During the many specialist appointments that we've attended with Archie, each one made a special point to use the phrase "quality of life." As much as I've tried to comfort myself by saying that Archie is naturally very melancholy and sleeps for hours each day, I know that his lack of mobility has made him even more depressed than usual.
In an attempt to lift his spirits, we purchased a cart for him.
It's definitely taking him some time to get used to it, but it's great because now he is mobile and he can spend even more time outside sniffing and barking at squirrels. My new favorite Archie moments involve him attempting to pee on bushes. He practically steamrolls the bush for a couple of drops of pee. So far, none of the neighbors have complained.
I realize that some people might think that I am nuts for doing these sort of things for my dog. But in defense of my actions, I have to say that I feel that what I am doing is really minimal in exchange for the years of unconditional love he has shown for me. He might
just be a dog, but
he's my dog, and a member of my family, and he deserves to be cared for and loved until the end.
I don't think it's odd at all. I can only hope that I'd be able to do the same. For our poor cat - we probably would have if we'd known...I think Arch is happy as can be.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding??? I know people who have spent thousands of dollars on endless chemo treatments for their blind, deaf, crippled dog, it does not make you look crazy, it makes you look capable of true LOVE EMPATHY and COMPASSION. Don't hold yourself up to anyone else's standards xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteAnyone who has experienced doggie love like you have will definitely understand! Just do what you need to do in order to keep moving forward happily and sanely. My Buster man is getting old...I remember telling my mom with one of her senior dogs that she'll know when the "enough" point is. Until then, who cares!? He's lucky to have you as his doggie momma!
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