Not every moment in an old, dying dog’s life is grim. Far from it, or neither humans nor animals would, or should, put up with it. Way back when, Murphy was a puppy. Now, at over 13-1/2, I think about the funny moments. Many of those involve that chew toy, Kong. I got it so I […]
animal care
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 11
We were just sitting on the deck together, and I was reminding Murphy of the very first time we were in that exact same position: back in October 1998, when she’d just come home to live with me. She was 11 weeks old, my introduction to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Today she is over 13-1/2, and […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 10
I say it and it doesn’t sink in: my dog is dying. Not just on that you’re born you go through crap (and good jokes) and you die bit, but the real life one none of us get to skip. In a few weeks, Murphy will be gone. She has a splenic tumor, and they […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 9
Yes, my beloved Murphy is dying. I have to say, it’s weird. I am no stranger to death. I lost my brother when I was only 9, and he was 14. The losses cascaded over the years: friends, family, animals. Each death affects us differently. Of course, there’s the manner of death. Sudden unexpected death […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 7
They avoid you, the people you know: friends, family, the medical professionals. They can’t help it. The “C” word is in the air. They just plain look at you differently when there’s cancer in the family. Even if they only think there is. Because they know it means death. I noticed it the first time […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 6
Sometimes we only know the true measure of a person when death stares us in the face. There, at the end of everything, is the simple, plain stark truth of it all. Sometimes the truth is sad. It hurts. Sometimes it exhilarates. This is a story about veterinarians. Four of them. Told in four parts. […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 5
Murphy is dying. My beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a tumor on her spleen. Murphy is 13-1/2. Because of early problems, I’ve been cooking for her for 11 years. Turkey, veggies, fruit. Supplements. A strong healthy diet for a vigorous dog. Yes, I’ve been cooking for my dog. It works for us, but it’s […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 4
Murphy is dying. Yes, she’s 13-1/2, old for any dog, but somehow her age snuck up on me. After her early difficulties, I thought getting her to 5 was a miracle, but she’s been vigorous for years. She’s actually pretty vigorous now. Suddenly deaf, yes. Sleeps a lot. Loves to eat and explore. Slower with […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 3
Murphy is dying. Can’t stop it, might be able to slow it down a bit, as long as she’s comfortable. Not sure. All I’m really sure about is that she’s dying. And that many people, including well-meaning friends, are idiots. I’m sure most idiots don’t mean to be, well, idiots. But here’s a painful situation […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 2
So dogs with splenic tumors can abruptly die, or abruptly go into just about dying. Meaning in Murphy’s case, the tumor could rupture and she’ll bleed out. The words ‘bleed out’ and ‘my beloved dog’ just don’t make sense together. They really should never make sense together. Apparently that doesn’t matter. Besides that, what the […]