Comments on: Old dogs and business trips: Out of sight, but never out of mind

By: Risa

Risa — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:13:54 +0000

Christie,
I really sympathize. I think I have it easier - my deerhound and I took care of my mom with cancer until she passed. He (Maurice) was solace to both of us. A year later, he is 8.5 years, and suddenly showing his age. Its the back legs. So wobbly now. Stairs, cars, and other ups and downs are problems. I noted that your Rebel no longer takes the stairs. What can I do to help Maurice with the legs, have you found anything? Has anyone tried acupuncture? Best of luck, Risa

By: Christie Keith

Christie Keith — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:06:24 +0000

Thanks, Therese… I know you know what I’m going through!!

Hugs to you and to Lydia…

By: Therese

Therese — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:23:01 +0000

You know I’ve been there, and it’s not an easy place to be. The only thing you can do is the best you can do…not very good advice I know. I wish I could offer something better. I don’t worry about Mom anymore but I do worry about the dogs…especially Lydia. I don’t even like leaving them for more than a few hours, let alone over night!

By: Bev

Bev — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:04:07 +0000

Ten years ago, when I moved my mom from Wisconsin to my home in Ohio, I remember thinking to myself that both she and Bailey would hit “little old lady” status at about the same time. And that’s just what has happened.

At least my mom and I can discuss her age-related health issues and the best way to make her comfortable. I wish I could have the same conversations with Bailey!

I don’t do trips. Most of my friends/family think I’m a little nuts.

By: Sara Jo

Sara Jo — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:45:00 +0000

That article really hit home, thank you. I don’t have to travel for work, so with an aging, ill pet I just don’t travel.

Last fall one of our old dogs was in the last stages of cancer. She had good days and bad days, but eventually the bad days were more and more. My husband and I belong to a cycling club, and I declined to go to any of the fall out of town events to be home with Heidi.

I am still working on forgiveness of family members who came and visited for the weekend, arriving on the day we ended up euthanizing our beloved Heidi. Both my husband and I tried very hard to convince them that it wasn’t a good time for us, but they all wanted to see my brother-in-law who was staying at our home while in the States on business during that time (he lives in China). It was very, very difficult for me to entertain that weekend, and I am still harboring a lot of resentment.

Anyway, I guess my point is is that when pets get old and sick, it’s a lot like having a close family member get old and sick. I feel like I should make sacrifices and that it won’t be forever, but at least I can be there for that beloved pet who has given me so much.

By: Marcy

Marcy — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:13:55 +0000

I stay home (other than going to work each day). I did go on a week’s trip to Colorado years back. I left my kitty babies in the care of my vet while I was gone. I missed them and worried about them the whole time…so much so that I had to call the vet halfway through my trip to make sure they were doing ok.

I know that people have obligations, and cannot opt to stay home as I do. All you can do is to do your best to cover all bases, and then try and rest in the fact that you have done your best. That’s all anyone can ask of themselves.

By: Kim Thornton

Kim Thornton — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:09:55 +0000

I so understand how you feel, even without the aging parent part (knock on wood). I still remember vividly what it was like when Savanna was old and having trouble with the stairs and how it pained Darcy to be grasped and picked up to be carried up and down the stairs. I wish I had an answer. I’m grateful to be able to take my girls 7 hours north to Bella’s breeder or 1.5 hours south to their pet sitter Terry if we’re going away for any length of time. I’m grateful that if I really needed to, I could call Tamela, Audrey or Arden and know that someone with great pet skills would show up to help me. And I’m grateful for “cancel for any reason” trip insurance, even if it costs a lot. Hang in there.

By: kasie

kasie — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:27:54 +0000

I’m with Leslie K. Fortunately, I have lived with the same partner for 18 years who now has “passable” animal care skills for short periods (overnight). If one of us has to go out of town (only when absolutely required by work or family obligations, so it is rare - for him, it’s 2-3 times/year and for me once every 3-5 years maybe?) while one of us always stays here with the dogs. We haven’t gone out of town together for many, many years. Even on SFRAW pick-up days (the one day a month I’m gone all day), he works from home to be with the dogs for them and me. Lately, his job has changed, so it’s harder and harder for him to do this and it’s gotten more stressful for all of us - especially because the dogs seem to fall apart health-wise on pick-up days as they get older and older (they know I won’t be here for the day and this stresses them out). Our last vacation together was in 2006 with the dogs - we had to find a cabin without more than a few stairs because we had a hospice dog with us at the time (I had to lift him everywhere - he was a large dog) and had to rent a second car to bring the food/stuff up with us so the dogs would all be comfortable in the back of the Explorer, adding to the cost. We all had a good time though - great memories from that trip. Frankly, it costs too much to go out of town these days (even if the dogs go with us, we have other animals at home that need 2x daily care with a trusted sitter)- so we just stay home.

By: Cherie

Cherie — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:43:49 +0000

Lovely, touching article. Just wanted to say, don’t ever feel like you are ‘begging.’ We love your mom, your dogs and your city. Plus I’ve got a free ticket I need to use by August so if you have a need, do not feel in any way that it is a chore!

By: Phyllis DeGioia

Phyllis DeGioia — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:49:15 +0000

Christie, my heart is with you. I know the strain and worry about our beloved, vulnerable old dogs combined with concern about an aging parent with cancer. Moments of it are hell on earth, and moments of it are beautiful and tender. My wish for you is that some day you will remember only the tender moments. {hugs}