Murphy

[stoutfellow]

In the midst of Ben's troubles, I haven't written much about Murphy lately. Truth to tell, I haven't been paying as much attention to him as maybe I should have.

He's just wearing down.

Murphy has always liked being near me; when I go from one room to another, he's always followed, soon or late, slow or fast, to lie down in the new place until I move again. Lately, with his increasing frailty, I've felt a little guilty about that - he struggles so to get up and hobble after me. It's especially sad when I just have to make a quick trip, to the bathroom, to the kitchen for a glass of milk, or whatever, because he'll try to follow, and then have to retrace his steps almost immediately.

The last couple of weeks.... He spends most of his time just lying on his side. When he notices that I've left the room, instead of following, he'll usually just raise his head and start woofing until I come back to console him. Usually, then, I'll help him to his feet so that he can come after me, or at least partway. He pretty much stays at the west end of the house, where my bedroom and the computer room are; I've been bringing his food to him there, and I've moved the water dish permanently to a place near the main bathroom.

He's still eating reasonably well, but his hipbones are plainly visible, and his ribs have just enough meat on them to conceal the bones. When he walks, he moves one unsteady foot at a time, and sometimes he'll get a foot caught on a doorjamb or a bookcase and I have to free him. He growls at me a little when I do that; he doesn't like being handled.

In some ways it's a harder case than Ben's. I'm pretty sure I know how things will happen with Ben, and what warning I'll have that it's time. Murphy's just... slowly slipping away.

Comments

[jfsnyder.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry. I cannot imagine having both dogs be ill at the same time. I guess I've been relatively lucky in that all of my dogs have passed away fairly quickly. Are you considering another dog?

I wish I could be there to give you a hug. You've got me tearing up as well.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Yes, I do intend to bring home another dog or two at some point. There may be a period of mourning (and possibly a period of re-carpeting), but for me sharing one's home with a dog is part of the good life.

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

You know, Ben and Murphy are very fortunate in their choice of owners. Sending good thoughts to all three of you.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[al-zorra.livejournal.com]

Oh.

They are lucky to have you.

All best to all three of you.

Love, C.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[coalboy.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry all three of you are having a difficult time.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[dan-ad-nauseam.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[ndrosen.livejournal.com]

This is sad. I wish I could be there to give Murphy a consoling scritch, but he's got you, and you're no doubt his favorite person. Hang in there, all three of you.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It's not as if either of them is going to keel over tomorrow; Murphy's long slide has been going on for a couple of years now, and even if it seems to have taken a turn for the worse lately, he's still probably got quite a bit of time left.

[allyra.livejournal.com]

You and your puppies will be in my thoughts. My sister's last dog had the same sort of slow slide that Murphy's having, and it was terribly sad to watch.

They are very lucky to have you!

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I appreciate the concern.

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

Good thoughts for you and your boys.

DV

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[filkferengi]

Oh, hon; that's rough. You & your boys are in our thoughts & prayers.