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| Another Hurdle for Duffy Dog; He could use some jingles. | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 4 2013, 01:40 PM (2,068 Views) | |
| stephjm | May 16 2013, 12:42 PM Post #61 |
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
  ![]](http://z1.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)
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Thanks. My daughter asked me not to put anything on Facebook about this until after he is gone, and I will respect that request, though I slipped because I wanted to put his picture as my profile picture this afternoon. I removed it again. And then Vicky's Pet Connection, where I adopted Duffy from 14 years ago, put up a picture of a young Schnauzer in their foster program, I had to comment, it just killed me! He is so cute, and they almost never seem to have terriers, especially Schnauzers.  Oh well. But for now this is the only online place I can "talk" about this, so I really appreciate your support.We have been limping through this week. I have been trying to spoil Duffy as much as he'll let me, while trying not to act too sad around him, because I don't want him to feel sad. But he has been rather clingy to me, even for him. He has let me hug him, which is unusual. Usually he wants to be near me, and have his head on my leg, or just sleep right up against me, but hugging is not his thing. I took him outside the other night, not really for a walk, but just to wander around and smell something new. He didn't even ask to walk down the block or anything. He did seem to enjoy wandering around and smelling everything though, and was happy to poop in the neighbor's yard.  He has been eating well, as long as I make him scrambled eggs, hot dogs, etc., but I think he is getting in some pain now. I'm almost certain he has cancer and not some other liver disease. His belly seems more distended, and last evening he was whiny and couldn't seem to get comfortable until I went to bed, and took him in bed with me. I think he's uncomfortable, although I don't think he's in severe pain or I would do something sooner, but I think I will give him some extra cough medicine, as it has some codeine in it anyway. It helps him relax as well as helps his cough.So, while this is incredibly hard still, throughout this week I am seeing signs that I really am doing the right thing for Duffy. My timing is good I think. He is going downhill and I want to spare him any more suffering. 
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| SidesaddleRider | May 16 2013, 12:48 PM Post #62 |
Is the meadow on fire?
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I have been following this, steph, and I just want to  you. You ARE doing the right thing for Duffy. We are here for you. |
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| vxf111 | May 16 2013, 03:44 PM Post #63 |
You're BANNED!
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More hugs, we love them so much don't we? And they deserve it. |
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| Indy | May 16 2013, 03:49 PM Post #64 |
You're BANNED!
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| gunnar | May 16 2013, 04:51 PM Post #65 |
You're BANNED!
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Hey Steph will you get another dog? That pup you posted would be perfect! I hope you can and will do that! We need pets to keep us sane! Sending big hugs and love!
Edited by gunnar, May 16 2013, 04:52 PM.
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| JanM | May 16 2013, 04:59 PM Post #66 |
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Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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I've noticed with my dogs, that when I'm about to say goodbye to them that they seem to be pulling away. I think they know when their time is getting short. I'll be thinking of both of you for the next few days, but you are doing the merciful thing. |
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| Fish Cheeks | May 16 2013, 06:19 PM Post #67 |
You're BANNED!
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| macmtn | May 16 2013, 07:14 PM Post #68 |
Owned by an Arabian ghost
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| stephjm | May 17 2013, 03:22 AM Post #69 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Steph - no, unfortunately I won't be getting another dog for a while. And it's not because "I love Duffy so much I can't think about having another dog." I do love Duffy, dearly, and he's been a great dog for the last 14 years. Right now it's just not a good time to bring a new dog into my life. I am working full time, and when I'm not at work, I'm busy with the kids or around the house. I just don't have the time to devote to settling in a new dog, training him, making him feel comfortable, etc. It would not be fair to the dog to expect him to jump into this house without someone to spend time with him that he needs. Sean doesn't mind having a dog around, he always lets Duffy in and out, makes sure he has water, etc., but he was never one to do training, main caretaking, etc. That was my responsibility and I happily took it on. When I adopted Duffy I was working part time with only one child. I had much more time at home to spend with Duffy and it worked well. (Plus to be brutally honest, our finances need a bit of a chance to recover and help Lauren through college before I add the cost of a pet back in.) I'm not saying I will never get another dog, because I know I will miss having one around, but just not now. Perhaps after some time when things settle down, I will consider starting out again by fostering, etc. Until then I will do what I can to help the animals at Vicky's Pet Connection where I got Duffy, the Humane Society, etc., short of actually adopting. But you are right, Steph, if I was in a position to give another dog a home right now, that young Schnauzer on VPC's page sure caught my eye. He's so cute.  And my neighbor has 2 Lab mixes that I can go visit for some good doggy love anytime I want. She is very sharing with them. In fact, Lauren is staying over there right now for 2 weeks while she is away on business. They are big love bugs and just the medicine I will need for a little while. 
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| Sannois | May 17 2013, 04:50 AM Post #70 |
You're BANNED!
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My Heart is breaking for you my friend. (((((((HUGS)))))))) I know this is a VERY hard question for you, and others may think it is wrong for me to ask it, but I must because of my personal experiences over the years with having to put animals down. Are you going to be with him? I hope that you are, It is a comfort to you and them, but mostly to you, I cannot explain it, But it will give you closure. It is peaceful, Punkin got a sedative first and she was asleep, And I held her. Crying now, But IT will be okay.. Love you!
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| Corey94 | May 17 2013, 05:34 AM Post #71 |
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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I am thinking of you and your family this weekend Steph. He's ready, and you are ready. This is never easy, but you've done a beautiful job....
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| stephjm | May 17 2013, 05:47 AM Post #72 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Oh yes, I will be with him. I would not let him pass alone unless I had no choice (i.e., he passed away naturally during the night). I think Lauren is coming too, so he will have his favorite people there with him. But at the least, I will be there with him. I have raised his dose of his cough medicine to the highest the vet will safely allow and he seems to be happier and more comfortable, not as fidgety, whiny, etc. The cough medicine has codeine in it and so I thought it would also provide him some pain relief if he is having some pain now. I am glad it is helping him but it only reinforces to me that it is his time, he is getting uncomfortable and unhappy. Thanks all. I do appreciate your support. I am glad I gave him this week, though, to be extra spoiled and for us to get ready to say good-bye to him. Not only has it been a time for us to start dealing with his loss, but it has reinforced to me that we are doing the right thing for him. He has had 14 1/2 years, 14 years with us, a good long life. I have to be happy for that for him. |
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| FlashGordon | May 17 2013, 07:15 AM Post #73 |
You're BANNED!
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Steph, I've been thinking of you the last few days. It is so hard to say goodbye to a much beloved pet. I think it is doubly hard when you have kids and the kids have essentially grown up with the dog. You guys are all in my thoughts and I am wishing Duffy a peaceful passing, and much comfort to you and your family. |
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| Kassandra | May 17 2013, 08:06 AM Post #74 |
Is the meadow on fire?
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Yes my thoughts are with you. And I am glad in a way that he's telling you it's time and you see that now, I am sure it will make things easier on you and I am sure that Duffy dog will pass knowing it's time for him as well. If Dogs have that sort of self awareness that is, which I think they have a lot more than we give them credit for.
Edited by Kassandra, May 17 2013, 08:06 AM.
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| Reynard Ridge | May 17 2013, 08:22 AM Post #75 |
Drivin' The Short Bus
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Just more |
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