Ben

[stoutfellow]

I apologize for not making individual replies to the outpouring of support y'all have given me. I just... find it hard.

Ben had a second bleeding episode the day after the trip to the vet, but I was able - despite his struggles - to dose him with the epinephrine, and the bleeding quickly subsided. The problem has not recurred since.

I'm a bit disturbed by quality-of-life issues. I mustn't let him get excited. That means I can't play with him; that means that, when I hear him barking at... at whatever, I have to hurry to him to calm him down; that means all kinds of things. Much of what he enjoys most is now taboo.

That's not enough to force my hand, but it bothers me.

I know that, someday soon, I will have to take him to the vet for the last time. What I don't know is, what am I watching for? What is it that will tell me that it's time? Right now, apart from slightly roughened breathing (he snores in his sleep, now), he seems normal. He isn't, I know. But....

I don't know.

Comments

[oilhistorian.livejournal.com]

It's a hard decision .. and only you can make it. Thing is, you'll know. You may have doubts, but you'll know. Best wishes to all three of you.

[jfsnyder.livejournal.com]

he's right. You just know. I really only had to decide on timing once, but there was no question at that time. The only suggestion I can make is to let him have lots and lots of treats. All those 'bad' for him things you won't normally allow him.

And spend hours petting him. It is good for both of you.

[toraks.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[allyra.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[al-zorra.livejournal.com]

It's sometimes difficult for us to see past one's own comfort level to comprehend as truly as possible your pet's comfort level.

All sympathies to you and Ben.

Love, C.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Ay, there's the rub. The problem is mitigated slightly by Ben's personality. Murphy's kind of a stoic, but Ben has always shown his feelings very clearly. (He has a very expressive face.) Still, the problem is there.

[hornedhopper.livejournal.com]

A practical thought: what does not excite him?

What about brushing Ben with a brush or comb? That's an activity that usually calms a pet, and can bring pleasure to both parties.

Glad you were able to make the treatment work. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

The principle is sound. The specific example, no; Ben doesn't like being brushed, for some reason. I'll need to think about the possibilities.