A bad start to my day.

[Trace]

At about 6:50am this morning my dog started jumping about like a loon in my bedroom, I  kept my eyes tight shut cos I knew if I opened them he would expect me to get up and I was waiting for my alarm to go off at 7am. 

Next thing I know he is peeing outside the bathroom door, I've had this dog for 13 years and he has never once messed in the house.  I shot out of bed and as I did he collapsed at my feet.  He couldn't get up and could only drag himself across the floor.  After quite a lot of coaxing I finally managed to get him downstairs, whereon he walked quite happily outside to finish doing his business.  As I watched him, he was leaning to the left and walking in circles and then collapsing again.

By this stage I was hysterical, screaming at the kids who insisted on giving me a running commentary as I'm trying to drag some clothes on and figure out who I could phone.  Funny how at times like this I actually turn to my ex-husband, he wasn't much use as he was miles away, but just having someone to talk to and calm me down helped me think straight.

I eventually phoned the emergency vets.  I'm surprised she could make head or tail of what I was saying as I was crying so much.  At 9am I took him into the vets and it seems that he has had a stroke.  The vet is quite sure that he will in time make a full recovery but with medication from now on.

It seems that if this had happened to a younger dog or one that didn't have arthritis in the back legs, it would have compensated for/adjusted to the dizziness etc., caused by the stroke, but as Murphy is weak with arthritis in his left side it made it worse.

Murph, is 17 years old, and I know that his time is nearly up, and I know that I will have to face it soon, this morning gave me a taste of what is to come.  He's at home on his own at the moment, vet advised it would be better than him struggling to follow me around, but I just wish I could phone him up and ask him if he is ok.

I don't know why I'm telling you all this, I guess I just needed to.

Trace
xx

[Graham C]

Sorry to hear about Murph and I hope he recovers soon

[RED-DOG]

Trace, Please don't let him linger too long. Vets have their own interests at heart.

I know it's tough, But please remember, animals have no concept of death, but they do feel pain and they can't tell you how much it hurts.

It's such a shame to spoil a long, happy life by allowing his last few weeks to be filled with misery. Steel yourself, when the time comes, don't hesitate, grant him that final act of kindness.

My thoughts are with you, be strong, Tom xx

[tikay]

Oh dear, I do hope he recovers fully Trace.

But please be brave for him too.

My Charlie fell very ill, &, in that case, though I hope not in Murphys case, there was no way back, so I did the decent thing - it's the kindest way.

I do hope he recovers fully though.

xx

[tikay]

This is so upsetting. If I told you I was reduced to tears, you'd laugh, but it's true.

We are thinking of you Trace, I know just how difficult this my be for you.

[RED-DOG]

I was a bit blunt in my reply Trace, please don't hate me for it. I am perhaps the biggest dog lover on this site.

I didn't mean to come across as insensitive, really do feel for you.

[Rod Paradise]

Really sorry to hear that Trace.

Don't let anyone give you any nonsense about 'only an animal' either. A pet is a member of the familly & the illness or loss of a member of the familly is heartbreaking. You have every right to get upset.

I'm going to give Jade (my folks' dalmation) extra attention tonight & won't even complain when she sheds on me.

[matt674]

so I did the decent thing - it's the kindest way.

Decent and kind yes - but doing it was the hardest decision i've ever had to make in the 32 years living on this planet, and one i'll never forget as like you the memory always brings a tear to the eye.

Fingers crossed things look better for him soon

[Dingdell]

really sorry Trace - its horrible when your family is ill and especially when they can't tell you about it.  Hope everything is ok

Tracey xx

[tikay]

so I did the decent thing - it's the kindest way.

Decent and kind yes - but doing it was the hardest decision i've ever had to make in the 32 years living on this planet, and one i'll never forget as like you the memory always brings a tear to the eye.

Fingers crossed things look better for him soon

Same here Matt, same here. But we did the right thing, we did.

We all hope Murphy recovers fully, we do. But whatever happens, we will be strong for Trace, & Trace wil be strong for Murphy.

xx

[turny]

hope murph recovers trace and you and your children spend many more happy times with him

[Tonji]

I hope Murphy recovers well Trace. It certainly is one of those difficult decisions we face in life. You will know when the time is right. Take care.

[thetank]

Trace, Please don't let him linger too long. Vets have their own interests at heart.

I know it's tough, But please remember, animals have no concept of death, but they do feel pain and they can't tell you how much it hurts.

It's such a shame to spoil a long, happy life by allowing his last few weeks to be filled with misery. Steel yourself, when the time comes, don't hesitate, grant him that final act of kindness.

My thoughts are with you, be strong, Tom xx

I agree

Thinking of you today Trace.

[Trace]

Aww thanks guys.

I'm welling up again just reading these.

Tom, I will be brave and I will do what has to be done when the time is right, but I know he isn't in pain, I can see that in his eyes - he's just frightened and confused at the moment.  I knew you weren't being hard or anything, I understand EXACTLY where you are coming from.

The vet that looked at him today had to euthanise her Labrador on Sunday and he had been on the meds Murph is going to be on for two years, she said she walked downstairs on the Sunday morning and knew as soon as he looked at her that the time had come - she was getting upset herself which set me off.

Despite the glorious weather, it's turning out to be a wet day for me.

Tikay I'm sorry for making you cry, if it's any consolation, I'm sat in the office fighting more back for you.

After my kids, I love Murphy more than anything else in the world, always have and always will.

Thanks all so much for your kind kind words.

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[tikay]

Thanks for the pic Trace, he is lovely.

How is he today?