Update on Jake, my poor sick dog (plus another picture!)

[JTG of the PRB]

Updating this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x9661180

So as you all know from yesterday, Jake hasn't been doing so well the last few days. Congestive heart failure, combined with some difficulty breathing, have made him weak and tired. I went over to my parents' house today expecting to be spending my last hours with Jake and to say goodbye for the last time. A bit of good news regarding that: Jake is still with us, at least for a few more days.

In the morning, he was sluggish, and I sat in his room with him for an hour just petting him and talking to him. He got up - with great effort - and made his way outside to go to the bathroom, but he couldn't stand up to do his business. :( When he was done, he rested for a while, then got up and came over to the table where my mom and I were sitting and laid down again. The sun came out and we spent almost an hour outside with him.

When he went back inside, he headed into his room and laid down, and he was in there for a few hours. When he got up again, he wanted to go outside, and this time was able to stand up to do all his business, for the first time in a couple days! We stayed outside with Jake for a little bit before letting him back inside where he drank a lot of water. I gave him a treat and my mom made him a bowl of chicken and rice (much easier to chew) to snack on. He wolfed it all down and actually got up and came into the kitchen to look for more, which of course my mom gladly gave him. :) Then he came into the dining room and laid down again and stayed there until I had to head home about an hour ago.

My parents told me that he was perkier and more alert today then he had been for the last couple of days, so that made me smile. Still, I know I can't get my hopes up - Jake is feeling better today, but he's not going to get better. :(

We also had a family meeting today to talk about Jake. We all knew he doesn't have much time left, so we decided that when the time came, we would help him cross the rainbow bridge (I get choked up every time I even think the phrase "rainbow bridge" now :cry: ). I told them I wanted to be there, but also told my parents not to wait for me if it was clear Jake was uncomfortable. Right now, it looks like next Thursday will be the day we say goodbye to Jake. If it needs to happen before then, we won't hesitate to help our beloved dog.

I want to thank everybody for reading this far, and for leaving your wonderful comments in the previous thread. This entire community is so amazing, and you have no idea how much it means to me that you all care. I have no doubt in my mind that your good vibes from yesterday helped Jake feel a little better today. :) All I ask is that you keep him in your thoughts for the next few days and send him comforting vibes. He's the sweetest dog I've ever known, and I just want him to be comfortable in his last days with our family.

Here's another picture my mom sent me today of Jake shortly after we got him, back in 2002 when he was still a puppy:



My mom took this picture of a tired (but happy) Jake resting on the Mesa Trail near Boulder.

Once again, thank you all so much for your time, your attention, and your compassion. I appreciate it so much, and so does my wonderful beautiful Jake. :grouphug:

[livetohike]

1. Jake is so beautiful!

:hug: for you, your family and Jake. It sounds like nothing makes Jake happier than to be with his pack....it's great you can spend time with him. When it's time to say good-bye, you will know it. I can't explain how that happens, but you will just know.

Until that time, enjoy every moment :hug:.

[kimi]

2. Aw, what a gorgeous pup

I feel for you, and your family, and of course for Jake. He's incredibly fortunate to have you all as his family, and you all are as well to have been able to share in his life and legacy.

I'll be thinking of you all during this time. It's very difficult, I know from experience. He's a beautiful and sweet boy. Vibes sent! Take care, all of you.

[warrior1]

3. it's hard to say

goodbye.

Tell him that you love him. Peace

xo

[abbeyco]

4. Best wishes to you and Jake!

He looks like a wonderful doggie and it's evident he's been well loved.

Unfortunately, I'm helping my sister take her lovely dog to her place over the rainbow bridge tomorrow; tough weekend for some of the DU doggies in CO.

Whenever Jake let's you know, my thoughts will be with you - it's the toughest, most loving thing you can do for your beloved pet.

:grouphug:

[riderinthestorm]

5. You sound as though you know how lucky you are to have these last days with Jake

and spend some quality time with him. I had two dogs who had lingering issues (cancer) so I was able to take a lot of time with them at the end, taking photos, slow walks, special treats... the whole works. It made a difference in my "good bye" in that I gave 110% in that last week, with enormous joy on all sides.

Trust me, it's so much harder to lose a beloved pet to a tragedy: stroke, accident, disappearance....

Treasure this last week. I know it seems very, very hard but you've been given a gift. Good vibes for some peace in the face of the "Rainbow Bridge".... :hug:

[Pool Hall Ace]

6. Jake is so handsome

I am sorry you are going through this. It is never easy, is it? All you can do is continue to love him.

:grouphug:

[RebelOne]

7. Your post brought tears to my eyes.

I know the pain of losing a beloved pet. I would like to believe there is a "rainbow bridge" and all my deceased doggies will be there to greet me. But, unfortunately, I do not even believe in heaven. I am sure your Jake had a long and happy life. Take comfort in that. And when he goes to sleep, he will go peacefully and he will at peace and pain free. I know because I had to be there at the vet's when I sent my 13-year-old Rottie to doggy heaven. She just went to sleep and I knew she was finally out of pain.

[murielm99]

8. Jake looks like a wonderful dog.

Tell him you will see him on the other side.

[fizzgig]

9. i'm glad you had a good day together

and it was a good one to spend in the sun.

it's hard to say goodbye to our friends :hug:

[TorchTheWitch]

10. I really feel for you - I'll be in the same position quite soon

My dog has bone cancer. It's extremely aggressive, and basically all one can do is try to make them comfortable and treat every day as a gift. So far, his mega meds are doing him very well, but they won't for much longer. We already had to add one more med, and this is pretty much as much as he'll be able to take without other problems just from all the meds. He's still eating well and getting around well on three legs, but he sure isn't his old self. He always has been stubborn as a donkey and is determined to keep doing some things he's always done... he even plays sometimes though he does it lying down since his balance on 3 legs isn't so good (funny how his balance is fine as long as he's got forward motion but he doesn't just trying to stand still).

Because the cancer is so aggressive (especially at the end stages where he is) although he's doing well now, a few days from now or even tomorrow may be a whole different story and the big decision will have to be made. I won't let him suffer for my sake. If the meds aren't working well enough anymore and he's too uncomfortable there's just no question what I have to do. But MY GOD it is soooooooo damn hard! Sometimes I find myself hoping that something significant will suddenly occur that will make the decision an easy one just because the "when to do it" question is so fucking hard to be objective about and answer.

I know just what you mean about having to remind yourself that those oh so promising encouraging signs can't be looked at as improvement since there isn't going to be any improvement but just days that are more comfortable or even just moments that are. Sometimes I think that is the hardest thing to deal with... getting that little feeling of hope at those good moments only to have to kick yourself with the reminder that there just is no more hope.

Bless you for being willing to be right there with Jake for his final and most important journey... it's the last and most profound act of love you could ever give him. Afterward you'll be glad you did though at the time it's like tearing out your own heart (I've been through this once before and I'm learning it gets no easier a second time around). :(
:hug:

[AngryOldDem]

11. It's always hard to say goodbye.

The next few days (and then some) are going to be difficult. But be comforted by your memories of your good and faithful friend.

[xchrom]

12. it's so hard to lose such a beautiful, loving and loyal friend.

i hope you get to be with him -- it's obvious you really care for your good friend.

[alsame]

13. Hugs for you, Jake and your family. As someone who has had

dogs all my life, I can tell you that the love you shared will always be with you, long after he has crossed the rainbow bridge. :grouphug:

[Mutley]

14. I am so sorry.

I truly understand how our dogs can come to mean so much to us. Mine has been my most constant companion and best friend for the last nine years. I know eventually I'll have to say goodbye to her as well, and the thought just kills me. Your Jake is so beautiful. Try to remember the good times you had with him, and he will live on in your heart forever. :hug:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

15. tears over here too.....

sending out loving thoughts to Jake and you, his family.


Love, from Blanche and Shrimpy

[driver8]

16. What a handsome boy.

I am sorry that you and your family are going through this -- it is never an easy decision to say goodbye to our friends. Jake has had a wonderful life with your family...

My thoughts are with you and your family and Jake.