The screams pierce the ear, and they awake me from a deep
sleep. Simeon, our 12-year
12-year old Simeon, with 12-year old Sisi
old albino
Pekingese who was rescued from a puppy mill, has succumbed to another seizure.
He won’t lose consciousness but will most likely lose bladder control. Fortunately,
they usually don’t last long, and he is comforted by my words of assurance.
And then there is Koko, our 18 ½-year old Brittany/Beagle
mix. Her night time seizures are much
different. Usually lasting at least
three minutes, I am alerted by the start of one when I hear labored breathing or her paws repeatedly scratching the floor.
She will emerge disoriented, partially blind and frightened. For the next day she will not leave my
side. Even dogs seem confused about the
passing of time and the effects of aging on the body.
 |
| Koko, our 18 1/2 year old Brittany/Beagle Mix |
These examples are just a few of what my husband and I are
experiencing with our aging canine family.
Having been in animal welfare for almost 15 years, we have fostered
hundreds of dogs. Except for Koko, the
other four dogs in our home are affectionately known as “foster failures.”
With our dogs’ health challenges, increasing number of
veterinarian visits and a basket of drugs that rivals a small pharmacy, I have
recently realized that John and I are now running a canine nursing home. All
the dogs are at least 12 years of age, and we face overactive bladders, aging
joints, declining sight, separation anxiety, “missing a meal” phobia, and a
little crankiness. And don’t forget the
seizures, lots of seizures.
 |
| Sassie, 12 year old Chihuahua/Rat Terrier Mix |
In short, we have Ol’ Dog Town right in our own home. Making a safe haven for old dogs has always
been my dream. I just didn’t see it
happening right in our living room.
As the founder of a spay/neuter clinic, I am often asked to
speak about my experiences and passion.
I usually will share my dream of walking old dogs in a sanctuary set up
just for them. Ask any person involved
in rescue or shelter work and they will tell you that seeing old dogs suffer in
the confines of a shelter is one of the biggest heartbreaks. They are scared, confused and are in steep
competition for adoption with that cute puppy yipping in the next cage.
 |
| Blair is a 12 year old terrier/poodle mix |
It just seems to me that we can do a better job caring for
the unwanted, especially at a time when all they really want is a nice bed and
a gentle hand.
I haven’t given up on my dream of an old dog sanctuary. Perhaps God is preparing me for just that
with this aging pack. I learned a long
time ago to simply accept what is, and Divine Order will prevail in a time and
place that I simply cannot see from this earthly realm.
Until then, I will line up medicine cups, clean up
accidents, comfort fears and, if necessary, make the heart-wrenching decision
to end suffering when that time has come.
Welcome to my childhood dream, Part 1.
#Dogs #Loving #God #Sanctuary
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