Let’s Talk About Sally
I have to admit I wasn’t going to write this post, I was just going to carry on as normal.
However, I’ve had some lovely support via my personal Facebook page that I thought I would write a post about what is going on.
For anyone who doesn’t know the back story with Sally and I., We didn’t have the best start, but she came to be the reason I am here.
She is the reason I left a string of abusive relationships, she is the dog that pins me down if I want to self-harm and is my reason to get out of bed.
She really is the reason I am alive today.
So knowing her time is coming is hard and I truly don’t know how I will cope, for some this will sound stupid. However, I know for some it will resonate so to those of you I say you are not alone, you are not stupid for feeling this way.
Anyway, before I can’t see through the tears.
Back in December.
Early December we went away to visit some family, pass off presents and just have a nice time.
Sadly things didn’t go as planned, Sally wasn’t well and we ended up cutting our time away early to rush back home and take her to the vets.
We’ve known for a while, on top of having osteoarthritis, she had nerve damage which runs along the base of her spine and down a leg.
This has stopped her tail wagging so much and of course, adds to her issues when it comes to walking.
For this, she has been on medication and having hydrotherapy since the middle of last year.
I have to admit I’m not sure what I expected when we went to see the vet.
However, what shocked us all I think was the huge amount of weight she had lost.
In fact, this worried the vet more than the original issue we had gone in for.
He came to the conclusion she most likely had cancer.
We have decided not to put her through the tests needed to confirm this. She doesn’t need the stress and even if it was found she did have cancer, no treatment would be done due to her age. So why stress her out for something that will not help?
Last Week was a Worry.
Last week we became very worried again.
She started running about and barking after dark for a period of time. We couldn’t calm her, I tried sitting on the floor, blocking off doors, laying on the bed but nothing would stop the sometimes frantic back, forth, bark.
Sadly this has been diagnosed as doggy dementia [Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)].
For this, we have been suggested a medication which may help to ease the symptoms but often takes up to 4 weeks to show effect. So, for now, we have our fingers crossed and are waiting.
I’ve had a few strangers ask why we haven’t put Sally to sleep.
The honest answer is SHE is not ready.
The meds may well help with the CCD, she isn’t in pain, she is eating, she still knows what she wants; be that to go out to the loo, for a walk or to have a cuddle and of course that treat that she REALLY must get her paws on.
We are listening to her, we know the time will be sooner rather than later, but we will not give up on her before she is ready.
Here and Now.
We know from December that her organs are all working well and she doesn’t have diabetes.
Last week the vet also decided to check her thyroid and for steroids within her system. So we are awaiting those results at the moment.
I will admit my anxiety and depression is up and down due to it all. However, I am trying to stay happy for Sally, to enjoy all these last moments, I’m already planning a big bash for her 18th next month should she make it.
So this is where we are now. I’m not sure how to finish this post.
I guess just keep Sally in your thoughts if you can, send her some positive vibes and thank you to everyone who has spoken to me on Facebook.
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We are in the same position Lizzie is old now and vet has said she has high calcium levels and lumps and bumps and therefore may have cancer , but in spite of it all, she still gets pleasure in eating and walking and cuddles etc We are not going to make her go through painful op but see it through with her until we think she is ready to go .Its so hard to take the inevitable but we know as a rescue dog she has had a great life with us and we will make it as special as possible for as long as we can .
It sounds exactly like we have decided, we aren’t doing the investigations as what would it gain? Nothing for her, only for us. Until she tells us it is time we just enjoy it. Good luck to your Lizzie, enjoy all the little moments and give her lots of cuddles and love.
A very touching story. Dogs are like our children, our best friends and sometimes our parents all in one cute, furry little thing that is utterly dependent on us. I hope Sally is doing okay and that you are okay Sarah. It is cruel that a dog’s years do not match a human’s and that every dog owner, unless very old, must face this grief.
It is horrid isn’t it. Thankfully she seems to have picked up a bit and it is great, but I know that might not be for long.
It is so hard and I feel so deeply for you and Sally. I am so happy that you are listening to her and giving her time and happiness in her last hour of life. I didn’t think I would survive the loss of my last dog, either. He grew up with me and my husband as we got him a month after I moved to the UK, started uni and moved in with my now husband. He had cancer too and it was rough during the last few months but we knew when the time was right. Being able to remember him and know that he will always be a part of my life helps. I wish you as much peace and love as is possible with anxiety and depression and hope you reach out to any your readers if you need support. xx
I am so sorry to read about your much loved pup. It is amazing how they become so much more than a pet isn’t it. Hard to explain what they become to you. Thank you so much I think I’m going to need to talk about it quite a lot. I thought this post was a start though, to show people who are hurting having been told the same it’s OK, your allowed as, at first I blamed myself for her being ill then I thought but people are going to think she’s just a dog and oh the thoughts! xx
Awww poor Sally. I know the struggle only too well. But you will know when the time is ready. My Ali passed last year age 18 with doggy dementia. She became overly aggressive towards the end which she had never done before. Even snapped at the nurse cuddling her before the injection. So very sad when they go that way. Bless you both. Much love in my heart for the pair of you. xxx
Oh bless that must have been awful to have seen and be around 🙁 it’s so sad that they just lose something of themselves, the same as when it happens to humans. Thank you x
I wish I had something clever or enlightening to say but sadly I don’t.
You will know when it’s time so until then enjoy the time you have together, bless you all xx ?
Thank you so much just every little word really touches my heart at the moment.
You’ve been in my thoughts since I found out Sally was declining, it’s the worst, but inevitable, part of having a pet, they become such a big part of our lives. I always remember Julian Clary on Room 101 many years ago who wanted to put pets dying into room 101 so that they could live as long as us, I couldn’t agree more!
When the time comes you’ll know, don’t listen to anyone else apart from Sally, she’ll tell you when she’s ready, but hopefully not for a little while yet x
I am with you on that one it would be amazing if they could stay with us always. It makes me sad to see her confused at times, her ears go forward and her forehead furrows, I’ve taken to sitting in her path and it seems to calm her a little for a while. I’m hoping slowly the meds with help with the confusion. I am thankful she isn’t in pain though and basically happy in herself otherwise. Every day now is something extra special. Thank you so much for all your thoughts. x
It’s always so hard when you have a much-loved elderly pet. A couple of years ago I had to say goodbye to my cat that I had had for 14 years. He had been getting gradually worse with inoperable heart disease, then all of a sudden he took a turn for the worse and we knew it was time to let him go. I have his photo and the container with his ashes on my bedside table and send my love to him every night. It was very hard at first, and I still miss him but it does not hurt as much as it did originally. Enjoy the remaining time with Sally and trust yourself to know what is right for her.
Thank you so much.
My parents had to put their cat to sleep the end of last year and my Mum said the same, she has found it so hard no having a little cat following her around the place.
Hope Sally is feeling currently ok she’s a beautiful doggie xx
She is doing good at the moment, she’s asleep on my pillow on the bed.
She’s had a bit of confusion going on this evening, but a good cuddle seemed to help calm her a little thankfully.
Aw sweet pup! As long as she is content and not in pain you’re doing the right thing by keeping her comfortable and loved! Our puppies and kitties are our family! I have a cat who is 19 and has lived with feline dementia for several years now. She just keeps going on her merry way. It’s kind of nice because she’s totally forgotten she hates the dogs…lol!
Haha aww bless her.
Sal’s doing good, she has her confused hour and then is back to normal, going to take 4 weeks for the meds to show if they are working again or not so will be interested to see what happens.
Sending lots of hugs and prayers for the both of you.
You will know when the time is right. Just keep on loving her.
Thank you so much. Honestly, I can’t believe how lovely everyone is being, I’ve cried a lot reading the comments in a good way.
Aww, she is such a special dog. I’m so sorry she is not well. My thoughts are with you. Hugs xx
Thank you so much that means so much. x
I’m so sorry to hear about Sally! However much time we have with a loved one, it never feels like it is enough. Sending good thoughts to all of you!
This is so true – I really wish she could keep on going forever. x
Sending lots of love to you and Sally. Such a gorgeous dog. xx
Thank you so much. <3 x
Sending big hugs and thinking of you and Sally.
It sounds like despite all of her health concerns she is still happy and that’s all that matters xx
Thank you so much, at the moment she is! She’s seen so often by professionals as well what with her hydrotherapy if we miss something they quickly pick it up which is a blessing as well.
{{{Sarah}}} we are going through a very similar thing with Pepper, our 15 year-old lab/collie cross. Until she doesn’t enjoy her short walk across the field, sniffing everything or her legs do give way I’m not having to make that decision. We did think that might have to happen last week, then the next day she go up, wagging her tail and itching to go on her morning walk!
Love and positive vibes to you and Sally xx
Sending you hugs back! It is horrid isn’t it. Not knowing when it might happen, but so special that you can also have those extra days! Sal’s had two walks today with my Mum, lucky thing! Sending love and positive vibes back to you and your Pepper as well, if you ever need a chat or just to cry with someone going through similar do drop me a mail. xx
Thanks Sarah xx
Oh my gosh you will know when time is right You love her so much My thoughts are with you and Sally. I totally understand the bond between a dog and it’s owner I lost my special partner over 20yrs ago now. I do have another however it took me over 10yrs before I wanted a new one.
Thank you so much. I don’t think I’ll ever have another pet like Sally in my life, I think she was sent by someone special. She’s been a real angel on earth for sure. I’m enjoying the days as much as I can now lol. x
I have no words of wisdom, Sarah, but I’m thinking of you and Sally. As you said, you will know when it’s time – for me it was when Bonnie refused even her favourite boiled ham or jam doughnut. I’m sure Sally knows how blessed she is to have found you and Ash when she needed someone special.
They have these ways of telling us don’t they – I don’t look forward to the day it happens for sure. But I 100% believe she will tell me.
I’m so hoping that she feels happy for a good long while yet – thinking of you and her.
Thank you we are planning a holiday in June where she is all booked in to come with us so hopefully she may make it!
Keeping Sally in our thoughts. Our little dog Katie(14 years) was diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma(TCC) of the bladder back in October. We do all we can to keep things normal and to enjoy our time with her that we have left. And like you posted, it isn’t her time yet to be “put down.” We’ll know when that is and deal with it accordingly. Now, she is pretty much like she always has been. In fact, looking at her, one wouldn’t know she’s has cancer.
She is part of our life, much like a regular member of any family.
Thank you so much and I shall think of your little one as well. Sally is the same, bar the dementia times but I’m hoping the meds will help with that as well. You can’t say goodbye when their quality of life is still good can you? It would be wrong.
If Sally could talk, I am sure she would reciprocate all that love and thanks to you also. She saved you, and you saved her, it is a two way street. She knows you have given her the very best doggy life she could ever hope for, to be loved and cared for, even her own website and fan base, you have made her an internet star! When she is ready to go to doggy heaven, try and find that peace in your heart knowing she had a wonderful life with you and cherish those precious years you shared together. Big hugs to you both xxx
I really hope I have given her the best life I could. I do worry I should have done this or that. I can only thank people for all they have said and the support they have given me and her for sure. It has been amazing and overwhelming that people care.