Almost there! - Page 2

I just wanted to add, though I'm still in denial, that Drake will be seeing the veterinarian this week and I'm not expecting good news. I didn't want to type that, I'll hope forever that I'm wrong, I've never wanted so bad to be wrong about something. I truly don't know if I'll be able to put one foot in front of the other, get out of bed, brush my teeth or do any of a variety of mundane exercises. He's been offering me his paws and his shoulders since the day he came into my life, he was the dog that should never have been. When I recently saw the Pixar move "Inside Out" with my grandchildren, I found it to be pretty deep in that we need all of our emotions in order to be happy, it can't always be joy. And sometimes, you need a deep sadness to actually bring you joy. He's not the smartest dog I've had, he's not the most obedient dog I've had, he's not the est of many things, all except loyal. Drake is a joy that came from sadness, Drake was unexpected and exactly what I needed during a very sad time and has always been exactly what I needed at any given crisis and most of the time, it was silliness, he likes playing and if you try to hug him, he lets you for about 5 seconds and then, his ears tip back a little, his eyes look up past you and he jumps up, runs to find a ball or toy and just wants to play. He steals my socks and hides them in his crate, but never chews them, I can leave food below nose level on any surface in my house and he would never take a crumb from my plate. He never ate from my garbage can, never got on my furniture,never had an accident in my house until a health issue earlier year. He has never chewed or destroyed anything in my house. He's a dick head around other dogs, his only true fault, but one that I've managed and I've never taken chances. Well, he also can't help himself and still has to be corrected for getting too excited when he sees someone he loves, mostly family members and friends, he's big enough to knock somebody over if he's not careful.

Bumming a bed when you're in a transition is not easy with a large dog and too many nights over the last couple of weeks, he's been relegated to a garage for sleeping, due to shedding, cats, etc. I have his portable crate and I bought him a sleeping bag, but it's not about his comfort. He never slept with me, but is always on guard at night and it makes him crazy that he can't know exactly where I am, yet he knows I'm there. I will only do right by him, always. If he is in pain that can't be relieved, I will let him go. If I can prolong a pain-free life, a full life, I will do whatever I can. Drake is about motion, it's what he does, it's what makes him happy, it's how he feels loved. It's not about how much I love him, it's about how much he loves me. I can honestly say that he understands me and loves me, because of and in spite of who I am, loves me more deeply than any living creature who has walked the Earth. That is something that I could never betray. So, this is a tribute to my living dog, because yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised and I appreciate what I have in this moment, because it truly is the only thing we ever have. I'm typing this at 2 a.m., sitting in the garage with my friend, my companion, my dog.

Yes, this is a dog related post and I know that it's against the TOS, but this is the forum I frequent since I no longer train seriously, so this is where it belongs. Please and thank you.

It is more than a dog post. It is real, serious and from the heart. Hats off to you and Drake. It is what makes our dogs special and our bonds even more special. It is called LOVE. We know you will do the right thing and please don't shut us out if it comes down to the end - because we care about you and Drake.

Thank you...

Travels, sending you and Drake all my positive thoughts and energy, your post above is amazing and beautiful to read.

My heart was touched deeply by your post (2:00 in the morning sitting in the garage with Drake). I have only recently met you through this particular thread, but I want you to know my prayers go out to you and Drake.

Travels, after reading your post it´s like knowing Drake by myself.
The perfect male - playful, always positive, loving and caring, sometimes with a lot of gross motor skills simply out of joy, not the smartest, but always honest, having fun in showing that he is a "real man" by bullying other males.... I am able to see this wonderful dog.

Out of your description you are his universe, and you will know when he is ready to go.
I think you are right when you say he is "about motion", he needs to move, it´s about quality of life.

The next days will tell - he was able to make this final trip with you, never left your side - maybe he´ll feel better as soon as you are settled, maybe the vet is able to help - either ways, in case I´d be a dog I´d trust you and your decision 100%.

Keep us updated, a lot of people are thinking of the both of you !

Thank you all for your kind words, I'd like to report that I got GOOD NEWS!! It's not HD, it's not DM, but it is a neurological issue, most likely a slipped disc that they're treating with steroids. I cried my eyes out, but they were happy tears. This vet complimented me on his overall health and temperament, his teeth are even great! He said other that some pain in his knee and his deficit, he's in PERFECT health!! I'm hugging all of you and of course I'm hugging him, for all of that 5 seconds :) I have to go to the grocery store with my Aunt Ann, but I'll be back after dinner. See, today is truly all we have and today, I have the best dog in this moment and that's all I needed right now, he's still holding me together :*)

Susie, you're the best!
Travels, I'm very happy for you and your Drake:-) :-) :-)

Best of luck in your house-hunting; and so pleased to hear what's
wrong with Drake is treatable. Hope he gets well soon. Hugs to
you both.