Ben, Update

[stoutfellow]

I want to thank all of you who offered condolences on Ben's situation. I was something of a wreck all that morning, and your kind words helped a great deal. Thank you.

Here's how matters stand. As far as I can tell, Ben isn't in any particular distress; he snuffles a lot, but that's all. His appetite is good (and the vet told me I should keep an eye on that), and his energy is, if not at his full manic level, still pretty fair. (Yesterday, when I came home, he came bouncing in all muddy from romping in the aftermath of that morning's rain, and insisted on being thoroughly petted, wet and mud and all.)

It's a simple deal we have, he and I. He lives with me and brightens my life; I give him food, and shelter, and whatever else he needs. That hasn't changed. As long as he is still capable of enjoying life - and for now, at least, he most assuredly is - I will take care of him. And when that ceases to be true, well, I'll have to take care of that, too.

That... is also part of the deal.

Comments

Been there.

[the-blue-fenix.livejournal.com]

We had this situation about a year ago, and decided as you did. Thanks to a clever vet prescribing human meds off-label we got several more months with our dog than we had initially been promised.

Hugs to both of you.

[ndrosen.livejournal.com]

I've had that deal. "Why give your heart to a dog to tear?" Kipling wrote, but there are reasons, an we know them.

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

I'm edging ever closer to that point with my cats. I hope I'm as brave about it as you are.

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

((( )))

I know this part is always hard. I'm sorry, and hope that you two will have a good chunk of those 6-9 months before having to make the decision.

DV

[countrycousin.livejournal.com]

Sounds good. As can be. Appreciated the (verbal) snapshot of the current Ben. Best wishes to you both.

[bright-lilim.livejournal.com]

Well said. I had to make that decision some years ago.

I hope you'll have many months together.

[allyra.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that Ben is still feeling pretty good. I hope that continues for a very long time!

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

I hope things go better than expected for Ben. The prospect of losing a loved pet is hard, as I know from experience.