I never thought I'd still have my Missy girl at this point, but she is still with me and still doing alright. She's had a few off days and is slowing way down. She sleeps a lot now but she still gets around pretty well, still jumps in an out of the car and still pops to attention at the words "ball" and "sheep". It's all very much day to day but it's been nice to shift my focus from "I'm losing my dog" to still living with my dog

I've adjusted the routine a bit to accommodate her. She used to jump a fence to get into the barnyard, but now I've got a fence panel that I've popped out so she can squeeze through. She goes out the front door instead of the back because there are less steps.

We usually wander around the pasture in the evenings a bit. Last night she kept circling the pond to head off the Canadian geese that were swimming around!

I had switched her off of raw due to pathogen concerns, but then she quit eating two weeks ago. She was turning her nose up at cooked chicken, cottage cheese, canned EVO, etc. So I put her back on raw and she started eating again. Happily eating dog trumps pathogen concerns at this point.

Every day with my dog is an added blessing at this point!

I've posted some pictures over the past few weeks on my K9 Knitter blog if you're interested in seeing those.

Great to hear that she's still with you Mara! And you both are enjoying each and every day.

Hugs and kisses to you both!

--Kel

ETA: I just looked at her pictures. She is absolutely ADORABLE!! I like your description of her as well. "Good" That one word says it all, doesn't it?


Edited by Kelly (07/12/2011 08:15 PM)
Edit reason: looked at pics and needed to comment.

Really good to hear Mara, that your ol' gal is doing it her way... It is also wonderful to hear that she is up for corraling those dang Canadian Geese!

I was just thinking about you and Missy on Saturday. I am so glad you are able to embrace your time and enjoy one another. I LOVED the pictures and think I need a pair of the "Blue Yonder"

Missy really is a beautiful girl. I know you're cherishing every moment that you get to spend with her. Thanks for updating us. I've been wondering how she was doing.

What an inspiring message: " ... it's been nice to shift my focus from "I'm losing my dog" to still living with my dog"

You are both in my heart, my dear.

<3

Thank you for sharing. Your blog is fun to read, too. It is nice that your pup has decided she is going to keep up with her "living" with you, too, and gotten back on her regular diet. It ain't over 'til it's over.

Glad to read such an upbeat post about you and your Missy enjoying her golden years. We're going through the same thing with our mutt Tasha and, as others have said, have fallen into the trap of being in the "losing my dog" mode. You helped us get back on the perspective of being thankful we can enjoy another day with our gentle senior dog. She's about 15 and looking back on all those years, I can't imagine having a more loving, fun, gentle dog and am thankful for every day she's been in our life.

Mara, thanks for posting the update. I really enjoyed your insights as well the pictures on your blog.

As others have mentioned, thanks for putting perspective on enjoying the time you have with Missy.
I wish Missy all the raw food she can eat, and getting to wander the pasture to her hearts content.

BTW, Missy, Kipp and Kenzi are as lucky as can be, to have you by their side too Mara. Such beautiful dogs. Thanks for sharing!