!! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteGus always looks at peace in each of your photos (reminds me of a sweet, content Grandpa) . . . not sure about the cat though. :-) Love her expression in the last photo.
ReplyDeleteGus.....oh, that sweet face.
ReplyDelete