Well, it looks like our goofy-mutt dog, Antony is going to be with us a little longer.
I had to call Steve home from work today, because the poor old boy was staggering around and vomiting. I figured it was time, and I have to admit, I was just too emotional to be up to driving him the 40+ miles to our regular vet to have him put down.
So, while Steve made his way home...an hour and 30 minute drive... I watch my poor old friend vomit blood and stagger around. Broke my heart.
Then, by the time Steve got home here, Antony seemed to be feeling a lot better. He had stopped vomiting and once the vomiting stopped, he stopped listing and staggering. When Steve got home he was all perky dog ears and wagging tail.
Steve took him to the vet's anyway and the news isn't great.... He's an old dog. He's bleeding in his stomach, most likely caused by a tumor. His kidneys are also beginning to fail. He's much too old for surgery.
However, after some shots from the vet and a little re-hydration, he's down in the house in town, comfortable and very happy.
Steve could tell the vet's opinion was that it was "time"... but, we've decided that as long as he isn't suffering, as long as he's alert and happy, and as long as he doesn't need medical attention, there is no need to put him down. It might be a matter of months or even weeks, but not today or tomorrow at least.
And for that, I'm glad.
As for the cattle doggie, George..... sigh... He's a good dog too, but he's not an indoor dog. Outside, he's a great dog. There have been times when my 14 year-old-daughter, George and his brother Spot, have moved our entire herd several pastures. He's good at what he does and it's a joy to watch him and Spot maneuver the cows. Getting kicked is an occupational hazard for him, and it was a bit of bad luck that somehow the fence got in the mix...but he does love doing what he does best.
What he doesn't do is stay indoors. So, while he's been in the house here allowing the gash to heal, he's lifted his leg, pooped on the floor (3 minutes after coming in for a walk), knocked over waste cans, eaten food off of plates, and is all over the furniture. I'm so used to Antony who is a dog of very good manners...that I'm kind of overwhelmed by it all. Fortunately, I've a trusty bottle of hydrogen peroxide to keep stains at bay and disinfect everything...
View attachment 2311 Steve and Antony...about a month or so ago.
