I know this from experience. Your beloved baby plays off of your feelings. If they feel you are upset, they themselves become upset and don't know why. The same goes for if you are happy or excited.

Dogs are especially good at sensing whatever it that their owner is feeling. Cats do similar, but from my experience are not as good at playing off of our emotions the way dogs do.

My Junior was good at sensing my feelings of happiness, sadness, anger etc.

I think Isis knows you want to try to help him in some way, and he senses what you are feeling, and in his own way may be trying to help keep you calm.

Rich, I know it is easier said than done, but try to only think of all the good memories...think of how Isis was when you first got him.

As my vet said to me "old age is hard for people, it is even more difficult for pets, because they don't see themselves as old. We are the ones that see them age before our eyes. They really have no idea that they are old, and think they can do everything as before."

How is Isis doing today Rich?

Rich, you and Isis are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
I am sure you'll find the power to do all that's best for your little guy. His well being is the most important thing now.

I really couldn't find my words to write anything else, every time I open this thread I'm weeping.

I'm walking around like the Frankenstein monster. I was awake all night but stayed on the floor; they sure make floors hard these days. I'm sure Isis was ready to tell me to, "get lost!". Every time I moved, he woke up to check on me. I think we're driving each other nuts with caring.

We had a terrible day yesterday; he walked into walls and I could hear the thud. He won't let me hold him; he panics when I try to put him down. He was careless with his 'toilette'. This morning he was a little better.

I called his vet, Dr. Streitel - the best in the world. This wonderful man will, and has, come to my home between office patients to treat Isis. His diagnosis - it's not time yet to think about putting him to sleep.

After a thorough exam, Dr. S. said that Isis is almost totally blind; the Shih T'Zu breed is particularly susceptible to eye problems because of the protruding eyes set in such a small bone structured face. He also said that the steroids Isis took for a skin allergy and for his cataract surgery were not helpful for his eyes. Old age is a factor too as is the fact that dogs can function effectively when totally blind--I don't know about this. He is coming back after office hours to 'clean up' Isis' eyes and check his ears thoroughly. He made no guarantees and reminded me that he is the equivalent of a 77 year old human.

I clarified that I didn't want to be selfish and keep Isis alive for me when his life has become unsatisfactory. He looked at me and said, as many of you have said, "You'll know when it's time, Rich, you'll know."

I'm going to find a bed to lay on and think about how lucky I am to have all of you in my life. Isis isn't out of the woods yet; he's had a temporary reprieve and the day will come when it is his time and I will need your support again. I know that strong, compassionate, soothing shoulder will be there again.

Thank you all with all my heart.

Hi, on a hopefull note, I have had dogs go blind and they do learn to cope very well. It takes a while and it helps if you keep everything in the same place and don't leave stuff around for them to fall over. Dogs go very much on smell and less on sight so Isis will sort it out soon I am sure.

The vet was right, you will know when the time to say goodbye comes, and so will Isis. I think dogs have a deeper wisdom than we credit them with.

Have you thoughty about diet to help with the skin problems? sometimes it is a simple solution and it is worth trying home cooked chicken and rice for a while, it has the advantage of the dogs really liking it as well!

Take care, thinking of you both.

lynn

Rich,

I do not have Gatsby's correct wording, but I'll sure as heck give it a try.

Over the years you, Rich, have given all the members here much laughter with your words and your charm.

Everyone here on this website is like family, and of course we will always be here for you and of course for Isis.

Isis brings out the best in you, and you bring out the best in us...with your gift for making us laugh.

Okay, so now is not a time for laughter, but with all you have given us over the years, being there for you is but a small thing that we can, and want to do for you.

As for what you said, Agnes, I feel my "signature" says it. That is why I chose it for this site. You have all, without knowing it, become my family in the year I have been here. Sandy

I agree with the vet. We had a dog with stomach cancer. Couldn't hold much food down. About two weeks after his diagnosis, he came and laid his head in my mom's lap like "Please, I'm done."
We had him put to sleep the next day.
I've also got a 33 year old mare that has had several serious health issues but she has decided that she's not ready to go yet.

Rich,

When Dakota was diagnosed in September of this year with cancer of the spleen, the vet gave him a week to six months to live. My mother and a few other people advised me to have him put to sleep then, but I couldn't do it. You want to know why?

If I had him put to sleep right away, I would always be thinking, "Would he still be alive now, if I hadn't had him put to sleep then?"

I had to wait until Dakota told me it was his time. When he was ready, he let me know.

Do youself the favor and wait until Isis tells you it's his time. Don't do it any sooner (unless he's in pain and suffering...then that's a different story).

Hi lynfra:

When Isis was just a puppy, he would spend hours scratching and digging at his skin with his paws; he seemed so uncomfortable. Off to the vet we went. Dr. Strietel diagnosed an airborne allergy, not a food based. We tried the lamb/rice plan just to be sure; there was no improvement. The vet recommended that we not put Isis under skin tests to see what he was allergic to; it's painful and he would still have to be treated. Dr. Strietel put him on .5mg Prednisone daily and he's had relief ever since the first pill.

Thanks for your kind words.


Rich

Hi jordandog:

You're right......a finer, kinder, more sensitive and genuine group does not exist. And forgiving too.

I have an offbeat sense of humor that I sometimes share with the group. I'm learning to think about what I say before I say it. I may think I'm Rodney Dangerfield incarnate but I can come across as rude, insulting and insensitive, the assumption being if you like blond jokes, then you must be blond. I know this is not true and I would never intentionally hurt anyone. Don't tell anybody, but the humor is a front for deep insecurities and a lot of pain.

If this group puts up with me for 4 or 5 years they truly are divine. So...welcome to a wonderful place of caring and fulfilling relationships.

Thanks for the info Rich, the drugs seem to have been the way to go for him. I tend to look at diet first then alternative remedies but often use drugs as well. It is heartbreaking to know that what you are giving for the pain and discomfort is not that good for them in other ways. But far better a shorter life free from pain.

How are the eyes now?

lynn

Vendome-
I just want to say how very sorry I am for your situation. I just recently lost my cat that I've had for 19 years. My mom got him for me when I was 12 to help lift my depression and that's exactly what he did. It was excrutiating when he started losing weight and the mere fact of his age startled settling in for me. But knowing that he would soon depart, I learned to enjoy every special moment with him. I was glad to have the chance to let him know how much better he made my life. So when the time came(he stopped eating) we took him to the Vet and said goodbye. I could not bear to be in the room when they did it, but I did have the comfort of knowing that he knew I loved him very very much and he was very special to me. I had said what he needed to know. And now I know someday I will join him in heaven and I will hold him again.
If you need anything, just let me know.
C

Hi alladra:

Thank you for sharing your story. How sad, yet how inspirational and meaningful.

Hearing about the deep love and companionship our true best friends give us makes me wonder how anyone could abuse an animal. I can't bear to hear or see any kind of abuse. I send money monthly to the ASPCA but NEVER read the monthly newsletter they send just in case there's a 'rescue' shot.

I know that being such a wus doesn't help anybody--but I can't abide cruelty. Nor do I understand it.

Isis Update:

This dear little dog amazes me. Though not nearly as perky and active as before, he has mastered the kitchen, wee-wee place, 'our chair' though he won't sit on my lap 'cause he becomes frightened when I put him dowm, and the bedroom. Since his eyes and ears aren't much help, he uses his nose constantly to smell his way. And I could swear he can count; I watch him constantly--it is exactly 11 steps for him to go from his bed to the kitchen. At the end of the trip is a heat/air conditioning duct in the floor. I see him nod his head 11 times as he walks to take the trip and confirm his arrival by sensing the air duct with his nose. Yesterday he brought me his favorite toy, a stuffed tiger, which was always a sign that he wanted to play. I started to play with him but he soon tired. We ended the game (dammit! I was ahead!)

So, for now dear friends, all is as it should be at my house. I suppose the neighbors are used to hearing a man scream, "Come on, baby, do it on the paper." "Does my good baby want a suprise? Come over on daddy's lap, honey, and you'll get it."

Thanks to each and every one of you for helping me to see this sutuation clearly and to realize that my situation and eventual loss have been felt by many and, though painful, should not overshadow the good times.

Excellent, Vendome, so glad that Isis is holding steady. Have a wonderful holiday!

I'm so glad to hear Isis is doing the best that is possible [Hugs]

I am happy to hear you are both coping well. I shall be thinking of you this Christmas. With love, Sara

Merry Christmas to you and Isis.

Please be sure to give Isis a hug and a pet from me!

Vendome, I'm glad to hear that you and Isis will have at least one more Christmas together. Best wishes to you both!

Merry Christmas to you and Isis, From all the dogs, cats, horse, and snake.

Rich, how good to see your post! I was thinking about you and Isis the last few days, was going to write a short note to you, and today (yes, 2 days behind - Christmas definitely has cut into my FT time! ) I see your encouraging update. That's wonderful news! Thank you for keeping us all posted and enjoy your day with dear Isis. Sandy