Peeing Problems

[Charlie's mom]

Re: please help ...its decision time

Hi Jen
Everyone had such good comments; this is something we all know we'll be struggling with at some point. For us we've decided that it will be his quality of life, especially if he's in pain. Until then yes, we'll be his eyes on our walks, continue to work on up and down for the step into the house, wake up to pee on the tiles (woohoo each time it's not on the carpet!).

Does he still play, beg for the good people food?

It's so hard to remember how active they were as puppies and to see them slow down, but it's also our final gift to them to let them go when they are in pain or unhappy.

Best wishes to you and your fur baby,
Laura

[farrwf]

Re: please help ...its decision time

Hi Jen. Many of us have been where you are now, and know how uncomfortable you must be.

There is nothing more precious than life, and no one knows that better than those of us who have been diligent care givers for our pets having a chronic, sometimes fatal, disease.

No one knows Baxter as well as you. I'm sure you will make the best decisions for your little guy. Baxter and yourself are in my prayers.

[Olesia]

Re: please help ...its decision time

Hi Jen,

Just wanted to wish you treasured moments now with Baxter, whether there are many more moments or just a few....and peace with whatever you decide.

[Abby's Mom]

Re: please help ...its decision time

Jen,

I was getting to write to you yesterday, and just couldn't. So I am back here again, and I read Bill's comments... for some reason his comments always seem to express how I feel.

I too have been in the same situation you are going through. I think for me the last 6 months I knew that I would need to make a decision soon, and it seemed like I was always looking for a clear sign. Abby did just that.... but as long as I felt that she wanted to me near me, take a walk with me, would get off from a chair to come see who was at the door (if she heard us), excited about a treat.. I wanted her to be able to do all those things. Until the day came that she didn't care... then I knew.

Perhaps you are preparing yourself for the day, looking for that sign... but in your heart you will know when the time comes. Enjoy each and every day you have him.

I so agree with Bill, that only you know Baxter and only you can make that decision.

Hugs,
Barb

[amydunn19]

Re: please help ...its decision time

Jen,

I went through a time not very long ago where I thought something had changed drastically with Maggie and that maybe she was on a downward turn. After a week or two of real struggles, I felt things weren't right. She was wanting to be held non-stop and just seemed sad. This time passed but with an old dog, it seems to always lurk in the shadows.

This week, we have had horrific weather for us. Ice, sleet, snow - things we aren't used to. The past couple of days she has been coming in from outside barking and running laps and acting like a puppy again.....go figure, huh?

At this point, I feel like I wake up to a different dog every day so I am just rolling with it. I hope I recognize when the time is here but for now, I treat every day like it is the last. I think you can't help but think about it but you are so in tune with Baxter, I think you will know the signs.

Thinking of you guys.....

Amy

[tdpetunia]

Re: please help ...its decision time

I've been wondering the same thing with my Maggie. I think Mel answered well below. Maggie is blind (sees some shadows), can't hear a thing, is 14, barks at nothing inside and out, can hardly get up on the couch, can't get up on the bed, barely makes it up the stairs to go to "bed" at night, sleeps most of the time, pants a lot, has aches and pains I'm sure at her age, and has accidents in the house; but still wags her tail and yowls like mad when I come home from work, loves to eat, begs at the table, hounds for treats, and still seems to very much want to be with me. For me, time will be when she no longer enjoys any part of her life and/or when the pain or illness puts her in endless suffering (as Mel said, when I'm only keeping her here because I can't bear putting her down). Until then, I will guide her when she's in danger of running into things she can't see, be her ears as best I can, sit on the floor by her when she can't get up on the couch, walk behind her when she climbs the stairs and in front of her going down so she won't fall, enjoy having her sleep beside my bed each night, give her treats, clean up the pee and shampoo the carpet, and do my best to keep her diabetes in check. When it's clear she no longer enjoys being here.... it'll be time to say goodbye. (((Hugs)))

Melinda

Really love how you described this. Touched my heart.

[Maggie's Mom]

Re: please help ...its decision time

Really love how you described this. Touched my heart.

Thank you! It's just a straight from the heart sentimental thing....

Ol' Maggie's been with me for a long time now (since August 2001) and diabetic for about 5 years. Sadly, I know the day will come. Though I hope it's far off in the future, my gut tells me it's probably not as far as I would like it to be. She's been such a loyal and loving companion; and I owe the same to her!

(((Hugs)))

[Cockapoo Mom]

Update on Baxter

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the kind thoughts. Well, Baxter seems to be having a few more good days now. He is eating well, barking for treats and tail wagging and greeting me more. Vet checked him out , sugar good, heart good, hearing and sight..not so good. Baxter did "sing" to Sinatra with my Dad the other day. I'm thinking he was having an "off" week. Vet says he is not ready by any means, phewww. Thanks again for your loving support...I really remember when he got diagnosed thinking I couldn't do it...now shots are like no big deal. Hope all is well with everyone. Hugs...Jenn

[Monsters Momma]

Re: Update on Baxter

Yay Baxter!! I'm so glad it was just an off week! Hopefully you will have many more 'good weeks' to come!!
Mel

[farrwf]

Re: Update on Baxter

That's wonderful news, Jenn. Love what your vet said. Couldn't be any better.

Hoping and praying you and Baxter have many more years to enjoy each other!!

[amydunn19]

Re: Update on Baxter

Great news - I know how you feel. These older dogs have some down weeks it seems and then turn it around completely.

[Charlie's mom]

Re: Update on Baxter

Great news Jenn, I think they are all getting some 'spring' in their step (sorry, couldn't resist!). Charlie walked nearly a mile today.

[Cockapoo Mom]

Peeing Problems

Hi, I really need some guidance. Baxter has been an "indoor pee-er" since he was about 6. For the last year, he has marked furniture, tv stand, walls baseboards 3 rounds of carpet and he just peed on my laptop. I have to replace it Sugar testing and organs are fine per vet. Tried cage and as soon as I let him out he peed on walls side of crate etc etc. I am waking up to oceans of pee even though he is let out at 11 pm he sneaks down. He is marking my clothes too. I am at my wits end, going thru a divorce and may need to sell house , but realtor says it needs 5,000 of work to get pee smell out. Baxter is almost 13 and does't seem happy he seems mad at me? Please advise...I can't take the pee anymore...I can't have anyone over. Tried belly band, diapers, etc etc. Any suggestions????

[sherryandfred]

Re: Peeing Problems

Hi, I really need some guidance. Baxter has been an "indoor pee-er" since he was about 6. For the last year, he has marked furniture, tv stand, walls baseboards 3 rounds of carpet and he just peed on my laptop. I have to replace it Sugar testing and organs are fine per vet. Tried cage and as soon as I let him out he peed on walls side of crate etc etc. I am waking up to oceans of pee even though he is let out at 11 pm he sneaks down. He is marking my clothes too. I am at my wits end, going thru a divorce and may need to sell house , but realtor says it needs 5,000 of work to get pee smell out. Baxter is almost 13 and does't seem happy he seems mad at me? Please advise...I can't take the pee anymore...I can't have anyone over. Tried belly band, diapers, etc etc. Any suggestions????

wow..no idea why he would be doing this..and his kidneys are fine and no bladder infections? i am loss to why if all his tests are fine..maybe others can help you..good luck.

[amydunn19]

Re: Peeing Problems

The belly bands are about the only thing I can think of. Has the vet checked for infections? I feel like there is probably a physical element to this.

If it is behavioral, maybe he is stressed because you are - these guys are really sensitive to our emotions and if you are going through so much emotional stuff, then maybe he is worried about you. Both if my dogs pick up on things like that. Not to make it your fault by any means but just maybe some insight.